Thursday, July 31, 2003
part one - freshman year (continued)
David,
Hello. Hey well I'm really glad I met you this year. You're a real cool freshmen. Keep up your great acting. See ya next year.
Later,
Angie
==============================================
David,
Hey. It was fun having you in English this year. You are a great actor and I hope to see you in more plays. Have a great summer.
Always,
Sydney
* I guess my freshmen year was my "theatre" year. I really wasn't that great of an actor. I was funny from time to time and that was about it.
==============================================
David,
Even though we didn't talk much you still seem cool. Too bad you quit playing trumpet. We could really use you about now. See ya next year.
Jenny ------- SR. '96
* Thanks Jenny for thinking about me and what I want.
==============================================
David,
Hello. I really don't know you as well as I should. Maybe, we'll get to know each other better next year or over the summer. Call me sometime 784-#### (Although, I know you won't) I think you're a really cute & groovy person. You are really cool.
Bye bye,
Angie ------
* Once again, I promise I'm not making these up. I really am this irresistable. And she's right, I don't think I ever called her.
==============================================
Hey
I don't know what to say so I'll say this anyway. It will definately be a very sad day if our friendship should end. Anyways, I'll end to say that every day I hope your days are full of fun times this summer.
Jason -------
* Dear Jason, if I remember correctly, you got so burnt out on drugs when our friendship was effectively over, there were no regrets. Geez, what a waste.
==============================================
Dave,
This is Dave. I got the stuff. Stick with acting. You're good, even in bed.
David -------
* No, this was not me writing to myself. Some senior. Strange guy. And no, I'm not gay. (Athough, I think he was.)
==============================================
Davd,
Sorry I deserted you from my locker but I didn't completely; maybe next year you can move into my locker again. I'm so happy we became good friends, it's been an o.k. but sucky year for all of us and I hope it's not like this next year, oh and don't freak out or let people walk all over you take it from me, personal experience. C-ya next year, have a good summer and keep in 790-####
Love,
Shannon -------
* Update: Shannon got pregnant a few months later. Dropped out of school. Last I heard, she's a stripper somewhere. Reading this record from the past is kind of creepy, almost prophetic. She was a real nice person. Maybe, still is. I hope she and her baby (now 10 years old?) are doing well.
==============================================
David,
Well I'm really glad I met you this year. Thank you for associating with me. That was a really swell thing to do.
Love ya,
Stephanie -------
* Wow. You're just bursting with self-esteem, aren't ya?
==============================================
David,
Okay, okay. Where do I even begin?! I could tell you that you're an awesome actor and a spiffy musician, but that's not a feeling. But I can't write a feeling. I can't apologize enough for all the stuff we went through. But from now on, we are friends!
Love,
Heather
* On second thought, maybe "Stuff People Wrote in my High School Yearbook" is a really bad blog idea. Goodness, I don't even REMEMBER what happened here.
==============================================
David,
Hey, congratulations. You've survived your freshmen year! I'm really glad you're involved in drama and I hope I'll get to know ya better. Methodists rule!
Love ya,
Kim -------
* Uh, go Mennonites! Lutherans kick Armenian-ass! Presbyterian for life!
All my south-side Baptists represent!
==============================================
David,
We have been together for a long time! How did we ever manage to stay together? Can you believe that some people still think we have something going on! Well, I guess that's okay as long as the love's still there. I love you, David, for always being my best friend, and always being in my corner. Thank you.
Love always & forever,
(T-Moe) Tori -------
* Quick story: Racism was (still is) quite a problem in Mansfield. The African Americans, especially, at my school were constantly terrorized by the stupid, hurtful redneck kids. In junior high, a kid said some fairly insensitive things in front of my beautiful ( & black) friend Tori. So in order to mess with him, Tori and I told him we were dating. The notion of interracial dating so disgusted him, we found a fun way to terrorize this stupid kid and mess with status quo. It was our own rebellion. However, the question haunts me: why didn't we ever REALLY date?
