Yesterday I ran the River City Rat Race - my first competitive race since high school. Abbey and I ran the first four miles together - miles started at the Fort Wayne Performing Arts Center, up the historic homes of Columbia Avenue (Rocky cheered us on) around the Rose Gardens, along the greenway and past the fort. After 4 miles Abbey's legs started to tighten and I was feeling good so we split up. I ran the last 2. through downtown, along Columbia Street, and Headwaters and Lawton Parks. We ran at about 10:00 minute miles and I finished at 1:01.00 and Abbey came in at 1:05. It was a little chilly but was great running weather and while we certainly weren't competitive, we didn't come in last either. The miracle isn't that we finished but that we had the courage to start.
Check out the website http://www.rcratrace.org/
October 30, 2005
October 12, 2005
Greetings from Idaho
I met a woman this summer at Craters of the Moon National Park. The people camping next to me were having a bickering session, so I decided to climb on the lava in the campground for a while. Before I knew it I was in the next camp, and stumbled upon a camper reading about Swahili. I introduced myself and we ended up talking for about 5 hours until it was so cold we had to retreat to our sleeping bags.
We kept in touch during my trip then didn't. Yesterday, I got a call and she said she was visiting a friend in Fort Wayne. Of all places! So Abbey, Stephen, and I met her and her friend at Hank's for a drink. I brought pictures. My friends got a glimpse of my trip and I started to appreciate that this trip will stay with me for quite some time. Dana and I were both nervous that we wouldn't recognize each other. At the time, I was taking showers in sinks if I could find them and we both looked exactly how two travelers that have been away from home for weeks are expected to look. Regardless, we found each other and shared our stories again. This time away from extinct volcanos.
We kept in touch during my trip then didn't. Yesterday, I got a call and she said she was visiting a friend in Fort Wayne. Of all places! So Abbey, Stephen, and I met her and her friend at Hank's for a drink. I brought pictures. My friends got a glimpse of my trip and I started to appreciate that this trip will stay with me for quite some time. Dana and I were both nervous that we wouldn't recognize each other. At the time, I was taking showers in sinks if I could find them and we both looked exactly how two travelers that have been away from home for weeks are expected to look. Regardless, we found each other and shared our stories again. This time away from extinct volcanos.
October 1, 2005
The Search for Kahn
Yesterday my 4th period class actually let me feel like I was teaching something instead of babysitting. Maybe I've finally broken through. Sure, they were still my worst period of the day and I'm actively trying to get the best student to transfer into my honors class but maybe we've turned a corner here.
After school I played Ultimate Frisbee with the kids. My team won all three games and even though I sill can't bend my thumb, I played really well - perhaps I even taught some of the big egos some humilty, but not be example.
Stephen, Amanda, Abbey, Simon and I went to see "My Architect" at the Cinema Center because I saw that it was going to be free in the paper. We went we get there we walk into a party - free everything. Chicken, wraps, fruit dessert, turkey rolls, and get this - free beer! The movie is about the world famous architect Louis Kahn's son trying to discover his father through his architecture. It was interesting to see people break down into tears discussing Louis Kahn and his art. Interesting because these people had such an attachment to Kahn and his vision - a connection notably lacking in Louis Kahn's dommestic life. His masterpiece can be found here http://intro2arch.arch.hku.hk/arch/Kahn/kahn1.htm It took 23 years to build and all materials were moved there by hand. Absolutely amazing for a country that lives with so much want. Kahn wasn't a successful man in either his professional or personal life. He had 3 children all by different mothers and all but one of his projects lost money for the firm. He died a half million dollars in debt in a train station bathroom of a heart attack.
After the movie, we walked over to the Fort Wayne Ballet's "Bad Girls of Ballet" night. In an ironic twist of fate, the perfoming arts building which I always thought of as fairly ugly was designed by the very man we had just watched a movie about. The building now seemed spiritual and majestic. Louis Kahn also charmed me with his work.
As the last piece was being perfomed, my allergy medicine came out and kicked my ass. I could barely keep my eyes open and a headache started to gnaw at my brain. I don't really remember riding home with everyone or getting into bed, but I slept for 10 hours last night and woke up refreshed
After school I played Ultimate Frisbee with the kids. My team won all three games and even though I sill can't bend my thumb, I played really well - perhaps I even taught some of the big egos some humilty, but not be example.
Stephen, Amanda, Abbey, Simon and I went to see "My Architect" at the Cinema Center because I saw that it was going to be free in the paper. We went we get there we walk into a party - free everything. Chicken, wraps, fruit dessert, turkey rolls, and get this - free beer! The movie is about the world famous architect Louis Kahn's son trying to discover his father through his architecture. It was interesting to see people break down into tears discussing Louis Kahn and his art. Interesting because these people had such an attachment to Kahn and his vision - a connection notably lacking in Louis Kahn's dommestic life. His masterpiece can be found here http://intro2arch.arch.hku.hk/arch/Kahn/kahn1.htm It took 23 years to build and all materials were moved there by hand. Absolutely amazing for a country that lives with so much want. Kahn wasn't a successful man in either his professional or personal life. He had 3 children all by different mothers and all but one of his projects lost money for the firm. He died a half million dollars in debt in a train station bathroom of a heart attack.
After the movie, we walked over to the Fort Wayne Ballet's "Bad Girls of Ballet" night. In an ironic twist of fate, the perfoming arts building which I always thought of as fairly ugly was designed by the very man we had just watched a movie about. The building now seemed spiritual and majestic. Louis Kahn also charmed me with his work.
As the last piece was being perfomed, my allergy medicine came out and kicked my ass. I could barely keep my eyes open and a headache started to gnaw at my brain. I don't really remember riding home with everyone or getting into bed, but I slept for 10 hours last night and woke up refreshed
September 29, 2005
The Joys of Running
My dad has informed me that there is an annual 10K race in town at the end of October, so I’m going to signup. The race according to one Hal Higdon is “One of the most scenic 10K’s I’ve ever run”. It begins by our art museum, crosses our three rivers, through our historic neighborhoods, and ends at the actual fort that lends our small town its name. I’m pretty excited about it, but I think I’m more excited about a future time in my training when my legs aren’t sore every morning. To be frank, it was tough to run today (Wednesday). Abbey and I both felt it and we definitely went at a slower pace.
However, I’m beginning to enjoy running again. When I was in the middle school, I ran the 100 and 200 meter dash (even winning the 200 meter at the city meet) so I never had to run the long distances that a marathoner would. Even during soccer there is something about the distraction of the ball to keep your mind off of the mileage your knees are racking up. So, imagine my surprise when I started enjoying the little things during my run today. No, not the little aches of my knees, or the minor stiffness in my quads, or the slight fatigue of my legs challenging me up the hill, past the charcoal singed two-story or the abandoned turned crack house.
