Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WSU ALIVE Day 1




Teea picked me up, we got our starbucks, then off we went to our future home.
Washington State University.
I absolutely love my Alive group.
I was worried that it might be awkward, and that people would be quiet and shy, but that is not the case.
We have a loud and hilarious group, and I've been laughing since I got here.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Calm Before the Storm



Pancake breakfast with Aaron.
Card games with him and his mom.
Learned some new ones :)
Packed for the next week all day.
Hung out with Matt, good times as usual.
The munchkins think I'm stinky Pete. Awesome. haha
Oh, and Calm Before the Storm? Tomorrow will begin the busiest summer of all time. Wish me luck. It's gonna be a good one :)

Monday, June 28, 2010

The Polaroid

There is something about a polaroid picture that can't beat a normal printed photo.
It's like the handwritten letter compared to the text.
The vintage coloring, square shape, and feel of a polaroid make it worth the $25 for only 8 pictures.
A couple days ago Matt and I figured out that my classic OneStepPlus is in working condition.
All it needs is film. Which is expensive. As soon as I get a job locked down in Pullman, it's first on my list of things to buy.
I'll make each of the eight prints worth it. Be ready for some first class creativity.
The first two will be with you Jessi, one for each of us :)

Here is a Top Gear Top Tip of the day.
Don't play chicken with Laurel Adami when she has a line of 9 carts.
They will destroy your car.
I wear the neon orange vest to scare you away.
And for that reason only.

Rocket Power Season 1 Episode 4.
Watching it right now.
Enough said.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Ridealong in a GTR, not a big deal...haha

GTR

NSX

911

Z06

Lotus

All cars I got to ridalong in during Autocross today. Huge thrill; I mean these cars were meant for going fast, and all of their owners were unbelievably awesome people who knew how to push their cars to the limit.
Dad, Meryn, Matt, and I spent the whole morning hanging out with the SSSCC gang.
The car community is a fantastic one to be a part of.
The driver of the Lotus got in line to take another lap, and he yelled out to me and Matt asking if we wanted another ride. Usually we had to go up to the drivers and ask, but he wanted to give us a ride!
Jodee, the driver of the GTR, and I had good conversation while waiting in line about what she has to deal with because she drives such a rare car. She was super friendly, and very down to earth.
Again, I love the car community.
Rex, driver of the Z06, gave the wildest ride. He knew just how far to push his car, when to brake into the corners, and when to floor it. I couldn't stop smiling when I got out.
One of the best mornings I've had in quite some time.
Off to Matt's afterwards, where I was treated to a pillowfight, waterfight, and a delicious hamburger.
After dinner Matt and I went to the park and went on the swings until the bugs got too bad.
They we went back to his house and found bug spray.
I sprayed some on my hands, and then rubbed it on my face.
He made fun of me.
Matt closed his eyes and sprayed directly onto his face.
He tasted bug spray for the next 20 minutes haha.
Sat and talked outside for a while, then he drove me home.
I nearly fell asleep on the 2 minute drive home, I was that tired.
Being driven around in nice cars really wears a person out :)

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Daddy-Date


 
Coffee with Jessi-pants this morning.
That's where I got all of these pictures.
We took most of our roadtrip pictures with her camera,
so now that she's back, I can post these bad boys.
The last one is my favorite, I'm not sure how I made my body do that.
There's a deer in the picture, in the way back. I was imitating it.
Date with dad today.
We hit up Cool Desert Nights,
then did an oil change on my car,
 then killed each other in some shooting video game.
Solid day. I love my family. Goodnight.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

::Safari::

This morning I met up with the Albertson's gang [Joe Coop, Igor, and Mariah] and we played some good old-fashioned tennis. It was super fun; they're pretty good too. I feel like we need to challenge a Winco team, or maybe Yokes ;)
After working up a good sweat I jumped in the shower, then proceeded to call my dearest friend Nicole Renard.
I told her I was on her way, and I was bringing coffee :)
When I got to the house we sat on her kitchen counter and talked for what seemed like an hour.
I'm gonna miss her so much when I go off to college.
She happily informed me though that she will write me letters, and that put a big smile on my face.
That is one of the things I'm truly looking forward to.

Letters.
There's something about a handwritten letter that means so much more than an email, text, or facebook wall post.
Something about being able to physically hold what that person was writing on the day earlier creates some sort of connection that is impossible to feel when staring at a cell phone or computer screen.
All of these modern ways of communication are great, don't get me wrong.
But nothing compares to a letter.

