Another day.....

Well, İ think the fatigue finally hit me today. İ didn`t sleep much last night and alm ost missed breakfast this morning. On top of that, İ woke up witha bit of a sore throat and stuffy head. Hopefully the medicine will fix that tonight. Our first stop today was a pazar (bazzar) and it was really cool. The one awesome thing was that there was a guy there we had met the day before and he approached us. So cool. Then we walked around looking at all of the shops and strange things they had for sale. Danny happened to find a red UNC Tarheels hat at the market......just a bit random. We shopped around for a while and most of us got at least a little something from there. Then it was off to another fabulous lunch. İf İ ever moved here, İ would become very fat İ am sure. Then we walked back to our hotel which was probably a good hour walk away. We stopped in some shops and a couple of malls before we went to Danny`s haircut appointment. The experiences here have been strange buyt very cool. We sat down and were served çay as Danny got his haircut. Then came the style. İ don`t think you all could handle Mr. Franks wıth some spiked hair, but it happened. He looks good though. Then ıt was over to Kipa (Wal-Mart) and the food court for some rest before our movie. Pirates 3 was the selection tonight. The technology in the theaters here is astounding. You get to pick your seat when you buy your ticket, laser show in the lobby, and TVs in the bathroom stalls. Then the unexpected, an intermission halfway through. Strange. Also, unlike the Amerıcans, no one talks during the movie and it is very nice. After the movie, we ate dinner in the food court. Think baklava, if you have ever had it, with meat and onions. Good stuff. After dinner we went back to Kipa and grabbed a Magnum ıce cream bar. By far some of the best İ have ever had. Then it was back to the hotel around 10pm. After all of our walking, İ decided it was pool time. Thermal pool, regular pool, back to thermal pool. What a great feeling. After İ had some relaxation İ took a quick shower then came down to the computer. And here İ am.

The people here are so hospitable and friendly its a whole different world than we are used to. We gave out 2 more packages of cd, dvd, and B to 2 of our aquaintances here. We hope that we can continue to buııld friendships with them in the next 2 days. Our work may not always have visible and tangible results at the time, but İ thinkl we are having an impact on those here in the city. Well, it is time for Ny-Quil and sleep.

Bai Bai

JThomm

Allo

Apparently, that is the new way to say hello here. A lot of people use that instead of merhaba. Today was off to a slow start. We went down to the coastal area and walked around lookınf for people to talk to and could not find many. We had some çay (tea) and coffee and then walked a little more and had some french fries and su (water). Then we continued walking and sat down with an old married couple that knew no English. Communication was very hard with them but we got a lot out and shared some sunflower seeds with them. Very cute, very old couple. Then we had lunch @ a food court in the shopping area. Then we walked around shopping some more then went back to the hotel. A quick shower, then we were off to a 2 1/2 hour play. Not in English. Very strange.....then curtain call.....the song....İt`s raining men....hillarious. Then we saw a small fight in the lobby, then hotel time. Then food time. Food here.....amazing. All you can eat kebaps....holy cow (or lamb/cow). Then we had some amazing ice cream.....white chocolate with almonds and chocolate chips. Now İ am back in hotel and getting ready to go to bed. Hope you are all well. Talk to you later.

güle güle

Jon

Definately not America

Well, as most of you know, İ am not ın the US @ the moment. I am overseas ın Central Asia. We are doıng work for JC here, and our first day out, our Father spoke to us in many ways. My team felt way out of our comfort zone in a different town with lıttle or no language under our belts. We walked and spoke with Father and He opened our eyes and many doors. İn our first buildıng, a large group of teenagers actually approached us to talk. We spent 45 min with them talking and İ was forced to play some guitar. We could not speak about JC with the kids because it is unlawful to speak with those under 18 about relıgon. After we promised to come to their play tomorrow, we ate lunch. By far one of the best meals İ have ever had. After lunch, we continued walking to some shops. We passed a group of mean sıttıng outsıde a shop drinking tea and we said hello and kept walkiıng. One man called us back for tea so we went. Next 30-45 min was spent talking with them and just getting to know them. The people here are sooooo nice and do not hesitate to talk to you as you walk around. Definately not an American culture. A group of American teenagers would not approach 3 foreigners and spend then next 45 min trying to talk to them and try their language. İ think we should send Amerıcans here to get a real lesson in hospıtalıty and stop being so dang selfish. Well it is almost bedtime and İ have been walking all day so İ am beat. İ will try and keep this updated as much as possible.

