the house - denver

One Thing We All Learned

2009-10-27T20:33:00.004-06:00

Remember when we were debating about leaving the old house or not? We were struggling with leaving all that happened there behind, but thought it might be good to get a start fresh in a new place. Well, turns out, we unknowingly made a great decision.

Around the end of August (if my memory serves me right) we were wondering when we would get our deposit from the Josephine house back. Well, Jeff ended up calling Bon, our former landlord, and asked him about it. His response was surprising. Rather than getting any money back, he told Jeff we owed about 700 dollars (on top of the 2 grand we would lose from the deposit). And that was with a 1,200 dollar credit oh so generously given to us by Bon for building new steps from the back door to the yard.

Now, let me make it perfectly clear that the Josephine house was full of character, but also full of cracks. It was a beaten-up old home. We left that place in better condition than when we moved in.

So Jeff sat on the phone, completely dumbfounded. For the duration of our time as his tenants, we had what we thought was a great relationship with him. He repeatedly told Jeff we were his favorite tenants. 11 out of 12 months we had our money in on time (the twelth involved a problem with our bank I think) and that, most of all, pleased him. Whenever we called because something broke, he came over right away and did what he could to fix it (even if that meant caulking the entire bathroom).

While we maintained this good relationship, we really did not trust the man. During our first meeting in the house, it was decided he wasn't allowed in the house with any amount of females alone. He made some comments that left most of us feeling uncomfortable. But nonetheless, as a landlord, we really thought things went well and expected our deposit back in full.

It turns out, he charged us $100 for any and every trip to the house. EVERY TIME. We had no idea. At one point, we had gotten a notice saying our lawn was too long and were required to cut it. He drove by the house something like 8 times before the deadline to see if we cut it and charged us $50 per drive-by. Then, on the day Jeff was going to cut it, he came by and cut it, plus sprayed special weed-killer on it all. We were charged something like $300 dollars for that... however, it rained that night, so he said he had to come back and do it again. That cost us something like $150 dollars. We were charged for him coming to fix the plumbing (which had become unusable). We were charged for everything.

All of us felt betrayed. We were livid. We didn't understand how someone could conduct business that way.

We got some legal advice and it was clear, what Bon was doing was not only unethical, illegal. However, we did not have very much proof. A court case would basically come down to his word verses ours.

So Jeff and Pete went to meet with him. There was no budging in Bon. He believed he was right and would take us to court if he had to. After what Jeff called one of the most agonizing hours of his life, they had given up. They gave Bon a letter from our lawyer stating our position. He again, didn't budge. I believe Jeff and Pete then tried to barter with him on a settlement so we wouldn't have to deal with all the problems a court case would cause. They ended on $250. So it's done. We're done.

I would love to litter this page with expression of my disdain for the man, but I hope the story speaks for itself. And needless to say, we don't recommend renting from Bon.

We're so happy to not live in that house again...

You're so gangsta, I'm so thug

2009-10-23T18:27:00.011-06:00

We're still alive, living our crazy little lives. Or are we?

First, I want to tell you a story that happened only a few minutes ago. It's about me, being funny (my favorite stories :). First let me give you some background. I love the movie Legends of the Fall. I watch it a lot. It's in my computer as I write this and has been for weeks. Background completed.

So Chaz, Britt, Anna (Every time I write or say Anna's name, I first think "Katrina"... it literally happens every single time) and I were in our living room. We were just sort of hanging out, talking about different things... you know, Britt's new lisp, how I used to not be able to say any word with "cious" in it (like suspicious), Anna's latin lover, and the like. Just some good hangin' going on. I was also just window-shopping on the internet and when I finished, I closed the browser only to see that my Legends of the Fall DVD was still playing from when I was watching it earlier. So I rewinded it to the sex scene (which is quite sexual I assure you) and played it for the other three. Hahahaha... it was great.

You should have seen their faces. They never saw it coming. Anna wheeled her chair into the other room laughing... then came back and complimented my awkward-creation abilities - I don't think any of them were really surprised I did that... oh man, it was just so perfect.

So what else is going on here?

Well, right now, Anna is on a date with Ray Ray (just google "ray ray dancing" and go to images - he's the second image listed). She probably wishes I didn't write that... but she also wanted me to continue writing the blog so we all have to make sacrifices. Ok, so that's not him, but that's what I found when I looked for a picture of a guy named ray ray who was really good at dancing. I haven't cut my hair in almost a year... got the pone rockin' right now. We have a monkey lamp, so that's pretty cool... and two recliners (IN THE SAME ROOM AS THE MONKEY LAMP! It's pretty much the best room you could ask for). Chaz's employer (the gov) is giving him a performance review this week (basically, he works from home and writes to the company how successful he is at his responsibilities... and we wonder why the government can't figure out health care). Robby is running a weekend retreat for the kids he works with (he is a youth minister at a church in Aurora). Brittney is mad at the universe and trying to steal a baby... (Todd, stop concerning yourself with business efficiency and let the woman talk about yoga... SHIT! Some people, you know?) Mary is a nugget carrier of wisdom... she laid it all on me this morning. Chaz is wearing Andy's shirt (that he made, not that he owns). PS - www.andyholdeman.com. Andy and I both work at grocery stores... it's really funny to see who buys condoms. An eighty year old couple? Unless it's Abraham and Sarah, they must be buying them as a gift right? And what kind of gift is that? I suppose it's practical... just strange. Maybe they got 'em mixed up with ed-pills or something... maybe I should let this go (at least as the blog goes... but it will remain a mystery that boggles my little brain for years to come I'm sure). Mary is very confused by how male athletes give each other little butt slaps during competitions. Andy and I tried to convey that it's game time... sometimes we need to give each other a little support... put some pep in each other's step... you know? Speaking of male athletes, the Strong Cucumbers are together and competing again. We're getting annihilated every game, but we're still out there. Ben is as awesome as always. Carson takes his pants off to show everyone his thang every practice. Tanner stops playing with the ball at his feet to ask his dad how he's doing every game... it's great. What else? What else? Umm... Oh, we're having a Haunted House Warming Party on Halloween. It's at the house at 7:30. Come, don't, whatev man... we're cool. Anna's going to be a pirate... or a pirate trying to be something else.

How's the house doing otherwise?

It's been strange... I have to say. As a member of the first house, much is different. And to be honest, I don't know for the better or not. I think the four from the old house (me, chaz, britt and mar) have struggled to be passionate about what we're doing... I'm not sure we (all 7 of us) know what it is "we're doing". I'm not sure all of us think we should to be "doing something". It is all very confusing. The first house had so much more direction... even though we never ended up where we thought we were heading. It's so hard not to compare to the first house. I will say, though, that the support, the friendship, the family we are trying to build is growing. I wasn't always confident it would, but I think I realized today how much more I trust everyone here and rely on them. And they're all really legit people.

I will keep you guys (who reads this anymore... I mean it's been months since I wrote in here...) updated on all this.

Quote of the House so far (that I can remember): "And when I cry, it's sad" - Fu

Lindsey (from the josephine house) is leaving on her adventure to New Zealand soon. We're going to miss her... I am anyway. She's a pretty great person... I would highly recomend her to anyone living in New Zealand looking for a great meal, friendly and timely service, and a good friend. I give her five stars.

What if we all just did drugs? The house, I mean. Like one of you came to meet us all for the first time, and found us all shooting heroin... or meth? What if? Which brings up something else I want to talk about... MetLife... they can't protect you from the "if" in life people. Don't believe their ad campaign. It's simply not true... life just happens you know? And back to what we were talking about... meth... those commercials freak me out. Honestly, part of me wants to do meth just to prove you can do it once without ending up bloody in a bathtub or having sex with some dude for meth money. But what if it's true... and I do end up there? I better get MetLife.

(On a less serious note, I wrote this a week or so into the new house)
I just miss the fam. This is a our first group pic back when we were still meeting in Jeff and Chaz's apartment talking about letting homeless people sleep in our yard (hahahaha we're idiots).

'member when...

- the Starbuck's people wouldn't let us take a picture with them?

- Chaz said "Good out"?

- we were all struggling to understand the disappointment surrounding the first cabin?

- fought about working on the backyard?

- eventually built an awesome bunk bed after running into one stumbling block after another?

- Pete wore tight tight girl pants for the first time?

- we danced for 2.5 hours at Franti's concerts and then sang "Say Hey" at the dinner table?

- mel and I cried together at 2am longing for something we couldn't quite reach?

- the band played "limbs" so much we felt it?

- Pete sat and played Arlene?

- Brandon and Carter were obnoxious :)... specifically when they were playing Fifa with Jefe and Pete?

- I wrote lyrics to that one song... "Lindsey, can you come here for a sec?" (hahahahahaha)

- we couldn't win a debate with Mary?

- Lindsey never once complained about cooking... not even once? Amazing.

- the boys sat smoking pipes and talked on the porch in the middle of winter?

- Kiley layed her head on Jefe's knee for the first time?

- I had a shirt on?

- Jeff let me play guitar for First Pres?

- the group hugs?

- the "oh my Lord, Lord, Lord... Hummm" huddles?

- the dance parties?

- when Jeff almost got the moving truck stuck under an overpass?

- when you first met Bon?

- you didn't want to come home because it was too hard?

- the house felt so empty when one person was out of town?

- we kept the dead orchids in the house for three months trying to resurrect them?

- Lindsey's awkward drinking face?

- Kiley was so happy to see you?

- Kiley was so drugged out and had drool hanging down a foot from her mouth?

- Julie's kids finished the patio?

- the strange beauty of the lights hanging over our yard?

- George?
- Bon's soul trying desperately to tell us he sucked when we first him with all his lovely comments?

- we named Katie "El Bronto" for whatever reason?

- some of us didn't do any chores for the final month and a half?

- when Pete did the dishes 85% of the time? Also amazing.

- Katie asked me if I needed someone to talk to on the back steps?

- no matter how hard I pushed you all away, you never closed your hearts to me?

- you knew Mary was watching something funny on TV downstairs? Not a better laugh in the world Mar.