==============================================
Da'O,
I guess I'll sign opposite of Heather's-- just so you can remember us as such good friends. Wow! So much to say. I'm sorry if, at anytime throughout this year, I've hurt your feelings. You are really a great person and I'm glad I've gotten to know you. If you ever need anything, call me. I'm here for you. Keep in touch over the summer. Keep smiling & laughing. I like you better when you're in a good mood. For awhile there I was unsure about what I thought of you because you were never in a good mood. But now that I know what a David "good mood" is-- I love you to death! (I know, it's a Heather term, but it goes to show how alike Heather & I are!!)
Love,
Rachel
* Uhhh, thank you? I think?
==============================================
(More to follow.)
-excerpt from Douglas Coupland's Hey Nostradamus!
(seriously, why haven't you read this book yet?)
What's the greater calling? To be Christian or to be Christ-like?
There's a lot of theological brew-ha-ha that goes into the above question. I'm not interested in that. If you e-mail me with your thoughts on faith vs. works or some other systematic exegesis, I won't read it and I definately won't respond-- because you weren't listening to me. If you want an opinion, get your own blog. Just hear me out-- what did Christ call us to? To be a Christian or to be Christ-like?
I saw a short video today about a man who clearly embodied the teachings of the Kingdom of God. Nothing was said about Jesus or God, but you could tell this person was a shining light (pun intended) of Christ's life and wisdom. Now, when I say "he embodied the teachings of the Kingdom of God." I don't mean, "he was a good person." No. It's much more specific. He lived his life in all its fullness. He denied himself for others. He forgave his enemies. He had compassion. He lived simply, without pretense.
Question #1: Was he a Christian? The honest answer is I don't know, you don't know. He could be, but he could also be something else. It was never mentioned in the video. Sure. You and I have lived in this world long enough to know people from all backgrounds who come in all shapes, sizes, and brand names.
Question #2: Was he Christ-like? Yes. Without a doubt. Yes. Was he perfect? Of course not. But did his life reflect the teachings I have come to associate with Christ? Yes.
Have we so misunderstood the message of the Kingdom? Which (in part) is to reflect the goodness of God in our own lives.
If being "Christ-like" takes a back seat to our preoccupation with membership to "God's gym," something is seriously warped here. Don't you see? I'm not talking about "works-based salvation." I'm NOT talking about salvation in the way we typically understand it. (Meaning, to fixate over where God's putting us once we die.) I'm asking the question: What pleases God most? Someone who says he knows God the way I know God or someone who loves his neighbor, who cares for the orphan and the widow, who has compassion on those who suffer and mourn, who sacrifices himself?
There's a lot of theological brew-ha-ha that goes into the above question. I'm not interested in that. If you e-mail me with your thoughts on faith vs. works or some other systematic exegesis, I won't read it and I definately won't respond-- because you weren't listening to me. If you want an opinion, get your own blog. Just hear me out-- what did Christ call us to? To be a Christian or to be Christ-like?
I saw a short video today about a man who clearly embodied the teachings of the Kingdom of God. Nothing was said about Jesus or God, but you could tell this person was a shining light (pun intended) of Christ's life and wisdom. Now, when I say "he embodied the teachings of the Kingdom of God." I don't mean, "he was a good person." No. It's much more specific. He lived his life in all its fullness. He denied himself for others. He forgave his enemies. He had compassion. He lived simply, without pretense.
Question #1: Was he a Christian? The honest answer is I don't know, you don't know. He could be, but he could also be something else. It was never mentioned in the video. Sure. You and I have lived in this world long enough to know people from all backgrounds who come in all shapes, sizes, and brand names.
Question #2: Was he Christ-like? Yes. Without a doubt. Yes. Was he perfect? Of course not. But did his life reflect the teachings I have come to associate with Christ? Yes.
Have we so misunderstood the message of the Kingdom? Which (in part) is to reflect the goodness of God in our own lives.
If being "Christ-like" takes a back seat to our preoccupation with membership to "God's gym," something is seriously warped here. Don't you see? I'm not talking about "works-based salvation." I'm NOT talking about salvation in the way we typically understand it. (Meaning, to fixate over where God's putting us once we die.) I'm asking the question: What pleases God most? Someone who says he knows God the way I know God or someone who loves his neighbor, who cares for the orphan and the widow, who has compassion on those who suffer and mourn, who sacrifices himself?
