Mancus Musings

There and Back again, again

2006-09-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Just like a hobbit who leaves home just to return again - I set out for Pullman tommorow, on my bike, to visit a friend, just to return again. Also like a hobbit, as with my excursion to CA this summer on my bike, I return each time changed. As in a book where each page takes you further from the begining; so every trip I take, for work or pleasure, seems to take me further from who I used to be. I cannot quite say "where" I am going, but going I am just the same.

So many pages have turned in this book of my pilgrimage since my last post, it would be impossible for me to recap in any detail. The states I have been in this summer will suffice: CA, OR, NV, ID, AZ, NJ, PA and of course WA. I have slept at various times: on the ground near snow capped moutains, in the NJ house my father grew up in, two hours south of San Francisco, and in an old mining town in Nevada. Now with one quick trip I say farewell to a fabulous summer and prepare for the plunge into "the tunnel" that is winter in the pacific northwest.

I will sign off with some pictures from my summer.

Adam

Beverly Hills, France?

2006-04-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

So here I am, on the road again. (and no not "on the paths of the sea"). Of course another post, (perhaps a financial quarterly report would be in order as well!). With Lebanese Taverna food in my belly I bravely proceed.

On Monday I flew from Washington to the pollen infested east coast. The weather has been mostly nice here but as one of my many bosses said, "They are measuring the pollen count in tons". (this to explain my unhappy and water source of a nose).

Unfortunately on the day I flew, of all things the song and words, "Beverly Hills....That's where I want to be..." got stuck in my head. How crazy! I don't like the song and NEVER lost anything in B.H. I am not even pondering reading a travel-log from there.

I do, perhaps, want to go to France. Not for the wine, (although good idea), nor to see first hand the courage and determination in the face of international adversity that can be witnessed there... hmmmm.

Moving on- truly I wish to go to France because I am reading, for the first time ever, "Les Miserables" and though caught in its grip of grief/joy/happiness/sadness - filled with the hoping/despairing mix, I am truly enjoying it. Though people for well over 100 years have known the outcome - delightfully, and yet tormented, I do not. What will become of Jean Valjean, Cosette, Marius, Eponine, the evil Thernardier wolf parents ?...

Commenters - spoil it not for me as I will doubtless take sometime to complete the several hundred pages to go.

Vive Le France!

Moi

Narnia to Eternity

2006-02-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

After wearing myself out last night at the monthly "hack your toes and legs off fest" (sock hockey) I retreated home and finished off the "Last Battle". It was slightly sad to complete the first return-read through the Chronicles of Narnia in over 16 years.

Though I have some questions on some of the Theological implications of the book, I found one point particularly well made by C.S. Lewis. Eternity will be always getting bigger and better. We cannot imagine how good it will be. Scripture is so clear on this, but how often we forget and "loose sight of the eternal for the things that are passing" (Rich Mullins). The apostle Paul made it so clear when he wrote that: "No eye has seen, nor ear heard the wonders God has prepared for those who love Him". Again we are reminded when Hebrews speaks so clearly that even Abraham and Jacob, (who made the point so clear with Pharoah) knew they were pilgrims in this world and sought the greater one to come.

The points I just made to my sister in e-mail will here be repeated:

I found the thought refreshing that the world to come will not have time, no aging, we will be made whole, (physicaly, spiritualy and emotionaly). There will be no need to try to get so much done in a fleeting youth, for eternity will be ours! And fulfilment beyond our wildest imagination! If I could just keep this in mind when I am tempted by the tempest of life to use bad language, or get angry or despair that my hopes and dreams for this life are not realized...I would be far more useful for the master. This is just passing!!

The "Last Battle" in some glimpsing, limited way, made clearer the joys that await us, that complete "unspeakable" joy that we cannot even fathom now. To be reunited with all that is good and has been lost, to live every day to the fullest and not wear out.

Looking forward to eternity...longing to be useful in the here and now,

Adam

Twitch I'm not, (not)

2006-02-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

Perhaps due to my monday pipe organ labors or just because it tasted so good to me this morning, I chose to pour nearly four cups of coffe down my "gullet", (Benny's term) prior to starting my first task at work.