Bai Bai

JThomm

Mind Control

So, are you ever like me and want to maybe turn your brain off? Not forever, but maybe turn it off every once in a while? My mind tends to wander and take paths of its own sometimes. I can take 4 pieces of information, 8 different scenarios, and 6 different time lines and I end up losing myself in a myriad of different ways things could happen.

I analyze things too much more often than not. I can take one fragment, map things out in my head, and create a resolution purely based on what my mind wants to happen. This happens with multiple fragments of information or tidbits of life, and I end up rolling around in my bed for hours at night trying to figure out what is going to happen. Maybe even with some influence, I can make the resolution turn out how others may want it to happen.

As I struggle with mind control (my mind), I am reminded of who has complete control over the entire universe, not just little ol' Jon's life. He has the power and the wisdom to make happen what He wants to happen. If it isn't in my plan, oh well. I should just let God have control of my mind, and my life's steering wheel. As those always insightful church signs say:

Let go and let God

Case of the Mondays

I try my best to have a good attitude towards work. Most of the time, I do. Today, I just plain didn't feel like going. I got in around 8:40, really didn't get much accomplished all day til about 4:30. I was just not in it today.

On my way home, I thought about my day and in comparison to most, I have it pretty easy. Compared to the life of Christ, my day was nothing. What if He didn't "feel like it" one day. What if He just said "I don't feel like dying on the cross for the world"? It was a quick jolt back into perspective. He knew what his purpose on this earth was, and He still did it. He still endured hardships and temptations, and even betrayal from His closest friends. I just didn't want to go to work and sit at my desk, in the A/C, with creature comforts galore, an hour lunch break, and the freedom to pretty much plan out my day. After I compare that to what Christ did for me on a daily basis and especially what He did for me on the cross, I am ashamed of how much of a crappy attitude I can sometimes carry around with me at work or wherever. I know it's not the best correlation between going to work and Christ dying on the cross, but I think it will help me stay in check when my attitude starts turning sour.

The rest of my evening was spent on mowing the front yard and getting some groceries and other necessities @ Super Wal-Mart in HIllsborough. Now, I think I might try to go to bed within the hour. I hope.

Buona Notte

Oh Saturdays, how do I love thee?? Let me count the ways. Got a good bit of sleep last night on the couch with the idiot box going. Woke up around 8:30-9:00 but then laid back down til around 10 or so. Then I got up and did a bit of laundry, took a shower and snagged a quick protein shake. Then it was off to the adventures of the day. Robert and I went apartment/townhouse looking. 2 places in the RTP area, same owner, exact same floor plans. I think we have decided on the cheaper one. Exact same plan and everything ad the other, just $20 cheaper. Anyways, after that it was on to the web-slinger part 3.

Can I say, WOW??? I was impressed by this film. I was concerned about the 3 villains, random facts from 1st and 2nd that needed to be resolved, etc. I feel that they did an excellent job with #3. I LOVED Venom. Amazing is the word I would describe it. Well I won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it so I will stop. Good flick though. A+

Then it was rush time over to Sipp's for the YP social. I was expecting 20-30 maybe. Line out the door when we pulled in the parking lot. Lots of new faces and plenty of familiar ones. Rhett and Link were stinkin' hilarious. I laughed quite a bit, which is easy for me, but they were hilarious. After a Green Bubble Tea and some talking with people, we were off to dinner. Pei Wei was the original idea, but they were closed so it was off to Unos. Pizza, who doesn't love it?? A nice meal with about 15 or so other friends. Stories were told, food was eaten, and friendships were made. I'm glad I am a part of this crazy group called the Summit YP's.

Just got in a bit ago, and I am ready for some sleep. Sadly, I did not finish drying my sheets, so it may be another couch night or just the bed, minus sheets. Who knows? Goodnight to all and I will see some, if not most, of you in the morning.


Who fills up there stretch Navigator limo @ the Kangaroo station @ the corner of Guess and Carver @ 12am??? Don't know who, but somebody did tonight.

And I'm back!

Well folks, I have been gone for a while. These last 2 weeks or so have been quite busy. All last week I didn't get home before 11PM except for last Monday I think. Busy is good, but a young man needs his rest. Tonight was about the same, but I did come home and get a bit of a nap before festivities. Then it was our favorite web-slinger parts 1 & 2. Good times, good times. Just got in and decided to blog a bit.