We decided we wanted adventure, so we donned epic hats, and went on a safari!
We took some hilarious pictures, and laughed a lot :)
I gave her a quick lesson on her camera, and then headed off to work.
Work was good. I have one thing to say though, to all you 30 year old creepers
"If you hit on me, I will hit you."
And on that bombshell,
Goodnight :)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

{20 odd miles atop a Schwinn}

"Hey Nick, I'm ready to come over and own you on the video games."
"Hey, we kinda want to go to the river. You down?"
"Sure! Want me to drive?"
"No, we're gonna bike."
"But no one has a truck to put the bikes into."
"No, we're gonna bike TO the river."
"Kay, I'll meet you there...in my car."
"Oh no you won't, you're coming!"
We biked a total of about 20 miles to the river and back.
Before today, I've never biked farther than maybe a mile or two.
Really stepped it up today haha

I went to Village today.
I really quite enjoyed it.
I met a lot of new people, and we had good conversation.
We mainly talked about selflessness.
It's easy to get carried away with trying to be a "good christian" and have others view you in that way.
The thing we fail to do is realize that our actions should be to please God, not impress others.
We should do everything thinking of him, and how we can glorify and spread his word.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit...


We also talked a lot about how having non-christian friends is not a bad thing, but our closest friends should have relationships with God. They are the ones to go to for advice. They are the ones who will help you grow spiritually.
Jesus spent time with the lowest of the low, and the most repulsive sinners. Obviously it is important to not limit yourself only to christian friends. But the ones Jesus was closest to, his disciples, those are the kinds of people we need to keep close.
Overall a great study.
 I felt some convictions, and I know what God is pressing on my heart now.
He made it loud and clear.


Matt and I went to go see Toy Story 3. It was darling. I recommend it to everyone :)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Complexity of the Heart

Proverbs 14:10
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Left to Ponder...

Is it justified?
How about we don't kill each other.
Problem solved.
Win-Win-Win.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Glass Raspberries, Toilets, and Fathers



Dad, everyday you inspire me.
I'm glad to call you a best friend.
You walk me home from work.
You are one of the first I go to for advice.
You helped me find my true passions.
You play "music foosball" with me.
You applaud my thrift shopping.
You're always up for
another episode of Top Gear.
You have the best sense of humor.
Any friend who's ever met you thinks you're the coolest.
You snow drift.
You inspire me to be as influential in my career as you are.
You inspire me to be the best I can be everyday.
Thank you.

So today was Father's day, so Colton and I made Dad a card and bought him some Fiesta balloons. Colton also got him a lovely rock to represent what a "rock" solid father figure he has been in his life. Threw in some stickers and Dad's gift was complete.


 
Last night around midnight my mom took off the toilet lid to check something and her glass raspberry fell in and busted a hole all the way through the toilet. Water was coming out in a perfect stream from the gaping whole in the bottom of our toilet. I could not stop laughing. Laughter soon stopped though when I realized that my middle of the night needs to pee will require me running all the way upstairs. Great.

THE DAMAGE

THE CULPRIT

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Lost without the GPS

Woke up in the morning feeling like hay bales,
We got our bags, we were out the door, we went to hit Garage sales.
Before we left we washed our dishes with a bottle of soap,
cuz when we left in the morning we weren't gonna mope.
We're talking, mochas to wake us up, up
bought a suitcase, it only cost three bucks, bucks
Mort almost fell out of his cup, cup
Truck driving, playing our favorite CDs,
Pulling up to the mall to pee
Tryin to find sweet dealsies

We never stopped, when we got lost
Just took deep breaths and laughed it off
Road trips are the best,
though directions are a test
Best friends on the road,
No rules, no codes, no
oh ooh oh ooh oh oh
oh ooh oh ooh oh oh

Ain't got a care in the world, but got plenty of cheer
Ain't no lint in our pockets, but gas levels give us fear
And now the food is lined up, cuz they heard we got hungry
We ate like savages, then laid in the sunny

I'm talking bout really awesome food, food
Put us in better moods, moods
Ate so much we could have spewed, spewed

Now, now we stayed until they kicked us out, out
Just kidding about kicking us out, out
No police shut us down, down
Po-po is a noun

We never stopped, when we got lost
Just took deep breaths and laughed it off
Road trips are the best,
though directions are a test
Best friends on the road,
No rules, no codes, no
oh ooh oh ooh oh oh
oh ooh oh ooh oh oh

Friday, June 18, 2010

Roadtrip: Time has no control

Out on the open road.No clock can tell us what to do.
We don't need to be anywhere at any time.
Singing as loud as we could "Love Today" by Mika we headed off.
Destination: Spokane.
Cactus secured behind the seat,
"Spokane or Bust" written on the window,
Tom's flag waving from the antenna,
and muddy buddies in our laps.
First turn off = Ritzville exit numero uno.
The one that goes to nowhere haha
We park at a small bike shop, check out the overpriced bikes, then meander over to a grocery store to use the facilities.
The lady had to call an employee to be our escort to the bathroom which was way in the back with a sign on it saying "For employee use only. No Customers." That didn't stop Jessi, lol.
After using the illegal bathroom, we went back to the truck and ate some lunch in the back.
Somewhat odd, but fun :)
Back on our way, this time with me driving!
There's something awesome about driving a truck.
I can't pinpoint it down, but it's a good feeling.
We made it to Spokane and surprised Jesse on his doorstep.
We did some garage saling, and came out of it with 2 bags each. Only $1 apiece!
After our screaming deals we went to a small park and walked the path.
Then Jesse drove us around town for a big ol tour of Spokane.
We had huge mugs of Chai that were utterly delicious.
Then we walked around the park and slid down the Red Wagon Slide.
Quality time with Jesse, and then we headed off to make our Macn'Cheese.
We brought a camping stove so we started that bad boy up and boiled our noodles to perfection.
Added our butter, cheese powder, and milk, and wha-la. Dinner in the back of a Toyota Tacoma.
More muddy buddies for desert, and then we set Gretchen to direct us to the Schlects.
Two bathroom stops along the way, and we finally make it.
The Schlects welcomed us with open arms, and we felt like we were just a part of the family :)
Tyson and Sami went with me and Jess to go play some tennis,
and as soon as we got back we hit the bed.
Exhausted,
but suuuuuuch a fun day :)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Prep



