brodie: perfectly imbalanced

change

2007-03-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

I switched to wordpress. Sorry about the confusion.

www.brodersen.wordpress.com

"We're gonna see if this bad boy can fly!"

2007-02-11T10:44:00.000-06:00

I remember that Jon had recently posted about the lack of music around the greater Niceville area, and I couldn't agree more with the sad state of affairs concerning the enriching sounds of ecclectic bands in my home town. Now, since I am at Flagler, things have changed quite a bit, and I don't mean to sound like I have an upper hand in this situation, but simply put, we have a better selection here.

Last night, four of us drove up to Jacksonville to see a band I knew nothing about. We didn't really even know where the venue was, and when we did arrive there, the service (waiting and such) was some of the worst I had ever experienced. It's really hard to get into the mood for a band that you know little about, when you are bombarded by the unnecessary acts of others. Around 10:40, the first band played. It was a South Florida duo (formerly a trio) called "Verde". Their guitar skills were not lacking too much, and their bubblegum-like quality made me wonder what the next band sounded like.

We waited and waited and finally the band, "The Manchester Orchestra" came on. As soon as they all hit their first chord, I was hooked, reeling towards the sound of really loud, but cohesive music. I alternated between sitting and standing, depending on the mood of the songs. After the show was over, I could only smile. This is the start of something for these guys, whose oldest member is only 21. In fact, I learned that Paste (the magazine) is in love with these guys. Anyways, to be succint, I really enjoyed it, and hopefully it's the start of seeing more great music here.

-brodie

oh! the tragedy.

2007-02-05T23:34:00.000-06:00

So....I am sitting here in my new apartment, watching parts of Zoolander while trying to type. Of course it's hard to concentrate when my roommate can't even quote the movie right. Amy Bedsole is sitting to the left, and we are enjoying the mixed sights and sounds that are barraging our ears.

I am a little tired of school right now. I got some good grades and also one bad one this week, but I don't think that is the reason why I am tired. Also, I don't think the lack of sleep is the reason....although I sleep on a floor....and the carpet itches a lot. I've got a long day ahead of me, and I am falling rapidly into a state of sleepiness. Ta-ta for now.

-brodie

Korean movie craziness

2007-01-18T08:48:00.000-06:00

I recieved the movie, "Save the Green Planet!" from Netflix the other day, but I held off watching it until last night. I am really torn with this movie. There are certain things about the movie that I really enjoy, such as the cinematograpy, however, the story really confused me. Was it a great movie? Probably not, but I was really curious to see how it ended. Plus, I had never seen a Comedy/Horror/Sci-Fi movie before. The editing and the camera work were most excellent, especially for being 5 years old.

Anyways, I feel sick, so I think I am going to skip my next class and get some sleep. Ciao.

-brodie

week II

2007-01-15T11:52:00.000-06:00

I've got two hours before I have my one and only class today, which is really a sigh of relief and whatnot. I really didn't do much this last weekend, besides watch marathons of Psych and My Gym Partner's a Monkey, which are both very hilarious and worth watching (although one of them is a cartoon).

It's weird how you can just fall into a funk without really knowing why. I don't usually get depressed, and I am not all that much in a depressive mood, but I don't feel like things are going right. I am sure that it won't take me but a couple of minutes to get out of this, so I hope it goes away soon.

-brodie

the glorious life of a college student (part deux)

2007-01-11T08:24:00.000-06:00

So starteth my second semester at Flagler college, and it looks a mite brighter than last semester (although forecasts are too hazy this early on to tell). I am actually typing while in one of my classes, so I am taking a big risk with being sneaky and acting real cool under pressure.

So far, the transition back into my life here is going smooth. Yesterday, I went with Pat (I put his name in here because it makes Jon laugh) to West King and handed out some sandwiches and prayed with some of the men and women living there. It was a good pick-me-up for the day, and afterwards Pat and I discussed the Apocryphal books and whether or not they belong in the Bible and what significances they have. As it turns out, Flagler library has a great deal of books on religious themes. I picked up "Three Tretises" by Martin Luther, because I thought it might be an interesting read, and also because my history is a little vague during the Reformation.

The last two paragraphs had to be saved during my class, because I didn't want to be typing while my teacher was talking. It is now several hours later, and yet another change has happened in my life. I cut the long, luscious locks of hair that covered my head like an auburn crown. I must say though, I have missed not having to push the hair out of my eyes and worrying about clogging up the shower drain, like my sisters used to do (and probably still do, unless they have both shaved their heads). I am about ready to go to my next and final class of the week. It's really nice to just have 4 days of school, instead of 5.

Well, I better get going now. If you faithful readers could keep me in your prayers, I would appreciate it (I really need a job). Ta-ta for now!

-brodie

school's out

2006-12-07T09:11:00.000-06:00

Today I had my last final, which was more of a "handing in" than a final. It was for my drawing 2 class, and I felt like it was a cool piece. So, after I got up at 6:30, just to make it to my 8:00 class, I decided not to go back home, and instead just hang at the library (i'm sooooo cool). I am actually just killing time until I go to West King (the poor part of town) to hand out sandwiches and have a Bible study with some of the guys living out there. After that, I am going home to sleep and do laundry.

I was searching around the internet for interesting articles, and I came across a full episode of Penn and Teller: Bullcrap (it's actually the other word), and it was about the environment and how people are so caught up in it. It was pretty funny to watch, because they sent an informant to a rally, and she had a sign-up sheet to ban dihydrogen monoxide (water). She never lied about what it was. She would say stuff like, "It's inhabiting lakes and streams, and even finds its way into our foods!" They got hundreds of people to sign up, which is really funny. It's seems like everyone here is so hung up on saving the world, eating tofurkey, or just being plain stoopid (misspelled on purpose). Well, you know what? Tofurkey tastes like a mix of chalk and barf and the world does not need saving, unless by me, because only I have the powers to defeat the forces of evil and the dirty hippies who think just because sap is coming out from a tree, does not mean that it is crying because the other trees are being cut down.

-brodie

murder on the first coast

2006-10-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

I found out yesterday, as I was about to leave the last class of the day, that murder was committed not far from the school. I recieved an email today from the school saying it was a student, but one of my classmates said it was a former student. He was apparently killed over some drug money by two bums. Now, there is a huge population of transients who live in this general area, so it makes me wonder if we are actually safe here. The day of the murder I was actually in the general area of the crime scene, just about 3 hours before it took place, and although it isn't scary, I am a little more aware of my surroundings now.

In other news, I was approached by the college counselor to students attending Good News (the church that I go to) and he asked me to attend to college leaders group on Sunday nights. It's for guys and girls who he sees as potential Christian leaders in the community. I was really flattered by the offer and I told him that I was glad to attend the meetings. I don't know what to expect yet, but I am excited to be a part of something, to help out with other college aged kids in their spiritual lives. I still have many of my own obstacles to remove before I am able to serve Christ in all that I do and say, but I want to work towards that end goal. It is exciting to wake up everyday, read the scriptures, and realize that I am thankful to be alive and to serve Him another day of my life. Please pray that I would continue this path and that I would be able to realize this everyday, and to serve Christ to my fullest potential.

-brodie

WORD OF THE DAY: Swick - a mix of sweet and sick, and is definately the next "it" word.

old people scare me

2006-10-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching "Cloak and Dagger" on the tele and it confirms the fact that we shouldn't trust old people as much as we do. If old people (as on "Cloak and Dagger") are capable of masterminding a plan towards stealing plans of a high tech SR-71, then how are we able to trust them? I know that a majority of old people are living in old people's homes, but they could, in fact, creating plans to control the world. We give too much leeway to old people, and we need to recognize that they have ways of bringing about world war 3. Be aware brodie viewers! Do not trust old people! They can.... and will control the world, unless we stop them.

-brodie

the boy who loved the cold

2006-10-14T11:44:00.001-05:00

I have just finished writing my Spanish oral presentation as well as another diary entry for the class here at the library, and I feel good about them. It's a little windy outside, but the sun is shining and I feel so blessed to be alive. I went to go see a friend of mine play last night at a small restaurant called Cafe Centro. I really didn't expect much, but he was really good. He sang a bunch of songs from the 70's up until modern day music (but he didn't play Toad, so his score goes down one point in my book). And so here I am, while the sun is shining and the footbll games playing, writing in my blog. Don't worry though, I'll be leaving soon. Things to pray for me.

1. Possibly finding another place
2. School
3. Life

-brodie

finders keepers

2006-09-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

Our school library is one of the best I have ever seen. It's very large (3 stories) and new, which is nice because all the other buildings are really old here. Just last week, as I was leaving the library, I saw a stand that said "free books". Most of the books were about macro-economics or sports management books. I managed to find two books that I have heard of, but never bothered to pick up and read. The first was "Vanity Fair" by W.M. Thackeray and the other was "Ulysses" by James Joyce. Two days later, I made my way back to the library and as I was leaving, I noticed that they added some more books. The only one that caught my eye was "Herzog" by Saul Bellow. I've heard of the book before, and one of the main reasons I picked up that one was because Sufjan Stevens has a song about Saul Bellow on his "Avalanche" cd. Hopefully I will be able to finish all three of these in the next two years here, as well as post my thoughts and reviews of them. I am sure that Sarah and Nate have read all three of them, and I have read little excerpts about them. Besides that, not much is going on. Peace out homies.

-brodie

school of hard knots

2006-09-21T12:09:00.000-05:00

So it's only been a couple of weeks since I have started school, but it has been a non-stop, gut-wrenching, mistake-making, roller coaster ride. Out of my four classes, I have one class that you have to put in about 5 hours on average towards homework, another class that demands perfection, yet another class that has you searching for the right words, and still yet another that I can sleep through and still pass. So out of the four, three of them are back-busters. I am not one to be "soooo in love with school", so it has been hard for me to immerse myself in those three classes. I have pulled 5 all-nighters so far, so fatigue is something that I have not experienced to this degree so far. My drive is to get good grades in all classes, and it's honestly hard to focus and pull out of my classes with a good head on my shoulders. I keep repeating in my head, "Lord, please help me through this, help me to do well, and if I have to try again, let me do so with a cheerful attitude." This is also something that is hard. Trying again is something that I do not enjoy, but since I am not the best of students, it is something that I have to deal with.

-brodie

weird dream #2

2006-08-29T07:45:00.000-05:00

I knew that ever since I posted my first weird dream, that I would continue to have dreams of an unusual flavour. Last night I not only had a weird dream, but it was one that I wanted to continue to dream, even though I had to wake up at a certain time.

It started in a small desert town, where there wasn't much excitement going on. Me and two other friends: a blonde woman around my age and an older man (they were people that I didn't know). The three of us were robbing a bank at night. The funny thing about the bank, is that it didn't look like a bank. It looked like a rundown house with a safe in the kitchen where the stove should be. There were no alarms and no guards, and even though we had the lights on, there were no cars that would drive by. Two other people had come to the house/bank to help us out. It wasn't really help, but they decided to cook some small vienna sausages for us while we cracked the safe. I just think that they wanted a share of the money. As soon as we finished cracking the safe, we put the money in the bag and headed out. By then it was morning and we walked down the dusty driveway to our seperate destinations. As soon as we got to the end of the road, one of us realized that we had left the bag of money back at the house. As we turned around to retrieve the money, we saw a large truck pull up by the house/bank. The doors to the truck opened and out came four men and one very large woman in black suits and shades. We feared that they were FBI, but they held up their badges and said: "Mall Security".

I started out in a mad dash back to the house to get my money, but was cut off by the large woman. I decided that my life was worth more than the money we stole, so I ran along this large wall that was probably 10 feet tall. I thought I could jump over it, but it was too tall, so I kept running along the wall looking for a smaller section to hurdle over. One by one, my accomplices were captured by the Mall Security, only to be taken to who knows where. It was only me and the blonde (of course) left, and as I finally made it over the wall, I heard screams coming from the tall monument that looked like a mix between the Eiffel Tower and those oil well things in Texas. I quickly scaled up to the top of the tower, but I couldn't find the woman. All of a sudden, Lonnie appeared right next to me and pointed to the ledge right below where I was. "She's right there" is what he said. However, there was nothing there. I had little else to do but beleive Lonnie and jump on the ledge. After I did, I saw a small port hole that I could climb into, which I quickly did.