Today, I became licensed as a facilitator for "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens." Watch out! I'm certified.
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
(also via Dan)
zoolander christianity: Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously emerging?
The funniest (saddest?) thing Dan has ever posted on his blog. My stomach still hurts from laughing. Really.
zoolander christianity: Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously emerging?
The funniest (saddest?) thing Dan has ever posted on his blog. My stomach still hurts from laughing. Really.
(via Dan)
Christian Celebrity Death Match #1: Willard vs. Sweet
Sort of an east coast/west coast thing going on here. If they were in an open field and Sweet could use his laptop as a weapon? No contest.
Christian Celebrity Death Match #1: Willard vs. Sweet
Sort of an east coast/west coast thing going on here. If they were in an open field and Sweet could use his laptop as a weapon? No contest.
Monday, July 28, 2003
Notes I took during a teacher workshop:
- Our presenter talks so loud I can't hear her. It's machine gun fire and quaking. (Yes, I realize that's a mixed metaphor.) We can hear you! Dear god, talk softer. Maybe that's why I love my wife. She's got a great voice-- ideal conversational volume. I don't know why people love people. We just do. However, I can tell you why people dislike each other. I can tell you why I dislike our presenter. She talks too loud. God, oh god. My ears literally hurt. I've never heard anything so dreadful.
- Teachers get so excited about power point, like cavemen discovering fire. The display is projected onto the screen and the teachers jump onto the table, start banging rocks together, and grunting. Ah-ah! Ah-ah!
- It's 10:53 AM. Lunch is at 11:45 AM.
- I do not hate "baby boomers." I strongly dislike people who proudly self-identify as baby boomers. It's like being proud of being the smelliest kid on the bus. Just sit down and enjoy your ride.
- The presenter's voice is firing away. I'm getting in a bad mood (or I'm there already).
- Our generation has been abused by changed, made great by change.
- I really want a samurai sword. Right now. I want an iPOD with the theme song from "Yojimbo" blasting in my brain. I want to swagger with the sword over my shoulder, and walk into the sunset.
- I hate power point clip art.
- Why do people create imaginary numbers for the purpose of hyperbole? What the heck is "ba-jillion"?
- I dislike when people take the quotes of famous people as universal truisms.
- After lunch break. I'm now sitting in the back. Better, much better.
- Our presenter talks so loud I can't hear her. It's machine gun fire and quaking. (Yes, I realize that's a mixed metaphor.) We can hear you! Dear god, talk softer. Maybe that's why I love my wife. She's got a great voice-- ideal conversational volume. I don't know why people love people. We just do. However, I can tell you why people dislike each other. I can tell you why I dislike our presenter. She talks too loud. God, oh god. My ears literally hurt. I've never heard anything so dreadful.
- Teachers get so excited about power point, like cavemen discovering fire. The display is projected onto the screen and the teachers jump onto the table, start banging rocks together, and grunting. Ah-ah! Ah-ah!
- It's 10:53 AM. Lunch is at 11:45 AM.
- I do not hate "baby boomers." I strongly dislike people who proudly self-identify as baby boomers. It's like being proud of being the smelliest kid on the bus. Just sit down and enjoy your ride.
- The presenter's voice is firing away. I'm getting in a bad mood (or I'm there already).
- Our generation has been abused by changed, made great by change.
- I really want a samurai sword. Right now. I want an iPOD with the theme song from "Yojimbo" blasting in my brain. I want to swagger with the sword over my shoulder, and walk into the sunset.
- I hate power point clip art.
- Why do people create imaginary numbers for the purpose of hyperbole? What the heck is "ba-jillion"?
- I dislike when people take the quotes of famous people as universal truisms.
- After lunch break. I'm now sitting in the back. Better, much better.
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Buy Hey Nostradmus! Read the book. Drop me an e-mail. Let me know what you think.
Possibly Coupland's greatest book?
Possibly Coupland's greatest book?
