One More Invitation (?)

This Thursday (as in tomorrow) we are throwing a celebration for all our friends who have graduated from NNU. I would list them so you could have a better idea of who you're celebrating but I know someone will be left out. One of them lives here though, and her name is Tori. That's one hint.
The party shall include a banana split buffet, a parade on wheels, and a vigorous dance party. Please bring a form of wheels for our downtown Nampa late-night parade (bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, tandem, roller blades, roller skates, skate board, long board, scooter, whatever.) Just no cars. You might kill someone.

8pm. You probably know where we live. Otherwise call one of us.

Book Transaction

I'm going to admit that I just thesaurused trade because I didn't want to call it "Book Trade" or "Book Swap." Sounds church-ladyish. I like "Book Transaction." Sounds very commerce-themed.
I have an idea and I will first try it with Joe. Let's pair up and each person has to agree that they will read a book recommended by the partner within a reasonable amount of time. Then the two can discuss each other's choices. The book can be a favorite, one that describes your philosophy, theology, lifestyle, or just something good that's meant to be passed on. It's not meant to torture your partner or to arrange an argument (although deep discussion is encouraged) but to help them understand something you enjoy.
Go ahead and do it now if you want.

The Invasion and the Light of the Community

We were all astounded at the amazing performance of the Invasion last night. It was possibly the most fun I've ever had watching my friends perform music. When they began to play perfectly "We Are the Champions" I realized that for the evening the Invasion really were the champions... Of the world.


My English class spent our last few sessions watching a movie called The Thin Blue Line. It was a strange documentary-type movie about a man who was convicted of murder and given the death penalty despite his innocence. The interesting thing about the trial was that all of the witnesses brought to the bench had very different accounts of the murder scene. Afterwards we watched an interview with the filmmaker and he had a quote about one of the major points of the film. He was talking about the idea of truth being either objective and unchanging or
subjective and different for each individual (This is a common debate in most of my philosophy courses). What he said was interesting because it described closely what I believe about truth. He said that he did not believe there was no such thing as a universal truth, but that universal truth is extremely difficult to find. I think he is correct about this. To take it into a theological context, I would say that John Wesley's idea about salvation being "according to the light you have recieved" is a perfect way to describe how human kind is able to encounter the truth about the God of our universe. Of course truth about God is out there, but it is a very difficult thing to grasp completely. We must all look towards God to find the truth that is in the world, but we should not attempt to grasp anything beyond our abilities or beyond the light we have received. Also we should not expect that everyone around us has received the same light that we have individually seen. We are all imperfect in numerous areas of our lives, but I believe we all have an area of our life where great amounts of light have been given. We should all embrace our light, and the light given to our communities. The more light our community shares, the closer to seeing completely the truth that God has created for us.

My Birthday

Friends,

I will be frank. Last year, my birthday was the pits. Perhaps I'm being ungrateful, but I want to be honest about how it felt just so that if it happens again I can't be told "Well you didn't give anyone enough warning."

So here it is.

Friday night at 10:00 or the soonest you can make it, I want everyone who can tolerate smoky bars to join me at Pete's Tavern for some PBR or water or even wine coolers- whatever your poison. We can play pool and I can even provide a stack of quarters for the jukebox. Your presence is the only present I need.
Saturday is my real birthday and I want to use that night to celebrate with my girl friends who prefer clear air and lots of lighting. I'm thinking Brick 29 for dessert and drinks and then my house? Let's start at the Flying M at 8:00. Give me a call if you're in so that I can know who to wait for. Again, your presence is the only present I need.
I feel lame planning such an affair for my birthday, but I'd rather do this than pity myself later. I don't think our friends get together as a large group enough. We don't celebrate enough or stick around long enough or relax enough or kiss and hug enough.
I've been reading about simplifying life and just finished a chapter about socializing and how crucial it is for our health mentally and physically. I thoroughly enjoy the company of others and rarely feel the need to have allotted alone time (usually I just don't like the company if I use that excuse; and now you know.) I see this as perfectly healthy but feel like society tells me it's not- that everyone needs their personal space. What are your thoughts? Is it so wrong to always want company?

Weekend Update

Caleb and Tori left for a visit to Chad in Portland this weekend, and so, as a result, I worked for Caleb friday night. I don't see this as anything particularly nice of me to do that for him, but more that I would just be a complete jerk if I didn't. Just doing my duty as anyone should. Besides, if he were here, I would still be at the same place on my friday night anyways, just on the other side of the counter. So its no big deal. Caleb however just can't let a nice deed/favor go unreturned, so he ordered a pizza for me to be delivered as I started the shift. You would think after living with him for 4 months, and then spending pretty much every evening of the last 9 months at his house, and ordering countless pizzas together, that he might know what kind of pizza I like, which is usually just basic cheese with pineapple on top. He however ordered me what must have been veggie lovers pizza, which is no doubt what he would get for himself and is loaded with peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, and especially onions. Now, I hate onions more than anything on this earth, as far as food goes. They kind of remind me of what body odor would taste like in food form, and Caleb most definitely knows this. And so I wonder just what may have been going through Caleb's head as he ordered this. Maybe he was trying to get back at me for something, or sending me a subliminal message somehow, or maybe he was just thinking maybe I will be kind and save him a piece for when he got back and it would be the kind he liked. I don't know, but I'm a little suspicious of him now. Nevertheless, after the picking off of the onions, it was a delicious pizza, and has fed me two meals already with 2 slices still left over for a possible snack tomorrow. Even though I could have gone without all the other ingredients, I suppose it was nice to branch out and try something new. He even got all fancy on me and ordered it from smoky mountain pizza factory. I would have been perfectly happy with PJs (Papa Johns), or even nothing (since such an act really isn't necessary at all), but he went all out. So Caleb, despite the bad ordering, I thank you for the quality pizza. It was really good; still a little suspicious of the whole thing though.

