Sweet Video

I don't have a lot of time to explain this at the moment...but if you have about 4 minutes, you should really watch this.



- j(w)s

Well Spoken

So, as many of you know, I just recently started working for Booster Enterprises which is an elementary school fund-raising company. I just spent the past two weeks in Louisville, KY working at elementary schools, and I'm really excited to be home now. Anyway... each day during the week or so before the "Fun Run," the Booster team goes into each classroom to talk about a certain character trait, update the class on thier fund-raising success, and hand out prizes. Well, the particular day I'll now be discussing was the "Attitude" day in which we do a talk about coming into school with a big smile and a great attitude. At one section of the talk I point to an individual in the class and say "if he comes into class with a smile, then she'll smile, and she'll smile until the whole class is smiling and has a great attitude." Well, after I pointed at one 5th grade guy and said "and he'll smile" I noticed that the people at that table began to giggle a little, so I asked what was going on and the girl beside the GUY said "she's a GIRL." Wow. I had just called a girl "he" in front of her entire class and then been called out. I should have just left it alone because, prior to asking what was going on, I saw the "guy" motioning to the girl beside "him" to just be quite and not get my attention. Horrible. After I had realized my mistake, I quickly mumbled something like "sorry... I always get confused" (not true... just with pre-pubescent girls with boy haircuts). I think I kind of played it off, but things were a little awkward when the girl (Sarah) was called up in front of the class to recieve her prizes, and I had to hand Sarah her prizes for the day. I don't think I looked in her eyes. I'm just hoping that no irreversible damage was done to poor Sarah's self-image. I'm sure she'll grow up to be a very feminine woman... she will now at least.

Learning to be more careful when announcing genders publically,
Robby

Still trying to settle down...

Last night we had about 15 people at my parents house in Lexington to watch the UK-Louisville game. It was the greatest UK football game I have ever watched. Louisville was ranked 9th in the country and we hadn't beaten a top-10 team in over 30 years...so add that to the fact that it was the in-state rival and it was pretty intense.

But long story short, we got a big lead, lost it, got another lead, lost it again with 2 minutes left, then threw a 57 yard touchdown with 28 seconds left to win it. It was probably the biggest game in decades. And we are actually in the top-25 for the first time that I remember...which basically just raises expectations and may be a disaster in the long run, but for now it's pretty cool.

- j(w)s

Kittens... sweet, sweet kittens

So, I've been in Louisville, KY for the past week for work (and I'll be there for this coming week... I miss home), and one benefit of this out-of-town working experience is being able to see my sister, brother-in-law and nephew frequently because they live about 20 minutes from where I'm staying. I was able to spend the night at my sister's last Sunday night, and while I was in thier guest bathroom I smelled something really interesting. I looked everywhere for the source of the stench, and I couldn't find anything, so I just went to sleep. The next morning when I woke up, I went into the bathroom and heard something running around underneath the house in the crawl space. I told my sister, and she said that it was probably thier dog Lady. Then she told me that Lady was probably messing with the kittens that thier cat had birthed underneath the house. And the plot thickens. Considering that animals were being born beneath the floors of her house, I told my sister about the funny smell in the bathroom. About that time I realized that the smell was something I had smelled before... death. Yep. At that moment it was clear to me that the kittens had died under the house and were slowly decaying. To make sure, my sister and I went into the crawl-space with flashlights (well... Rebecca looked on from the entrance of the crawl-space while I crawled towards the back of the space) and, quickly discovering that the smell of death was too strong to take, I put my shirt over my mouth and nose as I approached two lifeless kittens. Sad, I know. Grabbing a shovel, I awkwardly scooped up the maggot infested bodies and carried them to a large grassy area far behind the house. I'm not exactly sure why I told you this story, but I found it odd enough to share.

Hoping you've learned to close the entrance to your crawl-space,
Robby

Going Home Tomorrow...

My license has expired and I'm using that as an excuse to go home for a couple of days...to see family and friends and to get a change of scenery. On a somewhat-related note, I was reading Through Painted Deserts tonight and there was this part about home and change and travel that I just love...I probably love it 'cause it's about road trips and perfectly mimics the way I would have explained our trip to Costa Rica if I were eloquent.

"We are traveling north toward Oklahoma and then, perhaps, the Grand Canyon. After that, we have no plans except to arrive in Oregon before we run out of money. We share a sense of excitement and freedom. Not a rebel freedom, rather, a deadline-free sort of peace. There is nowhere we have to be tomorrow. There is no particular road we have committed to take, and I suppose, if one of us could talk the other out of it, the canyon itself could be bypassed for some other point of interest. Tonight we are travelers in the truest sense of the word, a slim notion of a final destination and no schedule to speak of. We are simply moving for motion's sake.
Our plans were shared with friends, but few understood. "Going off to find yourself" was the standard interpretation. I don't think that is really our point. We are shaped by our experiences. Our perception of joy, fear, pain, and beauty are sharpened or dulled by the way we rub against time. My senses have become dull and this trip is an effort to sharpen them."