Work has probably been the most hectic part of my last few weeks. I'm not really complaining, I am happy I have a job and I have stuff to do. Just when you keep trying to fix something and you try and try and try and it never gets fixed, it's kinda frustrating. Well come to find out, it wasn't my fault, so I finally finished that project. And up next, another fun project. The things I am working on @ work, I have absolutely no formal training on, so it is a slow, learn as you go process. Things are working out in the end, it is just taking a bit longer to complete that I want. Anywho, as far as work goes, it looks like the Federal Trade Commission approved the acquisition so things are still moving forward. Seems like everyone is just waiting to see what happens. I seem to think that things are gonna be the same as they are already, save some HR, name, and policy changes. I'm still just waiting to see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

Life is pretty good right now. I am blessed to have a great group of people around me that I can call my friends. I have had people that said they were my friends, but never really showed it. This new group I have, really show that they are my friends. This weekend should be another good one. Last weekend was a blast throwing a surprise party for J. Powell. It was a good time. I really didn't think that last weekend was going to end. But alas, it did. This weekend holds no surprises for anyone, but it is Spider-Man 3 weekend! Also, us Summit YP's are hangin out @ Sipp's Coffee House tomorrow night with Rhett & Link. Really funny guys. Seriously.

Well I am running out of steam here. 2 AM. Ready for some rest. Maybe El Monte Carlo manana?? We shall see in the morning.

По-русски

Weekend

Have I mentioned I LOVE WEEKENDS!!!! Seriously, they are just fun. Point and case, this weekend. Friday, got off work a little early and headed home to prepare for that nights activities. Some of those crazy Summit YP's came over to la casa and hung out all night. And I mean, all night. DDR, GH, 42, Pump it Up, etc. etc. Most everyone was gone around 12:30AM or so with a few stragglers here and there. Got in bed around 2:30 or so. Sleeeeeeeppppp.

Saturday. I woke up @ 8 or so, but got out of bed around 10 or so. Did some laundry and watch some idiot box. Then I went and got my new phone. Nokia E62. It's awesome. I'm still trying to figure it all out, but its cool. Then I went to help Jessica with her silly car. Hopefully she can figure out what's wrong with it soon. Then it was back home and then off to Brier Creek for the movies. Hot Fuzz. Then the hilarity ensued. It was amazingly funny. I recommend it for those who have a "special" kind of humor. Then it was off to dinner @ Jason's Deli. Good food. Then home again for a while before more fun was to take place. Karaoke (empty-orchestra) College life was riddled with much of this crazy time. Now I was back in the seat again tonight. The place was kinda packed so we only got one song, but it was a good one. You've lost that Loving Feelin'. Always a favorite for karaoke. Then the ladies sang I love Rock n' Roll. Again, another karaoke fav. After those we departed to our respective homes for the night. Now I am here and barley awake to type. Church @ 8AM. Lets get a few hours of sleep in so we don't yawn in service.

Paz

Business as usual...

Yeah that's what they say when they tell you something of extreme change @ work right? Just go on about your business as usual and as soon as we know the changes, we will let you know. I wish it were that easy. My day to day things haven't changed, but in the back of my mind, things are moving. Just the thought of a big -wig, multinational, global CFO coming to our office on Wednesday made me go out and buy new pants so I could look nice when he came by. What kind of thinking is this? Not that I dress like a slob when I go to work, but its usually a casual thing with the possibility of shorts on a warm day. No no, I wouldn't want to look like that when Mr. Big Shot came in. Why do I do this??? Image is a big thing when you move to a more corporate environment, so I guess that's why I do it.

Moving on, what does this mean for me?? Am I going to be with the company when all the papers are signed and filed? Will I be put out on the street looking for a job once again after losing my other job less than 2 years ago? What do I do?? Well my mind has a problem with speculation sometimes. I have run through the scenario soo many times in the last 4 days I'm almost dizzy from it. And I think that I have finally come to a conclusion. God has the final say on any decision that goes on in my life. I trusted him after the hurt and heartache I had experienced from Nov 05 to Feb 06, why can't I trust Him now. Does he want me to leave this job and go be in the mission field? Does he want me to stay with the company and grow with them? Only He knows, so I'll leave it up to Him. He is The Ruler of this world and my Savior. I think I can trust Him with this.

On a lighter note........

Small group was tonight, and it was good. Had a few new faces show up and the group finally has more than 2 guys in it. I was starting to worry about the future of the male leadership. We split up for prayer, and I think it was a good move. I haven't heard the opinions of the girls, but I think it's a good move. Not all the time, but once in a while wouldn't hurt. Then we discussed our chapter of the night "Did Christ rise form the dead?" We had some really good discussions on the chapter and I was pleased on how things went.

