Since graduating, I've found myself taking on small projects to keep myself occupied. Often this involves amateur cartography. I spent a fair part of my weekend making a map, and then I worked on another while I was bored at work today. This one is a diagram comparing the relative sizes of cities. I was inspired by a comment Elaine made in Charleston. Hopefully this will enlighten your understanding of your world.
PDF: Comparative Size of Cities.
My other map in on my USB drive, which has gone missing. Hopefully I'll finish and post it soon.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
All you have to do is sign on this line...
(A post from Kristen):
Time: 9:52pm
Book(s): Snow- Orhan Pamuk; Gilead- Marilynne Robinson, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger- Ron Sider
Music: Iron and Wine- The Shepherd's Dog
Ugly babies: still haven't found one…
State of mind: befuddled, incredulous, bamboozled.
I think I was proposed to today. Kind of. Sort of. Maybe? It's hard to say.
It all began with a man who came into the office yesterday morning (Thursday, May 8th, 2008). Innocent enough- we exchanged greetings for approximately five minutes, as per custom here; he showing off his English skills, I demonstrating that I am trying my hand at Amharic. He then informs me that I am to introduce myself, which I do politely even though I find him rude and overbearing. He then says, "ok. What else?" as he pulls out a notepad and begins writing something. Since Kristen Straw is the only name I have, I'm at a loss as to how to respond. He commences to pummel me with questions that are becoming increasing personal (what are you doing here, where do you live, who do you live with…), which I find awkward considering I don't even know his name and he's taking notes. As it turns out, he has just returned to Ethiopia from Dallas where he is getting his masters in radiation technology or something. Imagine his delight when he discovered I was born in Dallas. He claims to be doing "research" in the area for free. I ask him what he is researching and his answers get vague. He moans about having to use public transportation and how much he misses his car in Dallas. I have no sympathy.
Next day, 10:45am: He comes storming into the office insisting that I come have a soda and lunch with him as he is leaving for Addis in the afternoon. I tell him that I'm working, it's not lunchtime, I'm not hungry, but it was great to meet him… yet somehow I end up in a sketchy car that he has miraculously acquired. To this day I'm not sure how that happened. At the café he directs me to a table where a man is waiting and orders me food and a soda that I don't want. He then pulls out a piece of paper and informs me that all I have to do is "sign on this line" saying that I agree to marry this man. Then he can go to America. I stare blankly, thinking I cannot recall a half hour in my life that has been as odd as the last one has been. My intended looks almost as confused as I'm sure looked. Dude continuously reassures me that there are no strings attached, he himself has done this many times, he has a wife in Dallas whom he has divorced but will remarry once he helps others get to America, and all I have to do is get a divorce later. As he is sure that I will be returning home soon, he says this will not be a problem. Here I find my voice and say that I will not be returning for two years and that I cannot sign the paper. He says very convincingly, "Yes- you can. Here's a pen. And we'll be paying you of course." A fleeting image of me marrying and then promptly divorcing people for money that would be used to build shelters for street kids around the world (current plan for the future) crossed my mind. I almost asked how much he was offering. Then I realize that this has to be illegal. I firmly repeat that I cannot partake in his scheme. He tells me he can help me get home, that he can get me a car, a house with an oven… his promises get very extravagant and I'm not sure what he's talking about anymore. I remain silent. He then begins telling his buddies who have accumulated that I'm a medical researcher and am getting my masters in health care. I stand up, tell him that I study politics and history and that I have no idea what he is talking about, and walk away. He follows, offended that I didn't eat lunch, yet gives me his phone number and strict instructions to call him when I'm in Addis next week. I'm not going to Addis next week and never told him I was. Again… not sure what he was talking about.
Moral of the story: don't get into cars with pompous, pretentious people who give you the creeps. Alternatively: if you want to get rich quick, marry people who want you for your nationality.
Time: 9:52pm
Book(s): Snow- Orhan Pamuk; Gilead- Marilynne Robinson, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger- Ron Sider
Music: Iron and Wine- The Shepherd's Dog
Ugly babies: still haven't found one…
State of mind: befuddled, incredulous, bamboozled.