The problem? My first task was a VTC, (TLA for Video Tele Conference). I was supposed to sit quietly, listen and speak only when necessary. I felt like I wanted to explode and go ricochetting, (we'll leave the spell checking for those who do it best, perhaps another "second thought"?), around the room while screaming "C-A-F-F-I-E-N-E". So instead I just sat bouncing my legs up and down at a physcotic, rate and had visions of "Deen a meetay" and singing mountain Goats dancing around my head. I am glad no-one was watching me when I broke down laughing at myself for no obvious, external reason.

When my equipment was talked about and I made comment I was told to relax. I assured them it was due to the coffee I had injested and not any degree of anger.

One of the east coast bosses called me later and told me that my legs bouncing around were a significant distraction.

The Twitch label, I am afraid, is size 9.5 and as such, I must wear it.

Adam

Comments made regarding the afore-aluded to cinematagraphic production, do not in anyway reflect the opinion of the composer of this literary marvel, (hereafter "post"). His unshakable opionion is that it, (the cinematagraphic production) resembled many layers of stale bread separated by the smallest layers of rich sweet icing. The necessity for chewing loaves of this bread to sample the "icing" is regretable. Secure it through a "risk mitigation timeshare arrangement", (how's Blockbuster suit you?) so that you may Fast Fwd Chew through the "bread". While "Hoodwinked" contains diamonds of wit and humor tons of worthless rock must be hauled out of the mine to find them.

The end of the world as I knew it

2006-02-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Welp, (as my sister and others might say).

My blogging life ended almost as suddenly as my traveling life. That's right, I am home pretty much all of the time. While this means I am rather enjoying myself and quite happy to have my life back, the daily morsels of life are not so exciting as the "jet-setting" lifestyle was, (for others to read that is).

Once I could type about the warm beaches of Southern Florida or snowing New England, (in the same day). Now I get excited about making cookies in the "Ducati of mixers" or lighting off the real thing after a winter of sitting. The latter I did last night and was amazed by the length of flame shooting out of the pipes, enriched by the fouled carbs. What a glorious cold ride followed!

The other events of last night even further my point: While I was awefully happy to clean out the nasty moldy gas grill in my back-yard and cook up some burgers, (yes, with a fried egg on them!), that does not look very exciting in print, (besides you can't taste things here).

So I am afraid my posts will continue to be sparadic, with one exception: I will begin to comment on each movie night flick and would welcome other's views on what we watch. Tune in soon for my take on last months, "Cinderella Man".

Adam

Hot Spiced Cider

2005-10-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here I find myself once again off in New England. I had a craving for something warm to drink as I worked online tonight and found myself a hot spiced cider. I must have been cold because just moments before I bought a sweater!

My trek here as always, did not go as planned. After worshipping with friends at Faith in Tacoma I was graciously dropped off at the airport, still very early for my flight. Unfortunately, my flight was delayed several hours and left nearly 6 hours after I arrived... Fortunately, I had ample opportunity for "quiet-time" a practice I fear is not by a long shot "practiced" by me enough. That said, all eating of good food nourishes, so I partook of the end of Nahum, Habakkuk and the ever challenging first chapter of Psalms. ( and met a fellow believer, Kyle waiting for the same flight, as well as one of the guys from work).

We all so long to have everything we do "prosper", to not wilt in dry times, yet we are not like trees planted by streams of water for we do not partake of the means of grace given to us, we are found too often in the way of sinners, seat of scorners, and walking in the council of the wicked. Such a short 6 verse chapter and we could do well to do as it says even if we only meditated on those 6. "For his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night".

Another favorite, the close of Habakkuk:

Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my slalvation.

God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.

In other news: while the pictures are from this summer, I have a shortcut to share with everyone. It will lead you to my nephew's, "first summer vacation" pictures. A hoot, please enjoy! http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mlschiebout/album?.dir=/b52c&.src=ph&.tok=phnPLbDBTq9ili0B

Well, I should wrap things up here and mosey towards nap time!

May you "yeild your fruit in its season".