I think more than anything, I love that part of the book because it speaks to ideas and choices and lives that are not easily explained by our American perspective...driving without a specific destination, focusing on the experience rather than the outcome, choosing freedom and excitement over plans and safety. But when I stop and think, I realize I feel that way a lot of times. My life is not easily explained to those around me and I have become a master at giving explanations that don't explain anything. I wish I communicated more clearly to those around me, but in the end I smile every morning and every night because my life is alive. It is free and it is hopeful and it is full of joy, and while responsibility and security are a hundred times easier to explain and defend, I don't mind living like the 'traveler' that I know I am.

Some day I may settle down and start asking the 'how' questions (how do i make more money, get a house, support my family, earn people's respect, more easily justify my place in this world...) but I really do wonder if the 'why' questions aren't just so much more important.

In the end, more than adventure or drama or risk or pride, I just hope and pray that my life is genuinely testing the truth of Matthew 6:31+ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

its just hard to explain... - j(w)s

Music

There's this guy that leads worship here in Birmingham. I recently got a copy of his new album pre-release and it's amazing. That's all....listen to it if you want to hear a few new songs.

- j(w)s

ABJP Shirts

The guys at the 'studio' just got the design in for the A Bryan Photo shirts and they are pretty sweet. If you leave a comment on his blog with a good reason why you should get one, he just might give you a free one...and then you will be cool.



- j(w)s

today

i got a haircut today, which was very necessary. and i mailed out my 2005 taxes, which was exciting. and it's about to rain, which is also exciting. and i think i might go play guitar hero as a form of procrastination.

fantasy football tip of the week (for those of you who care) - do whatever you have to do to get jared lorenzen on your team. you wont regret it.

- j(w)s

FSL

With the coming of the fall season, many guys out there are gearing up for the Fantasy Football draft and beginning of football season. This leaves all the females out there feeling a bit left out and since gender equality has always been our primary concern (and I have never even heard of a girl playing Fantasy Football), we decided to solve that problem by creating an entirely new and unique fantasy league dedicated solely to the interests of females everywhere. We give you... Fantasy Sorority League.

As with your typical Sorority, the "Draft" (i.e. Rush) is the key event of the year. Each girl's Fantasy Chapter lives and dies on the strength of her yearly Draft. Here are the rules for the Draft:

- Each team gets to pick 3 girls from each Sorority - (3 zetas, 3 phi mu's, 3 chi o's, 3 adpi's, 3 aopi's)- giving each Fantasy Chapter 15 "Rushees"

- The draft order is chosen at random and reverses in each round (the last pick in Round 1 picks first in Round 2)

- Picks can be traded based at the discretion of each Chapter President

- Final Rule (and this is what allows girls to accel at this game) - your choices are based on nothing more than a 3in x 2in headshot of each girl given to you right before the draft. That's all you have to go on...any conclusion about a girl's personality, talent, or future contribution to the world must be judged from this picture alone. Easy, huh?

Once the 'Teams' have been chosen, the season begins. Unlike Fantasy Football where there is a game each week, Fantasy Sorority League keeps a running score throughout the year with one winner awarded at the end. "How can you keep score?" you might ask...well we would be glad to tell you.

Scoring:

Phase 1

Once the draft has been completed (based only on looks), a girl's initial 'score' is then calculated using the following criteria:

- Tanning =
1-4 points, depending on shade

- Number of Facebook Friends =
1 point per 100 friends

- Family Wealth =
5 points if your dad has a plane (per plane)
3 points for each Vacation Home
3 points if either parent is on Samford's Board
2 points for having a European/Luxury Car (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Land Rover, etc)
-10 if on Need-Based scholarship

- Homecoming Performance =
3 points for each Homecoming Court Representative
10 points for each Homecoming Crown (double points if also dating the
Homecoming King at that time)

- GPA =
4 points for 3.75-4.0
3 points for 3.5-3.74
2 points for 3.25-3.49
-2 points for +4.0 (you will have to work on those priorities if you are going
to be an asset to your sorority)

- Involvement =
-3 points for each former Marching Band member
-4 points for each former Flag Corp member (sorry Laura Pearson, your
Homecoming points don't quite cancel out your Flag Corp deductions)
2 points for SGA involvement
0 points for Theater...this one is just too risky
1 point for Honors Society members (2 points if you held an office)
1 point for Powder Puff Football participation
1 point for Key Club (I don't even know what that is...)
3 points for members of FCA or FCS

- Dating History =
1 point for each Football/Basketball player dated (up to 4)
-2 points for each Band member dated
-2 points if dated more than six different guys

- Spirituality =
2 points for each Bible Study attended weekly (looking for quantity here, not
quality)
2 points if you are member of a Baptist Church
2 points for singing in Praise Band/Choir at Church
-2 if attended Catholic Mass (this is Samford...)

