ROAD RULZ

driving 3, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I'm finally back at my parents' house. How long have I been on the road? Since April 20th? Wow! With all this driving, I feel like a truck driver or something. Glad to be off road for a while.

CONGRATS, TAYLOR & THE SOUL PATROL!

yabba dabba SOUL PATROL!!!

AI

Tonight's the night. On my way to Orlando, I'll find a cheap hotel room and spend the night, just as much to watch the finale as to avoid a continuous 12hr+ drive. The message boards are full of witty metaphors for the final two: Gray Versus Anatomy; Beauty & the Beast (not too nice to call Kat the Beast, but people can be mean). The B'Ham paper came up with a top 10 in favor of Tay:

1. Song choices approved by reps for George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen. How cool is that?
2. Compare their dance moves. No contest.
3. Because he’d never, ever smile nonstop while singing “Ain’t Got Nothin’ But the Blues.”
4. If Elvis had a little brother, he’d look like Taylor.
5. “Saturday Night Live” doesn’t spoof just anyone.
6. A soul man trumps an ice princess every time.
7. Gray is the new blond.
8. Taylor didn’t wear Paula’s tacky new jewelry line on camera.
9. With Soul Patrol, we’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution. McPheever sounds like a sickness.
10. So Katharine’s dad will really have a reason to cry.

Who's got your vote? How many times will you vote tonight?

LIBERAL ARTS

Today I ran across a guy's MySpace blurb worth blogging about:

"I went to school. I studied Political Science and Languages and Cultures of Asia. And now I am doing what any good liberal arts major does when confronted by the outside world: avoiding it. I work as an AmeriCorps Member with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina. I will be going back to school this fall, for which I am very excited. I feel that I straddle the realms of maturity and immaturity very nicely. I like to read and make good conversation. Pretending that I am a responsible citizen is a lot of fun. At the same time, I enjoy the luxuries and the simplicity of acting like a ten-year-old."

I think Johnson's blurb represents the feelings of many young adults. And more times than I'd like to admit, I find myself sharing similar sentiments. Go back and read some of my old blogs. If you replace "Habitat for Humanity" with "private school," this sounds like something I could have written.

For the last few years, I've been wondering about a new career path - dreaming of a higher paying job that's as emotionally satisfying as teaching. While visiting Dallas with Pauline, I spoke to my friend Kevin about his Computer Science degree. His job requires some qualities of mine - fastidious, detail oriented, analytical, a problem-solver...That's me. And I'd be learning languages - granted, they'd be computer languages, but languages just the same. If I did web design, that would tie in art/design. But I wouldn't be limited to just making web pages. I could use the degree in several different ways, and because it's so versatile, I wouldn't have to worry about my job being outsourced.

It looks like I'll be teaching again before I get another degree, but at least I have a goal now. I imagine that eventually I'll be doing a number of things, photography and eBay included. And maybe even teaching a night class. But I do think the Computer Science thing is a real option that I need to explore. I like the idea better than an MBA, although both sound promising. If I had it to do over again, I would still choose Liberal Arts for my undergrad and masters, but I understand now why so many people tried to encourage me to choose a different career path.

Do you ever dream about having a different job?

3 THINGS I LEARNED TODAY

1. Home movies of your girlfriend are fun to watch
2. American Idol is boring without Chris (shocking! but Taylor needs a foil, I guess)
3. Alavert D-12 is worth its weight in gold

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

SOUL PATROL

Taylor Hicks Birmingham Galleria May 12, 2006, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Today is the day I died and went to Taylor Heaven.

Where do I begin? The radio interviews? The televised concert? The LIVE concert? Woo Hoo!

He is truly the best performer I've ever seen! I am more convinced than ever that he's one of the greatest musical showmen of our generation.

Go Silver Fox! Soul Patrol! If you'd like more photos of today's concert, visit my flickr stream.

HAPPY CAKES

Happy Birthday Cupcakes, originally uploaded by bowb.

...with sprinkles on top. Tomorrow I'll leave around 8 am and drive 4 hours to my neice's preschool. She's sharing birthday cupcakes with her class, and I'm invited. I can't wait! I'm so excited to be with my sister's family, and I'm even more excited that Pauline's flight arrives Saturday. Lord, please let her arrive safely.

Speaking of exciting news, tonight we'll find out who made it into the top 3 on AI, and it's a new installment of LOST. Which one will you watch? Both? Neither?

I've been collecting my thoughts on AI lately, specifically about the judges and producers. There's been a lot of speculation on the net about how the show's rigged and that the judges aren't fair with their criticisms and endorsements. I've especially heard a lot of rude comments about one judge in particular. Guess who!

All the snarky comments made about Simon remind me of old-fashioned melodramas. Taylor is the hero in white. Simon is the guy in the black cape with the fake mustache. I'd argue that Simon as we see him on TV is not even a real person. He’s a caricature: the villain who ties the damsel to the buzzsaw. So his part in the show only adds to the fun. The worse his behavior, the more justified our hatred of him becomes. Booing and hissing Simon is a crucial factor in the successful formula worked out by AI’s producers in previous seasons. Simon knows his part in the AI machine and plays it with overacted gusto and copyrighted catch-phrases.

I don’t mind Simon being the villian. I expect it. It’s part of the price of admission. Imagine a reality show with no conflict; it would be…well, in the words of Simon “boring, indeed.”What I do mind is the sneaking suspicion I keep fighting that Simon is not the only villian lurking behind the curtains at America’s favorite reality music show. It seems like the producers want to steal Simon’s part by sabotaging some contestants and promoting others. Rumors of back-stage foul play were once the domain of late night idol message boards, but the accusations are spreading and getting more and more mainstream. So I'm left asking, is it a fair fight or not?

