Livin' the Flippin' Dream

My Valentine...

2007-02-14T00:10:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY LISA!!!!!!

Enjoy...

Love me

Reuben "insert middle name here" Kramer

2007-01-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I was talking to Kaela and the issue of me NOT having a middle name came up in the conversation. This is a conversation I have ALL the time with people because it is pretty uncommon for someone not to have a middle name.

Fed up, I told Kaela that she should think of a middle name for me so that I would have to worry anymore. Well, Kaela didn't really think of one for me, so I am now calling out to YOU. I would like to know what you think my middle name should be and what you think would sound the best.

And yes, there is a prize for your suggestion being picked. I will officially change my name to what you picked and I will be known by that FOR-E-VER (well, not really). Impress me!

I am INCOMPLETE without a middle name

Debatable Issue...

2006-11-29T23:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I figure it is about time I post something that is actually worth commenting on and I have the perfect subject for you. I want to know your opinion on a situation that everyone runs into sometime in their life (usaully more than once a year). Here is some background for you:

Today Corn and I received very nice and thoughtful Christmas cards from our good friend Laura Stenlund. My friends always bug me because I keep all of the cards that I recieve from people. I know it is a bit crazy for me to store them away, and that is not the issue. The issue is: "what do you do with the card after someone gives it to you?" This is what Corn and I did:

Reuben - put the card on my bookshelf to display until after Christmas because the thoughtfulness of Luara putting the time into buying and writing a card for me.

Corn - opened the crad, read it, and then preceded to rip it inot three peices and throw it into the garbage. If that is not an insult, I do not know what is.

I want to know, what do you do with a card after it is given to you?

Tube Socks Re-release

2006-11-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

Just for all you TUBE SOCKS fans, the feature film is now available on youtube. Just search "Tube Socks".

So... in the words of Kim Quigley: "We are gonna be famous!"

For my sister...

2006-11-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a quick second to congratulate my sister Alicia and her boyfriend Tyler on their recent engagement (monday). I love you guys!

Lunch Time Pondering...

2006-11-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Today in the cafeteria I got into some interesting conversations with a couple guys at school about things like predestination and salvation. Eli, one of the guys at the table, asked us a question that I found very interesting. He said:

"If God were to show up in your room tonight and he was to say ONE thing to you, what would you want it to be?"

My answer was this:

"I would want God to tell me that, even though I screw up, even though sometimes I suck at life and my walk with Him. I want Him to encourage me to keep going and to not give up even though at times it feels like I am failing. I want Him to tell me that I am doing a great job and that He is proud of me no matter what."

What would YOU want God to say to you?

My Tribute to Nasty Summit Soccer Faces...

2006-10-31T23:15:00.000-08:00

The "Under Water" Face

The "Ballon Filler"

The "I Hope I Don't Get Stepped On" Face

The "Ho-Down"

Last but not least...

The "Just Got Hit in the Crotch" Face

Kappa Kappa Pi

2006-10-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been a while since I last blogged (okay, a LONG while), but I promise that this nextblog will make up for the vacation I went on.

Not many of you know, but back in my first year at college Bryn Huzzey and Idecided (because we didn't know anyone) to start our own fraternity. Wedecided to call it Kappa Kappa Pi and that it would take the school by storm.Well, it did. Before we knew it, all the upperclassmen guys wanted to be in itand before we knew it, we had a serious fraternity. This included stickers forthe member’s doors, official applications, and interview process, and 3 KKP rules:

1. No mom jokes toother members.
2. No hitting the crotch of other members.
3. No sharing of the "secret handshake".

If the rules were broken by any member, the punishment was a swirly in thehandicap washroom of our dorm. Both Bryn (kicking me in the crotch) and Corn(sharing the handshake) broke these rules. Here is the result:
Corn and I were watching the legendary movie "Tube Socks" tonight andit reminded us of the fraternity. So, I pulled out the old folder ofapplications and I want to share some of the answers with you. I hope youenjoy!

1.Favorite movie and why?
- “I love Never Been Kissed. I could watch it over andover again with my little pink teddy bear who’s name is snuggles, a warm applecider, and cheese fondue.” – Geoff Heith

2.Favorite thing to do?
- “Soccer and going poo.” – Gavin Brisco
- “Drink beer.” – Terrence Wiebe
- “Scan my butt.” – Adam Hook

3.What are your pet peeves?
- “Speedos, potato salad, and running out of toilet paper”– Joel Reimer
- “When Dave leaves his ice tea crystals all over thecounter.” – Gavin Brisco
- “Skinny girls who take shotgun and make you squish inthe back.” – Brett Donald
- “Girls who fart.” – ClarkMoran
- “Don’t have any, besides people.” - Terrence Wiebe

