Ramblin' Rosko

On Misunderstanding Gratitude

2009-06-18T00:42:00.003-05:00

I hate to make this a blog of rants, and I hope that such does not come from this post, but keep in mind, dear reader, that it might.

These economic times are tough, I'll admit. Jobs are few and far between, so I am thankful for everything that I have. Even though the bosses can be overbearing, and the coworkers can stab you in the back, it pays the rent, it pays the bills, it gives me a few extra dollars for a sixer every now and then (which takes me a month or more to consume). However, I have a quirk that many are not prepared for, and indeed, often misunderstand. That quirk can be demonstrated by the following dialogue:

Coworker: Rosko, you made the following mistake, in fact, I know the pressure is on, and it's getting easier and easier to mess up, but this one was really easy to avoid. You need to get your act together in these tough times.
Rosko: I understand
C: But you keep making the same mistakes.
R: Thank you for pointing this out, I really appreciate it. Now, can we figure out how to work through this and make it better.

BINGO! There's the quirk. If I make a mistake, if I am in the wrong, I appreciate when people point it out. I even at times thank the for it, verbally. What do you think the response to this statement was? Was it "okay, lets talk about what we can do"? Was it "I'm glad to see you're willing to work through this"? NO! In fact, the comment was "Stop being such a smart ass, you always have a smart-assy comment to everything".

Now, let us back up a second. Why would anyone think this? Simply put, it's a misunderstanding of gratitude offered by our always self-serving and constantly degrading culture. You see, so many of these people, I have come to realize, make statements like I did as a way to seemingly appease the authority without getting into conflict. I am guessing that it has been done to this coworker and boss enough that when true gratitude is staring them in the face, they don't realize it. They would no longer recognize gratitude in this situation if it came up to them with a badge on that said "Hello, my name is Gratitude". You see, if I am going to be a 'smart-ass', I have to try really hard. It does not come naturally for me when I am under pressure. When I am under pressure, my reaction is to stop, listen, defend only if necessary, and try to resolve. So many people around my age are belligerent, selfish, and unwilling to resolve. This puts me into that situation, and I am not sure how to react. I appreciate when people tell me what's wrong, and REALLY appreciate if they are willing to help me work through it. But such gratitude is now foreign in our culture, and it stops me in my tracks, it keeps me from being myself.

So, what do you recommend I do in this situation? Do I continue to express gratitude, and engage the conversation to a point where I can try to make the parties involved happy? Or do I sit there with a blank look on my face, with no feedback, and seem no better than the people who are simply going against their conscience to appease the bosses and then admit that they said things simply for that purpose, with no true meaning behind them? I'm really not sure what to do!!!!

Image Credit: http://balanceforce.ca by way of Google Image Search.

On Appreciation

2009-04-22T04:14:00.004-05:00

I would not describe myself as someone who ever 'needed to be evangelized', at least, not by popular use of the term. I have spent most of my life in a Christian worshipping community, but I didn't appreciate my Christianity until I became Orthodox. Let me explain. It's something I came to fully realize at Pascha. You see, as a Lutheran, sure, we 'observed' Lent together, we had an extra service per week, we did things together, and we celebrated Easter together, but it wasn't the same. This year, my first Pascha as an Orthodox Christian (but not my first Pascha), I was able to fully take part in the joy of the Resurrection, the way it was meant to be. I got emotional, but after the Great Fast and Holy Week, the celebration was something that we had all been waiting for. To hear the words "Come recieve the light, from the Light, which is not overcome by darkness," to process singing "Thy Resurrection of Christ our Saviour, the angels in Heaven do sing, enables us on Earth to Glorify Thee in purity of heart." after processing just Friday behind the Buried Saviour, now singing about his Resurrection. What is there to say?
"Oh, those Orthodox just like to party!" No, we party because we have something to be joyous about. Christ is Risen, and life reigns! Christ is Risen, and not one remains in a tomb!. These words are the central cause to ALL our celebration. Without this Glorious Resurrection, nothing would matter, not one breath, or bite of food, or drop of vodka would have any meaning. But because of this, we share in all of these things which to ourselves we have denied. Christ is Risen, not just 3 words, but EVERY WORD, EVERY CONVERSATION, EVERYTHING ON EARTH summed up in 3 beautiful, glorious, life-giving words. Without the Incarnate God rising from his 3 days in the tomb, we would have nothing to celebrate. But He did, and He does, giving us all the joy in the world. Holy Week and Pascha reminded me that I can celebrate too, as an individual, but as a member of the community. A couple of very great friends did a lot for me during Holy Week in preparation for Pascha, they know who they are. I will forever be grateful to these friends for their friendship. I will forever, and annually, be thankful for my parish for giving me a place to celebrate the Resurrection with more fervor and joy and love than I have experienced anywhere outside of Orthodoxy. So now that I'm back to work, and life, and dishes, etc, I'm still beaming in the joy of the resurrection. I'm getting back to my worldly struggles, but with a new happiness, and a new hope. Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Lord!

Nothing else matters. Nowhere, at no time, does anything else matter. Christ is Risen!!!

2009-04-19T17:18:00.003-05:00

Enough said. Christ is Risen.

More exciting news

2009-02-19T02:42:00.003-06:00

At this time last year, I never thought I'd be what I'm saying today, and that is sad. You see, I have been in a position where debt has been accumulating. I thought there was no end in sight.
Slowly, I have begun to pay off one of the larger debts, and other things are starting to fall into place as well. Do I have any of it completely paid off? Not yet, BUT I'm getting there. The sure sign of this is the fact that today, for the first time in 3 years, I opened a new account at a bank: a savings account! Now, I can't guarantee that it will continually grow, but it will help me achieve certain goals financially by giving me a place to put money until I can pay off more of my debt.

Do I know everyone that I owe money to? No, honestly, I don't. I know the big ones, and those are very close to being out of my life for good! Then, it's small ones to take care of. But this new account will help me, I believe, to make that possible!

You have no idea how excited I am!

This always happens

2009-02-08T21:27:00.003-06:00

And always around the same time. Today, Feb 9, is my late father's birthday. I'm going to do what I always do: Rent Dr Strangelove and watch it. I used to own the film, but it has disappeared. But the title is about something else. I always start to get introspective and depressed. And no one notices until it all comes crashing down (I'm really good at putting on airs), so this time, I'm coming out front and saying it. This is one of those time. Right now. It will probably last for a good few weeks.

I have been reminiscing on old times, when my family was "complete" and many of us would be together for holidays, birthdays, etc. I miss those days, and especially today, I still get teary thinking about them. I miss when my mother wasn't sick, when my dad would take me and my brother out shooting model rockets into the air for hours on end. I miss the fireplaces and the Christmas tree that changed with the seasons. I miss actually communicating with my dad's side of the family, I miss them actually liking me and caring about me. I miss my nieces and nephews, my brothers and sister. I miss the members of my family I haven't seen in 5 years OR MORE! I always wonder what my father would think of me today. Would he be proud? Would he have disowned me too? I cannot know; I like to think that he would be happy with me.

But things change. Thankfully I am not completely alone. I have a wonderful parish family who supports me with prayer and fellowship, I have great priests who keep an eye out for me. I have friends who I can hang out with on occasion. People take me out for my birthday, have me over for Christmas or Thanksgiving. No, it's not the same, but it's better than being all alone. And for this I am forever thankful. Even if I don't show it, I am forever thankful.

I also have two wonderful choruses of men, mostly a good chunk of years older than me, who give me some worldly advice and help, who make me laugh, and with whom I create that sweet harmony in the barbershop style, the one that fills the man singing it with joy and happiness. These are the guys I go out and have a beer and sandwich with after rehearsal.

So, dear friends, brothers and sisters, please pray for me as I try to pull through this winter slump. And please pray for the soul of my father, Harry. May his memory be eternal!

Harry William Reineke III
Feb. 9, 1952-Jun. 6, 1998
Pictured here at about age 21
May he rest in peace!

And it's official

2009-01-15T19:15:00.002-06:00

I am registered, paid for, and have books for my classes. I am taking two independent studies to get back into the swing of things while not having to chisel out set times for EVERY class. So, two classes later, and here's my list of people to thank for making this possible:
My work, for providing me with a continued income.
My Church, for being so generous and gracious to me.
The Nikon Corporation, for whatever reason.

Anyway, that's all for now. Peace!

On 2008

2008-12-31T21:18:00.004-06:00

This past year has been one if mixed emotion, but I have accomplished a lot. It is the first Calendar Year of my life in which I had no schooling. Yes, I did not take a single class in 2008, but that allowed me some freedom to accomplish other things. 365 days ago I was alone in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Well, not quite. Some Deaf people at the Lutheran Seminary had invited me to a New Year's party, so we ate, drank, and watched the ball drop on TV. New Year's day I worked my job at the Cracker Barrel. The next 3 months were sorta nice. I started attending meetings of a Barbershop Harmony Society Chapter in Fort Wayne, picked up a second, but very temporary job, and visited my mother in Chicago once.

The weekend of March 14th change a lot, for it was on this weekend that I decided to move back to Chicagoland immediately. I made fast arrangements to move back. Some friends housed me for a month until I found a place to live, and I started attending St Joseph's. At this point I had been seeking instruction to become Orthodox for some time as well, this was PRIME TIME. So I began working 40 hours a week (give or take) at PJ's, attending all the services I could, and recieved instruction. I found the place with my current roommates in late April, after Pascha. I also found my current choruses, the Chorus of Dupage, and the Westtowns Chorus. The time since has been a great one, both in the sense that I am mostly back on my feet, but also that I have had true struggles that have built me up over time. As you all know, I resurrected this blog around the time of my Chrismation, on July 20. I am extremely thankful both for the friends I've made online, but for the friends I've made in person, both through work, and especially through my amazing and wonderful parish. So, now here, I would like to thank the people who have helped to make 2008 one of the hardest, but best year of my life:

Mr and Mrs Otto, and Jack and Rita, you guys are all great.
Stephanie, Kate, Marty, Aaron, the whole group, you are amazing friends
Matt, Chris, Phil (roommates) you guys put up with me, and for that I am grateful
ReaderJohn, Justinian, Juvenaly, Nico, Merc, you guys make my internet life more fun, I can't wait to get together with all of you.
Everyone in my blogroll.
My mother, who showed that even in times of great sickness, one cannot, MUST not lose faith.
My siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandmother, who have all showed me that I have what it takes to be a man with great courage and strength.
The PJ's crew, who have kept me sane even in times of trouble and struggle.
Fathers John, Joe, and Mykola, as well as Deacon John, along with their respective wives, who have shown me by example what it takes to be a successful Orthodox Christian aspiring to things bigger than myself.
Becky, Maria, Sophia, Rachel, Natalie, and all the other young ladies at St Joe's who I can talk to, and they will listen. You are all wonderful and I hope that we can spend more time together in 2009, and continue to foster friendships. Thanks for helping me become a part of the St Joe's community.
Jan and Pat Labun, who have become my mainstay. Knowing them has made me a better person, and they are great friends with a wonderful family and hearts bigger than most that I know. I enjoy spending time with all of you.
Mark, Josh, Paul, Andy, and all the other guys at St Joe's who have also helped me assimilate. You have helped this poor soul more than you will ever know.
My Sunday School class, who have shown me that I need some humility now and then.
The entire community at St Joe's who have made me feel like I am truly a part of the Church, even though I can not do much to contribute.

