Bjorn Arneson

Parker

2014-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Getting back in the fountain pen groove. I think it’s time to ink up the old Parker 51 tomorrow. Nothing like debugging a Python model with a 60-year-old writing instrument close at hand….

Summertime

2014-09-26T00:00:00+00:00

We’ve got a few more days (at least) of patio weather here in Minnesota. Take advantage of it.

The birds at our backyard feeder have been stocking up on corn and sunflower seeds. A few pesky squirrels have been stealing the ripe raspberries reachable from the fence and the bright orange seed pods on our little star magnolia tree. They know that these days are dwindling, too.

Getting Better at Getting Better

2013-08-05T00:00:00+00:00

I played in a golf tournament this last weekend in Sioux Falls. Though I hit the ball relatively well, I carded one of my worst 9-hole scores in a long time: 46 on the front. Ouch.

How did that happen? I had three too many sevens on the scorecard courtesy of a stupid course management mistake and picking the wrong club out of my bag a couple times. Willow Run can be a little tight behind the greens and I airmailed a few 8-irons that should have been 9-irons over the green and into the weeds.

On the inward nine, I scored a pretty solid, boring 38.

For all the good shots I hit, I can’t for the life of me figure out how I managed to use 84 strokes.

I think I might be spending too much time at the range and not enough on the course.

On the Front Porch

2012-07-05T00:00:00+00:00

The front porch two-top seats one tonight.
It’s a quiet place to feel the neighborhood go to sleep.
Under a yellow light, crickets and tree frogs
take up the song of crows and hawks and wrens.
And in the steady rhythm of the sprinkler on the lawn
I hear a lakeshore.

A new web interface to Jekyll

2012-06-27T00:00:00+00:00

I recently discovered prose.io, a web-based interface to my Jekyll blog hosted at Github. I love Jekyll for its simplicity, security, and flexibility, but was never quite satisfied with the local git workflow needed to add a new post to my site.

It appears that Prose.io has solved this problem, at least minimally. I can add new posts, edit any text-based file in my Github repositories, all within a convenient web-based Markdown editor. I still may need to revert to my text editor and local filesystem in order to add rich media assets, but Prose.io manages Markdown files with ease.

With any luck, Prose.io will increase the frequency with which I post to this blog. Stay tuned!

Area Resource File for R

2012-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

I’ve been mucking around in R recently trying to teach myself a few new tricks related to my job. In the course of Googling around, I found that Biostat Matt put together a slick script for converting the 2009 Area Resource File (ARF) from a SAS file into a format that R can consume.

The file is difficult to work with directly because of its size and format. Because the data are stored as text, numbers are stored inefficiently (after conversion and compression, the equivalent R data file is 10% of the original size). In cases like this, the saving-grace is human readability. Although the file is ASCII, or rather extended ASCII (I found an accent in San Sebastiàn, PR), it’s not human-readable because the 6256 fields aren’t delimited and are variable in length. Hence, it’s nearly impossible to visually track where fields begin and end. The data are distributed with a SAS macro to read the data into a SAS dataset.

The ARF is a ridiculously comprehensive database of health care statistics for every county in the U.S. It is a huge dataset–the 2011-12 version comprises 3231 observations of 6261 variables.

I updated Matt’s C script for the 2011-2012 ARF –the first part of my update is shown below. In order to use the script, you’ll have to download the full file from this gist. (I left out some important bits for the sake of readability on this page.)

/* gcc -o asc2csv asc2csv.c */
/* ./asc2csv arf2011.asc > arf2011.csv */

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

#define NCOL 6261
#define RLEN 31897
static unsigned short len[NCOL];
static char * lab[NCOL];
int main(int argc, char** argv) {
    FILE * fd;
    char buf[RLEN+2], *ptr;
    unsigned int num, col;
    if(argc <2) {
        printf("no file specified\n");
        exit(1);
    }

    fd = fopen(argv[1], "rb");
    if(!fd) {
        printf("file open failed\n");
        exit(1);
    }

    for(col = 0; col < NCOL; col++) {
        if(col < NCOL - 1) {
            printf("\"%s\",", lab[col]);
        } else {
            printf("\"%s\"\n", lab[col]);
        }
    }

    while(!feof(fd)) {
        if(fread(buf, 1L, RLEN+2, fd) < RLEN+2) {
            printf("file read failed\n");
            exit(1);
        }
        for(ptr = buf, col = 0; col < NCOL; col++) {
            printf("\"");
            fwrite(ptr, 1L, len[col], stdout);
            ptr += len[col];
            if(col < NCOL - 1) {
                printf("\",");
            } else {
                printf("\"\n");
            }
        } 
    }
    return 0;
}
</code>

Painting Clever

2012-06-10T00:00:00+00:00

I started a new job about six weeks ago at UnitedHealth Group. I’m a part of a small research- oriented shop called Optum Institute. We are working to better understand health care in the context of national health reform and changing models of delivery and payment.

Again, I’m reminded what a privilege it is to work with clever people. Maybe it’s dumb luck, but this has been true for me throughout my adult life and is not something I take for granted.

Work with clever people is often a battle of ideas. Rarely in a personally adversarial way, but within a culture that rewards innovative solutions, associational thinking, accountability, and intellectual artistry.

