Friday, August 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Settling
Well, I know it has been a little while again since I've posted. I've been settling in at a new job and a new home, though both are in familiar places. I find it strangely familiar, like picking up a tool that you once knew so well and commanded expertly. Somewhere inside you still know it, it just takes a little time to pick it back up. I also compare it, geekily enough, to a spaceship in a collaborative fiction game once played, known as SoS (Swords of Silver), and the ship "Orochi." The characters galavanted across the solar system in it, a veritable bucket of bolts, and at one point, after having been away from it for so long, came back to it. Despite space, time, and life, it is good to be back to something so familiar that knows you so well.
So, musing and thoughts? Well, I find it great that here, of all places, I feel the most impetus to be exactly who and what I am naturally. No putting on identities, no trying hard to fit in. Why? I'm not entirely sure, but I never really fit in totally here, and that is the beauty of it all. Again, also, that's suburbia: nobody HAS to be anything, so you CAN be anything your heart desires. I've always felt naturalistic inclinations in my spirituality, but seldom have I allowed myself to pursue them. Here, especially with Alex feelings similarly, I feel quite at ease about it all.
Also, it can be strange and emotional, seeing places with so much memory tied to them. In the hallways at work (I work at the High School I went to), I half expect to see my old friends again, just as they were then, walk past my door. The power that memories have to live is uncanny. Then there are those friends who keep crossing back into your life no matter what seems to happen. I made contact again with one of those tonight via AIM. A person that I once was very close with (and admissibly smitten with at one time.), but have been estranged for a few years due to some miscommunication that ended in hard feelings. Now, we have plans to meet and rekindle.
Still, I am different than I was when I lived here before. Older, more well-rounded, I feel I can truly appreciate the good things and recognize the bad as I could not before. My job is just a job. I run the records and registration at a High School, but to run your hands down a drawer of files and cross a dozen people that were such a part of who you were and whose memory and energy yet flows through those places can leave you very emotional. I wonder where they are, what they are doing. I hope they are well and still the great people that I loved being around in those days.
This has to be the best home that we have had together, Alex and I. We feel happy and complete here, and nothing can possibly change that, I feel. We are decorating our home truly according to our own styles, and really getting into that. Workspaces for hobbies are being setup, decorations created and purchased. This will be our home, our haven, and all may feel safe here.
I do not know what it is, but a calm has swept over us (with a few exceptions, of course, that life has) that I have not known in many years. In some ways, I feel the draw of the earth, the pull of the trees, and the sway of the streams and creeks. I am tied to the land inextricably, and it to me, I think. Here I am closer to it, and so from it my spirit is rekindled once more. I feel that I have been living in a desert, and now am passing into a far, green country. I want nothing more than a life of harmony with the land.
In the news of hobbies here, I am excited to be soonly setting up my smithy here, and I have a great space for it. While metalwork is new to me, I have the utmost confidence that I shall surely excel in all I do. Thinking about hobbies, Alex and I, as always, are already excited about the coming RenFaire in the Fall. As ever, we will have a significant campsite, and hope to add to our cadre. If you are interested, we go usually in late October. Bring a tent, provisions, etc, and you can be sure to have a good time! That time of year also brings me deer season, a time of great sport for me and time on the land. It also brings cold evenings, warm mead, a roaring fire (we do have a fireplace now, but I still retain my firepit as ever!) and good company.
I hope to see you all there. I am home.
PS: My phone has changed. I'm now at 254-458-3584.
So, musing and thoughts? Well, I find it great that here, of all places, I feel the most impetus to be exactly who and what I am naturally. No putting on identities, no trying hard to fit in. Why? I'm not entirely sure, but I never really fit in totally here, and that is the beauty of it all. Again, also, that's suburbia: nobody HAS to be anything, so you CAN be anything your heart desires. I've always felt naturalistic inclinations in my spirituality, but seldom have I allowed myself to pursue them. Here, especially with Alex feelings similarly, I feel quite at ease about it all.
Also, it can be strange and emotional, seeing places with so much memory tied to them. In the hallways at work (I work at the High School I went to), I half expect to see my old friends again, just as they were then, walk past my door. The power that memories have to live is uncanny. Then there are those friends who keep crossing back into your life no matter what seems to happen. I made contact again with one of those tonight via AIM. A person that I once was very close with (and admissibly smitten with at one time.), but have been estranged for a few years due to some miscommunication that ended in hard feelings. Now, we have plans to meet and rekindle.
Still, I am different than I was when I lived here before. Older, more well-rounded, I feel I can truly appreciate the good things and recognize the bad as I could not before. My job is just a job. I run the records and registration at a High School, but to run your hands down a drawer of files and cross a dozen people that were such a part of who you were and whose memory and energy yet flows through those places can leave you very emotional. I wonder where they are, what they are doing. I hope they are well and still the great people that I loved being around in those days.
This has to be the best home that we have had together, Alex and I. We feel happy and complete here, and nothing can possibly change that, I feel. We are decorating our home truly according to our own styles, and really getting into that. Workspaces for hobbies are being setup, decorations created and purchased. This will be our home, our haven, and all may feel safe here.
I do not know what it is, but a calm has swept over us (with a few exceptions, of course, that life has) that I have not known in many years. In some ways, I feel the draw of the earth, the pull of the trees, and the sway of the streams and creeks. I am tied to the land inextricably, and it to me, I think. Here I am closer to it, and so from it my spirit is rekindled once more. I feel that I have been living in a desert, and now am passing into a far, green country. I want nothing more than a life of harmony with the land.
In the news of hobbies here, I am excited to be soonly setting up my smithy here, and I have a great space for it. While metalwork is new to me, I have the utmost confidence that I shall surely excel in all I do. Thinking about hobbies, Alex and I, as always, are already excited about the coming RenFaire in the Fall. As ever, we will have a significant campsite, and hope to add to our cadre. If you are interested, we go usually in late October. Bring a tent, provisions, etc, and you can be sure to have a good time! That time of year also brings me deer season, a time of great sport for me and time on the land. It also brings cold evenings, warm mead, a roaring fire (we do have a fireplace now, but I still retain my firepit as ever!) and good company.
I hope to see you all there. I am home.
PS: My phone has changed. I'm now at 254-458-3584.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Homecoming
Well, after a weekend of hard work, good friends, and lots of beer, it is done. The move.
I do believe that moving a household in a thing of unspeakable foulness. Not something one should do nearly as often as Alex and I have done previously, but now, at least, we are planning to stay in this new place at least a few years, then buy land and move, being done with moving altogether.
The move was smooth as I have ever seen, and that is thanks in large part to a great group of friends. From skills with lashing furniture to the walls of the truck, to tetris mastery, I could not have asked for better. So, cheers to all of you.
I am now back in Austin for this week, cleaning the old place to return it to the landlord and working my last week at ISAC. It pains me some to see how attached people are to me here and how upset they are that I'm leaving. I never did find time to tell my boss, Dr. White, that I was moving out of town, though I did tell him that I will not be working here anymore as of the end of July. I feel really bad about that, and will have to tell him tomorrow. He is my friend also, so I do hope that he isn't too angry at me.