There are also many, many more. Many will not read this, and some might, but I pray that they are all blessed in ways unimaginable for the great help they have given me in 2008. May God grant us all many more years, and great blessings in 2009.

Christ is born!

St Joseph's Raffles Church to Support New Mission

2008-12-30T18:34:00.002-06:00

from the OCA Diocese of the Midwest Website:

WHEATON, IL (MW Communications) - On Sunday, December 28, 2008, the parish feastday of St. Joseph Church here, Church school students raffled a gingerbread replica of their parish church and three rectories in their efforts to raise funds to further the growth of the newly planted St. Makarius the Great Mission community on the campus of the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.

The raffle was held at the conclusion of the parish's annual Nativity Pageant, in which some 80 children ages three through twelve participated.

The gingerbread replicas were made by one of the senior high teachers, Harry William Reineke. A recent convert to the faith, Harry and his family were displaced from their home in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. While other members of his family settled in other parts of the country, Harry was attracted to Chicago's western suburbs, in part due to the presence and witness of St. Joseph Church.

Earlier in December, the parish's fourth and fifth graders held a bake sale for St. Makarius Mission. Profits from the sale were combined with raffle donations, enabling the parish children to send a check for $600.00 for the fledgling Hyde Park community, headed by Fr. Elijah Mueller.

"St. Joseph's was planted by a handful of people as a mission in 1989," said Church school coordinator Melanie Hinds, "so it's only natural that we, especially our children, want to share the blessings that so many shared with us in those early years."

In years past, St. Joseph's was instrumental in establishing Holy Apostles Mission, Normal, IL, and offered assistance in planting St. Raphael Mission, Quincy, IL.

The parish is served by Frs. John Matusiak, Joseph Kopka, and Mykola Bodnarchuk and Deacon John Coleman, none of whom are likely to move into their gingerbread rectories any time soon -- for obvious reasons!!

For photos, view the original article.

Christmas Eve.

2008-12-24T04:43:00.002-06:00

It's been a long few weeks, and I'm a lazy bum, but people have noted the lack of activity here, and so I must post. It's 4:50 or so on the morning of the day known as Christmas Eve. I napped earlier this evening so I am wide awake.

Today is our store Christmas party, and I have a loaf of wreath shaped bread ready for that. I have discovered "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day," a wonderful book on bread that is so easy, you really only spend 5 minutes hands on whenever you want bread. You mix the dough and store it in the fridge, and just take some as you need it; it keeps for up to TWO WEEKS! This is really LAZY MAN'S BREAD, and it's so delicious. Get the book, I'm serious!

Anyway, for now that's all of a post that I can muster, so I must be bidding you farewell for now, and if I don't post again soon, enjoy the feast!

Gingerbreadmania complete, and more.

2008-12-08T13:20:00.005-06:00

Okay, so this is not the FINAL product, it FINAL Church was surmounted by a cross, but who's counting, eh? I also made 3 houses (not yet photographed) and although the bake sale occurred, it was decided that this model of our parish would be raffled off at the Nativity Pageant which is to occur the Sunday after Christmas (which also happens to be our Patronal Feast, how perfect!). Anyway, I have been pretty worn out by this project, and have slept a LOT the past few days. I will make another house or two later, but not until closer to Christmas.

(Rumor also has it that Archbishop Job will be visiting for Old Calendar Christmas -YAY for using BOTH Calendars- so maybe he'll get a nice Christmas present from me....We shall see).

IN OTHER NEWS- I have found myself sending out recipes via email to many and various people. The recipes themselves are many and varied. So I have started a mailing list in my email program. How will this work? Send me an email (kd5tmu -at- gmail -dot- see oh emm) and I will add you to the list. I mostly send out on Sunday nights, but if something strikes me in the middle of the week, you'll get an email. That's all for now.

Gingerbreadmania continues.

2008-12-03T03:26:00.002-06:00

So the baking part of the program was hard because I was using a recipe I've never used and ran up against some technical difficulties (super sticky dough, pieces breaking, details too small, etc). Luckily Royal Icing hasn't changed in AGES, and there's very little variation in that one. But I pulled through, and I have the pile of gingerbread pieces awaiting a fine grind and pancake batter to prove it. I also have some photos of the progress, YAY!!!!!!!!!! We've all seen the plans, and now you can see the pieces after I put some icing on them:

And after more icing:

And finally, after a small amount of construction:

Slowly things are coming together. I still need to figure out the cupola, but I have a plan. It might just take a while. Hope everyone has a great night, and see you all soon!!!! Comment if you have tips or advice, or just something nice and/or happy to say. PEACE!

GINGERBREAD

2008-11-27T00:48:00.003-06:00

Okay, it's been a while since I posted. In fact, much of November has been pretty dry in my life. There's been struggles at work, I admit, but overall, nothing to write home about. BUT it's that time. A few weeks ago, I offered to make something for the church bake sale, with proceeds going to a new Orthodox Mission in Hyde Park, Chicago. So, I thought long and hard. Sure, I could do a generic house, but what fun is that? Okay, I'll do a church, but what kind? Then it dawned on me...I'll do OUR church for the bake sale!!!!
Well, then I decided that it would be AWESOME, but difficult. Why? Well under that cupola there's no visible support. This matters because if I'm going to create a roof that joins in the center, I need support.
I almost scrubbed the idea, and then I decided on something. What it was, you'll have to see, but I decided on something, so I went and took the best photos I could of it, and sat down tonight in GIMP measuring and converting in order to have a usable plan. I could have gone bigger, but this is going to be plenty difficult as it is. So I sat down tonight with my measurements and a visual photo on my computer screen and drew up plans:

The only thing I need to figure out how to execute is that Cupola. But I have until St Nick's Day. Once this is done, I'll also make a few smaller houses for this sale, and a couple for gifts. That should make me plenty insane in time for Christmas.

A new computing environment

2008-11-11T20:50:00.005-06:00

Source

So I make no bones about the fact that I am a Linux user. I use Ubuntu, and I love it. One big problem arose Saturday night that really ruined me for about 24 hours. In fact, I am still getting some things straightened out, but it's okay. Here's what happened:

At the end of October, they released the final version of Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex), the next version after the one I was running, 8.04 (Hardy Heron). So, I decided that since I had some time, I would upgrade, a simple process really, but one that I managed to mess up. You might ask "How?" The answer is simple "CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE". That resets the system, and in the middle of an upgrade, when files are getting deleted and replaced, this really presents a problem! So, I panic, but thankfully I have a free 36gig partition that used to house Windoze Ex-Pee. So I go to one of my roommates, and beg him for use of a disc to reinstall Hardy, and I do that, and I let it start to upgrade to Intrepid. YAY!!!! Or not, you see, I forgot to set my screensaver and sleep not to occur, and I fall asleep in the middle! Jeepers! So, I need to reinstall and upgrade AGAIN!

Yeah, no fun, so Sunday after Liturgy, I came home, grabbed a Coke and went through it all for a THIRD time (we Orthodox like things in threes, makes us happy). This time, success! So I begin transferring my files, emails, etc, over to the new partition. And I decide that I want to change a few things, like the theme for my set up, and my desktop effects (which make things SO much easier, and FUN!). So, dear reader(s), here's some photos of my new computing environment. The first is my desktop as it sits still and empty; the second is during a switch from one desktop to the next. Enjoy!

Open letter to roommates

2008-11-10T03:05:00.003-06:00

Dear roommates,
When this note gets imported to facebook, I will not tag you in it, I do not desire everyone to know who you are, but I wanted to get some thoughts out before they ate me up inside.

The first portion is addressed to all of you. I know I am not the most organized and neatest person on the planet, and for this I apologize. However, I feel like an alien in this apartment. Yes, on Wednesdays and Fridays my eating habits are different, so I don't participate in the Tuesday Late Night Bacon sessions, but it's not like you've asked me if I wanted to either. I have bought and brought things that have made kitchen life easier, but have heard nothing but complaints. Your M.O. seems to be not asking me if I cared to contribute and participate. This was plainly evident tonight during the burger session.

And specifically to one of you, since your actions kind of bred this tonight. When I heard that you and your houseguest (an issue I will get to in a moment) were planning a grocery run, I asked if I could come along. Your comment? "We'll see who else is going". This automatically meant that my participation by request was automatically taking a 'back seat' to whomever else you chose to invite after this point. Ok, fine! I can live with that, honestly. But the fact that AGAIN I have come home to a guest, staying overnight (and for several days) is UNACCEPTABLE. Okay, my prayer life is not what it should be, but if it was, this could cause a potential problem given that he is sensitive to incense. Some notice would allow me to avoid the incense for a few days before his arrival. It would also mentally prepare me for his presence. Seriously! Have some respect for the people you live with. Yes, you're an adult, yes, you pay your portion of the Rent, but it's just that, your PORTION. So give me a break and let me know when guests will be setting up shop (with their computers) 2 feet from my head when I sleep, so I can be prepared to not get much sleep. It's COMMON COURTESY! Seriously.

As for the roommate who offered me a portion of a burger this evening, thank you, it is definitely appreciated.

As you can tell, I am clearly upset. I don't speak out very often, I feel it's not my place but you have all ticked me off recently, and I wanted to get this out to hope we can work through this to be back on common and amicable ground.

Your roommate,
Ramblin' Rosko

PS- Two of you each still owe me $4 from Popeye's the other week.

"PUT THAT THING DOWN, YOUNG MAN!"

2008-11-09T21:05:00.002-06:00

Uhhhhh.......how about no! Why? Because this "thing" was just inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame! That's right, the STICK!

I learned how to be a pirate and sword fight with a stick
Sticks and strings = Bows and arrows when playing "Cowboys and Indians"
And, as was pointed out elsewhere, the stick makes a nice stand in for a light saber.

HT: Drowning Myself

Happy Birthday?

2008-11-03T11:20:00.002-06:00

That's right, today, November 3, 2008, the writer of this blog turns 22. Not a milestone, nothing special, just another birthday. I hope everyone who reads this has a great day though!

Cost-Benefit

2008-10-30T23:59:00.003-05:00

I mild cost benefit analysis:

Cost: $1.75
Benefit: Avoiding end of month lines at DMV, and all headaches that go with them while also avoiding early rising on the day I don't start work until noon.

Worth it? I THINK SO! So I renewed my plates online and paid the extra $1.75, and I'm good for another year. And I still have a month and a half before I need to pay car insurance again! YAY! Have a great day.

Holy Heiromartyr John of Chicago, pray for us!

Musings on feeling better

2008-10-29T23:34:00.002-05:00

I am feeling a lot better than I was at this time last week. Last Wednesday I got myself sent home from work for looking ill, which was good, because as you know I ended up in the ER later that night. I've been taking my medicine as necessary and recommended, and feel almost good again, I still have a little bit of a cough, and a slight wheeze but I'm surviving.