In the spirit of artistry, we call upon one another to paint a picture that stretches the imagination. Rather than at an easel, we paint around a conference table, brush in hand, slapping wet paint on an rough idea for our (undoubtedly) dazzled colleagues. Suddenly, out of nowhere, after a few well-conceived questions from peers, our butt is in the corner and a sea of wet paint sits right in front of our toes.

Sometimes there is nothing to do but let this paint dry, go back to the sketching board and try again with a different palette of ideas.

Playing at Golf

2012-04-09T00:00:00+00:00

If you are a golf fan, you were probably tuned in to the final round of the 2012 Masters yesterday afternoon. It was an unbelievable duel between two great men, Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen. Both finished regulation play tied at 10 under par. Watson would eventually prevail on the second hole of a sudden death playoff. But that isn’t the point of this post.

Bubba Watson is among the greatest natural talents on the PGA Tour today. He famously claims to hate practicing at the range. His swing is an unconventional and unrestrained lash at the ball. He intentionally curves nearly every shot he plays, even when it is not strictly necessary. Bubba took his last golf lesson at age 10.

He is a man who clearly enjoys playing golf more than playing golf swing. This is a philosophy that more better players should adopt. Pay more attention to putting the ball in the hole and less to the good looks of your backswing.

Bubba was a weepy mess when he won yesterday. I probably would have been also, if not for the fact that I was watching at my inlaws’ home after Easter dinner. Bubba is the people’s champ!

My National Lutheran Choir

2012-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

This season, the National Lutheran Choir staff has been filming stories from choir members about their experience in choir. This is my contribution to the genre.

Swing Like This Other Tall Guy

2012-03-07T00:00:00+00:00

I could do worse than to swing like this other tall guy. He’s got great rhythm and posture–always in balance and under control.

Handicapping

2012-03-01T20:27:00+00:00

This is probably the most misunderstood aspect of handicapping in golf.

A 10-handicapper should shoot 10 over par. That’s the standard view among the uninitiated. In fact, a golfer’s handicap reflects his potential to score well, not his usual scores. The handicap index is a tweaked average based on only the 10 best of a player’s 20 most recent rounds. It is then adjusted for the course to be played according to that course’s difficulty ratings, to create a course handicap. On average golfers with official handicaps (only about 20% of all golfers) will tie or beat their course handicap only once in every five rounds.

Job recruitment etiquette

2012-02-29T09:28:00+00:00

“I am so grateful when I am rejected, because then I can focus my energy elsewhere. I understand that there are no laws that require companies to send notice; I am simply appealing to whatever human decency they may have.

“Leaving a person in limbo is cruel. I’m not asking anyone to print a postcard, put postage on it and mail it to me; an e-mail would suffice. I’m asking them to push a few buttons on a keyboard. If they are afraid that they are going to hurt my feelings, let me assure them that I can handle it.

“I want to acknowledge that there are some companies who are treating applicants with dignity and respect – in my experience, about one in 10. I especially want to thank the hiring manager who took the time to call me when I didn’t get the job and who gave me feedback for future reference.”

This writer’s experience mirrors my own. I’ve been jobhunting for several months and have found that waiting is the hardest part. I’m particularly grateful to the people who have had the guts to call me personally and let me know that someone else had been hired. Conversely, I worked my tail off for a series of three interviews with another local nonprofit organization, ended up among the finalists for a leadership position, and never heard another word–not even a form letter or email. Ouch!

Like the writer, my desire to work for good people is deepened even when they deliver unwanted news. They will not have seen the last of me!

Techno-Melodrama, Level 1988

2012-02-29T08:23:00+00:00

Collected Wisdom from Jesse Thorn

2012-02-28T03:38:00+00:00

The creepy thing to call this is networking, but I much prefer to call it connecting with people you like. You don’t have to have an agenda. When you find someone whose work you like, tell them. When you meet someone you think is interesting, meet them again. The internet is built on community and conversation. That is expected. Engage that back-and-forth. Offer someone a hand, and expect nothing in return. Do something cool with someone you think is cool because the thing will end up cool. You never know what you might end up with.

P.S. Jesse (@PutThisOn) retweeted me a few days ago. I’m a second-degree Twitter rockstar now, right?

Shingled by the Sea

2012-02-27T11:44:00+00:00

Fish Hoek Bay

2012-02-24T07:27:00+00:00

Oil on canvas from my uncle Dan

In the Eye of the Beholder

2012-02-24T07:17:00+00:00

Swing Thoughts for Early 2012

2012-02-22T01:43:00+00:00

This unseasonable mid-winter weather has me thinking about springtime golf. Once a week or so I have been visiting my local golf shop to take a few swings with demo clubs. Between these mini-warmup sessions and some wintertime study of the swings of my favorite professionals, I’m going to start the year with these swing thoughts:

Left shoulder goes down and away from the target on the first part of the swing.
Right hip goes up and back on the first part of the swing.
Knees drive toward the target on the second part of the swing.