- when I walked into the ending of a Grey's Anatomy episode and I got eight teary eyes looking back at me?

- we took sides against each other?
- when mel and I had that first fight?

- we all hated the people at the hotel Katrina was going to have her wedding at because they sucked?

- we put life vests on Kiley and tried to get her to swim?

- Jeff and I made up the "ooh-aah" song in the basement?

- fruit leathers?

- Justin called me to tell me he was going to be a dad?

- Katrina and Kiley took a nap together at the first cabin?

- when we danced in the rain at one of Speakeasy Tiger's shows?

- Brittney sang and I played "Hey There Delilah"

- Fred haunted the upstairs closet?

- Pete tried to train Kiley to wipe her drool on the sheet covering her cage?

- Katie basically took care of Kiley most of the year?

- Chaz had his beard... any of the times? It was always epic.

- Mousacost? I still feel insensitive using that name. I tried coming up with other names, but I guess putting our mouse murders in any kind of name makes light of horrible things.

- Kiley would hide her bones in the back of Mary and Katie's closet? In the corner? Under a pile of clothes?

- Pete changed his birthday on Facebook for like two weeks in a row to see how many wishes he'd get?

- Duke Wellington?

- Syncrinicities and Collective Consciousness?

- Jeff and Chaz and Pete packed the moving van so incredibly tight?

- Lindsey, Jeff and I felt quite awkward at Whitney's event?

- I used to love writing blogs and they were funny and good?

- Brittney did Chai Tea in the living room? Why did I ask you to do that again?

- we all got mentioned in Speakeasy Tiger's album?

- I would walk five hundred miles just to be the man who walked five hundred miles and I would walk five hundred more just to be the man who walked one thousand miles for you and if you would walk five hundred miles then i wouldn't have to walk so far just to be the man who walked one thousand miles for you.

- we had friends and family over so many times and shared meals with them and laughed and played and enjoyed amazing food?

- Ben cried because the Strong People is a good baseball team name but not a good soccer team name?

- Jamie did my hair and I wore flannel?

- I joked about Jeff and Katie doing it?

- Mel moved out?

- "Is this Coldplay? Oh I love Colplay."?

- the redhead from Green Corps stayed with us? I can't remember his name.

- we (maybe just me) painted weird stuff? Life a uvula for Linds (still trying to figure that all out Linds, but I will paint you something good)

- 15 or so of us watched the Nuggets playoff game the night of the labor day party? with Amber?

- when everyone voted?

- how Caribou cares aboooout everything?

- Jeff brought home his new car?

- we drove around to all the auto shops in Steamboat to find Katrina a tire?

- I thought it was ridiculous to have a blog because I didn't want to think we were something special?

- when Jeff told me the world doesn't need people?

- Lindsey and I got engaged just so we could go register? And then never wore the ring Katie took out a loan to buy for me for her.

- we'd torment Kiley with all of Jeff's toys?

I can't tell you guys how much your love has changed my life. How much more comfortable I am around you all... and how much more confident I am in the rest of my life knowing both that you love me and that you'll always be there for me. You've been such a large part of my healing and growth. Thank you. Love you. No, wait, seriously: Katie, I love you. You are my family... I know love because I know you. Jeff, you're my best friend... maybe the only one I've ever had. Pete, I'm glad you're fathering Ryder. I see how much you put into everything you do... I'm really glad I had so much time with just you in the house. Fu, I adore you. If I was the universe, I'd kill Todd and all other yoga-hating people. Mary, I can come to you anytime I'm struggling and know you'll understand me. I've needed you in this second house. You are the most gracious person I know. Really. Chaz, you made me soup when I was sick. You are a true servant... in the good way. You take care of me and everyone around you. Katrina... Kat-face... is everything going to be fine? Yes. Is everything going to work out for me? Yes. Oh... okay. As much as you freak out, I have always been calmed by your faith that I would be okay. You're family is so weird. You are so weird. It was an honor to hug you when you missed Alan. Shit, linds, I wish I could moon you at this moment. But, I know you're going to meet your lover here soon in New Zealand, so I don't want you to be distracted. I hope my wife is like you (collective awkward gasp). Strong. god, you're strong. Humble. Free. Steadfast. Confident. Great dancer. Has the most amazing massage touch. I hope I'm like you. I hope she likes seeing my butt though. But other than that.

You guys are really special to me.

Part Deux

2009-07-22T22:50:00.016-06:00

"It's not goodbye, it's see you later."

We've all moved out of the house on Josephine. It's sad. But it's good. We're on to the next chapter of the house and our individual lives. And that's the beauty of what we've tried (and I believe have succeeded in) to do here... create a family that continues to love and support one another no matter what or where and doesn't end inside four walls or the ten hearts it began with. It invites others to join and grows and grows and grows. The things learned in that house carry on to the next relationship, and the next house, and to the next neighbor, and to the next adventure. This experiment is really only worth it if we have built something sustainable... something that affects us for our lifetimes. And I think it will. It will continue to be hard and a learning process, but we're still committed to our goal (summed up so well above in the heading).

We've had visions of, you know, ten years down the road, having a huge family reunion where everyone who was in the house and their families, communities, whatever come to enjoy each other some more... obviously that'd be dope and obviously no one knows if this thing will continue, but that's just kind of what we hope "the house" becomes... A huge extended family where each member is supported and does its best to support. I know for a fact that the members of the Josephine house will be having reunions (planning is already in the works - house boat on lake tahoe anyone?)

So yeah, I guess I never told you guy(s) (who knows if anyone reads this anymore), but the house deux is not staying - has not stayed - in the house at Josephine. We found a house only a couple blocks from the Josephine house. Staying was an option, but we just felt moving was the best thing for the deux. It was a really difficult, emotional decision. There is so much history (both good and painfully good) there we wanted to hold on to. But we needed to let that go and move forward. So our new address is 3217 Gaylord St. Denver, CO 80205. It is literally two blocks west, and two houses north of the Josephine St. 1 - it isn't absolutely deteriorating (we're pretty sure the other house is going to collapse within two weeks of moving out). 2 - it allows the deux to start fresh and create the "house" anew in a way that truly resembles its current residents (while still attempting to stay intimately connected to the hearts of the original residents). 3 - its cheaper and is the right amount of house for seven members rather than the previous nine.

So come by. The house is a mess as we are trying to sort through the chaos of moving, but come by anyway. The house continues and we want you to be a part of it.

Also, we have a seventh member... Andy Holdeman. He's got a beard. He plays basketball. He once cut his hair to look like Hulk Hogan (See below - he didn't want me to put this up... but that's the beauty of this blog being under my control). We're all really excited about his addition. He tried to tell us for weeks he was only 85% in, but we were quite confident he would be living with us despite his uneasiness. He runs his own shirt design company which is legit. He's not that into House (the tv show) but I'm working on that. Instead, Andy is an avid Dr. Who fan... I don't get it.

So the house deux is set... starring Anna-Face, Fu!, Robby Cella (aka the Serious Coyote), Mary Did You Know?, Kelley Berschwood, A-Train, and Charles Gunning the Third. (Side note, Robby's nickname here comes from this amazing CD we found in the storage room of the new house. One of its tracks is called the Serious Coyote and that just seemed to fit Bob - he doesn't like it. Anyway, it's the weirdest thing you've ever heard. In the song "Ida Lee" - the name of the singer's spaceship - one lyric says something like "Oh Ida Lee, you go so fast you have to be a Jedi to see you pass". When you visit, ask for a listen.)

PS - I know I told you guys you'd be hearing from other people in the house and perhaps some peop's who've been around a lot but I guess I'm not the only one who struggles to commit to writing on this thing so that prob won't happen. I'll try to keep pushing it though because I think it'd be valuable. (I dont know why this is underlined and not white.)

Look how the turn tables have...

2009-07-12T19:28:00.013-06:00

What to say... what to say?

First, the house is still a go for another year. Right now, Brittney, Kelley, Chaz, Mary, Robby Cella and Anna Koclanes will be carrying the torch. Next year's peop's are getting together to kind of crank out our ideas for next year and trying to get to know each other.

Here are a few things to know about Robby and Anna: Anna is Katrina's older sister. Robby went to college with Chaz and they've been friends since high school or earlier... a long time. Anna has spent the last two years working as a teacher in Baton Rouge for Teach for America. Robby has a beard right now and looks ubber-manly (sexy). I'm excited to live with another Koclanes because they are the weirdest family I've ever met. And Bob is someone I know I will learn a lot from. More on them will be coming.

SHIT. (I just wanted to do that... I've been at work all day and just feel this anxious need to make a lot of commotion).

In the coming weeks, you will be hearing from the other members of the house. Each of them (especially jeff) will be blogging about something they want to say about the last year. You will also be hearing from the new members as well as some people who have been intimately involved in what we've done. I'm really excited about this because it will really put a unique picture of the house you guys haven't seen since only I've blogged.

There's only 20 days left of the current house :( It's been a truly amazing year.

Randoms:
Speakeasy Tiger had a CD Release show last night. Their new album, The Public, is now out. They've worked really hard on it the last year and it is seriously a great album. And look at their tour schedule because their shows are incredible. This pic is from their show at the Denver Pride Fest. I frickin love these people... the house really would not have been the same without them here so much. Brittney was told she has a very nice yoga practice... expect to see her teaching yoga at your studio sometime in the next year. Katie and Jeff are all set to be married in the next month. We tried on the "Halo" tux's the other day and you should show up to see the boys if nothing else... I mean other than the bride of course. Kat face and Al face are also getting set up for their wedding. Katrina has faced the most ridiculous crap in trying to get a venue, but they've finally got it all figured out. Mary still makes us laugh. It's crazy hot in this house... summer kind of blows like that though. If I was going to say there is one thing that is my sworn enemy, it's heat. I got a job at Costco... it's good for me right now, but it really makes me want to pursue my dreams as much as I can. Apparently I have a dance move that Brittney thinks is crazy good... yet I have no idea how I did it or what exactly I did... it's the phantom dance move. Jeff got a hair cut. It's short and he looks more grown up. Katie can't seem to keep her hands off (don't tell her I told you). We had a low-key Fourth of July get-t0-gether. Jeff b-b-qed and some peop's came over. Brittney tricked the girls with a fake poo next to their toilet. It was a glutten-free chocolate bar... they got pretty freaked out. Katrina decided not to apply to med school next year. This weekend the house is going to a cabin in the mountains... We're so excited for it and we're hoping it becomes a yearly reunion with us and the newer us's.