We have acquired a new customer at the coffee garage these past two nights. He is middle age, with facial hair, and of heavier stature. Friday night he came in and the first thing we noticed was his Aerosmith T-shirt with his matching Aerosmith tattoo. The guy is like the coolest guy ever in the most uncool way, or vice versa, not sure which way works better. Joe fell in love with him immediately. Then Saturday night he came in with a 49ers championship T-shirt on. Joe even moreso likes him now. Then, he asked Joe for some help in figuring out how to change the background picture on his PC. His current picture was a digitalized photo of a wolf howling at the moon in the midst of nice outdoor scenery. But guess what his new picture was gonna be? Thats right, Aerosmith: Dream on baby.

Now I'd like to take the time to apologize to Joe for overly criticizing his choice of music at work. I know it bums me out when people don't like my choice of music, and so I am sorry for the hurt I have caused. But seriously, you need to stop touching my butt at work. Twice this happened in one night. I could see one time being an accident, but two?!? I am a little suspicious of you too now. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed working with you.

Diana and Joe, lets make a pact to watch next weeks episode of the office together. I am bummed that I have to watch this weeks all alone now. No more of this divisive Office watching.

Tonight I picked out a song to be played at my funeral for when I die (not that it should be happening anytime soon, but you never know). It is "We'll Meet Again" by Johnny Cash. I actually haven't even listened to the song all the way through nonstop yet, but Joe showed it to me, and I decided right then and there that it should be played at such an event. It is quite good: give it a listen. What song might you like at your funeral?

Well, if you have made it this far, read Joe's post below as well, because it is good. I liked it anyways. Also, Caleb and Tori, never leave again. I don't like you two not being around. This summer is gonna be a bummer whilst you travel. Goodbye everyone.

A Grey Saturday

Spring Saturdays are supposed to be sunny and warm, but on this Saturday we have been looking into a mass of clouds and attempting to survive the cold winds that randomly sweep us by. Diana and I have had a great day of quiet bliss. Sometimes I wonder if the best times of marriage are when nothing between the couple is said, but everything necessary is known.

Sorry that sounded sappy, but I think it is important.

I believe that relationships (i.e. Marriages, family, close friendships) that have the ability to communicate without language (body or verbal) are the best representations of what a relationship with God is like. In my experience, God doesn't speak with words or physical motion, but with a presence that is comprehensible beyond our five physical senses.

This has been Saturday at the House of ShaKim.

Books

Let's list books we're reading. I have a pile of books from the library because they always deliver the books I put on hold much quicker than anticipated. So, here is my current pile I am slowly getting through:

Fugitive Denim by Rachel Louise Snyder


The Great Awakening by Jim Wallis


The Art Spirit by Robert Henri


Simple Prosperity by David Wann

Lightening by Jonas

Lightening Yellow.
Yellow beams
Crashing into the
ground.
Inside where it's safe
compared to where it's
yellow.

This is a poem by our nephew Jonas, we are so proud of our little beatnik.

i'm kind of a baby at this

Hello world, it's me, tori. Please excuse me, for I am new at this. There is this place that I live, and I have the superb opportunity to live with some fine people and dog. I am still getting used to the dog part, honestly, but I have been pleasantly surprised at how sweet it is to live with my friends.

Today I got to go to school. We talked about Gandhi and Hitler. Both very influential in their time, but very different spirits and approaches to problem-solving. Gandhi said this:

It is not Hinduism, which I prize most highly, but the religion which transcends Hinduism-- the basic truth which underlies all the religions of the world. It is the struggle for truth-- for self-expression. I call it the truth-force-- the permanent element in human nature, constantly struggling to find itself, to know its Maker. This is religion.

I find in myself the struggle to know my Maker as well.

p.s. I saw a splash of bile by our wurlitzer organ today. Sorry, I can't help talking about body fluids.