4.If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
- "I would be a chimpanzee because they are social andrun around a lot. Also, Corn would like to be a monkey too, so we would have ablast!” - Joel Reimer
- “A Jesus lizard because they can walk on water.” - GavinBrisco
- “Lion because they can be lazy and people are stillscared of them.” – Bryce Edelman

5.If that animal had a super-power, what would it be and why?
- “I would poo steak, bananas, leafy green veggies, andthe like. With this power I would be a fully economic chimp that could surviveanywhere.” - Joel Reimer
- “Morphing powers, to morph into any bible character.” -Gavin Brisco
- “Farting.” - Terrence Wiebe
- “A panda with laser eyes.” - Adam Hook

6.Why do you want to join KKPi ?
- “I feel that being in a frat with Greek letters wouldincrease my cultural relevance… and I like pie.” - Joel Reimer- “Word on the street is that the weed here is awesome.”- Gavin Brisco

7.Any final comments?
- “I can kick myself in the head.” - Gavin Brisco
- “I have a hot body and I can make my man boobs dance.”- Joel Reimer
- “I would like to say that I’m really hot and if youlook into my eyes you’ll just sink into them forever… they’re my best feature.”– Geoff Heith

Update on el foote...

2006-08-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Yo. Well, things have changed with the ol' foot of mine. I found out last week that I not only partially tore 3 ligaments in my ankle, I also fractured my fibula (the small of the 2 leg bones). So, I have to wear an air cast now and I will be out until October now... goodbye beginning of the soccer season.

On a better note, Gavin and Rebekah got married this weekend and it was soooooooo much fun. A bunch of us guys went to Tofino for a few days (see above) and we had a blast. Here are some pics from the INCREDIBLE weekend:

Deja-vu...

2006-08-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if any of you remember, but almost EXACTLY 8 months ago I was playing soccer and I tore a ligament in my right ankle. Well, after 3 weeks on crutches, much physiotherapy, and a lot of sitting around and eating, my left ankle decided that IT wanted a turn.

Yup, that's right, I tore a ligament in my left ankle on saturday. I guess that is the price you pay for being a youth pastor... capture the flag took my out this time. Darn you capture the flag! Anywho, on saturday night our youth were play CTF and my ankle decided to give out from under me when I went to chase James. Right away I knew it was bad, so I quickly took off my shoe and sock, and this is what I saw:

Beautiful, isn't it? I took this picture when I got to the hospital. They took x-rays and all that jazz, but lucky for me there was no brake. I still have just as long of a recovery time, but this way I do not have to have a cast.

So, all my golf tee times have been cancel, I no longer need to rent a surf board for Gavin's stag, and I will now be the official wedding "tool" because I am gonna have to walk down the aisle in crutches. Luke said that I should just suck it up and push through the pain, but I don't want to take too much attention away from the bride.

Ah well, God's in control, this happened for a reason. Maybe I was gonna get eaten by a shark or something, who knows. As long as I get healthy in time for soccer season, I'm happy. peace.

It's been a while...

2006-07-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Corn left a comment on my last blog that I need to update everyone on how my life is going, so Corn, you're wish is my command:

- My internship has been going REALLY well. Andrew and I get a long so well and I am enjoying getting to know his family. His wife actually just had a baby on thursday. Isaiah is his name. I am also learning a lot about what it takes to come into a new church as the youth pastor and that is gonna REALLY help for my future in the ministry.

- I just got back from Nanoose Bay Teen Camp. It was probably my favorite teen camp of all time. I had such a great time with the team I coach, The Bears, and it was good to spend time with guys like Luke and Bryn. I was sooo beat up by the end of it, but it was worth it.

- Some of you may not know, but I have a new special lady in my life. Her name is Lisa J. Fry, and from what I have seen so far, you probably all know her somehow. She has more friends then flippin mickey mouse at disneyland. She came over and visited this weekend (she lives in Abbotsford) and we had an amazing time. Oh summer love...

- Other than that, things are getting back to normal. I only have a month left at the church and a week of that is at Gavin's wedding, so I am pumped.

- Let me know how you are doing, I would LOVE to hear from you. Have a GREAT day!

EISLEY'S NEW VIDEO - "MEMORIES"

Forgive me father, for I have sinned...

2006-06-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. It is something that I have been holding to myself for about the last month, but I feel that it is time to let everyone know. So, here I go...

I GOT A MOSQUITO BITE.

Yes, it is true, I was bit by a misquito. About a month ago I found a small bump on my arm and I was curious about where it may have came from because it was itchy. So, like any good son does, I ask my mom and she told me without hesitation... "It's a misquito bite". It was quite the humbling expirience for me, but I've now moved on.

