Finally...an update?

So I graduated (see pics below). Life has finally slowed down, and a huge weight has been lifted off of my pinky toe. I still have dreams about school, though; mainly books that have to be read and papers written by the next day. I have been damaged. Which makes it all the more amazing to me that my friend Jenny was able to graduate w/ honors without ever owning a textbook! Where did I go wrong and let them into my head?

I had a tonsillectomy last week. Pretty nasty business if you ask me. I haven't done much except play video games and watch movies. I am either in too much pain or woozy from the meds. I had a look in there yesterday in the mirror...yea, pretty nast.

I still need to catch up on my correspondance with friends, but haven't had the clarity to do so. It's the pain, the meds, and the euphoria of graduation. Now I've just got to figure out what to do with a college degree...

These are mostly pics my family took. I forgot to put my SD card back into my camera, so the only pictures I had were the 10 that fit on the default memory of my camera - and most of those were blurry. Oh well, that's why you should take the time to enjoy things rather than trying to photograph things so that you can look at what you worried about trying to photograph. Makes for better memories. I just gotta remember that for when the little one arrives (who is due, BTW, in 9-10 weeks! Yikes!).

My Biggest Supporter

Fellow worldchangers (ICS Majors) Bethany and Jenny

What are these for?

The worst time to blink

Jessica was too smart for a robe

My niece trying to steal my thunder

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Where's the fat lady?
Current mood: accomplished

It's over! I'm done! I have finished my undergrad degree (short of a walk). Yet I still find myself up late at night. Does the insanity never end? At least my hair has not turned gray yet.

1:15 AM - 3 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

I Did It!
Current mood: relieved

I just finished the last grueling assignment of my undergraduate education that has spanned 4 majors over 4 states over 6 different schools over 13 years!

One day of classes and two finals then I am done!

It is late...I am sleepy...

Currently reading : An Introduction to the Theology of Religions: Biblical, Historical & Contemporary Perspectives By Veli-Matti Karkkainen Release date: October, 2003

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Yowzer!
Current mood: determined

I calculated that I have 27 pages of writing and 3 presentations to do in 8 days. Feasible, yes. But things are going to be crazy as I am going to Sacramento this weekend! Yikes!
I finished my capstone research project, so the biggest obstacle has been removed. Counting down...

Hey! What the frick is up with Lost? The last 5 minutes was worth a whole season's worth of action and twists.Stupid cliffhanger endings! I knew someone was going to die. I should have known it would be Ana Lucia as soon as she said she couldn't kill the Other. Arg!

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Would I prefer gray hair?
Current mood: busy

I am almost 31 years old and I still get pimples. Laurie believes that it is due to stress. I don't know. I just know that it is getting annoying! Have you ever heard of a 31 year old pizza boy? Well, at least a professor told me the other day that I look 18.
Stop thinking that - I take good care of my face. I clean it but I don't dry it out. Okay now I'm sounding like a pizza girl!

Really, this is just a test to see if anyone reads my blog.

Currently listening : Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD By Joshua Bell Release date: 20 September, 2005

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Who's the daddy?
Current mood: anxious

So I went to a class for first-time daddies tonight. I did learn some things. But I think the novelty of breasts has worn off after learning about "let downs." I'll never be the same.

I think I may start playing the piano again this summer, so that I can play lullabies on the cello or the piano once the baby comes. I also want to continue learning Pu Tong Hua (Mandarin) so that I can speak it to my baby. And sing lullabies in Mandarin while I play the piano. I have a lot of ideas. Maybe I should concentrate on graduating first. Then I can work on being the best and most loved daddy of all time for the most beautiful girl in the world. BTW, no name yet. Patience!

Today was Administrative Worker day. I got sunflowers. I gave them to my wife. Here is an ecard that a friend at work sent me...hilarious!
Work Dream

If you think that your life is poopy or your job is emotionally draining, watch this short slide show (with sound) that I came across this morning:
Chernobyl

Closing thought: When I picked up the cup to drink, I knew that some people would try to beat it out of my hand with sticks, and others would try to offer me a light plastic one in its place, but I didn't know that the cup itself was as hot as a branding iron! They never taught me that in Bible college! Yeouch! That's gonna scar...