As recommended, I followed with my Primary Care Physician within the week, and was given MORE prednisone for my lungs, and also Advair for long term care. One problem, Advair is $220/month!!!!!! But there is a program that I can get in that will get it for me near-to-free. We're working on that, and I'm confident. It also means that my $75/month medicine for another problem is getting taken care of too. Thank you, GlaxoSmithKline!

So, with feeling better that means I might actually get to enjoy my forthcoming birthday as well, I will be a very old 22 (Father thought I was turning 26, HA!). A birdie tells me that a kidnapping is in the works. We shall see, I refuse to have anything to do with planning my birthday, given that I planned my entire birthday several times in my life already, including #18 and #21.

So, enough rambling, even though I am "Ramblin' Rosko". I hope this blog post finds everyone in good health and happy spirits and that you all have a good few days.

1000 words today

2008-10-26T20:05:00.002-05:00

First reception of Holy Communion, Luis Joshua Sales, August 2008

A thousand words a day 10-23-08

2008-10-23T16:01:00.005-05:00

So I am going to start a new series on this blog (hopefully) of posting at least ONE photo per day. There will be missed days, I'm sure, but it will be a good incentive to keep me going with this on days when I have nothing to say. Here are my rules (something I've been pondering for a while, trust me).

The photo doesn't need to be new, or even recent.
If it's not an image that I made, I will give credit.
The image is not guaranteed to inspire or insight any particular feeling, it might be funny, inspiriational, or just plain irrational.

So here's some lead in, and the my thousand words for the day.

I've been ill with a bad cold, and that's kept me out of work Tuesday, Wed, Today, and Tomorrow, no fun. That's a lot of lost wages. Add to that, today I went to the Emergency Room at 4AM this morning with a general inability to breathe and lots of coughing (upwards of 6 hours straight). So they did a chest x-ray, gave me some Prednisone to reduce my overall inflammation in my lungs/airways, and a breathing treatment which helped immensely. After that I went home and went to bed immediately. When I woke up I filled my prescriptions, went back to the hospital to pick up a Peak Flow Meter, and have strict instructions on what to take and when. This should keep things under wraps asthma wise.

So, based on everything just posted, here is my image for today. It's a picture of my bed, made no later than 1964 which needs to be replaced for the sake of my lasting health. The picture was taken this afternoon, and contains my new meds, including the instructions from the ER, my phone (calling around getting info from people about some things, as well as my plates from breakfast, and my cup from tea last night before the ER.

“The old dreams were good dreams. They didn't work out, but I’m glad I had them.”

2008-10-20T01:16:00.002-05:00

Allow me to lay a few more cards out on the table here for you, my dear readers. I graduated high school at 17 years old, and attended college the following Fall. I was not the best student in college, in fact, I practically failed out. Part of this, I think, is due to my previous post; allow me to explain. You see, when I started my freshman year I also started researching "other options" because I saw the MoSyn as falling apart, and I still feel this way. I knew that the Gates of Hell would not, COULD not prevail against the Church, but what I believed to be the Church was in shambles, and had nothing directly connecting it to much of anything before 1847, or 1517 if I'm being generous. I was preparing for Seminary in a sinking ship, at an institution of higher learning that belonged to the same body.

My heart wasn't in it. I started researching Orthodoxy and believed I had found a home, but I started dating this die-hard Lutheran who wanted nothing to do with the Church of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins (she was of Greek descent), she was a Lutheran, and that is where she would stay. That is where she remains to this day. I decided to bite the bullet and continue preparing to enter the Lutheran seminary in Fort Wayne, to the point that I bought a house (referenced in my earlier post). I attended a community college in Chicago while living with her parents for a year, and then moved to Indiana.

My heart was still not in it. Something was completely wrong. By this time, I was engaged, but still committed to a lie, so when gas prices started climbing, and my gas mileage started going down, I was not too upset to have to drop out of school all-together. I suffered through a period of being almost completely alone. It was upon visiting my friends for a weekend that I got talked into giving up the life that I wasn't enjoying to try and make a new life for myself. This I did. There were many factors making this a good idea, so I left Fort Wayne, moved in with them for a month, and began searching for a place to live, as I already had a job lined up. Eventually I found an apartment with some guys that were willing to let me take up the extra spot they would have. But I was still out of school, and unsure of things. I got Chrismated, and straightened some other things out, but now I am paying back the loans from my college stint. Well, dear reader, this is where the good news comes in.

I am going back to school!!!! That's right, but only has a half-time student at first. This would allow me to re-defer my loans, but still get an education, and because I'm going back to the Community College I was at before, it is not out of my way at all. I can finance this quite easily on my own, I think, but if not I have a financier that is willing to help me. It also means that I can still work full-time. So, here's the breakdown:

2 three-credit-hour classes- $648
Textbooks- Around $250
Extra gas per month- $40
Having my heart in it- Priceless
There are some things in life that money can't buy!

From thoughts of Sorrow to thoughts of Joy. Most Holy Theotokos, pray for us.

2008-10-13T20:11:00.004-05:00

So this has been an interesting few days.

Yesterday I was at Church for longer than I am at work most days. This was nice, I like being at the Church and I enjoy the people and the location. After the 9:30 Liturgy, we had coffee hour, and my co-teacher had the Sunday School this week, so I could hear the homily. Then I stuck around for the 11:30 Coffee Hour which I usually do, because it's great people and lots of fun. After this, we had a rehearsal for the wedding choir and then Fr Joe's son was married, and for this I sang. It was a great time.

The fellowship got me thinking about one thing, while the wedding got me thinking about others. We'll start with the sad, and then move to the happy.

October 12, 2007 was an interesting day for me. I was living in Indiana and searching for a job, and I was out helping someone do some work on a house when I got a call from my fiancee. "We need to talk, but I'll wait until you get home". I hung up the phone, looked at the guy I was with and said "She's going to dump me". This was met with an attempt to cheer me up and say it was going to happen. When he dropped me off at home, she was waiting on the porch and he said "See! She's here to see ya!". So I bid him adieu and went ot greet her, she was very cold. We went inside, she cried, said she didn't want to do it, and never gave me a 'good' reason, but dumped me and returned the engagement ring. I started crying after she left, called my mother, told her what happened, and then called my friend Ryan to see if I could come over. He had plans until later, and so I arranged to meet my friend Latif for dinner. We decided to forego the fast and get Meat Lover's Pizza with stuffed crust, this situation warrented such measures. I know that I should have been sad, but this lead me into the other thoughts I was mentioning.

You see, I started another inquiry into Orthodoxy very quickly, and when I moved back to Illinois, I became a catechumen, and ultimately, was chrismated into the Church. This is one of the reasons that this has been ultimately the best year of my life. You see, at St Joe's I have an amazing family that I don't deserve. I have friends that I never could have wished for, and a love for God that I couldn't kindle anywhere else. I get treated very well there. In the past year I have also found an online forum, Desert Calling, with some great fellowship and fun, and am motivated to soon go back to school and work toward my bachelor's degree. So out of a seemingly dark night came the brightest days of my life to this point. Sure, it's hasn't been all strawberries and cream. I've had real struggles, with my mother hospitalized and near death for a long while, and financial struggles that seem never to end, and the pain of seeing friends get married while I remain single, but I know that God has a plan for me, and that through the prayers of the Saints, I have a support network that transcends time and space. I have hope, and a joy that cannot be crushed by debt collectors and hospitals. I have Christ, my strength, and his Mother, the joy of all who sorrow, and the Saints and Angels praying for God on behalf of me and ALL Christians. I truly have the biggest and best family anyone would ask for.

We're working on it....

2008-10-13T01:28:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine is helping me get my blogger layout fixed/changed, but until then, some things are not working, like my blogrolls, and my calendar. Please bear with us until we get it fixed, Rosko is not a techno-junkie in this regard.

UPDATE:

We got most of it working, and you will notice that the blogroll has been significantly expanded. I hope you all enjoy these new blogs and that you make friends with many more people on the internet.

It made it to the website

2008-10-03T05:14:00.004-05:00

So it's nothing new that I sing Barbershop, just about everyone who knows me, knows that I do. In fact, I sing in TWO choruses, the Chorus of DuPage, and the West Towns Chorus. I have a lot of fun with both. What IS new however, is the fact that there's a picture of me doing it on TEH INTERNETZ. Someone actually updated the Chorus of DuPage website with our photo from the Spring Contest this year. Here it is:

I'm the youngest guy in the Chorus, near the center with a grey sweater-vest and a white shirt. I'm also practically the only guy with a full head of hair! At almost 22, most all of the guys are more than twice my age, but we have fun, and I think I keep them young :-D . I just wanted to share that with all of you! Have a great weekend!

A beautiful inscription

2008-10-01T11:06:00.003-05:00

The text of this inscription came to me from a friend, who found it in a forum, posted by a guy who found it during some library research. But it goes without saying that this inscription has traveled much farther before reaching me, and therefore you, dear reader.

The citizen of an eminent city, I made this (tomb)
In my lifetime, that I might have here a resting-place for my body.
Abercius by name, I am a disciple of the chaste shepherd,
Who feedeth His flocks of sheep on mountains and plains,
Who hath great eyes that look on all sides.
He taught me... faithful writings.
He sent me to Rome, to behold a kingdom
And to see a queen with golden robe and golden shoes.
There I saw a people bearing the splendid seal.
And I saw the plain of Syria and all the cities, even Nisibis,
Having crossed the Euphrates. And everywhere I had associates
Having Paul as a companion, everywhere faith led the way
And set before me for food the fish from the spring
Mighty and pure, whom a spotless Virgin caught,
And gave this to friends to eat, always
Having sweet wine and giving the mixed cup with bread.
These words, I, Abercius, standing by, ordered to be inscribed.
In truth, I was in the course of my seventy-second year.
Let him who understands and believes this pray for Abercius.

Simply amazing. The chaste shepherd, faithful writings, a queen dressed in Gold, a splendid seal, a spotless Virgin, bread and wine. All from the second century!!!! What are your thoughts?

What to do.

2008-09-26T01:15:00.003-05:00

This is a billboard made for the Dixie Brewing Company in New Orleans, Louisiana, my hometown. It is uniquely New Orleans. But I think that it counters not only Louisiana Politics' effects, but also those of politics (and work struggles) in general. You see, I bought a sixer of Dixie the other day as an homage to my home. It's not the best beer I've ever had, but it's also not the worst. As I sit here on a Thursday night drinking a Dixie and pondering life and all things related to it, I'm wondering what will come of many things. This election cycle, these economic times, my job, my life. Today was particularly rough at work. Apart from the lab crew, and the owning family, the store has only 2 full time employees: myself and.....let's call her 'Susan'. I don't want to broadcast my coworkers names all over the internetz. Well, Susan and I (mainly me) are convinced that BossLady hates full time employees. I'm not sure why, especially in my case. Sure, I work around 40/week but I'm not getting insurance, and I'm making the same wage I was as a part-timer, so it's almost like what's the point? Today I just couldn't win, and everyone recognized it. You see, apart from BossLady and the one son I had trouble with a few weeks ago, I have no problems with my coworkers, they are some of the best people I know. I'm getting really fed up with this situation at work. I remember a day when, after a lot of flak, I asked BossLady "Can I do anything right?!". Without missing a beat she said "no, you can't" and walked away. I make decent sales, I do my best to make sure that the store is neat, and I (usually) show up on time and NEVER leave early. Please, send some good vibes my way, if you, dear reader, think about it.