Being finally settled in Waco, though, feels good and right. I really like where we are living more than I have liked just about any place I have lived since I moved off the farm. I cannot say that enough. The vibes are good and it feels full of promise. We are still in the process of getting it set up, obviously. Yesterday and late Saturday was spent with our friends, Jay and Katey, relaxing and setting up the house as best we could. Little things had to be done, like changing the power cords on the dryer, etc. but in the end all seems to be functioning well. Likely, by the time I get home again at week's end, Alex will have most of the place unpacked, considering that she had the kitchen done by dinnertime on Saturday. Last I saw she was unpacking books, doing laundry, and setting up the guest bedroom. She is wonderful, and I cannot wait to be home at the end of the week, though doubtless I am a little sad to be leaving the good people I know here. Still, Waco is not a far drive, and I have no qualms about visiting or having visitors. After having been apart so much, though, Alex and I will likely stay home for a long, long while.
I do believe that moving a household in a thing of unspeakable foulness. Not something one should do nearly as often as Alex and I have done previously, but now, at least, we are planning to stay in this new place at least a few years, then buy land and move, being done with moving altogether.
The move was smooth as I have ever seen, and that is thanks in large part to a great group of friends. From skills with lashing furniture to the walls of the truck, to tetris mastery, I could not have asked for better. So, cheers to all of you.
I am now back in Austin for this week, cleaning the old place to return it to the landlord and working my last week at ISAC. It pains me some to see how attached people are to me here and how upset they are that I'm leaving. I never did find time to tell my boss, Dr. White, that I was moving out of town, though I did tell him that I will not be working here anymore as of the end of July. I feel really bad about that, and will have to tell him tomorrow. He is my friend also, so I do hope that he isn't too angry at me.
Being finally settled in Waco, though, feels good and right. I really like where we are living more than I have liked just about any place I have lived since I moved off the farm. I cannot say that enough. The vibes are good and it feels full of promise. We are still in the process of getting it set up, obviously. Yesterday and late Saturday was spent with our friends, Jay and Katey, relaxing and setting up the house as best we could. Little things had to be done, like changing the power cords on the dryer, etc. but in the end all seems to be functioning well. Likely, by the time I get home again at week's end, Alex will have most of the place unpacked, considering that she had the kitchen done by dinnertime on Saturday. Last I saw she was unpacking books, doing laundry, and setting up the guest bedroom. She is wonderful, and I cannot wait to be home at the end of the week, though doubtless I am a little sad to be leaving the good people I know here. Still, Waco is not a far drive, and I have no qualms about visiting or having visitors. After having been apart so much, though, Alex and I will likely stay home for a long, long while.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Triumphal Reentry
Hey There Spacecadets:
So, if you read my lovely wife's blog, you know I'm home. If not, well, you know now! That's right, on Monday evening around 8:30 I touched the ground of my beautiful homeland, sacred as it is. A great surprise, I came down the escalators in the Austin airport, looking for my friend Elissa Sloan, who was nice enough to come pick me up. Old goat that I am, I saw a lovely pair of legs sitting in a chair a little ways off, and enjoyed the view for a while. I said to myself "Goodness, those look like Alex's." Then I looked up a little and said "Wow, that really looks good (okay, that thought is a little white-washed, but you know...)" and then I looked at the smiling, wonderful, perfect face of my wife, who had come to surprise me. Needless to say, it was a very, very good night.
My time in the Czech lands was spent beautifully, and it will take me a while to write out it all for you, though I fully intend to detail many of my thoughts and musings during that trip. I kept a diary there, which right now is in the hands of my wife, as it was written to her specifically, so she too could enjoy the trip with me. I'll take passages from it and put them here, as well as photos.
To tell you, it was fascinating to be in the land of my forebears, to walk among the streets ancient, to touch the trees from time immemorial. To get to flex my linguistic abilities was nice, too. After a few days, I kicked off the rust and dust there, and impressed myself with just how much I could understand and speak. Still, being a Texas Moravian, my accent and dialect was a little strange for most, except for the elderly, who always remark I sound like their grandparents. I enjoy that.
I lived in Prague most of the time, in communist-type housing filled mostly with Ukrainians and some Gypsies, and that was an experience all itself. Like nothing I've ever seen before, but I am here to tell you, those Czechs treat peoples of color and other ethnicity like trash and chattel. It really bothered me, as a Texan, who embraces the idea that here in our home any can be whatever they want. I would never look at a man or woman of African, Hispanic, or any other origins and say they weren't a Texan, for in truth, they may have been in this land hundreds of years before my family. This is a land we all hold a stake in.
As most of you know, Alex and I are pulling up the stakes in Austin on Friday, moving on to the Waco area, in what is intended to be the next-to-last move we make before moving onto land for good. I can't tell you the excitement I feel right now. For while the move going off well always makes me nervous, I can feel how good this is going to be for us. I hope you will all come visit us in our new home, for there we will be whole and complete again after the last month or so of being apart, both in the country and without. The house in various stages of break-down, and our hearts strained in various ways. No more, whole and totally complete in a rush of fire of wind we will be.
I will have to come back to Austin next week to finish my last week at the job I've held for the past 6 years, but it is good, since I need to clean the house and turn the keys back over anyhow. There may be a few odds and ends left to take to Waco, too, but after this long, I am ready.
I also should mention I was so lucky to have already found a job in Waco, no mean feat in this economy and in a smaller town. Fresh out of college, I certainly can't complain, and am very proud of what I have. Ironically, I am to be the registrar at my old High School. Those of you who went there will know how funny that is, as the registrar who worked there at the time was my sworn enemy, who, in fact, I organized a resistance against. So, now, I go to actually be somebody where I work, and I am excited about that. I am the kind of guy to wear a suit and a hat to work everyday, and they will learn to love me. They only think they're impressed with me now!
Additionally, my department here at UT is inclined to make me an appointment to be their liaison to the Texas Czech community, which trust me, they need. I am excited about that, too, as I will be acting in an official capacity and being paid to do the things I love to do already, as well as have the ability to organize guest lecturers for the program, held involve the community more with the program they endowed, and get the students some exposure to native Czech speakers living all around them. I do hope this works out.
For now, I'm back to work, but I hope to see you all soon. I look at the skies of my homeland, and I weep, to be home and safe in the land I love the best.
So, if you read my lovely wife's blog, you know I'm home. If not, well, you know now! That's right, on Monday evening around 8:30 I touched the ground of my beautiful homeland, sacred as it is. A great surprise, I came down the escalators in the Austin airport, looking for my friend Elissa Sloan, who was nice enough to come pick me up. Old goat that I am, I saw a lovely pair of legs sitting in a chair a little ways off, and enjoyed the view for a while. I said to myself "Goodness, those look like Alex's." Then I looked up a little and said "Wow, that really looks good (okay, that thought is a little white-washed, but you know...)" and then I looked at the smiling, wonderful, perfect face of my wife, who had come to surprise me. Needless to say, it was a very, very good night.
