The Biggest Sigh of Relief for 2010

Grades were posted yesterday. I had a lot of anxiety about one class in particular. I received a very poor grade on my first paper for the class back in October. To not have to retake the class––which would postpone my program completion date––I needed at least a B- in the class for the semester. Anything lower than a B- would mean that the grade would not count. I would need at least a B-. With the grade I received on the first paper, I had very little wiggle room for further error.

How would I explain to family members and friends who were planning on coming out in June for graduation that I wouldn't be graduating this year. Worse, how would I console myself? It has been a long, hard, arduous three years for me. And it has for my family.

I put my nose to the grindstone. I worked diligently on my final paper. I started it four weeks before it was due. I pestered our first year TA, peppering him with questions. I typed draft after draft. Finally, the due date came. I turned it in. When I released it from my hands I realized there was no turning back. It had turned in. I wondered if I had prayed enough over it. It was no longer in my hands. I could no longer make any last revisions. It, and my fate, was in the hands of someone else.

Grades were posted yesterday. And, my grade was better than a B- for the class. The little wiggle room that I had wasn't needed. The hard work wasn't wasted and the beauty of God's grace was good. I sat. I took in my grades. I let out the biggest sigh of relief for 2010. And so did Jean. She knew how much the class had stirred in me. She was relieved for me. She was proud of me. She shared in my gladness and relief.

So, I look ahead to the remaining two semesters, 12 credits, and 174 days until graduation.

Sky High Sports

Today the kids and I EdVentured to Sky High Sports in Bellevue, WA. In preparation, I took four Ibuprofen. I should have taken more.

Sky High is an indoor trampoline place. We purchased a two hour block of time for the three of us. It was so much fun. It was fun playing tag with them, it was fun jumping and jumping high together, and it was fun watching Sam perform somersaults into the foam. A great, great day.

The Trifecta of Pepper Jellies

On Monday we spent some time at Pike's Place Market as a family. It was a great EdVenture. Before leaving, Sam and I sampled the Trifecta of Pepper Jellies. While they have many samples to try on the counter, the stand keeps these behind the counter and hands them out––perhaps so that no one burns there mouth unwittingly. Sam said that he would sample the Trifecta if I did. I think he just wanted to prove that he could handle the hot like me.

They work you up to the mother of pepper jelly––one using the dreaded "ghost pepper." The first two were tolerable. The one with the ghost pepper was very, very hot. I think Sam was hesitant to go for that last sample, but because he saw me try it, he tried it. The ladies behind the counter offered us a sample of lime jelly to reduce the fire of the ghost pepper jelly, but it wasn't enough. We quickly went to the drinking fountain and let the cold water set in our mouths for several minutes in order to put out the fire. We also inhaled the city's cold air through out mouths on the back to the car to help put out the fire.

Sam is a brave little man. He was the one who had originally told me about the ghost pepper. While we didn't sample it at its full capability because of the jelly's diluting effect, we felt the power. I was proud of Sam for his willingness and daringness––and, he was very proud of himself as well.

Moose Bed

Moose received a new bed for Christmas. It was the biggest the store had, and he can barely squeeze himself into it. I don't think he can lay his head down, but he seems to love it anyway.

In the Kitchen with Jean at Christmas

I was fortunate enough to help Jean prepare some of the Christmas Eve meal and Christmas Day meal on Friday. It is pretty rare to find us cooking in the kitchen at the same time. Normally, I cook Sundays and in the summer when I don't have class. Cooking with her was eye opening for me.

Jean has made big and delicious meals before. The most recent being Canadian Thanksgiving dinner in October. She did that meal on her own. Much of that meal was created from family recipes. Though we had feasted on those dishes before at the homes of relatives, the meal tasted better than I recall them tasting in the past. I attributed it to the love Jean had poured into creating the meal for our friends.

Christmas Eve Day I was able to see her at work. She had such a command and confidence about her. She was patiently teaching me. She was able to move from creation to creation without hesitation. She was completely at ease. It was amazing to see. It was as though transformation that has taken place in her life over the past several years into woman who is confident about her beauty and elegance was being showcased. Not showcased only as a chef, but as a woman who is assured of the beautiful goodness she has to offer the ones she loves.