I notice that after living in Fort Wayne for most of my life, and always being scared of the south part of town - Pontiac and Creighton streets were and still are home to numerous murders each year - I live in and love the “scary” neighborhood now. It feels more comfortable now than my parents’ home in ex-urbia. It is the little things that a historic neighborhood offers that I discover and appreciate during my runs. The decorative iron fences instead of the Home Depot wood fence; the large front porches instead of patios; and the little ethnic restaurants instead of the large homogenous restaurants. And, as I get faster and build more endurance I will be able to explore more of my neighborhood at a pace not afforded to a car or even bicycle. It is a place untouched my gentrification because most of the homes are cared for – maybe not the way Neighborhood Association or Better Homes and Gardens would classify it – but cared for because they are lived in. “Lived in” in the most human definition of the term.
However, I’m beginning to enjoy running again. When I was in the middle school, I ran the 100 and 200 meter dash (even winning the 200 meter at the city meet) so I never had to run the long distances that a marathoner would. Even during soccer there is something about the distraction of the ball to keep your mind off of the mileage your knees are racking up. So, imagine my surprise when I started enjoying the little things during my run today. No, not the little aches of my knees, or the minor stiffness in my quads, or the slight fatigue of my legs challenging me up the hill, past the charcoal singed two-story or the abandoned turned crack house.
I notice that after living in Fort Wayne for most of my life, and always being scared of the south part of town - Pontiac and Creighton streets were and still are home to numerous murders each year - I live in and love the “scary” neighborhood now. It feels more comfortable now than my parents’ home in ex-urbia. It is the little things that a historic neighborhood offers that I discover and appreciate during my runs. The decorative iron fences instead of the Home Depot wood fence; the large front porches instead of patios; and the little ethnic restaurants instead of the large homogenous restaurants. And, as I get faster and build more endurance I will be able to explore more of my neighborhood at a pace not afforded to a car or even bicycle. It is a place untouched my gentrification because most of the homes are cared for – maybe not the way Neighborhood Association or Better Homes and Gardens would classify it – but cared for because they are lived in. “Lived in” in the most human definition of the term.
Excerpt from email
I've been typing about my days to a very close friend lately, so I haven't wanted to write the exact same thing later in my blog ... here's an excerpt...
I've been a "hazy daze" for the last week because of my trip to Chicago. It’s the kind of dream that you remember as extremely pleasant but can’t pinpoint why. Whenever people ask me what I did in Chicago, I can never remember, can never give a solid answer. I just know that I didn’t want to be anywhere else.
A decidedly different haze enveloped me when the alarm went off this morning (Tuesday) and Abbey and I went on our second run. Yesterday, we went out for an hour and split the time between walking and jogging. We realized how under-equipped we are, and our cotton shirts and socks were sopping. While I could have kept running (how I underestimated my endurance!). Abbey did win the “first blister” contest. Today we woke up at 6:00 and ran for about 40 minutes, probably walking more since we were recovering from the previous day and most likely because I was a bit sleepy still.
I registered for the Indy mini-marathon yesterday, which forces me to continue training, or else lose 40 bucks (I had no idea what time to put in so I entered 2:20 but my goal is to do it in 1:45). "Maybe,” I think to myself, “Kimberly is also running right now. Feeling the pain of running and the pleasure of breathing fresh air.”
Hearing: Bloody Motherfucking Asshole by Martha Wainwright
Reading: Lolita by Nabokov
I've been a "hazy daze" for the last week because of my trip to Chicago. It’s the kind of dream that you remember as extremely pleasant but can’t pinpoint why. Whenever people ask me what I did in Chicago, I can never remember, can never give a solid answer. I just know that I didn’t want to be anywhere else.
A decidedly different haze enveloped me when the alarm went off this morning (Tuesday) and Abbey and I went on our second run. Yesterday, we went out for an hour and split the time between walking and jogging. We realized how under-equipped we are, and our cotton shirts and socks were sopping. While I could have kept running (how I underestimated my endurance!). Abbey did win the “first blister” contest. Today we woke up at 6:00 and ran for about 40 minutes, probably walking more since we were recovering from the previous day and most likely because I was a bit sleepy still.
I registered for the Indy mini-marathon yesterday, which forces me to continue training, or else lose 40 bucks (I had no idea what time to put in so I entered 2:20 but my goal is to do it in 1:45). "Maybe,” I think to myself, “Kimberly is also running right now. Feeling the pain of running and the pleasure of breathing fresh air.”
Hearing: Bloody Motherfucking Asshole by Martha Wainwright
Reading: Lolita by Nabokov
September 26, 2005
Chicago - City of Inspiration
I spent the last 4 days in Chicago with Kimberly under the assumption that I was just seeing a Sigur Ros concert but things progressed decidedly unexpectedly and I ended up staying a few extra days.
I'm back in Fort Wayne now. I started a book club with my friends - pretty much cold calling them and asking them to join. I've decided on Lolita for this month, with a discussion and potluck at the end.
Abbey and I start training for the Indy half marathon today. A 30-40 minute run/walk kicks it off.
More later, I'd suppose...
Hearing: Flunk
Reading: Ulysses by Joyce and Lolita by Nabokov
I'm back in Fort Wayne now. I started a book club with my friends - pretty much cold calling them and asking them to join. I've decided on Lolita for this month, with a discussion and potluck at the end.
Abbey and I start training for the Indy half marathon today. A 30-40 minute run/walk kicks it off.
More later, I'd suppose...
Hearing: Flunk
Reading: Ulysses by Joyce and Lolita by Nabokov
September 18, 2005
Manhattan Film Festival
Maybe this posting stuff will turn into a regular thing again.
Today was an absolutely relaxing day. I'm not sure I would have had this kind of day if I hadn't gone on my trip. Being at peace doing nothing, yet feeling accomplished because I'm enjoying life. My parents and I have started eating breakfast every Sunday morning together. It still feels very novel, but I think we are cherishing our time together before I head off to the Peace Corps - my sister even comes. Today was no different, plenty of laughs and great food. Common experiences.
I hung around the house and continued to store all of my music on my external hard drive so I can finally get rid of all of these cd cases. I sorted papers, started organizing pictures from my trip, and began a new book. At 7:00, I met Amanda and Steve at Cinema Center Tech for screening of the Manhattan Film Festival. Most of them were absolutely awful, an offering of artistic after school specials. Many were so bad that I just wanted to scream, literally scream, loudly in the theater. My mouth was actually open in disgust for at least two of them, and once I actually audibly scoffed at the piece. Is this really the best we can do? Two good shorts did emerge though.