Wednesday, July 02, 2003
Finally! The wait is over. You've been wondering when it would come and now it's here: the first installment of "STUFF PEOPLE WROTE IN MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK" - raw and uncensored in all it's embarrassing honesty and teen angst. Spread the word. Post it on your own blog. Nowhere else on the internet will you get such a candid glimpse into someone's past.
Note: Before you begin what will surely be the blogging highlight of the year, be aware that last names and phone numbers will be blotted out for obvious reasons. Anything that is completely illegible will be marked (???). Also, the commentary track will be in italics. And without, further delay...
STUFF PEOPLE WROTE IN MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK
part one - freshman year
David,
Waz' up? Well ANYWAYS I want to tell you that you are the most polite, nice, mature, and very respectable person I know. You are truly a remarkable person. Good luck in life and remember you will never be forgotten in my mind! :)
Your friend always,
(???)
==============================================
Da'O :)
Hey what's up! (Kid Cannibal)
I really have enjoyed this year, and I hope we stay in touch this summer. Thank for everything, Da'O. I'll miss you.
See ya,
(???)
* For those who are curious, "Da'O" (pronounced "day-oh") was an unfortunate nickname I picked up. It comes from the song "Tally Me Bananas," but to this day I have NO CLUE how I got the nickname.
==============================================
Da'O,
How's it go in thespian? I tried to go to all of your plays, but I missed the Foreigner. Great great acting.
Your friend,
Jeff -------
P.S. Look you made 2 page headlines!
==============================================
Da'O,
Well, the year's over. You're no longer a fish. You're still a catfish though. It's been great this year, I hope your band goes big. See ya.
"Cooter" Ryan -------
* I had a punk band called "Kid Cannibal." I played guitar and yelled a lot.
==============================================
Dave,
I hope H.O.P.E. goes well next year. I think you'll do great - HOPE you run for Pres. next year. I don't know where I'm going but I hope we stay in touch.
Good Luck!
Love,
Chad -------
* H.O.P.E. was the environmental club. (Help Our Planet Earth) All the cool freaky kids were a part of it-- the punks, goths, and new wavers. I desparately wanted to fit in with them.
==============================================
Dave,
I don't know you very well, but you are a good person to be around. Have fun in your band.
Sabrina
==============================================
Dave,
For being the Holy Spirit, you're not too bad! Good luck your Dianna endeavors!
Joel -------
* Um, I have no clue what he means with the "holy spirit" comment. Although I'm more intrigued with the "Dianna endeavors".
==============================================
Hi Da'O!
I'm glad I got to know you at both Church and school. I knew you would make a great actor. Aren't you glad I got you to go to that first drama meeting? If you have any time this summer, call me and let's do something, ok?
Love ya!
Renee -------
473-####
==============================================
Dave,
Have a wonderful summer & I hope you & I stay friends through graduation, etc... so call me sometime 465-#### Anyway have fun & I hope you get in a lot more plays.
Love ya,
Aimee
* Dang! I am such stud... or a whore.
==============================================
Hey David,
Well even though I don't know you as well as I'd like to I still consider you a good friend. Really!
Jacob
* The "as well as I'd like to" part makes me curious.
==============================================
Hey David!
Wow- can you believe it? We survived a whole year of algebra! It's amazing! Well, even if Lisa doesn't like you, I think you're nice and I hope Kid Cannibal does great. (I know it will!) Have fun this summer and- I guess I'll see ya next year!
Love,
Lacy
P.S. When you grow up and live in a hut send me pictures of your baby's butt! hee-hee!
* Who's Lisa?
==============================================
Jesus uses condoms. Shouldn't you?
Brody -------
* I fear any commentary would only diminish the beautiful quirkiness of this statement.
==============================================
Da'O,
It's bee real know you, and it's fun knowing you, but it hasn't been real fun.
Michael -------
==============================================
David,
I don't know you that well, but I have observed and you seem like a groovy and happy person. Have a good summer and maybe I'll run into you sometime.
Love,
Tiffany -------
* I love when someone opens with "I don't know you."
==============================================
David -
It's been fun in English. I'm glad I got to know you and hope I get to know you better. Thanks for always trying to cheer me up.
Love always,
Stephanie -------
* In hindsight, I -really- should have hit on this girl more.
==============================================
It has been fun being a fish. Keep playing that guitar.
