word up

yoooooooo!

we are in tokyo. staying in asakusa tonight, then a bullet train on to osaka for the last night. this place is so crazy and chaotic! last night we sang karaoke with a few kids and, yes, wes's boss and his wife! you sit in this tiny room around a table, pass out tambourines and sing away. we will just say that wes was the crowd pleaser. he sang a bob dylan song and the girls kept saying, "he is just like bob dylan"

watch it girls!

what is with wes and the japanese ladies?

Mkcrazy

IMG_6083[1]
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

The title says it all. This is my niece. cute? yes. Don't be fooled, one 30 minute session of babysitting will put you in nap mode for half a day. She is fun, but has the attention span of a donut, after all she is only 15 months. Her latest word, unbuckle pronounced "unbucka." Crazy smart and just plain crazy.

Gettin Away

02platform
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Finally Shea and I get to truly celebrat her B-day away from Central Michigan Area. We are outtie and on our way to Traverse City this weekend. I am looking forward to it. Shea got a good amount of dinero for her birthday last week. I plan on letting her shop between 12:00 and 3:00 as a certain ball game will be playing. Have fun in Japan Wes and sarah. Way to go with the platinum membership Bill. I'm probably around a brown belt right now with my frequents. Love you all and hope to see you soon. Miss you californians like crazy. Love ya C-Unit.

In classic bandwagon fashion, go Sparty

Los Lampi's de Mt.P

Its all Good

えっ？秀吉の座った石が熊本に？秋めいて城下町探訪えっ？秀吉の座った石が熊本に？

Newsflash: Sarah and I will be out of the country (maybe) tomorrow till Monday. We are taking a trip with the boss. Despite all warnings from the experienced jet-lagger, it looks like we may end up in Japan (Tokyo or Osaka) if not then Paris or Zurich. We'll try to do an international blog and let you know where we ended up. Cue Rockappela "Where in the world are Wes and Sarah"

えっ？秀吉の座った石が熊本に？秋めいて城下町探訪えっ？秀吉の座った石が熊本に？

Andrew en el techo

Andrew en el techo,
originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

I recently began looking through all of my pictures from Cuba again. This one stuck out to me for some reason. It's not even that beautiful of a picture (compared to other places and times in Cuba) but I spent much of my time here, on my roof, in Centro Habana, in Cuba. I've been thinking about Cuba a lot lately and I'm not sure why. I think I'm feeling antsy to travel to another place and Cuba is quite a romantic memory. Maybe I'll post some other photos. I have some great shots!

Lost and found

I lost my cell phone over the week-end on the train, but I got a new one today.
My number's the same (213.923.0539), but I lost everybody else's number.
Please post your number as a comment.
Andy

Platinum Update - Bringing Comfort

For those of you who are concerned about my Platinum status with Northwest Airlines, the intent of this blog is to bring you some comfort. The red font milage below is the record of how far I am away from Platinum for 2006. I only need 75,000 miles to reach Platinum for 2006. My recent trip to Brussels netted me 31,000 miles towards a frequest flier ticket. Of those miles, 8800 are used for Platinum status. My return trip will net another 8800 miles which will put me over the 75,000 mile mark. So you Platinum worriors, sleep better tonite.

170,973	Total Banked Miles
0	Current Locked Miles
170,973	Current Available Miles
68,166	2005 Elite Qualifying Miles
62	2005 Elite Qualifying Segments
3,139,473	Total Mileage Since Enrollment

grow back like a starfish

antony3,
originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

I was lucky enough to see two free concerts this week (I have uncanny ability to get into shows free), the first being Interpol and the second being Antony & the Johnsons. I must say, last night was one of the most amazing concerts I've ever been to. The line was out the door for tickets but Patrick and I both managed to find a ticket from two very kind people. The theatre was amazing and Antony filled the place with such beautiful music and presence. I thought I'd share that with ya'll and I'll try to link a song here but I might need help from webmaster Wes. Enjoy, and have a great week-end everybody. Give me a call or stop by if you're on the west coast.
Grace and peace.
Here's the link: http://s29.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=206I2U8EUG3EE3NZ3ABIN5I0SM

"I love and miss my aunties Sarah and Shea. I hope you have/had a special day today.....cause you're so special to me. Tell unkie Steve and Wes to get off their butts and serve you! (but don't bother them during the football game Saturday, j/k -.)" Lots of luv from EL. See you soon. P.S. Little Doogie Howser can spell already at 16 months??? Ay caramba! Say no to crack.

22

22 and lovin it - happy birthday to mi chica bonita - you make my soul smile-

(that was deep) Love Wes

I gave a detention to who????