And if the producers are favoring some contestants over others, aren't they missing the point?American audiences want escapism. We want to cheer the hero and hate the villian. We want to see good triumph over evil. If they can't provide that, I predict that AI will belly-up in one or two seasons.

LOST

Photo originally uploaded by Jacob..

I know it's 24 hours too early for "LOST," but that's the point. Yesterday I found a pre-airdate "LOST" spoiler on youtube, so I already know the plot for this Wednesday's episode. When I get a free minute I'll leave the link as a comment in case you are interested. Don't you want to know if Ana-Lucia and Libby survive Michael's freak out in the hatch? This episode reveals some secrets and a new mystery! But if you are waiting for the writers to reveal who "the Others" are, well...don't hold your breath (unless you're David Blaine). Vote for Taylor.

Speaking of surviving tragedies and living in less than luxury: my trip to the Gulf Coast went swell. It was a good step in my quest to getting my heart and head back to normal. It was healthly to hang out with three sets of friends this weekend (Yes, I am tired) and go to a church service with some of them. The church got a lot of damage and the building's restoration isn't nearly complete. The atmosphere was pretty amazing - between the rustic surroundings and the fighting spirit of the believers gathered there. Interestingly, the congregation included a group of Amish people who are helping with the relief/rebuilding effort. Vote for Taylor.

The rebuilding of the community will take like 100 years, no kidding. I still feel like I'm in Hell when I drive the coastline. Imagine driving through your hometown on what should be the busiest thoroughfare. Imagine all the shops and homes and the pedestrians. Now picture the same road, but there's no traffic. And there are no people. And the homes and shops are just piles of broken concrete and twisted steel - or nothing at all. It's like something from another world or a nightmare. Vote for Taylor.

One funny subject came up in the conversation with my friends down there. They are out of the loop when it comes to entertainment, or at least movies. When we talked about newer DVDs, many of them had no idea what some of the current pictures were - even big newsmakers like Brokeback Mountain. They were all, "Hey, what's that one about?" Unreal!?! And I noticed that NOBODY down there wants to see United 93. The concensus is that they are in no mood to see any screen tragedies. So I wouldn't bet on United being a big ticket show down in that area, but Brokeback probably will do great there in DVD rentals, when it normally would have done badly with such a conservative audience, because Coastal movie-renters will choose it not knowing the controversy surrounding it. How's that for an odd hurricane side-effect? Vote for Taylor.

On the subject of surprise money makers, my eBay auctions are doing well. Who knew that Playmobil toys would be this popular? I wish all my stuff would sell like this. I read a guy's My Space profile who said that he had made thousands off of his comic book collection - like over $24,000. I'm wondering what things like my postcards, record albums, and Hotwheels will bring. Cash in the Attic, baby! How much would it take for you to part with your collectibles? Oh yeah, and ...

VOTE FOR TAYLOR!

Here's a fun game for you to try. Just follow this link to Liquid Generation:

ONOMATOPOEIA

I'LL MISS YOU, DUELING DRAGONS

I've had a busy morning. I'm getting ready to visit friends on the Coast this weekend, so I'm tying up loose ends here. Mailing packages, paying bills, etc. I phoned in my tuxedo and hotel reservations for Ryan & Amanda's wedding. I'm excited to stay at the Sheraton. I've been to International Drive before, but never to this hotel. Ryan picked a good one.

I have twenty eBay auctions ending midweek next week that I'll be mailing, and Pauline's visit will start that weekend. (Yay!) So, with the wedding the next week, I think today is the start of a very busy two week stretch. Ever notice how life kind of happens all at once?

Biggest bummer of the day: I'll be in a great hotel for four nights in May, a block or so from Universal Studios and won't go! Pauline will be in South America, so I've got no date to the wedding. I'm OK with going stag to the ceremony & stuff, but I can't see myself going to a theme park solo. Boo! I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a friend who could stay in the hotel with me and go to the park with me in the mornings- and to the park at night while I'm at the wedding events. All my buddies are married now. And my nephews are too young to be on their own - except Ben who just hurt his back and can't go on Coasters. Bummer, indeed. Blah. Maybe I'll go for a day anyway, at least to CityWalk.

ROCK THE VOTE, YA'LL

Time for our Weekly Votin' Party!, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

PLEASE follow this link and play Taylor Hick's Pac-Man. You will NOT be sorry!

According to Ray Ray (Tay Tay's cousin), he will be giving us a "real Taylor Hicks" concert tonight - ignoring the pressure he's getting from AI's producers and judges. I can't wait! According to the Official Soul Patrol, the week's theme is Billboard chart toppers - one current hit and one from the performer's birthyear. Yes! 2 songs from Taylor!

SPOILER ALERT: The rumor mill over at Gray Charles is spinning this yarn: One of the songs is "Play that Funky Music, White Boy"... Wow! Here's hopin'!

UPDATE:

Taylor rocked out tonight. Just checked out my Last-FM charts. Looks like I favor one particular artist. Hmmm...What's up with that?

26:1

Lazy blog today. If you want deep thought, read yesterday's post. I stole this list from john mora, who stole it from someone else.

One Word
YOU CAN ONLY TYPE ONE WORD.
NO EXCUSES.