I got a new, OLD truck. It's my dream car. It's a 1976 Ford F-150 in incredible condition. I've got the truck and the dog, now I just need a job at a ranch and I'm set. I really want to get out of the city... but not for another year I guess.

Dedicated to the Strong Cucumbers

2009-05-21T23:41:00.019-06:00

So many things have happened in the almost TWO months since I've written on this thing. In no particular order, here we go...

First, these are my boys right here... my dogs.

These guys battled through another tough season and regardless of the record, I think we came out on top. I wish I was this awesome when I was five.

Julie (aka Hoolie) is a relatively new friend of ours - who hasn't been over in a while :( - and she has just been awesome to have around. She is a youth ministry leader for St. James Pres and had to figure out a service opportunity for her kids for a day. Well, we were pretty surprised and excited when she decided our

backyard would be it. We still hadn't finished our patio and had millions of bricks we ne

eded out of our garage. They were amazing. I left in the morning for a Cucumber game and by the time I got back, they were finished. It was like seeing/feeling the other side of the service projects I had been involved in... when you're doing the work, you don't really understand how much you're truly helping... but when it's being done for you, it is simply incredible how much work gets done that would have taken us weeks or months to complete.

A week or so later, we "hired" out a couple people from The Annex ministry in Boulder to

finish up the yard. Every year, the Annex sends 20 or so college students on two month long mission trips around the world on a program called Messenger and a bunch of people volunteer to help raise their support. So the money we spent went towards those 20 or so people leaving this summer for the Philippines or Kenya or Swaziland or Greece I think (Katie, Chaz and I went on Messenger to Hungary, Swaziland and Austria respectively). So anyway, Becka Phillipson and Jacob Oliver came and worked with Jeff and some others to fine tune the back yard.

Thank you for all your help guys. Our yard and patio is a big part of this house and what we want to do. It wouldn't have happened without you. And neither would this:

With our next door neighbors, the house and our next door neighbors put on a Memorial Day party on Monday. We handed out flyers and invited pretty much everyone and anyone. It was... phenomenal. I don't know how many people came, but it was a lot. We were worried because of the rain, but that didn't seem to stop anyone. We had neighbors and friends and family and neighbors and friends and family and friends and family and neighbors came. We had food and music and dancing (really just me and Britt had a dance party, everyone else was a little shy) and threw the baseball and played with Kiley and it was so sick. If you were there, you know. If you weren't, make sure you come next time/get invited cause you are anyway. Everyone came and everyone was instantly family. People from the band were hanging out with people from Brittney's work. My mentee's family was meeting my family. Neighbors finally know each other's names and know they have friends down the street. It was family. I can't explain it differently. For someone who missed out on that for most of his life, it was so awesome to see. I can't think of a better day I've had here. Thanks to those who came. Love. So awesome.

Every week we have a meeting host who picks an activity or whatever for us to do. In the last few weeks, we've had yoga in the park (Brittney has found her calling), competed in video games (Pete won... barely), went to a Speakeasy Tiger event, and last week we gave each other nick names:

Peter - Petre (A Land Before Time) (2nd place was Twinkle Fingers)

Katrina - Wiglet (2nd place was Katarunga - yoga reference - but Jeff really really liked "Kat Box")

Lindsey - Phil (Mary started with "Fulfill", but it then became just Phil... you can thank the boys for that one) (2nd place was maybe "Chefoodador" - Katie gave everyone dinosaur names)

Chaz - The P.P. (a very close second place was "Slippy")

Kelley - Fuckles (a combination between funny and chuckles... 2nd place was Buckcrackalacka)

Jeff - Fuzzy Limone (Jeff's were hard because he was the last one and we were all really tired but I named him Hyperbolic Chamber because he uses a lot of hyperboles... I still think it's the best)

Katie - El Bronto (because she likes brontosaurouses... she came up with this one herself) (2nd place was Pickles)

Brittney Fu - Lordshiod (when she types "Josephine" into her phone, Lordshiod comes up instead so... yeah)

Mary - 'Boot (2nd place was Maryboo... we have this joke that Mary should go to Caribou - where she works - and pitch the slogan "Caribou, we care aboooot everyone" so thats where the boot and boo comes from)

Miscellaneous stuff:

Kiley had a skin biopsy done on her rash... Three vets and CSU don't know what it is and so it is now being shipped to Purdue to be looked at by the Gregory House of veterinarians. I graduated. Britt cut two strings from a shirt thing and then tied them together and wore them on her head and she really looked hippie-like... I guess you had to be there. Speakeasy Tiger looks to be on the road of stardom. They are playing at Red Rocks Ampitheatre at some point this summer. We went to one of their shows last weekend at an outdoor venue and danced in the rain... it was sweet. They are sweet. You are sweet. Hmmm... I need something salty... BRB (be right back). At dinner the other night, I remarked to Chaz, "Do you suppose there will be a dishes fairy who comes tonight and cleans all our dishes for us?" He responded, "Yeah, in a pink thong and pink boa." He was right... It was awesome. The Cucumbers are done with another season. I'm pretty sure we only won one game, but trust me, we are winners. They are the coolest people on this earth. Go to my album on facebook to see pictures of them.

the house '09 - '10 report: Brittney is in. Chaz is in. I am in. AND (collective gasp) we have two new members! Robby Cella and Emi Reeves will be living with us, whether that may be, attempting to live as a family and create real community for each other and others. Robbie is a handsome, strong, smart, good-looking, striking, and gorgeous man that plays Halo. So I'm pumped. I don't know Emy very well, but word on the street is she straight up dope. And if I've learned anything this year, everyone is dope. So Emy, I'm excited to see just how dope you are. Dope. So we have five. We'd like five more... we need to tell our landlord if we're staying in this house or not on July 1st.

It's been awhile

2009-04-09T17:46:00.013-06:00

This is like one of those awkward encounters with a person you dated awhile back and haven't seen since you just sort of stopped calling/returning phone calls and you're caught off guard and say "Geesh, it's been awhile".

Yeah, it's not like that for me either. HI!!! I'm sorry I haven't written in awhile... life is just busy as you know.

So what's been going on?

First, I'll let you know about the Event to Name Subsequent Events After (the dinner/community discussion/game night thing). 20-ish people came over and it was a lot of fun. We talked about things we've learned in the house and heard what other people were looking for in community and beginning to build and it was encouraging, but I think it was just fun and filling to be in the middle of real community with everyone there.

Many of you mentioned how you don't think it's right for you in your current situations with school etc, but I would encourage you to pursue this boldly (whether that looks like a house of ten or twenty or five people). If you want it and have an opportunity, go for it (for inspiration, watch Stranger Than Fiction). I knew I would have to commute to Boulder for school for my senior year and it was hard, but worth it. Don't let school or distance or other circumstances stop you... because they will be there the year after this one and the year after that one.

I think a lot of it comes down to humility, honestly. We read books like Irresistable Revolution and want to be what is represented in that book... people capable of giving everything in themselves for others needing nothing in return. None of us want to be the served. It almost seems blasphemous to say we do. And yet, that is what we all need... all of us (see John 13:6-9). We are incomplete. We need.

My point of saying that is in hopes that you'll not let the perception that you're not in a place where you can give as much as you'd like to keep you from intentional community. Let others care for you so you can grow, so you can serve others better. You will give in ways you can't see. It's never going to be the convenient time to do something like this, but it might be the right time.

As I told some or all of you that night, I've experienced nothing more challenging and beautiful than this family. It has changed my life. It has helped bring major healing. I thank God and my roommates for who they have been for me.

So what else is new? (My grandfather - and father for that matter... I hope it skips a generation... OH NO I JUST SAID IT!!! - always says this on the phone when he's not sure what else to talk about).

We committed Mouse Genocide. We finally got tired of our infestation and Jeff and Pete did the dirty work to catch over 20 mice. I think we had 11 the first night. Lindsey is seriously reconsidering staying in the house next year. She says she's just has more to do here (fight malnutrition!). This has made everyone moving out reconsider since they know they won't get better meals anywhere else. The house got a donated grill, which is awesome. Kiley still has a rash. I've gone to two vets and nobody seems to know what's up. SO, if you're a vet(ernarian), and are cheap (or free?) and willing to take a look, please comment down below and I'll be in touch. The boys watched the movie Stardust and fell in love with Claire Danes. We have new neighbors! They have been over a few times for various things. They actually are trying to do the same thing we are in building relationships in the neighborhood... so we're excited to be able to work together on that - we're going to try and have a labor day shindig together I think. Britt and I did Tai Chi (sp?) in the kitchen last night. Al-face (Kat-face's fiance) is here visiting for the weekend. We are out of printer ink. Pete's band, Settle Down Your Speech Big Orange Cat (Speakeasy Tiger), is in the studio recording their first full length album. Pete, Chaz and I talked about how women like male dogs and men like female dogs. Speaking of dogs, Kiley decided she no longer is going to poop, drool, shed, make messes, bark, or fart (yeah, in Pete's dreams). Chaz still has a beard... which is amazing... He's also an ass. The living room has been completely rearranged by Jeff and Pete. Oh and Pete moved Arlene (his piano) into the house. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned that before. This is Lindsey's favorite week of the year because of the Conference on World Affairs on CU's campus. So she's been in Boulder all week taking advantage of all the ideas/thoughts being thrown around up there. Those are just a few of the tantalizing things going on around here. Stop by to experience these and many many more!!

Oh, one more thing (katrina, chaz and I were hanging out singing this the other night and I think it really makes a great point):

I would walk five hundred miles just to the man who walked five hundred miles and i would walk five hundred more just to be the man who walk one thousand miles and if you would walk five hundred miles then i wouldn't have to walk so far just to be the man who walked one thousand miles for you

¡Attention!

