Via…Wilco

bobby posting:

Happy Wilco Day!

Jeff Tweedy & Jay Bennett – Via Chicago (Live)

At the turn of this century I stumbled across a little band named Wilco.  I’d read in Rolling Stone that their newest album would change my life.  After the first listen, I chose to politely disagree.  But then something strange happened.  I felt a strong urge to listen to it again.  My original take was now a little shaky.  Finally, third time through, I was hooked.  I’d never had the experience before.  Before that, I consumed music like soda pop and pop rocks.  It was all tasty and sparkly and sweet, but never substantial.  Wilco led me into a deeper appreciation for albums as a whole body of work…kind of like going from Orange Crush to Red Wine.  Of course I then purchased the band’s entire catalog of music and constantly made excuses to make trips in the car so I could dive into yet another piece of Wilco history.  And the rest is just that…history.

Today Wilco’s newsest is here.  Wilco (the album) hits the shelves and I’m already giving it my first spin here in the office.  It feels like walking down a long road back home.  I can see the porch light on and see my wife on a porch swing.  Hope you have a band that makes you feel that way.  Haven’t made it all the way through yet, but so far, “Solitaire” is my favorite.

Oh…and the song you’re probably listenting to right now is a stripped down version of an old favorite.  As you guessed, it’s where the name of this old blog comes from.  Enjoy it and enjoy some new music from America’s band.  If you’re not into having your music on little plastic discs anymore, just head over to lala.com and stream the whole thing once for free.

Chillin with the Pope

So my dream of going to the Vatican and getting the pope to split a bottle of wine with me didn’t quite pan out, but Rome has still been unbelievable. I am guessing that I am averaging 10-15 miles a day of walking and have seen more in 3 days than most see in a week. The best part by far has been meeting all of the fellow travelers and swapping stories of different countries. There really is something about being completely on your own that forces you to step out of your comfort zone. I already feel as if I am more confident. Here are the top three highlights of my trip so far.

- Meeting Rhea in Belgium and having my first real conversation since I left my mom and sister a couple days earlier. For an extrovert like myself, it was water to the soul.

- Breaking the rules of all taboo subjects and discussing Religion, politics and everything in between with my Rome travel partners Nick and Bilyana. Oh and eating oranges out of Julius Cesar’s personal garden (don’t turn me into Italian authorities)

- Emptying the hostel bar by convincing everyone to join me for a quest to find a back alley jazz club.   The music didn’t hold up to Chicago standards, but the atmosphere and the entire journey was some of the most fun I have had in a long time.

One more day in Rome and then my Dad and I take Scotland by storm. I am especially looking forward to my Dad mocking me about how to drink a Guiness ‘like a real Irish man.’ No sipping for me I guess…

Too Many Dreams, Too Little Time

bobby posting:

The Damnwells – Say

I am a modern day Renaissance Man.  Sounds great, right?  Actually, it’s something I’ve had to come to terms with over the past few years.  Some people have too few hobbies, dreams, ambitions.  I have too many.  Way too many.   It leaves with me just enough desire and talent to be good at several things, but not necessarily great at one.  While some people are born with a God-given gift for one singular subject, I’ve developed a blue-collar work ethic to get myself as close to the mountaintop as possible without having been born right there on the peak.

In a recent long drive home with the missus, we got to talking about our life-long dreams from here on out.  I’m not talking Bucket List material.  These are not places I want to see or things I have to visit.  They’re not even activities or hobbies that I want to do.  They’re more like actual life’s that I want to live within this life.  You’ll see what I’m talking about.  Some of them I want to happen soon, others I’d be fine doing when I’m gray haired and empty nesting.

Here’s my Top Seven and here’s hoping this list doesn’t grow much longer than this:

1 / I want to be a weekly columnist.  Ideally for a newspaper.  I’m in no rush for this one, but I also can’t wait to do it.  A blog is great, but having your own words right there in print that’ll rub off on people’s fingers as they’re eating up your column with their bagel and coffee?  Mmm…that’s good.