1. Yourself: who?
2. Your Lover: heavenly
3. Your Hair: scary
4. Your Mother: loving
5. Your Father: loving
6. Your Favorite Item: cookie
7. Your Dream Last Night: bad
8. Your Favorite Drink: water
9. Your Dream Home: unsure
10. The Room You Are In: mine
11. Your Pet(s): died
12. Who You Are Now: Linus
13. Who You Want to be in Ten Years: published
14. What You Want to be in Ten Years: alive
15. What You're Not: satisfied
16. Your Best Friend: invisible
17. One of Your Wishlist Items: hoodie
18. Your Gender: guy
19. The Last Thing You Did: sing
20. What You Are Wearing: umbros
21. Your Favorite Weather: cold
22. Your Favorite Book: educational
23. The Last Thing You Ate: mashed-potatoes
24. Your Life: new
25. Your Mood: procrastinating
26. Most Recent Blog: preachy

AS AMERICAN AS ALL-STARS AND APPLE PIE

CHUCKS MOSAIC, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I made this mosaic from some of my favorite photos from the folks on flickr (say that 5 times fast). It's noteworthy how many individuals from all over the world thought to take a picture of their All Stars and post it on flickr. What does that say about us? There are at least 3 fan groups at flickr devoted solely to photos of this shoe! Score one for the marketing team at Converse.

Along that same line, have you seen this week's copy of U.S. News & World Report? The cover story by Bay Fang details the purchasing power of the rising Chinese Middle Class. The story highlights some of the marketing strategies US companies are using to hook the "Chuppies" (Chinese Yuppies) on their products. Take basketball shoes, for instance:

"When Nike entered the China market in 1994, it found a country where regular kids didn't play sports; that was the province of elite athletes....Nike changed all that. The company began sponsoring entire high school basketball leagues, with the hope that more widespread competition would eventually pay off in brand recognition....today the company will hit $450 million in annual [Chinese] sales [compared to $8 million in '94]. In poll after poll, Nike is cited as the 'coolest' brand [by Chinese consumers]."

Here's the ploy that I found the most humorous:

When De Beers started marketing diamonds in China in 1993, "there were absolutely no diamonds exchanged in China and nothing in Chinese culture linking diamonds and love." But the marketing firm that handles De Beers has fixed that! The head of the firm boasts, "It's more than selling a product. It's creating a culture."

"The company has been so successful in its creation that now, in Shanghai, 70 percent of all brides are given a diamond wedding ring....Every year De Beers cosponsors a 'Rose Wedding Ceremony' with the Shanghai municipal government, in which 100 couples exchange vows - and diamond rings" in a broadcast TV event. Last year the couples stood next to a 12-foot-high model of a diamond ring!

A 12 foot high diamond ring! Can you believe that? I love the name of a presentation that De Beer's marketing company gave: "Creating a Diamond Wedding Ring Cultural Imperative." I guess it could be worse. Just imagine it, "With this Nike I thee wed."

What do you think about that?

PHOTO SHOOT

The Plastics, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

ZZZZZZ...I'm spending my Friday night photographing little plastic people. What's wrong with this picture? Did I mention that I'm a 31 year old man? Oh, the things I do for eBay!

IT'S ALMOST MAY...

I , originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

We know what that means, don't we, Pauline?

MAGIC iPOD

Are you ready for the next Magic 8 Ball? Wish you had a fortune cookie, but all you’ve got is an iPod? If you haven’t heard of it yet (Where have you been?), Shuffle Fortune-Telling is asking questions and letting iTunes' shuffle function give you the answers. (This is a joke, btw. It’s forced creativity and your brain making connections between random things - It reveals what's in your head, not what's in the cards for you. I don’t actually believe my new iPod is omniscient. Now my toaster on the other hand…)

Simple to follow instructions: Go to the music player of your choice and put it on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud and press play. Use the songs as your answers. NO CHEATING! (Unless you get instrumental music; but even then, at least try to make a connection. )

How does the world see me?
Song: Don’t You Forget About Me
Artist: Simple Minds
Comment: I guess I remind the world of Anthony Michael Hall

Will I have a happy life?
Song: Somehow
Artist: Taylor Hicks
Comment: Like the song says, "I’ll get by, somehow…look at the people around you, stabbing at your heart, but you still smile in kindness…"

What do my friends really think of me?
Song: Trust
Artist: Jason Upton
Comment: The song’s refrain is "I can trust in you."

Does anyone secretly have a crush on me?
Song: Fur Elise
Artist: Vince Guaraldi
Comments: Lucy and Schroeder! Oh, but Lucy’s crush was no secret!

How can I make myself happy?
Song: Too Young
Artist: Nat King Cole
Comments: Marry too young? Well, it’s too late for that! Maybe just marry, then?

What should I do with my life?
Song: Why Doesn’t Andy
Artist: The Whitlams
Comments: Oh, goody. I’m supposed to talk on stage, then? Must I act my age?

Why should life be full of so much pain?
Song: She’s Got a Way
Artist: Billy Joel
Comments: It doesn’t matter as long as you are loved.

Will I ever have children?
Song: Sh-Boom
Artist: The Crew-Cuts
Comments: If I do, it will be a dream come true.

Will I die happy?
Song: My Doorbell
Artist: The White Stripes
Comments: Death is just the doorway to a happier eternity.

What is some good advice for me?
Song: Love You Madly
Artist: Cake
Comments: Love courageously. Trust. Don’t hold back.

What is happiness?
Song: White Christmas
Artist: Bing Crosby
Comments: Yes, it is! Merry Birthday to Jesus and me!

How will I be remembered?
Song: Son of a Carpenter
Artist: Taylor Hicks
Comments: Cool.

What kind of person will I marry?
Song: Soulful Christmas
Artist: James Brown
Comments: A star: I’ll be her biggest fan! Jump back! Owww!