The other thing I've been pondering has been the economy and the current election cycle. You see, this is the first election where I can vote for the President. I am, in fact going to be 22 for the election (that's right, I'm a youngin'!!!!). How can this be? I was one day to young to vote in the last one; ONE DAY!!!!. That said, I'm not sure who I will vote for. I cannot in good conscience support either candidate, I really can't. They both have good points, and they both have bad points, and neither supports my views. Being that my job is in Photographic Retail (a dwindling niche, lemme tell ya!) it's not exactly guaranteed to get through these times. I have given several options some thought, including moving to a different country, with its own set of problems but not in total economic hell, and simply dealing with the trouble that is not being able to make ends meet. Le sigh, what is a guy to do? Please pray for me!

Kyri Strikes again

2008-09-22T13:19:00.003-05:00

Kyri from Australia, strikes with another meme. Here's the Rules:

For those who have digital cameras (bonus points if it’s inbuilt in your computer or webcam)

take a picture of yourself right now.
don’t change your clothes, don’t fix your hair…just take a picture.
post that picture with NO editing.
post these instructions with your picture.

Here's mine, it's kinda no fun.

Now your turn!

A one-pan meal for One

2008-09-13T19:54:00.000-05:00

When you cook for yourself, and only yourself (such as living alone, or living with people who only eat out) a one pan meal is ideal. Here is what I made tonight, I'm sorry the photo isn't very sharp, and I should have used a red plate for more color, but oh well:

It's a nice, thick Pork Chop, Green Beans, and some cornbread. Here's how I made it.

-Bake cornbread according to your favorite recipe in a 9 inch cast iron skillet.
-Turn cornbread out onto a plate to cool, and using a Turner/Spatula/whatever-you-call-it, scrape out the little crumbs that are left in the skillet: save them. Reintroduce skillet to heat (Medium)
-Season pork chop as you see fit (I used Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning) and pat with reserved crumbs. Place in skillet.
-When the time comes, turn porkchop and cook through. Remove from skillet and set on plate to rest. Also, at this time, take a wedge of your cornbread and plate this up with the chop.
-Place slices of onion in pan and start to cook, using a turner to turn them into smaller pieces. When edges are nicely carmelized, put two tablespoons of reserved bacon grease (or some pieces of bacon) and start to sautee.
-When onions are soft and translucent, introduce into pan one mostly-drained can of green beans (whole or cut, not French Style). Cook until beans are warmed through and then plate the beans. Take some of the lovely "pot liquor" in the pan and spoon over the cornbread.
-Bon appetit!!!!

Also, for the sake of completeness, here's my cornbread recipe.
1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin mix
1 can creamed corn
1 egg
2 oz milk
3 tbsp honey
2 tsp sugar
Heat oven to 400F.
Mix ingredients together, and let batter rest for 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, grease the inside of a cast-iron skillet 9-10 inches in diameter.
Pour batter into skillet, and top with several small pieces of butter and a nice drizzle of honey.
Bake until tester comes out clean.
Turn out onto rack or plate to cool.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe!!!!!

Peace, love, and all that jazz ~Rosko

A work update...

2008-09-10T10:43:00.003-05:00

So yesterday was "Bill's" first day back from his attendance of the Wheatland Bluegrass Festival (he left the day after the incident in my earlier post). I was very nervous about going into work because Bossman and Bosslady are out of town in California for the entire week. I had it planned perfectly, however. I sat at home and figured out what busy work I could do that would take me most of the shift; when I arrived, I executed the plan.
I clocked in 10 minutes early and walked out to ask the basic questions like "is there anything important I need to know before I get working". "Sandy" said "the processing bins (where we keep pictures for people to pick up) is checked, all orders are priced, that's all." I acknowledged this, and announced my intention to deep clean the camera display cases. Bill immediately interjected "well, how about you do it now instead of standing around."

WOW. 90 seconds into my being here, he's already being a jerk! So, I avoid saying anything, grab a duster, the Windex, and some paper towel and get to work. In between helping Customers and cleaning the display case, that was 3-4 of scheduled 7 hours. GOLDEN! The rest of the day went smoothly, we discussed the new Nikon D90 (which we have on the shelf!), and some other things, I cleaned other parts of the store, and took care of customers until we closed. After the store was closed, the lights out, the door locked, and ME off the clock, he came up and said "Better day today?" I responded affirmatively, and he said firmly, "We'll just leave it at that".

I still haven't had an opportunity to apologize, and fear I never will. This is not good for my conscience. I am still searching for a job, and that is taking up most of my spare time, but I thought I would take a few minutes to write this post so you guys are updated. Pray for me, please, even though I am unworthy.

My ideal political climate

2008-09-05T23:28:00.003-05:00

Okay, I don't get into politics much, but the conventions got the gears turning in my head. Here's some of what I think would be the ideal political climate to live in:
-Senators and Congressmen are part-time and paid by their respective states, including travel to and from Washington. They should hold secondary jobs
-The central government is severely decreased, and Governors govern, not just speak as a loudspeaker to see what they can get from Washington.
-Taxes to the central government are minimal.
-The Supreme Court decides cases based on the Constitution alone, and does not legislate from the bench.
-The President is first and foremost one who upholds the Constitution and executes laws.
-The States step up and take back all of the responsibility they have passed to the Central Government.
-Programs from Washington are few and far between.

These are a few of the things I think the Government should strive for, but we would need selfless leaders, especially in the Congress. Honestly, the President is more a figurehead than anything these days, and this is utterly sad, but it's really the Congress that makes the decisions. Sorry for the unorganized thoughts, I just needed to get this out there.

Peace, love, and all that jazz.

I need a place to vent

2008-09-03T04:58:00.002-05:00

So I'm going to use my blog. Here's an account of an event that happened at work. Before I start, I freely admit that my words were not well chosen. It was a conversation between me, "Bill" and "Sandy" (to protect names). Bill is the son of the owners.

Bill: Sandy, did Rosko go over with you the handwriting issue from the other day?
Sandy: Yeah, it's taken care of.
B: Good, because Rosko was yelling at me, and....Rosko who else was there, who were you yelling at? It was a girl, was it Betty?
(Note, there was no yelling during the event in question.)
Rosko: Betty was there, but I didn't yell at her.
B: See, he just goes on and on, just like always, he always goes on and on...
R: That was rude!!! (and I walk away).
B: He just doesn't know how to keep his mouth. What did you say?!?! Come back here, don't mumble and walk away
R: (returning) I said that was rude.
B: Look, I'm standing up for you here, you're the rude one, can't take someone defending you?
R: Look, quit being a ****. You're really being a ****! (Walk away again).
B: Listen up you little ****. ::screams and starts beating telephone::
(In Office)
R: Bossman, I just wanted to let you know that Bill is getting very angry with me. I know I just promised you I could close today, but if this keeps up, I won't be able to. I'll try to work through it though.
(At this point, Bill steps into the lab which is between the store and the office, screaming and beating and kicking things, keeping up the same "you little ****, you son of a *****, etc, enter Bosslady)
BL: He's gone. I don't know what happened, he's just gone.
BM: You can leave at your original time, becuase I guess we have to stay anyway.

About 15 minutes later I get pulled aside by Bosslady:

BL: Look, we need to talk. What you just did, that's unacceptable. He's very upset, his hand's cut all up, and he's not coming back if you're here because he doesn't want to have to beat you. The phone is damaged, but he said "Better the phone than your face". That's how upset he is. He was standing up for you.
R: Bosslady, he wasn't standing up for me.
BL: Yes he was, I just asked Sandy. So now I don't know what we're going to do. He says you're lazy and you just don't get it. That's why we had to get rid of John, because he wasn't doing his job...

Throughout the rest of the day, Bossman and Bosslady said almost nothing to me, except constantly accusing me of doing nothing (when I was obviously in the middle of a task) or not working fast enough (when I was!). I'm not sure how much longer I am going to be at this job. I am going to start a search privately for a new job. I know Starbucks gives benefits at 20 hours, and there are other places to work too. Please, pray for me, as this promises to be a tough few weeks.

A plug for someone

2008-09-01T20:29:00.002-05:00

So my friend from Church, Becky, has a blog that I really enjoy, in fact, I enjoy it so much I gave it an "I (heart) your blog" award recently. She's a first year teacher. She's teaching special ed. students; I really admire what she does. You see, my mother's cousin, Langdon, has Down Syndrome. I had a great respect for Langdon growing up, as he was always nice and pretty fun to be around. I didn't even know there was anything "wrong" about him until I was older. Anyway, I digress. Becky recently reactivated her blog after a little pushing from me (and I'm sure others) and has been doing a great job, but she doesn't get a lot of traffic (what am I talking about? Neither do I!!!) but I thought that anyone interested in reading about a new teacher's experiences in and out of the classroom might want to go over and say Hi to Becky. So far she's posted on bargain-shopping for the classroom, arranging the room to facilitate the learning process, and the first day of school. She also, as we all do, posts about her friends, and other goings on in her life, such as a bridal shower for her future sister-in-law. So, please, stop by, read her blog, and leave her some comments.

Oh no!

2008-08-29T04:21:00.002-05:00

This is a twofold "Oh no!"

First, I was looking at the pictures I posted up, and they all have a nice "S" shaped piece of dust in them, which was on the sensor of my camera. No good. So I have 2 choices; spend hours spotting every one trying to make it look acceptable, or wait for a better day at redo the pictures anyway. I think I'll go with the second option.

Second, I wanted to ask the prayers of everyone for the Gulf Coast, the land of my childhood, where my family (on BOTH SIDES) has been for generations. Here's some general prayers that are appropriate to the situation.

O Lord Jesus Christ

As you saved your apostles from perishing in a storm by calming wind and waves on you command, so now keep us safe and sound in this hurricane season. Grant us favorable and benign weather. Protect us from the unpredictable elements of nature. Steer us from storm, flood, fire, illness, injury, disaster and sudden death. Preserve us from all evil and harm for we, though sinful, are nonetheless the work of Your hands. And You together with your Father who has no beginning and Your all holy good and life giving Spirit are our God in whom we live, move, and have being. Now and ever and unto ages and ages. Amen.

Most Holy Theotokos ...

Seeing how your holy and powerful maternal intercessions and safe haven for the storm tossed, count us worthy of your prayers during this season of uncertain and threatening weather. Beg your divine human Son to grant us mercy, forgiveness, health, safety and salvation over the coming months. For He is sure to listen to you, His mother, the woman whom all generations call blessed. Amen.

All Holy Prophet Elias ...

As the Lord gave you control over droughts and rainfall to prove His power to the wayward and unbelieving, plead with Him to keep stormy weather, heavy rains and destructive winds away from us. Help us with your heavenly intercessions for we know the prayer of a righteous man like you is powerful and effective as God is wondrous in His Saints. Amen.

Holy Father Herman of Alaska ...

While you were alive on Earth, your prayers kept your spiritual children safe from tidal surge and forest fire and after your death your heavenly intercessions calmed stormy seas saving Saintly Bishop Innocent from peril. Do not less for us in your fatherly love for your adopted land. Implore your Master to safeguard for us from such dangers too for we know God is wondrous in his Saints. Amen.