2009-03-19T01:04:00.003-06:00

We have changed the date to our shindig. It will be on Friday April 3rd. Same time (except only in the past of what would have been the future shindig that would have existed, but will now be earlier but still in our present future that we will be in soon). Same place (as far as earth coordinates go, but not in our solar system, galaxy, or universe(s?)). Hopefully this will only help you come, not hinder you. But it's like I always say, sometimes the cat just has to be put in the bag you know?

Don't be square, be there. (I always say this too ever since... well you know that saying "be there or be square"? It was actually a Hustla Original, but was stolen from me on the playground at Belleview Elementary by Phil McPhFilips. I'm sorry, I don't usually get this emotional... it's just hard to talk about).

An Event to Name Subsequent Events After

2009-03-09T22:54:00.005-06:00

People of the blog...

First, I apologize for my lack of updating lately. There is absolutely no excuse for my lack of commitment and effort. I humbly apologize and ask only that you continue to hang on my every word and to check back every day as religiously as you all have.

Second, I will not be updating you tonight very much.

Third, I will soon.

Fourth, I have something else to talk about.

Fifth, I will now talk about it... Coming up on the second Friday of April, we're going to be having a shindig. The purpose is to talk about community. Last year, maybe thirty people got together to discuss the importance of community, what genuine community looks like and how it can be grown. And to just hang out with you and play some games. So yeah, we are doing that again and you are invited.

So the schedule is first and foremost to feed us all. Then we're thinking about some games, including the famous flollyball (which I have never played but people say it's pretty unbelievable). And then to hang out and explore the concept of community.

Details:

Friday April 10th

6:30 (dinner is served) - we'd never put a cap on something this fun

At the house (3205 Josephine St. Denver, CO 80205)

Questions: kelbirsch@hotmail.com

There is only one way to eat an elephant

2009-02-23T22:10:00.018-07:00

Tonight, Katrina introduced us all to a documentary called Nobelity. I can think of no movie that has presented the power of our actions and opportunity for change so effectively. My heart is still racing, still filled with a new passion... PLEASE SEE THIS FILM. Here is the trailer... while the trailer is good, it doesn't do the film justice, you'll just have to trust me.

A lot of you probably watched the Oscars last night and have made new promises to yourselves to go see the award-winning movies you didn't see. Please, go rent/buy this movie. It is available at Blockbuster and on Netflix (just checked to make sure).

Regardless if you look at Jesus as God or a man or whatever, I have never, ever, heard someone (Desmond Tutu at the end of the film) communicate his gospel so simply and eloquently.

** this film is not religiously affiliated at all, that was just my (Kelley's) reaction to Tutu's interview in the movie.

People, I wish I had some way of effectively relaying the urgency I feel that you see this movie. Just see it. It, in many ways, communicates the goal of this house.

House Update:

We're all starting to look pretty seriously about what we will each be doing next year. A lot is changing, but there is very serious talk about continuing the house for at least another year with a few new roomies as some will move on.

Katrina is moving to Madison, Wisconsin to be with her then new hubby Alan. Jeff and Katie will be living somewhere in Denver (hopefully near by the house if it continues on) to also start married life. Lindsey is weighing her options still, thinking this may be the time of her life to go on an adventure. But she may be moving with Caitlin (part of the tripod - mentioned in a previous blog with the story of three girls) to Madison to live by Katrina. Each of them will still be very connected with everything we do here (Lindsey will be asked to come visit and cook many times I'm sure) and hopefully will visit often.

Tonight was the first time we've brought this up as a group, so we will be taking the next couple weeks to process everything, but I will keep you updated.

Come visit... get a good meal... have a few laughs... maybe see me in a thong... no promises.

The dichotomy between media conglomerates is experiencial in its own commonsensical narratives

2009-02-10T14:45:00.019-07:00

No one thinks that title is funny but me, but that's what I like about my humor... it's funny to me.

(At Jeff and Katie's engagement party, Lindsey had that cazoo-trumpet-thing the whole night. And Chaz had that beard and man-look about him since puberty. None of this has any significance to the blog, I just like the picture.)

Have you noticed that people don't look at each other... on the street or whatever when you walk by? Or smile at each other? It is so awkward. You're both thinking, "Well this is awkward... do I say hi? Why would I say hi? Do I look at them? Are they looking at me? Do I nod? Oh my gosh this is so awkward, we're about to pass... What do I do, what do I do?! Fiddle with something, Kelley, look at your cell phone! Something, ANYTHING!!! AGH! We passed each other... Finally. It's over. That was rough. I hope I never have to do that again." Anyway, I've noticed it and its so awkward... of course, I've been told many times its me who is awkward, but I think I just feel the awkwardness to a higher degree and I'm not afraid to talk about it. So, I think either we should put a wall along every sidewalk and street dividing the right and left sides or... start saying hi or just smiling at each other... you know, acknowledge the other awkward person's existence.

What's going on in heeeeer, you ask. Well, let's see...

First and foremost, the most amazing two men to ever live miraculously saved my pour little computer charger. A mouse, allegedly (I can probably get sued for libel on this thing so I should be careful), ate through my power chord which I just replaced. It was dead, done, a la muerte (whatever that means). But last night, Jeff messed around with it and decided he was going to try and fix it. So, he and Pete did a little surgery and a little metal work and it's all better. Works perfectly. They are amazing. Also, Pete is 5-0 in his Fifa season. I watched all the Planet Earth's... I love earth. Jeff and I were having a really hard time convincing Pete to come play Halo with us the other night, so after about 10 minutes of unsuccessful convincing, I grabbed his legs, jeff grabbed his shoulder, and we carried him downstairs... it was funny. Let's see, let's see... Katrina, Linds and Brit just got back from a road trip to California. They were going to come back through Las Vegas but tried to miss a storm by going through Pheonix and you know what happened? (If you guess, it will be more fun). (No, seriously just pause for a minute and guess). The storm went through Pheonix, not Las Vegas, and they got delayed. Also there was this guy at a bar'n'grill that looked like Santana, but played a wood thing and covered that song that goes "a little bit of monica na na blah, a little bit of..." You should really ask Brit to tell you that story cause it's funny. Lindsey has two more weeks of employment, then she and Katie are going to London to visit our friend Maggie. After she gets back, Linds will be one of those percentages you see on the front page of the newspaper telling you how wonderfully humble our economy is... If you work for an organization doing cool things, give her a call. I can be a reference. Chaz's beard is epic. Mel is now in Sao Paulo Brazil. She is doing well and is having lots of adventures... Check out her every one of her 906,839,411 pictures on facebook. I watched Planet Earth so I'm pretty much an expert on animals now... speaking of Planet Earth for the second time, there is a part in either the mountains one or the plains one where it's talking about wild ass (donkeys) - I'm in class and I just laughed out loud thinking about this part - and they just word things weird... check it out. Last night, Kiley chewed on a tennis ball for over an hour. It was really gross. She squeezes it repeatedly and it makes this squishy noise... Pete and Lindsey loved it the most (I am lying).

Oh I do have a personal accomplishment I want to brag about... So there's a joke around the house about my guitar skills being less than... umm... I guess "musician" status. So I always tell Pete that if Speakeasy Tiger needs a little help or someone to tour with, I could work it out in my schedule... you know jokes like that. Anyway, Jeff leads worship at First Pres in Boulder sometimes and about two weeks ago he was heading that whole deal up. He asked me if I wanted to give it a shot. I did and so I played guitar in front of probably 700 people. It was super. Just super. Thanks so much Jeff. Brandon (Jeff's bro), Carter (Brando's friend - he plays percussion with Brandon in HelloPanda), Stephanie Ault (Pete's friend and Piano/Singer/Songwriter master), Pete (roommate and piano extraordinaire), Jeff (guitar maestro) and I performed some diddies. It was so much fun.

Tonight we celebrated Pete's birthday (real one was Sunday and for those of you who were scammed on Facebook, Feb 8th is his actual birthday). 20-something people came over for dinner and games. It was a blast. Thanks to everyone that came, we enjoyed (and always do) having you in our home. Come back soon.

I'm so glad Pete is my friend.

Hey Britt-fu writes a blog. It's sick (thats slang for dope which is slang for marijuana). All that serious stuff I can't express in writing, she can. And, she is pretty much the cutest th... most rugged thing I've ever seen. All I'm saying is Brit, you're wonderful.

Duke Wellington.

Ahhh... it's good to be back.

Jeff & Katie Rock... Dot Com

2009-02-07T11:00:00.005-07:00

Jeff & Katie Rock Dot Com! Jeff & Katie Rock Dot Com! JEFF AND KATIE ROCK DOT COM!!!!

You can see Jeff & Katie Rocking right now! Jeff & Katie Dot Com! Jeff & Katie Dot Com!

(if you read that in any way relating to the "you could be a dj for a day" commercial, our minds were tapped into the collective consciousness of the universe... way to be)

Jeff and Katie are writing a blog about their adventures in newly engaged/engaged/and eventually newly married life. Read about Jeff's incredibly elaborate timeline for Katie's surprise engagement party, watch video of Pete imitating Jeff's mom, or just look at the pictures of Jeff and Katie from four years ago. Ready? Go.

A Tiger to Speak About

2009-01-31T23:17:00.004-07:00

Pete is in a band called Speakeasy, Tiger... go to www.speakeasytiger.com to download (for free) their EP album. They are releasing a new album in June.

They practice here 12 hours every week and we love having them around. They are really talented. Check 'em out... the music speaks for itself.

... or you can go to their myspace page.

Lois Lane Says Yes to Superman

2009-01-27T12:12:00.012-07:00

This past weekend, another couple committed to getting hitched someday. Katie and Jeff ("Lois Lane" and "Superman") are engaged to be married!

Jeff asked Katie in a parking lot (a very special parking lot -- "you don't know me" - Jeff [jeff didn't actually say that, I did for him and then quoted him... don't sue me Jeff, you know I don't have any money anyway... of course if you do, I'll have a better excuse for living in your basement next year, so do whatever seems best]) ANYWAY, Katie said yes. There was a large gathering of friends and family on Saturday night to celebrate their commitment to life together.