Adam

A Life of Transitions

2005-09-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

It seems my life is rarely boring. Thankfully, just when one series of exciting events concludes another series starts. Today I am thinking of my home and the folks I have been priviledged to share it with over the past few weeks. First my parents came and visited for a week. We went to Snoqualmie Falls, we blew a hole in the back of my house and replaced the sliding door, we visited and visited...

Then, the very day that I dropped my folks off at the airport E L & M's mom and dad moved in. "How cool is that?" Due to the fact that both moms cook exceptionally well I have been setting a record for consecutive days eating healthy food. So having cleaned the slopped cottage cheese off of my keyboard, I make my first post in ages...While looking forward to another transition this evening, when choir starts again - without the comfort of Paul's dynamic leadership.

Time to get back to the cottage cheese. One parting thought though:

Check out the link to the right that says "Backpacking Adventures". Pictures from the 3 treks that Grant and I organized this summer, (with some wonderful people) have begun to appear there, with more to follow. (Did I mention we found an Ent on our last hike?) You saw it there first!

Adam

"Authentic" Italian

2005-08-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Magenta sunrise over Seattle, cool dark water, Caramel machiatto (sp?), the last few chapters of Micah and 2 from the Sermon on the Mount. “You cannot serve both God and mammon”…

Must be the opening scenes from “another trip to easterly destinations”! (for the purpose of earning more mammon that I must not serve… “or you will be devoted to one and hate the other”). All this with “Desperado” playing in my head…injected into my subconscious while shopping yesterday.

Now…I am thousands of feet in the air listening to “Chanticleer: Magnificat”. Soaring human voices lilt high above the turbulence of this journey… both temporal and extended, (though even the latter is called a “mist” and a “watch in the night” by He who knows all lay-overs betwixt me and my final destination!).

Then onto the ground at Dulles: I hate this airport! They changed departing gates on me AFTER I landed and checked once…and then…I bought a Mozzarella / Tomato / Basil sandwich, only to discover, (after I was on the plane leaving), that it was really a Mozzarella / Tomato sandwich, rather bland and not what the label “Authentic Italian” claimed to be. My bike has more Basil in it than that did, (and happens to be a lot more “authentic”). Alas, it cannot be carried or eaten.

I reached my final destination and, while testing a power supply out for a portable hard-drive I brought with me, realized that the A/C and D/C wall adapters at Radio Shack are mixed on the shelves. “Stink” is what I said…and “stink” is what the hard-drive had just done, sending a little smelly puff of gray smoke up into the air, right at the counter of the store. (They let me put the parts back – and I left). Rather embarrassing, but I should learn not to try anything technical, before dinner, at close of a day that I have flown across the country. (Something about a “bag of hammers” comes to mind, any “O Brother Where Art Thou?” fans out there?).

I have self deprecated enough! Good night.

Oh, Ms. Congeniality has it right, the Caramel Machiatto (sp?) was wonderful. Not as sweet as the Mochas and in its foamy yummy-ness it was unsurpassed. Caramel, with no “candy burn”? Now there’s a concept!

Great…now that “Big Rock Candy Mountain” song is playing in my head.

What is it... a Calvinist?

2005-07-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

What a great trip to Ohio! Including the obligatory theology discussions my visit with pals from college went wonderfully. It is great to have friends that do not change and go away with time! John's kids were a blast too. By the end of the weekend Buck and I were no longer, "this guy" and "that guy"!

Thanks Stefanie for planning this!

Never to young to start!

2005-07-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Mommy said he has to wait another 20 years, but Agent Orange looked ready to go to me! Now if I could just reach those handlebars! If you zoom in you can just make out his two front teeth.

The picture on the left got uncle in a bit of trouble, that is until I pointed out the red-sleeved arm! The agent had just finished drooling on the tank.

The right hand picture required mom's assistance, she is hiding on the far side and holding one foot.

Agent Orange in the House!