"Crickets" is from Isreal and it's about a man who's parents are blown up in a suicide attack. To deal with the trauma, he begins betting on which buses in which cities will be blown up next. He of course is excellent at predicting, but then the peace process begins and he has to deal with the pain himself which almost paralyzes him. The last scene shows him sitting of the floor of his apartment building a bomb.
"Everything Goes" is from Australia and is based on a Raymond Carver story. Man becomes divorced. Man sells all belongings. Couple stop at yard sale. The three spend the day drinking. Man and girl dance around the yard while boyfriend sleeps on sofa. The couple buys most man's belongings. The girl never forgets the moment.
I voted for "Crickets" even though I probably preferred the latter because it was an original idea. Fort Wayne has had a bit of luck lately - Tony Hawk came to check out our skate park unannounced last week and many of my students were able to meet him and now the Cinema Center scores a film fest. Just when I thought this town didn't stand a chance...
Hearing: Jazz on NPR
Reading: Taking it Home: Stories from the Neighborhood by Tony Ardizzone
Today was an absolutely relaxing day. I'm not sure I would have had this kind of day if I hadn't gone on my trip. Being at peace doing nothing, yet feeling accomplished because I'm enjoying life. My parents and I have started eating breakfast every Sunday morning together. It still feels very novel, but I think we are cherishing our time together before I head off to the Peace Corps - my sister even comes. Today was no different, plenty of laughs and great food. Common experiences.
I hung around the house and continued to store all of my music on my external hard drive so I can finally get rid of all of these cd cases. I sorted papers, started organizing pictures from my trip, and began a new book. At 7:00, I met Amanda and Steve at Cinema Center Tech for screening of the Manhattan Film Festival. Most of them were absolutely awful, an offering of artistic after school specials. Many were so bad that I just wanted to scream, literally scream, loudly in the theater. My mouth was actually open in disgust for at least two of them, and once I actually audibly scoffed at the piece. Is this really the best we can do? Two good shorts did emerge though.
"Crickets" is from Isreal and it's about a man who's parents are blown up in a suicide attack. To deal with the trauma, he begins betting on which buses in which cities will be blown up next. He of course is excellent at predicting, but then the peace process begins and he has to deal with the pain himself which almost paralyzes him. The last scene shows him sitting of the floor of his apartment building a bomb.
"Everything Goes" is from Australia and is based on a Raymond Carver story. Man becomes divorced. Man sells all belongings. Couple stop at yard sale. The three spend the day drinking. Man and girl dance around the yard while boyfriend sleeps on sofa. The couple buys most man's belongings. The girl never forgets the moment.
I voted for "Crickets" even though I probably preferred the latter because it was an original idea. Fort Wayne has had a bit of luck lately - Tony Hawk came to check out our skate park unannounced last week and many of my students were able to meet him and now the Cinema Center scores a film fest. Just when I thought this town didn't stand a chance...
Hearing: Jazz on NPR
Reading: Taking it Home: Stories from the Neighborhood by Tony Ardizzone
September 17, 2005
Frisbee, Football, Flowers
After school, as I am usually apt to do, on Friday I play Ulimate with the students. One of my favorite students, Watson Brown, was there this Friday. He is the quiet, smart, funny student in class who reminds me so much of Chris Rupley, my best friend in middle school; except while Chris and I would be outside digging in mud, riding bikes, and playing swingball, we could never play actual sports because I was taller, faster, and more adroit. Chris, I don' think had the same competitive spirit that so he simply amused me by trying things that I liked to do. Watson on the hand is Chris Rupley with the competitive wherewithall. I always look forward to talking with him in class or throwing Frisbee.
This observation doesn't quite jibe with how I've been feeling overall lately though. For the better part of a week now I've been rather depressed. This summer I had an amazing trip - I reconnected with old friends, met new people, and more than anything had plenty of time for myself. However, after spending so much time with old friends, introspective friends, best friends - I returned home to "transition friends". The time that I'm living in my hometown before I head off to the Peace Corps feels more temporary than before. Aside from but sometimes including Stephen, I don't feel particularly close to any of my friends in Fort Wayne. Maybe this is a grass is greener argument, but if I could hang out with Steve-o or Kimberly I think I would feel more fulfilled because they ask challenging questions and enjoy things the way I enjoy them. And I think the big difference is age. My college friends, my best friends, are all about 28. I'm currently 25, but my current friends are all 22.
Don't think I don't see the irony here.
So yesterday after we went to see the 9:50 showing of "Broken Flowers," and I wanted to go home there was a palpable moment of misgiving abou the fact that I didn't want to continue the night. I would prefer reading a book and falling asleep to another night of drinking.
-----------------
Homecoming Game:
We lost to my Alma Mater 35-14. Our quarterback broke his leg early; we never recovered. I had chain duty - the best nonseat in the house.
"Broken Flowers"
Ok, I get it, Jim, but your movie still sucks the life out of me. Hey, Bill, we are all impressed that you can do so little and express so much, but let's try a different role sometime soon. While your "acting", I'm napping.
------------------
Reading:
"Naked Economics" by Wheelan
Hearing:
"Castaways and Cutouts" by The Decemberists
This observation doesn't quite jibe with how I've been feeling overall lately though. For the better part of a week now I've been rather depressed. This summer I had an amazing trip - I reconnected with old friends, met new people, and more than anything had plenty of time for myself. However, after spending so much time with old friends, introspective friends, best friends - I returned home to "transition friends". The time that I'm living in my hometown before I head off to the Peace Corps feels more temporary than before. Aside from but sometimes including Stephen, I don't feel particularly close to any of my friends in Fort Wayne. Maybe this is a grass is greener argument, but if I could hang out with Steve-o or Kimberly I think I would feel more fulfilled because they ask challenging questions and enjoy things the way I enjoy them. And I think the big difference is age. My college friends, my best friends, are all about 28. I'm currently 25, but my current friends are all 22.
Don't think I don't see the irony here.
So yesterday after we went to see the 9:50 showing of "Broken Flowers," and I wanted to go home there was a palpable moment of misgiving abou the fact that I didn't want to continue the night. I would prefer reading a book and falling asleep to another night of drinking.
-----------------
Homecoming Game:
We lost to my Alma Mater 35-14. Our quarterback broke his leg early; we never recovered. I had chain duty - the best nonseat in the house.
"Broken Flowers"
Ok, I get it, Jim, but your movie still sucks the life out of me. Hey, Bill, we are all impressed that you can do so little and express so much, but let's try a different role sometime soon. While your "acting", I'm napping.