I think I was proposed to today. Kind of. Sort of. Maybe? It's hard to say.
It all began with a man who came into the office yesterday morning (Thursday, May 8th, 2008). Innocent enough- we exchanged greetings for approximately five minutes, as per custom here; he showing off his English skills, I demonstrating that I am trying my hand at Amharic. He then informs me that I am to introduce myself, which I do politely even though I find him rude and overbearing. He then says, "ok. What else?" as he pulls out a notepad and begins writing something. Since Kristen Straw is the only name I have, I'm at a loss as to how to respond. He commences to pummel me with questions that are becoming increasing personal (what are you doing here, where do you live, who do you live with…), which I find awkward considering I don't even know his name and he's taking notes. As it turns out, he has just returned to Ethiopia from Dallas where he is getting his masters in radiation technology or something. Imagine his delight when he discovered I was born in Dallas. He claims to be doing "research" in the area for free. I ask him what he is researching and his answers get vague. He moans about having to use public transportation and how much he misses his car in Dallas. I have no sympathy.
Next day, 10:45am: He comes storming into the office insisting that I come have a soda and lunch with him as he is leaving for Addis in the afternoon. I tell him that I'm working, it's not lunchtime, I'm not hungry, but it was great to meet him… yet somehow I end up in a sketchy car that he has miraculously acquired. To this day I'm not sure how that happened. At the café he directs me to a table where a man is waiting and orders me food and a soda that I don't want. He then pulls out a piece of paper and informs me that all I have to do is "sign on this line" saying that I agree to marry this man. Then he can go to America. I stare blankly, thinking I cannot recall a half hour in my life that has been as odd as the last one has been. My intended looks almost as confused as I'm sure looked. Dude continuously reassures me that there are no strings attached, he himself has done this many times, he has a wife in Dallas whom he has divorced but will remarry once he helps others get to America, and all I have to do is get a divorce later. As he is sure that I will be returning home soon, he says this will not be a problem. Here I find my voice and say that I will not be returning for two years and that I cannot sign the paper. He says very convincingly, "Yes- you can. Here's a pen. And we'll be paying you of course." A fleeting image of me marrying and then promptly divorcing people for money that would be used to build shelters for street kids around the world (current plan for the future) crossed my mind. I almost asked how much he was offering. Then I realize that this has to be illegal. I firmly repeat that I cannot partake in his scheme. He tells me he can help me get home, that he can get me a car, a house with an oven… his promises get very extravagant and I'm not sure what he's talking about anymore. I remain silent. He then begins telling his buddies who have accumulated that I'm a medical researcher and am getting my masters in health care. I stand up, tell him that I study politics and history and that I have no idea what he is talking about, and walk away. He follows, offended that I didn't eat lunch, yet gives me his phone number and strict instructions to call him when I'm in Addis next week. I'm not going to Addis next week and never told him I was. Again… not sure what he was talking about.
Moral of the story: don't get into cars with pompous, pretentious people who give you the creeps. Alternatively: if you want to get rich quick, marry people who want you for your nationality.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Our School is (In)famous!
So, in case you missed it, Samford University made its mark on the map today. For those of us who have grown endlessly tired of correcting others ("No, not STAN-ford... SAM-ford... it's a small, Christian liberal arts school in Birmingham" "Ooohhh..."), we just got famous... and infamous. It's been a busy day for one Err Doctor Andrew Westmoreland.
Pro: Suddenly, our school kicks a**. Scroll down to #27. No way. 27th out of all schools in the country. Forbes Magazine. We beat Berkeley, NYU, UNC, and Vandy. A monumental day indeed. Be sure to check out how they scored it; it makes you proud to be a Bulldog
Con: Campus Safety- as if we didn't all already know how hopelessly inept they were. I'd feel more safe if a nine-year-old with a slingshot was guarding our beloved institution.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Pro: Skype Con: Abnormally Tall People
Time: 11:29pm
Location: Hoover
People Nearby: same as the last time I blogged...a sleeping Emily. She's not in a coma though.
Ugly Babies: Only really tremendously cute ones lately...