Today at school, 3rd period I couldn't help but laugh as I was writing out a detention for none other than Jesus. I realized at that moment that for once in history Jesus was getting a detention...ha

soaking wet

at work,
originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

woke up this morning to the thunder and the rain. I thought riding to work would be a great idea for some reason. And now I'm sitting at my desk, soaked and cold, drinking hot coffee and eating a warm tamale. I thought I'd be the first to take action on Wesley's blog assignments. Will this be a weekly assignment list Wes? I think we're all waiting in suspense for the update on Kenny. Ben? And we're all a bit shaken by the recent news of Matt's car crash. I feel a bit burdened by this and Jacob reminded me of that maybe I should have intervened, way back in the day when KFC was playing it's last sold old show (at Careaway St.) There was always somewhat of a divide between Johnathan Ghram and I and Matt and Sean. I think it's time for a reunion show. Once all this clears up.
Well, look at me, so busy at work! ha ha.
I guess this won't be the year of the Lions. But I must say that sitting in a living room with Jacob and Ben on Saturday afternoon turned me into somewhat of a Spartans fan. Be careful jumping off the bandwagon, don't twist an ankle. OK, I gotta get back to work. Joel is IM'ing me now, and I have a million things to do...soaking wet.

Matt Silver

For those of you who know the Silver's, their son Matt was in a terrible car accident early Saturday morning. Jill has gone to West Palm Beach Hospital to be with him. He has a closed head injury and a smashed knee. It is too early to tell how serious the closed head injury is. He is currently heavily sedated. This blog goes out as a prayer request to have Matt, David, Jill and Luke in your prayers. We will update this blog as we learn things about Matt.

Picture of the beautiful Lisa Hannigan

Lisa Hannigan - backup vocalist for Damien Rice

This time you really must listen. . .

This morning I heard an interview on NPR with author, Holocaust survivor, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel that was absolutely, incredibly amazing. To refresh your memories, he wrote a memoir of his Houlocaust experience called "Night" that was published in 1963 (and is a must-read). I listened to it twice, it was so moving.

With quotes from Wiesel such as, "Never be complacent in the eyes of injustice," how can you not listen?

Click on the link, scroll down to where is says "Elie Wiesel" and on the right-hand side you can download the interview. If you do not want to listen to the beginning of the interview about his newly published novel, I recommend beginning at around 19 or 20 minutes in.

I'm interested to hear if any of you listened, as well as what you thought.


(and that's my emotionally-charged moment for today).

Our little triplex in Glendora

This is an areal pic of our little casa in Gtown. It works for now...

The Harvest is Plentiful

FORT WAYNE NEWS
A couple decapitated sunflowers from our yard.
Sarah is hard at work with classes and work. She was chosen to represent her department at the library to assist with logistics issues with the new building project. She was the logical choice.
Check out our new digs here.

Myself...busy chatting with Joel at work and doing some good for the environment. The worship album is on its way. A South African fellow from the band Tree 63 is coming down this weekend to record drums. After that it should start going quickly. Sarah and I are going to be shmoozing with my boss and his wife (Dave Lemkuel has come full circle to me) in France or wherever there are seats to fly in a couple weekends. Should be swell. I got the new Sigur Ros Album today, it blew me away! Download this TRACK for a foretaste of glory divine.
Here are my requests for the blog if you are up for it:
Ben&Becky - Pictures of the new casa, an update on Kenny
Jake and Ab - A snapshot of an abigail original, a Jake Top Ten
Andrew - Some snaps of you at work...a book recommendation
Jeff&Steph - A piece of writing, the latest family photo
Steve&Shae - A glimpse into the new album (use yousendit.com)
Mom&Dad - Proof that Dad is still hitting the trails, and mom is still sinking par putts
Norm&Deb - A movie review from Debbie, a histroy lesson based on 1776 from Norm
Joel - A picture of Lindsey Winchester

That's All. wgsg

You Can't Spell "Lloyd" Without 2 L's

Lloyd Carr
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.

After watching today's UM-Notre Dame game I must say that it's a bit eerie at how predictable the Wolverine football program is year in and year out. Today was the standard early season (pre-Big 10) loss to an opponent ranked below them that they should beat. This is only a prelude to the 9-2 or 8-3 season that we will once again endure with a Jan. trip to Orlando to play in the Citrus Bowl. No, I'm not off this bandwagon (ala Pistons 2001-2003), but I am once again left to spend a late Saturday afternoon frustrated at the predictability of it all. I sat in Ben and Becky's living room for the first half and watched a team about as inspired as Eric Franklin's performance in the skit where he played Jesus on the cross and his only line was "ME?" Lloyd Carr and Jim Hermann got completely out coached and how can you not motivate your guys to play in this rivalry in front of 111,000+. Andrew and I moved to our place for the second half and were treated to a sophomore QB finally looking like it, and more out coaching. Alas, my frustration is somewhat alleviated by the mere predictability of it all and I can move on. I know some who read this blog care not a bit about any of this, but for those with an opinion, I'd be interested in hearing it. Mom, we were also curious at what point in the game did dad go out and mow the lawn after cashing it all in? Any bets on Oct 1st in E.Lansing?