A Week of Teeth, and the Karate Kid

Sunday night Sam lost a tooth, and Alina lost a tooth Monday night. But, the most interesting losing teeth story came last night.

Last night was graduation for some of the program guys at my internship. This is a monthly event at the agency as guys advance through the program. I arrived home last night about 8:15pm, and Jean and the kids arrived home from church about 8:25pm. I asked Jean how her day was––she looked exhausted. "Well," she said, "Sam knocked two teeth out of another kid's mouth when they were playing 'Karate Kid.'"

Saturday night Sam, Jean and I watched the original Karate Kid while Alina was at a sleep over. Sam has continued watching the movie throughout the week. Last night at church Sam told a boy, "I wouldn't fight me if I were you, I know karate." Of course, he only knows karate from the movie. The boy told Sam that he knows karate, too. The boy proceeded to charge Sam, face first. Sam made a blocking move with his hand to alter the direction of the kid's face. He did, and he also altered the direction of the kid's two top teeth. He knocked one out, and the other was just dangling.

Fortunately, the boy's mom was really gracious about it. She said to Sam, "I should give you his tooth-fairy money because those teeth have been loose and he wouldn't attempt to pull them out."

The View

I am doing my internship at a Men's Shelter. This was the view from my window last Wednesday morning. In the gray doorway people find a space to sleep. Somewhat removed from the elements as people walk by.

Climbing

Hikers pay top dollar to a world famous mountain climber to guide them to the top of a summit. Today, a group of would-be hikers meet their guide at the trail head before sun up. They stand nervously in the parking lot as introductions are made, and they receive their instructions for the hike. At twilight they head up the hill. They are equipped with boots, packs, a small amount of food, and water––all the equipment they will need to summit the mountain top. They hike together for the morning as the sun comes up over the mountain tops. They pass through the dense forest of trees and over streams––always steadily climbing the mountain. The weary hikers stop for a mid morning break. They eat their trail mix and drink from their water bottles. The weather is clear and sunny, but it feels brisk in the high, thin mountain air. They empty their boots of pebbles and nurse blisters and readjust their pack loads. Then, when what seems like way too soon, their guide urges them on. They must push on to reach their goal for the evening. They must continue up the trail.

Finally, early afternoon they round a bend. In front of them they see a beautiful high mountain meadow, green and lush, full of wild flowers. In the distance, at the end of the meadow nestled into the hillside is a lodge. Smoke rises from the chimney. Out on the deck appears a gray haired couple waving and shouting a “Hello” to the group. Encouraged by seeing their destination for lunch, the group quickens their pace.

Upon arriving at the lodge they soon smell the scent of fresh baked bread and fresh ground coffee brewing. They hear the crackle of a warm fire. Each hiker is greeted warmly by the kind elderly couple. They each find a comfortable chair and slip their tired feet out of their boots. They sit in front of the huge windows of the lodge with the gorgeous view of the valley below and the surrounding mountains. Shortly, a delicious meal is spread before them on the long heavy log table. Fresh baked bread and sliced meats and cheeses with all the fixings adorn the table. Hot coffee to warm them and fresh baked mountain berry pie.

Just as they are finishing the lovingly prepared meal the guide instructs them to load up. It’s time to go, if they are too make the campsite that night. The summit awaits.

A few of the hikers complained. They were tired. They wanted to stay at the lodge where it was warm, and the food was prepared for them. The guide told them, “You don’t have to go on climbing. You can stay the night here and we will pick you up on the way back.” Several group members chose to stay behind. They chose to enjoy the wonderful stories of the couple, to play checkers by the fire, to indugle in hot chocolate, and gaze at the magnificent view out the picture window. They have done enough climbing. They have gone further than most, and they will stay in the comfort of the lodge.

The rest of the group presses on for what is to be the steepest part of the climb. They are carrying overnight gear and equipment for the snow and ice covered terrain. They are weary from the day’s climb. They are above the tree line and each step becomes an effort––the air is thin. By late afternoon they must stop for a rest, and to strap on the now needed crampons to the bottom of their boots. As night begins to fall, they stop to make camp before darkness overtakes them. It is cold and windy, and then it begins to rain. Due to the wind they are unable to light their sterno cans to heat their dinner and are forced to their remaining pieces of dried fruit instead of a warm meal from their dehydrated food. Even using the “restroom” is awkward. Sleep does not come easy in the cold and howling wind, or on the hard, lumpy and stony ground. But, exhausted, they finally fall asleep.