Books I'm reading and enjoying: haven't been able to read much... soon enough though!
So back when I was in a sorority (Chi Omega) we did this thing referred to as "Pro Con Pro" during rush. You know, the girls would filter through the sorority house seeking their niche on campus which was manifested through small talk, giggles, and lots of pearls. Then they'd leave for the night and we'd go through one by one and pro con pro 'em. I'm probably divulging too much information, but it's the inspiration for this blog. So, I Pro Con Proed(?) life this evening and came up with Skype, Tall People at Concerts, and the last one will come to me...
Pro: Skype. For some reason I figured Jen and I could somehow create a conference call between the twos of us and a Kristen Straw currently residing in Ethiopia...and it freakin' worked! I mean, to be honest, I thought it was a shot in the dark. I added some money ($18) to my account, called Jen, selected the conference call option and entered Kristen's cell number. We had a pretty good connection, Jen couldn't hear as well, but still, I was impressed, and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour maybe? Oh, it was wonderful to catch up with her!!! She's doing well, but keep her in your prayers bc a lot of PC people are returning home and I think it's hard for Kris not to be discouraged by that.
Con: Tall people at concerts who aren't size aware. I recently got to see Josh Ritter in concert. He's the most thankful and gleeful performer I've ever seen, and as if that's not enough, he's great at giving you not one, but two bear hugs when you talk with him post-show. This is not part of the con, he's awesome. During the concert I counted, seriously...I did, 7 people in the venue who had to be 6'5''. This included a female (she had on heels). Anyhow, 6 out of the 7 stood on the left side of the stage and 6 out of those 6 stood in what would loosely be referred to as the 2nd row. This leaves the following 5 rows struggling to find a gap in the bobbling heads infront of them. It's sort of a domino effect. Anyhow, I'll be honest, I was a bit peeved by the whole matter, only to have my anger eased by meeting Mr. Ritter himselfa few hours later. I'm not discriminating against tall people...I used to be one, I just think it would be a kind gesture to the rest of us for them to remember their stature. My apologies though, to all of you who witnessed my verbal expressions of annoyance.
Pro: Groceries in the refrigerator, graduation, Redeemer Community Church, going to India soon, and as much as I love skype...my boyfriend returning to the same continent.
Hope you all are well. We have a new addition to the blog: Susan Tyner should be joining us shortly. For some reason she declined her blog invite in the fall of '07. After serious consideration and profile review, she has been permitted access and blogging status. Please join me in welcoming her.
Location: Hoover
People Nearby: same as the last time I blogged...a sleeping Emily. She's not in a coma though.
Ugly Babies: Only really tremendously cute ones lately...
Books I'm reading and enjoying: haven't been able to read much... soon enough though!
So back when I was in a sorority (Chi Omega) we did this thing referred to as "Pro Con Pro" during rush. You know, the girls would filter through the sorority house seeking their niche on campus which was manifested through small talk, giggles, and lots of pearls. Then they'd leave for the night and we'd go through one by one and pro con pro 'em. I'm probably divulging too much information, but it's the inspiration for this blog. So, I Pro Con Proed(?) life this evening and came up with Skype, Tall People at Concerts, and the last one will come to me...
Pro: Skype. For some reason I figured Jen and I could somehow create a conference call between the twos of us and a Kristen Straw currently residing in Ethiopia...and it freakin' worked! I mean, to be honest, I thought it was a shot in the dark. I added some money ($18) to my account, called Jen, selected the conference call option and entered Kristen's cell number. We had a pretty good connection, Jen couldn't hear as well, but still, I was impressed, and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour maybe? Oh, it was wonderful to catch up with her!!! She's doing well, but keep her in your prayers bc a lot of PC people are returning home and I think it's hard for Kris not to be discouraged by that.