My time in the Czech lands was spent beautifully, and it will take me a while to write out it all for you, though I fully intend to detail many of my thoughts and musings during that trip. I kept a diary there, which right now is in the hands of my wife, as it was written to her specifically, so she too could enjoy the trip with me. I'll take passages from it and put them here, as well as photos.
To tell you, it was fascinating to be in the land of my forebears, to walk among the streets ancient, to touch the trees from time immemorial. To get to flex my linguistic abilities was nice, too. After a few days, I kicked off the rust and dust there, and impressed myself with just how much I could understand and speak. Still, being a Texas Moravian, my accent and dialect was a little strange for most, except for the elderly, who always remark I sound like their grandparents. I enjoy that.
I lived in Prague most of the time, in communist-type housing filled mostly with Ukrainians and some Gypsies, and that was an experience all itself. Like nothing I've ever seen before, but I am here to tell you, those Czechs treat peoples of color and other ethnicity like trash and chattel. It really bothered me, as a Texan, who embraces the idea that here in our home any can be whatever they want. I would never look at a man or woman of African, Hispanic, or any other origins and say they weren't a Texan, for in truth, they may have been in this land hundreds of years before my family. This is a land we all hold a stake in.
As most of you know, Alex and I are pulling up the stakes in Austin on Friday, moving on to the Waco area, in what is intended to be the next-to-last move we make before moving onto land for good. I can't tell you the excitement I feel right now. For while the move going off well always makes me nervous, I can feel how good this is going to be for us. I hope you will all come visit us in our new home, for there we will be whole and complete again after the last month or so of being apart, both in the country and without. The house in various stages of break-down, and our hearts strained in various ways. No more, whole and totally complete in a rush of fire of wind we will be.
I will have to come back to Austin next week to finish my last week at the job I've held for the past 6 years, but it is good, since I need to clean the house and turn the keys back over anyhow. There may be a few odds and ends left to take to Waco, too, but after this long, I am ready.
I also should mention I was so lucky to have already found a job in Waco, no mean feat in this economy and in a smaller town. Fresh out of college, I certainly can't complain, and am very proud of what I have. Ironically, I am to be the registrar at my old High School. Those of you who went there will know how funny that is, as the registrar who worked there at the time was my sworn enemy, who, in fact, I organized a resistance against. So, now, I go to actually be somebody where I work, and I am excited about that. I am the kind of guy to wear a suit and a hat to work everyday, and they will learn to love me. They only think they're impressed with me now!
Additionally, my department here at UT is inclined to make me an appointment to be their liaison to the Texas Czech community, which trust me, they need. I am excited about that, too, as I will be acting in an official capacity and being paid to do the things I love to do already, as well as have the ability to organize guest lecturers for the program, held involve the community more with the program they endowed, and get the students some exposure to native Czech speakers living all around them. I do hope this works out.
For now, I'm back to work, but I hope to see you all soon. I look at the skies of my homeland, and I weep, to be home and safe in the land I love the best.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go....
A brief post, kids:
I'm off Monday morning to the Czech Republic for two weeks, for a conference and vacation. I'm excited, but nervous to leave Alex for that long. It isn't that I don't trust her, but I hate the thought of 7,000 miles between us. She always has a fear something will keep me from getting back, like a volcano. If that happens, though, you can bet I'll be winding my way home via England, Scotland, The Hebrides, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Canada, then home by way of those beautiful country roads, back to Texas, Waco, Texas, where my heart is now home.
I'll be spending the weekend with her, soaking up as much of her radiance as I can before I fly out to the land of my ancestors. I look forward to all seeing you when I return.
-John M. Tomeček
I'm off Monday morning to the Czech Republic for two weeks, for a conference and vacation. I'm excited, but nervous to leave Alex for that long. It isn't that I don't trust her, but I hate the thought of 7,000 miles between us. She always has a fear something will keep me from getting back, like a volcano. If that happens, though, you can bet I'll be winding my way home via England, Scotland, The Hebrides, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Canada, then home by way of those beautiful country roads, back to Texas, Waco, Texas, where my heart is now home.
I'll be spending the weekend with her, soaking up as much of her radiance as I can before I fly out to the land of my ancestors. I look forward to all seeing you when I return.
-John M. Tomeček
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Always something new to learn for when SHTF
I love fun acronyms. Take SHTF, for instance. On first glance, it looks like STFU, but no! It is "Shit Hits the Fan," referring to a possible total breakdown in infrastructure, etc.
For those of you who know me well, you know that I have this firm feeling that eventually, one way or another, the shit will hit the fan. For that reason (and just because I love to know how to do everything) I am always learning new crafts, skills, and trades. I rarely use powertools, and prefer the simplest setup on just about everything. For that reason, I'd like to share a few things that have tickled me this week.
Most know that I am an avid reloader, meaning I handload firearm ammunition from components. The advantage here is not being beholden to big manufacturers or the tide of the market (after the election, it was nigh impossible to find most calibers of ammunition). Also, the accuracy one can achieve with handloading is insane. Think of it as a custom-fit tailor-made suit verses one of the rack. Big difference, though they both work. Since I came into a large collection of reloading components after a friend's father passed away, I have been paring that collection down to the few components I can use and trading the rest for stuff I will use. I'm thoroughly enjoying that pursuit.
Also, I've been getting excited over the prospect of our new home in Hewitt, and the fact that my lovely wife is encouraging me to go ahead and spend the money to set up my smithy in the garage. I'm pricing anvils, looking at tools, and overall very excited. I hope to have it up and running by Christmastime.
Otherwise, this website and its ideas tickle my fancy: zombiehunters.org. A website of a group designed along the same lines as some of the survivalist militia groups, but with the MO of being prepared for Zombiepocalypse. In an age when most men (not to exclude women at all, merely discussing traditional pursuits) no longer engage in shooting, hunting, camping, fishing, or anything that their forefathers did, this provides an acceptable outlet for such skills to be learned. It's like the Boyscouts for Grown-Ups, with guns. I'm tempted to get involved, I will at least check them out.
A new thing that I am curious about this morning is HAM radio operation. It seems to be a wide and vast field, but the concept of amateur radio operators is a wonderful thing that I believe requires more investigation.
That's what is rolling around in my head since I'm home alone without Alex, but at least I get to see her again in a few days! :)
For those of you who know me well, you know that I have this firm feeling that eventually, one way or another, the shit will hit the fan. For that reason (and just because I love to know how to do everything) I am always learning new crafts, skills, and trades. I rarely use powertools, and prefer the simplest setup on just about everything. For that reason, I'd like to share a few things that have tickled me this week.
Most know that I am an avid reloader, meaning I handload firearm ammunition from components. The advantage here is not being beholden to big manufacturers or the tide of the market (after the election, it was nigh impossible to find most calibers of ammunition). Also, the accuracy one can achieve with handloading is insane. Think of it as a custom-fit tailor-made suit verses one of the rack. Big difference, though they both work. Since I came into a large collection of reloading components after a friend's father passed away, I have been paring that collection down to the few components I can use and trading the rest for stuff I will use. I'm thoroughly enjoying that pursuit.
