Trying March 11, 2008

Walking 7 minutes to the symphony from your back door is quite surreal. Running to the symphony that starts in 3 minutes from your back door is a bit less surreal, but still pretty rad. I made it in time, but I was running behind because I had to catch the beginning of college choir practice that lasts from 7-10:00 Tuesday nights. I made it to choir on time, but that was simply because I was two doors away in my pre-symphony class. I was late for that class which starts at 5:30 the night of a show. I got held up at work with a bunch of loose ends to tie up, along with a little bit of slowing on the 101. I’ve still got loose ends at work, but nothing that can’t wait another day. Yet, my boss has to wait every Tuesday and Thursday for me to arrive around 1:00pm, after my morning classes, in order for shipments to be processed for the FedEx pickup. He’s not pulling his hair out, but we’d ship a bunch more if I worked those mornings. And those mornings fly by with general rehearsal at 8:00am, Musicianship at 9:30, and Music Theory at 11:10. If I could afford it, I would go to school from dawn to dusk 6 days a week. But, I’m fine with working all day Monday with Math at 5:15pm. Tuesday: school, work, choir. Wednesday: work, Math, practice with Chris, and maybe go and play an Open-Mic. Thursday: same as Tuesday, but with church choir instead. Friday: work, just work because I want to give my lovely wife a night too. I invited her to join me in the symphony class, but that’s not her thing (I was bummed, but it’s cool). By the way, it was the State Symphony of Mexico tonight. After their third encore, I thought, “How I would love to play like that all night!” Weekends are reserved for homework, aid work (I’m an online aid to my Theory Professor for a music appreciation class), yard work, car work, working out, going out with Amy, choir at one church Sunday morning and worship band at another Sunday night.

Sometimes I think I’m not doing enough. Other times, I think, “Enough! I can’t do it anymore!” It’s in those latter times that I try to draw on strength greater than my own. I try. At least now some of you know why I haven’t replied to your emails yet, or written Christmas “thank you” cards (REALLY slaking that line). I’m trying.

Some of you might see this as a letter of complaining, but I don’t mean it to be. I simply wanted to share what my days are like because maybe some of you can relate, or shake your head and think I’m crazy, or offer suggestions to help me improve my whatever, heh heh. Now, it’s time to go to bed. Good night, God bless, and tomorrow is another chance to do your best.

Amy for President! January 24, 2008

Hi everyone, Russ here. It’s been far too long since our last post, and, I’ve got so much to say, my brain feels like a maxxed-out hard disk. It’s at this point that it will take me at least five minutes to decide where to begin…so, instead, I’m just going to write the first thing that comes to mind.

Make your vote count! Amy Fletcher for President in 2012! OK, maybe that’s too close a date to make a run for the Oval office, but Amy has taken a huge turn in her interest of US politics. We both used to be very jaded and cynical towards politics and politicians; neither of us thought our voting made much of a difference, especially since those elected kept failing us with corrupt agendas and unbalanced policies. Not so anymore. We’re both looking into the proposals and candidates in greater depth. Amy, especially, is finding out as much as she can regarding the Presidential candidates. And when she decided to register with the Democratic Party in order to have an affect on which candidate was selected for the Dem nomination, I decided to register Republican for the same reason. Yet, like so many Americans, neither party accurately reflects our beliefs on each issue. Sometimes we side with Democrats, sometimes we’re Independent. Ultimately, what both of us hope for is political transparency on the part of our government. The effort to learn as much as possible about candidates and policies is worth it. We owe that much, at least, for those that suffered much to help us get where we are now.

On a lighter note, both of us, with much help from God and friends, are trying to stay positive amidst the heaviest work loads we’ve ever carried. Amy is working very hard at WEV, juggling the roles of about three people. Plus, she’s nearing completion of her first grant-writing endeavor for a local lady who operates a dance institute for disassociated youth. She’ll soon begin helping with grant work at WEV as well. I’m very proud of her, but it’s hard to see how deeply affected she is with so much to do. I think I know now how she feels when she finds me studying at 1:00 in the morning. Sometimes taking on so much brings out the worst in us, but I’m glad we have each other and glad that we have Christ-given grace to love one another with when the other is being a brat.

Amy is also gradually working her way back into the equine world.  A few months ago when she told me she wanted to do this, I said, “Eek Wine stuff?  Where will we get the money to buy a vineyard?”  Kidding aside, this has been a huge part missing from her life since she left for college.  And, even though it can get pretty expensive (just caring for a horse can run you hundreds of dollars a month, props to Wild Horse Hope!), meeting this need in her life reaches a deep, meaningful part of her spirit.

, .

As many of you know, she dabbled in vet care when we first moved here, and I think, if certain aspects of her post-high school life had been different, Amy would probably be a Veterinarian.  It brings me much joy to see her care for and interact with horses, dogs, unruly man-wolves, and spiders.  That’s another thing – we’ve started a local non-profit spider sanctuary in our apartment.  It’s been slow-starting, but we think it’ll pick up soon.

Wow, this is a big post.  I’ll be quick with my stuff.  School starts next Monday.  This semester: Intermediate Algebra (got some catching up to do), continuing Beginning Theory, Ear Training/Sight Singing (love this!), and College Choir to build my singing chops.  I love the word chops – love to say the phrase, “Lickin’ her chops,” to Amy when Jane is doing just that after eating.  That noise drives Amy nuts, and it always makes me smile.  Work at DRI is good/busy/a blessing/spirit challenging.  I’m heading up picking/packing/logistics for our domestic program.  And, even though I want to be doing something different than packing and shipping stuff, I’m so very blessed to be there, and we’re helping a lot of people.  I’m still working on music now and then, as well as taking an interest in photography.  Here are some I really enjoyed taking - Sunrise on Clear Lake (Christmas 2007):

1.  2.

3. (see the full-size Floto versions here)

By the way, I started writing this post four days ago, and I’m just now finishing it up at 4:30am Thursday Jan 24, 2008.  My Dad turns 59 in two days – much love to you Dad!

I’d like to say we’ll be more consistent with posting, but that would be a lie. I have no idea when Amy or I will take the time to write again. But, I’m always thinking about it. There’s always so much to tell, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed with deciding what to share. Oh well, know you’re in our thoughts and prayers, and much love to you and yours.  Cheers!

Kitchen, baby! (Part II) November 23, 2007

Since the original “Kitchen, baby” post almost a year ago (unbelievable that it’s been that long), we have moved into a lovely new apartment just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. In addition to the increased square footage (we’re up to about 500 now!), we have a sunny patio, as well as a large back yard with abundant fruit-bearing trees including persimmon, avocado, orange, apple, and lemon. We are still only minutes from the ocean something that the three of us cannot get enough of. And I am loving this…

Jane is loving this…

and Russ is loving this…

Cheers!