Con: Tall people at concerts who aren't size aware. I recently got to see Josh Ritter in concert. He's the most thankful and gleeful performer I've ever seen, and as if that's not enough, he's great at giving you not one, but two bear hugs when you talk with him post-show. This is not part of the con, he's awesome. During the concert I counted, seriously...I did, 7 people in the venue who had to be 6'5''. This included a female (she had on heels). Anyhow, 6 out of the 7 stood on the left side of the stage and 6 out of those 6 stood in what would loosely be referred to as the 2nd row. This leaves the following 5 rows struggling to find a gap in the bobbling heads infront of them. It's sort of a domino effect. Anyhow, I'll be honest, I was a bit peeved by the whole matter, only to have my anger eased by meeting Mr. Ritter himselfa few hours later. I'm not discriminating against tall people...I used to be one, I just think it would be a kind gesture to the rest of us for them to remember their stature. My apologies though, to all of you who witnessed my verbal expressions of annoyance.
Pro: Groceries in the refrigerator, graduation, Redeemer Community Church, going to India soon, and as much as I love skype...my boyfriend returning to the same continent.
Hope you all are well. We have a new addition to the blog: Susan Tyner should be joining us shortly. For some reason she declined her blog invite in the fall of '07. After serious consideration and profile review, she has been permitted access and blogging status. Please join me in welcoming her.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Violet Hill
So I know that all of you aren't big Coldplay fans like I am (I feel sorry for those of you that aren't), but I feel compelled to tell you all that they are giving away their new single for free from their website for the next week. Enjoy it!
green and blue
Time: 10:34 AM
Books: Life of Pi (not so original, but worth it), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Convergence (by sam storms on "charismatic calvinism", and once upon a time I started Brothers Karamazov and intend on finishing it someday.
Music: the hum of air conditioning, typing, and florescent lights
Location: work. I'm typing up the state events for fall 2008. Thrilling. But I did find out that I get to make the article that I wrote for the last issue a series, so more writing experience to come.
State of Mind: content. enjoying the brilliant green leaves outside my wall of windows as the blue-sky sun dances shadows on my desk.
So, waking up next to your very best friend and love every morning is just as spectacular as you might imagine. Making our home might be even more fun than we had imagined. Our apartment is really feeling like home and we're enjoying it thoroughly. So far marriage is great, definitely not the easiest thing I've ever tried--don't be fooled--but the promise of God's heart for us and this union is peace in a heavy form.
I wanted to say thanks to all of you who shared in our wedding. It was fully what we hoped for and more. A weekend to celebrate you: our community, family, and friends (all titles apply); the grace and promises in Christ that got us here; and each other. beautiful.
And, here are some pictures from the honeymoon. Oregon is a refreshing and beautiful place.
Books: Life of Pi (not so original, but worth it), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Convergence (by sam storms on "charismatic calvinism", and once upon a time I started Brothers Karamazov and intend on finishing it someday.
Music: the hum of air conditioning, typing, and florescent lights
Location: work. I'm typing up the state events for fall 2008. Thrilling. But I did find out that I get to make the article that I wrote for the last issue a series, so more writing experience to come.
State of Mind: content. enjoying the brilliant green leaves outside my wall of windows as the blue-sky sun dances shadows on my desk.
So, waking up next to your very best friend and love every morning is just as spectacular as you might imagine. Making our home might be even more fun than we had imagined. Our apartment is really feeling like home and we're enjoying it thoroughly. So far marriage is great, definitely not the easiest thing I've ever tried--don't be fooled--but the promise of God's heart for us and this union is peace in a heavy form.
I wanted to say thanks to all of you who shared in our wedding. It was fully what we hoped for and more. A weekend to celebrate you: our community, family, and friends (all titles apply); the grace and promises in Christ that got us here; and each other. beautiful.
And, here are some pictures from the honeymoon. Oregon is a refreshing and beautiful place.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Another Quick Note...
I just got an update from Thailand this afternoon, and I wanted to share some awesome news with you guys. Many of you will remember me sending out messages asking you to pray for a freshman named Beer (or having him add you as a friend on facebook). Beer was on the Thai Summer Project these past few weeks, and I spoke to him about three weeks ago. He told me that he felt that he was very close to becoming a Christian. Well, he did this week! I am so excited! It is so encouraging to get news like that... Thanks for your prayers
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
It's a Bittersweet Symphony; That's Life
April is the cruellest month, breeding/Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing/Memory and desire, stirring/Dull roots with spring rain
Time: 1:38 P.M.