------------------
Reading:
"Naked Economics" by Wheelan
Hearing:
"Castaways and Cutouts" by The Decemberists
September 7, 2005
Back to the Drama Mill
I am back safely from my trip and teaching freshman English or rather English to freshman. I have 70 rolls of film to dig through. New digs with Stephen. We are going to see November later. So short.... will get back into the swing of blogging shortly - 10 months until Peace Corps.
June 4, 2005
Smoky Mountains
I went to the Smoky Mountains last weekend.
It was amazing but I don't care to write about it now.
And seeing that I'm leaving on Sunday for a 10 week road trip, makes me think that I'll never write about it. Tough luck.
See you Sunday at 5:30 in the fort.
I had a fourth date with Melissa tonight. Excellent time.
Gwen has decided to make me find new accomodations for my stay in New York. That shouldn't be a problem and I'm actually quite happy that this part of my life is over now.
Back to Sigur Ros.
It was amazing but I don't care to write about it now.
And seeing that I'm leaving on Sunday for a 10 week road trip, makes me think that I'll never write about it. Tough luck.
See you Sunday at 5:30 in the fort.
I had a fourth date with Melissa tonight. Excellent time.
Gwen has decided to make me find new accomodations for my stay in New York. That shouldn't be a problem and I'm actually quite happy that this part of my life is over now.
Back to Sigur Ros.
May 15, 2005
The Fifteen Year Plan
I'm not very introspective - I don't give a lot of thought to the things that I decide to do. To wit: When I was a senior in High School, I was set on going to a local college. My girlfriend at the time decided that she was going to go to IU. I thought, "That sounds good" and went. I never thought about other possibilities or what ifs. Once I decide to do something, I enjoy it as much as possible. On the same token, once I decide not to do something, I stick with that also. I haven't eaten at Taco Bell since High School because I hated that spokesdog-Chicuaha thing so much.
I'm not sure why I don't analyze the very activities that will effect my life the most. Perhaps, it is because I've never had a bad idea. Or maybe less narcissistically, it's because I believe that life is a lot like jazz, it is best when you improvise.
Without further ado, just in time for my 25th birthday, a list of things that I would like to do (or decide not to do) in the next fifteen years.
(In no particular order)
Finish the Knobstone Trail
Ride a bicycle across the US
Visit Churchill, Canada and see the Polar Bears
Visit Machu Picchu
Walk the Great Wall of China
Visit Easter Island
Visit Chile and Easter Island
Visit Alaska
Run a marathon in every state
Done:
Hike from rim to rim at the Grand Canyon
Drive to 48 states in one summer
I'm not sure why I don't analyze the very activities that will effect my life the most. Perhaps, it is because I've never had a bad idea. Or maybe less narcissistically, it's because I believe that life is a lot like jazz, it is best when you improvise.
Without further ado, just in time for my 25th birthday, a list of things that I would like to do (or decide not to do) in the next fifteen years.
(In no particular order)
Finish the Knobstone Trail
Ride a bicycle across the US
Visit Churchill, Canada and see the Polar Bears
Visit Machu Picchu
Walk the Great Wall of China
Visit Easter Island
Visit Chile and Easter Island
Visit Alaska
Run a marathon in every state
Done:
Hike from rim to rim at the Grand Canyon
Drive to 48 states in one summer
May 6, 2005
Peace Corps Update
Haven't written much about this lately. Mostly because I'm starting to get a little chatter about why I shouldn't go. Too bad, I say to them. I want to be as close to the Axis of Evil as possible! Actually, I realized that my geography isn't as good as I thought it was because many of the countries that are possibilities are very close to Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
About two weeks ago, I had my formal interview with the Chicago Regional Office. I thought that things went very well and at the end my interviewer, Jamie, asked to set up a second interview. I of course agreed but said that I would be out of town on my road trip so we may have to schedule after that. She said that she meant later that week. So, I guess things went very well.
On Friday, I call back for my second interview in which we discussed my expectations and preferences. She said that we wanted to formally nominate me for a Eastern Europe / Central Asia volunteership at a Teacher's College, which means that I would be training teachers how to make their lessons more dynamic to reach all types of learners.
In the next couple of weeks, I will recieve a formal nomination notice and packet with information about my medical, dental, and vision check. Once I send that back to the medical office and they review the information, I'll be offered a placement in 4-6 months.
About two weeks ago, I had my formal interview with the Chicago Regional Office. I thought that things went very well and at the end my interviewer, Jamie, asked to set up a second interview. I of course agreed but said that I would be out of town on my road trip so we may have to schedule after that. She said that she meant later that week. So, I guess things went very well.
On Friday, I call back for my second interview in which we discussed my expectations and preferences. She said that we wanted to formally nominate me for a Eastern Europe / Central Asia volunteership at a Teacher's College, which means that I would be training teachers how to make their lessons more dynamic to reach all types of learners.
In the next couple of weeks, I will recieve a formal nomination notice and packet with information about my medical, dental, and vision check. Once I send that back to the medical office and they review the information, I'll be offered a placement in 4-6 months.
April 29, 2005
High Country Pathway
Fri. April 22nd at 12:45 pm
Mfog1 and I met at the Pigeon river HQS. We told the nice, little old lady of our plans and filled out a free camp permit. When we told her of our plans her response was, "Oh my,you know we're supposed to get snow." We replied that we knew of this and went on our way. We got a little turned around, trying to find Pine Grove SFCG and we were on a pretty bad two track.
I followed Mfog's Explorer in my little Miata and could go no futher. So, we turned around and back tracked to the sign and took the correct fork in the road this time. Finally, we made it to the campground where we'd leave Mfog's Explorer and this would also be our end point of the trip. Now we had to drive over to our starting point at Clear lk.S.P. No problem,right? Wrong.
The first road we tried to take was in bad shape and we were finally stopped by water across the road. We turned around and went futher south until we came to Clark Bridge Rd. This road turned out to be slightlty better and we made it over to Clear Lk by 3:00pm. This was only an hour later than planned. We parked the car by the office and off we went. Weather was perfect 55 deg. and partly sunny. time 3:15 We hiked at a good pace and arrived at Big Tomahawk lk.flooding by 6:00 pm. and 9miles. Next we were to hike to Shoepac lk. where we'd meet the others arriving later that evening.