As soon as I landed on solid ground, I found the woman, looking scared, but feeling fine. I grabbed her hand and started running through rooms, but soon realized that most of the rooms were alike. I could hear my pursuers as clear as day, running after us and saying that we were in a labyrinth, and the way out was: "Left, Left, Left, Right, Yellow Door, Snake-Witch". The blonde and I followed to directions with haste, but as we came to the yellow door I remembered something I had seen on tv (in real life) many years before. It was a movie called "Clash of the Titans", and in it, Perseus had to fight the very stop-motiony Medusa. The way he beat her was with a mirror, so as soon as I entered the room with the yellow door, I put my hand over my eyes, and blindly looked for a mirror. Since my dreams almost always end in happiness, I found the mirror right away. Not only that, but I magically had a sword in my other hand. So I looked at the ground, held the mirror up, and swung my sword around, just hoping that her head would come in contact with the sharp blade. It did, and as soon as that happened, we were able to see where the exit was to the labyrinth. For my would-be captors, everything turned invisible (walls, doors, even us), so they could never find their ways out, and so they died a horrible death.

The dream ended shortly after me and the blonde escaped. Of course, we ran away with the money and lived a life of happiness. The End.

-brodie

Saturday is supposed to be fun!

2006-08-26T12:37:00.000-05:00

In case you don't already know, the title is written with sarcasm in mind. Last night wasn't a typical Friday for me. I spent around three hours, before I went to be, drawing this weird picture that I just could keep myself to leave unfinished until I went to sleep. Today, I awoke to Samuel L. Jackson telling me that I should ride my scooter down to the nearest cinema and watch "Snakes on a Plane". I was glad that he didn't swear at me, as per usual Sam Jackson style. Well Mr. Jackson, there is only one thing wrong with your so-called "plan": My scooter only goes 30 miles an hour. Traffic runs at around 45+ on the main drag, and it's about 7 miles to the nearest cinema that is showing your movie. Do the math!

On another note, I am sitting here at the library, looking at books, and perusing the internet, all the while I have stinky, sandal feet. I am sure the people on either side of me are wondering where the wonderful fragrance is coming from. So, what are plans for the rest of the day, you ask? First, I think I will go back to my home and change into shoes, and then I will see what mischief I can get myself into. I am starting an uber-wishlist now, so that well-wishers and gift-givers can endow lagniappes to me to better the college experience.

1. Laptop (So I don't have to sit at the Library and make people smell my grotesque foot smell)
2. Toe-nail clipper (How could I have forgotten to pack that!?!)
3. Nothing else at the moment.

-brodie

settled in

2006-08-25T11:45:00.000-05:00

So, I am settled in at my apartment in St. Augustine. The room is clean, apart from Lonnie's mess, which litters the floor of my not-so spacious room. Everything is going smoothly so far. I need to get in contact with a bank around the area so I can transfer my funds and I need to do a little more shopping, but other than that everything seems to be in working order. Last night, Lonnie and I cruised around town on the scooter, just looking for trouble. Of course, not much trouble comes to two men who ride around on a scooter, just weird looks. We played some putt-putt golf (which I lost horribly) and we ended up at Stoagie's Jazz and Cigar Bar, which Lonnie loved. Anyways, that has been the journey so far. Lonnie is going to Orlando tonight, so I will probably be wandering around the streets of St. Augustine, looking for some trouble by myself.

-brodie

Coffee and Pie, Oh My?

2006-08-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Jon and I are spreading the wonderful gospel of "Brick". I have seen the movie two and a half times since we rented it yesterday, and it has a way of gripping you in it's involving story and not letting you go. Set up as a neo-noir, the movie is centered around a young high-schooler, who in a way, exudes Sam Spade through and through. His path is a dark one, filled with crossings and double-crossings, rousing dialogue, and action that will excite any geek who has had his fill of swirlys in high school. Watch it, if you know what's good for you. If you don't, well I'll consider it an offense against mankind or at least to the kid from 3rd Rock from the Sun.

-brodie

my side hurts

2006-08-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

My trip to Flagler was a rip-roaring success. Not only did we (Jon and I) have a good time mingling with the ladies-sah, but the overall experience was a great one. That is untile I got in a car wreck. Well....I guess you can't say that I got in a wreck, but that a wreck happened to me. So, I was driving down I-95 (northbound) and a SUV veered into the side of my car (actually it was my mom's car). Now, the damage was minimal, meaning that the passenger side door was bent in a way that it couldn't open and the right side mirror was hanging by a few wires. After I was hit, I pulled off onto the right hand side of the road, and the SUV pulled onto the left hand side of the road. Fast forward 1 HOUR!!!! Finally, the highway patrolman arrived at the scene of the crime and told me that I should move to the right hand side of the road, where the SUV was. Now, I felt a little apprehensive about doing that, because I wanted to knock the block off of the person who caused the accident. Now, I know that sounds a bit irrational, and if it was a woman driving, than I probably wouldn't have those deep feelings of wanting to knock the block off the driver, but I wasn't sure what sex the driver was. I soon found out though. The cop asked for the driver's license and insurance of the two drivers. As I gave him (the po-po) my paperwork, a young girl gave her paperwork as well. By my guess, she seemed as if she was at least 16 (but I soon found out later that she was 15). First of all, I believe that a father should not let their 15 year old daughter drive a SUV on a crowded highway. Secondly, she told the cop that the car in the lane to her left was veering over into her lane, and that was the reason why she violently careened into my car. Now, I am sure that all my dedicated viewers have been in situations where a car has looked like it could possibly move into your lane. Well I am sure that this girl thought that the car next to her would have moved into her lane, but her emotions guided her to move into my lane, which was occupied by me. After all was said and done, I was able to drive the rest of the way home.

In a more serious note, It was only by God's providence that we were not hurt and that the car was driveable.

-lucas

need some help

2006-08-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

Tae-ho just finished reading "Lord of the Flies" and he asked me what the underlying meaning of the book was. I told him it was losing youthful innocence, but I also mentioned that he (Golding) wrote the book as a counter to "Catcher in the Rye". If anyone knows if this is true or not, and the reason why, comment.

-brodie

If offended....look away

2006-07-19T18:33:00.000-05:00

To start off, this may offend some people who don't take humor too well. So if you want to keep reading, bear in mind, that this rant is part jest and part annoyance. That said, I will continue.

Today I was working at Home Depot, and as I was taking a break, I saw this slightly overweight elderly gentleman who was riding in one of those scooters that most big stores (i.e. Wal-Mart and the like) carry. He was riding ahead of his wife, who (mind you) was walking. After finding what they needed and buying their items, the man eased out of the scooter (much like a lame person that could *magically* walk after a visit to the great Benny Hinn). By then, my jaw was already on the floor at the disbelief that this man was too lazy to walk around for maybe 10 minutes. Now this is not a knock on people who actually need to use these scooters because of handicaps and such, but it is aimed at those men (and women....cause I have seen them do it more often) who can't tough it out for a couple of minutes.

Maybe a part of me is jealous that they get to ride those snail-paced scooters and I have to walk around everywhere.....wait....no it's not (okay...yeah it is). Mostly I am just dissappointed at the total lack of understanding that these people have. He could have at least given his wife a ride in the basket! This is just another example of how lazy people have become, and I wouldn't be surprised if Anheuser-Busch reads this post and makes this the butt of their next "Real Men of Genius" jokes.

We salute you, "The lazy man, who fakes like he can't walk and uses scooters just to make everyone mad."

-brodie

weird dream #1

2006-05-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

I have lots of weird dreams, and I am almost sure I have talked about a couple of them on this blog, but since it is almost a regular occurance for me to have a weird dream, I have decided to post them, starting from one and going on until I get tired of posting them. The first weird dream in question happened last night...

Sometimes when you see something, such as a picture or a letter, before bedtime, it will trigger what happens in your dream. Even your everyday thoughts can find their way into your dreams. I remember when I was younger (probably 5 or so) I desperately wanted to dream that I was a gunner in charge of mortars, shooting airplanes out of the sky. I asked my brother if he was able to dream about things that he wanted to dream about. His answer was "yes", and I was amazed. I wanted to learn this secret of being able to dream about things that thought would be cool, so I asked him how he did it. He told me that all you had to do was to think about it really hard (right before you fell asleep) and your dream would follow from those thoughts. Well, I tried it and it didn't work. However, from that day forward, I started to have weird dreams. I have talked to people who have told me that they have weird dreams also, but theirs never even come close to mine. In my Senior High School English class, my teacher would try to interpret our dreams, but I never had the guts to tell her the stuff that I had dreamt about. Anyways, now that I have explained about how I came about this interesting gift (yes, I am gifted), I will tell you about my dream.

Shortly before I went to bed, I was talking to my mom. As we were talking, I looked at a picture we have of Lonnie and all his brothers and sisters (his wife included) on our refridgerator. I went to bed later and my dream began.

I was back in Washington, attending my school reunion. I saw former friends and people I didn't even recognize, although I knew them somehow. I was instantly transported from the reunion to Lonnie's house (instant-transmission happens alot in my dreams). But he wasn't living in his own house (in real life, Lonnie lives with his wife in their own home), he was living in his parent's home. He was giving me a tour, and he told me that his parents and his wife's parents gave them a great gift. He led me down the stairs, and it started to become more dark and cramped. He told me that his parents (on both sides) had built him a room for him and his wife. This "room" was more like a small space with two seperate beds. It looked like the below decks of a olde pirate ship, complete with hardwood floors, dimly lit candles, and little anime figurines on shelves (what!?!). I was completely shocked at this life that my good friend was leading, but then my dream ended.

Okay, so this one wasn't that weird, but as the list continues, there will be more weird ones.

-brodie

oh joyous life i lead!

2006-05-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

It's been almost a month since I last posted on my blog. For me, it was a time of self-reflection and also a little bit of laziness. I'd be the first to admit that I am not that good at keeping my blog up to date, but I just don't have any interesting stories like my friends do. I am living a normal, albeit haphazard life. It's just a bunch of work and sleep, with little bits of fun squished in between. I have taken this duty of adulthood with solemnity and solace (err...yeah).

Anyways, there are things I must do before I am off to bed, but I promise to all my faithful readers, that I will write something with more substance later this week. So to all, I wish that you have a happy week!

-brodie

there's a little black spot on the sun today

2006-04-18T23:13:00.000-05:00

So today wasn't much different from any other day. Just a little work, some sun (while working), and now just a little bit of "The Police" and some homework. I did have a weird dream last night about having a class reunion at my old high school (I can't believe it's been 4 years). Well, I guess time flies when you live in Florida.

-brodie

two jobs

2006-04-04T23:19:00.000-05:00

In a way, I am kind of like Superman. Bear with me as I explain this in detail. I have posted about the job that I have in minute detail, and in this job, I assemble bicycles, furniture, grills, and other odds-and-ends. However, I have another job that very few people know about. My second job is farming. Yes, you read that right, I am a farmer. I own a small plot of land, grow veggies, and even have some chickens to take care of. Many of you readers are unaware of this fact, but it is true. My first job is very much like a Clark Kent ordeal. I go to work, slave over the daily duties I am assigned, and receive pay for it. But, when I return home, I put on my cape and take off my glasses and become Superman.

After reading the above paragraph, you probably think I am lying, but I am not. I am just merely revealing the surface of the truth. In all actuality, I am not a REAL farmer, but I own a video game called Harvest Moon, in which you control a farmer. Gotcha didn't I? I play video games still, even though most people look on them as adolescent or useless time wasters. However, if I were only limited to playing one game, it would be Harvest Moon. Not only do you control the farmer, you are the farmer. It may seem a little mundane, being a farmer and all, but with added features, such as marraige, you become involved in this mundane world. In the latest game in the series, you have 10 potential wives to pursue, and I have narrowed my search down to two. They are:

Gwen: Even though she has red eyes, which may be a deterant to some, her blonde locks and her awesome 80's fashionwear give her two thumbs up in my book.

Eve: Oh! What a perfect name for a perfect woman. Her Spanish attire has me (or rather my character) bound in knots. Her sultriness is a sight to behold by any man (real or computer generated).