Congratulations lovers. You only have to be celibate for a few more months... then it's... well, you know.

It's Not the Same

2009-01-22T12:21:00.007-07:00

When ten of us first starting meeting to develop this vision of communal living, we decided to be each other's family. In the house, that is exactly what we have become. Each of us in a way belongs to the other nine. Each day, our special bond grows deeper. I don't think this bond will ever go away, regardless of what happens.

In November, Mel told us she would be moving out after the holidays. Two weeks ago... she did. A situation in the house had grown too painful and living there was no longer the best thing for her. There is no fault to hand out... it is what it is.

This past Monday, the other nine of us sat down for our house dinner and the room felt so empty. Mel was missing. Her smile (smirk really) was missing... her laugh. None of this is fair. I miss my friend.

Mel is now traveling in South America for a couple months. She is missed and loved and will forever be part of my family.

conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional

2009-01-09T18:25:00.008-07:00

max lucade

Before you read this and judge the entire casa thing we have established here, just know that we are not a bunch of hippies - although they seriously have the important parts of life more figured out than most people (other than the excessive drug use). There are, however, a few people who never take showers and a couple who have a past with Mary Jane and one who really really dances like a hippie, but other than that, we are not hippies... just some who think redemptive violence is an oxymoron.

So, unfortunately I am not intelligent enough to write some inspiring, heart-changing thing about the iniquity of violence and the healing of grace. But, what I can do is copy what smarter and wiser, (got most of their lives together) people have said and give you the opportunity to see the lives and hear the voices of a few crushed by the guns and bombs we so easily pass as a just means of creating peace.

force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived
abraham lincoln

the true democrat is he who with purely nonviolent means defends his liberty and, therefore, his country's and ultimately that of the whole of mankind
mahatma ghandi

God would rather absord the violence and the evil of the world than reflect it
dave polly

too often the patriotic values of pride and strength triumph over the spiritual values of humility, gentleness and sacrificial love. it's easy to have political views - that's what politicians do. but it's much harder to embody a political alternative - that's what saints do.
shane claiborne

you become a monster
so the monster will not break you
u2

the nations do not lead people to peace; rather, people lead the nations to peace
shane claiborne

they argue the scriptures, argue the laws
argue the signs, argue the gods
argue for hatred, argue for fun
argue their side is the only one
but the one argument no of us can hide
is the one that's raging down deep inside
it ended in a great big fight and when its done
nobody right, nobody wrong
michael franti

i destroy my enemies when I make them my friends
abraham lincoln

darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that
martin luther king, jr.

we can bomb the world to pieces
but we can’t bomb it into peace
michael franti

Recently, some of us in the house watched a video made by Michael Franti of his trips to warring countries in the Middle East.

"This film came out of my frustration with watching the nightly news and hearing generals, politicians and pundits, explaining the political and economic cost of the war in the Middle East, without ever mentioning the human cost. I wanted to hear about the war by the people affected by it most: doctors, nurses, poets, artists, soldiers and my personal favorite, musicians. So I bought some plane tickets and headed to Iraq, Isreal and the occupied territories of Palestine."

To see a movie trailor and learn more about the video, go to: iknowimnotalone.com. You can also buy it there... or you can just come over here and watch it... or you can borrow it!

Finkle is Einhorn, Einhorn is Finkle... Oh My God!

2009-01-04T17:38:00.006-07:00

Finkle is engaged to Koclanes!!!

Congratulations Katrina and Alan. We love you and are excited about the life you will share together.

(IMPORTANT MODIFICATIONS MADED) We Got a New Printer And Other Exciting Stimulations

2008-12-24T12:42:00.038-07:00

Yep, maded... the past-past tense of make.

Yeah, so we got a new printer. People spent some time with their families for Christmas. Other people went out of town and then came back. We haven't washed our sofa cover since September. Kiley has a rash. Tonight we are having caesar salad for dinner. Jason (a house crony), Chaz, Jeff and I found out we didn't own the movie we had planned on watching for guys night (Fight Club) and then could not find our second option (Boondock Saints) we were positive we did own. My fly is down. We seem to have lost all of our dish towels... or they have been stolen (If you have any information, please go to www.crimeshurt.com and make a report). Mel sold her computer. A lamp sitting in the main room has been there since moving, yet has never been plugged in.

Quote of the hour:

"Things aren't just going to plop in your little un-zippered pants, Kelley." - Mel

Quote of the week:

"The world doesn't need people." - Jefe

How'd you like to see everyone's face that lives here? I knew you would....

Pete is a rock star with pants to prove it (Go to one of his band's shows to see them - speakeasytiger.com - the pants I mean, although the band is definitely worth seeing as well).

This is Jeff, and in order to make sure Katie is always a part of his life, he ate her.

This is Mary, and she loves food.

Katie and Lindsey doing what they do best... holding bird carcasses over the sink, I guess.

Umm... I'm not sure who this is

This is Brittney (or Brit or Brit-Fu or Funky Fuster or... she's got a lot of nicknames) and Chaz, aka Mac 'N' Chaz.

Melanie, Mel, or Melsie (she loves uneaten turkey legs, and was obviously disappointed when she found this one)

Katrina and her soon-to-be husband and her recently-became fiance, Alan

Me, known best as "Kelley" (What? Really? Huh, no one has ever told me that's a girl's name before.)

And our doggie! Kiwwweeyy!! (Kiley)

People Gotta Eat Right?

2008-12-11T12:18:00.056-07:00

(The title is from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds when the little brother of Nicolas Cage's character introduces his gang of pals to the ol' guys... he goes through each one's skills and when he gets to the last guy he says "[the character's name] can order pizza like nobody's business" (or something to that affect - do you use "affect" or "effect" there?) and the guy responds a little humiliated, "hey, people gotta eat right?" Good story huh?)

On Sunday we had a bunch of people over... around 30. On top of the 8 or so of us present. I don't know if we ever got the final number, but it was definitely the largest gathering we've had. Who were these people? Let's just start from the beginning.

So a long long time ago, three girls, strangers, adversaries in fact... were sitting around doing whatever it is they did a long long time ago in the shadows of the glorious Flatirons in Boulder, CO (that's Colorado). The blond-haired one was (it turns out I do know what they were doing) singing, dancing, acting, and developing cures for diseases like nueralgic methadonal propalitis, acute immunoacidocide-onia, and cat scratch fever. The blondy-brownish-haired (I don't know if dirty blond is politically correct - p.s. I'm not a big fan of the new fad of calling politically correct "pc"... I don't know why, it's just weird) one was only inhaling (don't ask me how) without exhaling to decrease CO2 emissions all while planting trees and hugging every one of them she put in the ground. And the brown-haired one was making delectable "oatmeal cookies, peanut butter bars, dark chocolate macadamian nut wedges" and then "frecada cheese and appracot creusants, and moca bars with an almond glaze, and lemon shiffon cake with zesty peach icing" (this part of the story isn't true to Lindsey and no doubt has a lot of spelling mistakes, but if you can guess the movie it's from, I will, on my great-great-grandfather's grave, give you .10 bucks). Each doing her part to bring joy and peace to a turbulent and corrupt world. Everyone loved them and they loved everyone, except each other. You see, there was this very attractive boy...

His name was Baabhey and he owned these shoes and these shoes were made of gold and this gold had diamonds in it and inside these diamonds, was the power to control men. BUT, these three didn't care about any of that, because they weren't just your ordinary high school drama-crazed females, they were strong independent women. These shoes had other powers, secret powers. They could bring a cure to all feline related illnesses, bring global cooling and millions magical dessert recipes to all the earth and with it, peace and restoration.

But Baabhey loved his shoes and would never give them up. And since he was so handsome, all the world fell under his beautiful spell and never challenged him for the shoes. The blond-haired girl, the blondy-brownish-haired girl and the brown-haired girl were the only people not controlled by Baabhey's hunkyness. Each, on their own, had tried to retrieve the shoes and save the world. You'd think they would have united, but they never communicated their expectations or reasons for their actions and so there relationship revolved around competition and distrust.

But one day, blondy-brownish-haired girl was walking along and she found a lemon snowball cookie on the ground. She picked it up, wiped it off, and took a bite. Well it was the most scrumptious lemon snowball cookie she'd ever eaten. Licking the lemony-goodness off her fingers, savoring every second the flavors tickled her taste buds, she ran off trying to find the baker of the tantalizing cookie. But alas, she couldn't find anyone who could reproduce the lemon snowball cookie. Depressed, blondy-brownish-haired girl decided to honor the baker and the cookie by planting a lemon tree on the site she found the cookie. Weeks went by, blondy-brownish-haired girl seeped deeper into her sorrow, but the tree grew strong and produced the brightest yellow lemons ever, brighter than the brightest light-bulb in the world, or the brightest sun ever seen, or the biggest highlighter that's brighter than anything ever. Anywho, a few days later, blond-haired girl was walking along and found the beautiful lemon tree. Blond-haired girl was tired from walking a lot and was hungry, so she picked a lemon and ate it. Air built up in her lungs until she belted the most lovely song about how sweet the lemon was. She couldn't stop singing. Blondy-brownish-haired girl heard the song and was dazzled by its heavinliness. She ran towards the sound. The two met and talked about why blond-haired girl was singing and how blondy-brownish-haired girl had planted the lemons. Both were overcome with joy!! As they talked, they saw girl in a home crying as she put something into the oven. Conquered by compassion, blondy-brownish-haired girl and blond-haired girl went and asked what her deal was. She told them how she had this cat that scratched itself nearly to death and was at a kitty hospital recovering, but the cat would not stop scratching itself and had to be drugged so it would stop. The girl didn't know what to do. But blond-haired girl began to sing an uplifting ballad of thanks. Blondy-brownish-haired girl and the other girl looked at each other confused by her joy. But blond-haired girl explained she knew what was wrong with the cat and could cure its disease (cat scratch fever). The three hugged and jumped for joy!! As they talked they discovered that this girl with the cat had baked the lemon snowball cookies and was making more!! So the three hung out and ate cookies all through the night and became the bestest of friends. And they made a pledge... to find a way, together, to recover the shoes from Baabhey and save the world.