For some this may seem like the stupidest thing you have ever heard (see this), but for others this makes total sense. I know this means that there is now proof that I have been bit by a misquito, but it doesn't mean that they like me. I laugh in all your faces because I can go into the bush camping and not have to worry one bit, while all you hosers have to put your "repelent" on. All I have to say is: Have a good summer!

Eat my Clog Luke Knight!

2006-06-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally decided to write an entry with some substance and it has been motivated by my good friend and arch rival, Luke Knight. As you read this entry, do not forget that this guy and his tiny brain are English. On my last entry Luke is quoted saying this:

The Dutch are resposible... for clogs... the stupidest idea ever to be thought up. In fact, the dutch wouldn't know a good idea if it painted itself purple and danced naked on the top of a harpsicord singing "Good ideas are hear again."

Alright Mr. Knight, let's see just how good of an idea the "Klompen" (as us Dutch people call them) were:

Defenition: A clog is a type of shoe or sandal made predominantly out of wood. -->

Fact A: Clogs were, and in some regions still are, widely worn by workers as protective clothing in factories, mines and farms.

Fact B: They have been officially labelled as safety shoes, passing European standards for the CE mark with flying colours. Wearing clogs is considered to be healthy for the feet.

Fact C: In England, clogs were traditionally made of alder and were commonly worn by all classes throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The Lancashire cotton mill workers habitually wore clogs because of the wet floors maintained in the cotton mills.

Fact D: Clogging or clog dancing arose in these mills as a result of the mill workers entertaining themselves by syncopating foot taps with the rythmic sounds made by the loom shuttles. Clog dancing became a widespread pastime during this period in England. During the nineteenth century, competitions were held and there were professional clog dancers who performed in the music halls.

Fact E: Troops of male clog dancers could be found all over the North of England up until the turn of the century. One of the most famous was J.W. Jackson's Eight Lancashire lads. A young Charlie Chaplain joined the troupe in 1896 and was paid one pound sterling per week plus his keep.

Fact F: Clog dancing was introduced to US, towards the nineteenth century, where upon it quickly transformed into tap dancing.

Conclusion: Clogs we not just a great idea, but those Englishman across the sea thought it was such a great idea that they decided to put down their fish and chips and use them for work. AND, it didn't stop there. They seemed to like them so much that they started to dance, an event that lead to some very important things. This includes the start of Charlie Chaplain's career and the VERY popular and widespead genre of dancing, tap.

So, my friends, as you can see, this so-called "stupidest idea ever" was actually something that Luke's forefathers LOVED and something that ultimately shaped our world.

I rest my case. Any comments?

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clogs and http://podiatry.curtin.edu.au/clog.html#eve

So much in a name...

2006-05-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been SUPER busy, so all I have time for is to tell you one HUGELY important thing: I named my car!!!! I was driving home with James and Ashley (youth from church) and they asked me what the name was. So I thought about it and I decided that it needed a good dutch women's name. This is because it just felt right AND my car treats me like a good dutch women would. So, here is the name (which is also my aunt's name):

GERTIE!

The Office...

2006-05-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

HIIIII!!!!!!!!!! So, I am going to be starting at Sidney Pentecostal Church this week as the youth intern and for the first time in my life I am going to have an office AND my own desk... that's right, my own desk. So, in light of the situation, I hope you enjoy this:

19 WAYS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LEVEL OF INSANITY

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.

3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "IN".

5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for smuggling diamonds".

7. Finish all your sentences with "in accordance with the prophecy".

8. Don't use any punctuation.

9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat - with a serious face.

11. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".

12. Sing along at the opera.

13. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day at work.

14. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood.

16. Have your coworkers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Bottom.

17. When the money comes out the ATM, scream "I won! I won!"

18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling, "run for your lives, they're loose!!"

19. Tell your children over dinner "due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

Chauntelle Dupree...

2006-04-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

So, on thursday Luke, Gwendolyn, Brian and I went to Vancouver to see a band called Eisley play. I first discovered Eisley when the opened for Coldplay in Vancouver in May 2003 and I have loved them ever since. I have been keeping an eye out to see if they would ever come out this way to play and when I did I bought the tickets right away. With that to say, Luke, Brian, and I have had this inside joke that I was going to somehow see Eisley and meet the guitar player (Chauntelle) because I would always say that she was gonna marry me if we ever met... well, I met her, but I decided that she wasn't the one. I had to let her down easy. But for all seriousness, it was just cool to meet her because it was like accomplishing a goal, a very small one compared to the ultimate goal; meeting Coldplay. So, if I can meet Chauntelle, I can meet Coldplay.

In other news, I got a pretty good response from my last entry, so I have a question for you:

"What kinds of names have you heard for cars, have had for your own car, or suggest for my new car?"

Faithful...

2006-04-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

... is God.

So, as I was saying a few blogs ago about my car search, well... it's over. I found a car; not just any car but almost the exact acr that I was looking for that meets all my needs. Let me tell you what I have learned from this expirience...