Hopefully one of these two will be mine to have and to hold soon.

I know that you must think me crazy to be writing about a game in such a doting manner, but it truly is a great waste of time.

STORY TIME!!!

When I was playing this game the other day, I had some gel in my hair, so it stood straight up. Afterwards, I put a bandana around my head to look cool, even though I was at home and nobody was around. When I was walking around in the game, I noticed a character who looked eerily similar to my then current appearance.

When I showed my mom the picture of the above character (whose name is Kurt), she started to laugh, because she saw the striking resemblance between her handsome son and the dashing man in the video game. However, I do not put gel in my hair often, so I end up looking like this guy most of the time:

-brodie

back again

2006-04-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

I am sorry about the lack of posts on my blog. Of course, I am sure that not many people are interested in the writings that I occasionally post on here. I do it entirely for the lack of interesting things to do in my free time and for los madres de azucar that love my blog. Whoa! I just took a glance at the clock on the computer and it said 7:47....you know, like the airplane. Anyways, not much has happened that makes my life even half-way interesting. I work, I go to school, hang out with friends, etc. I can't wait till I get to Flagler (sigh). I'll post some more later on.

-brodie

what to say...

2006-03-09T21:45:00.000-06:00

Well...not much happened today. Just school and work. A on-going monotonous relationship that doesn't seem to end, but it is monotony in a bearable way. I just downloaded two songs by a group called Nightmares on Wax, and it reminds me of some of the tunes off of Samurai Champloo, however Anna just asked me, "Could you put on some headphones or something?". Obviously my little sister has a lot to learn about good music.

Speaking of work (good transitioning Luke!), I am always faced with the difficult task of keeping my alter-ego from taking over. He doesn't have a name, but he goes by Sarcasm Boy (or Sultan of Smarminess, if you will). It seems like, every now and then, people say the dumbest stuff, or in my case, make the stupidest of suggestions. I was putting together a Gazebo tonight, and a customer came in with a bent piece from the same Gazebo (which he bought earlier today). Since I don't work for any of the stores that I assemble at, I don't actually need to talk to the customers. However, since I am asked by every single customer where the St. Augustine grass is or what colors do these bricks come in, I generally try to help them out. Anyways, back to the story. So this guy had a bent piece of the same Gazebo that I was building, but I wasn't just building it, I was creating a masterpiece of rails, nuts, and bolts on the very ground that these BX workers and customers were treading on. Working next to me was this mid-thirties, ex-Army, tattooed excuse for a man, trying to keep up with the glory of my masterpiece Gazebo, or as I called it: Gazebo of the gods (like Mt. Olympus, but with a screen, to keep out those pesky bugs). So the customer asked if he could get a replacement piece, and the BX worker turned a wayward eye to my Gazebo, then turned to me and said: "How about taking one of the pieces out of the one your building and giving it to him?". First thing I thought was: This guy is crazy. Second, I thought: There is no way I am going to tear apart this magnum opus and give him one of my pieces. There were only two thoughts, but it only took a split second for my roar of a response. All joking aside, I had actually spent close to 3 hours building this Gazebo, and it looked like crap, but it was from a Chinese company, so any fault in the beastly Gazebo was with the Chinese, not me. I told him no, but I really wanted to say something really sarcastic or smarmy, but I was really tired (I was on my 10th hour of work by then) and everybody knows that sarcasm does not work when you are tired. Really! Just the nerve of that guy asking for my piece of Gazebo!

Well, that was quite a story! I am going to go play Tae-Ho on the XBox now. As it stands now: Americans 2 - Koreans 0. Hahaha!

-brodie

update

2006-02-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

It's taken quite awhile for me to sit back down again and write about my perfectly imbalanced life. I decided not to stay on just one topic, but talk about a smattering of issues.

Stars
First of all, I want to thank Britney for showing Jon and I this wonderful little piece of music. It's got some great songs, and if you like the band Broken Social Scene, then you would like this one.

Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness (Vol. 3)
I have been waiting for over a year to read the 3rd chapter in the life of Scott Pilgrim. This series is very funny and ultra-cool. It should be coming out soon, but I can never seem to have any luck with Amazon, so who knows when it will be out.

Gedo Senki (Tales from Earthsea)
A little while ago, I posted about a movie called Howl's Moving Castle, which is a Japanese feature length cartoon movie. And while I am still waiting for it to come out on video, I have come across Studio Ghibli's (the animation company) new movie, which is based off of the Earthsea books by Ursula K. Le Guin. The animation of Studio Ghibli's movies have always impressed me and the story-lines are great too. Gedo Senki looks to build upon the Studio Ghibli's impressive reputation, but I fear that I will have to wait some time before I can get my hands on it.

Harvest Moon: Magical Melody
One of my favorite series of video games is back in full force! The premise of the Harvest Moon series is that you control a farmer who lives out his days tending crops, milking cows, and wooing women. It seems like a weird thing to do, but it is very addicting, especially trying to make your farm free of weeds and rocks.

Alas! That is all I have for a little while. Be sure to watch tonight's episode of 24, as it is sure to be a good one.

-brodie

mirrormask

2006-02-16T18:44:00.000-06:00

I just saw this really weird movie last night called MirrorMask. Jon and I were sitting in my room watching the movie and wondering how much weirder it could turn out. It was in the vein of Labyrinth mixed with a smidgeon of Alice in Wonderland. Everything about the movie kept my interest going, even in the dreamworld. I had this weird dream after I finished the movie. I am going to have to watch the movie again tonight just to experience the weirdness for a second time.

-brodie

the best lost theory yet

2006-01-25T08:09:00.000-06:00

I had thought that the theory about the good and evil factions on the TV show Lost was the most likely. As of today, I am convinced otherwise (at least in some ways). Follow this link here to read what I am talking about: link

-luke

a short break

2006-01-25T00:27:00.000-06:00

I really didn't mean to not post in quite a long time. The only thing was that I didn't feel like there was enough going on in my life to be writing on this blog. How bout I write something tomorrow, because I feel really tired right now.

-luke

time passes...

2005-12-26T21:29:00.000-06:00

really slowly in my life...or so it seems. I guess work and school does make it pass by a little faster, but overall life seems slow. I, for one, am one of those people who expect that everything in life should fall into line one after another in perfect cohesion (not unlike Tetris). Alas! It's not quite that way. I wouldn't neccessarily say that I am in a rut, but it's hard to become excited about doing the same things every day, whether it be work or school or life. Each day when I wake up, I think that maybe today is the day that something big happens.

-luke

update on things

2005-12-12T22:55:00.000-06:00

My final fall semester before what is hopefully the start of a new school has been completed. I still have to sit in on one class tomorrow, but I am not so worried about that. Most all of my finals went well, however the pictures that I promised my faithful blog viewers didn't turn out quite like I wanted them to (more on that later). I am also looking for a job, and I seemed to find the perfect job today (a part-time Graphics assistant at OW) but it was already filled.

I was searching the internet today and I came acrossed a do-it-yourself article about how to make a macro lens for your camera for under $5 (most macro lenses are pretty expensive). It involves using a Pringles can, which seems pretty interesting, so I will have to try it out. For those of you who are not camera-literate, a macro lens is used to take pictures of things really close-up.

In other news, King Kong is playing this week, and Jon and I will most likely be going to the midnight showing on Wednesday. It looks like it will be a good movie, so I am looking forward to it.

Okay, so on with the story about the pictures. I arrived at the Photo Lab at about 12:30 and I ended up staying there till 5:00 or so, trying to get some good prints. The only problem is, if the chemicals used to develop the pictures are used several times (which they were) they end up changing the color of the prints to a nasty yellow color. Most of the copy prints that I developed had this problem, but I tried my best to crop them. However, the print of the Trinity Bench was missing, so I didn't get the chance to develop any copies of those. I do have some copies (albeit cropped ones) so some of you can either pass on your copies till a later date or you can have the ones I printed out.

Lastly, I just want to mention (for all you beer enthusiasts out there) that I am drinking a beer called Maudite and it is positively out of this world. It's not as thick as a Chimay, but it has a kick to it and it tastes good as well. I found some at the Publix in Destin, and I suggest that you all try some (or at least those who like beer).

That's it for today. I hope that everyone does well on their finals and that they have a safe ride back home.

-brodie

picture requests taken here

2005-12-02T12:40:00.000-06:00

Next week I will be developing the last of my pictures for my Photography class. If anyone would like an 8x10 copy of any of the pictures I have posted (or ones that I haven't) than I could do that for you. Just leave your requests in the comment section and I'll jot them down.

-brodie

ah....art

2005-11-29T21:49:00.000-06:00

I have finally finished my portfolio for Flagler College and I intend on sending it off with my prayers tomorrow. I really hope that I get in, but I can't not think about the other side of the equation. I could be refused from the college, and frankly I don't know what I would do if I was not accepted into the college. I would ask that all of those who read my blog would keep me in their prayers as I wait for the news. In the meantime, I have some pictures from a long day of scanning to present to my loyal fans. Here they are.

This one was taken outside of the old theater by Leaf and Ladle.

The famed bottle tree in Sarah and Nathanael's backyard.

A photo of a painting at the J.W. Marriott in Orlando.

The bench outside of Trinity.

My shadow pointing to where we live (or as close as I could remember).

The number of someone's destroyed house in Biloxi.

Cat-eyed statues in my front yard.

A set of new-fangled monkey bars at a park in Bluewater.

That's all I have for now. I hope you enjoy them.

-luke

hello...goodbye

2005-11-22T23:39:00.000-06:00

Four years in the making, and it happened last Friday. Sitting in the front row, looking at the faces of Sean, Sarah, Chris, and the bass player gave me chills but also filled me with a warm frenzy. I completely forgot that I was with other people (in my group) and I'm sorry, but I was not about to let some 40 somethings get better seats than I had, just because they paid 10 minutes before the show.

I was looking back on my past posts, and I came across one that read "light at the end of the tunnel" and I was trying to figure if I had done everything on the list. I can honestly say that I have fulfilled all except for 4. Although, I guess number 3 was more like half-done, but I'm still working on that.

I hope that all of you have a great Thanksgiving.

-brodie

in earnest...

2005-11-14T22:16:00.000-06:00

My week is coming to a close. I know that it's only Monday night, but I only have a day left until I make my trek down to Orlando on a Greyhound. Most people have negative comments about their own Greyhound trips, but like Jon said, "You'll meet some interesting people." Personally, I think I'll just slip on my iPod and listen to some Sufjan, Brandi Carlile, Damien Jurado, and Nickel Creek and read Peter Pan to get me through the 10 hour trip.

Tomorrow, I have my second to last photo presentation in Photography class. I have lined up a few good pictures from the past week, so I should be able to get a good response from the Philisophical Peers (or the PP heads, as I like to call them...haha).

As I come to a close of this short post, I would like to give out some thank-yous and sorrys to some of my friends.

Lonnie - Thanks for all the great stuff. I really enjoy Brandi Carlile's cd and I am just starting to get into the Peter and Wendy book and I am loving the content so far.

Michael - To a great season at coaching soccer. We should have won more, but that's life, I guess.

Jon - Thanks for putting me up at the Advance and also for putting me up at the hotel in Orlando (in advance). I probably wouldn't have gone if you didn't go.

Sarah - Sorry for being a little distant. Things have changed for the both of us, but I still count you as a great friend. I hope that you will find an emerging joy in all areas of your life (relationships, school, and God).

Thomas - Thanks for the great conversation about Africa. I don't know if you will ever read this, but I hope that the Lord will bless you in the coming year.

-luke

it's funny how...

2005-11-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

...a bottle of Chimay can change the whole day for you. For those of you who don't know what Chimay is....well...it's a beer. However, it's not just "a beer", it's a beer that is made by trappist monks in Belgium. It tastes like an earthy wine, and with small sips, you taste something that will awaken your senses.

Okay, so maybe it's not quite like that, but it is a really good beer. On their website, it says, "Here, in this heaven of peace and silence where since 1850 Trappist monks have dedicated their life to God, products are made which, in themselves, gladden the heart of man." What a way to sell a beer! Some may shake their head at this post, but it won't be just about a good beer. I am just happy because I am enjoying a bottle of Chimay (and you should be too!).