Well, it turned out the shoes were just a couple of Jordan's painted gold and had no magical powers. But the three are still "bff's" and have continued since to bring joy and peace to the world through healing, love, restoration, and of course, lemon snowball cookies. And Baabhey fell in love with blond-haired girl and are living happily ever after.

So that's it. I guess it just goes to show you that it pays to eat shit off the ground.

Huh? What dinner? I don't know what you're talking about? OH OH right, Sunday. Well, blond-haired girl is Katrina Koclanes, the brown-haired girl is Lindsey Vaughan (who both live in the house) and the blondy-brownish-haired girl is Caitlin Seeley. Caitlin works for Green Corps (www.greencorps.org ), an organization working across the nation advocating for the protection of the beautiful planet we've been given. They were having a training thingy in Denver and so thirty or so of her colleagues came over and we (Lindsey) made 'em some grub. So that's the story of a cookie brought 30 people to our house for a bake potatoe bar.

I thank all of you that live with me for loving me, forgiving me, accepting me, and enjoying me (assuming you still do).

Just the Meat and Potatoes (:AMENDED:)

2008-12-03T00:30:00.017-07:00

A parent lee (read it fast) you guys actually do read this thing because people keep begging me (seriously on their hands and knees... it's kind of sad really how much they hang on every word) to write something on this here bloog (pronounced blue-g, it's like a British accent thing - Fu! British. Score). So here you go

So, what's been going on in the house you ask... funny you should ask... I thought you'd never ask...

Well, to be honest, we're just livin' life. A lot of us continue to struggle with things personally and as a house. We are learning healthy ways of dealing with conflict and wounds and communication and expectations. There appears to be some healing taking place in the last couple weeks from some of the disconnection we've been experiencing. I think we're learning a lot about ourselves - in the ways we love and receive love; in the ways we regenerate and the importance of that; what motivates us; what inhibits us... Every day, I think each of us would admit we learn something new about relating to one another and living a life gooped and gobbed in this complex thing called love.

We had Housegiving on Sunday with almost all of us - the food was swell and the company delicious. There was a lot of singing... but that isn't anything new. Kiley got some new toys and pushes them with her nose to make them squeak. Katie, Lindsey, Jeff, with the help of our new friend Hayley and others put up Christmas decorations. Jeff got his horn for the Limo. The House Favorite might have done dishes in a thong, socks and a badass "do-rag" as some call it. Pete, Jeff, Chaz, and I all took part in No-Shave November - here's the wrap-up... Pete has grown his out since the middle of Nov and will until he has a show with his eighties band where he has promised me to leave a mustache (just play along and tell him it's sexy)... Chaz has a nice, rich beard that makes him look, well, exactly like his overall persona of outdoorsy, rich, intelligent, mature, and humble badassness... Jeff had the longest beard, but had to shave it to look presentable at a friend's wedding... ***My bushel grew for about 10 days and it was gross. I was in class thinking how horribly bad I wanted to go to Target, buy a razor and cream and go shave in a bathroom on campus. Brit works at a drive-through Starbucks and the other day a woman ordered "a large and small Starbucks" - obviously the woman was confused. Pete's dad came to visit a couple weeks ago and we all learned why Pete is who he is. Both are incredibly intelligent and scientific and numbers and methods and figures and equations... it was like the twilight zone. The house has a soccer team that plays about once a week and we had our first couple games the last two weeks. We got dominated, but we're all winners... seriously, we are... we are. We have two games this weekend... don't be shy, come watch us play!

More on Leonardo DiCaprio - he really is a good actor now. No joke.

Speaking of the word "joke", the other day a friend was asking me about how the house operates... you know, who cooks and who shops for food and who organizes money and such... and of course I told them. My name never came up. So this person asked me what I do in the house. After a good pause, I said, "Make jokes." It was funny because it was true, it's all I do around here. To me and the people there anyway. The point of all this is just to say that when you can't meet the standards of those who misunderstand you, just smile and pat 'em on the back. You should be writing this stuff down.

The title of this blog entry is dedicated to my pals, my good-buddies, my compatriots, Pete and Jeff.

War, what do we stand for?

2008-11-12T16:18:00.008-07:00

Last night the boys and I watched Band of Brothers as we usually do on Tuesday nights. Most of the time, I am desensitized to the war and violence. But last night was different.

This night we watched Part 6, depicting Easy Company's experience in the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium. Like many of the other five parts we've watched, it focused on one soldier, a medic as he took care of his fellow soldiers and scrapped together sparse medical supplies. He regularly rushed dying soldiers to the city of Bastogne for better treatment from the frontline. In Bastogne, which was completely cut-off from ally support, a church was filled with soldiers in pain from gun shots and shrapnel wounds. As the episode went on, the medic became more and more detached from the death around him.

In one scene, a young soldier, following the order of his superior, moved forward into an open position. He was shot in the neck. A gun fight ensued as the young man fought for breath and reached out for rescue from his brothers. One shouted to him, yelling at him to hold on and to stop moving (if the Germans saw him moving, they'd keep shooting at him). The soldier laid there, blood flowing out his throat, watching as the other soldiers retreated with no way to get to him. His friends never got back to his body.

Where did we ever learn that killing each other solved anything? When one enemy is killed, won't their collaborators, friends, or family vow to take their place? We send our young men and women to change the hearts of our enemies by dominating them, by forcing them to see our perspective... does that make any sense? Did any of you have a domineering parent? How'd that turn out?

What is wrong with us? We really believe dropping bombs fixes or heals? We really believe sticking a needle in a murderer's arm will give a mother peace? Why can't we treat each other with justice and kindness and mercy? Why in our families do we keep grudges that remain unsaid? Why can't we humble ourselves? Why do we fight for our respect as if we treated others well enough to deserve it? Why do friends become enemies because of a disagreement? Is this how we want to live? Stuck in our ways, with blinders, unyielding in our pursuit of standing up for our principles? Isn't your child, your brother, your mother, your father, your friend, the bus driver, the neighbor more important? Why do we struggle to love? I mean, it's ridiculous. The only thing of any real value in this life gets so clouded by success and money and pride. We are so bad at this stuff. We manipulate instead of serve. We resent instead of reconcile. We lie instead of admit our wrongs. We pursue success rather than justice.

I don't want to live that way. I do, but I don't want to. I don't want to contribute to the world's set ways. And I don't want to grow older and forget this idealistic thinking or believe it to be childish and immature. I don't want to forget and get complacent. I won't.

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. - Martin Luther King Jr., Strength To Love

One Step Back, Two Forward

2008-11-03T18:15:00.016-07:00

So we haven't done the whole anecdote update thing in a while so now is as good a time as any... well actually now is the best time... no now!

Pete bought some pants... they are... uh... very tight. Last weekend we went up to a cabin in the mountains and Kiley got to hike and play outside all day. But now her hips are incredibly sore and she has basically been bed-ridden for two days. When she gets up to eat, she stands on only three legs at a time. Poor pooch. Mary poured out perfectly good coffee to re-brew a pot of Caribou Coffee (where she works). Also while we were at the cabin, we were reminiscing about elementary school. Mary asked if everyone remembered "Learning Rainbow" and since it's called Reading Rainbow, I asked "Do you?" It was funny... had to be there. Jeff finally got his limo - he drives it to work, to the store, to the movies, on dates with Katie, everywhere. It is his car. He also got a PA system for it so he can sing to drivers and ask them kindly to change lanes if they're going too slow (if you are a police officer, this is a joke). It also is a horn system that will play all your favorite tunes including 50 cent. Chaz is hairy... but not on his back. There may or may not have been some cross-dressing this week.

So yesterday I was watching Blood Diamond (great movie and Leonardo DiCaprio is amazing in it - I know he has a bad stigma because of Titanic, but think about his performances in The Gangs of New York, Blood Diamond, and The Departed - "you wanna chop m'up an' feed me ta da puoor?!" - priceless). So I wrote out this long story about this situation with Katrina and the movie and it was stupid... so I'm just going to keep this part to share my love of DiCaprio with all of you.

Okay, I'm putting the not very funny anecdotal stories on pause to talk about our Monday meeting. We knew going into the night that it might be emotional and stressful, but I certainly did not expect my own reaction. I'm not sure how to explain it while still respecting the situation and the house...

By the end of our meeting, I found myself ripped apart by the pain existing in this house right now. I wanted so bad to support and love and mend and I fear all I ended up doing was the opposite. I couldn't fix it. I can't fix it. I cannot heal. I can only support someone as they're healed.

-- I know I'm not being clear on the problem we're dealing with. I don't know if I ever will be so that I may respect the house's privacy, but I will continue to share the parts I can and the struggles of our hearts and minds --

I think maybe some of us or perhaps all of us looked at our current situation in the house and think that if we are having this significant of an issue, then maybe we are failing... Are we? Or is this something that has to happen? Can something so painful and dividing be good? Do steps back mean steps forward?

Growing up I always heard a saying, "Life's a bitch, and then you die... and life's still a bitch." Not exactly an up-er. And not exactly truth. But sometimes life's solutions aren't the ones we want. Sometimes life isn't meant to be fought against. I get this picture in my head of myself in a fast, turbulent river and it is doing everything it can to pull me down its path. But I am clenching on to this little shrub and the roots are slowly giving way. It is the only thing keeping me from being carried away by a current I have no control over. I don't know what to do. I'm am overwhelmed with fear. If I reach out with my other hand to grab the shrub tighter, I am sure it will come free. If I try to use it to pull myself on the embankment, I am sure it will come free. I am left with a choice. To let go, give up, and let the current decide my fate, or stay holding onto this unstable shrub. It may keep me from drowning, but it may never free me. This is an incredibly difficult choice. It is my life I'm debating about. Neither decision is safe. And with either, my future is unknown. But the shrub seems more safe than the white rapids rushing passed me, crashing into rocks and rushing over themselves.