At daybreak the next morning the group wakes. However, they are again unable to enjoy a hot meal. For breakfast they must settle for eating what trail mix they have left. They make the effort to break camp. The gear never seems to fit back into the packs the way it went in. Wearily, the group presses onward towards the summit.

They arrive to the summit, but only after a brief time at the summit, they must descend if they are to make it back to the trailhead by sundown. Cold, tired, and hungry––yet exhilarated from having reached the summit––they start the journey down.

In contrast, those that stayed behind have enjoyed the comfort of the lodge. They spent the evening visiting with one another, eating another fabulous meal, and retiring to a warm feather bed. They awoke to the smell of country bacon and pancakes. They spend the morning in leisure.

Then those in the lodge hear the rest of group approach. They have watched the hikers wind their way down from the top of the mountain. Even from a distance, echoing through the valley, they have heard the summit group laughing and joking. The group seemed to disappear as they went below tree line, but eventually the summit group emerges from the forest. Reunited, they have a brief lunch together before they are off again down the mountain. As they hike the summit group always seems to be at the front, leading the way. They are energized, alive, laughing and sharing the experience of the reaching the summit. On the way down they continue to talk about signing the summit registry, about the indescribable 360-degree view from the top. They now joke about their overnight struggles and lovingly tease one another. They have bonded together. Meanwhile, the lodge group follows, hiking in silence.

Upon reaching the cars, the lodge group feels that some how they have missed the best experience. They had chosen the feeling of personal comfort instead of pressing on to the top. They had settled for the mere feeling of hiking, content with carrying the equipment that they never had need to use.

Not all have summited, but those who have put in the extra effort have found it well worth it. Right now, I feel tired and weary from climbing. I am tired from internship and papers and reading. But, I am sure the insanity of these three years will be worth it because I have already seen the beauty of making it this far.

She Just Is

Yesterday Alina brought a larger than standard envelope home from school. There was a note inside that read:

Dear Alina and Parents, Congratulations! Because you have demonstrated leadership with your positive attitude and good choices, I am excited to tell you that Alina has been selected to be one of six narrators for this year's PreK, K, 1st Grade Christmas Chapels. One boy and one girl were chosen from each of the first grade classes . . .

The note, attached to her script, goes on to describe the practice requirements that come along with the privilege. Besides lots of practicing at home, she has to miss lunch recess Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. When I informed Alina of that requirement she sweetly replied, "That's alright."

I did my best to explain that she was seen as the girl with the best attitudes in her first grade class. I don't think it phased her. The character that was described in the note is just who she is and she will continue to be that way. She doesn't try to be that way. She just is.

Smell Like a Monster

This spoof of the Old Spice ad is hilarious!

Being Perfect

When I move my right thumb, it pops. Last night when I was sitting on Alina's bed to say goodnight, she asked, "Why do your fingers make noise?" I told her that I was old and creaky. She said, "You're not old and creaky, you're perfect," then she pulled me close.

In telling me I was perfect she wasn't telling me I was without fault, she was telling me that she loves me in spite of my faults. She made me tear up that she loves my despite who I am. Her love is perfect love.

Feasting Day

We are celebrating one of our favorite holidays, a few days early, today––Canadian Thanksgiving. Canadian Thanksgiving is actually Monday, but tonight we are inviting a few friends over to enjoy the great day with a great feast.

Broken Glass

Thursday I left internship about 90 minutes early under the umbrella of "self-care." I had been at internship for 11 hours and fifteen minutes the day before due to the graduation celebration. Knowing that I was leaving early, I had scheduled an inspection for 6pm that was located north of the city. Leaving early would also help me beat the 5 o'clock traffic. It had been a good day of great counseling.

As I walked to my car, I noticed an envelope on my windshield. As I got closer, I noticed my driver's side door glass was smashed. I park in parking garage. I always park way down. It's not a huge parking garage, so I was probably twenty spaces away from the entrance. My rationalism for parking where I do is that anyone who might try to vandalize or steal would do so closer to the entrance for a quick get away. I was wrong.