Today was all about getting ready for tomorrow.
Picking out outfits, packing food, making cds, printing out directions, learning how to use a portable stove, etc.
Best part had to be making Muddy Buddies.
Jessi and I make 'em like pros...
...in a soup pot haha.
I got my dad addicted. He tried one and was like,"Where did you learn how to make this?!"
I simply responded with,"The Chex Mix Box."
Gotta love daddy-o :)
Tomorrow we can do whatever we want.
We can stop when we want to, go when we want to.
I'm excited for freedom; I know we're gonna have a blast, and make a lot of memories.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Goodbye Brick...


...Hello Jarvis.
Same phone plan [no texting], new look.
And I like it :)
No longer will I be able to drop my phone on the ground for indestructibility demonstrations.
No longer will I be able to pull out the antenna in hopes of getting a stronger signal.
No longer will I have to squint at the1x1cm screen.
No longer will I have to hit the 2 button 3 times to get a C.
No longer can I wear whatever color I want, now I will always have to match with red ;)
Today was solid.
I feel like I did pretty well on my math placement test.
The girl in front of me was wearing this lifeguarding shirt that had red paint splats on it that looked like blood.
Very distracting, and for some reason I'm doubting her life saving skills.
When we started the test, our moderator kept eye contact with me the whole time she was explaining how we could go to the bathroom, but couldn't make up lost time.
She knew haha. My face must have screamed "small bladder" lol
Matt and I went to go see Ironman 2 with our free Fairchild tickets.
I thought it was pretty dang good. We snuck poprocks in and ticked off the lady next to us.
It was funny :)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

{Blessings}

As I was walking to work today, I prayed that it would be a good work day.
Just asked God for a good attitude, patience, and most of all energy.
When I walk into the break room, Kelsey (manager) is already there. Just the person I needed to talk to.
I told her how busy I am this summer, and how I understand if she wants to hire someone else to take my spot, and put me on school leave early and whatnot.
She's immediately says,"No, no, no I can work you when you're home."
Prayer answered.
I need extra money for gas and trips this summer, and I wasn't sure how'd I'd make it without a job.
Blessing #1: Working at Albertsons. They respect me, look out for me, and pay me :)
Blessing #2: Jennae gave me back my glass beads.
Blessing #3: I have an amazing family. I love them more than they know. You know life is good when you would rather stay home to hang out with them instead of friends :)
Blessing #4: I have a free Fairchild ticket. Ironman 2 tomorrow. Kaboom.
Blessing #5: I have the most amazing best friend. We're planning a road trip, and I am getting unbelievably excited :)
Blessing #6: I can recognize when God blesses me.
Blessing #7: I am actually somewhat decent at math, but I still need to study for my placement test tomorrow. Wish me luck...

Monday, June 14, 2010

Let them wash your car, and they'll be your friend...



Today was a Polvi day.
Top Gear, Dollar Store, Car wash,  Home-made Pizza, Youtube vids, Sunset pics,  Blockbuster, Albys, Movie, and back home.
We took baby Dan to the dollar store. We quized him on how much everything cost, and he confidently responded $1 each time haha
We got back and decided the cars were in dire need of a wash.
Matt cares about his car too much to let the young ones touch it, but I let the three small ones do the dirty work and wash my car.
They did an excellent job too; they are just so darling.
We're becoming friends, they don't run away from me anymore :)
His mama made us some home-made pizza and it was delicious.
Just an overall great family I've decided.
I had my first Red Bull tonight. It was quite necessary because we didn't want to fall asleep during Up. Gosh it was such a good movie. We laughed so hard, and I'm not sure if it was because of our sugar high or because it was so late. Actually, it's because it was a genuinely funny movie. Yes, that's it.
My wings are coming off, so I'll take that as a sign to go to bed.
Another quality day of summer.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Meet the new Cam

Ain't she purty?
Jess snagged her at an Estate Sale.
We're not sure if it works, but as soon as we get our hands on some film, we'll find out.
Today was just a wonderful summer Jessi day haha.
From 8am to 12pm.
Church, car wash, tanning, thank-you notes, Sam's grad party, Discipleship dinner, sittin on the roof at the Renards, and sittin around a fire at the Wards.
Eventful day :)