Where will I live when I'm married?
Song: Yellow Rose of Texas
Artist: The Hi-Lo’s with Billy May
Comments: Hmmmm…Big D. here I come? Doubtful, but who knows?

What will be the hardest thing I ever have to do?
Song: Enth E Nd
Artist: Linkin Park
Comments: Letting go.

What will my first child be like?
Song: Welcome Home
Artist: Shaun Groves
Comments: I’ll be happy to make room in my heart for him.

Will I have a happy marriage?
Song: Surely Goodness and Mercy
Artist: Vineyard (The Burn Service)
Comments: 8-)

What will become of my brother?
Song: Time in a Bottle
Artist: Jim Croce
Comments: He’ll always be with those he loves.

What will become of my mother?
Song: Tell Her About It
Artist: Billy Joel
Comments: She’ll find out how much she’s loved.

What will become of my father?
Song: Take Me Home, Country Roads
Artist: Taylor Hicks
Comments: He’ll stay a country boy.

What will my biggest regret be?
Song: One I Love
Artist: Coldplay
Comments: Running after Harpies when I should’ve tied myself to the mast – not embracing the cross.

What's something that will help me through tough times?
Song: Gonna Move
Artist: Taylor Hicks
Comments: Road trip! Or maybe the Witness Relocation Program?

What does love mean to me?
Song: Mockingbird
Artist: Derek Webb
Comments: I’m just giving what’s been given to me.

Does anyone love me right now?
Song: Rich Young Ruler
Artist: Derek Webb
Comments: Yes. The question is how do I love others? When it’s easy? When it costs nothing?

PSALM 93

The summer before my freshman year of college, I spent a week in a condo in Gulf Shores, AL. My first night there, I woke up in the middle of the night. I felt like God wanted me to go out on the balcony and that I should bring my Bible with me. When I opened the sliding door, I noticed that the waves seemed unusually loud. I stood admiring the waves, and again I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit. This time he told me to turn to Psalm 93. As I read the words, my faith in God grew stronger. I wasn't just reading poetry. The book was describing what I was experiencing at that moment. There was the power of the ocean right in front of me, and the whole experience illustrated God's power in my life.

Yesterday morning, I opened up the Bible and found myself reading the same Psalm. After living through the destruction of hurricane Katrina, the Psalmist's words once again took on a personal meaning for me. Yes, the ocean's waves are powerful. But God is even more powerful.

Psalm 93

The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty.
Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
Your throne, O LORD, has been established from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
The mighty oceans have roared, O LORD.
The mighty oceans roar like thunder;
the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore--
the LORD above is mightier than these!
Your royal decrees cannot be changed.
The nature of your reign, O LORD, is holiness forever.

iPOD

iPod family, originally uploaded by Zengame.

Pauline sent me an iPod. I was so surprised when I opened the box. Oh, happiness! Now I can drown out the senseless chatter at the gym while I'm running. Thank you, Pauline!

Speaking of noise. I found out I'm not a big fan of Ben Folds after all. He is both the most talented pianist and the most profane man I've ever seen onstage. My nephew Ben and I have started calling him "Ben's Folds." LOL

NOW ENTERING OLD-AGEVILLE

Dr Pepper, Texas, originally uploaded by glitz.

Theme of the week: I'm an old guy. Evidence is piling up. Here's a sampling:

Adult swim is featuring episodes of "Saved by the Bell" this week. My neice and nephew didn't believe me when I told them that I'm the same age as the actors. They thought I was much OLDER!

I saw posters advertising a Ben Folds concert at the university. I was so excited! I had no trouble picking up tickets at the last minute because NONE of the college-age kids want to attend - they'd prefer a younger, cooler singer!

I spend Tuesday nights glued to the television cheering my favorite American Idol...who is a prematurely gray 30-something!

I've always loved the theme song for Dr. Pepper, but recently I've acquired a taste for the soda. Today I think I found out the reason why: it gets its distinct flavor from PRUNE JUICE!

What's next for me...a passion for shuffleboard?!

POP CULTURE SWAP

MAD HATTER'S SWAP 8, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I just put my package in the mail for the Pop Culture swap I signed up for on flickr. The theme of this month's swap is "Mad Hatter's Tea Party." The picture above is the front of the card I made for my swap partner. I hope she likes the package. I should know in a few days as I sent it Priority Mail (God bless the Post Office).

I'm doing one other swap this month with another flickr group - Color-ific Swap-O-Rama. Their theme of the month is yellow/orange.

It was fun to put together the little packages of gifts, and I'm sure it will be fun to receive my packages when they arrive in the mail. I think the whole swap-a-gift-box-with-a-random-person idea is a good one. If you are interested in learning more, just go to flickr and search the groups for the word "swap."

SOUL PATROL

SOUL PATROL, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Taylor makes me happy. Catherine and Paris were great, too. I would like a CD of tonight's performances. WOW!

CELEBRITY FACEOFF

61% Jason Biggs, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

If you haven't seen this fad, you have missed a good laugh. Just visit My Heritage and upload a photo of yourself. Within moments they'll scan their database of celebrities and retrieve those they feel most resemble your photo. After you have your chuckle, you can post a screen capture of your favorite matches at the new flickr group I formed for them: My Heritage Face Recognition

HE IS RISEN

Row of Crosses 2, originally uploaded by Gani.

Imagine dying and then being alive again. Think about that. You die only to find that the grave can't hold you. What would life be like after such a fantastic discovery? Imagine that. Or maybe you don't have to imagine.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, "They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!"