Here are a few pictures of our recent weekend in Mexico. The orphanage you can see at the end of the road. The kids are all from the Ensenada orphanage.
P.S. Attention Jeff and Steve- Lucero is getting irate that you have not come back to visit...
Ben and Becky

Kenny Sighting

Kenny Was in the house this past weekend at CDL. We went down there to celebrate a Quinceanera for Alejandra, Caty and Sandi.

Ben

Funny story at Pinckney Community Schools Opening Day

Ahhhh...what a beautiful day it was. The smell of the grassy meadows preparing for fall, the leaves morphing into their ornate colours, the sound of chatter and chums coming back from a glorious summer. Opening Day! As Brad Brus and I sat amongst hundreds of our colleagues in the high school auditorium on the edge of our seats (slight hyperbole) listening to the "Ra Ra let's go get 'em speech" and my breakfast voraciously pleading for el bano, the time came for the annual prize giveaways! Gift Certificates, Teacher Resources...and an IPOD Shuffle. The asst. superintendant calles offthe row. "Brad, if you win the IPOD, you know you're going to give it to me, " I so demanded. "Fat chance, jefe, " stated the school social worker (who already has one). A voice says, "row Q." Ok that happens to be our row. "Seat 114". Brad is 113, I'm 114! And now you know the rest of the story. I'm still trying to figure out the thing, it's pretty cool. I'm also trying to figure out how a guy with "selfish motives" wins the prize???? Must of been the Jabez shout-out back in 1985 (slight hyperbole) after Wes scored the first Ipod.

Good Luck and blessings on the school year teachers and students. Look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.

Tuesday morning music

Parental Advisory Warning - Explicit lyrics

Wes wants me to apologize to the blog for the language on the following track.

I apologize to the blog but do not apologize for the expression of the many oppressed Cubans (who, as a result of a dictatorial society that does not acknowledge the poor; leaving them in a desperate state in which they are forced to make a living anyway they can- be it selling drugs on the street) who out of hurt and pain choose to express themselves in colorful and shocking language that only slightly conveys the amount of inner turmoil the society as a whole must feel everyday in contrast to the capitalist american society that goes on living their posh lives totally ignorant of the social injustices that run rampant like wildfire over the majority of the globe called earth.

(I really don't know what I'm talking about. It's actually Paul Simon singing. Someones angry but I don't know who or why? I just like the song)

Enjoy your:
Tuesday morning music
listen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY A MI MAMA

happy Birthday to our favorite nusre, golf ace, sunday school teacher, youth pastor, baseball coach, fan, wisdom dispenser, no-bake cookie maker, Bernie annointer (and fish recipe giver), listener, encourager, good advice giver, and mom. We love you very much and are excited to spend your day with you, don't hold back, do something crazy its yo birfday!!

Wes and Sarah

Aunt Lena acrostic

Aunt Lena I love you,
You are my favorite Aunt, no joke

A-+ or Amicable (couldn't decide)
U-nwavering in her faith
N-o aunt like her
T-rustworthy

L-oving
E-xcellent
N-ot ashamed of the gosel
A-rising golf star or Acrostic genius

Sorry,
I'm still working out the kinks of my acrostic skills.

Happy Birthday to my favorite aunt in the whole world!!

Have a great Labor day
Uncle Bill your next!

Joel

Kenny Drake

There will be a Kenny Drake encounter this weekend, Becky and Ben will be traveling to Mexico to visit Colina this weekend, and the rumor swirling around our frequent emails (my new bff Jim and I) that Kenny, his wife and inlaws will be present. Wish us luck, any messages you want us to relay? I will be sure to get him in some pictures and blog them. Ok, peace
Ben

fahgettaboutit...

...I've always hated cheesy cliches like that
Greeetings everybody. I just wanted to send a quick shout out and update. I'm in New York City at the moment, riding my bicycle around with my homeboy Jay Ritchey. It's really great to be here and out of LA. The weird thing about LA is that it's a wonderful place to be, but it's also a wonderful place to be out of.

I ran into Dave Devaney, Steve Livingston, and Tony Cornell today. When asked what they were doing in the city Steve replied, "We got cast as Roman guards in an upcoming off Broadway show." Weird.
OK, I'm out.

Pele of my school??

Ok, so i need all of your opinion...so i walk into school today to check out my room...i am contacted by our athletic director and assistant principal for an immediate meeting. So i show up, they have big smiles on their faces, and they offer me the Varsity Soccer Coach position...this is with my U-14 experience..they want me to be in charge of the whole soccer program..hmm.

Do I take it?

Do I keep my JV legacy going?

I don't know...what do you think?