Book(s): Pilgrim at Tinker Creek- Annie Dillard; Paradise Lost- John Milton; The Reason for God- Tim Keller
Music: Jose Gonzalez- In Our Nature
State of Mind: tumultuous; fearful; excited; anxious; reflective
It’s Tuesday afternoon. I’m sitting in the Samford food court, because I, sixteen months post-graduation, have still not fully grasped the fact that I am no longer a student here. I miss it. I miss each of you. Sitting here alone with my computer, vitamin water, and Paradise Lost makes me realize that even more.
The weekend was perfect. This man who has meant so terribly much to me, who has so profoundly and consistently helped to shape my walk, who always humbly, lovingly, and encouragingly pointed me back to the cross, who slept-talked like a champ (and thus, whose dreams were always so comically influenced by whatever nonsensical thought came to my mind- "Keith, what is that Ferris Wheel doing in the middle of the quad? Wait, is that LAVA that it's sinking in!?), who's been almost as famous for his inability to articulate what he's excited about as he has been for his near-matchless enthusiasm for whatever it was he wanted to tell you, was getting married… to a wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, godfearing girl. I could not be any happier for them. I cannot wait to learn so much from their marriage.
Their rehearsal dinner was such a testament to their relationship. They cited their absolute dependence on community to sustain this marriage; they explained their boundless joy in understanding God’s love more fully through his gift of romantic love; they were made to hear what profound influences they had been.
I have been so privileged to have such friends. How could I do anything but thank God for all of you over and over again?
Keith has been the third resident of 1701 to leave via marriage. Parks will be the first to depart for any other reason (though even that is somewhat debatable). Joseph Rhea & Cliff Cook will be moving in with us soon enough. Life moves endlessly and mercilessly forward, and we feverishly clutch to community because we know we cannot survive without it. We cannot survive without the prayers of our brothers & sisters, without their encouragement, accountability, tears, and rebukes. I am too fearful to guess when we shall all be reunited again.
I had a dream a few months back that we all, around the age of forty or so (which assumes, of course, that I’ll last that long) decided to move to the same place and teach at the same high school. It was incredible. I was so happy. In my dream, the students and community surrounding them were changed. It was so beautiful. Maybe one day…
Less important musings: I’m headed on the junior high retreat with Big Time this weekend (I’m speaking the first night on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet); Erin & I are working on a two-week road trip post-Emily/Claire’s weddings- anyone down?; I have a blog: mattfrancisco.blogspot.com. I’ve tried to keep it mostly a secret, but I’m not afraid anymore. You hear that, “I’m not afraid anymore!” –Home Alone, anyone? And at least you know I’ll post more than Will… Much love.
Monday, April 7, 2008
chasin' waterfalls
time: 12:03 am (malaysian time)
book: just finished the Judson History and Legacy...a very humbling book
state of mind: missing B'ham in the spring with all of you but excited about new adventures
ugly babies: i can't remember the last time i saw a baby in person (actually, i think it was nate and jessie's baby...she was not ugly)
As some of you may know, I have a small infatuation with waterfalls. You see, something magical happened on a drizzly Friday afternoon in April three years ago (wow, has it really been three years?). My friend, John, convinced me to venture to Little River Canyon with a group of guys: Wardo, Lambuth, Hamilton, and Nate. Ahh, I just found an essay I wrote about this magical day for class...we had to write about a special place...
book: just finished the Judson History and Legacy...a very humbling book
state of mind: missing B'ham in the spring with all of you but excited about new adventures
ugly babies: i can't remember the last time i saw a baby in person (actually, i think it was nate and jessie's baby...she was not ugly)
As some of you may know, I have a small infatuation with waterfalls. You see, something magical happened on a drizzly Friday afternoon in April three years ago (wow, has it really been three years?). My friend, John, convinced me to venture to Little River Canyon with a group of guys: Wardo, Lambuth, Hamilton, and Nate. Ahh, I just found an essay I wrote about this magical day for class...we had to write about a special place...