The envelope on the windshield was from the police department. Inside the envelope was a note from a police officer saying that the lot attendant noticed the car prowl at 1300 hours. There was so much glass on the driver's seat. So much. There was also a pile of glass that had been swept neatly into a 30"x3"x3" heap. Because of the amount of glass, I don't think it was just my car that was burglarized. At first it didn't look like anything was taken. The console was open, but I never keep anything in it. The envelope holding the registrations and insurance info, along with the car's manuals, from the glove box were on the floor. I don't keep anything of value in the glove box. They didn't take my phone's earpiece. They didn't take my Marmott rain-jacket. They didn't even take a gift card that I had on the front seat that was sitting on top of some books.

It surprised me someone would want to break into my car. It has never had a radio––it has a factory Toyota faceplate where a radio is supposed to go. The care is about as basic as you can get.

As I was driving north on I-90, with glass continuing to fall in as I was sitting on a tarp from the trunk to save my backside from broken glass, I realized they did get my camera that I was needing for the inspection. Fortunately, Alina let me borrow her camera. As I was downloading photos from my inspection, these were a few of the photos on her camera. She made me smile.

How Not to Be a Friend

My previous post told how to be a friend. In this country song, the guy is trying to be a friend, but falls short. You just don't tell someone, "Sounds like life... You've got to suck it up." That isn't how you jump in the stew of life with/for someone.

How to Be a Friend

Our neighbors are in the process of finding a home for their dog Margaret. Margaret is a huge, old, Basset Hound. Lorelei, our neighbors' daughter, woke up Margaret and Margaret bit her on the lip. Margaret hasn't lived there since biting Lorelei, but the decision was made that Margaret can't come back home. Margaret has been staying at Lorelei's grandma's.

Today Lorelei came over just to say "hi" to Alina, but didn't want to stay and play. After telling us that they would be finding a new home for Margaret, she refused to cry. I could see her forcing herself not to. She said that she just wanted to go back home. As she was leaving, Alina said, "You can come to my room and color a picture of Margaret if you want to." Lorelei said, "I think I'll stay."

Alina is such a sweet friend, and did what every friend should do when there is heartache. She didn't try and ignore it or chance the subject. She didn't tell Lorelei that everything would be okay. Alina didn't talk about what a good dog, or bad dog, Margaret was. She simply walked with her friend gently into the pain.

Many of us have been told to get over our pain. Many of us have been told to "suck it up." How often have we longed for a friend that would just be with us during the hurt and sadness? That is how the healing happens.

Theology Meets Football

Yes, it's terrible. Yet, it's hilarious!

Pulleys

As mentioned in another post, I hadn't been riding very much. But, as of late I have been able to get out to mountain bike once or twice per week. The few times when I did get out last year I noticed that when I would put some additional pressure and torque on the pedals there would be a little rear gear slippage. As I have been riding more over the last few weeks the slipping had become bad, beyond something I could comfortably ignore. I had been trying to remedy the situation by making small cable adjustments on the fly. That was no longer working either.

While we were still living in Grand Rapids I had the courage to begin wrenching my bike myself. The time that it would take a bike ship mechanic to fix it, as well as the cost, made it worth it to fix it myself. The Park Tool repair site became a great companion.

For this problem with the slipping gears I took a good, hard look at the rear deraileur. The rear deraileur still seemed to have good spring tension. This was a financial relief because a rear deraileur that is constructed to withstand the dirt, consistent shifting, and beating of hard mountain biking can be anywhere between $129 and $275. My hunch was that the two rear deraileur pulleys were worn. Upon further examination, the pulleys were worn to the point where they looked like pulley in the middle. Now, one would think that is what you would want your pulley to look like. One would guess that the star points and groove would make a great place for the bike chain to ease into for the ride around the pulley. But, that isn't the case at all. The points––called shark toothing, which can also happen on your front chain rings as well as they wear–– actually cause slipping because there is little surface area taking up the gap in the chain's link. So, I went to my local Performance Bike store in Seattle, and bought a package of two Fortè pulleys. I used my 3mm hex wrench to remove the old and pulleys and had the two new pulleys installed within a matter of minutes. I rode it hard last Monday and again Saturday with Sam. No slipping. Shifting was as smooth as silk, making for a great, worry-free ride.