Holy St John of San Francisco ...

During your earthly sojourn in the Philippines, your prayers kept typhoons at bay from your flock. Brace us living in the land where your wonder working relics rest with your heavenly intercessions as well. Appeal to the Ruler of All for our reprieve from such hazard and menace. For we know God is wondrous in his Saints. Amen.

HT: Fr. Joseph Huneycutt at Orthodixie

Photos of St Joseph

2008-08-28T01:41:00.002-05:00

So this weekend we had an adult baptism at Church, and I was asked to take pictures. This gave me opportunity to take pictures of the Church apart from the baptism as well, and I wanted to share some of them with you. They are completely unedited, even though some of them could have used a tweak in Levels, but I will do that some other time.

Since I arrive 1.5 hours before Vigil every Saturday, and this Saturday I had an urge to take pictures! Here's the outside:

And here's the inside, on Sunday morning before the Liturgy. One of our Subdeacons is lighting candles:

Now, fellow bloggers of all stripes, let's see pictures of your beloved houses of worship!

An award nomination from Kyriaki

2008-08-25T12:18:00.003-05:00

Okay, so many of my non-news posts come from Kyriaki, and this is because she is one of the only bloggers on my blog roll to do such things. Here she nominated me for an award, here's the rules:

The rules of the award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated

And here are my nominees. In no particular order:

That's all folks. I wish I could nominate more, but that's seven of 'em. Enjoy!

Now I'm off to inform all of you about your nominations.

2008-08-23T03:40:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Reader Christopher Orr for his speedy and accurate work on my previously unknown Saint. I wasn't even aware that he knew of my blog, and I am honored to have him as a visitor. So go to the post just previous to this one and check it out, some interesting information to be had in Reader Christopher's comments.

Some general update stuff today, nothing life changing or earth shattering. I found out that I have GERD (acid reflux) and have been given medication for that which should stop me from waking up in the middle of the night choking. I also have stuff to help with my allergies and asthma (YAY), and found out that the allergy medicine should also help with nasal polyps, which have burdened me for a few years now.

Also, my friend Joshua Sales is getting baptized on Sunday. He is a student at Wheaton College and is going to become an Orthodox Christian on Sunday. Please pray for him.

My coworker, David, has left us to study Zoology at a University in northern Utah. We wish him the best and hope he comes to see us soon. Also in the realm of losing coworkers, Glen is leaving us soon to go to a police academy in Tyler, Texas, where he will then take a job as a police officer. Best of luck to Glen. That means we have a bare bones crew at work, but that should soon be alleviated slightly with a couple of potential part-timers coming on.

Likewise, the blogroll has been updated. Becky, Father Joe's daughter, has reactivated her blog, and my friend Marty has one that reviews movies on an interesting and unconventional scale.

Other than that, I hope you guys come back and comment. This weekend promises to be a fun one. Peace, love, and all that Jazz.

Seeking some help

2008-08-20T21:43:00.002-05:00

Okay, if any of you remember from my post about my Icon Corner, you will remember I have the icon of my "unknown saint". I am really REALLY wanting to get more information, so I have taken photos of the icon, as well as the titles on the icon, in hopes that someone, anyone, with access to a priest or a Greek hagiography can help. Here they are.

Please, if you find anything out, post it in the comments section, so we can all be enlightened.

Oh holy saint of God, pray unto Him for us.

The Dormition of the Mother of God.

2008-08-17T16:42:00.003-05:00

I meant to post this the other day, but I didn't get one of these:

Now I have one and I guess I have no excuse. Friday was the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Our parish celebrated with Vespers on Thursday evening, and Divine Liturgy on Friday morning, followed by a small luncheon. It was amazing. Fr. Mykola with his very thick Ukranian accent was the celebrant at the Liturgy which is nice because it makes me pay attention to the prayers in the Liturgy instead of whatever else might be going through my head, prayer or otherwise. Fr. Joe gave the homily, where he gave a very nice meditation on the Icon for this feast. I wanted to give my own meditation on this, as the Icon really parallels the first part of the Troparion.

"By giving birth, you preserved your viginity,
In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos.
You were translated to new life, O Mother of Life.
And by your prayers you deliver our souls from Death."

And now for the Icon:
In the Icon, the Theotokos lies on a funeral bier, surrounded by the Apostles, whom tradition states were carried to her side upon clouds by her bidding on her deathbed. We see the obviously sad look upon their faces. But notice the Mother of God. In many icons, her earthly body does not bear the Titles in this Icon that we see in other icons that label her as the Mother of God. The Icon I have put in this post does not have this either, but it also doesn't have the titles where I am used to seeing them: near the head of the Child being held by our Lord Jesus Christ. "You were translated to new life, O Mother of Life". She is the Mother of Life, and this we can confess solidly because Christ himself said "I am the Life." Just as when people are born they are not fully grown adults, so the Theotokos enters the Kingdom of Heaven as a babe, in swaddling clothes, just as she held her Son at his Nativity. But it doesn't end there!

Three days after her Funeral, Thomas finally shows up (always a day late and a dollar short, huh?). Distraught, he wants to visit the Theotokos one more time, so they escort him to the tomb where they placed her remains, but she is not there! So just as she was born anew into the Kingdom, so her Body got to see the Resurrection that all Christians await. This is clear example for us that God does keep his promises (as though we didn't already have enough, the entirety of the Gospel comes to mind, as well as the Hanukkah Story!). And so we can all await not only being born anew, as babes, into the Kingdom of Heaven, but like our Mother, we can truly "Look for the Resurrection of the Dead". And just like all saints pray for us, so too does our Mother, that we might be saved she prays to her Son. Salvation is deliverance from Death. This is why we say that "by her prayer she delivers our souls from death." This is truly a beautiful feast, that is at its heart the hope of every Christian.

Most Holy Theotokos, pray unto God for us.

A food meme

2008-08-15T21:17:00.006-05:00

So this is another item stolen from Kyriaki.

The Omnivore’s Hundred is a list of foods the gastronome Andrew Wheeler thinks everyone should try at least once in their lives.

The rules of the meme:
1) bold those you have tried
2) strikethrough those you wouldn’t eat on a bet.
2a) Italicize any item you’ll never eat again.
2b) Asterisk* any items you’d be interested in trying but have not yet.

1. Venison
2. Nettle Tea
3. Huevos rancheros\
4. Steak tartare*
5. Crocodile (if you count Alligator)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht *
10. Baba ghanoush *
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi *
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses * (I'd try any cheese except Limburger)
17. Black truffle*
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns*
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras*
24. Rice and beans (I'm from New Orleans, come on!)
25. Brawn, or head cheese (This boy loves Hog's Head Cheese, dawlin!)
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters (On the half shell, in soup, or fried and in a poboy!)
29. Baklava (Ruth Gaba's is fantastic!)
30. Bagna cauda*
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (Thank you Panera for the bread bowl!)
33. Salted lassi*
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float (but I don't like Root Beer, blech!)
36. Cognac with a fat cigar*
37. Clotted cream tea*
38. Vodka jelly*
39. Gumbo (Again, where did I grow up? I love this stuff!)
40. Oxtail*
41. Curried goat*
42. Whole insects* (depends what they are)
43. Phaal*
44. Goat’s milk*
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu*
47. Chicken tikka masala*
48. Eel (YUM!!!!)
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear*
52. Umeboshi*
53. Abalone*
54. Paneer*
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (No pickles, light lettuce, add tomato)
56. Spaetzle*
57. Dirty gin martini* (but only to say that I've tried it)
58. Beer
59. Poutine* In recognition of my French Brethren up north
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads (maybe not?)
63. Kaolin (no idea what this is)
64. Currywurst*
65. Durian*
66. Frogs’ legs*
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (all three, esp the first!)
68. Haggis* (but not from a can)
69. Fried plantain*
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette*
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini*
73. Louche Absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost*
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu (don’t know what this is)
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail*
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum*
82. Eggs Benedict (Huzzah!!!)
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant*
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare*
87. Goulash*
88. Flowers (all sorts roses, violets, honeysuckle…)
89. Horse*
90. Criollo chocolate*
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa*
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor*
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee*
100. Snake*

On Crosses and Such

2008-08-10T15:42:00.005-05:00

This was originally posted by me at the Desert Calling Forum
. I thought it might be beneficial to post it here.

I have a chain around my neck that hasn't come off in over a year. It has upon it 3 things.

A Mariner's Crucifix-Both a reminder of my heritage in the Sea (grandpa 1- Navy, grandpa 2- commercial diver) and of Christ.
A western medal of St Polycarp- A reminder of my past as a member of the Lutheran Society of St Polycarp, and my devotion to said saint both before and after my conversion. It says "St Polycarp pray for us".
3- The small cross I was given just before my Chrismation, chosen from the parish bookstore. Unfortunately, it's a plated medal, and I'm worried about exposing the metal underneath, which I'm likeley allergic to.

My plan is to get a NEW Orthodox Cross (preferably Crucifix) in Sterling or White Gold (all my neckwear right now is Sterling) to put on this chain, and move the Chrismation cross to a different chain and wear it on special occasions.

Now, as to the question of inside our outside my shirt? In the middle. I wear it outside of my shirt when I can, and remember to pull it out, but at work it must be hidden, so it resides between my undershirt and my work shirt. This is because of the metal of my Chrismation cross. When I can make good on my plan, then it will either be all the way in or all the way out (is that a false dichotomy?). But I never take my necklace off for anything. In fact, when adding new items to it, the clasp is opened, and the item slipped on.

"That fat man....

2008-08-06T03:40:00.004-05:00

with the long hair and glasses." That's how a customer described me to one of my co-workers (the bosses' son), saying I was very rude because I could not authorize a discount to be given. Mind you, I'm not the boss, I'm not even a manager, and when you're dealing with a store with a payroll less than 15 persons long, you don't say things like that. That's how my day at work ended on Tuesday, and from there I fought traffic to get to the DMV, only to find out they wouldn't give me what I need. But it gets better; here's how.

I then went and parked by Church, waiting for Great Vespers to start. You see, today (Wednesday) is the Great Feast of Transfiguration. It was nice to have Church in the middle of the week. What will be nicer is receiving the Mysteries at the 10am Liturgy today, and bringing a basket of fruit to get blessed. Glory to God that I have such opportunities. After Church, we had a little gathering with a noodle salad and we chatted for a bit. Then one of our catechumens, Josh, stayed with Fr John to get some questions answered, and I was invited to stay as well. Josh is going to be getting baptised soon and very soon! All in all, I didn't end up leaving Church until 11:15 (Vespers started at 7:30 and I was there at 6:45). Glory to God for all things.

A wordle.

2008-08-01T20:41:00.002-05:00

So I freely admit that I got this idea from Kyriaki, but here is a wordle of my blog:

Photos, etc.

2008-07-24T22:22:00.002-05:00

Can I get a wo0t?!?!

I have a few pictures of my Chrismation. Here you go!

The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

During the singing of "Many Years".

My coworker, and the son of my bosses, Doug, came and took the photographs. Thanks Doug, you rock!!!! I hope to have my own photographs of our Church soon. I just need to remember my memory card.