We arrived at what we thought was Shoepac Lk.SFCG time 6:45pm We found a nice site and set up our tents, then had dinner. Now, all we had to do is wait for the others to arrive, and wait and wait? Well, We got a little confused and didn't double check the map and ended up camping at Tomahawk lk. camp ground which is only 1 mile from Shoepac lk. SFCG So, We never met with the others Fri. night as planned? Days mileage 11
Saturday, morning I awoke at 6:00am but didn't crawl out till 8:00. There was a light dusting of snow. On the way out of the C.G. is when we discovered we'd camped in the wrong spot. We then high tailed it over to Shoepac lk. Arrived at 9:30am When we arrived at Shoepac lk., a quick check revealed no one was there. So, we decided to wait an hour, but left after a 1/2 hr. About a 1/2 mile road walk we came to the boat launch and Toolman's Jeep!! I left a note,telling them of our plans, then down the trail we went. After a while on the trail we noticed tracks ahead of us, we figured it had to be them hiking just ahead of us!
We crossed M-33 and then Canada creek and still no sign of them. Finally, at the Black river bridge, we caught up with them. We exchanged greetings and talked for maybe a 1/2 hr. Too our disappointment we learned they would not be continuing on with us and finishing the hike. Craig, had some nasty blister's on both heals and didn't want to continue. Time was approx. 2:30-3:00pm. Weather/cloudy 38deg. with periods of freezing rain. So, onward the two of us went. The plan was to camp in the Duby lk.area,which was still 6 miles distant. Finally,around 6:00pm we came to Milligan creek, where we got water from.
Next, we hiked approx. a 1/2 mile past Duby lk. spur junction and set up camp. Days mileage 15 We were so tired, I don't think we said three words to each other, we just set up our tents and hit the sack. time approx. 7:30pm About 8:00 pm it started to snow and didn't stop until 4:00am. Sunday morning. I had to get up around 2:00am and go nock the snow off the lower walls, as the snow was pileing up on top of my tent, causing the walls to come inward.
Sunday: Mfog woke at 6:00am and built a fire, then rousted me. Total accum. 4-5inches. We hit the trail by 7:00am with me breaking trail the entire way. The trail had many small blow downs and a lot of water too. Weather/ periods of snow/30 deg. The days hike was tough for me, my feet and hands were soacked and my calfs hurt as well. The last 4 miles was a sheer test of will for me. We arrived at Pine Grove SFCG and the Explorer by 12:30pm. Days mileage 11 All the roads leading back to Clear lk.and my car were snow covered, muddy and had many blown down trees partly blocking the roads. At one point I had to get out and break away branches to clear the way through! Finally, we arrived at Clear lk S.P. time approx. 1:45-2:00 pm This was a great trip, Altough a bit exhausting for me. My only regret's are not being at Shoepac lk., Friday night to meet the guys and not completing the hike together with them.
Mfog1 and I met at the Pigeon river HQS. We told the nice, little old lady of our plans and filled out a free camp permit. When we told her of our plans her response was, "Oh my,you know we're supposed to get snow." We replied that we knew of this and went on our way. We got a little turned around, trying to find Pine Grove SFCG and we were on a pretty bad two track.
I followed Mfog's Explorer in my little Miata and could go no futher. So, we turned around and back tracked to the sign and took the correct fork in the road this time. Finally, we made it to the campground where we'd leave Mfog's Explorer and this would also be our end point of the trip. Now we had to drive over to our starting point at Clear lk.S.P. No problem,right? Wrong.
The first road we tried to take was in bad shape and we were finally stopped by water across the road. We turned around and went futher south until we came to Clark Bridge Rd. This road turned out to be slightlty better and we made it over to Clear Lk by 3:00pm. This was only an hour later than planned. We parked the car by the office and off we went. Weather was perfect 55 deg. and partly sunny. time 3:15 We hiked at a good pace and arrived at Big Tomahawk lk.flooding by 6:00 pm. and 9miles. Next we were to hike to Shoepac lk. where we'd meet the others arriving later that evening.
We arrived at what we thought was Shoepac Lk.SFCG time 6:45pm We found a nice site and set up our tents, then had dinner. Now, all we had to do is wait for the others to arrive, and wait and wait? Well, We got a little confused and didn't double check the map and ended up camping at Tomahawk lk. camp ground which is only 1 mile from Shoepac lk. SFCG So, We never met with the others Fri. night as planned? Days mileage 11
Saturday, morning I awoke at 6:00am but didn't crawl out till 8:00. There was a light dusting of snow. On the way out of the C.G. is when we discovered we'd camped in the wrong spot. We then high tailed it over to Shoepac lk. Arrived at 9:30am When we arrived at Shoepac lk., a quick check revealed no one was there. So, we decided to wait an hour, but left after a 1/2 hr. About a 1/2 mile road walk we came to the boat launch and Toolman's Jeep!! I left a note,telling them of our plans, then down the trail we went. After a while on the trail we noticed tracks ahead of us, we figured it had to be them hiking just ahead of us!
We crossed M-33 and then Canada creek and still no sign of them. Finally, at the Black river bridge, we caught up with them. We exchanged greetings and talked for maybe a 1/2 hr. Too our disappointment we learned they would not be continuing on with us and finishing the hike. Craig, had some nasty blister's on both heals and didn't want to continue. Time was approx. 2:30-3:00pm. Weather/cloudy 38deg. with periods of freezing rain. So, onward the two of us went. The plan was to camp in the Duby lk.area,which was still 6 miles distant. Finally,around 6:00pm we came to Milligan creek, where we got water from.
Next, we hiked approx. a 1/2 mile past Duby lk. spur junction and set up camp. Days mileage 15 We were so tired, I don't think we said three words to each other, we just set up our tents and hit the sack. time approx. 7:30pm About 8:00 pm it started to snow and didn't stop until 4:00am. Sunday morning. I had to get up around 2:00am and go nock the snow off the lower walls, as the snow was pileing up on top of my tent, causing the walls to come inward.
Sunday: Mfog woke at 6:00am and built a fire, then rousted me. Total accum. 4-5inches. We hit the trail by 7:00am with me breaking trail the entire way. The trail had many small blow downs and a lot of water too. Weather/ periods of snow/30 deg. The days hike was tough for me, my feet and hands were soacked and my calfs hurt as well. The last 4 miles was a sheer test of will for me. We arrived at Pine Grove SFCG and the Explorer by 12:30pm. Days mileage 11 All the roads leading back to Clear lk.and my car were snow covered, muddy and had many blown down trees partly blocking the roads. At one point I had to get out and break away branches to clear the way through! Finally, we arrived at Clear lk S.P. time approx. 1:45-2:00 pm This was a great trip, Altough a bit exhausting for me. My only regret's are not being at Shoepac lk., Friday night to meet the guys and not completing the hike together with them.