Lucky Them

"Lucky them." At (Re)Orientation, that phrase was used to describe a MHGS family. The student was preparing for her internship. She, along with her husband and kids, would have to leave their church community in order for her to do her internship at a new church. "Lucky them" was used because they got to experience the heartache of their calling.

Many students have left a community to come to MHGS. Our family experienced the (mis)fortune of leaving community in order to come to Seattle. That continues to be heart wrenching. We miss those relationships terribly. But, after two years we are finally stepping into community here. We have been invited to dinner so many times in the last couple of months. We have been lucky to enter heartache with those we've come to know here.

And, then there is the Lucky Me of my internship. I have heard so many hard, tragic stories. I don't want to just show up at internship and hope someone comes to my office. I have been intentional since the first day of being in community with them. I stepped out my comfort zone and go to the cafeteria with them instead of eating a sack lunch alone in my office. I go to community group with them. I greet them at the beginning of the day and throughout the day with a handshake and a "glad to see you." I walk through the building and talk to the guys. When I graduate I want to be in community with people. I don't just want an office and see people once a week. I want to do life with people.

In return for doing my internship this way, I hear the tragic stories. It has been hard to leave those stories behind. I bring them home and suffer with them. Many students and professors have said that I need to care for myself and learn to leave them at my internship site. Yes, but. But, being in community causes me to carry stories with me, and carrying those stories is part of being human. Lucky me! And I mean that with all my heart. There is no place I would rather be doing my internship. I love the people that I am suffering with.

Giving Up Icy Yummy Goodness?

I think I may be giving up Icy Yummy Goodness. Well, at least store bought. It just doesn't taste good any more. I have fallen in love with Jean's homemade ice cream. My delicate palate just can't go back. Store ice cream has become blah and tasteless. Jean's ice cream has spoiled me. It's so delicious!

Sextant

The sextant is a tool used in navigation. I am a self-declared cartographer and an explorer. At (Re)Orientation, our school's president talked about how a sextant's user looked to the heavens in order to orient him or herself to the earth. It is a great metaphor. How do I look to God to orient myself to the world around me?

Bacon and Turtle Burgers

My friend L-O-V-E-S bacon. The other day I sent him this Jim Gaffigan YouTube video about bacon.


He gave me a bacon recipe––Turtle Burgers:
Here's a new twist on how to serve burgers.

Handmade ground beef patties, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, wrapped in a bacon weave, then the next step, add hotdogs as the heads, legs with slits for toes and tail.

Next step. Place on an oven rack, covered loosely with foil and baked for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees. A little crispy, not too crunchy.

Garage Sales

Jean and I came across several big finds as we combed the area garage sales Friday and Saturday. Jean's treasures were two super large sheet cake pans, a metal bowl, and pot large enough for her country boil!

I found a kerosene heater at the rotary club's sale. It was listed for $22.50. One of the men helping with the sale was very kind. After starting it for me he said I could have it for $10. No arguments here. I am not quite sure when I will be needing it, but it was one of those items I couldn't pass up. Maybe it was the dream of working on something in the garage in the winter time, combined with the fond memories of gathering with the guys at the barn after orienteering and Bible study as we stood around eating Doritos and cookies telling stories and laughing.

Not pictured: Sam's incredible deal of the day––a pogo stick for $1.50!

The Food Vendor

On Tuesdays I have a class at school from 10-12, then I walk the 1.3 miles from MHGS to my internship. As I walked to my internship site, I saw this food vendor wagon. Yes, it looks like a metal pig with sunglasses. It is very intriguing. I want to try the food sometime, but I'm not sure if it is because vehicle is so cool looking or because it is so hideous.

Reading Partner

Everyone needs a reading partner. My reading partner happens to be Moose.

School Resumes

This week school resumed for me. I have also started my internship, which is a major component of my final year. I have heard so many stories of tragedy already, with a common theme of being abandoned by a father, alcohol and drug use, and prison time. So heart breaking.

The kids also began school this week. Alina is now a 1st grader, and Sam is a 4th grader. They are so cute, and SO BIG!

Goal Setting for 4th Grade

Early last week I asked Sam to come up with a list of goals for 4th grade. Goals that, in doing them, would make his 4th grade year a good one. Later in the day he told me that he came up with three, and I said that I looked forward to hearing them.