On Evangelism

2008-07-23T23:18:00.002-05:00

So I was at work today, when I received a telephone call asking two things
1-Where we're located
2- Do we take passport pictures
Yes, I know, those questions SHOULD be in the opposite order, but what can I say? AAAAANYWAY, later, when said customer arrives, she proceeds to get her passport photo done by my coworker. Hearing her distinct accent, I say hello, and ask where she's from. Here's the conversation:
Rosko: Hi, might I ask where you're originally from, I notice a bit of an accent.
Customer: Ukraine.
R: Fantastic! One of the priests at my church is from Ukraine!
C: Priest? You're Catholic?
R: No, I'm Orthodox, I just converted.
PAUSE!!!!! At this point I should have said "it's nice to meet you", grabbed a duster, and moved on. But, that's not what I did. UNPAUSE!!!!
C: Oh, I used to be Orthodox. I'm not anymore (then under her breath) Thank God!
PAUSE!!!!! Okay, again, here I should have stopped, but the nice guy in me stays. UNPAUSE!!!!
R: Oh, well that's interesting
C: Are you Greek?
R: No, I'm mostly German. I was raised Lutheran.
C: Why did you become Orthodox?
PAUSE!!!!! Notice, she is now the one questioning me. Since this isn't a sale, just a passport photo, again, I should just say "Have a nice day" and move on. UNPAUSE!!!!
R: Well, I sensed that something was missing from Lutheranism, so I started searching, and became Orthodox.
C: And you still think something's missing?
R: No, ma'am. I have the fullness of everything I need.
C: But something is still missing, you need to be born again (hands me tract from her purse, and I thought she was just getting her money ready).
PAUSE!!!! Okay, again, time to move on. But, I promise you, I tried to get her to stop. She proceeded to try to evangelize me. God forgive me, this was the first time in my life I wanted to laugh in the face of another Christian. She gave me several links, and *her* phone number to call in case I had any questions regarding these "revivals" of "fire" that gets brought "all over the world". This was awkward and lasted for about 30 minutes. I'm wondering why people thing they need to invalidate the Church for their...what do you call them? Movements? I even tried the PJ's "pull the ear" trick, but felt it was too obvious. I figured out a way to conter that. You see, I have my ear pierced, and I can just use that as an excuse for rubbing my ear.

I recycled the tract. I figured that if I can't be a good steward of her "gospel truth" that probably involved getting "baptised in the Spirit" and speaking in "tongues" and other "gifts of the Holy Spirit" then I could at least be a good steward of the Earth and make sure the paper doesn't just waste away in a landfill. Maybe one day I'll be reading the newspaper and be staring at that same tract in a new form.

So, dear reader. what would YOU have done in the same situation? I'm hoping I didn't scandalize her, but I can't see where I would have. What do you think?

"This is the last stop...

2008-07-21T14:26:00.004-05:00

You go nowhere else for any reason".

These are the words that Fr. Gregory Hogg gave me when I announced to him that I was finally going to be Chrismated. They are words that I agree with. Here's the account of my actual Chrismation as I submitted it to the LutheransLookingEast yahoo list:

Yes, it came up pretty quickly for me too. As to telling y'all (I'm still a Southron, even if I live in IL) about it, SURE!
It was nothing major. After the pre-Liturgy announcements (which arrangement we'll be using for the music, etc) Father John almost forgot to Chrismate me. Father Joe reminded him, and I was called to the front. Father John told the parish a little about my background (since we're kinda big and I don't know everyone, even yet). As I had made confession last night, and everything like that, Father John began the Chrismation prayers When it came time for the anointing, Father Joe (the one who instructed me) did the actual Chrismation. "Many Years" was sung and the Liturgy began.

When it came time for Communion, at our parish, the altar servers commune first, and then the parish from front to back, but one of the altar servers came and got me, and put me right up there in the midst of the servers. We have 3 communion lines, and I was at the one in the center (not that it matters). "The servant of God, Harry, receives the Body and Blood of Christ, for the remission of sins and the healing of Soul and Body." Afterwards, at fellowship hour, Father John said "So Harry, you wanna help out with Sunday School in the Fall, right? In the Senior High Group? Good!" Leaving no room for me to say anything. I guess my first official duty as an Orthodox Christian is to pray about helping out with Sunday School. All in all, a great day!

That's the rundown of it. I must add that one of the Sunday School ladies was actually talking to me first (but I wanted to get that email out quickly) and when she mentioned the possiblity of me helping out, Fr John's response was actually "We already have plans for him". It was at that point he said the above.

Our parish is amazing. It's definately my spiritual home, more than I think I ever experienced previously. When I enter the Nave my soul is quiet. It's not fighting anything. As I light candles my heart lights up. I know I can trust the clergy to lead me in Truth, and the parishioners to treat me as the family God has made them to be.

I am an Orthodox Christian, and nothing henceforth will change that.

Glory to God for all things!

Newly Illumined

2008-07-20T20:30:00.002-05:00

I was Chrismated this morning!!!! I actually had one friend/coworker present, and he took a few pictures (have I ever mentioned that I hate pictures of me in profile) that I should have on Tuesday. I will blog about the experience a little later, I just wanted to make that announcement.

Glory to God for all things!

The Merchandise has been delivered!

2008-07-18T15:43:00.002-05:00

That's the phrase I was calling many of my relatives with yesterday at about 2:30pm. It is a phrase of joy, meaning that my mother was now in the able and sensible hands of my Aunt and Uncle, who were then to take her on the second leg of her trip to Clayton, GA. Yesterday, we awoke at 5, finished the last touches of packing the car, and then drove from 6am on. We stopped for breakfast and gas in Lafayette, IN, and continued to Lexington, KY. This is where we met.

I was worried that all of her stuff wouldn't fit into the significantly smaller vehicle that we were meeting. I was right, but only partially. We couldn't pack 2 boxes of books, and those I will have to ship.

Immediately after dropping her off, I headed straight back from Lexington. I did not stop again to eat, but I did stop at a rest area for ~1hr to nap in the car. Then another gas stop and picking up a $1 large Coke from McDonald's and I was on my way again. I pulled into the apartment complex at 10:10 pm.

So the merchandise has been delivered, I returned safely, and I already miss my mother, even though she's only really been seen hospitalized for the past 1.5 months. Glory to God for all things!

And the countdown is on...

2008-07-13T22:43:00.005-05:00

7 gloriously BUSY days until Chrismation.

This week I will be packing mom's stuff up, checking her out of the hospital, and driving her to GA, where we are moving her so that she can be close to more family than she is here (it's just me here).

In other news, my icon corner is back up. It's seen a few incarnations over the years in various living quarters, and it still has some Western influence, and the icons need to be replaced with more genuine ones (because back then I just wanted images, and I didnt care). Here is a picture:

The shelf is the top of an old dresser, and is chest high, perfect for reading while standing in reverent prayer. The icons are the Theotokos, the Crucifixion, the Transfiguration, the Holy Trinity, and Pantocrator. On the top is the Archangels Michael and Gabriel (one of my nicest icons) and the saint you see in the lower right is as of yet unknown. I do know he was Greek, probably an igumen, definately monastic, name: Loukas (Luke) and he has something to do with Ellados. Other than that, the reproduction is kind of difficult to read. The crucifix in the middle of all the action is one that I bought as a freshman in college, and it has always sat in my room since then. The celtic cross below was a gift from a friend who went to Ireland, and the statue of the Theotokos was a gift from my mother. The candles are still left over from my days as a Lutheran, but they are 51% beeswax. The followers are to make sure they burn evenly and don't drip. Also on the shelf are a censer and my Orthodox Study Bible.

I hope you enjoyed that glimpse into my room. Have a great day.

Peace, love, and all that jazz.

Foiled again!!!!

2008-07-11T03:16:00.002-05:00

So I told myself that I would try to post daily and I got foiled by a busy day! Life at work was good! It was a productive day, I made an $1100 sale in the first half hour! Unfortunately, no big sales after that, but what can a guy do?

GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS!

It's a motto I've been trying to live by, a phrase I wish I would utter in more situations. I've linked my blog to facebook so that I might be able to get more people seeing these. That means the last post announcing my Chrismation coming up reached a wide variety of people. Many people have left me notes of encouragement regarding this event. Thanks to everybody! I have the worlds best friends, even if some of you I don't talk to as often as I should!!!!

Unfortunately, some of the responses have been negative, or at least neutral. One that got me was "I'm sorry to hear about your shift [to the East]." To the person who said this, friend please, don't be sorry. It may be sad to see me leave a particular communion, but this is not a situation to cry about. I am going where I can best work out my own salvation with fear and trembling. Be happy for me! I have found the Truth in Fullness and the Fullness in Truth! Glory to God! So, until next time:

Peace, love, and all that jazz.

2008-07-09T00:24:00.002-05:00

So, it is news to some and not to others that I recently resigned my membership in the Lutheran parish in New Orleans, LA where I held membership. The reasons are twofold, firstly because it doesn't make sense to hold membership in a parish you can never attend because the distance is so great.

Secondly, and this is the one that may come as a surprise to many: I am converting to the Holy Orthodox Church. I will post about my journey later, but suffice it to say that I have been "dabbling" with the idea for some time, only recently becoming completely convinced that Orthodoxy is Truth. I am to be received into the Church through the Sacrament of Chrismation on July 20th, 2008 at St Joseph Orthodox Church, Wheaton, IL just before the 9:30am Divine Liturgy. Anyone in the area is welcome to attend.

Now before everyone gets on my case about being hasty, know that this has been a long journey, that included some falling, lots of getting back up, and a few steps backward at times. There wasn't even a date set until today. I put myself under the mercy of our Rector to set a date. My own Spiritual Father gave me the green light a couple of weeks ago, but I had some strings I needed to tie up first. Please pray for me as I begin this new leg of a journey. The road behind seems so long, but pales in comparison to the road ahead.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.

It's gonna be a great day!

2008-07-08T08:07:00.000-05:00

If I don't come home today singing "What a day this has been! What a rare mood I'm in..." then something has gone terribly wrong. Sure, waking up this morning wasn't so pleasant, but that's a different story. Once I had resigned myself to waking up (2 hours ahead of schedule!) I decided to make good use of the time. I took a longer shower than usual, enjoying the experience more than anything. I then had a warm, soothing, pamper yourself shave. For those not in the know, I shave with a straight razor. I just let that experience be what it would today as well. I am in a great mood. What a great way to start the work week! (Which for me is Tuesday through Saturday)

This weekend brought about some news that I will share later, for now it's off to make myself breakfast, figure out lunch, and get to work by 10.

Hope you all have a GREAT DAY!!!!

I don't know

2008-03-09T13:40:00.001-05:00

Eucharistic theology
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Orthodox

You are Orthodox, worshiping the mystery of the Holy Trinity in the great liturgy whereby Jesus is present through the Spirit in a real yet mysterious way, a meal that is also a sacrifice.

Orthodox

100%

Luther

75%

Catholic

69%

Calvin

25%

Unitarian

Zwingli

2008-01-27T19:33:00.000-06:00

So I'm going to start linking my YouTube videos to this blog in hopes to get it active again, since my HT blog got shut down. Hope you enjoy it!!!!

