Sam 'n Ella

One of the joys of apartment life that I get is the opportunity to walk to class with my roommates at least a couple of times a week. The other day I was walking with Jeremy Bryan Boitnott and, as always, stimulating conversation followed.

"So, the Colossal Squid is bigger than the Giant Squid?" I asked.

"Yes," Bryan said, "We used to think that the Giant Squid was the biggest, but we recently found the Colossal Squid species, which is much larger. It's eye is the size of your head."

"So are those deep sea fish?"

"Oh yes, very deep sea. That's why it's so hard to find them. We finally captured a live Giant Squid a couple of years ago."

"Cool! So, is it in a tank or something?"

"No, it died."

"Oh"

"But if we capture a Colossal Squid - that would be amazing."

"So, you plan on concentrating in Squid or something with your Marine Biology major."

"No, I will concentrate in Jellyfish," he said.

"Jellyfish?" I ask.

"Yep." he says.

What are you going to do with a concentration in Jellyfish?"

"Ummmm, Study them," he answered, "I just like Jellyfish."

And so there you have it. A little insight into my life...

Articles of Onions

I love my new apartment. THE LANDING!

I finally got everything packed into my new apartment and when I look at it now all I can think about is how sweet it is. And subsequently how many years into the future I'll be paying for it. UNCW gets a facelift every time I return from summer break and this year is no exception. Where once a mighty wood was, now my bricky apartment complex is. We even have little places of business built-in to our buildings. My building has a coffee shop (talk about struggling with temptation) and there is also a marketplace, post office, and fitness center. I was a little disappointed to learn of the absence of a spaceport and a nuclear processing facility, but apparently those were pulled due to "safety hazards" or some garbage like that.
My roommates are Jeff and Bryan. I have two Bryans in my phone so I have to remember he is the one with the y and not the ian. Jeff is my unofficial style consultant because he knows what is becoming and what isn't. Yesterday we baked cookies for our entire hall, decorated them horrifically, and delivered them (because we're old school). Some of my favorite designs were Brian's boat/dolphin, Jeff's jellyfish, and my state of Colorado.

Today is the day of the annual Beach Blast. This is UNCW's attempt at making the freshmen feel more at home and at making the upperclassmen happy with free pizza. Last year it was canceled and this year Tommy is threatening to drag me out there against my will to fraternize with Caswell folk. I'm not sure if I can handle a packed beach on a projected 99 degree day. That's like...hotter than my mouth. Who wants to hang out in that? Tomorrow classes start and I assume that my normal drone-like behavior will be restored as I learn to walk the same path to classes every day. I'm taking ten-TONS of English because I only need 2 more classes in film to graduate with that major. It's really cool that I'm still able to graduate in May but at the same time it's a little nerve-wracking to have so little room for mess-ups. Next year I don't know where I'll be. Perhaps I'll be standing on the deck of a Chinese freight ship, letting the wind whip my hair while watching the sun retreat on an infinite horizon.

Or maybe I'll work at the sketch zoo down the road and eat Doritos every day. Meh, who knows!?

At the Ready

So, a couple of days ago I was standing on top of a historic fortress firing potatoes from a PVC cannon toward the ocean when it hit me. In less than a week I'll be leaving Caswell. After last summer, I really didn't know if I'd ever come back to the grounds that have - over the past six summers - literally and spiritually become home to me. It was a strange feeling, and this year it's even stranger because I know the chances of a return stay are even less plausible. In 2002 I rededicated my life to Christ here on the biggest spiritual high that I've ever had. In 2003 I grew up, learning what it was like to live away from home as a 17 year old. In 2004 I grew the confidence I needed socially and the strength I needed spiritually before heading into College. In 2005 I made some of the closest friends I've ever had. In 2006 I felt, with intensity, that God has bigger plans for my life than to settle. This year, I don't know what I've gained yet - I just fear I'll be loosing something amazing. A place where God is able to move through the people that so openly love him - where things aren't perfect, but enough of them are. I've laughed here, cried here, felt like the king of the world and the bottom of the barrel. I've cleaned over 60,000 sets of dinnerware, plunged more toilets than I care to remember, run lights for big bands and small bands. I've watched amazing speakers, eaten dinner with famous musicians, and learned the disinfecting value of bleach water. More than anything - I have worshipped God. In solitude on grassy hill and in unison with 70-some voices lifted to the sky on top of Vespers Fort. In my one summer as a camper and five as a staffer, I've experienced God's amazing love firsthand. For the rest of my life, no matter where He leads me, I'll never forget the place where he built me up and prepared my heart for the hardship and happiness of life in humble service to Him. I take great comfort in knowing that God is everywhere and life goes on with His calling, but this place will always stand out. I may leave, but Caswell leaves with me.