Sunday night when we were walking home from the skateboard park I asked him what his goals were. The first one was, "Listening to the teacher." I asked what that looked like. He answered, "Not picking dirt out of your shoe while the teacher is talking."

The Naturist

I have to admit, I like Teva's short films entitled The Naturist. And, this is my most favorite episode.

Slug Bug

We play Slug Bug in the car. The game has evolved since I was young. When I was young we only did the slug when we saw the Volkswagen Bug. Today, all Volkswagens count. Sam also learned from a friend that PT Cruisers are worth two punches. WHAAAT!?!?!

We sometimes play for points. Newer Volkswagens are worth 1 point. Old Skool Bugs are worth 5, and Old Skool Vans are worth 10 points. Volkswagen "Things" and the Volkswagen "Karmann Ghia" are worth 100 ––basically they make you the winner for the entire day. The other day at Central Market I saw what I thought was the mother of all Old Skool Volkswagens. It looked to be the earliest Volkswagen Bug ever made! I began snapping photos with my phone. I noticed "Citroën" stickers on the car, and a funny logo. Hmmm?

As it turns out, Citroën has nothing to do with Volkswagen. Citroën is French automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1919. The innovative company even mass produced the world's first front-wheel drive car in 1934. But, as unique as the car was it didn't earn me any points.

Funny Things from the Mouths of Sam and Alina

Last week we were school shopping. We saw a woman with really, really long braided blond hair. Alina said loudly, "I like her hair! I think it's a wig!"

When we were visiting John and Valerie, there were plans to do a hike after church. I was explaining those plans to Sam. He said, "And then we have to come back and have lunch!" I clarified that we were going to have lunch, and then go hiking. Then I said that it made me laugh that he was always so mindful of his stomach. I told him it wasn't a bad thing at all, but it just made me smile how much he thinks about eating. Sam replied, "I think about other things, too. Like . . . Hey! You're right! That is all I think about!"

Comparing the Numbers

Today Alina wanted to take the bikes to Green Lake to celebrate her learning to ride her bike. We rode around the 3 mile lake, had lunch there, and even rode from there to church to visit Jean. At the end of the ride I noticed my odometer had 21.2 miles on it. Not my "tripometer," my "odometer." This year I have ridden a grand total of 21.2 miles! In comparison, two years ago I was pushing 1,000 miles by the middle of July. And those were trail miles, not road miles.

Yes, I miss riding. I miss it incredibly. I miss the healing that it brings. This season of hasn't allowed for it. School and being a dad have needed my time. I am hoping that this fall will allow for riding, at least once per week. Mountain biking is great self-care, something that I have learned both intellectually and practically is very important. Good Bal(l)ance is everything!

She Rides a Two-Wheeler

Alina has never been really interested in riding her bike. She rode her bike a little in Grand Rapids when we had a very long driveway––when her bike had training wheels. Our first house in Seattle really didn't have a place to ride. The road was busy, and the driveway was short and steep. The road around the loop is very quiet where we now reside, but Alina was more interested in running to the neighbor girl's house than riding her bike.

One Saturday in winter, when it felt like spring in Seattle, I worked with Alina a little on riding her bike without its training wheels. Alina wasn't really into it. It was all we could do to make it to the end of the street where the loop reconnects.

Living here, Sam was more into his Razor scooter than his bike. The neighbor girl also had one. It was time for Alina to have one. She quickly learned how to balance and ride fast. Lots of riding after Sam, and lots of trips to the Skateboard park with the scooters. The pink bike was ignored. But, late last week I was feeling it was time to revisit riding the bike, so yesterday we tried again. Saying Alina lacked enthusiasm is an understatement. Though we were outside for over an hour, she probably gave it six tries. Just before going in for lunch she rode the length of the street. In the afternoon, though, she climbed on and was immediately on her way. Now, she can't stop riding or talking about riding. Last night when I was talking to her before she fell asleep she was making plans for riding around Green Lake Tuesday, as well as making sure that her tires were dirt tires so that she can come to the mountain biking trails with Sam and me. She is such a princess!