My buddy Adam has been a big influence in convincing me of the power of good footwork. I have to say that I think I might have finally keyed in on some simple foot/leg “feels” that will help get the club set on a good plane up and down. I’m going to try to incorporate these feels into some deliberate practice sessions once the driving ranges open. Additionally, I think that my tall (2-meter) frame would benefit from less sway and more centered pivot. Swing thoughts #1 and #2 above will help with that.

Watch out world! I’m gunning to cut my index in half by the end of 2012.

One more

2012-02-20T02:01:00+00:00

Yes, please.

2012-02-20T01:51:00+00:00

Comfort Foods

2012-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

We’ve had good luck making some hearty wintertime meals for the table and freezer. Soon enough, both of us will be back at school and work (knock on wood) carrying lunch to our desks. These three easy meals have been among our go-to dinners this winter:

1. Carrot Ginger Soup

This recipe is likely mashed up from several different sources. Truth be told, it is very forgiving and I usually don’t consult a recipe or even measure ingredients. Eyeball it. You’ll be fine. We make a big batch–the quantities noted below typically yield around 16-18 servings (as I recall…). This soup is a beautiful color and freezes very well.

5 pounds carrots
1 cup roughly chopped ginger
2-3 sweet onions
4-6 tablespoons butter
6-8 cups stock (chicken or veggie)

Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat
Roughly chop onions and cook in the pot until soft
Peel carrots and cut into 1-inch chunks
Peel ginger and cut into 1/4-inch dice
Toss carrots and ginger into the pot and stir briefly
Add stock (and water if necessary) to cover vegetables in the pot. Bring to low boil and cook until carrots can be easily pierced with a sharp knife.
Using an immersion blender, puree the whole mixture in the stockpot. It is somewhat likely that the resultant soup will be too thick–in this case, add more stock or water until it is the desired consistency.
Salt liberally to taste. (If the soup tastes bitter and flavorless, you need more salt.)

2. Curried Pork Loin

Literally a no-brainer main course that goes well with almost any side and/or starch. Find the best quality meat you can and don’t overcook the pork. Use your meat thermometer early and often and you and your guests will enjoy four-star-quality pork loin at home. Leftovers are particularly delicious on sandwiches.

Pork tenderloin, any size (though I find that the larger loins are difficult to cook evenly all the way through the meat)
Dijon mustard
Curry powder

Make a wet paste with the mustard and curry powder. Cover the loin with a thin layer.
Let the thusly prepared loin rest 2-10 hours in the fridge.
Set a broiling pan about 5” from the hot broiler. (You may be able to make this recipe on an outdoor grill–we haven’t yet tried.)
Broil/grill the loin, turning occasionally so that all sides cook evenly. Cook the loin until a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the loin reads 145 degrees. Depending on the heat of your oven/grill, thickness of your loin, and the starting temperature of the meat, this will probably take between 8-15 minutes. Go by temperature, not by time. (The USDA says that 145 is safe, but if pink pork turns your stomach, cook to 150 or 155 degrees.)
Remove the loin from heat and let it rest on the countertop for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

3. Meatballs and Red Sauce

I’m a sucker for Italian food and could probably live on penne and tomato sauce alone. A few months ago, I started making a simple tomato sauce from (almost) scratch rather than buying jars of pasta sauce off the shelf. I think I saw the recipe posted on Mark Bittman’s NYT column….

28 ounce can stewed or whole tomatoes
Onion, halved with skin on
2-4 tablespoons butter

Combine can of tomatoes, onion half, and butter in covered saucepan. Season with black pepper.
Stew over medium-low heat 45-60 minutes or until tomato structure has broken down to desired consistency. Remove onion and discard. (If using whole tomatoes, you will likely have to mash them with a fork at the end of the cooking period.)
Serve immediately over pasta and/or meatballs.

We’re lucky to have a good meat counter nearby and pick up ground pork, beef, and/or turkey whenever we stop in. I’ve been experimenting with variously seasoned meatballs. The current household favorite is a pork/beef mixture seasoned with chopped onion, fennel seeds, black pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper. The cayenne adds a lot–experiment with an amount suitable to your tastebuds.

On Florence

2012-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

I helped bury my grandmother Florence this weekend.

She lived a rich life out on the prairie for all of her 92+ years. She helped make the home I grew up in, before my father was born.

Over the last several years her mind withered away, leaving behind the scorched earth of Alzheimer’s Disease. In a way, her physical death was preceded by a relationship death as she progressively forgot all of her past. Over time, her friends and neighbors, grandchildren, then children all became unfamiliar yet not unwelcome visitors to her sitting room. Both deaths were mourned by those who loved her and each was painful.

She, herself, mourned the death of two husbands. First, my grandfather Lester when I was four. They were together nearly 40 years–on the farm and later in their yellow house on the edge of town. As a newly widowed woman, she found love and companionship in Harold, who I also knew as a grandfather and remember as a gentle man.

She was college-educated, having been helped by a well-to-do cousin to finance her education at teacher’s college in the late 1930’s. As she was able, she paid that favor forward to others, asking only that they do the same should the opportunity arise.

Among other things, she taught me how to golf, knit, play cards and carroms, fish, garden, and more. She was intensely practical–a quality that I recognize in myself more often than not. She did not suffer fools and was quick to help those who truly needed it. She spoke her love into being through acts of service.