2 / I want to record an album and I want to do it right.  As of this moment, I have the resources to record a solo album of original material with just me, a guitar, and a microphone.  But I want to really put together 12 or so solid tracks with a full band.  That may take time, but I believe it will be worth it.

3 / I want to have a talk radio show with my best friend Adam Sobel.  It would be an entertainment/sports hybrid where we could be talking about our hope for more out of movies like “Benjamin Button” one minute while hoping that our kids will get to witness the greatness of Albert Pujols the next.  Pure genius.  “Bob and Adam – The Show”…hitting the airwaves sometime soon.

4 / I want to make a documentary.  I was a part of an amazing little documentary in college called “The Hope and Heartache of Autism”.  It was a wonderful experience.  It left me hungry for more.  I’d love to take cameras over to the orphanage in Kenya that our church is associated with.  I’d love to take those same cameras into the inner city here in Central Arkansas.  Ask the same questions, dive into the answers.

5 / I want to be in a film with Matt Sax.  I’ve posted about Matt before on The Harrisonian. The guy’s a genius and he’s gonna be big one day.  In the movie, I want to be his funny and wise old best friend that he visits when he’s in over his head and needs to talk to somebody about it.  Have somebody give him a laugh or two, maybe a nugget of wisdom while poring over the old times.  I’m thinking maybe 5-10 minutes on screen.  Just enough to have all sorts of famous directors calling and begging for more.

6 / I want to do a joint wedding project with my wife.  She can take all the engagement and ceremony photos.  But I can do something I’ve always wanted to do for a reception or rehearsal dinner.  Everyone does a slideshow, right?  Well I want to interview the bride and groom and their family and friends and do a short 5-10 minute mini-documentary on their story:  where they grew up, how they met, what they love in each other, what their dreams are for the future.  Lots of great music, some videography of their childhood neighborhoods…I’m telling you, I’m sitting on a gold mine here.  Gold mine…

7 / I want to coach a soccer team.  I want to take a group of high school guys and actually lead and teach them.  I want them to see more in themselves and each other than they ever have before.  I want them to believe, but I’m gonna be honest here…I really want them to win too!

That’s it for now.  Make your own list, comment on mine.  Dream big and crazy and often.  Until next time…

On my own…Problems already?!?

I left my mother and sister this morning and ventured on my own to Brugges. Luckily my mom gave a parting gift of 40 euros because the cash machine at the train station rejected my card and the front desk only took Mastercard. My first train was delayed by an hour causing me to miss my connecting train. All in all, I arrived 2 hours behind schedule causing me to miss the last museum and more importantly the tour of the local brewery. Tomorrow is going to have to be a very hectic day now to fit everything in. More concerning is the fact that I have tried 3 other cash machines and a bank that all rejected my card. By the grace of God the Hostel was able to charge my card without problems. Here is to travelling alone in Europe without any money!! Let the adventures begin.

European tour

A couple weeks ago I cashed in my white privilege check for a one month European vacation. I spent the first week travelling through Turkey and Amsterdam with my Mother and Sister. It is up there as one of the best travelling weeks of my life. Turkey had amazing food, incredible hiking, fascinating history and very friendly people. A must see destination spot for any world traveller.

Just to give you a quick taste to inspire your jealousy, here are the top two journal entries.

Day 1:

I arrived in Istanbul at 2pm and was picked up by a car service who gave me a tour of the old city on the way to meet my Mom and Sister at the hotel. I was struck by the contrast of his prayer beads and humorous outgoing persona that included rolling down the window and cat calling women. Once at the hotel I took a quick shower before cramming as much of Istanbul as physically possible into a 6 hour frame. I was left in awe by the physical beauty and intricate detail of the blue mosque. I actually found it very easy to connect with God while inside. I stopped for some roasted chest nuts in the city square before soaking in the 600 year history of Hagia Sophia.