Also, I've been getting excited over the prospect of our new home in Hewitt, and the fact that my lovely wife is encouraging me to go ahead and spend the money to set up my smithy in the garage. I'm pricing anvils, looking at tools, and overall very excited. I hope to have it up and running by Christmastime.
Otherwise, this website and its ideas tickle my fancy: zombiehunters.org. A website of a group designed along the same lines as some of the survivalist militia groups, but with the MO of being prepared for Zombiepocalypse. In an age when most men (not to exclude women at all, merely discussing traditional pursuits) no longer engage in shooting, hunting, camping, fishing, or anything that their forefathers did, this provides an acceptable outlet for such skills to be learned. It's like the Boyscouts for Grown-Ups, with guns. I'm tempted to get involved, I will at least check them out.
A new thing that I am curious about this morning is HAM radio operation. It seems to be a wide and vast field, but the concept of amateur radio operators is a wonderful thing that I believe requires more investigation.
That's what is rolling around in my head since I'm home alone without Alex, but at least I get to see her again in a few days! :)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A New Home and Sour Powder
So, a very important bit of news for Alexandra and me is that we will have a new place to live in Waco. We have put down our deposit on a duplex that is a 3/2/2, and backs up to a pasture. It is a lovely place that we intend to stay in for at least a few years. And the yard has a rabbit hole to the pasture beyond, demonstrated by the rabbits traveling in and out while we were there. It has enough room for us do what we want, and even enough room to put in a metal shop and brewing shop in the garage, as well as my reloading bench, with room for one of our cars. (We decided that it was more important to us to have the shop space than both cars in-garage.) That means that as soon as we're in there, I will ramp beer and mead production back up to full-tilt, and get started establishing my smithy!
On another interesting note, I was reloading some bullets last night (.25-06 for long-range shooting, to be precise), and to my shock, when I opened a can of the gunpowder that I came into when my boss's father passed away, an intensely acrid smell passed my nose. Now, powder always smells a little of acetone or alcohol, that is its nature, but it shouldn't make you regret having smelled it nor leave you feeling like you just scoured the inside of your nose. Sadly, I will most likely have to dispose of something in the neighborhood of 4 lbs of the powder I use the most. Oh well! I was having trouble with those anyhow, since the old man had repackaged them and labeled the containers "4831," which is fine and dandy, except for the fact that TWO companies make a 4831 (designed IMR 4831 and H4831 respectively) and they are NOT interchangeable. These were not marked as to which. I guess that solves that problem for me.
So, Alex and I are enjoying our last week together for some time. It is not all doom and gloom, at least: we will see each other on weekends, and our house repair stint has been much reduced to be reasonable. The intervening time will pass quickly.
How is everyone else out there?
On another interesting note, I was reloading some bullets last night (.25-06 for long-range shooting, to be precise), and to my shock, when I opened a can of the gunpowder that I came into when my boss's father passed away, an intensely acrid smell passed my nose. Now, powder always smells a little of acetone or alcohol, that is its nature, but it shouldn't make you regret having smelled it nor leave you feeling like you just scoured the inside of your nose. Sadly, I will most likely have to dispose of something in the neighborhood of 4 lbs of the powder I use the most. Oh well! I was having trouble with those anyhow, since the old man had repackaged them and labeled the containers "4831," which is fine and dandy, except for the fact that TWO companies make a 4831 (designed IMR 4831 and H4831 respectively) and they are NOT interchangeable. These were not marked as to which. I guess that solves that problem for me.
So, Alex and I are enjoying our last week together for some time. It is not all doom and gloom, at least: we will see each other on weekends, and our house repair stint has been much reduced to be reasonable. The intervening time will pass quickly.
How is everyone else out there?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Bachelor Again?
So, I must preface all this by saying (and it is no shock if you read my lovely wife's blog) that, no, Alex and I are fine, and I am happy about her going.
We've told very few people so-far, but since Alex now has acquired a new job and we creep towards it, it is official: we are moving in August. At the end of July, our lease and my job here are up, and in keeping with our dreams of moving onto land in Bosque County, Alex and I have decided to move in that direction. So, to make it clear: we are moving to Waco. She is working for Baylor, and has secured a job that not only pays more than her current here by a fair amount, it provides benefits and permanence. From there, she is going to undertake a teaching certification program, and hopes to teach middle school science.
For my part, I'm planning on finding a decent 8-5, finishing my thesis to receive my MA in December (beautiful thing is I don't have to live in Austin to do it, since I am not taking classes nor teaching), and perhaps engage myself in teaching 4-8 grades history at some point. The point is that I don't feel the University is where I am supposed to be, though I would still love to teach, especially a subject like Texas history.
I realize to some this is a shock, and others may not want to keep up with us. That happens, but Waco for us actually will make is equidistant from a number of friends we currently don't see much, which will be nice. It is only a 1 and a half hour drive from Austin, and let's face it: it can take that long to get across town in Austin in rush hour. Not so bad, so come visit us! We've scoped out a place that is a 3/2/2 that backs up to a park in a quiet part of town...and it would be a 15 min commute for Alex. Oh, I can't wait!!
That all being said, from the 21st on, I'm a bachelor again for a while. I'll be packing up around here and getting ready to move on. I'll also be in the Czech Republic from the 5th-19th of July at a conference. Hooray!
We've told very few people so-far, but since Alex now has acquired a new job and we creep towards it, it is official: we are moving in August. At the end of July, our lease and my job here are up, and in keeping with our dreams of moving onto land in Bosque County, Alex and I have decided to move in that direction. So, to make it clear: we are moving to Waco. She is working for Baylor, and has secured a job that not only pays more than her current here by a fair amount, it provides benefits and permanence. From there, she is going to undertake a teaching certification program, and hopes to teach middle school science.
For my part, I'm planning on finding a decent 8-5, finishing my thesis to receive my MA in December (beautiful thing is I don't have to live in Austin to do it, since I am not taking classes nor teaching), and perhaps engage myself in teaching 4-8 grades history at some point. The point is that I don't feel the University is where I am supposed to be, though I would still love to teach, especially a subject like Texas history.
I realize to some this is a shock, and others may not want to keep up with us. That happens, but Waco for us actually will make is equidistant from a number of friends we currently don't see much, which will be nice. It is only a 1 and a half hour drive from Austin, and let's face it: it can take that long to get across town in Austin in rush hour. Not so bad, so come visit us! We've scoped out a place that is a 3/2/2 that backs up to a park in a quiet part of town...and it would be a 15 min commute for Alex. Oh, I can't wait!!
That all being said, from the 21st on, I'm a bachelor again for a while. I'll be packing up around here and getting ready to move on. I'll also be in the Czech Republic from the 5th-19th of July at a conference. Hooray!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Shout the Battlecry of Freedom
So, here I am musing right now, listening to the Confederate version of the "Battlecry of Freedom." This morning, on a whim, I was reading Wikipedia's series on the History of Texas. I have to say I really do love the history of my state. It is unique and full of unexpected twists. For example, who knew that the Republic of Texas was the first nation in the world to ensure homestead protection from creditors? A tradition we nobly carry today. Also, following Mexico's example, they were the first State in the Union to declare property in a marriage, no matter what its source, the joint assets of both man and woman, unlike the Anglo-based law which deemed it all the husband's, even if it came from the wife's family or inheritance.