I will miss her.

Less and More in 2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

In 2012, I want to do less of these things:

Distracting myself with cosmically unimportant stuff
Chasing after the internet

I want to do more of these things:

Walking and biking
Reading fiction
Making physical things with my bare hands
Being present and mindful in my home and with my family

I want to do fewer things but do them more deeply.

Year in Review - 2010-2011 Edition

2011-12-31T00:00:00+00:00

Help us to see the sacred place in every heart,
Where God’s truth and glory meet our despair,
Where angels say, “Do not be afraid,”
Where God has planted the seed of love.
God calls us to open our eyes,
To see the Divine in ourselves and each other…

–David Bengtson

Dear friends,

Hello from St. Paul! We hope the holiday season has brought you few germs, just the right number of house guests, and many joyful moments. We have experienced all three of these this year, but unfortunately the past few days have been a little heavy on the germs. As we sit in our living room writing this letter, our sniffles and hacks are outweighed by the deep gratitude we have for each one of you. Though the last two years have been a whirlwind of moving, adjusting to married life, beginning graduate school, and weathering job changes, these challenges have only made us more aware of how blessed we are by you, our family and friends. It is through our relationships that we hear the words, “Do not be afraid.”

We hope to connect with all of you more in the coming year. In the meantime, here are some of our memorable moments from 2010 and 2011.

January 2010

We decided to get hitched. Wedding set for August.
The restaurant at which we celebrated our engagement burned down (bad omen?).

February 2010

Bjorn passed the Foreign Service oral examination in Atlanta. Graciously hosted by Paul and Ingrid in their last few months in that beautiful apartment.

March 2010

Brittany was formally accepted to the Master of Arts in English program at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN).
National Lutheran Choir concerts in Iowa and Missouri. What happens on the tour bus stays on the tour bus.
Women of the Arneson clan (and in-laws) gathered for GGW in Cottonwood. This year’s festivities included a bridal shower for Brittany.
Bjorn, Ingrid, Paul and Dad traveled to Durham, North Carolina, for Hans’ epic 30th birthday party. We think he is still eating leftovers.

April 2010

National Lutheran Choir concerts and annual Gala Dinner. This year, Brittany helped manage the silent auction–a big job.

May 2010

Fox Fur at the Kitty Kat Klub (no animals were harmed in the making of this music).
Arneson clan traveled to Atlanta for sister Ingrid’s graduation from the divinity school at Emory University. Gov. Schwarzenegger was the keynote speaker–he pumped us up, big time.
Prepared for our move from the Belmont Apartments with an “estate sale.” Bjorn said goodbye to his little Baldwin spinet piano. It went to a good home.

June 2010

Moving day! Crossed the river to (gasp!) St. Paul. Brittany conveniently sliced her hand open on the morning of the move. Six stitches later, she was back on light duty as “project manager.”
Attended wedding of Britta and Mark up north. Almost certainly drove through tornado on the way there. Car died in Hackensack. Borrowed truck from generous townsperson to reach Walker. Crazy trip.
Bjorn received rejection letter from Foreign Service. Something about a trip to Cuba….

July 2010

Spent a few days basking at the beach and eating like royalty with Dudderars, Grafs and Schmidts at Pinewood Lodge near Gordon, WI.
Brittany and friend Katherine dazzled with their “Virgins and Vixens” vocal recital. Encore, encore!
Together with the Kabele family at Heath’s resort. Sun and fun and horseshoes.
Bjorn’s Fourth Bass quartet sang the National Anthem at Target Field. Thought all the cheering was for us–turns out Navy frogmen were parachuting into the outfield.

August 2010

Annual trip to the North Shore with Bjorn’s extended family.
Brittany worked her final day at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.
Our wedding day at Valley Grove Church outside of Northfield, Minnesota. Blessed to be surrounded by so many friends and family. More pics here.

September 2010

We both decided to take a “sabbatical” from NLC–Brittany to focus on school and Bjorn to recharge his musical batteries.
Much-awaited honeymoon to Bayfield, WI. We stayed at Treetop Inn, sailed the Apostle Islands with friend and choirmate Tim, moto-traipsed around Madeline Island on scooters, and ate great food in Bayfield and Ashland.
Brittany started full time coursework at UST. Must. Read. Faster.
Bjorn joined Calhoun Isles Community Band in the baritone/euphonium section. Somehow got cajoled into playing solo in week two (they didn’t realize I’d never played that instrument before).
Les and Evie Axdahl’s (Bjorn’s grandparents) 60th wedding anniversary dinner at Lake Elmo Inn. They have led lives of service to one another and to their community.
Adopted our cats Bo (after famed Danish cyclist Bo Hamburger) and Ernie (after famed South African golfer Ernie Els).

October 2010

Hosted mini Halloween party with two hipsters (with requisite tater tots), piggyback man, and “Bubes.” Bjorn was a sexy referee and Brittany was Tippi Hedren from Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Fun was had by all.

November 2010

Welcome to the world, Audrey Mae Schmidt!
Road trip to Cedar Falls for an early Thanksgiving celebration with Brittany’s family.
Turkey Day in Cottonwood made extra special with Julia Child-style boeuf bourguignon (“Beef Borgs” for short) in honor of Gwen and Kevin Arneson’s 35th anniversary.