Another thing that I am enjoying immensely is Imogen Heap's new cd (Yes Jon. I finally got it!). I have been a fan of Imogen's work since I first saw the trailer for Garden State when I was staying in Peru. Since then, I have listened to her old work (which was only okay) and also have followed her new work, with interest. After many mix-ups with Amazon, I was able to snag a copy (via ITunes). If you have never heard any of Frou Frou's (a collaboration with a producer) or Imogen Heap's music, then you need too! Her new cd is amazing! So far, I have pinpointed my favorite song. It's called The Walk and it's about a one-sided relationship (know a lot about those). Anna and I were dancing around the room to this song earlier. It's funny, because you would think that a song about this nature would be slower and darker, but it's really upbeat. We even tried to get Tae-Ho to dance with us, but I think he was too embarrassed. We told him to look up the word "party pooper" because we called him that after he declined to dance in a circle while the song was playing. Oh well.

Well, it's been great to explain about beers and music, but I must head off to bed. I hope to see some of you at this weekend.

-brodie

[dp]

from my lips

2005-11-06T00:28:00.000-06:00

I was sifting through my little black book, looking for inspiration for my next post and I came across this poem which I probably let loose on some girl in the past. To preface the poem, I just want to say that each poem I usually write concerns something that usually happened (mostly what went wrong). Also, the poems usually never rhyme and have little to no flow. That said, here is the poem:

Steps~

The helpless mind is forever lost.
Giving into black and white photos of the past,
And the technicolor dreams of the future.

How am I able to repay,
The debts that I have acquired?
Whether I planned on buying into them or not?

Will my dreams be shattered as glass,
Each piece as brittle and broken as the next?
Or can I piece them together again?

The future is a few steps ahead.
Do I stop now and wait for nothing?
Or take those steps in earnest?

-luke

we grew up in spite of it

2005-11-04T01:45:00.000-06:00

Nary a day goes by when I don't listen to "Romulus". While the song doesn't even hit remotely close to home with it's context, it still moves me to an extent. And while I could go on talking about Sufjan Stevens, I would be misleading those who read this. I just stole a line from the song for my title, because it was the only line that stuck out while listening to it.

So as the title (sort of) refers to, the post is about growing up. Let me start by posing a question.

When do you know you grow up?

I don't mean physically growing up, and I don't want anyone to answer the question in my comments queue, because everyone probably has their own answers to the question. The reason I ask this question is because I am curious. Sometimes I will logon to AIM to chat with old friends from all over. Usually the friend asks me how I am and I will do the same in return. Then we get down to the deeper questions, such as "What's going on in your life now?". Not such a hard question to answer, but I am always thinking (as maybe the person on the other end is as well) of the real question-behind-the-question, which is "Have you changed?". The immediate answer to that question would be "yes", because your lives change each day. However, as I said before, I don't mean physical changes that encompass your life. What brings about these non-physical changes? Break-ups, relationships, God, death, life, friends, family, Scripture, teachers, etc. These are all things that will change a person for either the better or worse.

Now that I have explained a little bit about the question, let me tell you a secret. I am afraid. This deep seeded fear may come from the fact that most all of my life, and still to this day, I live a double life. Now, I can almost hear the minds of those reading this blog (e.s.p.) and they either think one of two things, or both of them. One would be disbelief at the fact that I am leading a double-life, and all I can say is "calm down, read on.". The other response would have to be the smart-alecky one: "Yeah? So what? We all live double lives (to an extent).". To those, I would say "Stop drinking hate-o-rade, and keep reading.".

As I said before, we (or at least I do) often wonder at how our friends have changed, but that is where my fear comes into play. Sometimes I am afraid that I haven't changed all that much. Much like a nervous tick, it stings me at the most inopportune times.

I was voted "class clown" my Senior year of High School. Why? I really wasn't funny (still aren't) and I didn't do anything to garner a "clown" status, and unless it had to do with moving a seat from under a classmate before prayer, then watching her hit her head on the desk very loudly, then I am still befuddled as to why I got the priviledge/curse of being the "class clown".

To end this menagerie of paragraphs, I will return to the double-sidedness of my self. On one hand I am a really friendly, outgoing person. On the other hand, I keep to myself, giving into my emotions, maybe a little too much. I want sometimes to shrug off that "class clown" persona that I may or may not have (because I did not label myself that!), but I am so ashamed of how withdrawn I am from others.

Have I changed? I don't know. That's my fear.

-luke

site design

2005-11-02T22:50:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in awhile because I haven't felt like anything has gone in my life that is worth noting. I am tweaking the site (again) in attempts to be part-way satisfied with the way it looks. I don't like the header though, so I will probably get someone to change it.

Last week was a bore, but I'll soon forget it.

-brodie

winter is coming...

2005-10-26T00:53:00.000-05:00

The phrase "winter is coming" is from one of my favorite sci-fi/fantasy books. Not only was it used to herald the beginning of winter, but it also signaled that harsh times are upon us. Well, harsh times are not upon me, at least for the moment. However, the weather is starting to make that shift into my favorite season of the year. You would probably be hard pressed to find someone who loves the cold as much as I do (maybe Sarah M.) and even though I sometimes complain abut the cold, I am never tired of it.

As a new season dawns, I welcome the cold into my life.

-brodie

hrmmmmm

2005-10-18T23:32:00.000-05:00

I felt hesistant to post this picture because it wasn't like the photos that I posted before. In fact, it isn't a photo at all. It is a little strange, but as soon as I finished, I loved it.

You may actually have to click on the picture to see it up close, so you can see all the little pencil lines. Also, feel free to guess what it is, because none of my friends and family have guessed correctly on their first try.

-brodie

.:q-->~p

2005-10-16T23:20:00.000-05:00

be still, sad heart! and cease repining;

behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
thy fate is the common fate of all,
into each life some rain must fall,
some days must be dark and dreary.

- henry wadsworth longfellow

Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!
Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd,
As home his footsteps he hath turn'd
From wandering on a foreign strand!
If such there breathe, go, mark him well;
For him no Minstrel raptures swell;
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust, from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung.

- sir walter scott

therefore, we know that q does not equal p

-luke

"i'm fine."

2005-10-15T11:36:00.000-05:00

I have been sitting here, looking at the computer screen for a couple of minutes, trying to think of what to say about Elizabethtown. I saw the movie last night with a couple of friends, and to tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting that it would be a good movie. I am not a huge fan of either Kirsten Dunst or Orlando Bloom, but I do like most of Cameron Crowe's films. I almost didn't see the movie, because I read a couple of reviews that gave the movie one star, but I am glad that take that one star to heart. The movie itself is not perfect, mostly due to certain points where the pacing becomes slow, but it is one of the best movies I have seen in a while. Many may criticize me for liking the movie as much as I did, but I don't care about people's criticism for me or the movie.

In the beginning of the movie we were introduced to a young man named Drew, who was a hot-shot shoe designer, and subsequently cost his company millions by a shoe of his own design. One of the things I noticed was how, in the flashback scenes at the company party, his boyish happiness reminded me of Tom Cruise's character in Jerry Maguire. After the shoe fiasco, Drew learns of his father's death and leaves to Elizabethtown, Kentucky to say goodbye one last time. Along the way, he meets some interesting characters, one of whom is Claire. Since I have given you a small synopsis of the movie, will now entreat you to what I think about certain things in the movie.

To begin, the music in the movie, made the movie flow. This is the South's answer to the Garden State soundtrack. Artists like Tom Petty, Patty Griffin, Wheat, the Hollies, and the Hombres make up a part of the soundtack and ultimately make the movie seem more like an enjoyable roadtrip (with windows rolled down, of course). The side story about Drew and his dead father, and making a connection with those people who knew him well, was a little distracting from what I thought was the main attraction of the film (the girl), but the movie wasn't just a love story. It was also about this young man, trying to recall memories of a father that he didn't know too well.

But the love story itself gets its own paragraph. This, in my mind, was the plat du jour of the entire course. In most flicks where the guy gets the girl in the end, you can't really see similarities with most of the characters. I am talking about movies like, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Sleepless in Seattle, Ever After or any other movie that confuses reality with fiction. In one scene, Drew and Claire talked on the phone for hours, making conversation about anything and everything, and then deciding to meet up and watch the sunrise. The relationship between the two of them was verging on something more than a friendship, but they were both hesitant. They both had things holding them back, and you find yourself hoping that even though they proclaimed themselves friends, there would be that chance that they would get together in the end. I'm not going to say what happens in the end, but I ask that you go see the movie (yes, even you coffeehouse misanthropes) and see for yourself.

-luke

ah...the refreshing bite of the palisade wasp!

2005-10-14T01:43:00.000-05:00

There is not much to blog about today. I actually completely ignored my teacher in Art History class, because I didn't want a repeat of Tuesday. So I took a handout of The School of Athens that was completely blank (the characters and the background of the school were just outlines) and I drew in my interpretation of different things. Overall, I think Raphael would be pleased. Actually now that I think of it, there was one weird thing that happened to me today, and it involved a girl (oh joy).

Story time! As I was sitting down, before my Art History class, I was approached by a girl from my Spanish class. She put a piece of Spanish homework in front of me and asked for help. So I helped her out, and then she asked if I was free to tutor her, but she didn't use the word "tutor". So I gave her my number and times to reach me. The thing was, the way she came acrossed was kind of weird, because she could have asked someone else to help her, especially since they have Spanish tutors down the hall from our classroom. She even promised to pay me...then she changed her mind to cooking for me. Does it look like I need food? Anyways, I was quite scared when I actually thought about it. I enjoy helping others out, but I really don't want her to ply her womanly trades on me. Of course, she could only need help on her Spanish and nothing else. We'll see.

-brodie

insanity infiltrates my brain (get out!)

2005-10-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

I knew I shouldn't have gone to school today. My uncanny sixth sense from this morning could have saved me from an hour and a half of pure, 190 proof insanity. So, I have decided to blog about that insanity that I have gone through today, as well as some added insanity I experienced last week. This seems like a good time to mesh the two together and get it over with.

On with the story! So, I have 3 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I only have to go to 2 most of the time (the third is photography, and I only have to attend on days when we present photos, which is what my second story pertains to). My first class, Spanish, is relatively easy. My second class, Art History II, you think I would like, because of all the cool art that was created in the time periods that we are studying at this point in time. Today we were studying Leonardo Da Vinci, and I just knew that one of these art students would bring in something about Dan Brown. Don't get me wrong, Dan Brown is a pretty good writer. I even read Angels and Demons, but his other book, The Da Vinci Code seems to have a negative effect on people who are not Christians. In fact, the book makes them zombies and they in turn, believe every single word or prophecy that he writes. Too bad they don't turn into real zombies, because then they could be more easily dealt with (you got red on you).

The whole class was looking at the painting, The Last Supper, by Da Vinci and our teacher was telling us about how the character to the left of Jesus (supposedly John or James) looks more like Mary Magdalene than a guy. The figure does look a little feminine, but it is way too blurry to actually tell who it is. Our teacher points out that it could be Mary, because she was considered an apostle as well. WHAT?!? From that point on, the conversation went haywire. One guy to my left raised his hand and spoke about how they (who's they? other women?) found scriptures written by women and that the church hadn't put it in the Bible before because it was women who wrote it and that isn't right. Several women in the class made comments supporting this statement, also saying that Bibles are now being re-printed to include the works of these women. All the while I was shaking my head and thinking that Guttenburg was turning in his grave. Next, my teacher gets this goofy looking smile on her face (which she does a lot) and says, "How many of you think that Jesus and Mary could actually have descendants in the world today?" Once again, I made myself known with a "No" and a shake of the head. However, I was drowned out by a chorus of "Yes". The reasoning that she used to prove to the class that it was, in fact Mary Magdalene to Jesus' right, was a system of pyramids. She said that the group of apostles to Jesus' right and left made up pyramids in form. The two pyramids come together to form a large "M", which (of course) represents Mary. Here, let me demonstrate:

Here's what I drew up to counter her pyramid theory:

Thankfully I am not a zombie. Zombies are definitely not cool.