My
As I loaded my car, I checked to make sure I had all of the essential items: food, a towel, a bathing suit, and friends to keep me company along the way. With the backseat full of three young men and another in the passenger seat, I began to wonder why I was the only girl going to this special place. I turned left out of Samford’s gates with John’s words ringing in my ears, “We’ll hike a little and probably jump off some cliffs.” He had said it as if jumping off a cliff was as commonplace as watering the flowers.
“Sure, I’m up for that,” I’d replied, not sure what I was getting myself into on a cool, gloomy April day. Once my
Ryan, the only one of us who had been to the special place before, informed us what was in store. “There are huge waterfalls, at least forty feet high, to jump off and then you can hike back up and around to do it again!” The enthusiasm in his voice was not as contagious as I had wished. A sinking feeling came over me as I felt my stomach drop. How could I, the girl who doesn’t enjoy or even ride roller coasters, enjoy this special place?
Ryan continued, “The locals showed me the best places to jump and informed me where the deep water lay. Even though it’s illegal, it’s perfectly safe and no one ever gets in trouble.” Illegal!? My heart stopped. Was I going to commit a crime today? I kept my mouth shut and pretended like illegally jumping off a forty foot waterfall was no big deal. Maybe we would have a wreck. Maybe we would run out of gas. Maybe we would decide to sight-see the sock-capitol of the world, tour the musical group
As the road grew steeper and narrower, I withdrew from all conversation and attempted to create my excuse for not joining the guys on the trail. I could tell them driving gives me migraines, or tell them my stomach was killing me. Better yet, why not tell them I’d had ear surgery as a child and wasn’t even allowed to jump off a low dive. I knew the guys wouldn’t give me too hard of a time, considering I was the only girl brave enough to face the cold with them.
“Turn right directly after this bridge,” Ryan’s instructions brought me to reality as fast as I could see myself flying off the cliff. I parked the
As the guys crawled over the slippery rocks to the peak of the waterfall, I cautiously followed, still not sure if I wanted to take the leap. I remembered the words of my aunt: “Do something that scares you everyday.” Well, this would certainly scare me. All of the guys gave me great advice: “Put your feet here; Run, then leap;” and my favorite, “Be sure you clear that ledge!” They taught me how to estimate the best place to start my run to ensure I had the perfect trajectory angle. Ryan was the daredevil who jumped first and the other guys followed like lemming running to their death. The only difference, however, was that my friends came up sputtering and laughing. Once they had cleared the landing pad, I waved my hands, as if to say, “Get ready; here I come!” I stepped back to the designated starting point, took a running step, leapt through the air, praying the whole way down, then splat! Gurgling down below, I fought the water to reach the air and with a triumphant smile realized that this special place had helped me conquer my fear of heights and opened my eyes to one of the most gorgeous scenes I had ever seen!
All that to say, I finally found my first waterfall here! Ladies and gentlemen, Sungai Gabai...
It's probably the longest waterfall i've ever seen...this picture only shows a section of it.
But don't worry, when you come visit I'll be sure to take you there. And don't worry Wardo, all the locals showed me the best place to swim and slide down some cool rocks!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Why Did You Hit Our School?
Location: 1701 living room couch
Time: 5:01 pm
State of Mind: Thankful for Spring in Bham
People within 20 Yards: Matt talking to Erin outside on Skype and Parks coming in announcing that he's got a new job and is moving to Huntsville.
OK, so I started a moving job until I get hitched to MCJ aka Elaine in a few weeks. I'm really enjoying it. I got to drive a truck actually today. It's really fun. I feel like I'm a racecar driver except I have boxes to deliver and I have to find the fastest route to random places all over Birmingham. For instance I got to drive to Downtown, Five Points, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Fairfield, the Galleria, Greystone, ect. Best part is I get done usually around 2. I hope my copilot didn't mind my obsession to NPR while driving. Man that station is incredible.