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side. Then the other disciple also went in, and he saw and believed-- for until then they hadn't realized that the Scriptures said he would rise from the dead. Then they went home.

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels sitting at the head and foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. "Why are you crying?" the angels asked her.
"Because they have taken away my Lord," she replied, "and I don't know where they have put him."
She glanced over her shoulder and saw someone standing behind her. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him. "Why are you crying?" Jesus asked her. "Who are you looking for?"
She thought he was the gardener. "Sir," she said, "if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him."
"Mary!" Jesus said.
She turned toward him and exclaimed, "Teacher!"
"Don't cling to me," Jesus said, "for I haven't yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, my God and your God."
Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, "I have seen the Lord!" Then she gave them his message.

That evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said. As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see, and he showed them his side. They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord! He spoke to them again and said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive them, they are unforgiven."

One of the disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side."
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. He said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!"
"My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed.
Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."
Jesus' disciples saw him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life.

John 20

123 MEMORY LANE

Many people drive home for the holidays. What does home look like for you? I'm staying with my parents, not just for Easter, but for the next few months. What I'm finding is that you can never really go home again. Not relationally, and not even physically, to a certain degree. The home of my childhood only exists in my dreams.

I'm selling a 1960's design book on eBay this week, so I've scanned in a few of the photos to give potential buyers an idea of what I'm selling. What do you think of these photos? Did you ever live in a home like any of these? Pretty fantastic stuff, eh?

My folks' last home was built in '59, so we had bathroom tile identical to the tile featured in the dining room shown here. And we also had Danish Modern chairs and an upright piano like the ones shown in the book-filled living room. Strange to see familiar things in unfamiliar places. Know what I mean?

MORK'S GREAT GRANDMOTHER?

Happy Easter 3, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

As you are dying eggs and biting the ears from chocolate rabbits, don't forget to pause for a moment to ponder the reason behind all the holiday traditions...ALIEN CHICKS HATCHING FROM GIANT EGGS!

DILBERT

update, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Not sure what I'd do without my daily dose of Dilbert.

Today's comic ties in with the eBay woes I've experienced this past week. (Like you want to hear about them, but I'll document it for posterity.)

It all started when I tried to log in to my account one night and couldn't. Was I worried? A little...I tried logging into Paypal, too; same problem. OK, so maybe I was a bit afraid at that point.

So I checked my email account, and sure enough, I'd received an email from eBay; my eBay identity had been compromised. The letter gave no explanation. It did instruct me to change all the passwords on any important accounts. I did. It took forever.

Any good news? Well, it looks like nobody actually did any buying, selling, or withdrawals. I don't want this mess to repeat itself, so I made my passwords really difficult this time. I dislike long passwords because they are a hassle to input, but I guess I have no choice since htey are ultimately safer.

How about you? Are you a simple password user who likes to live dangerously? Or do you spend an hour typing in a mega password that makes your account as secure than the safes at Fort Knox?

GO TAY TAY!

GO TAY TAY!, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Be a good couch tater: Vote for Taylor Hicks tonight on FOX's American Idol!

I'M NOT A SUGAR COOKIE?

I haven't done one of these blogthings in a while, so I decided to do the cookie one. Looks like I'm chocolate chip. What kind of cookie are you?

You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting. You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

I'M A PEPPER

That cookie one got me in the mood for one more. Turns out I'm Dr. Pepper. Are you a Pepper, too?

You Are Dr. Pepper

You're very unique and funky, yet you still have a bit of traditionalism to you. People who like you think they have great taste... and they usually do. Your best soda match: Root Beer Stay away from: 7 Up

What Kind of Soda Are You?

THE WEEKEND

At Ryan's House, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I had a fun weekend! Friday night I drove down to the Coast to meet with Ryan again. (He gave me a CD with this photo on it; he took this picture the last time I was down there. It think it turned out pretty well.) I came down so that we could review the set up of the big lights and all the particulars of the camera I'd use on Saturday. I got it all down quicker than I expected, leaving me with a free evening.

Ryan invited me to stay, but I thought I'd head home to work on eBay stuff. On the way out of town, I called Terry to say hello and decided to stop by his apartment to see Jo and him, since they had a free evening. On the drive to their apartment, I stopped at a light right by a small carnival, set up in a shopping center parking lot. As usual, I was singing along with a CD (I'm sure looking really stupid) when my cell rang. I stopped singing and answered it. Rick said, "Hey, look next to you." So I turned and saw Rick and Erinne sitting in the adjacent car. Embarrased, I asked what they were up to. They were also free. We all decided to go to the fair together. So much for working on a Friday night.

The rides and the atmosphere at the fair were great! But I kept getting a strange feeling like I had never moved, unable to shake the thought that I would have been at the fair with the 4 of them if Katrina had never happened. Some things are just meant to be, I guess. I also had the crazy thought that maybe I would die on one of the rides - no escaping your destiny ala "Final Destination 3." But, somehow I survived the evening with nothing more than a slightly upset tummy from being turned upside down one too many times. The only real bummer of the evening was that I missed Pauline, especially when I was solo on the Ferris Wheel. I was glad to have the cell so that I could call her.