My second story is a little bit shorter, but just as insane. Actually, it is more aggravating than anything. Last week, in photography class, we had our second photo presentation. My first one went well, except for the unbridled talking that was going on. Our second presentation was no different, except for one thing. In our first presentation, I presented second, because my name ends in a "B". On our second round of presentations, my teacher got the bright idea to switch it up and start from the end of the alphabet first. We can't leave early, and going to the bathroom, even to get away from the crazy people, was not tolerated, so I had to sit in the classroom for two hours, all the while listening to these people speak. Luckily, I stayed alive by moving my pencil back and forth in motions called "writing" and "drawing". Simply put, to pass the time, I drew cartoons of different people in the class that were annoying me, and I wrote down quotes from various people. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure:

"I find serenity and great peace in these photos."
~woman talking about a photo of a seagull

"This one of your dog is really cute! It's almost like he's saying 'watch me!'".
~girl commenting on picture of a chiuaua in a tutu

"It reminds me of taking time to relax."
~someone talking about a picture with a pair of ugly feet

"Your feet tell a story"
~same as above

"My grandparents have a peacock farm....so looking at your picture of the peacock feather reminds me of my grandparents."
~girl talking about a picture of a peacock feather, but clearly misunderstands that she is supposed to make a comment about the girl who took it, not of her own life

Hopefully, by tomorrow, my world will return to it's normal course, but one can never be too sure.

-brodie

Quelqu'un M'a Dit

2005-10-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

This is one of those days where I wish I didn't have to go to school. The weather is nice outside and I can imagine that Carla Bruni is telling me to skip my classes and drink coffee and watch old movies all day. Alas, I am drinking the last of the coffee right now, and I've seen all the old movies in this house. I guess I will have to meander to class soon, but at least I will do it fully awake.

-brodie

random chatter

2005-10-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Today was a not unlike the weather that we had here. It didn't rain hard but it did sprinkle...the whole day. So, in my mind, the weather epitomized how my day was....it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

The day started out okay, but then I had my first class: Photography. Today was our second presentation, and the teacher decided to start from the end of the class to the beginning. Since my last name starts with "B" that virtually puts me at dead last. I had to sit through commentative hell for 2 hours. This girl, who conveniently sat in front of me, made it a point to comment on every single picture that was put on display. I wouldn't have much of a problem with her comments.......if they were ORIGINAL! Let me just give you an example of what was emitted from her mouth:

Presenter: This picture....I love, because of how the shadows make the object seem ethereal.

Crazy Girl: I really love that picture too! The shadows I love! They make the object seem more....ethereal...or whatever you said.

2 hours of the same comments over and over again made me want to just go back home and sleep the rest of the day.

It wasn't too bad after classes, but as Lonnie knows well, the most trying times can come from parents. I love my parents a lot, but when I hear comments like:

"So what happened with you and so-and-so" or "It's okay, you will find someone soon" or even "Luke doesn't have a girlfriend either. But someday!" The last comment was made to Tae-ho (our live-in Korean exchange student after asking if he had a girlfriend) at dinner time.

Now I don't consider that as "depressing" and that's why I posted it, but chatter like that either makes me want to leave the dinner table or crawl up in a hole somewhere...or both.

Can't wait for tomorrow.

-luke

books

2005-10-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

I picked up some books on my weekly visit to the library, and am hoping that I can finish them in the allotted time I was given. Here are the books I checked out:

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin - This is a book that I have read before, but the author is coming out with a new one in this series, and I have to go back and re-read the first three before getting the new one. The book is a work of fiction and it centers around different families who are either vying for power or trying to stay alive. The author is an excellent writer and I read somewhere that this series was a fictional off-shoot of The War of the Roses. Overall, a great book.

It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider by Jim Henson and friends - I am a big muppets fan, and when I saw this book, which is more of a collection of witty sayings and quotes, I had to sit down and read it. It looks interesting, but I haven't read all the quotes yet, so we'll see.

Jarhead by Anthony Swofford - I saw the preview for the movie with the same name the other day, and when I was at the library I noticed it on the shelves by chance. I want to try to read this before the movie comes out, to get a better understanding of what the movie may be like.

That's it for this week. For all you readers, keep reading and eat plenty of carrots!

-brodie

the autumn of our lives

2005-10-03T01:33:00.000-05:00

The subject title took me a couple of seconds to think of, and I know it sounds super-cheesy, but it is almost autumn.

I have been looking around at some of my friend's blogs and most of the latest posts seem either to be introspective or agonizing in some way. My blog is a harbinger of mixed tidings, and it seems to get me into a lot more trouble than I started out with. However, things are changing. Not just for me, but for all of us. Whether the change be good or bad, there are things that we are facing which are hard for us to figure out sometimes. Some of us are trying to cope with girl problems (and guy problems for all my friends-who-are-girls), others with sickness in their family, still others with school and also with loneliness.

We often make bad decisions in trying to rectify our situations, and our decisions can hurt us. I was reading a verse to a friend, that had stuck in my head since I had first read it many months ago. It says in Psalms 119: 71: "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes." I am sure that most all of you are no stranger to this verse, or even the realization that we learn better when we are faced with some sort of roadblock in our lives. However, times are changing.

Something that makes me laugh is to hear high schoolers saying that high school was the best time of their lives. They had their first girlfriend or boyfriend, who they would be with forever, they had a tight community of friends to support them, they had easy classes, and the list goes on. Why it's so funny to me, is that we move on after high school. Most of our friends are gone to colleges around the country, our girlfriends or boyfriends have long since broken up with us, and classes got a lot harder (which means you should have been studying harder in high school). Not only are our lives different, but our problems are different as well. Life never gets easier for a Christian man or woman. But because life never stops becoming difficult for us, it makes it much easier for us to come to the Lord on a daily basis and ask Him for help and guidance. We are reminded so many times in the Scriptures that the Lord is our help and stay, and He will not leave one of His children to remain lost.

Times are certainly changing...we are in the autumn of our lives, which is not to say that we are really old (how old is autumn anyways?), but that our lives are changing. This is the point in our lives where we really need to fear God and realize that He is in control of everything. Friends, take heart! Our Lord is with us always.

-luke

this post...

2005-10-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

..begins a new week. Things haven't changed much for me, but then again, it's only been one week. So many questions enter my head while thinking about a new week, filled with new possibilities.

-other man

say anything

2005-09-30T00:15:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching a movie called "Say Anything" with John Cusack. This was, of course, by Lonnie's recommendation. I thought the movie was good, although not quite as great as "Grosse Point Blank". Lonnie said that John Cusack's character in the movie, reminded him of me....although I can't see it. Although, some of the things that Lloyd (John Cusack) went through were pretty funny and kinda similar to my life. I did like how Lloyd was not content with staying in his class, and going for the girl who was beyond him. I also liked the scene where he was contemplating, post break-up, that he hanged out with girls too much. So he decided to hang out with the guys at the local 7-11, but he realized that they were shallow. Anyways, it's a movie worth watching once or twice, but it isn't one to live your life around.....not like I do that with any movie anyways.

-brodie

funny stuff

2005-09-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

I was trying to find some information about an assignment that we have due in my Spanish class this Thursday, and while I was trying to find some pages on Google, I noticed that they have a "Translate this Page" button near the page. So I decided to click on it, because I didn't want to spend 10 minutes translating it myself. I was prepared for a bad translation, but not bad and funny. Here is an excerpt for your viewing pleasure:

SALAD OF FRIJOLES WITH BIG HOLES

(For 4 people) a onion/a tomato • A red pepper/100 gr. of big holes in vinegar/400 gr. of frijoles cooked/a centilitre of vinegar/4 deciliters of oil/Salt/Pepper.

And or, the truth, would begin the day before, teaching to the children to clean big holes, and to put them in vinegar. But that each which decides. We will need a knife dentated plastic. And that begins to pelar and to prick the tomato, the red pepper and the onion. Its doubt, when reading this prescription, will be if the small ones are going to cry with the onion. Like magdalenas. They will cry of picor and you with them, or of laughter or tenderness. Or of the two things. If frijoles has cooked them you, better... If no, lávelos. And that the infant is ripening the salad. Remember will refrán and follows his order. The salt puts it just, the vinegar a rácano, the oil a generous one, and all it removes a short crazy person.

So, the small ones are going to cry with the onion? Well, if you follow this recipe, make sure to remove the short, crazy person before eating.

-brodie

damp hair and a soaked jacket

2005-09-26T23:13:00.000-05:00

That is what I had to live with today. Today wasn't a bad day, and I LOVE the rain, but I don't have proper rain attire (aka: shoes, jacket/hood, umbrella) so I braved the rain. I actually stuffed my jacket, socks, and shoes in the film negative dryer at the photo lab, while nobody was watching, but it didn't help much.

Speaking of photos, I tried to develop my Sufjan pictures, but none of them really came out. I think it was the fact that the light was different colors and my camera kept on wanting to use the flash....it's like the camera had a mind of it's own. It didn't want me to take pictures without the flash on, and now I really don't have a good picture of Sufjan. Actually, I do have one picture that's kinda blurry, but looks cool, so I might keep that one on my wall.

This wall has not developed yet, because I am not actually living in a room at the present time. But, I have managed to buy various posters, as well as take some good pictures. Also, I know that several people have walls dedicated to friends, and I have tried it before, but my pictures usually fall off the wall (i use tape). So if anyone knows a cheap method of applying pictures to a wall, comment me.

The strange urge has come over me to blog about my love for Sufjan Stevens (again). After going up to Nashville to see him and his Illinoise band, I have been listening to nothing but Sufjan. My favorites off of his Illinoise cd would have to be:

1. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!
2. Come On! Feel the Illinoise!: Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition/Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream
3. Concerning the UFO Sighting near Highland, Illinois
4. Casimir Pulaski Day
5. They are Night Zombies!! They are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh!

If you think those song titles are weird, check out number 2 on the cd. So that is my favorite 5 of Sufjan, and soon, I might put my favorite Nickel Creek on here, for all of you to see.

So, my day has been fraught with danger and excitement! How about yours? I doubt that you can top my rain story. Yes, it is awesome....and I am making no sense at all right now, so I will sign off now. Good night to all and to all a good night!

-brodie

the dark room calleth

2005-09-26T09:50:00.000-05:00

I have to leave to go to school soon, but I am not enitrely looking forward to today. Why? Well, developing pictures in the dark room is sort of boring and really tiring. However, it is nice to see some of your work turn out. Also, I have soccer practice today, which is going well except for the fact that they lost their last game. So we need to practice some fundamentals with the kids before our next game. That's it for now!

-brodie

verification

2005-09-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

For those who post on my blog, you'll have to do a little code verification to get your comment posted. It's really easy for you and it gets rid of those spammers for me. Hooray!

-brodie

Ahh! Wasps!

2005-09-25T00:17:00.000-05:00

Tis almost time for me to get some sleep, but I decided to write once more before I shut my eyes. I just wanted to take up this small place to thank God for all friends and family. You guys are all great!

-brodie

let's make some illinoise!

2005-09-24T19:41:00.000-05:00

I have just returned from my 3rd trip to Nashville, and as one of my friends mentioned, there has never been a time that we have spent in Nashville that was bad. This last trip might have taken the cake. The reason is this man right here:

Friday night, Caleb, Jon, Derek, and I went to a Sufjan Stevens concert. Although it seems that only 50% of the group liked the show (Jon and I), all of us had a great time. Sufjan and his band came out in cheerleading attire and lead the crowd in cheering for different places and people from Illinois. It was pure excitement and orchestrated brilliance rolled into one. The songs were moving, yet they gave a show like none other. The song I liked the best was called "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us". It starts out slow, but as soon as the trumpet parts hit you, you feel washed away by the strange sadness of the song. The whole show was excellent and I will be glad when I get to feel the joy of Illinoise again!

-brodie

P.S. ~ Nickel Creek is up next!

ojos cerrados

2005-09-20T02:15:00.000-05:00

I was trying to find something to write about on this early morning when I happened upon a quote on a friend's blog. It read, Living is easy with eyes closed. After thinking about the said quote, it reminds me of how this is how I live my life sometimes. Although I would have to say that I usually tend to live with eyes opened just a little bit. I do this because I am scared. I don't want to open my eyes and face harsh realities that may bring me down, but life isn't supposed to be about living easy, especially for Christians.