2005-07-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hail the dirty diaper, sing the wonders of googles and squeals of delight! For a one week engagement only: "Bachelor Manor" is showing the ever famous "agent orange". Catch him before he is gone! Get your customized 7 month old drool/spitup stain on your favorite clothes! Change a dirty diaper, the crowd goes wild. Watch him flirt with the ladies! See him scoot across the floor. Or best yet the thrill of the day: The 'Continuing Adventures of Naked Boy!' Todays adventure- the daily bath in the sink. "I was getting my evening bath when the call came in...duty calls mom, gotta go! Off to save the world!"

Adam (can you buy one of these guys on E-bay?)

Build a Jacuzzi, (and they will come)

2005-06-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

Three states and I am still not home!

This trek started out wonderfully. On my way to the airport last week, (seems so long ago), I stopped off at Starbucks and enjoyed a "Mocha Valencia" on my quiet ferry ride to Seattle.
-Thanks Mr. H for the lift and Miss A. for the beverage-

While cruising to Seattle I got to take in the sunrise as most of the rest of the boat snored. In the (relative) quiet I spent some time in Lamentations 3, (of all places), and found both comfort and conviction.

"19-Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him'. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth."

A great way to start out my "wanderings" again.

After a long ordeal with work, involving several all nighters. (Seems so odd to go to bed at 7am.) I ended up somewhere else - frustrated-exhausted-and VERY cranky. After realizing that I could not even remember my room number for more than five minutes, the lady at the front desk placed me in a room like no other. It was larger than either of my first two appartments in Bremerton, had a couch, stuffed chair, kitchenet, dinning table/ chairs and a fabulous Jacuzzi! I spent some of both evenings in that and soaked away some of the frustration.

Still exhausted, I arrived where I am now, yesturday. I left work last night and went back to the hotel and crashed. I woke up at 10:30, (still wearing my work clothes) and figuring that dinner was out of the question, went back to bed.

Not much exciting to report: just alot of work and little or no play. Due to some "unfortunate" circumstances I get to fly home on Saturday. Whoopie!

Rizzo had it right - the Jacuzzi is were it's at! (perhaps however, I need to flex a few more mouse traps to earn some company?)

For those baffled by some of the above references - I refer you to the great cinematic masterpiece: Muppets in Space.

Adam

(perhaps the Lebanese Taverna for dinner?)

Snap Crackle Pop

2005-05-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

No, I am not eating breakfast. I have been sick all week with a whopper of a head/sinus infection. Lately I get out of bed, think about doing something for a while, and then go take a nap to recover from the massive exertion. My ears have been trying to clear for days and make the oft associated with cereal sounds regularly, and they hurt. I have never had my top molars or cheekbones hurt from a sinus infection, not until now. I get to take a big horse pill of an antibiotic twice a day, (go get 'em! -down the hatch). What was it Leouwenhoek, (I will NOT spell his name correctly-the inventor of the microscope) said? "Wretched little beasties"-I think that is what he called em. May they all die!

It is odd to be gone for two weeks on business and then come home for a week of isolated solitary confinement, but I repeat myself. I am moving about today and hope to be in church tommorow, so all is well. Oh, and my boss has "clipped my wings" so I may be sticking around for a bit, we will see!

Three weeks ago my big excitment was bouncing from state to state and "enhancing shareholder value" for work. Today the highpoints thus far are laundry, a nap and a hair cut. Wow, I am worn out, are you?

The simple things!

2005-05-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I am relishing: clear blue skies that hurt my eyes, fillet mignon, (medium, thank-you) with Gargonzola cheese? - I hate gargonzola cheese! But I enjoyed every last juicy, tender morsal, mmmmm! (I even savoured the BLUE CHEESE in my salad - what has happened to me?)

Oh, I am celebrating beds large enough to sleep in, showers where the water runs the whole time, ceilings I don't smack my head on, unhurried meals and... freedom!

To the tune of "These are a few of my favorite things":

Not hearing snorers, or whacking my noggin,
Fresh air and clean clothes, (that don't smell really rotton)
Big beds to sleep in, with sheets smooth and white,
These are a few treats that bring me delight!

When the air stinks, when I start to think-
"What am I doing here?"
I simply remember my favorite things,
and long for the coming pier!

