(Yes, this is a pretty terrible, one-off recording.)

Happy Friday.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

for you smartphone people

What did you do when you were dating that has made your marriage better as a result? Conversely, you could tell me: what do you wish you had done when you were dating that might have helped make your marriage easier?

I'm wanting to hear from couples that have been married just recently, couples who have been married longer than I've been alive, and anyone in between.

Of course, if you're not married (whether you have been in the past or not), and want to throw in on this conversation, feel free.

"U Better not be squirtin brain Juice all-over! Don't let your Brain overload with smartness! My speech was better than yours Remember This quote!" - Ebony

"Have a nice summer and don't bother me!" - Tanya

"Hey Lloyd (Nerd) How life? Stay Smart Nerd, (Sike) [indistinguishable signoff] - BabyFace (I do remember that this was a guy)

"Don't show anyone my pic. k? Have a nice life" - Tina

And... the photos.

7th grade honor roll

Lady's Man

In mid October, Josiah and I decided we needed to find a race to run so that we'd get in shape. We settled on the Mountain Home race on 11/15/08 and chose the half marathon. We had a grand plan to run every day and train; I think we ran together maybe twice. In the mean time, my aunt Jan died and I had to go home for a funeral, so I didn't really keep up with my running well. Before the race, I'd managed to work myself up to a grand total of 4.5 miles, which obviously prepared me for the 13.1 required for the half. Come race day, it was freezing (with wind chill in the 20s) and at one point during the run it started sleeting on us.

Let's have a little before and after, shall we?

Before

After

I'd say Josiah fared better than I did. His girlfriend, Katelyn, was kind enough to trek up to Mountain Home with us, brave my driving, and take these pictures. At this point I'm planning to run either the half or the full for the Little Rock Marathon in March. I'm going to try and work myself up to at least 30 miles per week, starting with a minimum of 10 miles per week.

For Thanksgiving, I went up to my brother's house in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He and Sara just had their first child, a lovely daughter named Cambria with whom I'm totally enamored. I had a great time getting to know her and can't wait to see them again during Christmas. As a bonus, Sara's sister Christianna and her husband Wes were there, as well as Sara's parents. It really was fantastic to see them all. I felt a little like the 7th wheel though, since I was the only single person in the group. That is to be expected, however, when you're 27 and everyone you know is getting married and having babies. All in all, it was a memorable trip and I hope to head up that direction again soon. Thanksgiving is a great time to catch up and renew old friendships. It's also nice to spend time with the family and share in the joy of that relationship. I'm so blessed to have longstanding friends and a loving family for sharing all these times. The shot below is a little grainy because it was dark and I took it on the isight, but it's one of my favorites.

Teaching Cambria the Hebrew alphabet.

On the way back to Searcy, I stopped by Nashville and stayed the night with Nick. Nashville has an REI store, and I've been looking for some camping/hiking gear. Two hours later (Melanie even stopped by to say hi!) I emerged with a new tent, a REI membership, and the urge to go camping at least once in this cold weather before Christmas. Anyone game?

For the time being, I have about two weeks to finish up all the assignments and work I haven't done over the semester. For those who don't know (I haven't really announced this to many people yet), I don't think I'm going to continue with this Masters of Ministry program at Harding next semester. It's not a bad program, but (a) all my classes are online, and that's not working out to be a great scenario for me. I feel like my time and money would be better spent doing face to face classes if I'm really wanting more school. (b) the classes seem more oriented towards current preachers who have no bible background, and I'm re-hashing a lot of stuff I did in undergrad. Doesn't make the program bad, but it's just not what I am looking for right now. I'd rather cut my losses and pursue other avenues at this point. I'm not sure what exactly that will entail, but one option that's been on my mind a lot is teaching English in Japan and maybe planting some house churches while I'm there. Another option would be to move up to N.C. to be near my brother and his wife, or I could also just stay here in Searcy. Either way, I'm bound here until June when my lease ends, so I'll probably find a job here until that time comes.

So, we're all caught up and I solicit your prayers as I re-group and plan my next steps. Merry Christmas, all!

Now that November 4th has come and gone, I'm offering you the opportunity to vote, once again. Unlike the presidential race, this is universal suffrage, baby! You can be under 18, you can be a convicted felon, you can be a subject of a monarchy in some other country that doesn't have elections -- you all get to vote here.