Take for example, going to Biloxi. I could have shut my eyes to what was going on over there, and I would be living easy. I wouldn't have to leave my home. I could have stayed here, enjoying the niceties that surround living a life without any problems (or rather fewer problems). It took an interesting conversation with friends, prayer, reading the Scriptures, and some encouragement from the parents to fully open my eyes to what was needed several hundred miles west of here.

I know from many experiences that it is much easier for me to just forget about what could potentially throw my life for a loop, and just sit it out. It may not be right, but I have grown to shy away from those types of situations. One circumstance that has worked out a little differently is my countless relationships with girls. I allow myself to open my eyes a little more than normal. Maybe it's curiosity.....or it might be stupidity. Whatever it is, the outcome is almost always the same. I receive a punishment of sorts by keeping my peepers open, and as a result I slowly close them. After every single thing that goes wrong in relationships I close my eyes, because it's hard to watch blow after blow sting you. Granted, it's not what I should be doing. I do learn from the mistakes that I have made in relationships, and I move on, but sometimes I feel like it would be so much easier to just close my eyes and let the darkness wash over me. But as long as the Lord is guiding me, I am not going to give into the let downs that plague me day in and day out.

Sure, living is easier with eyes closed, but I wouldn't want to miss those things I have seen and those things and people that are up ahead.

-luke

finding the words to say

2005-09-19T00:19:00.000-05:00

The tendencies of the mind pull us down, making uncomfortable moments for us to avoid. Some, however, barrel through them with blind eyes, making stupidity their guide.

-Anonymous-

I wrote another quoem (quasi-poem) tonight. I have had a great Lord's day, but I can't stop thinking about how my life has taken many different twists and turns in the past couple of months. It's hard to keep your mind straight when you wonder as much as I do. Although, when I was holding little Evelyn tonight, my mind was at ease. But now that I have finished the quoem, I need to let it out, escaping the confines of my little black book.

Quiet....
Nary a Sound is uttered.
Not from the mouth of one who,
Has nothing left to say.

His voice gives no comfort,
Not a shred of solace.
Is it because of doubt?
Or lack of understanding?

The mind wanders,
When his voice is silent.
Shattering the perfect vision of love,
And breaking the back of security.

The quiet is gone....
But his mind still wanders.
Can he find the words to say?
Will she hear?

I know that it is not much of quoem, and I am not much of a quoet. These words are ones that linger in my mind everywhere I go. I ask myself questions, I try to answer them (not out loud of course). More often than not I get stuck, turn to the Lord, and move on. In the quoem, the "his" is me (of course *smile*) and how I react to the questions that move freely through my head. It's the feeling of confusion that plagues me day in and day out. We all have to face each day not knowing what will happen, not knowing what to say. The quoem has a tone of how love makes us wonder strange things. The second to last line is something I happen to think about often. If someone special comes into my life, I constantly try to find the right words to say. More often than not I fail at it, but the Lord is leading me down a path that, while harrowed with strife, is going somewhere. The last line is far more deep than people may think. It's a desperate plea for help in a world of distortion. It's weird to actually explain all of this, and some may not understand as well as others. Welcome to my thoughts.

-luke

nothing's bright on this side of the moon

2005-09-17T19:38:00.000-05:00

Today had it's ups and downs. I was immensely proud of the kids playing soccer today. Kids will be kids, especially when playing sports, and you can't blame them for doing something wrong. It is, after all, just a game. That was probably the only up in this day. It's funny how one piece of news can change the whole day. I am not going to go into details, because it is a family issue at the moment, but if you could keep my mom in your prayers, I would appreciate it.

-brodie

howl's moving castle

2005-09-16T01:09:00.000-05:00

One of the good things about staying up late is that you aren't bothered when you want to use the computer freely. One of the things that I have been following for quite some time is the animated movie, Howl's Moving Castle. It is one of Hayao Miyazaki's films, and I wouldn't expect very many of my readers to know who that is (except maybe for Michael). He directed such films as Porco Rosso (Mr. Jordan's favorite), My Neighbor Totoro (one of my favorites), Princess Mononoke, and as of late, Spirited Away, which won an Academy award. The plot of Howl's Moving Castle is loosely based on a book of the same name by an author named Diana Wynne Jones.

Here is a plot overview that I snagged from another site:

Sophie, an average teenage girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome-yet-mysterious wizard named Howl, and is subsequently turned into a 90-year old woman by the vain and conniving Wicked Witch of the Waste.

Embarking on an incredible odyssey to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl's flying mechanical castle where she becomes acquainted with Markl, Howl's apprentice, and a hot-headed fire demon named Calcifer. Sophie's love and support comes to have a major impact on Howl, who flies in the face of orders from the palace to become a pawn of war and instead risks his life to bring peace back to the kingdom.

Although this post may forever brand me as the geek I really am (or is it nerd?), I really don't care. It looks like an enjoyable movie, and one that I will probably enjoy myself (or with Mr. Jordan).

-brodie

i have returned..

2005-09-15T15:49:00.000-05:00

...with what will be, less spelling mistakes! Anyways, it turned out that this day hasn't actually been exciting, but I will try to make do. And to be unique, I will catagorize them! Ooooooohhhh!

Sufjan Stevens
Jon, Caleb, and I will be leaving next Friday to see Sufjan and I am pretty stoked about it. I have never really been to a concert or show with a singer or band that is fairly famous, so it should be fun. Hopefully he'll play my favorite song of his, Casimir Polaski Day.

Soccer
Tomorrow I have my first practice and Saturday my first game without Michael. I am a little anxious (seeing as how I am a soccer poser) about how well the kids do, but I am sure that they won't hold a grudge against me if we lose.

Lost
The season premiere of Lost is coming up pretty soon and I can't wait to get caught up in all the plot twists and secrets. This kinda show is exactly the reason why I don't have a girlfriend....i'm such a geek...

That's really all I can think of right now. I'll be happy to fill you all in on anything else if you want to ask me in the comment section....just remember to put your name.

-brodie

yawn

2005-09-15T09:27:00.000-05:00

I was really tired last night, and it eventually led to a lot of sleep. Usually I go to bed around 1am, but I had worked in the dark room at the school for a couple of hours. For those of you who have never worked in a darkroom before, well it's different. There are no "short days" in a darkroom, because when you want to develop a picture, you want it to turn out perfectly. I was not pleased with the way that all of them turned out, but I can always go back and re-develop some. Yesterday night I helped out Michelle Clabough, an admissions (thanks anonymous!) officer at Flagler, with her booth. After that I came home and conked out. This isn't really a great big post, but at least someone might be interested in my sleeping habits. Just to appease you brodie fans, I'll write something later as well.

-brodie

first trip

2005-09-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are wondering why I used the title "first trip" for my blog post, I'll tell you. I just came back from Biloxi, Mississippi last night and realizing that there is a lot of work left to be done, I know that I will be making more trips back there in the future.

When we arrived in Biloxi, it was an eye-opener. Highway 90 was partly underwater, so we had to navigate on some side streets to get to First Presbyterian. Once we pulled into FPC, my first thought was "boy this place is packed" and my second thought was "the building doesn't seem to have taken a lot of damage". The fact of the matter was that the church was indeed crowded with volunteers from University of Florida (Campus Crusade), others from different locations in the South, and even some from Biloxi. We got ourselves situated and drove out to our first house with a local college kid named Patrick. We probably worked on 3 houses that day, and even though it was hot and uncomfortable, nobody complained. It was almost like this unspoken understanding that we all had. We were there to serve God first, and no amount of heat, humidity, or slippery roofs were going to prevent us from showing these people that we helped that we were there to help them. Mr. Ruff did an outstanding job of grouping the men together and using us as tools for God's work. At the houses that were not very well off, he would lead us and the family in prayer. Saturday night, we were walking back from the beach, and he told me that he was proud that us men stepped up and decided to come over to Biloxi. I told him that his leadership was just as commendable.

Yesterday afternoon, we finished up some more work for people. I also took pictures of houses that were completely leveled. Looking at some of those non-existent houses, and looking around at the walls protecting me, it makes me glad to have a house, and thankful to God that he has protected us. At the same time, now that I have seen what has happened in other parts, I understand that God has opened up this opportunity for us to go over there and help them so that they will understand how far God's love reaches.

I doubt that this will be the only time that I go, and I enjoyed the trip thoroughly. I will continue to pray as well, for those who have suffered and those who continue to suffer.

-brodie

where is my mind....

2005-09-08T23:18:00.000-05:00

...is the name of a famous Pixie's song from one of their best albums, "Surfer Rosa". It's also something that I seem to be wondering the past couple of hours. I tried to watch "The O.C." with friends to get my mind off of things, but it didn't work all that well. Escaping real-life drama and entering a world of television drama doesn't exactly come to mind as a great escape. However, I did go with Mike to Alabanza, which put my mind at ease.

I feel like listening to some Nickel Creek....specifically the last song on the new album.

-brodie

staring into the black recesses...

2005-09-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

..which is my coffee. I am really tired right now, but not tired in a sleepy way. I feel weary. But I can't do anything about me being tired. Just have to move forward. And I have to get ready for school.

-luke

rambling thoughts

2005-09-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

I get really bored in some of my classes. My usual habit when bored is to draw. However, today I was compelled to write some poetry (how manly of me!). My usual poetry tends to revolve around unrequited love or heartbreak or something along those lines, but today I wanted to try something a little bit different. I say "a little" because I think love is a subject that can never get boring, especially in a poem. I managed to complete two verses today, but the lines are (in my mind) vastly different from each other. If I could come up with some way to correlate the two verses into a full poem, I would. However, as they stand, they are different entities.

Here is the first one, but it was hastily written, so don't be too hard on it.

The love you feel for those near,
Gives perspective on your life.
Whether good or bad, you tend to fear,
That outside the quiet is strife.

I really don't know what I was thinking about when I wrote that line. I was trying so hard to match it with the next one, but as I said, it was hastily written.

The next verse was one I liked a little better.

There is a place where time ends,
Giving way to thoughts unbridled.
Where laughter and silence become friends,
And all things unknown are titled.

It was quite a stretch for me to rhyme "unbridled" with "titled" but I really love the 3rd line. I came up with this verse after listening to a song called "How it ends" by a guy named DeVotchka. To me, when I listen to music and survey life around me, it just seems like I am in my own little world. In that world, you can think and see more clearly.

Maybe I am rambling to some, but I make perfect sense to myself.

-brodie

Last night...

2005-09-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

....I had a wonderful time. Sarah and Nathaniel had a small cookout at their shanty with all sorts of characters that I know and some that I didn't. At one point during the cookout, I slipped on my headphones and listened to some music while watching the people around me. I don't know how it happens, but playing music at certain times, provides a soundtrack for my life. The song I was listening to was "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen, and I was looking around as the music was coursing through my ears. People were engaged in conversation, some were laughing, little babies were being held or rocked to sleep, one lone puppy was trying to find attention in whomever would give it, and I was just listening and thinking. Thinking about how greatful I am to have such friends.

After listening to a little bit of music, Chris, Jon, and I got to talking with Joel about going to Biloxi this Saturday. My parents were wanting me to do something of this nature, and although I wasn't opposed to the idea, I figured that I wouldn't really get a chance. Boy was I wrong! It won't be a long trip, but I feel like it will be something that we can use to glorify God in a time that is very stressful for some. Jon hit it on the head when he asked others to pray for us. It's not going to be easy seeing some of the things that are going on there, but prayer would help us to be focused.

Anyways, that was all that happened last night. Actually, I did try to have a phone conversation last night, but I never was called back.....hmm...

