1st and 2nd

I once again come to you too tired to offer a worthy post of narration and humor. Please accept this raw data and enjoy it.

My own video from the weekend is now available (below) as well as someone else's from YouTube showing the second freeze frame attempt. There was some confusion about the timing of the event which resulted in two attempts. There were somewhere around 40 people involved from what we could tell.

This was the first attempt at noon. I made the decision to stay out and video tape (aka wimped out) not knowing yet that there would be a second freeze at 1pm.


Here's the 1pm version, in which I participated. Our crew is not visible in this person's YouTube video until the very end where, unfortunately, Becky and Elizabeth (a friend of hers who told us about the freeze) get called out on an unrealistic high five.


I don't remember the streets being this crowded last year. Weather it was our timing (we spent a long time in line at the port-a-potties this year) or a different choice in route, we definitely avoided it by heading further north after this clip.


The girls got a free shoulder adjustment while bobbing and weaving through the street like we were being chased.


Moving on to Saturday. Once again, I choose sleep over blogging. The updated photo album documents a marvelous breakfast...at 11am, Josh's new status (be sure to ask him about it), Chinese food sharing at P.F Chang's, ice cream at the Plush Horse, my brief foray into close-up photography while the girls took way too long in the bathroom, and finally, fireworks in Itasca, the second largest in the state. Which ones were the largest? NOT Peoria's!!! :-P

Taste Of Chicago

I love visiting big cities. Wouldn't wanna live there, but you know. Though we dropped on the floor upon arriving back at casa Gottemoller, walking around downtown all day was fun. Of course, that means there's no way you're getting a commentary.

Not pictured is Jen, Ben's awesome sister. Here's the pictures, in which you will find a jaunt in BenG's Solstice, freeze frame at the bean (video to be converted for you when I get home), Willis Tower Skydeck (formerly known as Sears Tower which we will still call it because who wouldn't?), Giordano's Pizza, The craziness that is the Taste Of Chicago, waiting for fireworks, the craziness that is getting home from the fireworks, and the girls having ice cream at midnight.

There's my bed. Good night.

First Day At Work

Ya I've been doing this for several months now, but Wednesday was different. It marked my first day of full-time employment at the school, and full days it has been.The mornings were spent clearing out an office building of all it's furniture, to be donated to the school. Sidekicks included Ron and Bricen (sp). Bricen is such a child. You can't take your eyes off him for a second!

Afternoons, and that one evening I keep telling people about, were spent making these messes into pretty router hubs. Yes I'm proud of it, and no those will not just be hanging in mid-air forever.





In the morning, I leave for Chicago for a little 4th reunion trip. Last year I got to spend a few days enjoying the city and burbs with a great group. This year will be similar, except Sarah has been replaced by Josh and Joanne. Miss you Sarah! The plans are roughly the same as before, with one major exception. Our goal is to get to there early enough to attend a prep meeting with the group, "Improv Everywhere". These are the guys responsible for the impressive NYC pranks, Grand Central Station Freeze and Mirror On The Subway, among others. While artsy things like this are not my thing, it is a opportunity for a new experience, and y'all know I hate to pass those up. I believe tomorrow's event is another Freeze at the Chicago Bean. I'll let ya know.

Luau

It's time for another island party. Round abouts now every year the Bethany singles through throw a luau bash. Decorations come and go, but what's always a must is the fun we have dressing up.

2005

2008
need I say more?


If I may say (ok you may) I think we're getting a little lax in our outfits. I can't show up in a straw hat, lays leis and a Hawaiian shirt when only a few people even have a festive shirt on. Lets step it up people!!

Free Willie was the first to try out the pool.

Then Ryan :-D

Some attendee shots. Thanks for taking them Kari.





Top it off with a severe thunderstorm then catch phrase in the basement, and you've got yourself CI Luau 2009. Thank you for Hosting B-ways!!

Naked Post

No it's not what you think. Shame on you for still reading it though!! The post is naked because of the complete lack of pictures. I like to give Becky a hard time about not including many photos on hers because I think it makes a blog look naked. I'll try it this one time though.

Monday's ultimate game was a test of wills. Not against each other, but the heat. We agreed to play for three more points, but as the second point was scored and players began to drop, the frisbee was confiscated and ended.

Nothing special Tuesday but it's a good time to mention how grateful I am for the dudes I know. Jogging with Nick and Ryan at various times this week (Storm we're slackin') has been a blessing as we help each other kick our butts. I'm also glad to have had multiple guys ask to partner with me in keeping us held to higher standards.

Ever since my buddy Mike moved back into town, he's been sorely neglected by me. The slacker and I finally got to hang out with Nate and check out a Movie Wednesday. I say slacker cuz he had been observing vet stuff at a local veterinary clinic for a while but hasn't been back recently. I heard a high-schooler took his place.

Breaking records again at Bible study Thursday with 18 (singles!) showing up. Technically we have a picture of that, but if it gets used then my great idea for a post name goes away. I have priorities.

Congratulations Peter And Meredith

It's wedding time. Got intimidated by all the pictures I liked so I'm posting and explaining as I go. Keep checking.














Enjoy/edit this short clip of us dancing fools.

This link will allow you to edit annotations (speech bubbles and stuff) in the video for those who are feeling creative. You do need a YouTube (now google) account. Of course, I reserve the right to censor any and all annotations.

Murmurmurmur

I wish I had a sweet bay window through which to watch this awesome storm.

...but I'm grateful I didn't just get struck by that really close bolt of lighting, and that the Corsica is now running...barely.

(you thought I was just murmuring didn't cha?)

Grattitude Sets The Altitude for...Something Of Something...

I am so very grateful that God has provided everything we need for life and Godliness, especially through His sufficient Word, the Bible. That I will always have reason to thank Him. That my relationship with Him does not depend on the mood I put myself in, circumstances or the music I listen to, but the power of His Grace and my continual dependence on nothing but it, which does waver.

Lazy I am

It's taking me three days to share two measly pictures. Honestly.

Along with softball (new pictures) there was a celebration of several birthdays. Emily, Bets, Rachel and Amanda all have birthdays close together in June. Cake and Dancing, hold the dancing for me please. In July, I think half our class is turning over in years.



Josh and I have some new hardware around now. It took more doing that it was supposed to, which I should just expect by now. The new dishwasher had a non-standard fitting on it for the hot water. I couldn't find a simple size converter, so I had to buy a kit. Yes, I realized I should have just called the Gerb. I failed. Once that was installed, I found a new leak in the gas line for the stove, which required another new part. The kitchen is now back in action and ready for a whole new level of cleanliness laziness.

Welp...other than the fact that Discipleship is awesome and God is faithful, that's all I got.

Sunday Sunday

Well, this was the second official week of volleyball season for career impact, and I still have no pictures. Kind of embarrassing. It was good weather, once again. I think we've had at least three days of awesome weather this last weekend, and I was able to enjoy them outside every time. What a blessing.

This week's volleyball highlight was that fact that our new crazy diver, Ryan, was pitted against our semi-retired one, Chris. Chris and Jerelyn joined us, much to my delight, and turned out to be a sweet team.

Later in the evening I caught the church children's musical, "Life School Musical". A parody of the (critical adjectives omitted) Disney movies. Ya, it's a little weird being the only single guy who shows up to these things. But with two of my three AWANA table dudes having speaking parts (Tanner and Evan) as well as my 4th grade homie from school, Caleb, how could I miss it?