We have to let go. We have to trust and know that something will see us to the end. Otherwise, there is no reason to release your grasp. But I believe rescue awaits anyone who will give up his fight, put his feet in front of him, look up, and let the river float you where it wants.

Freedom.

Sink Holes

2008-11-02T14:17:00.010-07:00

I don't know how to adequately describe the time in this house or how much the support of this family has meant to me and changed my life. Some of us have called the last three months the honey-moon period. The house is new, the people wonderful, and the neighborhood charming and exciting. No matter what we faced, it seemed inconceivable that the situation would not have a solution. But now we are beginning to see we will be growing with each other in a new way.

Over the last couple weeks things have shifted. Issues in the house and issues with each other that we have not given enough attention to are piling up. Communication, expectations, selfless and proactive service, goals, conflicting lifestyles, priorities, openness and honesty -- these issues continue to come to the forefront of our relationships. How do we confront each other? When do we confront each other? Do we confront each other? How do we connect with the personalities least like ours? How do we actively love in spite of the things that annoy us? When we have so much confusion and difficulty surrounding our personal lives, how do we keep the focus off ourselves? And how do we keep our problems from affecting those relationships?

At the top, on the blog heading, Jeff wrote that this is a "project... trying to be a semi-functional family". So far, we've done pretty well, but this house is at a cross-roads and it's left with a decision. Will we put in the work necessary to invest in each other, support each other, continue to work towards our goals, try to heal the wounds we inflict on each other, and be a genuine loving family, or will we choose the easy route - complacent, surface-level, just some good times, buddies?

I'm not trying to paint a morbid picture of the state of the house, because things on the surface are still going very well. But hidden underneath, are problems that could do a lot of damage and separate us if they are not dealt with. I know the desire of our hearts is to work through this time, to fight for each other and for something bigger and more beautiful than ourselves.

Dream - a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal

2008-10-25T01:27:00.025-06:00

With each gift that you share
You may heal and repair
With each choice you make
You may help someone's day
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
And now I wish you the best of luck

Xavier Rudd - "Messages"

You know those lyrics in songs that just make you want to live differently? That challenge you and spark your imagination about what life could be like? This verse from Xavier Rudd does this for me.

I'm not sure exactly why I bring that up. I guess... Well... It has to do with something that happened a few nights ago that has been on my mind a lot. Near our house, a woman started jarring with Jeff and I verbally because we wouldn't buy something from her. We were taken aback because this anger seemed to come out of nowhere. In this process, I believe her heart cried out to us, sharing her pain by revealing some choices she is making. What could I have done? Are there words to give hope and show love to this woman who believes in nothing but her own worthlessness? I know this story is vague, and I keep it that way out of some sort of respect for the situation, but... I don't know.

I will never be that woman or know how she feels. Yet I have felt the sting of this world and genuinely considered the positives of leaving it. But I'm also living in new found freedom and a love I've never experienced before (in no way am I suggesting it's perfect or simply or easy, 'cause it ain't... it's just better, more beautiful, more joyful... good). Could I have shared my journey with her and given her hope that life can improve? I don't know. I didn't. I walked away, without any significant response. I regret not saying more. I regret not taking the risk that the words might have revived something in her forgotten and broken heart (In no way am I trying to discredit this woman or make her into someone deserving only our pity... but rather our respect and love and compassion). But that didn't happen, I walked away.

All the time while you're looking away
There are things you can do man
There's things you can say
To the the ones you're with
With whom you're spending your today
Get your gaze off tomorrow
And let come what may

John Butler Trio - "Better Than"

Our kids. Our wives. Our friends. Our mothers, fathers, sisters, co-workers, DMV employees, punk who cuts us off on Monday morning, boyfriends, enemies, in-laws, maids, bosses, and our roommates who drink too much Dr. Pepper (Me). What if we left in the morning and smiled to the people we walked past, the people on our bus? What if we were honest and stood up to our bosses? What if we couldn't wait for five o'clock so we could drive home to our wives and remind them who they are to us? What if? What if we decided what is mine, is everyone's? What if we realized the current moment was the most important?What if we remembered which experiences really brought us joy and life? And what if we said something to the people who really need to hear from us? And didn't walk away? Or stay silent?

It's a dream. Certainly not a new one. Sure, it's ideal, unachievable and maybe even childish to wish for it, but wouldn't you rather be a part of it? Trying to love unselfishly and openly?

I'm sure you're all very inspired to live loving everyone and everything after reading the kind of wisdom 22 long years brings. It is so challenging sometimes just to be not mean, let alone kind and compassionate. It's a battle. I just want to win more than I lose. Or at least, win more. Who knows, maybe this cult thing I live in has just gotten to me. Here's a couple more of those lyrics that comfort or challenge me and change my perspective. (ps - we're not a cult... but that's what a cult would say... so how can I prove it? Cults don't call themselves cults and in the joke above, I did. Now you're on the trolley.)

U2 - "Sometime You Can't Make it on Your Own"

You don't have to put up a fight
You don't have to always be right
Let me take some of the punches
For you tonight

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

Where are we now?
I've got to let you know
A house still doesn't make a home
Don't leave me here alone...

Tenth Avenue North - "By Your Side"

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

Robbie Seay Band - "Breathing Air Again"

Take the time to start anew
Maybe it's in front of you
Take the time to walk down your street
And heaven knows who you might meet
Take the time to be okay
And laugh a bit along the way
You could take me for a ride
We could just drive all day
And we could breathe again
Step outside our front door
And gaze upon the stars
And know we're not alone
So run into the fields
Scream louder than you can
It's good to be alive
And breathing air again
Take the time to stop and stare
Heaven's beauty everywhere
Take the time to think about
Someone else besides yourself
Take the time to be okay
And laugh a bit along the way

Guys Need Dolls

2008-10-21T19:32:00.010-06:00

Three of the boys were home tonight and spent fifteen minutes talking about breathing. You know, how fast, why do we make sound when we breath, the correct way, and the ridiculousness of spending so much time on the topic of breathing. We spent twenty minutes figuring out what to eat other than string cheese, spent five minutes flying a remote-controlled helicopter, raced each other down the stairs to get 10 lbs. of chicken out of the freezer, chased Kiley around in a circle for ten minutes, worked on a crossword puzzle for ten minutes, talked for five minutes about girls, challenged each other to be as amazing as the mice living in our house and jump on top of the kitchen counter, joked about being strippers, practiced climbing by doing pull-ups on the door trim, read the newspaper (real news for Chaz, sports for me) and magazine (Rolling Stone for Pete) over dinner (no conversation), and spent fifteen minutes in silence, discussing (we asked the question and nothing else was said for a long while) what we would do with the evening.

We came to one conclusion: it's a good thing we have 7 other people (6 girls) living with us most of the time.

SITHU

2008-10-08T20:02:00.022-06:00

(Stuff In The House Update)

Pete stepped in poop! (it could be Kiley's because it was outside, but we've also learned that Jeff sometimes pees in the yard in the middle of the night, so I don't think we can close this case just yet). Brittney is off to London on adventures with Chris Martin, David Bowie, and Hugh Grant for a few weeks. Katrina got a job working for Doctor's Care... she has been volunteering there regularly for awhile and they offered her a job this week! The patio is still half dirt... I mean... the patio is already half laid brick. The Strong Cucumbers are 4-1 and looking stronger and cucumber-er everyday. Kelley turned 22 last week... which means he has no more excuses for immaturity, he's an adult (sad). Jefe was given a 1984 Cadillac DeVille Limo. What can I even say about that? He's getting a 1984 limo. Thanks Emily and Brian Bassett! Drool just came out of my mouth... literally... that has nothing to do with the limo (or Emily and Brian)

So we live about a mile south of 1-70 on Josephine and right on that exit is the Purina dog food plant. And the power of it's stench is immense. We can smell it sometimes in our backyard. On my drive home today, I could taste the smell. One of these days, I will hurl. If it didn't provide jobs, I think I'd ask you to protest with me (although for the health of your dog, I recommend doing some research on better dog food brands... who's a dork? This guy)

We are participating in another playground build on Thursday October 16th for a refugee community. If you're interested in helping, please email the house (thehousedenver@gmail.com - ps if you want to email us about anything else, feel free). I think it's early in the morning at 8 or 9 and probably goes into mid-afternoon. It's an awesome opportunity to come hang out with refugees and some of us from the house.

This Friday we are going to give platelets at the Children's Hospital. I've never given blood or platelets or anything so I'm pretty excited to do this. This describes what platelets are and how important it is we all help.

Apheresis Platelet Donations

Children with cancer or leukemia, transplant patients and patients with blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia, benefit from apheresis blood products. Many times during chemotherapy and radiation treatment, both cancer cells and healthy cells are destroyed, therefore patients need transfusions to prevent hemorrahging or to fight infection. A limited number of donors may be necessary for a specific patient.

childrenshospital.org

Children's Hospital has platelet donations every two weeks, so we're hoping that we can set something up in the next month so a lot of you guys to come with us.

For all the thousands of guys reading this, go watch the movie Legends of the Fall, it will change your life. Girls, uh... uhh... Guys, seriously rent... no... buy Legends of the Fall this weekend.

Jeff wrote this poem tonight while I was working on this and I'd like to share it with you

There once was a man named Kelley
He wrote a blog from deep down in his belly
You should read it tonight
I think you just might
Or else you'll just be smelly

"That is legit shit (laughing). You should put that in there too" - Jeff

Dickens lika do da cha cha

2008-09-29T01:26:00.016-06:00

"A solemn consideration, when I enter a great city by night, that every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret; that every room in every one of them encloses its own secret; that every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of breasts there, is, in some of its imaginings, a secret to the heart nearest it!" - A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens

I read this quote from Dickens, and just thought about how often I have felt (and been) alone in my short life and the incredible number of people living lives hidden from each other to share and enjoy. Perhaps living in this house has opened my eyes to see what a tragedy this is when we aren't connected to each other. It is an unbelievable gift to be here with 9 people that desire to share my life and their lives with me. After just two months, I can't imagine going back to living without this family. I feel supported and celebrated in a way that is genuine and it has helped show me that I am those things. We are all meant for those things. This home is the exception, but it doesn't have to be.