-brodie

ebb and flow

2005-09-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

I was looking through hymns and praise songs after worship this morning and I came across a particular song that I enjoy quite a bit. We all have problems. Day in and day out, we will experience something that might bring us crashing to the ground. We are selfish beings out of habit and sin, and it's hard for us to even think about our brothers and sisters who are in a more difficult situation than we are in. I am not just talking about the people in and around New Orleans either. What we do, we do in order to make things better for our own lives. We don't want to strain our already "difficult" lives with things that we think will bog us down. Many people I know, myself included, have the habit of living life to the fullest each and every week, but only being serious about Sunday. I myself have been trying desperately to fix my life to become someone who lives everyday with a glad heart for what God has done for me. I have a long way to go before I even get close to attaining this goal, but I know that as long as Christ abides with me, I will never falter.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide;
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou Who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence ev'ry passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

-brodie

fighting the storms

2005-08-29T23:37:00.000-05:00

Whew! What a week. And I am not just talking about the hurricane that just barely missed us today. Everyday I hear people saying how much they love this part of Florida. The beaches, the sun, the atmosphere, etc. are all things that people get excited about here in Northwest Florida. However, this is not paradise. Many people think so and that's fine with me, because I would take rainy days and mountains over melt-your-face-off days and fire ant hills any day. But I have not come to the best part yet. That would be the hurricanes. I think when we decided to move here, the people of Northwest Florida just forgot to mention these swirling masses of air that will rip your house into shreds and then rain on the remains just for spite. Either they forgot about telling us or they thought that they would keep it hid from us, until....SURPRISE!!! YOU WIN!!!! AND YOU KNOW WHAT? YOUR PRIZES ARE: NO ELECTRICITY FOR A WEEK, CLEAN-UP IN THE YARD, AND BOARDING UP THE WINDOWS. OH WAIT!!! THERE'S MORE!!! YOU ALSO GET THIS GREAT PRIZE WHERE YOU ARE STUCK IN A DARK HOUSE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND NO HEAT, LONG ENOUGH SO YOU WILL GO CRAZY!!! Even though nothing like that happened this time around, it has happened before and it ain't a pretty sight.

I had to fight more than one storm this week............but I want to see how much Mike will hate me after I leave yet another vague post on blogger. As if he doesn't hate me enough for whipping him good in the new level of SSB. Actually, the other storm was more of a series of conversations with a friend, that I will not mention on this blog because it doesn't really matter (sharing the conversations, that is). What does matter is that everything is fine and I feel much better.

Anyways, I am off to be because I have to weather the storm of returning to school tomorrow. Oh, what I wouldn't give for a hurricane to hit the college......I'm such a kidder.

-brodie

first day of school and....

2005-08-22T17:24:00.001-05:00

..it was kinda boring. Spanish was okay, but it just seemed like a continuation of last year's class with new people. It's kinda like finding out a sub-par sitcom received a new season, and even though it was boring you still watched it. My other class I had today was not much better. Of course, I don't really expect much out of a Liberal Arts Math course. The teacher somehow tried to get us to gather in groups to talk about "teamwork" and "cohesive work environments" or something weird like that. I kept on wondering what it had to do with Math, but it really didn't matter all that much, because I hate math. Tomorrow, I will experience the second half of my new classes, but I think that they might be a little more interesting than today's classes.

See ya Space Cowboys and Cowgirls!

-brodie

tears

2005-08-17T23:07:00.000-05:00

I don't post twice in the same day often, but I was looking through Nathaniel and Sarah's blog, looking at the pictures of Evelyn with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. What a grand and glorious thing to enjoy the life of a new child. I have said my congratulations to both of the parents already, but the pictures just take your breath away. I can't wait until the day when I enjoy being a parent.

-brodie

fears at rest

2005-08-17T22:49:00.000-05:00

What a great and glorious day it is! It's not often I feel this way. Sarah left for Gainsville, which is saddening, but I feel really good right now. I had a talk with my parents about things and I cannot contain how much I love and respect my mom and dad. However quirky they may be, I respect and adore them. And although work was a waste of time, I felt so alive afterwards. Like my title explicitly says, my fears are at rest, and I feel as if this day has gone better than expected. Oh! If only every day could be this way.

-brodie

p.s. sorry mike for being so VAGUE!!!

my stand

2005-08-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

This is a poem that I wrote a couple of minutes ago. It's kinda rough-draftish, so bear with it. Also, the look of my blog is being worked on, so what you see now will not be the finished result.

my stand~

stepping forward, not looking back.
counting my steps, not knowing why.
i'd rather flee than face attack,
and give in with a desperate sigh.

i languish at the mistakes i've made,
but reason that they push me forward.
"to what degree?" i tend to say,
while hiding like a coward.

i've long been content to sit here,
and wait for a helping hand.
to push aside my hidden fear,
so i can take another stand.

-brodie

Super Smash Sistas

2005-08-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

In the video game world, playing the game is only half the battle. The other half is what I like to refer to as "smack talking". Some people are actually quite skilled at following up their smack talk with winning, but to those who can't, only a bitter taste is left in their mouths. That bitter taste is the agony of defeat.

Last night, I played Super Smash Bros. with Michael and Sarah, and who do you think was the one talking the most smack, besides Michael and I? Well, I'll give you three guesses. Nope, it wasn't Michael, it was Sarah. She did play a good couple of games and even managed to beat me once, but Michael reigned supreme for the night.

You would think that she would have humbly acknowledged Michael the winner, but she decided that she was WAY MUCH BETTER at Mario Kart 64 than Michael will ever be.

So, for now, the smack talking continues. Is it a bad thing? No, but if Michael does indeed get his butt handed to him tonight, then he will never hear the end of it from Sarah.....and me.

I leave you with a picture that we found on some Super Smash Bros. board with the title "I need help beating this guy at SSB!"

-brodie

glee and merriment

2005-07-24T23:22:00.000-05:00

Sunday is winding down and soon I will be taking another test tomorrow. Tests are not entirely a cause for glee and merriment, but I feel good about this one. However, my test does not fall into the "glee" category. I will explain what has made me turn from glum to glee.

1. Bowling and Billiards on Saturday (high fives all-around!)
2. Nashville (just around the corner)
3. Nickel Creek (what a great album)

Also, there are several things on the horizon that I should be looking forward to. That is a cryptic sentence, so don't try to understand, just read on like you understand. Oh wait! There is nothing else (hah! gotcha!)

-brodie

saddening illusions

2005-07-20T08:58:00.000-05:00

Even though dreams are far from real, they conjure up either good or bad memories that your mind feeds upon. You could have a good dream that gives you that extra pick-up to get through the day. Else, you can have a dream that grabs you and pushes you back into the pit you were trying to get out of.

Just when you might have a good day, you fall back into that hole again.

-brodie

Dennis the Menace?

2005-07-11T23:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I have lived through my second hurricane in my short life. This one was not very strong, but it still did significant damage to some cities close by. Most of my friends decided to evacuate, but I had a test (on Tuesday) so I stayed.

In other news, my 21st birthday is this Friday morning at 12:00 am (wink) but I will be in St. Augustine, checking out the college there, so I won't be having too much fun. On a side note, happy 21st birthday to John.

I was going to post something about my life, besides being beset (too many b words) with hurricanes. However, I'll leave that for another day.

-brodie

P.S. Congratulations to Nathaniel and Sarah Mosley and their new daughter, Evelyn.

Game of the Month: Sword of the Samurai

2005-06-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have decided to dedicate one post a month to a game that is either worth downloading (if you are a pirate) or buying (if you can find it). This month's game is "Sword of the Samurai". It was released in the 80's for PC and even though the graphics are a little outdated, the gameplay was way before it's time. In fact, the gameplay is better than some of the games that we have today. "Samurai" is a mix of Action and Strategy, in which you control an up and coming Japanese lord who strives to gain power. There are many decisions that you have to make along the way. Some of which will either make your character more likeable by the people or else hated by them.

{What a hotbed it is!}

This was the first game that Sid Meier worked on. Sid Meier, for all those non-gamers out there, is the creator of the of the famous game, "Civilization". His role in "Samurai" was creating the dueling system shown below.

{hiya!}

Overall, "Sword of the Samurai" is a great game because of the different choices you can make. You can wed, have kids, have them kidnapped by a rival, retrieve them (or leave them), quell a revolt, and ultimately become the Shogun of Feudal Japan.

{I sure hope Bukiyo has enough charm to make up for his looks}

Don't let this game escape your radar! It's definately a keeper.

-brodie

late night studying, early morning thoughts

2005-06-27T00:33:00.000-05:00

I am trying to study for a test I have in Biology tomorrow, but I have fallen into a rut of procrastination. I really don't feel like studying...or blogging for that matter, but I probably should, to clear up the clutter in my head.

These past few weeks have been filled with some good moments and many bad ones. That could be due to my decision-making though. I'm not going to go into details, because I want to move on and leave the thinking of those things to myself. What I really want to focus is my friendships that I share with others. I am thankful for having friends who look out for me and pull me aside when needed to give me advice or counseling. The last thing I want is for anyone of them to be angered at me or dissapointed at me in any way. I know that I can't please everyone by living my life the way I do, and I am prepared for that. I have friends from all walks of life and some are different-minded than others are. I will continue to be the best me I can try to be, with the Lord's guidance, but my friends are ones that I care for deeply. I do not hold loyalty with one friend over the others. I enjoy the company of all of them. They are my brothers and sisters and their lives are precious to me.

-brodie

I just can't...

2005-06-04T14:57:00.000-05:00

get this song out of my head. The voice of the singer haunts me, and it makes me reflect on either driving really slowly at night or the act of crying. It's a sad song, but I don't know if the words are sad...I haven't really figured out their meaning.

-brodie

brodie: world traveller!

2005-05-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

I thought it might be cool (and a little bit show-off-ish) if I put up a map of places of note where I have visited. I'll try to remember the names of the places. I didn't mark the places in the US....too many to count.

North America~
Virginia (where I was born)
Florida (where I live now)
Washington (my home away from home)
Vancouver, B.C. (Art Retreat in my Junior year of High School)
Tijuana, Mexico (Youth Group retreat, builiding a home for a Mexican family)

South America~
Peru (my 2nd home for 7 months)
Ecuador (vacation)
Columbia (drug run...err...vacation)

Europe~
England (Senior High School trip)
Scotland (same as above)
Naples, Italy (one of the many places I lived)

Middle East~
Turkey (I lived in two cities there: Adana and Izmir)
Antioch, Turkey (this was one of Paul's stops during his missions)

Asia~
South Korea (also, another place I lived)

Travelling is in my blood, and it's something that I will continue to do, so I put together a list of places that I would like to travel to....someday.

1. Japan ~ I have thought about maybe teaching English here. The main reason for me wanting to go here is the cultural differences that our country has with Japan, and to enjoy some fresh sushi.

2. South America ~ This is more of an ambitious wish, but I would love to backpack around the continent of South America, taking in the sights and sounds of each country.

3. Greece ~ Looking at pictures of Greece reminds me a little of Turkey with a little more class.

4. New Zealand ~ After watching Lord of the Rings, who wouldn't want to travel here?

5. Anywhere at the moment ~ I love the excitement of travelling alone or with a few friends, so anywhere would be exciting.

-brodie

music and politics

2005-05-30T09:12:00.000-05:00

The title might be a little too broad, so I guess we should call it "Today's music industry vs. Bush". Don't get me wrong, I am not here to list the good things that Bush has done. I think he is a good President, and a much better choice than the other guy. However, I think that too many people criticize him for oil, world domination, and speech impediments. Bands such as Nine Inch Nails and solo artists like Bright Eyes have been recently caught up in the scandal. NIN refused to play the MTV movie awards after a giant poster of Bush was denied for back art, and Bright Eyes (or whatever the guy's name is) sang (in his awful voice) a scathing song about Bush on Jay Leno. These are just two artists in the music industry who think their "free speech" is something that will unite the youth of America towards hating the President in everything he does. It sickens me. It's why I hate most of the bands that play on the radio today. Hacks.

-brodie

Anime 101

2005-05-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

I was reading various message boards in which users had the audacity to claim that they knew the best Anime series ever. Now, I am not one to join in the fray with a topic like this....usually...but I thought that I must put in my two cents, just because i have seen a few anime shows.

1.) Shows like Dragonball Z, Sailormoon, and Inayusha (however you say it) tend to tip the scale towards queerness. Why? Well one series has an abundant of males, the other has an abundant of females, and the other has people with tales, and that is just plain gay.

2.) Talking animals in anime does not make it weird. Do you think Christopher Robin freaked out when he heard his favorite Hundred Acre Woods friends talk? No....so it's not so out of the normal to have animals talking.