Alina Learns to Ride Her Bike from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

Ready for Some Football

Sam went to to the orthodontist on Saturday. Besides having his braces adjusted, he got new colors. His last color scheme was all purple in order to to cheer the Los Angeles Lakers to a world championship. This time around, the colors he chose are Honolulu Blue and Silver––GO LIONS!
(The barbecue sauce stains on his face have no team affiliation.)

Van Maintenance Saturday

Saturday I went to the Auto Parts store and procured all of the necessary parts to get both vehicles ready for fall: oil, oil filters, air filters, coolant, and wiper blades. Because of all of the miles that were put on the van in the last six weeks, Saturday was the van's turn.

I was unloading the supplies out of the van and my neighbor Butch came over to see what I was up to. In the conversation he said, "I'm glad to see you use Castrol. That's the only oil I use." I love Butch to death, but I wondered secretly if what kind of oil I used determined my worth as a neighbor or as a man. What if I used Penzoil? Heaven forbid! I was glad, though, that he didn't come up and hit me behind the legs and say, "That's thinkin' with your dipstick, Jimmy!" (See video below.)

The van must have had more than a few coolant changes in its lifetime. The radiator drain plug was stripped out and would not and could not be placed back into the radiator. I went to twelve different auto parts stores, and none of them had one. Just FYI, if someone asks if your 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan is a Flex Fuel model, they should not work at an auto parts store. NAPA was closed last night, but this morning they opened at 9am. I was there before the lights went on and I purchased the only one they had. I took it home and installed it, poured in a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, took the used antifreeze to the Aurora Household Hazardous Waste Center (open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 9:30am to 4:30pm), came home and showered and dressed, and made it to church for the 11am service! And, I drove the van! Jean's rig is again road ready.

Found

Several important things have come up missing in our house over the last six months or so. Sam is missing eight or more sweatshirts, Jean is missing a vegetable peeler, and my full-finger mountain biking gloves and my compass had vanished. I wondered if one of the neighbor kids was a kleptomaniac. I had also heard a sermon around Christmas time once where a family that was struggling financially began noticing special items were coming up missing. A family friend was "taking them," and then at Christmas wrapped the items he had taken as gifts for the family. It provided the family with joy and laughter. To me, NOT FUNNY. I asked Jean if she was doing this. She promised she wasn't.

Sam's sweatshirts were probably left at school in the spring when the mornings were cold and the afternoons were warm. All of the lost and found items at school had been donated by the third week of June when I realized that Sam could have forgotten his sweatshirts on the playground. Though I do the laundry, I didn't realize that there were no sweatshirts coming through the laundry. I didn't notice them missing until we were starting to pack for our backpacking trip to Rachel Lake.

Jean's vegetable peeler is still a mystery, as are my gloves. But, losing my compass really made me sad. As an only child I take pride in never losing ANYTHING, and keeping everything perfectly and meticulously maintained. How could I lose my compass? I am a self-proclaimed cartographer for crying out loud! My friends call me "EdVenture." When it was time to pack for Rachel Lake, I noticed it wasn't in its normal place. I was frantic in searching for it. The last time I remembered using it was when the Sherpa was here and we did the orienteering course at St. Edwards State park. I looked through one of my gear boxes where I keep my several map cases. I also looked in the few other spots that I could have placed it for safe keeping. Nothing. Nothing but sadness, that is. My Suunto M-2 compass had been my guide on all of my adventure races, several backpacking trips, and for our orienteering group. It was reliable, and present for great memory making.

On vacation I packed all of our towels in what is lovingly referred to as "the big green bag." The big green bag is both green and big. You could easily fit a body in it. After vacation I was going through all of the pockets of all of the suitcases and duffle bags we took. There, in one of the side pockets of the big green bag, were four rechargeable batteries AND MY COMPASS! I had forgotten that I had taken the big green bag to the cabin over reading week in February, and had put all of my outdoor gear in it. It was now found! SWEET!

Stung

Last night I went outside to talk with two of our neighbors as they were walking by. Cathy and her husband Steve were out for their regular evening stroll around the loop. Cathy had suffered a brain aneurysm two years ago, and had a job interview earlier in the day. I hurried outside to see how it went. As we talked I felt a sharp pain in the back of my left knee. I thought, "That almost felt like a sting." I nonchalantly moved my hand to that area of my leg and looked down long enough to see a yellow jacket drop to the ground.