Know what I mean?

Currently listening : Beethoven: 9 Symphonien By Ludwig van Beethoven Release date: 13 February, 1990

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Something to think about...
Current mood: exanimate

If I become a pastor, will I have to give up beer?
Rock of Ages or Rolling Rock?
Yes, something to think about...

9:43 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

So much writing...
Current mood: not right

    Really, how much can one write? I am written out. I have been writing and writing and writing and writing. And there is more to write. It's as if the school's rite of passage is to write till you ain't right in the brain anymore. I am tired. My brain is mush. I am losing sleep writing this blog, when I should be writing a paper. And I realized some things today that I wish I never realized. It's really gonna blow. But that's something I don't have to write about until I write a book after I'm done writing for school. But why come up with original material when I can just bind all I've written in the last 2 1/2 years into 13 volumes of writer's pis...I mean bliss.

That's all I wrote...

11:24 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

this week
Current mood: discontent

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peace I have, but sometimes life rubs raw the sore of discontent. Not contentness meaning being satisfied with life, but in regards to how things are or should be (in my limited view of the world). I usually try to shake things up for people, but this week I have been constantly shaken up. Tuesday I presented a devotional on peace in chapel, but this week, culminating in today, I find peace elusive. This has caused my focus to be all croakus.
Now I must get back to work, for this blog is a meaningless waste of thyme, and I am wasting yours.
Peace out!

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Last Week's Baby Pics
Current mood: working

Here are some more pics of our precious little one.

More distinct facial features. She looks like her dad.



Here's her little paw. Looks like a musician's fingers to me.



By next week we may have a name!

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Back from the HK
Current mood: confused

Hello all! I am back from HK. I was there over spring break doing research, attending a conference, and visiting amazing friends. It was a marvelous time to visit - the weather was great! And I agree with the travel magazines - HK has arguably the best food in the world! I ate tons and still lost weight, but my cholesterol is certainly a mess! I am now behind in my school work, but I am closer to pinning down a direction in ministry. I also scouted out some potential locations and ministry for future exposure trips and did some networking.

Here are some:

Crazy D the spaghetti lady



I'm greatful for CH



Badmitton buddies



The man with the cam



No, that is not a noodle (ask TJ), and yes, I know how to use chopsticks!



At the foot of the cross:



Bet you can't guess what this says! Let's put it this way...I am barely squeezing through!



Preparation (no pink in hand):



If you have never been to HK, let me know and I will take you so you can see how God's kingdom is working in and through HK and C, and introduce you to some wonderful friends!

Chad

6:07 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Baby Downum ... halfway there!
Current mood: chipper

Hey Friends! Thought I would bring you along on our journey toward parenthood. Look and see how our little one is doing so far!

Photo 1 - Beginning of January:


Photo 2 - end of January (she grows fast!):



Photo 3 - what's that lurking within my wife?:


Photo 4 - her precious little foot:


Listen to her heartbeat HERE!

Watch the ultrasound HERE!

No name for her yet, but we love her just the same. Maybe the name of the person who gives us the most diapers will be considered in the final pick (j/k)!

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ah snap

Someone broke into our house. It's quite a hassle. It will cost more to resecure and repair the house than to replace what was stolen.

Poop.

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Christmas Party

Christmas time is here again – and that means it’s time for the annual Downum Christmas party!! It will be on Saturday, December 10^th at 6:30 p.m. and the white elephant gift exchange will take place at 7:30 p.m. or so. Please mark your calendars. This is one of our favorite traditions and we look forward to gathering with our friends. You can even invite your own friends to be part of our tradition and don't have to RSVP (If you’re too busy to plan a Christmas party of your own – go ahead and pretend this is your party).

We look forward to seeing you!   Chad & Laurie Downum

When:  Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 6:30PM

Where: Chad & Laurie’s place

What to bring:

·         your favorite Christmas goodies/snacks to share

·         an attractively wrapped gift for a white elephant gift exchange which will be around 7:30

·         a friend

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