Derrick -------
==============================================
David,
Well despite you not voting for me, you are still an okay person. I won't hold it against you for life just a year or two. You are a very gifted actor, so keep doing what your doing & smiling.
Naomi ------- Class of '94
==============================================
David,
Hey! Good luck with your band! Hope to see you next year!
Love ya,
Erin ------- '96 rulz
* For the record, my band really sucked. I've got home videos. It's not pretty.
==============================================
David -
Hey I signed the front of your annual too! HA HA! Anyway, you are a sweet guy and good luck with the girls this summer.
Love,
Cheryl '96 rules!
* Yep, it's official. "Good luck with the Girls" was the theme for my freshman year.
==============================================
David,
Have a fun in your last three years in high school. He he he. Party with the big boys and keep your nose dirty.
Swingfully,
Greg ------- Dead Boy
==============================================
David,
When I sing someone's annual I write different things. I am an original in life, so I will be original on paper. One thing that I wish that I could have of yours is your huge, I mean monolithic, confidence. Whatever you do in life you will be the best. It is talented people like yourself that get somewhere in life. Never quit, never be a loser to yourself. As long as you try, be happy. When people blot your happiness, remember it will pass. There is one thing I have to say, never commit suicide. When Josh did, I felt like my whole life was shot out of the water like a sitting duck. Bam and you are dead. When you get depressed remember that no matter how it seems, people care. I care. Do not trash life. Besides you can always make people wonder about. That is better than being dead.
* For the record, I was never suicidal. But thanks, Heather.
==============================================
Da'O,
You have been a great friend. You're the only one I would want to disagree with if I had to because you don't hold that against me. Have a great summer and I better see you next year. I also hope you and Emily get back together.
Love ya always,
Teresa -------
* Sorry. Emily and I did not get back together. Although, we did go to the Morrissey concert together. I'm glad you can disagree with me. Many people do.
==============================================
David,
I don't know you all that well even though I've known you all year. You have great talent and I hope you continue to make yourself a legend at MHS! I'll be sure to come up here and see your plays next year.
Amanda -------
Call me 473-####
==============================================
(More to follow. My hands are aching from all this typing.)
Note: Before you begin what will surely be the blogging highlight of the year, be aware that last names and phone numbers will be blotted out for obvious reasons. Anything that is completely illegible will be marked (???). Also, the commentary track will be in italics. And without, further delay...
part one - freshman year
David,
Waz' up? Well ANYWAYS I want to tell you that you are the most polite, nice, mature, and very respectable person I know. You are truly a remarkable person. Good luck in life and remember you will never be forgotten in my mind! :)
Your friend always,
(???)
==============================================
Da'O :)
Hey what's up! (Kid Cannibal)
I really have enjoyed this year, and I hope we stay in touch this summer. Thank for everything, Da'O. I'll miss you.
See ya,
(???)
* For those who are curious, "Da'O" (pronounced "day-oh") was an unfortunate nickname I picked up. It comes from the song "Tally Me Bananas," but to this day I have NO CLUE how I got the nickname.
==============================================
Da'O,
How's it go in thespian? I tried to go to all of your plays, but I missed the Foreigner. Great great acting.
Your friend,
Jeff -------
P.S. Look you made 2 page headlines!
==============================================
Da'O,
Well, the year's over. You're no longer a fish. You're still a catfish though. It's been great this year, I hope your band goes big. See ya.
"Cooter" Ryan -------
* I had a punk band called "Kid Cannibal." I played guitar and yelled a lot.
==============================================
Dave,
I hope H.O.P.E. goes well next year. I think you'll do great - HOPE you run for Pres. next year. I don't know where I'm going but I hope we stay in touch.
Good Luck!
Love,
Chad -------
* H.O.P.E. was the environmental club. (Help Our Planet Earth) All the cool freaky kids were a part of it-- the punks, goths, and new wavers. I desparately wanted to fit in with them.
==============================================
Dave,
I don't know you very well, but you are a good person to be around. Have fun in your band.
Sabrina
==============================================
Dave,
For being the Holy Spirit, you're not too bad! Good luck your Dianna endeavors!