December 2010

Saw cousin Anna, great with child, dancing with the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers. Baby Del shook loose for good a couple weeks later.
First experience as an audience member at the NLC Christmas Festival at the Basilica of St. Mary. Strange feeling.
Paul Rasmussen’s golden 30th at Nye’s Polonaise Lounge in Northeast Minneapolis. Classic party for a classy guy.

January 2011

Bjorn cut sabbatical short to re-join NLC. Baritones for life.
Fun side project with friends: the ELM quintet concert at Central Lutheran with early music instrumental masters. Singing in small groups is good for you.

February 2011

Hosted our annual wintertime party. This year’s theme: “Aloha, Winter Wonderland!” Hawaiian themed food and drink. Pro tip: honey-glazed spam cubes are surprisingly good.

March 2011

Our Christmas gift to one another: a cooking class at Kitchen Window. We learned how to make a whole host of delicious sauces.
Bjorn accompanied the Hopkins High School Choir and Orchestra to Chicago with Gateway Music Festivals. Meanwhile, Brittany and sister Laurel took Atlanta by storm on a spring break getaway.

April 2011

Brittany sang on two noontime recitals for the Schubert Club, including the world premiere performance of a new piece by Edie Hill.
We roadtripped to Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota, for Bjorn’s cousin Sarah Cartwright’s senior recital. Her program included pieces for piano, voice, and bluegrass band.

May 2011

We both were pleased to sing a set of new works by Dan Kallman (Brittany’s dad) with National Lutheran Choir. That guy can write a tune.
Garage sale season began and Bjorn’s golf game picked up.
Down to Northfield for Laurel Kallman’s graduation from St. Olaf College. She now lives and works in St. Paul not too far from us.

June 2011

Beginning of porch dinners and barbecue on the front sidewalk. Why didn’t we think of this last summer?

July 2011

Second annual trip to Pinewood, this time with Baby Audrey.
Bjorn floated the Rum River at Tim’s Bass Bass Bash.

August 2011

Camping at McCarthy Beach State Park with the Kallmans. Beautiful sandy beach and tasty food from the BBQ.
A few days up on the North Shore, including the annual pilgrimage to the Second-hand Rose. Still looking for that perfect piece….
Our first anniversary, marked by attending Anna & Kurt’s wedding at Valley Grove Church almost exactly a year after our own wedding there.
Bjorn was laid off from University of Minnesota Extension. Sad to leave good people behind, but excited for what will come next.

September 2011

Anniversary trip up to Grand Marais and the Gunflint Trail. Spectacularly quiet. Saw no moose.
Brittany re-joined NLC in the soprano section.
Brittany began work at UST Center for Writing, and took on a new role as graduate representative.

October 2011

Cranberry Fest in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, with some choir friends. These old folks partied us under the table!
Paul, Ingrid, and Laurel over for Halloween. The number two pencils were a flop (again). Special visit by Schmidts and baby bumblebee.
Scott and Andrea Ingalsbe (and bump) visited Minneapolis.

November 2011

NLC All Saints concerts in the Twin Cities and St. Peter. Great to be back together.
Bjorn called into last-minute service with Gateway Music Festivals in Honolulu over Thanksgiving. Rough assignment, but somebody had to do it. Brittany visited Iowa and Northfield for the holiday.

December 2011

Brittany had an article published in American Craft magazine (Dec 2011/Jan 2012 issue).
NLC concerts in Twin Cities and St. Louis, our last (for now) with friends Bekah and Matt. They are moving to New Hampshire for Matt’s first call.
Brother Hans & his girlfriend Jess visited from North Carolina. They are a tack-sharp pair.
Kumla & kocktails at Axdahls’ (followed by kumla koma).
Christmas gatherings in Cottonwood and Northfield.

Happy New Year!

An Old Oak

2011-07-26T00:00:00+00:00

As our one-year anniversary approaches (August 28), I have found myself thinking about that late summer day outside Northfield. The memory of the ceremony and reception are still present in my mind. We were lucky to have so many loved ones surrounding us that day.

Before falling asleep last night, an image and a few words came into my mind. As is often not the case, I remembered them when I woke up this morning and wrote down a few more lines. It isn’t often that I write poems, but I like this one:

An Old Oak

An old oak tree shelters the dead,
Its wide arms stretched out in benediction.
We aren’t the first to cry on this windy hilltop.
Mothers and fathers and sons and daughters,
Having lived a hard-won, fleeting life,
Now feed the prairie earth beneath our feet.

In this present moment, before the bells ring
Calling witnesses to choral communion,
The tree bends low to shade a new pioneer pair.
Life-laden limbs defy the weight of a hundred years
To gather us in and send us away
Into a world made hazy with joyful tears.

In the graveyard at Valley Grove Church

MPR Discounts Map

2011-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

One Man's Trash...

2011-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

Long story short, I found an iPhone in the recycling bin at work and have adopted it as my own.

No idea as to why the previous owner threw it away–perhaps she/he acquired a newer model (this one is the 2G, an early version) or decided to abandon AT&T as a service provider.