So my story comes about when I'm driving into Greystone Elementary School near Brook Hills Church. I am about to pull up and I start to drive underneath this overhead awning, which I've already successfully slipped under several times by this time of the day. Anyway so I'm pulling under and this nice young mom is walking by and waves at me and my co-deliverer, Ben. I procede to smile and wave back while simultaneously slamming into the the school building. I mean I hit it pretty hard. The lady proceeded to give me the "you stupid idiot, I feel sorry for you yet laugh at your existence" look. I knocked off one side of a sign from the overhang so that it is dangling but besides this there is only a dent in the gutter, thankfully. I don't think that anyone has seen me.
Anyone want to help me out with Movies when there were hidden people murders or something and they come back and make the person's life miserable or something..."I know what you did last summer" comes to mind and I'm sure at least three more Shakespeare plays.
So I decide that I'm going to be honest and tell my managers when I get back but not the school because honestly, they don't need to know and that sign wasn't that important anyway. Here's where it gets crazy. I think I'm almost home free, about to leave to go on to my next stop and leave this crime scene behind. I'm walking through the door to deliver my last set of boxes of paper when these kids come rushing to the door. One looks at me and recognizes who I am. He yells out, "Aren't you the one who ran into our school?" another brat says "Yeah I think that's him, Why'd you do that?" several more decide that my silence is not enough of an answer so they repeat "Why'd you hit our school?" This is when I turn around throw each of my boxes at kids, them falling to the ground as paper flies everywhere like a massive paper pillow fight. I bolt for the truck.
I peel out of that god forsaken place trying to hit a few kids on the way out like Wario on Super Mario Kart trying to get as many coins possible while dodging a red shell from Princess who is right on his tail. Anyway. I hate kids now.
I wasn't going to write this but then I decided I would because I'm the first in April!! I win. Forever.
Time: 5:01 pm
State of Mind: Thankful for Spring in Bham
People within 20 Yards: Matt talking to Erin outside on Skype and Parks coming in announcing that he's got a new job and is moving to Huntsville.
OK, so I started a moving job until I get hitched to MCJ aka Elaine in a few weeks. I'm really enjoying it. I got to drive a truck actually today. It's really fun. I feel like I'm a racecar driver except I have boxes to deliver and I have to find the fastest route to random places all over Birmingham. For instance I got to drive to Downtown, Five Points, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Fairfield, the Galleria, Greystone, ect. Best part is I get done usually around 2. I hope my copilot didn't mind my obsession to NPR while driving. Man that station is incredible.
So my story comes about when I'm driving into Greystone Elementary School near Brook Hills Church. I am about to pull up and I start to drive underneath this overhead awning, which I've already successfully slipped under several times by this time of the day. Anyway so I'm pulling under and this nice young mom is walking by and waves at me and my co-deliverer, Ben. I procede to smile and wave back while simultaneously slamming into the the school building. I mean I hit it pretty hard. The lady proceeded to give me the "you stupid idiot, I feel sorry for you yet laugh at your existence" look. I knocked off one side of a sign from the overhang so that it is dangling but besides this there is only a dent in the gutter, thankfully. I don't think that anyone has seen me.
Anyone want to help me out with Movies when there were hidden people murders or something and they come back and make the person's life miserable or something..."I know what you did last summer" comes to mind and I'm sure at least three more Shakespeare plays.
So I decide that I'm going to be honest and tell my managers when I get back but not the school because honestly, they don't need to know and that sign wasn't that important anyway. Here's where it gets crazy. I think I'm almost home free, about to leave to go on to my next stop and leave this crime scene behind. I'm walking through the door to deliver my last set of boxes of paper when these kids come rushing to the door. One looks at me and recognizes who I am. He yells out, "Aren't you the one who ran into our school?" another brat says "Yeah I think that's him, Why'd you do that?" several more decide that my silence is not enough of an answer so they repeat "Why'd you hit our school?" This is when I turn around throw each of my boxes at kids, them falling to the ground as paper flies everywhere like a massive paper pillow fight. I bolt for the truck.
I peel out of that god forsaken place trying to hit a few kids on the way out like Wario on Super Mario Kart trying to get as many coins possible while dodging a red shell from Princess who is right on his tail. Anyway. I hate kids now.
I wasn't going to write this but then I decided I would because I'm the first in April!! I win. Forever.
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