April 6, 2005
The First Day
I wake up at 6:00. Late. I should have been on the road by then. At 6:30 I throw everything into my trunk and head off to meet Andy. The weather is shit - rainy, gloomy, early. I get to Indy by 8:30. Andy is still sleeping and answers the door, he actually won't wake up for another 2 hours or so. We drive south. Me in the Miata, He in the Nissan. We find Delany Park without any problems. We pass the types of places that let you know that you are in America. A Jellystone campground with Full-size Yogi, a stand selling pure honey, and a museum to archaic gas station signs. As we are trying to find the trailhead, and the nearest parking lot, I start to head down a single wide gravel road. After about 100 feet, the road curves and I realize that the road ahead is flooded. We negotiate back up the road, reversed - praying that the cars don't get stuck. I drop my car off, make sure that all valuables are in the trunk, and throw my pack into the Nissan.
Andy realizes he doesn't have an atlas in his car so we turn a 25 minute drive into an hour because we have to backtrack to get to the right highway. At Sellersburg, we stop at BK to have my last real meal for a couple days. (This turns out to be false) After a few wrong turns and pleasant directions from a gruff old man, we find the Knobstone trailhead. Andy remarks that it is going to feel weird leaving me out in the middle of Southern Indiana. I say that it will be like college. He plays along and says that he will sob on the way home. 12:45 p.m. April 2, 2005. Mile 0 and the long walk back to my car begins.
The trail is amazing but a little muddy at first. Almost impassable without getting stuck at first. Near Bowery Creek I meet a man carrying a large stick. We are both surprised at the other's presence. He says, "Pretty quiet today except the wind." I agree and we part. I notice as I walk, literally, hundreds of fallen trees. The ranger's have done a great job at cutting the logs so that the path remains unobstructed. I rest at Bartle Knob Run, fill my water, and force myself to eat. The weather by now is brisk but sunny. The water in the creek is ice cold. The wind is so strong that it sounds like jets in the sky overhead.
As I'm ascending Round Knob I see a burst of white and find that I'm looking straight at a huge deer. Even though I'm staring directly at it, it blends in so well that I begin to think that I'm imagining it. Just as quickly at it arrived, it turned and ran. At mile 8, I realize I haven't seen a marker in the a while. In fact, I can't find one anywhere, ahead or behind. I'm lost. Initial fear sets in for a minute but it's only 5:00 and I have plenty of light left to recover my senses and the path. I soon realize that I was on an ATV trail and didn't make a sharp left to stay on the KT. I hike for a few more miles and then set up camp. As I take a picture of my campsite, the batteries in my camera die. How I have useless extra weight to carry.
I am completely alone but I can still hear the sounds of real planes, animals, and gunshots. I figure that they are illegal hunters starting early on the wild turkey. I fall asleep quickly.
Andy realizes he doesn't have an atlas in his car so we turn a 25 minute drive into an hour because we have to backtrack to get to the right highway. At Sellersburg, we stop at BK to have my last real meal for a couple days. (This turns out to be false) After a few wrong turns and pleasant directions from a gruff old man, we find the Knobstone trailhead. Andy remarks that it is going to feel weird leaving me out in the middle of Southern Indiana. I say that it will be like college. He plays along and says that he will sob on the way home. 12:45 p.m. April 2, 2005. Mile 0 and the long walk back to my car begins.
The trail is amazing but a little muddy at first. Almost impassable without getting stuck at first. Near Bowery Creek I meet a man carrying a large stick. We are both surprised at the other's presence. He says, "Pretty quiet today except the wind." I agree and we part. I notice as I walk, literally, hundreds of fallen trees. The ranger's have done a great job at cutting the logs so that the path remains unobstructed. I rest at Bartle Knob Run, fill my water, and force myself to eat. The weather by now is brisk but sunny. The water in the creek is ice cold. The wind is so strong that it sounds like jets in the sky overhead.
As I'm ascending Round Knob I see a burst of white and find that I'm looking straight at a huge deer. Even though I'm staring directly at it, it blends in so well that I begin to think that I'm imagining it. Just as quickly at it arrived, it turned and ran. At mile 8, I realize I haven't seen a marker in the a while. In fact, I can't find one anywhere, ahead or behind. I'm lost. Initial fear sets in for a minute but it's only 5:00 and I have plenty of light left to recover my senses and the path. I soon realize that I was on an ATV trail and didn't make a sharp left to stay on the KT. I hike for a few more miles and then set up camp. As I take a picture of my campsite, the batteries in my camera die. How I have useless extra weight to carry.
I am completely alone but I can still hear the sounds of real planes, animals, and gunshots. I figure that they are illegal hunters starting early on the wild turkey. I fall asleep quickly.
March 29, 2005
March 28, 2005
Peace Corps
Just submitted my Peace Corps application. What a relief. In three to four weeks, I'll recieve more information about the process. I'm still waiting for one of my references to submit their form. More to come...
Hearing: At Dawn by My Morning Jacket
Hearing: At Dawn by My Morning Jacket
March 27, 2005
CMV Hero
I was at the Red Cross the other day giving blood and the Nurse asked me if I knew what the sticker on my Red Cross card meant. I of course don't speak Red Cross so the initials CMV Hero meant nothing to me. Apparently, CMV causes a mild fever in people with a healthy immune system, but usually no further problems. It can be a more serious infection, however, for people with compromised immunity, often leading to encephalitis and viral pneumonia. Once you have been exposed to CMV you are CMV-positive - about 80% of the population is CMV positive - and you can't go back to CMV-negative. The Red Cross screens all new blood donors for CMV antibodies, and designates those that are CMV-negative as "CMV Heroes" because of their ability to help special patients, like infants, cancer patients, transplant patients, and others with compromised immune systems who need CMV-negative transfusions. I have debated lately if I should keep giving blood (so far, I've have a false positive Hepatitis B result, low iron count, and a severely bruised arm); however, knowing that I'm helping patients that maybe couldn't get the blood the needed is enough that I'll keep going. What I don't look forward to is sometime in the future coming in contact with CMV and having to watch the nurse take the sticker off of my card.
Gloomsday
Friendships crumble while new possibilities surface. I ran into Stephanie at Barnes and Noble yesterday, she seems to be doing better after a bout with several things best left unsaid in the blog realm. We're going to get coffee next week sometime - we are both impulsive and the idea to setting up an "occassion" doesn't sit well with either of us. New Eric and I talked yesterday. He was driving down to Indy so he couldn't come out to Hank's with the Saturday Night Club. Speaking of, everyone was out of their shell and the crowd was larger than usual - it was one of those moments that you see nf the season finale of sitcoms - everyone ends up at a location and there are plenty of laughs, private conversations, and singalongs. Lots of Indigo Girls and REM. My friend Eric from the Barnes is leaving to hike the Appalachian Trail on Saturday - it was nice to see him before he leaves: though he may have a going away party on Thursday. He had a nice write up in Sunday's paper about his trip. I ran into Photog Sarah again - we are going to get together sometime soon and she's going to teach me how to use my camera for my trip instead of just relying on the automatic functions.