Borrow a cable to get some juice into the battery.
Reset the device to factory standards (don’t worry, previous owner–I resisted the temptation to read all of your old email and/or have fun with your Facebook account).
Jailbreak and unlock the 2G with Redsn0w so that I can use a non-AT&T sim card.
Acquire and install T-mobile prepaid sim card (~$32/month for more minutes and texts than I’ll ever use).
Enjoy someone else’s “obsolete” technology.

Long Winter

2011-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

February in Minnesota is brutal. Cold. Dark. Dirty snow. My only consolation is knowing that February will end. Unfortunately, it hasn’t yet begun.

Feast Day

2010-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

Today nearly 20 inches of snow fell in St. Paul. We spent part of the morning watching fools try to turn the corner outside and speed their little Hondas up the hill (the one covered by a foot of snow). Fail. For my part, I managed to get outside once to run down to the food co-op to pick up some supplies before they closed up. Three square meals today, all prepared by yours truly:

Breakfast: garlic scrambled eggs; brown rice; baby lettuce salad
Lunch: corn tamales; cut okra
Dinner: walnut-crusted chicken breasts; roasted potatos, carrots, onion, and shallots; dinner roll

The lady has already requested a repeat performance for breakfast tomorrow morning. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

States I Have Visited, Nov. 2010 Ed.

2010-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Github + Jekyll

2010-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

Because I can’t leave well enough alone, I have migrated this blog to Github for a few reasons:

Blog hosting at Github is free.
My web content is now under version control.
I can write and edit content, structure, and style from within my preferred text editor (currently Textwrangler for OSX).
I’m trying to learn Git, and this is a great excuse to play around with my own site before using the tool to manage someone else’s. Drupal will be going Git soon and I want to learn the ins and outs of Git for that project.
The blog is processed by the very excellent Jekyll rendering engine. Basically, I feed it Markdown files and it spits out static HTML. On the client end, it feels very fast and I can use nice clean code to both author and administer the blog.

Rule

2010-10-22T00:00:00+00:00

Rule #1: Use best judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules.

via http://37signals.com/svn/posts/2632-nordstroms-employee-handbook-mdash-short-and-sweet

Seven Essential Skills You Didn't Learn in College

2010-10-13T00:00:00+00:00

Power has always depended on who can provide justice, commerce, and stability. Successful insurgents aren’t just thugs; they offer their members tangible benefits‚ community, money, education, and a sense of order (even if the rebels are the ones creating disorder in the first place). We must learn how they gain loyalty, even if our goal is to undercut it.

via wired.com

On Volleyball

2010-10-04T00:00:00+00:00

Had our first week of indoor volleyball league last night. After playing sand all summer, I had forgotten how much fun it is to play on a hard court, where my body generally moves in the direction and speed that my brain instructs. The team went 0-3 last night, but we tend to start slow and finish strong. Whoo-ahh.

Wrong Number

2010-09-10T00:00:00+00:00

So one of the side effects of having a name like “Bjorn” is that I occasionally receive email that is clearly meant for another person of a similar name—usually one whose Norwegian or Swedish is a bit better than mine. This delightful message was in my inbox this morning—the Amigos sound like fun, no?!

Hej BJÖRN,

Vi har noterat att ni inte förnyat ert/I ikke har fornyet Jeres medlemsskap för 2010 i Mas Amigos .

Vi på Mas Amigos vill naturligtvis att alla våra medlemmar skall vara nöjda/fornøjede med sitt medlemsskap och vi vill gärna utvecklas och bli bättre.

Därför skulle vi vara väldigt tacksamma/taknemmelige om ni kunde tala om för oss/I kunne fortælle os av vilken anledning ni/I har valt att i år inte längre vara medlem i vår förening.

Alla tips och idèer är välkomna/velkomne.

Vi tackar för ert/Jeres sammarbete!

Un cordial saludo

Ronny Mas Amigos EXPEDITION

Wedded Bliss

2010-09-08T00:00:00+00:00

So we got married about 10 days ago. These photos from Paige Dewees tell a story: rural, family, simple, honest, etc. It was a great day.

Golf 9/8

2010-09-08T00:00:00+00:00

Played golf with one of my teachers this evening. Great night for being outside! I hit a lot of solid shots on the front nine—hit the green in regulation on holes 2-9. Having not played in nearly a month (work/wedding/honeymoon/exhaustion), I got a little physically tired by hole 12/13. I had also already walked three miles earlier in the day (my round-trip commute to work). All in all, it was a decent round. I just wish that I could have sustained my concentration through to 18.

Almost There

2010-08-26T00:00:00+00:00

Going to crank out a few last hours at work before leaving for my wedding and honeymoon. She is a sweet one. I suspect there won’t be much activity at this humble site until after Labor Day. See you then!

Thoughts for Tomorrow

2010-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

I’m playing a round of golf tomorrow morning (early!!) for the first time since a very brief lesson about 10 days ago. I’m going to return to a putter that treated me very well during my high school and college years: The Fat Lady Swings (of Nick Price fame). We’ll see if it still has the old-timey magic. What I remember about the club is the confidence with which I stroked short putts. Seemed like the clubface was always square to the target line when I addressed the ball. We’ll see.