You know when hear that God is faithful and that He will come through for you when you trust him? The you are like, "um... I have been trying to let God take this situation, but nothing is happening". DON'T FORGET --> He will come through, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I kept praying and trusting God about finding the right car and there were many times of frustration and thoughts of why nothing is showing up and why all the cars I look at are sold. BUT, right when I least expected it, he placed the perfect car with the perfect price right onto my lap.

So, today's lesson is: ''Even when it seems like what you are asking God to do or take care of is not gonna happen, just keep trusting in Him because he is faithful". There has not been one time in my life that God has not taken care of something for me when I ask Him to. even though it might not seem like the right thing, it always is. HE IS FAITHFUL.

Now... the car: 1994 Honda Accord LX - 138,000 km, 5-Speed, 1 Owner, Mint.

For Serious...

2006-04-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

I've decided that it is due time that I write a serious blog, cause it doesn't happen much. So, here I go:

On the way home from our school softball team tryouts today we were talking about having to be patient at the plate while you are waiting for the pitch. It is hard sometimes to wait because the pitch is so slow. So, I said that waiting for the perfect time to swing is such a battle against yourself. then, Dustin Buhler (see profile pic) answered with these wise words: "That's just like life".

Dustin's words of wisdom summed up exactly what has been on my mind a lot lately. Life as follower of Jesus is, when it all comes down to it, a battle against ourselves... and it sucks. It is our human nature to be like the world; to want the many possesions that tempt us; to do the things our world says is good for us, but our Lord says is not; to get as close to the line without crossing it; to please people at any cost; to change who we are to fit in the world instead of changing ourselves to be like Christ. We are constantly battling ourselves, our wordly selfish wants, on a daily basis and it is hard. There worst thing is that we always find a way to justify it. For example: "it's not a swear word to Dutch people" or "but the beat to this song is so good", etc.

We all lose to ourselves sometimes, but other times we win and we do what is right, we do what out Father knows is best for us. The problem with me is that I lose way more than I win and I am sick of losing (I do that enough in soccer). I want to change this and I hope you do too. Anyways, if this makes any sense, I ask you these questions:

"In what areas of your life can you start winning? What can you do in your life that will help you win more than you lose?"

Cars...

2006-03-26T23:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been "working" on a paper ALL day and it feels like I haven't got anywhere... oh wait, I haven't. So, it is late and I have told my paper to stick-it.

Anywho, I have come to the time in my school year when I just cannot put up with having a lack of automobile in my life. Getting stuck on this God-blessed hill can really get to you at times and I just cannot wait to go home at the end of April and buy myself a car. I constantly dream about myself in my future car, coasying my butt-cheeks into the comfy seat, one hand on the wheel, one hand on the stick, Coldplay turned up on the stereo, sun glasses propped on my tanned face, and of course: the windows rolled down.

The only problem with this picture is that I have no idea what that car is going to look like, so I need some help, some advice from my fellow bloggers to help me decide what car to drive this summer. I have already started looking, so I will give a few suggestions, but I'm open to any of your own. Enjoy!

Think I could pick up some chicks in this one?

Every boy's dream...

"Oh I wish I were an Oscar Myer weirner..."

The little mans sports cart...

My life would be complete.

YES! It worked!

Frozen...

2006-02-20T01:31:00.000-08:00

It's late, I'm on security at school, and I'm bored. I have to work till' 1:30 am and get up at 6 am to open everything that I just locked 4 hours earlier... yay.

Well, I just got back from the ol' V-to-the-ICTORIA this evening. I'm not gonna lie to you, but it was great to go back. Always nice to see the family, spend time with good friends like Bryn and the Roorda's. I also had the pleasure of seeing some good ol' church folk (including our lovely friends from Ladysmith) and I got to say a goodbye to my youth pastor, Rob Petkau, as he and his wife Jaime start taking the next step in the wonderful plan that God has for their lives. I'm gonna miss you old man.

Wow, I don't think it is possible for me to use anymore links.

Anyways, after coming back from the island and returning to the mountain, I feel like I am almost frozen (not physically). I am usually a very laid back and care-free person who knows where I'm going and when I'm gonna get there. It also takes a lot for me to get stressed out. But I've realized that I don't get stressed out, I just freeze. There are a lot on my mind right now about things that are happening in my life and about my future and there are some decisions that I am going to have to make soon. But because I have no idea what to decide, it just seem to freeze. My choices are so 50/50 right now and I don't know what to do. I am trying to trust God with it, but it is so easy for me to want to control my life and know what is gonna happen to me. I guess I just have to do my best "live by faith" (like my dad told me), trust that God will lead me in the right direction, and just let my burdens rest on Him.

God, please help me melt, I'm tried of being cold.