Hearing: I'm Wide Awake It's Morning by Bright Eyes
Reading: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
Finishing: Peace Corps Application
Hearing: I'm Wide Awake It's Morning by Bright Eyes
Reading: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
Finishing: Peace Corps Application
March 22, 2005
If you want something, ask for it.
Things still needed for my trip:
Insect repellent (high percent DEET)
Duct Tape
A Sport Watch
A Place to Stay in Minneapolis
A Place to Stay in Albany
Booking a Trip on the Wils Cave Tour
Booking a Trip to Alcatraz
Hearing: B.B. King on NPR
Surfing: The New Brooks Article
Finishing: The Antrim Novel (check previous post)
Insect repellent (high percent DEET)
Duct Tape
A Sport Watch
A Place to Stay in Minneapolis
A Place to Stay in Albany
Booking a Trip on the Wils Cave Tour
Booking a Trip to Alcatraz
Hearing: B.B. King on NPR
Surfing: The New Brooks Article
Finishing: The Antrim Novel (check previous post)
March 20, 2005
If You're Feeling Sinister
"There are things you do because they feel right & they may make no sense & they may make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to eat each other's cooking & say it was good." ~ brian andreas
March 19, 2005
Spots and Places
Met Eric yesterday at the Brooks lecture. We used to live two floors apart while at Read but didn't meet until yesterday. Funny, hopefully we'll become friends and start to hang out more.
Today I was reading at Henry's when a stranger, Sarah, introduced herself, asked me what I was reading, and invited me over to her table. Her friend Rachel is an English major at IPFW and Sarah is studying Photography. We all shared the common interests in music, movies, and books. Though they tended more towards feminist art, and while I consider myself a feminist, I think that the movement, like all movements, have become too extremist, too reactionary against every perceived slight. Anyway, I hope to see them again sometime. How is it that sometime to private, reading, can spawn so many public meetings?
Good Night.
Today I was reading at Henry's when a stranger, Sarah, introduced herself, asked me what I was reading, and invited me over to her table. Her friend Rachel is an English major at IPFW and Sarah is studying Photography. We all shared the common interests in music, movies, and books. Though they tended more towards feminist art, and while I consider myself a feminist, I think that the movement, like all movements, have become too extremist, too reactionary against every perceived slight. Anyway, I hope to see them again sometime. How is it that sometime to private, reading, can spawn so many public meetings?
Good Night.
March 16, 2005
Primer
The best movie of 2004, Primer, is finally coming to Cinema Center Tech. It opens this Friday - I can't wait to see it again and try to understand it.
Boring, Boring Blog
Reading: Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World by Donald Antrim
Hearing: () by Sigur Ros
Watching: Indiana lose to Fucking Vanderbilt!
Boring, Boring Blog
Reading: Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World by Donald Antrim
Hearing: () by Sigur Ros
Watching: Indiana lose to Fucking Vanderbilt!
March 14, 2005
The Unconsoled
Finally finished Ishiguro - bewildering stuff though it didn't leave me as fulfilled or quite as curiously dioriented as Cody's Shooting the Heart. Both books make an effort to disorient the reader though for entirely different purposes. The rest of this post is taken from listed website and I think summarizes the book aptly. I can't say I didn't enjoy the book, though I can't say otherwise either.
From the start of The Unconsoled, Ryder, the narrator, is continually placed in precarious positions because he is living a ruse. Ishiguro says this is a metaphor for most people's lives. He uses themes of self-deception, distancing of families, disappointment in relationships, the tension of not fitting in, devalued ideals, and words unspoken. The characters remember, see themes in their past, become convicted over the wrong they have done, and try to forget it all so they can live with themselves in the future. Ishiguro points out, "You need a little bit of self-deception to give you the courage to carry on in life if you've discovered that you've done a lot of things wrong. It's no bad thing. There's nothing you can do in that situation except try and cheer yourself up a bit."
from http://www.leaderu.com/marshill/mhr05/kazuo1.html
From the start of The Unconsoled, Ryder, the narrator, is continually placed in precarious positions because he is living a ruse. Ishiguro says this is a metaphor for most people's lives. He uses themes of self-deception, distancing of families, disappointment in relationships, the tension of not fitting in, devalued ideals, and words unspoken. The characters remember, see themes in their past, become convicted over the wrong they have done, and try to forget it all so they can live with themselves in the future. Ishiguro points out, "You need a little bit of self-deception to give you the courage to carry on in life if you've discovered that you've done a lot of things wrong. It's no bad thing. There's nothing you can do in that situation except try and cheer yourself up a bit."
from http://www.leaderu.com/marshill/mhr05/kazuo1.html
March 13, 2005
Blue Jeans
I ended up at Henry's last night. After a couple of friends left to go back to their house I stayed and continued to read Unconsoled, I really enjoy reading in crowded spaces. All the overlapping conversations and music actually help me concentrate more so than a silent apartment. Plus, I get to feel like I'm out and about even though I don't particularly enjoy the whole weekend "being out" scene. Stephen eventually dropped by and we had a nice conversation. He was busy thinking of insightful questions to ask David Brooks, since he has to interview him for the school's paper. I was busy thinking of insightful heckles that I could yell when I go to the Brooks lecture next Thursday.
Today Gwen and I hung out at the Fly for a while then we went shopping for items that I still need for my road trip - plastic shovel, whistle, matches, rope. We then went to IPFW and I tried to teach her how to drive a stick. When Andrew tried to teach me last summer it turned into an absolute disaster; Max was laughing in the baskseat most of the time unless he was getting thrown forward which would make him laugh even harder. I felt like I was destroying Andrew's new car. Of course, two weeks later I drove up to Michigan and bought my Miata and drove it home without any more practice. Maybe the best way to drive a stick is just to do it: there's not a whole lot of practical application to driving around a parking lot dodging light posts and medians.
I'm tired and little sad for some reason. Maybe not sad, just anxious. Anxious for the school year to end, anxious to start my trip, anxious to meet people, anxious to feel the wind in my hair as I explore our nation's backroads and idiosyncrasies, anxious to fall in love again.