I never had dinner so I filled up on 2 bowls of Bonnie's "Naner Puddin'" and was still hungry. A quick (not really) stop @ Wendy's and my hunger was satiated for the time being. Now its of to dreamland. Hopefully 1 Venti Caffe Vanilla Frappucino and 1 Tall Extra Bold Blend coffee from Starbucks won't keep me up all night. If it does, I might come back and post my random thoughts as I try to sleep.

O-yasumi nasai

2nd 0.5 of the weekend

Today was a good day. It took me a little extra to get out of bed due to soreness and my extra comfy bed. I eventually rolled out and hopped in the shower and got ready for church. Church is awesome. Plain and simple. I have been going to the Summit for a little over a year now. Since my first day there, I have known I wanted to be there. Worship is always an awesome time and JD's sermons seem to touch my life whenever I hear one. After church, me and my bro headed home in the lovely rain. This rain we have been having is a test of our work yesterday and as far as I know, it all works. My sister and her family came over for lunch and we had some BBQ and Bojangle's chicken. Nice southern meal. Played with the kids for a little while and then they were gone by 12:30. After that I headed downstairs and found my resting place. Me and the couch became good friends for about an hour and a half. Then came the most productive event of my day (prepare for sarcasm). I played my PS2 for like 4 hours. I know. I am a loser. I played Need for Speed Underground 2 for 4 hours. I got a lot of achievements done on the game, but it's still just a game. After pulling myself away, I proceeded to do another productive thing, TV. And now I am here. Maybe this is the more productive of the three, but I lack some motivation right now. I think I will eat and maybe some more TV then it's bedtime for me.

1st 0.5 of the weekend

Well. The weekend. I love weekends. They are relaxing and it's a good time to get together with friends and just hang out. Well this weekend started with some interesting news. Friday, we found out or company was being acquired by Philips Electronics. To me, I think it is going to be a great move for our company. I am still a little hesitant about things, but I know who has control over it all, so I'll let Him figure things out.

After work, Clifford and I decided to go grab some dinner over @ Chili's. Good food, good times (not sure if that is their slogan, but I'll use it). Dinner finished up and we had a few minutes before out movie started, so we took a leisurely stroll down to the movies instead of driving. And now the movie. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie for Theaters. All i can really say is Wow. It was good. I expected a little more laughter, but all in all it was just like a long episode (taken from Clifford) We got out of the movie and headed over to Caribou Coffee and grabbed a drink and proceeded to talk. For hours. Seriously like 3 solid hours of convo. It was good times.

After coffee and convo I trucked myself home (Actually Jeeped myself but it sounds kinda funny). Crawled in bed around 1 and hit the hay for a few hours. Got up around 6:30 to go clean out my car for the days activities. Loaded up my tools and headed down to Carrboro to pick up Mark and some Pergo. See today, we helped out freind Bonnie do some work on her house. It was some well needed work to get done, so I am glad we could help. French drains, sump pumps, fixed stairs, new flooring and all sorts of good stuff was on the task list. With the man power we had there (and woman power) we got everything on the list done. By 4Pm we were wrapping things up and I took Mark back down to his place in Carrboro. Then, I had to drive back to the ol' dirty D. On the way home, I received some info that my sister and her family were having our family over for some burgers and to hang out. Who can pass up free burgers???? Dare I say, no man or woman in their right mind. Took a shower. It was amazing. Not often do I feel so refreshed after a shower, but today, I did.

Grabbed my bro and we headed out to Casa de Posey in the RX-7 beauty. I get to drive cause my bro is still in process of getting his NCDL. Cruising down 85/70 to some Zeppelin is always fun. I had a great time with the family and kids and not to mention the great food. My plans for the evening were to go down to Volume 11 and watch a show with my buds band Outliar and another band, Up the Irons (Iron Maiden trib.). Well needless to say for the lack of sleep and the hours of work this morning, I was in no shape to go to downtown Raleigh and be out til midnight or after.

So I came home, cleaned up a bit, and wrote down this blog. Blogging is kinda fun. Its good to get things out of your head. Well I am off to the meds cabinet for some Tylenol PM and a bit of Hawaiian Punch and I'm out. Later. Yo estoy un poco cansado.

Welcome

Well folks, I have decided to jump into the world of blogging. Maybe I will keep up with this.....maybe I won't who knows. Hopefully I will because a lot of times I have a lot on my mind and need somewhere to get it out. I'll keep you posted.