I live in a place with a wonderful sense of self and a monumental wealth of history and tradition, bursting at the seams, that one doesn't have to look far to find. I ended up on the wiki page of some secessionist groups. Now, I am not saying I advocate secession, but I think that it should be something permissible in a nation that says it is an collection of states. Texas vs. White (1870) decided that that was not the nature of the Union, but do small nations not have a right to be free, when they decide that greater nation to which they belong no longer serves their best interests? I wonder.
I live in a place with a wonderful sense of self and a monumental wealth of history and tradition, bursting at the seams, that one doesn't have to look far to find. I ended up on the wiki page of some secessionist groups. Now, I am not saying I advocate secession, but I think that it should be something permissible in a nation that says it is an collection of states. Texas vs. White (1870) decided that that was not the nature of the Union, but do small nations not have a right to be free, when they decide that greater nation to which they belong no longer serves their best interests? I wonder.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Jeep Rises
Good Morning, Universe!
Well, it seems I have a habit of posting at the outset of a week and not the rest of the week. Strange, I think, but not altogether bad.
Here I sit at work, my first day of my summer appointment. I've been graciously granted 3/4 time for the next two months, which will help us an incredible amount in terms of finances. I've worked here for six years, so I guess this is my bonus, as this will be the last two months I work for the Institute for the Study of Antiquity and Christian Origins. I started working here at age 18, a freshman in college, living a block away in Jester East dormitory. Full of hope, seeing the world through rose-colored glasses...well, as much as an 18-year-old with more thousands of dollars in debt than he has age. It has been a wild ride since then. A great many things have changed. Some haven't. I would like to think that in that time I've found myself and who I really am. Certainly I found the person I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. Ironically, I found her about the same time I started working here. We've been together (and living together, funny enough) for four years as of May 25th, and we'll be married for a year on the 13th.
So, the title of the post? Yesterday, I picked my Jeep back up from my Uncle's house. My uncle, William (though we call him Willem, an anglicized form of the Czech Vilem, I'd like to point out) who lives at our family home, where I grew up, in the little village of Schwertner, Texas. My Jeep has had some issues in the last year or two, and frankly, I didn't have the time or money to get it fixed. Namely, the catalytic converter had a break-up of its material (which looks like a plaster honeycomb, if you've never seen it before) and had been choking the exhaust system. My Uncle's solution? Don't buy a new cat, just cut the old one open and dump all the crap out! Now, the Jeep rises, as she runs stronger than she did when I first got her. I am very happy and feeling great about her again. Uncle Willem gives her the thumbs-up, having looked everything over and says she will run strong for years. Now I'm looking at a host of after-market parts for her! I plan, one day when she is laid to rest, to get a Wrangler again. I loved driving them, and honestly, I will get an older one to keep up.
In other news, our remodel of Alex's parents' house started this weekend in Houston. I'd say it got off to a good start, though a bit slower than we anticipated. It is rather difficult to redo a home that is full-to-brimming with furniture-few places to put it while you repaint/refloor, etc. I am excited about this project, though, as it provides opportunities to learn new skills for when we own our own home. Also, we get to help family, and in return they're paying for Alex's teaching cert. course. No small amount, though still vastly cheaper than they'd pay a contractor to do the same work.
I'm excited to see what loveliness the week will bring.
Well, it seems I have a habit of posting at the outset of a week and not the rest of the week. Strange, I think, but not altogether bad.
Here I sit at work, my first day of my summer appointment. I've been graciously granted 3/4 time for the next two months, which will help us an incredible amount in terms of finances. I've worked here for six years, so I guess this is my bonus, as this will be the last two months I work for the Institute for the Study of Antiquity and Christian Origins. I started working here at age 18, a freshman in college, living a block away in Jester East dormitory. Full of hope, seeing the world through rose-colored glasses...well, as much as an 18-year-old with more thousands of dollars in debt than he has age. It has been a wild ride since then. A great many things have changed. Some haven't. I would like to think that in that time I've found myself and who I really am. Certainly I found the person I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. Ironically, I found her about the same time I started working here. We've been together (and living together, funny enough) for four years as of May 25th, and we'll be married for a year on the 13th.
So, the title of the post? Yesterday, I picked my Jeep back up from my Uncle's house. My uncle, William (though we call him Willem, an anglicized form of the Czech Vilem, I'd like to point out) who lives at our family home, where I grew up, in the little village of Schwertner, Texas. My Jeep has had some issues in the last year or two, and frankly, I didn't have the time or money to get it fixed. Namely, the catalytic converter had a break-up of its material (which looks like a plaster honeycomb, if you've never seen it before) and had been choking the exhaust system. My Uncle's solution? Don't buy a new cat, just cut the old one open and dump all the crap out! Now, the Jeep rises, as she runs stronger than she did when I first got her. I am very happy and feeling great about her again. Uncle Willem gives her the thumbs-up, having looked everything over and says she will run strong for years. Now I'm looking at a host of after-market parts for her! I plan, one day when she is laid to rest, to get a Wrangler again. I loved driving them, and honestly, I will get an older one to keep up.
In other news, our remodel of Alex's parents' house started this weekend in Houston. I'd say it got off to a good start, though a bit slower than we anticipated. It is rather difficult to redo a home that is full-to-brimming with furniture-few places to put it while you repaint/refloor, etc. I am excited about this project, though, as it provides opportunities to learn new skills for when we own our own home. Also, we get to help family, and in return they're paying for Alex's teaching cert. course. No small amount, though still vastly cheaper than they'd pay a contractor to do the same work.
I'm excited to see what loveliness the week will bring.
Monday, May 24, 2010
And Lo! The Facebook is dead.
This morning, at 8:05AM my facebook account died the death after nearly 6 years of life. I do not mourn its passing. Something that consumes so much time and effort, yet produces so little seems to be beyond my ability to reconcile to myself.
Here sit I, in my office at UT, land of the Ivory Towers, drinking my energy drink after a night of little sleep. Do you ever have those? It isn't because of anything in particular (well, the dog woke me up at a point and the fan clicked) but usually I can sleep. Not last night. I just laid there and let my mind wander, let my thoughts take flight. Those can be fun nights, when you're not sure if you're dreaming or awake. I like those. I can imagine things not yet come to pass, especially I wonder about the future. Over the weekend, when we were camping at Lake Buchanan, Alex and I walked past a building that was as quintessentially Texas as they come: pier and beam, 10' wide porch all the way around, and a small house, likely around 1100 sq. ft. We talked, and she agreed, that something about that size is what we hope for. That, a barn, stable, workshop, smithy, and guest cottage on about 30-50 acres. Imagine that. Wouldn't it be heaven? Maybe not for all of you, but in my time and life, I've really, truly come to love the land I come from. I would happily spend the rest of my days on it, stewarding it. There are few things I enjoy more than outdoor activities. Thanks to my lovely wife, I've been fishing more again lately, as those of you who've known me the longest will remember: I adore fishing.