Hearing: Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle and Sebastian
Today Gwen and I hung out at the Fly for a while then we went shopping for items that I still need for my road trip - plastic shovel, whistle, matches, rope. We then went to IPFW and I tried to teach her how to drive a stick. When Andrew tried to teach me last summer it turned into an absolute disaster; Max was laughing in the baskseat most of the time unless he was getting thrown forward which would make him laugh even harder. I felt like I was destroying Andrew's new car. Of course, two weeks later I drove up to Michigan and bought my Miata and drove it home without any more practice. Maybe the best way to drive a stick is just to do it: there's not a whole lot of practical application to driving around a parking lot dodging light posts and medians.
I'm tired and little sad for some reason. Maybe not sad, just anxious. Anxious for the school year to end, anxious to start my trip, anxious to meet people, anxious to feel the wind in my hair as I explore our nation's backroads and idiosyncrasies, anxious to fall in love again.
Hearing: Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle and Sebastian
March 9, 2005
Road Trip Itinerary
I'm taking a 10,000 mile road trip this summer. I'm leaving June 5th, the day after graduation, and returning on August 18th, the day before my first required teaching day. Here's where I plan to go; what I plan to see will come at a later date.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Chicago, Illinois
Madison, Wisconsin
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Wind Cave, South Dakota
Grand Tetons, Wyoming
Yellowstone, Wyoming
Glacier National Park, Montana
Spokane, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Redwood National Forest, California
San Francisco, California
Death Valley, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona
Arches, Utah
Denver, Colorado
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Deming, New Mexico
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Houston, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana
Montgomery, Alabama
Athens, Georgia
Arlington, Virginia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York City, New York
Providence, Rhode Island
Concord, Massachusetts
Lowell, Massachusetts
Hanover, New Hampshire
Burlington, Vermont
Albany, New York
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cincinnati, Ohio
Memphis, Tennessee
Little Rock, Arkansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska
Dubuque, Iowa
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Reading: The Epic of Latin America by John Crow
The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
Hearing: Has Been by William Shatner
Surfing: Subtropolis in Kansas City
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Chicago, Illinois
Madison, Wisconsin
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Wind Cave, South Dakota
Grand Tetons, Wyoming
Yellowstone, Wyoming
Glacier National Park, Montana
Spokane, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Redwood National Forest, California
San Francisco, California
Death Valley, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona
Arches, Utah
Denver, Colorado
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Deming, New Mexico
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Houston, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana
Montgomery, Alabama
Athens, Georgia
Arlington, Virginia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York City, New York
Providence, Rhode Island
Concord, Massachusetts
Lowell, Massachusetts
Hanover, New Hampshire
Burlington, Vermont
Albany, New York
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cincinnati, Ohio
Memphis, Tennessee
Little Rock, Arkansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska
Dubuque, Iowa
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Reading: The Epic of Latin America by John Crow
The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
Hearing: Has Been by William Shatner
Surfing: Subtropolis in Kansas City
February 15, 2005
Six Degrees of Separation
My friend Steve had a birthday party at Henry's the other day. His friend Nate and I began watching some program on Animal Planet about the mysteries of the animals of the Chinese calendar. Awful. During a commercial Nate told me about a friend of his that did missionary work in Guatemala a couple of years ago. This friend worked with another missionary who knew a village's witch doctor. This is the story that was told to Nate's friend, to Nate, and passed to me. An elaborate game of telephone spanning continents: hence the title.
People would come to the witch doctor with various complaints and maladies. The witch doctor after evaluating their issue would sometimes give the villager a jar with a snake in it. When the person arrived home, he was to let the snake out of the bottle and tell it the problem. The snake would then leave and fix or at least make the situation more tolerable. When the snake returned, its appearance will have become slightly more anthropomorphic and it would then give the person a task to complete. If the person failed to complete this task the snake would kill him. However, if the person completed that task, upon returning home the snake's head would have taken human form in resemblance of the villager who was in his charge. The snake would soon perish and the villager's situation would have been remedied.
Sometimes, the villager would be too scared of this awesome responsibility and immediately give the snake back to the witch doctor. On a shelf in the witch doctor's house, apparently, there are shelves of returned snakes with human heads that haven't been used. A South American Picture of Dorian Grey.
The missionary, of course, couldn't resist the lure of Christian symbolism here and began talking about the the dangers of worshipping false idols. I, however, can't seem to get past the image of lines of human-faced snakes in glass bottles somewhere in the middle of Guatemala. The story is obviously nonsense but I think it's incredible that I am indirectly linked to - and with some work could meet - a lying South American witch doctor.
Hearing: Castaways and Cutouts by The Decemberists
Surfing: The New Issue of Dwell
People would come to the witch doctor with various complaints and maladies. The witch doctor after evaluating their issue would sometimes give the villager a jar with a snake in it. When the person arrived home, he was to let the snake out of the bottle and tell it the problem. The snake would then leave and fix or at least make the situation more tolerable. When the snake returned, its appearance will have become slightly more anthropomorphic and it would then give the person a task to complete. If the person failed to complete this task the snake would kill him. However, if the person completed that task, upon returning home the snake's head would have taken human form in resemblance of the villager who was in his charge. The snake would soon perish and the villager's situation would have been remedied.
Sometimes, the villager would be too scared of this awesome responsibility and immediately give the snake back to the witch doctor. On a shelf in the witch doctor's house, apparently, there are shelves of returned snakes with human heads that haven't been used. A South American Picture of Dorian Grey.
The missionary, of course, couldn't resist the lure of Christian symbolism here and began talking about the the dangers of worshipping false idols. I, however, can't seem to get past the image of lines of human-faced snakes in glass bottles somewhere in the middle of Guatemala. The story is obviously nonsense but I think it's incredible that I am indirectly linked to - and with some work could meet - a lying South American witch doctor.
Hearing: Castaways and Cutouts by The Decemberists
Surfing: The New Issue of Dwell
February 14, 2005
Color Wheel
I just finished putting all my books in order. They used to be in stacks against the wall based on whether or not I had read them. They are now in order of color. I convinced my friend, Aaron, to try this method also. We are now covertly working on doing the same to the library in my apartment's basement. So far so good; we have huge stacks of reds, yellows, whites, and greens scattered all over. I guess the only thing covert about it is that no one has seen us do it. The project itself is quite ubiquitous. Photos of both my sorting and the library project are forthcoming.
Reading: All the Shah's Men by Kinzer
Hearing: 69 Love Songs by Magnetic Fields
Surfing: Superhero Journal
Wanting: Salomon GCS Pro
Reading: All the Shah's Men by Kinzer
Hearing: 69 Love Songs by Magnetic Fields
Surfing: Superhero Journal
Wanting: Salomon GCS Pro
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