Garfield and I

First, let me begin by telling you that I really should be studying for Chemistry right now. I figure taking this time out of my school is sufficient apology for not posting for two months. Then again, I've already done most of my chemistry homework for this week, so perhaps I'm not feeling as condemned as I should be.

I started the fall semester at Cerritos College yesterday. Garfield and I are in a tight "Hating Monday" competition and I think I'm going to win. Being in class bright and early at 8 a.m. is possibly the least stupendous way to begin any morning, much less a Monday morning. And, I have the sensational privilege of staying at school until 9:30 p.m. Even though I love complaining, I suppose it could be worse. God has really blessed me this semester. I got into all the classes I wanted, and all of my professors, so far, are excellent. I suppose the Lord wants me to learn humility because Jimmy and I are taking all but one of our classes together. I could spend days disserting the pros and cons, from a strictly academic viewpoint, of having a brilliant younger brother. Suffice it to say that if I could see Jimmy, just once, sitting in lecture in a state of utter discombobulation: slumped at his desk, head lolled to one side, eyes glazed over, tongue hanging out of his partially opened mouth as drool dribbles down his chin...it would be the most paradisaical moment of my entire life.



I'm taking Chemistry, History of California, Sociology, History of Architecture, and Spanish 102 this semester. At 18 units it's going to be the most jam-packed semester I've ever had. It's a strange emotion... to be looking forward to the experience while dreading it at the same time. On the one hand, I love the material. On the other, it's incredibly draining to spend 10+ hours a day with people who don't share your beliefs and values. And, if some of the people you come into contact with happen to have green and purple streaks in their hair and begin pontificating on animal rights and veganism... Well, it takes an venerable amount of self-control to resist screaming in their face at the top of your lungs: "I would rather Pogo-stick across the 605 than endure this auditory abuse any longer!" Maybe that's just me.


We went camping with relatives from Austria, Texas, and Romania at Alpine Lake in Bear Valley, California a couple of weeks ago. Just going camping, as in setting up a tent in the middle of the woods, without having any place to swim seems absolutely pointless to me. It's cold at night, you're dirty, and even if you go for a hike there's no way for you to get clean. But since Alpine Lake, by definition, had water...I'm making a moot point. Even though the water was freezing cold, it was crystal clear and incredibly clean. In my opinion, an expeditious entrance is one's best option for survival. Jump in, scream for five minutes, and wait for everything to go numb. It worked for me like a charm. When my uncle tried that, he experienced hypothermia within 20 minutes. Go figure.

I can't even begin to explain how awesome it was to swim in that water, with such a majestic view. Surrounding you on every side are pine and fir trees that stretch for miles. And mountains. Beautiful, green, slightly snow-capped mountains. It was awesome. My favorite thing to do was put on my goggles, dive down and look up to see the sun's rays filter through the water and illuminate the rocky bottom. I had a blast with just enjoying the beauty of God's creation with my family.

That's about all the update I have time for. I really enjoy posting on my blog, but it doesn't look like I'll have much free time this semester. The free time I do have will be spent reading ahead in all of my classes. (Figured I'd save some intro space on my next blog post if I make excuses about the lateness of the post now. Clever, no?)

I read this yesterday. I took it as both an encouragement and an admonishment.

"I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." ~ Ps. 16: 8