3.) Akira is not the best anime ever. Every site I go to have fanboys (and girls) who whine about how great Akira was and still is. Maybe it was one of the first animes, but it is not the best. So don't watch it, no matter how much fankids talk about it.

4.) Samurai or Space Cowboys are the best sort of characters in anime. Ninjas come in at a close second. So if you see an anime with flying super-heroes who sprout yellow locks whilist moaning in a queer sort of way, change the channel.

5.) And now my list of favorite anime titles. Call me an anime-freak, if you will, but it is the same as enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cuban cigar. Also, being an artist, you appreciate how those artists slave over cells (single paintings put together to make a movie) to give us art and entertainment at the same time.

Cowboy Bebop ~ The reason for this being number one is because it has every great thing an anime needs, and the showdown at the end of the series makes this one worth watching.

Studio Ghibli films ~ Most of the Studio Ghibli films that you will find have great stories that are enjoyable for the whole family.

Samurai Champloo ~ From the makers of Cowboy Bebop, this anime has the flair and style that other anime titles lack, but there are episodes that seem rushed.

So there you have it. It's my post on anime, so that you viewers won't get trapped in the crap of the anime titles that are littered on the road of animation (or something like that).

-brodie

Little Black Book vol. 1

2005-05-14T00:26:00.000-05:00

I have a small black book that I keep with me, but it is not to store names and phone numbers of girls I know, but rather to hold words and drawings that may contain some sentiment in my life. Today's post is just one little excerpt from the book.

Fighting in the trenches against my greatest foe.
Just surviving, living my life.
Hoping to find some comfort...
Some crevice to hide in,
While my fears and troubles creep in.
"Why can't they leave me alone?"
I cry to myself, hoping that...
I would just be left alone,
In the darkness, waiting for some light.

What was I thinking when I wrote this? I think it may have been a quiet desperation that had welled up in me during a time in which I just wanted to be brought out of my depression by something that I thought would have helped.

Anyways, look for other Little Black Book posts in the future.

-brodie

One of those "corner of the mouth smiles"

2005-04-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

light at the end of the tunnel

2005-04-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

School is almost over and my freedom will be assured at the end of this week (actually early next week). I changed my blog layout a little, so don't be alarmed. Now! Onto more important things!

Things I am looking forward to this summer:

1. Working...or more importantly...receiving some hard-earned cash.
2. Having more free time.
3. Renewing the pact us guys made last summer (oh, it's gonna happen this summer..fo sho)
4. Using more words like "Fo Sho" because my vocabulary just consists of barbaric english words.
5. Star Wars (I am going to be made fun of for this one from J. and J. but who cares).
6. Working out (notice how I made "Star Wars" more important....such a geek).
7. Sleep (at least 20 hours a day)
8. Lost (no...not the physical act of becoming lost, but the show)
9. Warm weather, beaches, tan and bikini babes (I'll take Josiah with me so as I don't feel guilty).
10. NASHVILLE!!! (need I say more?)

That is the list so far, but there may be one or two secrets...just to keep you all interested.

-brodie

P.S. There are no mysteries at the moment, so don't ask me. I just put that down so you would think that I have something up my sleeve, when in all reality, I don't...at least not now. Mwa-ha-ha.

Did you know how you'd move me?

2005-04-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

My foot is tapping incesently due to the coffee I have just downed. It brings a warmth to my body, and a comfort of focusing on the now, not what is ahead. What does lie ahead? Maybe accomplishment in some area or a tie to someone. For now....nothing.

-luke

p.s. - the title is a song title...

tis strange

2005-04-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

I started working on Monday, and last night (which was Tuesday) as I was driving around the city, I was thinking about some stuff. For the most part I was thinking about how much less free time I would have (during the night) because I work almost every night. In the past, I would have reasoned with my sensible, wanting-to-make-money self and asked for more days off. However, I am okay with the fact that I won't be seeing friends as much. As ludicrous as that sounds, I am in the point in my life where there is not many things happening to me. For instance, I am not tied to anything right now (except for school and the drive to end the semester with good grades) so I am not distracted about people or things going on. Of course, that could all be due to the fact that I have only worked for 2 days so far........we'll see.

When I was up at Covenant College, I was talking to Beth about future areas of my life, specifically what I am going to do after OWC. I would really love to travel, but I am not really in a position (financially) to do that. College is also an option, but where? Another thing I threw out there was going to Seminary. It has always been something I had thought about. Of course, I don't know whether or not I would pursue a career in being a pastor or to just learn new things. I think it would be beneficial regardless. Someone joked about me being "Pastor Luke", but I have thought about how hard it would be to follow in the shoes of someone like Pastor Schnieder. Not only that, but my lifestyle would have to change dramatically. I am talking about the fact that I am not anywhere close to being perfect, and I think it would take quite a bit of time to change my habits in my life.

-luke

caught in suspension

2005-04-04T09:18:00.000-05:00

I returned yesterday, and somehow....things are different. Not about those around me, but I think something about me. Oddly enough, that sounds selfish in some way to say that I have changed in 4 days of being gone. Can it happen? Of course. Did it really happen? I don't know, but there is something that I can't quite put my finger on that I feel better or more eased over. I'll keep you guys posted as to what it is, but regardless, it's good to be back.

-luke

scheming and dreaming

2005-04-02T16:45:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in quite awhile, and that is partly due to me being in he great state of Tennessee. For Spring Break, I took a trip up to visit my sister where she goes to school. So far, it has been an interesting trip. I have met a lot of great people and have had good times. As for the title, some of you will find out tommorrow, at least in terms of scheming. I don't know what I will be doing on my last night on the town, but it will be fun, nonetheless.

-luke

prodigal son

2005-03-23T09:39:00.000-06:00

I am doing a report on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (which is due tomorrow) and I am struck by how wayward I can become sometimes. The sins that I commit are so far from the path that I try to walk that it fills me with grief after I commit them. I think it is interesting how that regret for committing a certain sin comes right after you commit it, prompting the need for prayer and asking for forgiveness. It's good to know that I have that solace, where I can go to and raise up my sins to.

I had a dream last night that gave me some grief. I apologize for what I am about to do (I'm gonna pull out the vague card). In this dream I had a conversation with someone I love dearly. This person did not understand why or how much my love extended. * told me that there were many other people that I loved just as much, and at that moment, I broke down and said what I really want to say (not just in my dreams). I started to cry and tell this person that I loved them so much, and if this person actually talked to me, they would know. For some, it will be too easy to understand who this person is, and in a sense I am ashamed of what I said. Why? Well, because what I said in the dream is true, but in reality I have been trying to move away from this fact, to live without this person so close to me. Is it wrong for me to dwell on this, even though I have been trying to move steadily away?

-luke

...

2005-03-16T18:06:00.000-06:00

The past week or so since I have not blogged has been weird daze in which I have found little peace. I found it easier not to blog about it, because I hate being pestered about my posts being vague and I had little or no time to blog. That being said, I am hoping to get back into blogging at a regular basis, but if you want to criticize what I say on here, tell me in person.

Now to why I have been in a daze. The simple answer would be that I don't feel like my life is going anywhere at the moment. I look at other people's lives and I feel envy and regret. Envy because I don't have near what they have and regret that my life isn't going quite that well. I want so much to have a girl that I care for and who cares for me, I want a job where I could excel at and have fun doing it at the same time, I want to live on my own, I want to be done with school, I want to be a part of the church, I want to live my life to its fullest. So many wants, and I have none of them. I know that if I had even one or two of those things, that my life wouldn't be any easier or better, but everytime I see someone who has these things or will have them sooner than I will, I get angry and feel insecure about myself.

I need some guidance and prayer for my life, so I ask those of you who read this to pray for me, and to help me in any way possible.

-brodie

my eyes look tired

2005-03-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Or at least they did this morning. The result of my tired eyes was the amount of sleep I had last night. I probably woke up about 7 or more times. I don't know what that is a result of, but I think it could be couple of things: 1.) Stress 2.) Anxiety 3.) Fear. I talk about the reason I think it might be stress in this post.

School has been kinda stressful for me. It's not difficult, but I feel like I am living in a state of repeated motion. Go to school, come home, do homework, call up friends, do stuff, go to bed (if you say it in a robot voice, it even sounds repeated and stressful). Everyday life may be normal, but sometimes I feel it to be obtrusive. I need some change in my life.

-luke

Thinking

2005-03-05T02:37:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking alot lately. I know....people all over the world think all the time, but I am talking about the fact that I have been thinking about my life. The ups and the downs, and all the in-betweens. Things have been going only so-so for me at this point in time, and I can't seem to find my way out of this rut. Hopefully soon I will be able to find my way out of the difficulties I am having and be able to lead the life that I want to.

(On a side note, I know that I am being vague.....Mike....but that is what blogs are for)

-luke

patience and kindness

2005-03-01T22:32:00.000-06:00

Patience is a quality I lack. Simply put, I am one who earnestly wants to move through life with ease, and without being hindered. There are many things that hinder me from moving through life though. Kindness is a quality that I am trying to display in everything I do. Take tonight for example. When I am around people that say something mean or degrading (it doesn't have to be about me) I get mad, but I try not to let it get to me. I want to lash out at people for what they do or say, but I either lack the courage or the willpower that I deem neccessary to put a person in their place. Call me weak, but I won't balk. I'd rather turn the other cheek than give into what someone says or does.

Along the same lines, but a little different, I feel alone. I know that some of my friends go through similar situations with others. Sometimes I feel shut out, and my only way to express that shutting out is to pray. I pray that God would give me comfort, especially in a time like this, when I feel like it's me against the world. Then, and only then, do I feel at peace with what lies beyond my door. Everyday, when I step outside, I have to fight the same battles and face the same people. It's tearing me down, but I need to keep fighting the ever-growing battles I face with people. Peace and kindness are two characteristics I definately lack in, but prayer is something that helps me. Friends are also another thing that bring me back to the reality of living a Christian life. If I should be moulding (british for molding) my life to being more intuned to Christ's lifestyle, then I shouldn't go halfway. A big problem for me is I keep telling myself that I can change later, and keep doing the stuff I want now. That is living a lie, and I don't want to be living a lie. I want to grow, and I want to be surrounded by those who encourage me to do so.

So, I will be giving up on some stuff. Some may not see it at first, but it will be there. One thing I will not give up on is my striving for a better life. There are so many areas to work on, and before I die (which i hope will not be for some time) I will still have many things that I need to work on. God has certainly given me a gift, and my life is that one shot to serve Him in everything.

-luke

tired

2005-02-28T10:21:00.000-06:00

I had a good amount of sleep last night, but I am feeling tired in a different way. I wish something earth-shattering would happen (that involved me) so I could become a hero, or something like that. On the same point, if I were a super-hero, my special power would be invisibility and slowing down time. I would definately rock the socks off any villain that came my way.

-luke

4 hours to go

2005-02-24T02:24:00.000-06:00

It's fun to stay up late/early. This is the second time I have done it this week, and my body has become more accustomed this time around. I'm listening to a song called "Aruarian Dance" and I feel pretty good. As time passes between my post, (specifically this one and the last one) I feel more at ease with what lies ahead. "What lies ahead?" I don't know....and I don't really care....at least not for the moment.

Las estrellas canta a mi mienta. Un cancion que es dulce y pacifico. Nada puede penetrar este pensamiento que demorarse.

-lucas

life is full of unanswered questions

2005-02-23T23:28:00.000-06:00

All of which I want to know. I want to hear all of the truths behind the cockeyed explanations I receive. Where is the harm in that? Knowing the truth? I wish life were that way....being able to see through the vapid answers that I get at times. How can someone be content with that? Of course, how can I focus on this whole point I am trying to make when I am listening to a good song (IH)?

-luke

clarification

2005-02-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

Last night I talked about living under a rock, and now I am going to explain why I said that. In a sense, I want to get away. I want to leave everything past experience that I have gone through behind. I wish that I could start over from ground zero and rework the wrongs that I have done, the mess-ups that I have caused. I can't do any of that. All I can do is to work harder at not trying to do things where I would not regret later. It's going to happen again though.

-luke