There is something very relaxing in the repetition, very fulfilling in the catch, and something merciful in removing the hook and releasing a fish who is not yet old enough to be eaten. The appreciation of nourishing one's self with those that are. I think it provides a reflection on life we could all appreciate.
In a way I never knew would happen, I can remember when I developed a love for those things regarding the land and nature. I was 10. We had just bought a ranch in Bosque County, and I reveled in the new opportunities there: woods full of deer and rabbit to hunt, ponds full of bass and catfish, and so many things to explore. I could run the deer trails by heart and feel, and often, in my dreams, I am still running them, tracking. I continue to feel that way every time I am on the land, no matter where. I suppose, in some ways, that is why Alex and I are looking to move back there. When I took her to walk the countryside near where I lived, she fell in love with it in an instant. That made me happier than I rightly know how to say.
So, that being said, I am looking forward to the prospect of becoming a Texas history teacher in public schools, as that is the direction I'm thinking of. I enjoy teaching, and an academic schedule. I'd like to give something back and teach kids a little something about the state that I love.
In general, I must say, I continue to enjoy the directions that my life is tacking toward. I am excited about what the future holds for the first time in a long time.
Here sit I, in my office at UT, land of the Ivory Towers, drinking my energy drink after a night of little sleep. Do you ever have those? It isn't because of anything in particular (well, the dog woke me up at a point and the fan clicked) but usually I can sleep. Not last night. I just laid there and let my mind wander, let my thoughts take flight. Those can be fun nights, when you're not sure if you're dreaming or awake. I like those. I can imagine things not yet come to pass, especially I wonder about the future. Over the weekend, when we were camping at Lake Buchanan, Alex and I walked past a building that was as quintessentially Texas as they come: pier and beam, 10' wide porch all the way around, and a small house, likely around 1100 sq. ft. We talked, and she agreed, that something about that size is what we hope for. That, a barn, stable, workshop, smithy, and guest cottage on about 30-50 acres. Imagine that. Wouldn't it be heaven? Maybe not for all of you, but in my time and life, I've really, truly come to love the land I come from. I would happily spend the rest of my days on it, stewarding it. There are few things I enjoy more than outdoor activities. Thanks to my lovely wife, I've been fishing more again lately, as those of you who've known me the longest will remember: I adore fishing.
There is something very relaxing in the repetition, very fulfilling in the catch, and something merciful in removing the hook and releasing a fish who is not yet old enough to be eaten. The appreciation of nourishing one's self with those that are. I think it provides a reflection on life we could all appreciate.
In a way I never knew would happen, I can remember when I developed a love for those things regarding the land and nature. I was 10. We had just bought a ranch in Bosque County, and I reveled in the new opportunities there: woods full of deer and rabbit to hunt, ponds full of bass and catfish, and so many things to explore. I could run the deer trails by heart and feel, and often, in my dreams, I am still running them, tracking. I continue to feel that way every time I am on the land, no matter where. I suppose, in some ways, that is why Alex and I are looking to move back there. When I took her to walk the countryside near where I lived, she fell in love with it in an instant. That made me happier than I rightly know how to say.
So, that being said, I am looking forward to the prospect of becoming a Texas history teacher in public schools, as that is the direction I'm thinking of. I enjoy teaching, and an academic schedule. I'd like to give something back and teach kids a little something about the state that I love.
In general, I must say, I continue to enjoy the directions that my life is tacking toward. I am excited about what the future holds for the first time in a long time.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, Monday.
Well, here I sit at work on a Monday morning. The sun coming up over the cool, quiet land of Central Texas, dew on the thistles and the rustling of the oaks as the Earth wakes. I tell you, there are few places more beautiful than this land of ours, and we would all do well to pay it some respect here and there. The gifts it gives to all of us are manifold and generous. Need a caffeine uptake? Chew on a Yaupon cutting. Got a nasty infection? Make a paste out of honeysuckle blossoms and spread it on, or make a tea for something in the throat. Hungry? Most things are edible, we have nuts and fruits aplenty, and most everything will grow here. Seriously, look it up.
The weekend was grand as forseen, though lazier than expected! Alexandra and I found ourselves sleeping away a great part of it in naps. Who knows why we were so tired! Naps are a wonderful thing, though, I must admit. Especially when Double Dave's Pizza is holding a lg pizza for $6 deal and you want to be lazy. For sure, that Corn Beef I made on Friday was excellent, but once it ran out, it was out.
Friday a dear old friend, whose wedding we are helping with, came over to work on her Bridesmaids' dressed with Alex. It was nice to sit, drink coffee, and chat whilst the girls worked. Jenn and I go back quite a ways: we met at college orientation at UT, and have been friends ever since, save a brief period of estrangement in there. There really are few people in this world whose company I'd actually miss if I had to go be a hermit, and she is surely one of them. She and Alex became fast friends after they met, as they're quite similar ladies, and now she's Alex's best female friend, as near as I can tell.
On to other thing, as you all (may) know, I am a concealed handgun carrier. This is Texas, afterall, and one is wiser to be prepared. Better to have it and not need it. So, anyhow, I carry a few guns, depending on the occasion, and lately I've been looking for more of an opportunity to carry my Colt Single Action Army (also known as the Peacemaker). It is a traditional gun, with a large caliber, and just damn imposing if you're on the other end of it, I wager. Problem is that it can be bulky and difficult to conceal for a man of my stature. Here's a holster style I just discovered though, that may work. Remember Tom Cruise's character in "The Last Samurai"? He carried something similar.
I'm rather fond of it, and with a jacket over it (or a frock coat, as my lovely wife is working on some) it would be wonderful. The strap across the chest would be visible, but that isn't illegal, only seeing the gun itself is. I rather like that notion.
This week should prove to be quite loverly in its own right, I think. Today we're waiting on the arrival of my friend, Bob Hingtgen, who I have been friends with for over a decade now. We've not seen each other that much since we've been in school, but hopefully we'll remedy that soon. He is going to come down today and stay 'til Wednesday. Then, this weekend we've got a trip to go camping scheduled. I could use that. We're headed out to Canyon of the Eagles park on Lake Buchanan. Nice place, good fishing.
Well, I do believe that's about all on my mind right now. I'm deleting the facebook a week from today. I find it ironic that most people who have complained, though not all, are the ones who make no effort whatsoever to keep up with me. Funny, isn't it?
Until later! Hope all your weeks go well.
The weekend was grand as forseen, though lazier than expected! Alexandra and I found ourselves sleeping away a great part of it in naps. Who knows why we were so tired! Naps are a wonderful thing, though, I must admit. Especially when Double Dave's Pizza is holding a lg pizza for $6 deal and you want to be lazy. For sure, that Corn Beef I made on Friday was excellent, but once it ran out, it was out.