For dinner we crossed the hippodrome that used to host chariot races during roman rule. It still hosts two obelisks from Constantine and the Ottomon empire (500ad and 500bc). I ate Fresh Pide Bread and a mixed plate of beef, lamb and chicken kebabs at Bushara 93 while overlooking the sea at dusk and listening to live local music from the tea garden across the street.

After dinner, we went to the tea gardin for desert, hookah and apple tea. We relaxed for an hour playing back gammin and watching a dancing demonstration by a durbish monk. All in all, a perfect start to my exploration of Turkey.

Day 3:

We woke up at 4:30 to go on a sunrise hot air balloon tour of Cappadocia. The views were by far the most spectacular thing I have ever seen. The landscape is so beautiful that I proclaimed to my mom that here is the overwhelming proof in the existence of God and she had to agree. We returned to the hotel for a quick nap (3hrs) and a breakfast of fresh fruits and breads. Then the owner of the Hotel, Sergio, took us on a personal tour of the local area. We saw an ancient cave palace, a pottery demonstration at Avanos, the ancient fortress, the local wine vineyard for free samples and the highest point in the area for a postcard view of Mushroom valley (a valley of rock formations that look like giant penises).

After a late lunch, Sergio dropped us off for a 6 km hike through Rose valley. It was the most scenic hike I have ever done (keep in mind that I grew up in the Northwest). I would have loved to explore all of the hidden caves and trails, but a thunderstorm was following us and we were hiking through 50mph winds.

That night we grabbed dinner with the lonely, but friendly hotel attendant Mustafah. He was so happy to have company that he thanked us with a bottle of Raki, a local hard alcohol that tastes like licorice, but is stronger than any whiskey I have ever had.

Pictures and more stories to follow.

The Text Hex

They're taking over!

bobby posting:

Denison Witmer – These Days

Back in the Dark Ages, when I was just a young wee lad in my College Years, texting wasn’t that big of a deal yet.  If you wanted to grab lunch with somebody, you called them.  If they didn’t answer, you left a voicemail knowing that there was a real possibility they’d actually listen to the message.  You may have even put some sort of thought into the words you spoke after the beep.  If someone wanted to turn you down, they at least had to do it voice-to-voice.  Nowadays, the laws have changed.  The blessing of texting for many has felt more like a curse for me.

Sure I miss hearing people, but I’m also not so sure texting has made life easier.  You see, I also miss the quick 2 minute conversations that took place in one phone call instead of 10-minute-long text-travaganzas over what you’re doing this weekend in bite-size samples of 160 characters or less.  Texting also gets complicated.  You’re never quite sure whether to respond one more time or to let the conversation just end.  Also, people try to make abbreviations that can be confusing and misleading…and dare I say, potentially cause kids to forget (or never really learn) that there’s a real distinction between “Ur”, “Your”, and “You’re”.  There’s got to be a way to patch all of this up.  Let’s start a revolution and do something about it.  My friend Zach will, I’m sure, wax eloquently (and potentially violently) about texting as well in the days to come, but as for now…here’s a few of my ground rules with texting.

1 / No saying “No” over a text message just because it’s easier that way.  If it’s something really minor and insignificant, throw it down all you want.  But if you’re backing out of an arrangement you’ve already made with somebody, follow this rule:  have the gall / give ‘em a call.  Not quite as catch as I was hoping for there, but you get the point regardless.  Further important stipulation of this law:  no breaking up over a text message (no asking out either…and definitely no proposing!).

2 / Be absolutely clear at all times.  In preaching, we sometimes try to make our “three points” all begin with the same letter.  Lame, right?  Even more lame, though, if we’re just forcing it.  At all times, try to be precise and as clear as possibile.

3 / If we’re going to be forced to use abbreviations, lets agree on a few.  If someone asks you a quick yes or no question, “Y” stands for “Yes” and “N” stands for “No”.  “Y” does not stand for “Why”.  That’s just confusing.  Also, are we going with “LOL” or “HAHA” or “HEHE” or are those three distinct forms of laughter?  What about “TAHEHE”?  Does that get left out?  Wait, does anybody really laugh like that anyway.  Enough said.  Do let’s decide:  can we just type “LAUGH”?  That would crack me up.  Could sort of sound like an order or demand though.  Hmm…for clarity’s sake, I’m sticking to “HAHA”.  It just looks funny and for some reason I always sound out “haha” instead of just thinking that someone was simply trying to convey laughter.  Kind of like when you’re learning a new language and you always sound out the word instead of just thinking of its meaning.  Hilarioso.

