the online journal of jordan e.

The Great Minnesota Get Together
Minnesota, Minnesota you are south of Manitoba,
You are east of North Dakota,
You have something really rare.
It's exciting, entertaining; it's true culture you'll be gaining,
Accept no imitations it's the fair.

Our day at the State Fair involved:
A) Gorging ourselves on various foods
1) Deep-fried alligator
2) 50cent all you can drink milk in 90+ degree weather
3) Key lime pie on a stick
4) Maalox
B) Exploring the animal barns
1) Very much enjoying the seemingly narcotic sheep
2) Posing next to the swines while wearing paper headbands that read, "I visited the oink booth."
C) Having a run-in with the one and only band HANSON at the KS95 booth
1) The crowd for the threesome was surprisingly large
2) Yes, I did climb up a tall stool to take a picture

posted by Jordan @ 1:59 em

Explosion at Local Cemetery
Duluth, Minnesota-The Park Hill Cemetery crematorium suffered an eruption late Tuesday afternoon ater the pacemaker of the late Annabelle Ecklund exploded within the retort. While the facilities did not sustain any damages, the pacemaker, which contained radioactive elements, leaked nuclear radiation upon combustion. Employees were in close range of the explosion but no authorities were contacted.
"I heard this big bang - I thought Jerry had dropped something. I was like, 'Jerry, did you drop something?' and he was like, 'no.' The funeral home apologized up and down for forgetting to take it out," said Jennie Olson, secretary.
Employees of Park Hill showed further concern for the potentially dangerous waves when they immediately retreated into the crematorium to examine the results. Two gravediggers, a lawn mowing girl and the secretary entered the retort and raked through the remains using hands, a small scoop and a pencil.
Charlie Johnson, chief gravedigger, remarks on the dangers involved with the crematorium, "Don't breathe that dust in, it's not good stuff...Pete, don't start crushing those bones yet - I gotta take the pins out first. Geez."

posted by Jordan @ 12:27 fm

Hangnails, Burnt Toast and Crying Babies
It was hot out today - 104 degrees in the sun, to be exact. While I usually enjoy the blistering sun and exausting heat, it turned sour today as I sat on a mower simmering in it. It was too hot, too dusty and the cemetery was too stinking "well...section G could be mowed..." to let me out of there. Needless to say, it was a crabby one for me.
As I sulked deeper into a general cranky, toasted skin state, I began to think of something that really ticked me off in Germany a.k.a. the staring situation. Since my 9 month stay in that country I have learned to NEVER set myself up in a staring contest with any German because they will ALWAYS win. They will always be the victor of the match with their smug, uninhibited gawks.
They think your clothes are different? They will look you up and down while simultaneously appearing like they are trying to restrain a projectile spew of vomit. You speak imperfect German? They will eyeball the correct adjective ending out of you without an ounce of shame.
I never learned the German equivalent to "why don't you take a picture - it'll last longer" and I didn't think a direct translation for "rubberneck" would have worked out, so I settled with letting my insides steam for a bit. In fact, I simmered much like I am now in this insane heat wave, which is supposed to pour into tomorrow.
Crabbiness may carry on.

posted by Jordan @ 11:59 em

Mmblog
Highlights of the past weekend are as follows:
Jessica and I spent Friday night at our cabin with my little brother Jake. We used the time to talk, repeatedly attempt to start a campfire and canoe. And besides my butt breaking through the seat of the canoe upon contact, nothing too crazy happened. Though we were unable to build a fire worthy of even Cub Scout status (the birch bark, twigs, leaves, about 27 matches and a Menard's paper bag seemingly did nothing to get a flame cooking), I felt blessed by the wise and encouraging advice Jess had to offer - she is becoming a great friend.
Much of Saturday was spent catching up with Tom. We scaled bits and pieces of Chester Bowl while simultaneously discussing the benefits of solar power in a highly industrial world. Not really. We did walk and talk at the same time, though, and based on my flip-flop footwear and past accounts of clumsiness, I think Tom was anticipating a wipeout on my behalf. Fortunately I stayed upright throughout the trails allowing me to travel in one piece to his aunt's cabin. There I got to see some great pictures from his most recent trip to Russia, have some delicious food and meet some of his very kind family. It was great to see Mr. Kiehn again; especially when the chances to do so are sadly few and far between.
I had really been looking forward to Sunday at the Vineyard since Thursday night. Not because of any special music. Not because of a guest speaker. Because I, an admitted rookie at the game of cribbage, beat Brett in a high stakes game at his apartment Thursday night. How high were the stakes, you ask? The deal was that the loser would have to sport a Hanson shirt at church the following Sunday and not explain why to anybody who might question it. That's right, Hanson. Hanson as in "Mmbop." Hanson as in three long-haired, puberescent brothers. Hanson as in I've become leary of my brother, Jonah, since I found this shirt in his closet. Anyhow, Brett, the sensei that was beaten by his pupil, fulfilled his end of the bargain and wore the fashion treasure. Mmbrett likey Hanson.

posted by Jordan @ 8:37 em

Your Love is Amazing
I feel like I've been drinking a deep shade of purple - a holy, flowing dye drenching my core. Maybe it's Sunday's grape juice. Maybe it's the only inadequate description I can come up with for God's overwhelming and awesome presence.
I'm putting my money on both.
God has been crazy this summer (and I don't mean in the manic-depressive-hooked-on-crack sort of way). What I do mean is that it has been a summer of prophetic messages, inklings of his plan for me, gifts, growth and an even deeper understanding of his majesty.
Rather than a somewhat bleak senior year (which I had anticipated), God has disrupted the course of questioning and given me points to look to: Belfast, desire and support for ministry, and Him, the faithful pillar that He is.

posted by Jordan @ 11:31 em