Starbucks, football and pinch hitting preachers...

Well, we had an eventful weekend.

I had a discussion with the manager of the store I've been at out here last Friday, and apparently, the district manager wants me to be at the Garden of the gods store. Much busier, and much more like my old store back in Woodridge. I am happy about this decision. I really haven't fit in at the downtown store, it's pretty far from our apartment, and the parking is atrocious. I've had to park about 5 blocks away just to get a space that was free. So I had my first day at the G.O.G. store today, and I loved it. They're a drive through, which is new to me, but otherwise, very welcoming, and very friendly. I still have to work at the downtown store a bit this and next week, but I'll be full time at the Garden of the gods store after that.

We went to a pretty neat church on Sunday. The first in our search for a new place of worship... and a good one. We looked in the newspaper to see what was around, and found a Vineyard church. Vineyard is a group of non-denominational churches that I am familiar with to a certain degree. I've been to ones in Columbus, OH, Ft. Wayne, IN, and Chicago... and they were all good. This one we visited was no exception. It is small, and still meets in an elementary school gymnasium, but hopes to have it's own building soon. The people couldn't have been more welcoming if they tried, and we really enjoyed the message. It was perfect for the situation we've been in, and it really spoke to us. The pastor is a kindhearted man, not too much older than us, and the only downside was the worship service which was truly aweful. But, as it says in the Bible, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

At the end of the service, they announced that they were going to have a church softball game afterwards, and that visitors were welcome. Sarah and I decided to go home for lunch, but come back for the game. Now, those of you that know me, know my undying hatred of the game of softball (That abomination of baseball)... so you will understand how much we were needing a bit of fellowship with kind people that believe similarly. The game was MUCH more enjoyable than I thought possible, and afterward, we played a game of TACKLE FOOTBALL!!! I love football! I was huffing and puffing, due to the altitude sickness that I'm fending off with the tanacity of Jesse Jackson fighting off reality. I played safety, which is totally my position. I love to intercept, and I really enjoy tackling. People really don't expect me to hit as hard as I do, which really turns into an advantage in a nice competitive game. And despite the fact that I consistantly tackle them, and force lost yards, and strip the ball (Nice clean church game) they still don't get it, and run right at me, like I'm going to bounce off them. Silly running back, kicks are for trids.
Anyway, enough with me being proud of myself, because I ache like a mother today. But at least I'm dying with a smile on my face. After the game we went and visited with one of the men from the church that we met that day. He's a scientist from Britain that's working with the military here in town. He has a really nice apartment on Norad mountain. (Which I still can't get used to seeing... the mountain that is... I mean, how "secret" is our secret base in the mountain with all the antenae sticking out of it?) Anyway, that was a nice, if not slightly weird visit, as he showed us all the cool, expensive stuff he has, and I couldn't help thinking about how we're working our butts off to pay next month's rent, you know? Anyway, that was that, and we went home and watched movies.

We ended up watching different movies, because I rented an ungodly amount of dvds from the library (FREE!!!) that would be incredibly boring to anyone but me. I have yet to attempt the full 5 hours of the German masterpiece Das Boot, but I did tackle (heh heh... tackle... I'm retarded...) the original movie Solaris, which was a classic Soviet movie from the 70's. Sort of an answer to Kubrick's Space Odyssy 2001. It was really good acting. Alot of russian, which, by the way, is a really cool language. Very dramatic, and easy on the ears. It was long, and not a movie to be watched lightly. (You have to keep saying "I will not fast forward this movie... I will not fast forward this movie... I will not fast forward this movie..." to yourself at certain parts, but otherwise, totally worthwhile.)

I continue my money making schemes, and will keep you all posted on any developements. Please continue to pray for our financial situation, and for Sarah's job search.

We love and miss you all.
Jim