4 / There needs to be a way to end the conversation.  You see, I’m the kind of guy who’s always got one more thing to say.  You never noticed that about me, though…right?  Forget it.  People like me need a leash.  If you’re not looking for never-ending hilariously witty comments, don’t send me a text message.  Once I get rolling, I’m like Will Ferrell’s desire to be awkwardly naked in every single movie he’s in…I’m unstoppable.  You see, for some reason truckers understand the over-and-out concept, but we’ve yet to catch on.  I propose a couple of astericks at the end of the final message.  From then on, no more writing back and forth.  The discussion has been dropped.**  (quick disclaimer:  you are not allowed to use the double asterick in a way that is detrimental to a relationship.  i.e.  don’t use it in the same manner as you would to “hang up” on a person over the phone.  By the way, don’t do that either!  Lame…)

5 / Finally, only text if you have to.  You have the green light when it really does make life easier, otherwise, give a friend a ring.  There’s still nothing like hearing someone’s voice.

Agree?  Disagree?  Thoughts?  Leave a line and we’ll see what we come up with.  Until then, like Ryan Seacrest, I’m out.**

Beware of Trees

The other day at my public health rotation in Harlingen, we decided to play some ultimate frisbee after lunch in a big open field next to the University of Texas School of Public Health at Brownsville. My buddy Kuei threw the disc, and like a well-trained dog, I took off after it full speed. Unfamiliar with the surroundings, I was sure to note the cylindrical, metal light poles that posed a significant hazard. Eyes locked on the disc, I sprinted – it was man.

Smack! Ouch!

I felt blood dripping from my chin and examined my bloody knuckles and knees. I had collided full force with a baby tree standing about 10 feet tall.

Congrats, DClark. You’ve performed another act of brilliance!

Dan

Slow-mo Weekend

bobby posting:

Stuart Murdoch – Another Saturday

The past two days have been FILLED with one of the rarest things I know:  absolutely nothing.  I’m talking nothing-on-the-calendar, just-sitting-around-the-house-and-backyard kind of days.

The highlight of yesterday:  a wonderful hour or so of reading and napping on a blanket by a fountain here in North Little Rock.  Although I must admit, the idea of reading on a blanket is better than the actual practice of it.  How are you supposed to hold the book without putting undo stress on your neck or arms to read?  I’m thinking there’s got to be some amazing invention yet to be made to solve this problem.  Now napping on a blanket?  That’s a whole different story.  Simply use that little book as a pillow and you’re good to go.

Highlight of today? A stroll across the Big Dam Bridge over the Arkansas River with a couple of dogs and my beautiful wife.  Sitting at the top and looking out at the Natural State.  Getting Shaved Ice on the way home and lounging like a king all day long.

Starting in the next week or so, my summer will begin spinning out of control.  Take a look at my calendar and you’ll become dizzier than Alice in Wonderland.  I have to remember that when I’m sitting in my freshly mowed lawn (oh yeah, cutting the grass was another highlight today).  I have to remind myself that it is absolutely okay to take a day or two and just completely rest in it.  Those days will be few and far between here soon.  Back in college, life was constantly about weighing time and alloting value to work/rest at all times.  Anytime you were just “being”, that  non-stop nagging feeling hung around like a guest that’s worn their welcome (Zach and Daniel, you do not fall under this category!).  That presence is sure to rear it’s head here down South soon as the sweltering season begins to heat up my calendar.  Until then, though, I’m going to finish off the night with a few friends and probably some more couch time.  Oh…and a little toast:

Here’s to sunny slow-mo Saturdays.  May you get a couple in yourself this summer.  And when you do, may you find a way to completely enjoy them in all of their silent, sweeping splendor.