Friday a dear old friend, whose wedding we are helping with, came over to work on her Bridesmaids' dressed with Alex. It was nice to sit, drink coffee, and chat whilst the girls worked. Jenn and I go back quite a ways: we met at college orientation at UT, and have been friends ever since, save a brief period of estrangement in there. There really are few people in this world whose company I'd actually miss if I had to go be a hermit, and she is surely one of them. She and Alex became fast friends after they met, as they're quite similar ladies, and now she's Alex's best female friend, as near as I can tell.
On to other thing, as you all (may) know, I am a concealed handgun carrier. This is Texas, afterall, and one is wiser to be prepared. Better to have it and not need it. So, anyhow, I carry a few guns, depending on the occasion, and lately I've been looking for more of an opportunity to carry my Colt Single Action Army (also known as the Peacemaker). It is a traditional gun, with a large caliber, and just damn imposing if you're on the other end of it, I wager. Problem is that it can be bulky and difficult to conceal for a man of my stature. Here's a holster style I just discovered though, that may work. Remember Tom Cruise's character in "The Last Samurai"? He carried something similar.
I'm rather fond of it, and with a jacket over it (or a frock coat, as my lovely wife is working on some) it would be wonderful. The strap across the chest would be visible, but that isn't illegal, only seeing the gun itself is. I rather like that notion.
This week should prove to be quite loverly in its own right, I think. Today we're waiting on the arrival of my friend, Bob Hingtgen, who I have been friends with for over a decade now. We've not seen each other that much since we've been in school, but hopefully we'll remedy that soon. He is going to come down today and stay 'til Wednesday. Then, this weekend we've got a trip to go camping scheduled. I could use that. We're headed out to Canyon of the Eagles park on Lake Buchanan. Nice place, good fishing.
Well, I do believe that's about all on my mind right now. I'm deleting the facebook a week from today. I find it ironic that most people who have complained, though not all, are the ones who make no effort whatsoever to keep up with me. Funny, isn't it?
Until later! Hope all your weeks go well.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Day Off
Well, friends, I had a day off today, finally.
Yesterday I finished my last final, as noted in a previous post. It went awfully. Whereas the professor in question asked us to look over a set of exercises, which I did and then studied some like them, apparently he really just wanted us to memorize those exercises, because he put them verbatim on the exam. That has to be academically immoral somehow?
At any rate, I have thoroughly enjoyed a day off. Last night I attended my first night of Iaijutsu practice, and thoroughly reveled in that. I've waited so very long to have something to do that would give me an outlet like this. I really like the group, the sensei, and the overall feeling I get there. I think this will be a new home for me. For that, I'm glad. It certainly was strange, putting on clothes I haven't worn in five years. I wasn't entirely sure I'd be able to remember how to do everything, but in those years I've tried to maintain what I knew and how to handle a sword. I did exceedingly well, so I suppose I haven't lost too much.
Here at home today, after dropping Alex off at the bus this morning, I have been lazy for a change. I went fishing this morning when everyone was bustling to work, I sat by the river and enjoyed the rain, drank a Dr. Pepper and felt at peace. I came home, owing to the fact that the same professor mentioned above decided not to go to work today (I needed to meet him to get some things from his office), and thus didn't some other errands. Here at home, I'm just watching shows on Hulu, drinking tea, and relaxing. There's a Corn Beef in the crock pot, and my Dove of a wife gets home in two hours. I'm a happy man.
I hope all your weekends prove to be grand. Mine will be.
Yesterday I finished my last final, as noted in a previous post. It went awfully. Whereas the professor in question asked us to look over a set of exercises, which I did and then studied some like them, apparently he really just wanted us to memorize those exercises, because he put them verbatim on the exam. That has to be academically immoral somehow?
At any rate, I have thoroughly enjoyed a day off. Last night I attended my first night of Iaijutsu practice, and thoroughly reveled in that. I've waited so very long to have something to do that would give me an outlet like this. I really like the group, the sensei, and the overall feeling I get there. I think this will be a new home for me. For that, I'm glad. It certainly was strange, putting on clothes I haven't worn in five years. I wasn't entirely sure I'd be able to remember how to do everything, but in those years I've tried to maintain what I knew and how to handle a sword. I did exceedingly well, so I suppose I haven't lost too much.
Here at home today, after dropping Alex off at the bus this morning, I have been lazy for a change. I went fishing this morning when everyone was bustling to work, I sat by the river and enjoyed the rain, drank a Dr. Pepper and felt at peace. I came home, owing to the fact that the same professor mentioned above decided not to go to work today (I needed to meet him to get some things from his office), and thus didn't some other errands. Here at home, I'm just watching shows on Hulu, drinking tea, and relaxing. There's a Corn Beef in the crock pot, and my Dove of a wife gets home in two hours. I'm a happy man.
I hope all your weekends prove to be grand. Mine will be.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Scruples
I never compromise on my morals or scruples. I hold myself to a very high code of honor. This means I have the unfortunate tendency to say the truth always. Know that.
I am sick and tired of having to turn a blind eye to indiscretions for the sake of not losing employment. I refuse. I would rather starve in contentment that have a bounty bought with shame. I just don't think I am going to tolerate this much longer. How far does this have to go?
The code of conduct I was raised with (I am both a Texan and a Texas Czech, you know) does not permit this. Nor does any code which I have studied and enjoyed in my time (either chivalry or bushido).
Heads may roll, foundations may be shook, but in the end, right must prevail.
That is all.
I am sick and tired of having to turn a blind eye to indiscretions for the sake of not losing employment. I refuse. I would rather starve in contentment that have a bounty bought with shame. I just don't think I am going to tolerate this much longer. How far does this have to go?
The code of conduct I was raised with (I am both a Texan and a Texas Czech, you know) does not permit this. Nor does any code which I have studied and enjoyed in my time (either chivalry or bushido).
Heads may roll, foundations may be shook, but in the end, right must prevail.
That is all.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Very Last Final
I am preparing to take the very last final exam of my Master's Program. This is my comprehensive in Czech Stylistics, and it is scaring me to death, partially due to the lack of preparation on the part of the instructor and partly due to the mass of knowledge that is being tested. Wish me will! I have many things on my mind, and focusing on this is the hardest thing right now. It isn't that I don't love Czech, I really, truly do, it is simply that an exam on grammar is not my idea of a good time. I pride myself when my grammar is correct, as Czech is no picnic in grammar (seriously, you take a language that was illegal to speak in towns from 1620-1805, have it revived, and never standardized until 1918 and see what you get), it is simply that I would rather have more practice just getting to speak. That is the nice thing about language.
The party last night was fantastic, and we all had a good time. Pavla and Bara, our two Czech exchange students, visited with us 'til late, and were great company as always. They're off to Mexico for a couple of weeks, then they will be back for a brief visit with us in Texas before heading back to Prague. I do hope to see them over the Summer when I visit there, and Pavla has graciously asked me to stay at her family's home in Prague for my time there. How could I say no?
For now, I ought to get back to studying, but I am thoroughly enjoying this blogging, my friends, as opposed to the facebook. It makes me feel young again, back in the fledgling days of LiveJournal.
Until later!