I casually continued the conversation, while rubbing the back of my leg every few seconds. I had noticed that Steve was wearing a Phish t-shirt. I told him I was reading Aron Ralston's book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place––Aron Ralston is the man who amputated his own arm with a multi-tool after it was lodged against a canyon wall by a boulder. Steve and Cathy are hikers, and I let Steve know that Aron was listening to Phish during his hike and throughout his ordeal. Steve began talking about a book he was reading. It had something to do with cavers who descend blindly into caves. The thought of "I am allergic to yellow jackets and I wonder if I am going to pass out or die," unfortunately began tuning Steve out.

I have passed out multiple times before after being stung by a yellow jacket. And, after each sting the reaction becomes worse. When we lived in Grand Rapids I was getting venom injections in the case I was stung again.

I came inside and got the epinephrine pen ready––just in case. The cold sweats came, just as they had in the past before I would collapse. But, I think that this time it was just the adrenaline of the not knowing what was about to happen. I waited it out to the 20 minute point. Good. Then the 30 minute point. Still good. If nothing had happened by then, I was golden. Was there still enough venom in my system to ward off the sting? Maybe! Just glad I didn't have to go through the scariness of going unconscious this time around.

Vacation Movie

We had a blessed vacation. Blessed is a word that I don't use whimsically. We got to see great friends. We had such good laughs and conversation that it was too hard saying goodbye to them. And, as you will see in the video, Alina has a new BFF. It is amazing to me that two 6 year olds can play for four days straight without conflict, only enjoyment.

The remainder of our vacation was spent traveling home via the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast is amazingly beautiful. And, so is my family. I am truly blessed. The video makes me tear up a lot.

In the video there is some still photos as well as clips from the video camera. In one scene Jean is racing Sam down the dune. Keep your eye on Jean.

Summer Vacation 2010 from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

Two Years Ago Today

Two years ago today, with the help of close friends and family, we loaded all of our belongings onto a semi-trailer. We shipped everything we owned to Seattle so that I could come to graduate school. If I would have known then what I know now, I doubt that I would have the courage to step into the fray, the mess, and the long process of healing. But, we did it, and looking back I'm glad we did. I love Jean now more than ever because of what we have had to face and work through together over the last twenty four months. Thanks for having the courage my love, even when I didn't and don't.

Boring Certainty vs. The Adventurous Unknown

Boring Certainty vs. The Adventurous Unknown––a great post by my friend Jason.

Vacation

Tomorrow we head out for vacation. First, to California where we get to spend several days with great old young friends. I've known John half my life. We've had a lot of goofy times, backpacking trips, were in a band together, early morning Bible studies, mission trips, and on and on. He was my best man in our wedding. And, I've known his wife Valerie even longer––since second grade. So, it will be awesome to see such great old young friends.

Then we will head home, taking several days to head up the Oregon coast.

Often before a road trip I will add a few new songs to my iTunes Library. For this trip I added The Essential Weird Al Yankovic. I've already laughed until there were tears in my eyes. So, the trip should be light. And, I want to work this Weird Al road trip song into a blog post somehow...

Scooter Etiquette

The last few days Sam and Alina and the other kids in our neighborhood circle have enjoyed taking their scooters to the skateboard park. (Pictured: neighbor girl, Alina, and Sam.) Yesterday while riding up one of the ramps, Alina looked at the neighbor girl and said, "Seriously! The big kids don't watch where they're going!" Where did her scooter etiquette come from? She makes me laugh.

Buy One, Get one FREE!

Today I did an inspection up in Marysville. On the way home I passed the Marysville cemetery, and strung between two trees was a sign that said, "Holiday Special . . . Buy One Space, Get One Free!" In small print it says, "(Pre-Need Only)." So, if you are needing multiple plots, hurry! I am sure the offer is only good while supplies last!

The Ballard Locks

Today we went to the Ballard Locks and Gardens. Though watching the boats go through the locks was cool, the most amazing thing was seeing a Harbor Seal. He is a little hard to see in the photo, but watching it resurface time and time again after diving for food was awesome. Seeing the thousands of salmon making their way upstream from Puget Sound was pretty amazing, too.