Today I participated in a career fair for Boise high schoolers (who are, by the way, a total waste of time...j.k?) I was to speak on behalf of all the world's fashion designers and give my presentation five times to small groups of about 10 each session. I'll admit I was really irritated by how rude and self-centered a lot of them were, but there was always at least two who asked a lot of questions and seemed genuinely interested. Those were the ones that made it totally worthwhile. It felt really good to offer all my knowledge and advice to them, and it was surprisingly easy to speak, despite my fear of audiences, because I was passionate about the subject. At the end of the day, I decided I really do want to teach even though high schoolers are a total waste of time....j.k?
I do want to seriously encourage everyone here to teach a group of people about something they love at least once in their life. It is really gratifying. And there's nothing more wonderful than being gratified.
Next up, I wanted to share some photos of my aunt's modular home and garden. She lives near San Jose and there's this bizarre neighborhood (according to an Idahoan) consisting of 900 modular homes and they all have strict guidelines for their upkeep (a certain amount of greenery in their front "yards", etc.) I also loved how they didn't grow grass in their yards. Way to not waste water while being unique Californians.






Plus my aunt's cat is soooooooo cute!

Kathy's Eulogy

So a daily customer of Flying M passed away last week, and since I was unable to make it to the funeral, I figured I should at the very least share some of my memories of her. I don't even know her full name, but just knew her as Kathy, the elder lady who came in every night for a small cup of coffee and a cookie. I once thought of her as my favorite customer just because she was so simple to serve and always tipped an undisclosed amount of change. Could have been pennies for all I know, but its the thought that counts right? My interactions with her were simple and short, but memorable nonetheless. They usually went as follows: Hi Kathy. Hello (in her low quiet tone of voice with a bit of a smile/smirk on her face). The usual? she nods. Do you want the house coffee or the coffee of the day? She just laughs and shrugs her shoulders expressing that she really doesn't care. Then says, "I'll try the ___ cookie" She would then pay, I'd give her the change, she'd stick her hand in the tip jar dropping a few coins, and then head over to the bar for a seat. Later she would come back for a refill with the same smirk and odd look in her eye and tip a few more coins. In her seat she would often dance to whatever music was playing and bob her head. I don't know how, but she seemed to be able to hear any conversation from anywhere in the room, and if religion or theology ever was the topic, she would approach saying, "Jesus told me to get up and come over here." She would then just say all I can do is praise Jesus, thats really all you can do, or something like that. Then go back and sit down. In the last two months or so we talked a few times when I was in just as another customer like her. It would usually just be small talk where she would smile and chuckle after almost everything I said, and I would smile back after everything she said even though I usually didn't understand any of it. Before I knew it she would be standing close with a grandmotherly hand on my back, almost enough to make me feel slightly awkward, but I knew it was just her being her loving self. Her glasses, her cowboy hat, her sometimes slightly hairy face, and occasional loud mumbling to herself are all things I think I will miss. I've heard stories of her riding a skateboard around which I am very sad to say I never got to witness. She brought an odd enjoyment to my job, and I hope in some small way I was able to brighten up the last six months of her life of which I knew her. Goodbye Kathy

I am taking a break from my theology paper to "blog". Why would I do this? Who takes a break from writing a paper by "blogging" on a "Blog"?

Is blog really a verb?

Anyhoo, I am having a hard time writing this paper because it is supposed to be a complete summary of "my theology". I don't know how to summarize something that is constantly in a state of adjustment. I am such a flip-flopper when it comes to theological issues because it seems impossible to try to put my finger down on the nature of God. The only thing that I feel certain of theologically is 1st John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." How can I write a 2200 word paper on that one verse?

Answer me!

Alright, Diana's plane just landed. Now I get to take a real break.

This has been Sunday evening in the ShaKim household.

who made you boss?

Way to take all the fun out of it Joe; now none of us have anything to write about. I think I might occasionally enjoy hearing a puppy story from Diana, or a nursing story from Tori (particularly any funny stories about putting those peeing tubes in for people. Though that might break some sort of nursing confidentiality etiquette thing, but I wouldn't limit you like that Tori), or a story from Caleb about a crazy dream he had while sleeping in about this crazy dancing bear that kept throwing books at him while it held up a trophy in champion like style. But yeah Joe, no swearing, its bad for your heart. As for me, I'm really just a second class citizen of this blog anyways, so I can't complain if no one wants to hear me ramble about the Golden State (I will never again ask about the existence of BJs in Idaho). But I completely endorse the first and last rule. ShaKim also includes the first half of both my first and last name, and they better both be capitalized. Let's have fun. That is all.

The ShaKim house rules

Rule #1

We must all agree on one important grammatical ideal... Both the S and the K in ShaKim must be capitalized. This makes sure that not one name is more important than the other in our home.

Rule #2

There shall be no cheesy stories about babies or dogs... This means you Diana!

Rule #3


We must never (AND I MEAN NEVER!) include posts that brag about not being in school or being allowed to sleep till 4 PM. Caleb!!! Don't you dare!

Rule #4

There shall be no lengthy posts containing large amounts of medical jargin. Nobody wants to hear about anyone else's gall-kidneys or blood-lipids... Keep it at work Tori!

Rule # 5

There shall not be any profuse swearing or offensive language... Seriously Joe, our moms might be reading this!

Rule #6

We don't care about how different California and Idaho are... Shut up already, Shaun!


Rule #7

Don't swim within a half hour of when you last ate food. Cramps in the pool are more likely to kill you than an airplane wreck!