Simple Update

2006-04-21T08:20:00.000-05:00

I went to the Bridegroom Service (with Holy Unction) at St George last night, and it was interesting. I think I enjoyed myself, if only the chanting were a little faster and the service wasn't 2 hours and fifteen minutes! I hope to go back for the Passion Service tonight. Right now, I'm sitting at work with the world's worst heartburn (ACK!) and Am really wishing that it would hurry up. My eyes hurt, and it only makes me wonder when this school will realize that fluorescent lights are not good for the eyes. Life today is okay. I've been up for an hour and a half, and am really wishing that school were just over! I really don't wanna be here anymore.

-----Fast Forward to Friday Morning-----

Okay, so I saved this as a draft and now I'm finishing it because my eyes just couldn't handle it. My laptop screen cracked randomly yesterday morning, so that's why I didn't finish this yesterday. The school is going to try to figure out a way to blame it on me even though it's NOT my fault!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! So, went to the Passion Service last night at St George, there were 12 Gospel readings with a lot of filler stuff too (I don't know what else to call it). I left after 1.5 hours because I had stuff to get done, and they were only on the 3rd gospel reading, Peter had just betrayed Jesus. It was interesting, but there was no service book in which I could follow along, so I truly had to "be attentive," as the priest entreats the people to do several times.

What else, anything interesting with Rosko? Melanie is going home today, and I need to bring her to the airport. I'm also all alone this weekend because our friend Rita is going to "Connect"-icut. So we'll see if I actually get caught up on homework this break, hopefully I do. Right now, I'm off to study for this Greek test I have today. I have to take it in the Library because of the computer situation. Have a good day folks!

Orthodoxy and Lutheranism

2006-03-17T02:23:00.000-06:00

or ????
I'm not one who likes to get into the big and fashionable debates that everyone else gets into, like Individual cups or Chalice, as is a big one right now due to a comment that Father Gregory Hogg made when being interviewed and which was run in the newspaper. I know where I stand on most issues, but I don't like to be verbal about it. There is, however, one issue on which I am uncertain: The Great Debate on Lutheranism and Orthodoxy. Even before Fr. Gregory left for the East, I have always had a fascination with the East, probably because they are so different from us, at least in outward appearances and in the language they use to articulate the Faith. I think that such fascinations can be healthy, for one, it opens us up to things different than we are used to, and allows us to stretch our minds to gain a knowledge we would otherwise not have.

February 28, 2005 afforded me an opportunity I would not have otherwise had. Many people know that 2-28 is the day I began to date that beautiful girl you see in my header image. People in this community tend not to know that much about her, because she is herself a Xanga girl. Well, let me tell you a little something about Melanie. On her fathers side, she is of rather heavy Greek descent (at least 25%, could be closer to 30 or 35). Many of her family are Orthodox. This means that for the past year, I have had the opportunity to occasionally talk to a Orthodox Christian about Orthodoxy, instead of only hearing about it from a Lutheran perspective. Many Orthodox Christians will tell you that we just talk past each other, and occasionally I think we do, being that we are two different traditions.

This summer brought another big change, as the Former Pr. C. Robb Hogg left the Missouri Synod and himself became Orthodox. I had communication with Fr. Hogg through the Society of St Polycarp, and it saddened me to see him go. Now he is Fr. Gregory Hogg in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. This makes me happy because now I have the ability to regularly communicate with an Orthodox Priest whom I know and trust regarding the beliefs of the Orthodox. I am not converting, and have not even seriously considered the possibility, but I do know that if you wanna know about how something works, you can't trust what an opposing side said about the topic, you have to look at it from the inside out. This may mean some new and interesting posts, as I finally work up the courage to sit down and talk to these people regarding the Orthodox Faith, and get the guts to break away from my beloved Lutheran Congregation for a Sunday to witness this thing called "The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom." I hope for this to be a learning experience for me. Don't worry, like I said, I am not converting, I'm just trying to wrap my mind around this very unique expression of Christianity.

I do wonder, however, why it is we Lutherans get so bent up on Orthodoxy when we very much have our own problems first. As my own pastor pointed out:

"the difference is we're in communion with the LCMS church growthers, the conservative LCMS members, the liberal LCMS members, the charismatic LCMS members, etc. We're not in communion with the East. But we spend a lot of time discussing the doctrinal problems of people we're not even in communion with. The doctrine of justification won't save people who deny the incarnation. If people, for rationalistic reasons, reject the Real Presence, this is just a notch away from, for rationalistic reasons, rejecting the Real Presence of God in the babe of Bethlehem or the crucified Jesus. Charity begins at home."

Very good point over all. We should worry about those in our midst hurting our confession before we worry about a communion which at least holds to ONE confession.

So, as the images above ask, Orthodoxy or Lutheranism? What about a Synod of orthodox Lutherans? :-)~ Okay that was a bad joke. Have a great day folks. Keep an eye out for more stuff about my forthcoming learning experience.

The Crucifix

2006-02-28T02:22:00.000-06:00

You can see from my header image that I have a crucifix on my wall. If you know me, you know that I occasionally wear a rather nice ebony and silver crucifix around my neck. May have complimented it, and many more rejected it under the protestant notion that it's too Roman and that Jesus rose, so he's not on the cross anymore. Nathan Fisher over at Blood and Water has written a really nice article about his crucifix that I think is a wonderful article for people to read. Maybe it will make more sense to people after reading. Enjoy!

People Everywhere

2006-02-16T02:21:00.000-06:00

So I'm sitting here at the MSP airport waiting on my flight to go to Fort Wayne this weekend for the Christ Academy College Weekend Retreat. It promises to be a fun weekend. I also wanted to point everyone to my xanga site (which I share with my girlfriend, so please don't mind the layout) so you can see my scans of my Photos that I took in my photography class. I would post them here, but they are too big! Have a great weekend everyone!

Okay, so an edit: I got stuck in Detroit. GAH! I'm stuck here because they expected me to get from gate A72 to gate C18 in 10 minutes. I made it in 11. Stupid people. I'm not so happy now. UGH!

Curious Thoughts

2006-02-08T02:20:00.000-06:00

I was sitting here checking my blog, and I haven't gotten a comment (other than a tag notification) since a Jan 10 comment on my Dec 16 post. This led me to thinking. Why do people comment on blogs? And those who do, what makes them stop on a particular blog? I can tell you I comment when I find a particular topic interesting, or when I need to update the blogger of a certain event. I'm not a regular commenter, but I do comment, and I notice many blogs getting many comments a day. I wonder why, but I am not motivated enough to actually find out. So maybe I can get some comments from people explaining why it is they usually comment on a blog. It could be my little project. Thoughts?

Star Trek

2006-02-07T02:19:00.000-06:00

Your results:
You are Will Riker

Will Riker		65%
Geordi LaForge		65%
Worf		60%
Deanna Troi		60%
Jean-Luc Picard		55%
James T. Kirk (Captain)		55%
Data		53%
Uhura		50%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		50%
Spock		47%
Chekov		45%
Mr. Scott		45%
Mr. Sulu		40%
Beverly Crusher		30%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		20%

At times you are self-centered
but you have many friends.
You love many women, but the right
woman could get you to settle down.

Click here to take the "Which Star Trek character am I?" quiz...

Ahh, the memories

2006-01-30T02:19:00.000-06:00

I have been browsing the website for my highschool, Marion Military Institute, lately. It may not look like much to your eyes, but to me, the place was home for two years. It didn't feel like it at the time, I'll admit, but it was where my friends were, it was where the people who felt at time like brothers and sisters were. I found that they have a new video, shot last year (my freshman year at Concordia), and I wanted to recommend that you watch it. It is called The MMI Experience. Some of my friends, and even my former roommate, Harry Hardman, and my former Platoon Sergeant (a Cadet Captain in the video) have interviews. It really made me miss my time there, the friendships I formed, and the things I learned. Ahh the memories...Marion Military Institute. I'll make it back there someday to visit and see the faculty, since most of my friends have now graduated. I miss that place.

We hail the corps of Marion
Who stands with us today
Each faithful, true and loyal one
Will join us as we pray
For all of those who left these doors
In peaceful days or troubled wars
We hail the corps of Marion
Who stands with us today

Truth, Honor, Service

Me, tagged in fours?

2006-01-29T02:17:00.000-06:00

That's right, it's the fours tag. Anna tagged me (thanks!). so here goes:

Four jobs I've had:
1. Lifeguard
2. Wedding stuff (florist's assistant, Photographer's assistant, etc...)
3. Day camp counselor
4. Campus Security (currently)

Four places I've lived:
1. New Orleans, LA
2. Marion, AL
3. St Paul, MN
4. Naperville, IL (kinda)

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Yogurt
2. Pizza
3. Most seafood (oysters-on-the-halfshell, boiled crawfish, fried fish, etc...)
4. Chicken Alfredo

Four TV shows I like to watch:
1. I don't watch TV.
2. Unless it's SVU
3. Or Disney
4. Or the History Channel

Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. The Producers (Both versions)
2. Most of the Classic Musicals
3. Phantom of the Opera
4. The Goonies

Four places I would rather be:
1. Asleep
2. Home (if I knew what that was anymore)
3. With my friends
4. At a therapist's office

Four websites I visit:
1. Higher Things Blogs
2. Gmail.google.com
3. Xanga
4. Google

Four People I Tag (AKA, Four people I want to torture...):
1. Sem. Fouts
2. Madre
3. The Mop
4. Emily, my former Roman Catholic friend

Best Blonde Joke Ever

2006-01-29T02:08:00.000-06:00

This has got to be the best blonde joke I've ever seen

Newness abounds

2006-01-21T02:15:00.000-06:00

So it's a new year, a new semester, and I'm taking new classes that I haven't done before. This is interesting. Over the next months, I will use this blog to post some of my project photos for my Photography class. So I had a good Christmas and a fun break. Got some pretty neat stuff while observing the gift giving traditions: a fountain pen, some DVD's and PS2 games, tickets to the Richard Petty driving experience, all-in-one printer, and general stocking stuffer stuff. I also acquired a Rolleiflex 3.5F camera, and a new Ricoh KR-5 Super II camera to use in my Photo class. I'm really excited. So anyway, I'll keep update better these days, I think, but for now I must go. I'll talk to y'all later.

Peace, love, and All That Jazz

So far I've avoided it...

2005-12-16T02:08:00.000-06:00

But tonight, at the request of Bloghardt, FemLem1 tagged me! :-% Oh well...here are five not so interesting facts about Ramblin' Rosko:

1-I was baptized at the exact same church, with water in the exact same font as Lee Harvey Oswald. :-0

2-Even though Madre has referred to it as a "girly hobby", I find nothing wrong with guys crocheting. In fact, I do it myslef. And needlepoint, cross-stitch, and eventually may learn knitting, but probably not, KNITTING is actually girly. I learned to crochet from a guy

3-Because I refuse to stay in Minnesota, which is where my family moved after Hurricane Katrina, I am spending all of my breaks for the rest of my college career with my girlfriend.

4-Even though Melanie and I are not engaged, her father has introduced me to someone before as his "future son-in-law.