Re: the full swing, I’m going to try to shallow out my downswing with a little rearward lean at address so that I can keep my head in a powerful position at impact—a little further back than I’ve been playing it. I’m playing with my buddy Tom, a good player and excellent playing partner. Meadowbrook, here we come (in t-minus 7:45).

Update: 79. Hit too many weak shots, though my driving was generally pretty good and the new (old) putter made a few.

Rains, Pours.

2010-08-13T00:00:00+00:00

August 2010 is turning out to be a busy month. That is all.

Eighteen days, but who's counting?

2010-08-10T00:00:00+00:00

Because both visitors to this blog are related to me by blood, they probably already know that I’m getting married in t-minus 18 days. If you haven’t checked out our informational wedding site, give it a go. I’m looking forward to the day–there is too much to do, but it can’t come soon enough.

It is hot up in here.

2010-08-09T00:00:00+00:00

Good gravy it’s hot. I moved closer to my workplace in early June. On days like today, I’m in the unenviable position of walking or biking to work and sweating like a pig in both directions, or driving my car and paying for parking. Today thrift won out, but the pits on this shirt are paying for it.

Home on the Range

2010-08-06T00:00:00+00:00

Arrived home this evening to an evening of sweet corn, BLTs, pickled cucumbers and Hendricks-made (the town, not the gin-maker) beer. On tap tomorrow:

Threshing show in Hanley Falls
Antique/junk shoppe in Hanley
Digging through the barns for wedding reception decor
Red wine

A Curated Life

2010-08-05T00:00:00+00:00

In 2010-2011, I hope to have the guts to spend time on things about which I care deeply rather than wasting hours fiddling at things that I find easy. Sometime a curator has to say ‘no’ to things that are otherwise good enough because he/she has a more worthwhile vision. I have to learn to be a better curator of my time.

Twitter Digest, a Jekyll Plugin

2010-08-04T00:00:00+00:00

Despite my non-existent knowledge of Ruby, I’m working on putting together a Jekyll plugin that will parse Twitter XML and save a “daily digest” of my tweets to the Jekyll system. I haven’t quite worked this out yet, but will report back here when and if it happens.

In the mean time, if you, dear reader, have already figured this one out, drop me a line @bjornarneson.

Practice Ideas

2010-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

This summer I’ve been trying to get my golf game back in shape. Most of last year was a complete bust due to the herniated lumbar disc (March 2009) that bothered me until late summer–about the time when my golf fever has broken.

Thus far, I am relatively happy with my play. My handicap index isn’t quite as low as I’d like. I currently play off 5–would like to be closer to 2. In reality, I may not play enough to ever get that low again. I probably drop 2-3 shots a round that one can only pull off when playing 54-72 holes per week.

In any case, I’ve been following a more thoughtful practice routine, working methodically on various aspects of my game. Last week, I finished Bob Rotella’s book Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect, which has given me a new outlook on the game. I also read his Putting Out of Your Mind–another good book for the pathological perfectionist.

These are the ideas that I’m trying to execute in my full swing nowadays:

Proper alignment to target (practice with alignment aids)
One-piece takeaway (turn with my chest)
Steeper shoulder turn (to avoid an unnaturally flat and laid off backswing)

2009 in Review

2010-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

Once again, in lieu of a Christmas card, I’m summarizing the more notable parts of 2009 for all interested parties. In short, it was a great year. See below.

January

Rang in new year at choirmate’s home. My ‘dead pool’ pick¹ was close, but no cigar.
Hosted annual wintertime mulled wine party at home.
Began final semester at Humphrey Institute wondering what lies in wait for me post-graduation.

February

National Lutheran Choir tour through Mitchell, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fun to wander around campus again.
Presented at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits technology conference–reminded me how much I like presenting/teaching/coaching.
First of enjoyable, yet fruitless², job interviews.
Wintry “guys weekend” trip to Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Thanks Clarance!

March

Herniated lumbar disc (S1/L5) hobbles me for foreseeable future. Not recommended.
Choir performed Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” to a packed house. Had a few short solos as Judas. (typecast?).
Schoolwork continues at feverish pace.

April

Birthday. 30 was a good year.
Fruitless interview #2.
Home to Cottonwood for Easter. April 12th: a busy day.
Took my best gal to Humphrey Prom at Landmark Center. New bowtie³ to boot.

May

Two week sprint to graduation day.
Humbled to have been chosen by peers to speak at graduation ceremony.
Post-ceremony dinner at Rinata with loved ones–a day to remember.
Now what?
Fruitless interviews #3, 4.

June

To Raleigh-Durham for a week with my brother. Borrowed a bike from the tallest guy in town.
Pert Near Sandstone (cousin-in-law’s band) playing Peavey Plaza (say that three times fast).
Welcomed new (to me) kitty home. “Frida.” She likes to jump and bite.
Cheering on my best gal in Grandma’s Half Marathon, Duluth. Afterward, up to Grand Marais for lake-side camping.

July

Fireworks and flea market in Northfield. One great unexpected find.
Volunteered for First Tee–fun to see young kids discover golf.
Camping with Kallmans at Itasca State Park. Daily rain enabled me to show off my tarp and knot skills.
Apartment-warming party in #304. A new home together.