The party last night was fantastic, and we all had a good time. Pavla and Bara, our two Czech exchange students, visited with us 'til late, and were great company as always. They're off to Mexico for a couple of weeks, then they will be back for a brief visit with us in Texas before heading back to Prague. I do hope to see them over the Summer when I visit there, and Pavla has graciously asked me to stay at her family's home in Prague for my time there. How could I say no?
For now, I ought to get back to studying, but I am thoroughly enjoying this blogging, my friends, as opposed to the facebook. It makes me feel young again, back in the fledgling days of LiveJournal.
Until later!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Cast Party
You know, there are few things I like doing more than entertaining. It's true: give me a nice, Spring day, some friends, an ice chest full of beer and a barbeque pit ready to go. That's my element. Anyone who has been over for one of my cook-outs will agree, I think. Wouldn't you?
So tonight we're hosting the cast party for the UT Czech Spring Play. These kids are great, although a couple won't be able to make it, one due to illness, and the other due to finals. I lament the loss, as they are two of the coolest folks out there, but it does happen, I suppose. With the house all ready, I'm off in a moment to the store to get some viddles.
A moment to comment on what's going on with me, though:
My sister, Lisa Tomecek-Bias, the expert on all things Japan, I have always been convinced, recently discovered that we have in our backyard a iaijutsu/naginatajutsu dojo. For those of you who aren't familiar with Japanese sword arts, I do suggest you google the term. All of you who know me should know that I've long had a burning desire to study a nice, honest-to-goodness Japanese sword art. Hell, I just love swords. Here one is, right here near us. I couldn't feel any luckier! I'm going this Thursday evening to check it out, and fates willing, will start to train there next week. Wish me luck!
On another note, after many years of work, I think I may have reasonably located my family's home village in Moravia, a place called Horní Lideč, near Vsetín. For those of you not familiar with Czech geography, it is in the far east of the country, a few kilometers from the Slovak border. It will take more work, but we were always told we came from "lische," a town that does not exist. However, in German records of the time, there are notes of Ober Lisch, Czech variant being Horní Lideč. This makes sense, if you consider that my Great Grandfather would have heard that we were "od Horního Lidče," which to him likely sounded like it was referring to a town in the mountains (the Horní part), not a proper name of a town, and the Lidče slurred would sound like Lische, ironically. Fun!
So tonight we're hosting the cast party for the UT Czech Spring Play. These kids are great, although a couple won't be able to make it, one due to illness, and the other due to finals. I lament the loss, as they are two of the coolest folks out there, but it does happen, I suppose. With the house all ready, I'm off in a moment to the store to get some viddles.
A moment to comment on what's going on with me, though:
My sister, Lisa Tomecek-Bias, the expert on all things Japan, I have always been convinced, recently discovered that we have in our backyard a iaijutsu/naginatajutsu dojo. For those of you who aren't familiar with Japanese sword arts, I do suggest you google the term. All of you who know me should know that I've long had a burning desire to study a nice, honest-to-goodness Japanese sword art. Hell, I just love swords. Here one is, right here near us. I couldn't feel any luckier! I'm going this Thursday evening to check it out, and fates willing, will start to train there next week. Wish me luck!
On another note, after many years of work, I think I may have reasonably located my family's home village in Moravia, a place called Horní Lideč, near Vsetín. For those of you not familiar with Czech geography, it is in the far east of the country, a few kilometers from the Slovak border. It will take more work, but we were always told we came from "lische," a town that does not exist. However, in German records of the time, there are notes of Ober Lisch, Czech variant being Horní Lideč. This makes sense, if you consider that my Great Grandfather would have heard that we were "od Horního Lidče," which to him likely sounded like it was referring to a town in the mountains (the Horní part), not a proper name of a town, and the Lidče slurred would sound like Lische, ironically. Fun!
Hey!
So, I am awful fond of ramblings, and my lovely wife has endeavored to deal the deathblow to her facebook, a thing I very much support, so I show my support in similar action.
More to come!
More to come!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Hobbitses?
Just a quick note...it may be three years away, but two Hobbit films are slated for 2011 and 2012. I could squeal with joy!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Paper's In, End's in Sight
Well, folks, here we are. That last paper I've been working on is now turned in! I can take my stack of books back to the library and be rid of them! I'm really excited about the prospect of being able to focus solely on my research and relaxing this Summer. I really cannot articulate that enough. A couple of my fellow grad students here have expressed an interest in learning more about my work, so I'll be glad to share as always. I do seem to be the resident expert on all things Texas Czech.
It's a loverly day out, and after I prepare my talk for Czech class tomorrow over how to make beer (we had to do a presentation over something) I will probably be working in the garden, putting in the new tomato and cucumber seedlings. Last week's hail destroyed my cabbage, so I'm going to have to till that under. More's the pity, really. I was looking forward to making kysané zelí with it. Oh well, the okra is doing okay, so maybe I can still have some of that. The poppies might still produce, but I personally doubt it. Maybe it is time for them to go so I can put in some melons for summer.
Well, off to the post office!
It's a loverly day out, and after I prepare my talk for Czech class tomorrow over how to make beer (we had to do a presentation over something) I will probably be working in the garden, putting in the new tomato and cucumber seedlings. Last week's hail destroyed my cabbage, so I'm going to have to till that under. More's the pity, really. I was looking forward to making kysané zelí with it. Oh well, the okra is doing okay, so maybe I can still have some of that. The poppies might still produce, but I personally doubt it. Maybe it is time for them to go so I can put in some melons for summer.
Well, off to the post office!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Here we are, it's a loverly Tuesday morning in Texas. I'm drinking my cappuccino at what amounts to the last week and a half of my working at the job I've been at for the last four years. It's kind of exciting, really.
For those of you who don't know, I'll be actually off this Summer, before starting graduate school in the Fall. I'm going to be in the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, pursuing further my Czech work. I'm really really ecstatic about all that. With any luck, my research project, the Texas Czech Dialect Project will find success. I was in Brno, South Moravia, Czech Republic a couple of weeks ago at a conference. I presented a paper there on Texas Czech musics. It was very well received.
In other news, my sister, Lisa, is coming home from the Navy soon. I can't wait to have her back. It's always best to have family around. You'll never appreciate them if you don't see their true value.
Well, I need to get back to working on a final paper for Medieval Warfare, it's on Jan Žižka, and whether or not he was a fanatical religious general or an opportunistic brigand. I say he is both.
Until next time, Space Cadets!
For those of you who don't know, I'll be actually off this Summer, before starting graduate school in the Fall. I'm going to be in the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, pursuing further my Czech work. I'm really really ecstatic about all that. With any luck, my research project, the Texas Czech Dialect Project will find success. I was in Brno, South Moravia, Czech Republic a couple of weeks ago at a conference. I presented a paper there on Texas Czech musics. It was very well received.
In other news, my sister, Lisa, is coming home from the Navy soon. I can't wait to have her back. It's always best to have family around. You'll never appreciate them if you don't see their true value.
Well, I need to get back to working on a final paper for Medieval Warfare, it's on Jan Žižka, and whether or not he was a fanatical religious general or an opportunistic brigand. I say he is both.
Until next time, Space Cadets!
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