5-I, too, can have my southern accent come out. It takes a while, and certain circumstances (excitement, fatigue, stress), but it's there. Oh boy is it there!

So, who should I tag next? Anna over at Toomey and Eunice, Sem. Fouts, Father Weedon, Emily (My Former Roman Catholic Friend), and Stan! That's all! :-)~

What's New?

2005-12-05T02:07:00.000-06:00

So, the Christmas concerts were this weekend. They were fun and refreshing yet could have been more enjoyable and less stressful. I am now in two wrist braces (i was only in one until recently) because recently I've been displaying the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It could be another related problem, but the symptoms lead me elsewhere. In other news, this is the last week of classes, and then finals, and then off to my home away from home away from home (that's Chicago). I'm spending the holiday with Melanie and her family and friends. They express their feelings differently from my family. It's refreshing and enjoyable. I can't wait for Christmas. For once in a long time I have no idea what I may be getting. My birthday present from Melanie is finally in, so I'm getting that over the break, but I have no clue what else. It's going to be exciting. It's nice to be surprised. I have not much else for an update, but I do want you to know that there is another blog out there that you can read if you want. It's my friend, and her blog is over at Blurty. Check it out if you get the chance. She loves recieving comments, so tell her how her blogging is. It's almost never updated, but when it is, it's worth the wait. ::ducks and runs:: now she's going to kill me.... Have fun!

Peace, Love, and All That Jazz

I Hunger and I Thirst

2005-11-21T02:06:00.000-06:00

I posted this on my old blog about a year ago. It still rings true. Enjoy!

I now know what it feels to be attached to the Church in a sense. I hunger and thirst daily for my Lord's Body and Blood, to strengthen my faith, and to build my fellowship with people who share it with me. When I go to Mass, and I receive Christ's Holy Body and Precious Blood given and shed for me (and for all) for the forgiveness, I feel closer to my Lord, and I hunger and thirst for it throughout the week. In the confession of sins before the Divine Service, when my Pastor speaks the words "as a called and ordained servant of the word, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I therefore forgive you all of your sins, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN" I am reminded that Christ did indeed die for me, and that for his sake, my sins are forgiven, because I am repentant, not because i ask, but because I am sorry; not because of anything I could ever do. Those words are like a lulling melody. I long for the day I can confess my sins in private, and feel the pastors hands on my head, speaking the Holy Word to me in Absolution, and then feeling his hands removed just as my sin has been removed. What a comforting thought. I remind myself daily of my baptism. As I walk into a place of worship, I dip my fingers in the Font and am reminded that this water, combined with the Eternal Word cleansed my sins as an infant. How comforting! I trace the cross upon myself reminding me that the Word that came into the water was Christ Himself. I hunger and I thirst, but I am alive. I know that the spiritual food that I desire is available to me. I know that my Lord died for me. These Means of Grace assure me of this. The Word, the Sacraments, are all what God has promised to us to show us his forgiveness. I hunger and I thirst, but my soul is quenched. AMEN

It's Official...

2005-11-16T02:05:00.000-06:00

I wish I could go home. Last night was really pretty with this strange white stuff falling from the sky and coming to rest on the ground. This is the stuff of fairy tales and children's stories and Christmas movies. This was SNOW! Wow, how amazing. I've seen it before, but it still amazes me greatly. One problem though, snow=cold. BRRR! The car doesn't have heat either, and I lost my gloves. So today, I go out and it's 18 degrees, I have to scrape the ice off the windows with a scraper in bare hands, and then drive to the dealership with no heat. Now my fingertips HURT, and they hurt BAD! I should learn to be a yankee, but I will always be a Suth'na. The South is my home, but thanks to that (explicit language censored) called Katrina, my family no longer lives there. So it's officially BRRRRRRR outside, and I'm officially uncomfortable. Hopefully we can get enough of the right snow that I can build an igloo to take refute in throughout these cold winter months. Oh, I can dream. So, it's white outside now, and I'm cold. Thank you., O Great Frozen North.

My Birthday?

2005-11-03T02:03:00.000-06:00

Yes, Padre is right, it's my birthday. This day, 19 years ago, the world was forever changed, I was born. I also have a fraternal twin. Wow, what a shift in the world! So, today I remember my earthly birth, and in a couple of months, I will celebrate my own death and rebirth in Holy Baptism. I'll let you know when that is. For now, it's bed time, I just got off of work!

Peace, Love, and All That Jazz

Halloween

2005-10-31T02:02:00.000-06:00

Your Halloween Costume Should Be

Jesus

What Should You Be For Halloween?

This is interesting, especially considering that I'm going as a PRIEST! Hahahaha. Tis funny, isn't it?

And The White Sox Win The World Series

2005-10-26T02:01:00.000-05:00

That's two sweeps in a row. The White Sox just won their first World Series since 1917. This is pretty amazing. I'm not one to keep up on sports much, but this series interested me because I now have ties to Chicago (it's where my girlfriend lives). So, the Sox win, the Astros suck and life goes on. That's all I got for you now.

Peace, Love, and All That Jazz

Blog Wars: An Update

2005-10-26T02:00:00.000-05:00

In his recent blog post, Gene Edward Veith addresses the current debate over vocation. He puts Vocation into both realms, Law, and Gospel. I can agree with him here. He brings us back to some of the other good ol' Lutheran paradoxes (God/Man, Bread/Body, Servant of all/Lord of all, etc.). I think Veith hits the nail on the head. I know, in my previous post, I put Vocation solely into Gospel, but I've thought it through, and it can reside in both. So, if you get a chance, read Veith's posting, and let me (or him) know what you think.

Peace, love, and All That Jazz.

Blog Wars

2005-10-25T01:59:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems that Padre and Madre have started a small blog war. Okay, so it all started because of something Cyberstones said. I'm not accussing anyone of starting it, but the wars are on, and everyone seems to be contributing something; disagreement is in the air. It's all a matter of what is Law and what is Gospel. I read where a certain pastor whose name escapes me at the moment wanted to put vocation in the realm of the Law. This seems problematic. What comfort comes from the Law? NONE! Now, in my vocations as Student, Son, Brother, Uncle, Boyfriend, etc. I constantly recieve comfort. God has given me these vocations as gifts. He uses these vocations to help His people. So, if Vocation is a gift, and one that helps people, how is it Law? How does it accuse me? How does it show me my sin? Well, on a very techincal level, it does, but it's still a gift. Vocation is Gospel in it's own right. Other things are firing up, but I've not read the blogs to much depth. Let's pray for these discussions that they continue in a healthy, calm, fraternal manner. May those involved grow in their knowledge of Our Lord and His Holy Law and Gospel. After, the Law Always Accuses, but the Gospel always forgives, and the Gospel trumps all.

Holy Gospel, Batman

2005-10-21T01:57:00.000-05:00

That's right, the Gospel. Wow, it's just pouring out all over the blog world today. Especially with Padre and Madre. Wow, what a gift it is to have these people blogging in the HT Blog Community. The current topic, answering Law questions (bad questions) in the way of the Gospel. Madre does a good job of it, and so does the old Tiger. So, why do I lead you to other blogs today? Why not?! Sometimes you have to tell where other poeple get it right and leave your own stuff alone. So, enjoy those blog posts, I'm off to bed!

Peace, love, and all that jazz!

Life is Good

2005-10-18T01:56:00.000-05:00

So, much has happened since my last post. Fall Break came and went (that was a fun time spent with Melanie and her family), Midterms are upon me, and family fallings out are once again occurring. I can still rejoice! I have a Heavenly Father who only gives me GOOD things. I am one of the Baptized, and I am guaranteed a place at the Table for All Eternity. This always makes me ecstatic! I am one of the Chosen, one of the Redeemed, and together with all the Baptized, I will be raised to Eternal Life on the Last Day. I say this not to boast, but to remind me that I have nothing to fear, Jesus died for even me :-) I know that life could be worse, but I don't care, because even if the world sees it getting worse for me, my life, I, am still perfect. I have great friends, a wonderful family, and a girlfriend that I loves me more than I ever expected possible &-). And in addition to all of these earthly things, I have Jesus. Life can't get any better.

Deo Gratias

On the Loss of a Friend

2005-10-06T01:51:00.000-05:00

The office is eerily quiet today. What would normally be a bunch of guys joking around, picking on each other and talking about the goings on around Concordia St Paul are now somber and silent. The silence is only broken by the occasional ring of the switchboard phone or the stopping by of visitors asking for campus information. I work Security at CSP, and last night, we lost one of our own. Our Lord, in His mercy, saw it fit that His servant, Melissa Theel, be called home last night. She was 27 ears old, and died of natural causes related to a health issue. You can definitely sense the mourning in this office. Our normally happy cheerful smiles are replaced by solemn straightness, our regular jokes are gone, and the radio, which is always playing tunes of some sort is silent. Our badges, normally shiny and silver, are now covered with black Mourning Bands. We have lost one of our own. Melissa Theel was a friend of mine, not just someone I saw at work. I worked with her about 10 hours each week. Monday night, we were just joking about a possible dorm infraction right outside the door of my dorm. She was a caring individual, preparing for a career in education, Lutheran education. Theel, as she was lovingly addressed by our Department, was set to graduate in the Spring. Well, she has graduated, graduated from life in time to life in eternity. She is constantly partaking of the Great High Feast of the Lamb. Instead of mourning, faith requires us to celebrate. Theel is now no longer limited to Sundays for Holy Communion, but is constantly at the throne of the Lamb receiving Him. While our bodies may mourn, and while our lives may seem empty, our faith is celebrating with her. The next time I approach the Altar to receive Holy Communion, I will know that at that very moment in time, I am connected with Theel for all eternity.

Be mindful, O Lord, of Melissa Theel and all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto eternal life. Shelter them in a place of brightness, a place of verdure, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow, and sighing have fled away, and where the sight of Your countenance rejoices all Your saints from all ages. Grant them Your kingdom and a portion in Your ineffable and eternal blessings, and the enjoyment of Your unending life. For You are the Resurrection and the Life and the Repose of Your departed servants, O Christ, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, who is from everlasting, and Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

You are remembered.

The Church of England did What?

2005-10-01T23:33:00.000-05:00

So, this is my first day in the Higher Things Blogging Community. I still haven'ts created a header image, changed colors, or even had much time to explore Stan's wonderful BlogSCL 2.1.0, but I'm posting. Today, the Church of England made what I consider to be a big mistake. They have completely thrown the Gospel out by saying "if you don't like what sex God made you, then you're not complete. Your baptism apparently didn't make you perfect." Okay, that's not really a quote, but actions speak louder than words anyway, right? Today, Assistant Curate Sarah Jones was ordained into the Priesthood of the Church of England. Ms. Jones was born as Colin Jones, and at age 33 became Sarah Jones after horomone therapy and surgery. Now genetically, Jones is still male (that Y chromosome doesn't leave), but externally, we would think female. Technically, this is fine, because it's not female ordination, but we all see it as such. Also, Baptism made Jones perfect, why did this surgery need to occur? Why did Jones feel that being a male wasn't good enough? Some people say that mentally Jones was female all along, I'm not sure what to think. I'm trusting the the Baptism of Christ that makes humans perfect just as they are. Just some food for thought. God save Canterbury.