Thank-you, Thank-you!

Goodnight!

Jet Setting

2005-05-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

I decided last night that New England was so...well, passe, (ya know so LAST YEAR). Maryland did not get enough of me so I hopped on a plane and jetted down here. A little warmer and more things to do. (although I do really enjoy my time in New England all the same, perhaps some other time).

I have worn the same two sets of clothes since Saturday though, so I had better go get them washed! Not much else to report except that it was a wonderfully sunny day here in MD and now I have to wrestle with were I shall eat dinner. (my life is full of such complicated descisions!).

I think 11 hours at work is long enough, don't you?

Over and out.

Sunday Nite

2005-05-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

A great day at the Baptist Church today. The building is very old and...painted pink inside. With purple trim. Oh, and the paint was peeling off of the ceiling in big sections.

Amusing but...Irrelevant. The sermon was excellent, they focus on the work of Christ and salvation when they have communion, (not to say that isn't the point the rest of the time, just more focused). Romans 8 and II Cor. 5. Rather convicting, as I often find communion to be.

My communion cup had a very slow leak in it. I cupped my hand under it and, I am afraid to admit, paid more attention to the rate of loss - how much more was he going to say before we could partake-and the probability of actually getting any grape juice IN me. Thankfully I still had over half left when we, in unison, partook.

They sang all hymns and I loved that. A new one for them was "Arise My Soul Arise", but I knew it and sang out!

The friends of the Tyler's, (Chris and Sherry), were very good to me and had me over for the afternoon. Chris and I made lunch and managed to set the smoke detector off while frying bacon, so he closed the door to the detector and opened the outside door. Several minutes passed, finally Chris realized that the bread toasting in the oven was black and making a ton of smoke! We went to the beach for a little while and I managed to find a gift left by a dog. I did not realize this wonderful addition to my day until I got back to the hotel and was taking my shoes off. Got both of them. Stink!

Time to wind down! (on that note?)

Back to the grind tomorrow, but first perhaps some Apple Crisp and a hot shower? (in succession not simultaneously).

"Back in the saddle"

2005-04-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

After 6 weeks at home it has become time again for me to pack my bags and, using multiple means of conveyance, (car/ferry/limo/757/tiny plane & rental car), traverse the whole of this wonderful continent of ours, (sea to shining sea).

I type from Connecticut, having already made my pilgrimage to the local McQuades' Market for some dinner, (their prepared squash is delightful, a "must have" everytime I am here). McQuade's, being an Irish enterprise, has wonderful soda bread, alas, it is to far beyond St. Patrick's day for me to score any of that :( But the squash comforts me in my loss.

My venue for church tomorrow will be Montauk Baptist Church in New London. I am going to a Baptist Church?! Yep, this is where the Tyler's attended when they lived here some time ago. I called their local friends tonight, (who still attend) and have schedule and directions in hand. Apparently Sunday School will be on Nahum.

Everywhere I go, when people hear that I am from the Seattle WA area, they say, "Hmmm rains a lot out there don't it?" Drives me nuts, I could almost skip the obligatory shower tonight due to the multiple drenchings I have received here in Mystic in just the past few hours, (layers: that's the secret, slows the "wooder" down). I caught myself wanting to run to my car or find an umbrella or raincoat more than once. Such a heavy rain. In Seattle "rain" I breathe in the mist and revel in the moisture droplets that swirl around me as I walk, (slowly) to my car after a long days work. I find that refreshing. But this? Not a chance... here I drown, the sidewalks become tributary streams that feed the river that covers the parking lot and races towards Grand Storm Drain Falls.

Having O.D.'d on home improvement/kitchen makeover mags I chose to make an issue of Backpacker and the Outside buyers guide my flight companions today. A satisfying change!

Goodnight to anyone who finds that I have actualy updated this blog!

With sore muscles, (and hacked feet), from my short stint at NHL's Friday Night At Poulsbo I will sign off.

To leave a comment

2005-03-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

All I wanted to do is leave a comment in "The Hall of the Melon King"...The things I will do to say my piece. I will perhaps add real entries to this later, maybe when on my next trip.