Throwing down the gauntlet

zach posting:

I am posting a challenge to my fellow Via Chicago brothers. We have been unsuccessful at getting everyone together for 3 years now and to protect my bucket list goal we need to get a reunion set in the next 6 months. Looking at our calendar, I think we only have one chance: the week of New Years Eve. Below is my first attempt at a legally binding document to ensure this happens.

We, Bobby, Adam, Dan, Amy and Zach, hereby promise to attend the ViaChicago reunion 2009 in body, mind and spirit. The official dates of the reunion will be decided by vote, but Dec 27, 2009 through Jan 7, 2010 are all eligible dates and must be kept open. The official location of the reunion will also be decided by vote. The votes can only be over ruled by health or work considerations as judged by the reunion commissioner, Zach Dillon. Failure to attend the reunion will result in one of the 3 following penalties as chosen by the breaker(s) of the contract.

1) The breaker(s) can purchase plane tickets for the remaining members of the reunion to Jamaica, Italy, or an agreed upon third location. The remaining reunion members will be responsible for all other travel expenses.

2) The breaker(s) may substitute their attendance with daily videos of at least 30 minutes. The breaker(s) must be wearing a dress and in a public location chosen by the reunion commissioner.

3) The breaker(s) can agree to a slap-bet penalty of 5 slaps from each remaining member of the reunion. They can reduce the number of slaps to 2 if they allow them to be doled out at any time without expiration.

Guests can come on this or a subsequent reunion only after they have passed a rigorous audition process that results in a unanimous declaration of their eligibility by the founding reunion members. Exceptions can be granted only by unanimous vote and the reunion will serve as the actual audition. Automatic exceptions are granted to fiance, spouses and girlfriends of over 12 months.

Please sign your agreement in the comment section.

thoughts from a hotel room in paris…

a devotional post from adam.

I am writing from the Hilton Arc de Triomphe in Paris, on day three of my first trip to Roland Garros. It’s midnight here, and after working twelve hours today, I should be exhausted. But, I feel like Bobby when Amy suggests…well, let’s just say I’m not tired.

I am still suffering from the lingering effects of jet lag. I never expected to be so impacted by the time zone change, but it has crawled onto my back and latched on like a Zach hug. I’m tired throughout the day, and long for sleep. Then at night, just at the time I should be preparing for bed, I experience a sudden surge of energy and lose my desire for sleep. This pattern makes me feel like a ghost…after a few days of wandering through my days in a fatigue-riddled faze, I’m starting to feel disengaged from the routine of normal life. I feel numb and detached.

I realized this morning that the pattern of jet lag affects me quite similarly to the struggles of my spiritual life the past few months. The moments I desire God have been late at night when my day is already done. In these late-night moments, I promise God to begin anew in the morning, commited to His priorities. I vow to cut wasted time from my life and chase after God. Then, inevitably, throughout the next day when I have opportunities to obey and to serve God, to live like Jesus, I forget to focus on Him or even overtly choose to disobey. In the end, I feel spiritually distant from life, disconnected, and ashamed.

The only way I see myself shaking free of this jet lag here in Paris is for me to be disciplined about my sleeping routine. I need to lay down and prepare myself for sleep even if I don’t feel tired. In the evening hour, I need to turn off my light and close my eyes. At that moment, I need to expect sleep to come, even if I don’t hardly believe it will arrive.

This morning God was teaching me that the same discipline is needed for spiritual change. I need to “lay down” with Jesus even when I don’t feel a desire to quiet my soul before him. Without this discipline, I simply cannot break the current patterns of my spiritual life. In the morning when my mind starts to apply itself to the purposes of my day, I need to slow myself down and focus on Jesus. Even when I feel utterly distant from spiritual connection to a living God.

Sooner or later, I hope that my desires will grow to match this routine. As I discipline myself to spend time with the Lord, I expect Him to meet me somehow…and my prayer is that this connection  will encourage me to draw near again and again until I become more like Him.