Saturday was a whirlwind day, as Ryan, Amanda & I photographed two wedding ceremonies- one in Mobile and the second in Gulfport. I am happy to report that I did OK - I wasn't stressed out and I felt confident. Ryan's a good teacher. The big moment of my day was taking all the preceremony photos at the second wedding. Amanda was there for support, but Ryan was still finishing up the reception photos in Mobile. It was my first experience, relatively on my own, with professional photography. I had the demeaner & the lingo down. I just treated it like a theatrical role and drew from all my memories of the wedding photographers I've observed. Thankfully, I've been in a lot of weddings. I'm eager, no...anxious, to see how the photos turned out. I wasn't shooting digital, so I'll have to wait until Ryan develops the prints to see how I did. But I'm looking at the experience this way. I know I can handle the stress and that I have the right demeanor for wedding photography. I can always brush up on my photography skills, but I'd be sunk if I couldn't cut it in the personality department. So Saturday was a relief.

The last reception let out around 11 p.m. The family knew how to party! And they included Ryan and myself (Amanda left early) in the festivities. Ryan even did the electric slide with them. The crowd ate it up. I'm sure he'll get some referrals from this wedding. I was glad I got to be a part of it.

I can't wait for Ryan & Amanda's wedding this summer. From the sound of their plans, it will be the party of the decade :)

ATC #2

ATC #2, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Here's my second ATC; it was a quick one I made while trying out my new art supplies - I couldn't be bothered with straight lines.

Hope you are having a day as delightfully messy and joyfully colorful as this spontaneous creation of mine.

FIRST ATC & SOME CLICHÉS

First ATC, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Pauline and I are making & exchanging ATC's (Artist Trading Cards). She already gave me her first one. This is my first one created for her - a collage. I combined 4 vintage valentines and an Ace of Hearts for this; I'm happy with the result. I hope Pauline likes it, too. I'm excited to start making things again. I haven't done anything creative, other than the Lego houses, since I taught elementary school.

Speaking of creative pursuits, I'm leaving in a half hour for my second photography lesson with Ryan. I'm hoping it goes well. I feel very inept when it comes to learning the ins and outs of manual photography. But practice makes perfect, right?

Some sad news today - Dad's dog was hit by a car. He was 12 years old. Losing this dog marks the end of an era for our family; the dog is the last puppy we kept from a line of dogs we've had since 1987 - nearly 20 years of the same dog family living with our family. Like they say, all good things must come to an end. Dad is taking the loss pretty hard. I wasn't as attached to this dog as he was, but when this dog's parents died (within days of each other) I was overcome with grief. Dad said that the dog had been a good companion for him; I'm sad to see him lost this way. My hamster died this week, too. Bummer of a month in the pet department.

AS EASY AS 1,2,3...

Playskool Mr. Potato Head, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Hi. I'm Patrick, and I'm a blog slacker.

I've been a busy beaver this week, trying to get some more auctions up on eBay - like this Mr. Potato Head, for instance. Photographing everything I own might sound overwhelming, but I'm making it, with the help of my handy dandy pad and pencil. Whenever I have a large task to complete, I get a funny feeling in my stomach that doesn't go away until I make a list, breaking the job down into manageable units. Anybody else ever feel that way? I remember my elementary school teacher showing me how to make a list. I'm eternally grateful!

Speaking of grattitude, I had the nicest surprise waiting for me at the Post Office today. Julie, one of my internet friends, sent me a box of art supplies! I am overwhelmed with her generosity, and I will thank her personally. But I wanted to acknowledge her gift here, too; I think thanking Julie here is most appropriate since we met through this blog. So, Julie, I receive your gift as a blessing from God. THANK YOU! Your kindness meant a lot!

HELLO, OLD FRIEND

azalea blooms, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

After all the waiting, Spring has sprung. Goodbye, winter (maybe). I'm wondering about the usual "cold snap" that sweeps in and kills the blooms. The azaleas look rough this year - as do all of the plants and trees on the farm; Katrina did an number on them. But even without its usual glory, it's refreshing to see Spring again.

Speaking of seeing old friends, I'm having a hurried day today, rushing to get my errands and chores done so I can leave on time to visit Terry and JoEllen tonight. I can't wait to see them; it's been too long! But we are finally back in touch, and I'm headed south tonight. I'm glad we have a friendship that can pick right back up where we left off. It really is true that Life, like the weather, is seasonal. Don't you think?

LEGO® MOC PAGE, ETC

Lego® MOC Page, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I signed up for a page at this website today. Maybe it will increase my eBay sales. The layout looks professional; I'll give it that. I found some inspiring photos there, too. I saw photos of one guy's work (a mini version of a NY neighborhood) that was featured at a banquet honoring the WTC designer, Minoru Yamasaki. He is a professional Lego builder and even had his own business page.

I went to the gym today and, boy, are my legs tired. I did my five miles on the tread, but I only ran one of them. When I stretched out before the run, I knew all too well that I hadn't run since Katrina. I'm so stiff! I'll be glad to get past this stage.

I voted for Taylor last night (Soul Patrol!). He was awesome, as usual. I'm wondering if Lisa, Ace, or Bucky will be voted off. It's narrowing down; who do you think will win? Wouldn't it be better if we could vote people OFF rather than voting to save them?!

A RESTFUL MONDAY

the back pasture, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Today was a productive day. I closed some auction on eBay ($$-Yay!) and mailed a package to a teacher in Alaska(some DK books she bought). I signed up for the gym. I can't believe my hometown has one; it's owned by a guy who went to highschool with me. I'll start running again tomorrow. Goodbye belly! I went out to the farm and took some pictures for Pauline, at Dad's suggestion. Spring is starting to bloom. Hope a cold snap doesn't nip it in the bud, literally. All, in all, it was a restful Monday.

I did have one moment of excitement. I found a possum hiding in the pump house. Have you ever seen a live possum? They have big yellow pointy teeth. He really did "play possum" when I found him. I'll post a photo so that you can see him, too.

