In Eckleburg's Eyes - 9/29/2008, Part 3

I spent my Sunday afternoon and evening with JTH. Amongst our travels, we found several church signs that will be featured on the blog throughout the week. It was very nice to have a photographer. Not only did JTH take better artsy photos than I would have, but he also made the process far easier as camera work and driving are a difficult combination for me. If anyone in law enforcement reads this, that was not an admission to attempting to do both simultaneously.

We drove by the home of AMTT and JCT . Not only was PAT in from Kennesaw, Georgia, but I also finally got to meet his beautiful girlfriend, CM. As you can tell, they were immersed in Rock Band when we arrived. It was a great visit. We were also later joined by CEH as well, who assumed the role of drummer.

I must also note that Sammus, the dog was there. She was very sweet and remarkably subdued. (AMTT, did I spell her name correctly?)

JTH and I spent Sunday night with ALK. ALK is a new friend. Here is the convoluted story of how she and JTH met, which I like to call “A Tale The Three Amandas”: JDM’s long-time girlfriend is Amanda #1 (ANS). At some point, they split up and JDM began hanging out with Amanda #2 (ALK). Amanda #2's best friend is also named Amanda, Amanda #3 (ALH). Amanda #3 began dating JDM’s best friend, SH. Recently, JDM reconciled with Amanda #1 and with his consent, JTH began a relationship with Amanda #2. Amanda #3 remains dating SH. It’s really quite simple.

We had a great time. After much driving around, we settled on dining at Calhoun’s in Turkey Creek. The irony of this choice was that our journey started at my house and there is a Calhoun’s very close to it. I don’t think we’re indecisive, we’re just overly considerate.

Unfortunately, ALK could not give us much insight into her church’s “blessing of the pets”. Their church sign is inviting everyone to bring their pets to be blessed on Saturday, October 4th. This intrigues me. If the pastor invokes the bringing of the animals in Noah’s ark, he is a genius.

Afterwards, we visited KLTW, KJW, and RAW. Actually, I visited the parents while the couple babysat the child, who did everything in her power to impress the new girl. ALK works with preschoolers so the two hit off.

In closing, I would like to note that I did indeed finish The Shack on Friday as planned. I strongly endorse this book. Yes, I realize it is Christian fiction. I will note that the book is somewhat controversial as LifeWay pulled the book from its shelves in June. I do not agree with everything in The Shack or any other contemporary book for that matter, but I found it stimulating. Regarding LifeWay, be weary of any institution that is afraid of allowing people to think for themselves. Censorship is never the answer. Sorry for the soap box. This is why I seldom discuss anything I am reading on the blog.

To all of those who insisted I read The Shack: 1. Thank you. 2 .Get off my back now. Just kidding.

Finally, on Friday, LEJ passed the quarter century mark. Happy Birthday, Real Deal!