Brats

So I'm now in Sheboygan, Wisconsin where just this weekend at the Brat Fest, thislittle lady broke the bratwurst eating record by pounding down 35 brats in 10 minutes. That's some quick eatin' by a lady who clocks in under 100 pounds. I'm assuming that after she was done eating she headed over to catch Night Ranger in all their 80's glory. I think their concert was down on the corner of Sentimental Street in the afternoon.

In 48 hours I'll be on a plane.

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Rambling

I'm back in Illinois right now, as I attended my denomination's annual convention and will be speaking at my home church on Sunday evening. It was good to see many people from many of the churches that have been supporting me over the last few years. It was good to hear how God is working around this country through those churches and individuals, as well as around the world through other missionaries our churches support. I still have to work on what I'm going to share tomorrow night though... good think I do well at impromptu speaking.

Tonight, I got to hang with my little brother and the Jeep club he is a part of. They did a cruise-in, where they basically drive around a town in a line up of their Jeeps. It was followed by standing around the vehicles enjoying ice cream and telling stories. Now I sit at an cafe with free internet wondering why none of my friends are online.

I can't believe that I return to Korea in four days. To be honest, I'm so ready to be on that plane. Ok, I just checked the airline's website, and I guess I'm not completely ready to be on that plane. They are showing "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" and "Beauty Shop." Why can't they show good films on international flights? Cause it sure isn't easy or recommended to walk out on a bad film at 35,000 feet.

I've got a really good story from the last couple days, but I don't want to share it right now... I think I'm going to let it simmer for a few days, until it is really good. Heck, it might be a better told than read story anyway.... But trust me, it is good. Might even be the best story of the summer.

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It's Official

I'm officially certified as an Open Water diver. And while I was excited on my drive back to the dive shop after our last dives today, I heard some humbling news on the radio. Dick Clark informed me and the rest of his listeners that the song, "Always Something There To Remind Me," by Naked Eyes was a hit twenty two years ago. TWENTY TWO YEARS!!! Dang I'm old. I can still remember listening to that song as my siblings and I were forced to pick strawberries in the fields of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Dang mom and her need to make pies.

I really enjoying the new Nick Hornby book. To be honest, I was a little let down by his "How To Be Good" book, but have enjoyed all his other works. But the subject matter and way the story is told is very unique. I'm very appreciative of a Swiss German speaking British Doctor for tipping me off to this author.

Speaking of the Swiss, I want to wish all a happy Swiss National Day to all. While in Europe this was one of my favorite holidays (up there with Faschnacht, Sylvester and April 24th). There is nothing like sitting on the Rhine river in Basel watching fireworks. So if anyone is reading this in the greater Basel area, celebrate the Swiss with a Feldschlosschen or Calanda for me.

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Move Over Scuba Steve

Well, I spent about an hour in the cool waters of Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake to never be under communist rule (as one reader pointed out). While we were switching tanks, my folks arrived to check on their boy, and take some photos.


That's all I got for today. Later to all.

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The Usual

Today when I entered Blimpie for my use of their free internet, the gal behind the counter asked if I wanted "The Usual." Once again I've made it, as I feel it is a great honor to be able to walk into a place and ask for the usual, and the people really know what you are talking about. Either that or they welcome you by name when you walk in. So far I've had about six to ten places like that. My favorite place still has to be the Isle of Innisfree in Germany. Bah and Jespersen if you are reading this, we need to meet there soon!! (Most anyone else is welcome too, but those were the ones who spent the most time with me there.)

I just overheard a very large and tattooed man use the words "sparkly and shiney" on his cell phone. Did I mention he also had a mullett and a denim shirt with the sleeves ripped off? Luckily, I'm smart enough not to laugh out loud.

Someone wondered how remote is the place I'm living in this summer. Well, to give you an idea, during the last thirty minutes of my drive home, I saw more animals than people in vehicles. I almost even pegged a porcupine with the pickup. And that was before I turned off onto the dirt road portion of the trip.

Someone else asked about the class I'm taking right now. Well, I've been learning to scuba dive at Diver Down in Marquette. Sure, it might not be as academic as some might have thought, but it has been fun. Although the last class about kicked my butt. We had to do laps in the pool and then tread water. I have passed the class portion of the test. Now I just have to complete the open water dives this weekend. They shouldn't be too hard, although they take place in Lake Superior, the largest and coldest fresh water lake in the world.

So anyone wanna be my dive buddy?

Currently reading:

No Man Is An Island

But many live on them... I'm off the island yet again for class. Luckily tonight is the last class. Although I still have to make three more trips to town later this week to take some tests to officially pass the class and be certified.

I'm was debating venturing out to see Starship featuring Mickey Thomas this weekend (not to be confused with Jefferson Starship, but I just found out that their show was canceled. I guess this area just wasn't ready to hear about cities built on rock and roll.

I really got nothing. Time for class.

Checkin' In

I've ventured into the big city of Marquette for yet another class and check of email. Not too much new to report. I did forget to mention that last Saturday night, my little brother and I set off a huge amount of fireworks to celebrate my older brother's wedding. Actually we just claimed that is why we were doing it, the real reason is that we are pyromaniacs. Several around the lake have stated that they were the best fireworks they have seen in a while. Luckily we saved a few back, so if you are wandering the north woods again this weekend, look to the skies to see some bling going bang.

Oh, and I finished the latest Harry Potter book. It took me about two days. In fact my ten year old niece and I bought it at the same time, and she hasn't made it halfway yet. Yeah, I can read faster than a ten year old, so I got that going for me.

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