Joel -------
* Um, I have no clue what he means with the "holy spirit" comment. Although I'm more intrigued with the "Dianna endeavors".
==============================================
Hi Da'O!
I'm glad I got to know you at both Church and school. I knew you would make a great actor. Aren't you glad I got you to go to that first drama meeting? If you have any time this summer, call me and let's do something, ok?
Love ya!
Renee -------
473-####
==============================================
Dave,
Have a wonderful summer & I hope you & I stay friends through graduation, etc... so call me sometime 465-#### Anyway have fun & I hope you get in a lot more plays.
Love ya,
Aimee
* Dang! I am such stud... or a whore.
==============================================
Hey David,
Well even though I don't know you as well as I'd like to I still consider you a good friend. Really!
Jacob
* The "as well as I'd like to" part makes me curious.
==============================================
Hey David!
Wow- can you believe it? We survived a whole year of algebra! It's amazing! Well, even if Lisa doesn't like you, I think you're nice and I hope Kid Cannibal does great. (I know it will!) Have fun this summer and- I guess I'll see ya next year!
Love,
Lacy
P.S. When you grow up and live in a hut send me pictures of your baby's butt! hee-hee!
* Who's Lisa?
==============================================
Jesus uses condoms. Shouldn't you?
Brody -------
* I fear any commentary would only diminish the beautiful quirkiness of this statement.
==============================================
Da'O,
It's bee real know you, and it's fun knowing you, but it hasn't been real fun.
Michael -------
==============================================
David,
I don't know you that well, but I have observed and you seem like a groovy and happy person. Have a good summer and maybe I'll run into you sometime.
Love,
Tiffany -------
* I love when someone opens with "I don't know you."
==============================================
David -
It's been fun in English. I'm glad I got to know you and hope I get to know you better. Thanks for always trying to cheer me up.
Love always,
Stephanie -------
* In hindsight, I -really- should have hit on this girl more.
==============================================
It has been fun being a fish. Keep playing that guitar.
Derrick -------
==============================================
David,
Well despite you not voting for me, you are still an okay person. I won't hold it against you for life just a year or two. You are a very gifted actor, so keep doing what your doing & smiling.
Naomi ------- Class of '94
==============================================
David,
Hey! Good luck with your band! Hope to see you next year!
Love ya,
Erin ------- '96 rulz
* For the record, my band really sucked. I've got home videos. It's not pretty.
==============================================
David -
Hey I signed the front of your annual too! HA HA! Anyway, you are a sweet guy and good luck with the girls this summer.
Love,
Cheryl '96 rules!
* Yep, it's official. "Good luck with the Girls" was the theme for my freshman year.
==============================================
David,
Have a fun in your last three years in high school. He he he. Party with the big boys and keep your nose dirty.
Swingfully,
Greg ------- Dead Boy
==============================================
David,
When I sing someone's annual I write different things. I am an original in life, so I will be original on paper. One thing that I wish that I could have of yours is your huge, I mean monolithic, confidence. Whatever you do in life you will be the best. It is talented people like yourself that get somewhere in life. Never quit, never be a loser to yourself. As long as you try, be happy. When people blot your happiness, remember it will pass. There is one thing I have to say, never commit suicide. When Josh did, I felt like my whole life was shot out of the water like a sitting duck. Bam and you are dead. When you get depressed remember that no matter how it seems, people care. I care. Do not trash life. Besides you can always make people wonder about. That is better than being dead.
* For the record, I was never suicidal. But thanks, Heather.
==============================================
Da'O,
You have been a great friend. You're the only one I would want to disagree with if I had to because you don't hold that against me. Have a great summer and I better see you next year. I also hope you and Emily get back together.
Love ya always,
Teresa -------
* Sorry. Emily and I did not get back together. Although, we did go to the Morrissey concert together. I'm glad you can disagree with me. Many people do.
==============================================
David,
I don't know you all that well even though I've known you all year. You have great talent and I hope you continue to make yourself a legend at MHS! I'll be sure to come up here and see your plays next year.
Amanda -------
Call me 473-####
==============================================
(More to follow. My hands are aching from all this typing.)