- Athletics =
2 points for Varsity Soccer team
2 points for Varsity Volleyball team
1 point for Varsity Track (nice legs get you one point)
0 points for Basketball
-1 point for Swim Team
-2 points for Softball
4 points for Varsity Cheerleaders*** (5 points if Captain of the 'Squad')

***Yes, we realize that Cheerleading is not - and never will be - a sport...however, we didn't know where else to include it. Plus, we are making that drive towards gender equality here at RightThenLeft.

'Teams' are then ranked by the base score which will change over the year using the following point system:

Phase 2

- Weight =
+/- 1 point for every 5 lbs lost/gained during the year

- Social =
1 point for every date with frat guy (2 points if upper-classman)
-1 point for every date with independent guy
2 points for Step Sing involvement...depending on quality of show (example...participants in the 2007 Chi-O show lose 3 points)
1 point for every 100 Facebook Friend Invites received
-3 for each intoxication
-4 if pictures of intoxication make it to Facebook
-2 for each Values Violation
1 point for each parking ticket

- Academics =
No points awarded for achievements in this area

- Clothing =
1 point for each pair of designer sunglasses (2 points if they cover more than 50% of face)
1 point if your handbag costs +$500
2 points for sweatpants with words on the butt
-2 points for exposed thong
3 points for real pearls (-1 point if fake)

- Spirituality =
2 points for Sorority Bible study regular attendance
5 points for UCF regular attendance
1 point for each Shiloh attendance
-2 points for Catholic Mass/Confession
-2 points for each Sunday service missed due to hangover

That's all...we are tired of thinking about this...we might add more later.

A few things that stand out to me regarding this scoring system...

- You might draft two girls with planes, but if you let a Need-Based Scholarship girl slip on to your team, you might as well fly commerical.
- No points are awarded for blonde hair because this is one attribute that is evident by looking at the small picture before the draft.
- Girls who pack on pounds before the draft can actually help their team out by losing it during the year.

Good luck to everyone out there as they prepare for their Draft. And remember, the key is looks...physical appearance is EVERYTHING.

- if you ask Jeremiah...this was written by Robby. and vice versa.

(hopefully this isn't as accurate as it might be...)

Now, don't worry.

I'm staying young at heart. I can't lose that.

Robby

Growing up...

blows. I'm now officially financially independent... and I'm finding it pretty frustrating. There is a certain excitement about being completely responsible for yourself and your bills (However, I still have an "emergency" credit card from my parents), but overall its just overwhelming. Along with figuring out how to get car insurance, paying rent and utilities, changing my cell phone bill address, and paying other random bills that arise, I'm trying to apply to medical school. They don't try to make the process easy for you, either. I'm sending transcripts all over the place, writing essays, and paying ridiculous amounts of money to simply try and get into a freakin' school that I'm not sure I want to go to! I'm building character, though. Learning to be responsible. I have to keep reminding myself of that. At least I now know that I want the 50/100/50 auto insurance plan with a $250 deductible (I'm still not positive about what the heck I got). Oh well. I'm just glad that God watches over naive idiots like me. Thank you Lord. I don't know where I'd be otherwise. I guess adulthood is something you just have to be thrown into, or you'll never grow up. I'm sure I'll look back and appreciate falling on my face and being forced to get back up on my own, and I'm being reminded daily that it really does build character to work hard for something. I know these are really simple, small things I'm dealing with, and most people do them with ease all the time. I'll learn. Actually... I'm learning right now. I'll embrace it, as bad as it seems. It's scary to grow up, but the idea of never growing up is even more frightening. Here I am... on the verge of adulthood. I'm jumping in.

Robby

Facebook

I have been on this kick lately where I have read all this stuff about Facebook and how it is going to run the internet (and thus, the world) within the next few years. But then I saw this video yesterday and it changed my mind. I could only watch about 25 seconds cause it just hurt too bad. It's Facebook's founder doing some keynote speech in front of a conference of investors...it made me feel like I was back in high-school praying for the awkward kid to hurry up and finish his speech so I wouldn't cry from agony.

you can go to this link and watch it...but you probably wont want to.

Zuckerberg Keynote Speech

- j(w)s

Labor Day Project

Yesterday was Labor Day - the celebration of the American worker - and Robby and I decided to make the sweetest chandelier ever. So here it is. We thought it was going to be awesome to begin with, but once we finished, we realized just how awesome it truly is...





In case you weren't quite sure, it is made out of plastic cutlery (as in, "would somebody please, remove these, cutleries, from my knees").

Robby is also in awe.

- us