POSSUM IN THE PUMP HOUSE!

Possum in the Pump House!, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Here's the critter that I found lurking behind the wagon wheel. He was out to eat the dog food. What a surprise that he was foraging in the daylight. Usually he would have been there at night. In all the years growing up in the country, I never saw a possum. So, it was a surprise to meet him face to face today!

PHOTOGRAPHY & FORGETFULNESS

Ben Seibel impromptu Iroquois Bridal White Mosaic, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I'm getting the hang of this new camera and putting it to good use auctioning things on eBay. I got a bidder on my old camera. Hooray!

I went down to visit Ryan for the day on Tuesday. He gave me a photography lesson and showed me how to use his cameras and lights. He also took a nice photo of me. It's amazing what good lighting will do for you.

I'm going to help out with the next wedding that Ryan works. I'm excited about it. It will be a good experience for me and will let me know what kind of aptitude I have for that kind of work. I hope I do a good job; I'd hate to be responsible for messing up somebody's wedding photos.

It was good to see Ryan and Amanda - and just to get out of town for the day. The Coast is still a mess, so it was a little emotional to be down there. My practice on the camera consisted of taking pictures of blue tarps and piles of trash and tree limbs. Ugh! I did take some funny shots of Ryan making faces, but I accidentally left the CD with them on his table. I'll have to get them later. Don't you hate that when you forget your stuff somewhere?

GOODBYE, CAMERA

I'm selling my 1st camera on eBay!, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I remember ordering my first digital camera: a Sony Cybershot DSC-P50. And I remember my excitement when it finally arrived. No more developing costs! No more wasted film! What a treasure it became! Almost all of the photos in my flickr stream were taken with it. Since I bought it, it's been in hand at every milestone along the way and can sometimes feel like an extension of myself. It's hard to let it go on eBay (I'm not making a mistake, right?), but I'm excited to have a higher resolution camera now, and I'll be equally excited to have a little extra cash in the bank to help pay for that new camera.

MEMORIES

1993 PHS Yearbook, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Going through the crates of stuff in my room, I ran across my senior yearbook. It's been 13 years! I can't believe how quickly time has passed during that span.

This week I've been visiting with my brother. He works at a university, so we spent some time on campus. I met some of the students and realized how young they are. I didn't feel that way when I was in their shoes.

Isn't the passing of time a crazy phenomenon? I'm reading I was just wondering by Philip Yancy. The author argues that one of the best proofs of God and Heaven's existance is our surprise at earthly phenomenon like death and the passage of time. Even though they are the epitome of natural, we perceive them with shock and amazement. I see what he means. I'm looking forward to the end of time.

THE GOVERNOR'S NEW DIET PLAN?

Mississippi governor's mansion, originally uploaded by lordsutch.

The MS Governor just vetoed a bill in the state legislature that would have raised taxes on cigarettes and eliminated them on groceries. I can't understand that decision. How could he possibly justify his actions? What frame of mind would lead him to believe he was acting in the people's best interests? It's one of the most unbelievable things I've ever heard! Later, when I make the time, I'm going to read his justification. But my first impression on hearing the announcement is that it's a bad decision. What do you think?

STORY STARTER

How to Develop a More Successful Personality, originally uploaded by Paula Wirth.

Like to write? Here's a short story starter for you: Write the story from a "How To" approach, but in REVERSE. Tell the story of, "How to burn a cake" or "How to fail a driving test." Failure can be fun. Give it a try! (Diagrams & charts are optional.)

MY LIFE FOR SALE

eBay 1st lot of educational books, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I'm putting the first lot of books up today on eBay. It's an emotional experience. That "Cowboy" book in this stack was the first educational book I ever bought for my classroom, way back in 2000. But (thankfully) I get to keep the memories and the photographs after the auctions end. AND...even better, I won't have to box up and move these books ever again! It's a bittersweet goodbye, but I can't justify keeping things "just in case I'll need them later" when selling things means greater mobility and financial freedom. (Just a bit of preaching to myself, there). I hope these sell for a lot of cash :)

i500

i500, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

1. Purple Lit Edifice Luneberg Germany, 2. FENCED, 3.(according to flickr, my "Most Interesting" but not in i500 ICKS?, 4. Holy Threads, 5. nerdy glasses mosaic, 6. TINTED, 7. 1953 Dance Party, 8. Hiding to eat big bro's lunch?, 9. Oxford, MS circa. 1940, 10. Bobby and Betty, circa 1953, 11. The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, 12. Mom in a Convertible, May, 1953, 13. FRECKLES, 14. SWEETHEART, 15. BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, 16. (a personal favorite, but not in i500)cameo 19

Flickr has a group of photos that it's labelled the most "interesting." These are all photos that I either took or scanned that have made it into the top 500 "most interesting" on flickr (with the exception of two of them, included for filler).

I think it's cool that 3 of my most popular photos were taken in Spokane. One of them was taken at Pauline's direct request. So, thank you, Pauline. You inpsire me!

There's a big debate amongst flickrites about whether or not the photos that flickr puts in the "interestingness" pool are actually, well, interesting! I think worrying over it is silly (though I see their point, for sure.) Regardless, it's fun to see which of my photos make it in...and which ones don't.

If you'd like to see more of my photos, click on the flickr link in the right sidebar, or select one of the links above.

CLUTTER

What's on my desk 6, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Why is it that work generates clutter? The more I work the more my desk goes into "mess" mode. But I must confess that I love it! I've had a tidy desk for too long.

ZZZ

Avant Browser, originally uploaded by Eugenio Palisi.