If you'd like to participate, please select image below that depicts your preference regarding my facial hair, and leave your choice in the comments. (Yes, I realize I can't grow an awesome beard like Phil, Jacob, Josiah, or Tim, but I'm doing my best here!)

The beard.

couple days' growth

baby face

you're so vain; you probably think this blog is about you

I'm not so arrogant as to assume that I'm correct (that's a lie), and I enlist your help. So, go to Philip's post and leave him your thoughts. If you agree with him, then keep your thoughts to yourself. ; )

Gresham,

We need to talk. I don't know how you're going to react to this, but I made a choice and I want to be honest with you. I met somebody new. It's not what you think; don't be upset! I'm not giving up on us, I just want to talk to new people. I really hope we can work this out.

Remember when we first met? It was in Greece. Things were great. I was so young, and you had so much to share. Your green and white cover was so attractive. You smelled nice. When you taught me the difference between proclitics and enclitics, I couldn't believe how smart you were. Remember movable Nu? Good times. Even through aorist participles and the six rules of accents, you were so patient with me. You even dedicated your work to your mother. You're so thoughtful. You're part of who I am today.

I'll admit, I haven't taken care of you like I should have. I didn't decorate you like some of my friends. I don't even know where your cover is now, but I kept you taped up as best I could. You're still wearing food and soda as a testament to our late night rendezvous. Whenever someone spoke poorly of you, I stood up for you! I still do. There aren't many who could understand you -- no -- love you... not like I do. The feelings are still strong after all these years.

The other day, I wandered into a class. I just wanted to feel like I was in the game again, you know? I wanted to have that thirst, and watch the new players beginning the journey. You aren't even there anymore. Can you believe that? They've got this new kid -- an old student of yours. I'll admit it; I enjoyed seeing someone younger give it a shot. The words are the same, but the tune is different. It's not bad... the talent is there. Don't hate me, Gresham. You spent time with plenty of others and I never held you to myself. If anything, I introduced you to whomever I could. You taught me well, too. Five years later, the lessons remain solid.

I'm going to be talking to the new kid. Don't think it means that I've forgotten you, or that you mean less to me! This isn't the end, it's just a new addition to the family. Can you accept that?

Whenever you need me, I'll be right here. After all, you've always been there for me.

Sincerely,

Lloyd

Silver

Gold

Brandon wanted to try the new deli in town, McAllister's. Apparently, when a restaurant opens up with a brand new staff, they go through a test run, like a recital or something. I'd never heard of that before, but it seems like a good idea. Joy explained that they typically do this by invitation, but tonight they let us in anyway. Brandon always was a smooth talker.

Hands down, the best thing about this rehearsal dinner (beside the fact that it's not for a wedding) is that they provide free food... and there is a lot of food. I had veggie chili and a veggie baked potato. In retrospect, that was too much food. These baked potatoes are gigantic... easily as big as two or three of the normal-sized variety. For those who feel more carnivorous, there is a fine selection of roast beef, chicken, and even salmon. If you can manage to eat anything else when you're finished, you may also take on one of their eight desserts (yes, there is cheesecake, freaks).

I'm wagering the entire staff was on hand for this ordeal, because they were on the ball. I dare anyone to try and finish a glass of their sweet tea (of mythic proportions) before a server offers to refill it. I'm not kidding, three different servers offered us refills in the space of 60 seconds. As for the tea, it may not be Philip's addiction from Starbucks, but it's very good if you like Southern style sweet tea.

At the end of our meal, Yolonda and Haley (forgive me if I've misspelled the names) introduced themselves, asked how we enjoyed our meal, and then got to know us. In addition to her work with McAllister's, Yolanda runs a cleaning business and interacts with some of the Harding professors on a regular basis. Haley just returned from a year long mission trip in Honduras. I suspect I'll be seeing more of them, as I intend to return after they have their grand opening. Yolanda told me that they even offer free WiFi, so I can do my homework or stalk facebook from there.

If you have the opportunity, I recommend checking them out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need get going... too much sweet tea.

Claira, doing her thing.

Left to right: Yours truly, Yolonda, Haley

I can't say school is the same this time around, exactly. I have an apartment instead of living in a dorm. I don't have to go to chapel. I'm older than most everyone out here.

Some things haven't changed, though. I'm still playing ping pong and frisbee golf. C team softball games are still fun to watch, and the front lawn is still packed on an early fall afternoon (though last time I was here, it definitely wasn't rigged for WiFi).

Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I'm ready for a nap.