I am so thankful to each of you that live here. You have helped change my life. I am blessed. You all have chosen to pursue my heart and know me - the good and the broken - and I hope that those who have seen it, are inspired to do the same for others like I have been.

Sorry to ruin the moment here, but I wanted to explain the title - you have to have seen Bruce Almighty (great flick, check it out). Anyway, so I was in class distracting other students the other day and just decided that everything "lika da cha cha" and it was hilarious like all my jokes. So I decided to continue such humorousness in this here blog. That's how the cookie crumbles.

Because I haven't blogged in a while

2008-09-21T20:54:00.020-06:00

Some of us went to an Invisible Children GO screening last week. This documentary depicted the trips of three high school students and their relationships with young men and women of Uganda. It was... difficult to watch... not because of the poverty, but because these kids were struggling to understand the world and their place in it. Both the American and Ugandan students battled with self-worth and purpose, both feeling alone and forgotten and wondering if they were worth anyone's love. And it was the unique friendships that formed that brought the beginning of healing and hope in each other. We really need one another. Our impact on/of the people around us can be huge... Hugs, not drugs people.

InvisibleChildren.com

We met another neighbor last weekend after they invited us over to a little bbq they were having with some friends. It ended up that we were able to help them fix a TV problem and watched some football together afterwards. It was fun.

The Strong Q-Cumbers are 2-1 after a 7-6 win on Saturday and Penn State is 4-0!. Hooray. T-Shirts will be on sale soon. Lindsey and Kelley found out we could put our Facebook's in other languages including Pirate English (try it out). School is for suckers - except if you're younger than 18, stay in school! Katrina is awesome, she is getting me some orange juice... see LOVE! It's great (Katrina is just plain sick - in the good hood way - even if she didn't get me orange juice. I'm really happy she's my friend - tear :). Mary is no longer part of the rising unemployment rate! She got a j-o-b with Caribou, the coffee shop, creating a rivalry with Brittney, who works at Starbucks. The horror. Pete made up new lyrics to the song that CU plays at games, you know the "f' 'em up, f' 'em up, go CU" song. It's "Fudgaba, fudgaba, go CU". We tried to get other students to sing it, but... they were too mature. Kelley and Mel will attempt to become sexlingual (hehe, sex). Wait I just realized that could be read as if we were trying to learn sex-talk or something... we're not, we're going to begin learning a total of six languages which happens to be hilariously called sexlingual (hehehe, sex). Our backyard is uhh... really comin along... sorta. Motivation is at an all-time low. Poor backyard. Oh yeah, and Pete's noggin has a surprise for you.

What do you think of the new look?

This is what happens when people start getting real

2008-09-05T17:17:00.012-06:00

So we've been working on our backyard for what seems like forever and we are finally seeing some progress. Here's what we're doing back there:

1. Leveling the left side of the yard for a patio. This labor is both intense and meticulous. We've gotten over 1500 bricks for free and still need more. We also had a patio set and grill donated to us!

2. We have fertilized and seeded the right side for a lawn. We were a little worried something was wrong after a few days of seeing no sprouting, but there is green buggers popping up everywhere now!

3. We've got a spot for a garden but not much can happen there until spring.

4. Lindsey has been the mastermind in setting us up for composting - basically its a way to re-use food, food products, paper, etc. to create rich soil. Yay green!

On Labor Day evening (Labor Night?), we had some family, neighbors and friends over for a little dinner and fun. It was exciting to get to know our neighbors better. We actually found out we know a lot of the same people and share common goals. Jeff, Katie, and Lindsey made some of the most amazing orange chicken for everyone.

Being family isn't always easy. The house experienced its first major fight this week. There was a lot of disagreeing and disrespecting; it got heated and a little out of control. For a few days after, the house was tense. Those involved reconciled, but it has been a learning experience for everyone. We all come from very different places and all struggle in different ways. Hopefully, we can continue to learn how to love those differences, communicate in better, healthier ways, and be forgiving of each other's mistakes. We have immense power to hurt each other as we get closer. Intimacy is frightening. The stakes are high. I guess this house is testing if it's worth it.

Other anecdotes: Katie got a job as a special events coordinator at the Denver Rescue Mission - Katrina and Mary are still unemployed which just means they're stickin' it to the man. Penn State is slowly becoming the house team (they're ranked #19 - underrated for sure - and I love them). We got two orchids. Kelley coached his first soccer practice for the Strong Cucumbers - full of rambunctious six year-olds ready for a championship - and have their first game this Saturday. Mary's infamous "pterodactyl" laugh was exposed... one of the funniest laughs I've ever heard. Pete hit a dog with his car... not much of an anecdote i guess, but hey, it lived. It was unintentional (uh-huh). Jeff purchased season 1 of The Office! Everyone in the house interestingly became supporters of John McCain... yeah, right (I got hit for writing that... there's so much violence in this house... help me, please, call the police, I'm not safe, it's only a matter of time befo.......)

If a playground is built, but nobody plays on it, is it just ground?

2008-08-28T11:55:00.010-06:00

One of those questions we may never have answers to...

ANYWAY, we went and helped build a playground (which will be played on) yesterday at Force Elementary School with MetroVolunteers (metrovolunteers.org) and probably thirty other volunteers. It was fun and hard work - pretty much everyone was standing in manure at some point (that was for planting plants/flowers/trees oh my! -- Wizard of Oz... No? Not even a snicker? -- not for the actual playground).

There is another playground build we are going to help with on October 16th at local refugee community. There is a Facebook event for it, but if you didn't get it or whatever, just put a comment on here or email us (thehousedenver@gmail.com) and we'll get you the hook-up. We are hoping for 25 people to go so if you can make it, you should come.

Ode to Fu

2008-08-26T15:09:00.013-06:00

Brittney (Britt Fu) is coming home today which means one thing - rock 'n' roll baby (which I guess is three things, rocking, rolling, and a baby). And these things too... weird lists, British lovers, complicated, no... sophisticated, humor, nights hanging at Starbucks, Party of Five, fake tattoos, the robot, Van Jovi, "random acts of awesomeness", being with one of our favorite people on earth and many many more things (the "one thing" is just a saying people, nothing only means one thing). Stoked. Jacked. Pumped.

We Just Call Him Fred

2008-08-16T09:55:00.003-06:00

The other day Katrina got a call from a friend in Boston (Caitlin) asking if... uh... 14 people could stay here. We were stunned, but excited at the opportunity. It turned out that only one, Jason, stayed with us. Jason works with Progressive Future (progressivefuture.org) and is super knowledgeable and involved in improving... well, everything. He got in a midnight, so we only got to spend maybe an hour with him, but it was really inspiring listening to all that he's doing to see the world change.

Katrina, Lindsey and Mary are all moved in! Katie has been out of town for a week, but gets back on Monday. And Britt Fu is coming in on the 26th, 5 days earlier than previous thought. Very exciting stuff!! Also, Chaz and Kelley built - not just put together, but bought wood, measured it, cut it, glued it, drilled it - their own bunk-bed (sickest thing I've ever built and pretty sure Chaz and I secured our manhood). We have a ghost haunting a closet and getting mail delivered here (Fred or Freddie). And we only have one leak in our roof and only one in the basement!! Everyone is falling in love with Kiley, the dog, even if they don't want to admit it. The drool is a little bit of an issue, but Pete is trying to train her to wipe her mouth... progress is slow, but his optimism is contagious.

Jeff and Pete are leading worship this Sunday at First Pres in Boulder... so you should come. They're pretty pumped about using something the church hasn't used in a long time in a song that may surprise you. Be there.

I like to move it move it, I like to move it move it (jock jams anyone?)

2008-08-07T09:54:00.004-06:00

Ok so six of us (all ten will be moved in by the end of the month) have moved into a house in Denver (about 3 miles east of downtown). It's an amazing place that seems to just fit all of our needs.

Moving was... HOT. We moved on the hottest day of the summer, but you should have seen the packing job Chaz, Jeff, and Pete did in our 26 ft. truck (the biggest one you can drive without a special license) - Packed to the ceiling, from the front to the back (not an inch to spare... so congratulate them... it would really make them feel good).

So when Jeff was driving the truck to the house, he was traveling on York, north of I-70, and following Pete in his van, and they came to an overpass. Pete got through fine obviously, but as Jeff was just about to go under, he saw it said 11'6". The truck was 12'1". For anyone who understands physics, that's an issue. So he slams on the brakes... cars are piling up behind him. Jeff got out of the truck and started directing traffic. Yeah. "He quickly dialed Pete on his iPhone" (Jeff wanted an iPhone blurb in here). A tow-truck driver comes by and helps Jeff out. The driver turned his truck sideways to block traffic allowing Jeff to slowly back his way into a side street, escaping near death and lots of embarrassment.

Hope and Life

2008-04-04T09:54:00.000-06:00

04.04.08 - Wow. We're having an intense conversation about what it's like to share possessions. What happens when everything that enters the house belongs to the family? Do we have things we don't want to share? Will we have trouble accepting free gifts from each other? This is a really good discussion with a strong undercurrent of hope and life, but it may be difficult to learn the answers to these questions as they surface within each of us.

Half of Chaz??

2008-03-01T09:54:00.001-07:00

03.01.08 - Lindsey, Jeffì, Mary, Katrina, Pete, Katie, Brittney, Kelley, Melanie, and half of Chaz had a future-house hang-out and talked for 2 hours about Commitment Levels, House Vision/Purpose, Finances, Pets, and Morality. You can view the notes from our hang-out discussion in the discussion board.

House Hunting

2008-01-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

01.20.08 - 6 of us went neighborhood shopping today in central denver. now we need a good deal on a big house in an old neighborhood. shouldn't be too hard, eh?

And Here We Go...

2007-12-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

12.01.07 - a little brainstorming party for 15 or so movers and shakers. we played some flolleyball, ate some cookies (thanks lindsey!), played some other stuff, and talked. we talked about intentional community and what that looks like and how we can make it happen (and who is interested in pursuing a community house).