I was surfing around, looking for something interesting, when I ran across this.

so...not that interesting

PHARMACEUTICALS

nerdy glasses, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Here's a fun idea for you. Totally free. No charge.

Next time you are bored, drive to the mall. Get out of your car and go inside. Wander around the common areas quietly spelling aloud the word, "pharmaceuticals."

P...H...A...R...M...A...

GO GRAY CHARLES!

AMERICAN IDOL

AMERICAN IDOL SHAMELESS ENDORSEMENT, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

I hope he wins. Don't forget to vote.

COMICS

comics, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

www.readwritethink.org/materials/comic/index.html

Make your own comics at this site. I grew tired of fooling with it at the moment, but I'm reminding myself to come back to it later by posting this one...

#1

Oxford, MS circa. 1940, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

So, if flickr is the most popular photo sharing site in America, and this is the most interesting photo on that site, then does that make this the most interesting photo in America? :)

CIRCUMSTANCES GOT YOU DOWN?

generally unhappy, originally uploaded by sheryltwoshoes.

I had a totally bad morning this morning. I realized I was interpreting it as God being mad at me. Why do I always do that?

Then I caught myself and remembered that circumstances are no reflection of His feelings for me. His Word says that He loves me and is pleased with me. Cirmumstances (from my view point) sure don't line up with that Good Word. So I had to ask myself, "Whose report will you believe?" and I answered, "I will believe the report of the Lord!"

Whew! Glad that's settled. I certainly was miserable thinking I was isolated from the only One who can get me out of this mess.

How is your day going? Good or bad, remember that Jesus and I are on your side!

CRAFT MANIFESTO: A RESPONSE

morncol-10, originally uploaded by keri.

A day late and a dollar short, as my Dad always says...here's my response to the Craft Manifesto.

I am in particular agreement with point six. Here's an personal example: Every time I browse flickr I'm inspired to start new graphic design projects.

I've also noticed how so many crafters post their work on flickr, beautifully illustrating point 4.

I wish #7 weren't so painfully true. My current lack of tools makes me sad. Interested parties may donate to my personal Katrina relief fund via my Paypal account (just kidding). But I wish I had more tools of the trade, and I miss the ones I've lost. [There's a ND "skills" joke mentally forming here, that I don't feel like finishing. Any takers?]

I have an issue with point 10. Techniques bring people together - but they also create jargon - which separates people into two groups: those who speak it and those who don't.

So, anybody have any other thoughts to add?

CRAFT MANIFESTO

http://ullamaaria.typepad.com/hobbyprincess/2005/03/draft_craft_man.html

Copied this from the web address above. What do you think? Tomorrow I'll post my own thoughts on the manifesto.

1. People get satisfaction for being able to create/craft things because they can see themselves in the objects they make. This is not possible in purchased products.

2. The things that people have made themselves have magic powers. They have hidden meanings that other people can’t see.

3. The things people make they usually want to keep and update. Crafting is not against consumption. It is against throwing things away.

4. People seek recognition for the things they have made. Primarily it comes from their friends and family. This manifests as an economy of gifts.

5. People who believe they are producing genuinely cool things seek broader exposure for their products. This creates opportunities for alternative publishing channels.

6. Work inspires work. Seeing what other people have made generates new ideas and designs.

7. Essential for crafting are tools, which are accessible, portable, and easy to learn.

8. Materials become important. Knowledge of what they are made of and where to get them becomes essential.

9. Recipes become important. The ability to create and distribute interesting recipes becomes valuable.

10. Learning techniques brings people together. This creates online and offline communities of practice.

11. Craft-oriented people seek opportunities to discover interesting things and meet their makers. This creates marketplaces.

12. At the bottom, crafting is a form of play.

WHAT'S COOKIN? TRY AND GUESS!

what's cookin'? try and guess!, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

Click on the photo and leave your guess as a comment on the pic's flickr page. Who will be the first to guess the right answer? So far, it's anyone's game! (Dan & fam: No fair guessing since you already know. Shhhh!)

PERSONALITY TEST

PERSONALITY TEST, originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

In the Minn/St Paul airport, I nestled on the floor by an electrical outlet with my laptop and a tea. I was pretty absorbed in my computations (LOL) for a few good minutes, but when I finally glanced up I was startled to see the picture above.

The two guys were so engrossed in their respective ways that I had enough time to pull out my Cybershot and snap this one. Doesn't it make such a great commentary about the world?

Both guys are fixated on a form of technology, one more than the other. Are you more like the guy on the left who is aware of his surroundings? Or, are you like Mr. Guy-on-the-Right, with his gaze so firmly locked onto his handheld gadget that he missed seeing something big even though it was right in front of him?

I watched him for a long time; he never saw the biplane. I want to learn from him; I nearly did the same thing.

NORWEGIAN BACHELOR FARMERS AGREE

"It's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, my hometown, out on the edge of the prairie."

I'm always shocked to learn that someone doesn't know about Prairie Home Companion. What would Saturday afternoons be without Guy Noir or Powder Milk Biscuits?

Beginning in 1974, the radio show has, literally, been around my entire life. I've decided on a new dream job: I'd take Garrison Keillor's place as host when he retires.

So, Sarah, LISTEN TO THE SHOW ALREADY! What've I gotta do...put the radio to your ear?

Garrison Keillor

Garrison Keillor, originally uploaded by kosts.

UPDATE

Been wondering what's become of me? When I returned from WA, I found myself in a bit of a family crisis. Dad will be out of the hospital today; thanks to all who lovingly prayed for his heart health. What a relief to have him coming home tonight!

xaust.com

GO, HICKS, GO!