Wow, It's been some time.

Hey friends! 

I've decided to lay down the law in my blogging inconsistencies.  My friend Mike reminded me yesterday that I often leave huge blogs from time to time and when I write them, they are usually spanning over a few weeks. Therefore, to correct this common trend, I am going to start blogging by weekly. Each week until Christmas break, I am going to challenge myself to highlight something in my life that reflects what I do down here. For example, I might share a snapshot of the homeless ministry I'm involved in or take you for a drive down sunset cliffs to OB. But this my friends isn't just any ordinary picture blog. I'm going to get video clips of the it so you have something legit to satisfy your blogging needs. 

The last few weeks have been busy. For some reason, the early part of the week is an absolute blur because of classes, work, on campus ministries, etc... So here on a thursday afternoon I am content in doing absolutely nothing. Amen. 

Here is what I've been up to lately...

POINT LOMA::

I took this on my iphone from my bosses office at school. 

My brother Seth and his girlfriend Cosy came down to visit last week. We went to Pizza Nova. Get the BBQ Chicken. You won't regret it!

SPIRIT BELL COMPETITION::

A few weeks ago we had a spirit bell event. If you're not familiar, about every month each dorm comes together dressed up in Loma colors and roots on one of our sports teams. The loudest dorm at the end of the game wins bragging rights to the spirit bell. We beat Westmont in Volleyball at this game.

Hendricks Hall on the way to the Gym 

to watch the girls play. 

Baseball America Magazine voted PLNU's Baseball Field 

"Most Scenic Field in the U.S."

MUSIC::

Last week, Allison and I saw Sara Bareillies at Spreckles downtown. She was great live. Wasn't sure what to expect but came out really impressed. Spreckels is a rad theatre too!

Ever been to Buffalo Brothers? It's a guitar shop in Carlsbad. They have everything, mostly top of the line stuff. When you walk in the first thing you see is a full wall of Taylors on the left and a wall of Martins on the right.  The whole back room is vintage amps with strats and teles. If you care the least bit about string instruments, you need to check it out!

ROADTRIP::

Last weekend was Fall Break (a.k.a. we get friday off). So we took a drive up the central coast to San Luis Obispo. My uncle and relatives live in Los Osos overlooking Morro Bay. I dig SLO because I feel like I'm home everytime I return. I almost completely forget about life outside of SLO when I'm there. If you ever meet my Uncle Joe, Aunt Cammie, or cousins... you'll come to agree that they are the most warm, energetic, passionate people ever! I feel as though my perspective on the world and the life itself shapes a little more when I visit this place. 

PISMO BEACH

I took Al to Spash Cafe in Pismo Beach on the drive up. We decided that it is officially the best clam chowder ever.. especially when you eat it in a bread bowl and sit on the pier looking out at the ocean. 

There were many coffee stops along the way. Cambria was beautiful!

HARMONEY, CA

This town was one of the radest places we stopped at. As you can tell, the town wasn't a very popular place to live but the photo opp's there were fun. 

Bicycle. Harmony, CA

Blue Door. Harmony, CA

Girlfriend in reflection.

MONTANA DE ORO

My volve (Nash is his name)... couldn't be any happier to be pulled off the road in a forest like this. 

This is the coast of Montana de Oro.

Uncle Joe, Cousin Amanda, Me @ Cousin Caleb's soccer game

An art gallery @ a Volcom store

Story: On the way home, we were a little worried because Nash was giving us some turbulence so I was taking it easy on the little guy most of the drive up and down. BUT, right after we left downtown Santa Barbara, I got a flat tire near Monticito.  According to our friend who came to rescue from AAA, she (yes our tow truck driving, tire replacing hero was a female and did a awesome job) said I ran over a nail. Bummer right? It doesn't stop there. We had to drive 50 mph the whole way home because I had a half sized tire that could only go that fast so for three hours, we drove in the right lane coasting in cruise control and coming close to some close call. I found that people don't know how to drive when someone's going that slow. I found it interesting that I was in that position though. After a weekend of understanding what it means to forget about the clutter of life and how to get rid of the baggage that I carry around inside of me, I began to see a people on the road who lacked patience, kindness, understanding, quick to anger, etc. Our world, most specifically the United States, seems have developed the need to speed through life when the faster we go, the better chance we have at missing something profound, something unique, something original.  I find myself so wrapped up in the logistics of life that I forget what that I don't set the pace of my life, my creator does. If He made me to live in the likeness of His Son, something tells me that Jesus didn't live life in the left lane. I'd like to think that if he had a choice and a full set of new tires, He's still choose to take the right lane. Driving in the right lane is saying to yourself, I'm not going to delve into the constant pressure to speed threw a situation. I'm going to rest in the fact that I will arrive when I arrive and I know I'll make it.  My friend Jordan articulates these thoughts in depth and I love the language he uses. If you want to take a peak, the link is: http://jordanfrye.blogspot.com/2008/08/just-to-be-where.html

 

DRIVING HOME

This is where he pulled off for the flat. Not a bad rest stop huh?

Destination: San Diego 198 Miles (going 50 mph @ 5:30pm on Sunday)

Ventura, CA

So that has been some insight into what my life has looked like lately. Thanks for reading. I always feel encouraged when you write comments so write away! 

I'm excited to finally start blogging legitimately once a week now. Talk to you soon!

Garrett