August

Cousin Anna gets married with sheep bleating in the background–a perfect day.
Five months of disc pain–broke down and submitted to an epidural. Next-day relief. Walking/sitting/sleeping normally–a novel concept.
J. O. B. Success!

September

First day at UMN Extension. Trying to learn the lay of the land.
Minnesota State Fair–in and out for the animal barn only.

October

Inaugural dinner club with schoolmates. Good food fuels great conversation.
First-ever performance of the Elm Quintet. Finding it very fun to sing in a small group. Hope there will be more Elm gigs in my future.
Halloween: to Orchestra Hall in costume as the Swedish Chef. Bork bork bork!

November

Friends Tim and Rachel married–an honor and pleasure to sing and stand with them.
Friends Brian and Carleen married–some of my longest-tenured Minneapolis friends and bona fide kickball nerds.
Three-point Thanksgiving journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Cottonwood, Minnesota. Hit a few junk-shoppes along the way. Did I mention I like fountain pens?

December

National Lutheran Choir concerts at Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, and in Saint Louis, Missouri–great audiences.
Christmas celebrations all over. Glad to be together with my siblings and parents at the farm–I love being home-home.

(Preview: January 2010)

Engaged to Brittany. She is a special one.

Hope that 2010 is filled with fruit.

Steve Jobs. ↩
“Fruitless” only in the sense that I wasn’t offered the job. Made many good connections. ↩
Can. Not. Believe how expensive these things are! (The bowtie, not the girlfriend….) ↩

Dressing Better

2009-11-11T00:00:00+00:00

So I’ve been trying to dress better. Never having had a job that required me to wear a suit/tie every day (and still not quite having such) most of my suits have languished in the closet. A few weeks ago, I thought it would be a good idea to step it up a notch. Pull out those suits. Iron a shirt or two. I may be comparatively overdressed, but It makes me feel great.

Plus, I get to tell the story about my $25 Hart Schaffner Marx.

Elm Quintet

2009-10-14T00:00:00+00:00

Choral singing has been a huge part of my life since high school. Beginning this September, I have been a part of a small group called the Elm Quintet. As it happens, we have our first gig coming up in a couple weeks. We’re collaborating with an early music group led by Phil Rukavina (lute). Lots of great early music on the program! Details available at:

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/mpr/events.eventsmain?action=showEvent&eventID=933184

WHEN:

October 24, 7:30PM

WHERE:

Christ Church Lutheran
3244 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406-2185

HOW MUCH?:

$10 students, $20 adults (benefit program for the Friends of Christ Church Lutheran)

FYI, the church was designed by two of the great architects of the 20th century, Eliel and Eero Saarinen. Read more about the history of the church building.

Cold October

2009-10-11T00:00:00+00:00

I returned home to Minneapolis yesterday from a rural development conference¹ in Billings, Montana. I saw my first snow of the year in Billings, and the wintry temperatures seemed to have followed me back to Minnesota. I was hoping to fit in one more round of golf for the year–may have to pack the clubs away until April.

Met a lot of very passionate and smart people at the Northern Plains Initiative Conference presented by Rural Dynamics. ↩

Experimenting with Jekyll

2009-10-04T00:00:00+00:00

I migrated this site from Drupal to Jekyll today. Given that this site is updated only infrequently, I thought it might be a good idea to use a publishing system that doesn’t need quite as much ongoing attention as Drupal. I managed to port the Neewee theme in use on the previous site to Jekyll. Will give more details when I have the opportunity.

Horizons

2009-10-04T00:00:00+00:00

I started a new job at Horizons a month ago and am doing a fair bit of blogging at minnesota.communityblogs.us–most about rural development, leadership, civic engagement, and capacity building. Check it out.

Commencement Address

2009-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

It was a great honor and pleasure to have been selected by my peers to deliver the student address at the Humphrey Institute commencement ceremony on Sunday. I used the opportunity to mash together much of what I’ve written about at pubTalk over the last few months.

One definition of commencement is “to set into motion.” My fellow graduates are already running full speed into the community–no pushing and prodding necessary. I hope that these words inspired many to relish life and work near the world’s ragged edges, continually broaden and deepen their body of knowledge, and be agents of progress.

Hello. Dean Atwood, Representative Ellison, Humphrey faculty and staff, fellow graduates, friends and family, it is a privilege to have been asked to say a few things on behalf of the graduating class. Given the high regard in which I hold my classmates, it a particular honor.

I have to say that this day seems to have snuck up on me. It feels not so long ago that I was buttoning up my first-day-of-graduate-school shirt and spilling off a crowded bus onto the University campus. I recall the feelings of apprehension and opportunity swirling about in my head. Is this the right decision? Will I succeed? Most importantly, will my ideas make a difference?

Perhaps these questions are not unfamiliar. Perhaps they are still unanswered–that’s OK. I’ve always been suspicious of people who have too few questions.

Now, we both conclude this degree and commence a different kind of learning–a life-long self-directed course. Merlin the magician from T.H. White’s novel Once and Future King says to King Arthur:

[Education] is the only thing that never fails…. You may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then–to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never dream of regretting.

To learn what wags the world takes a lifetime and often requires crouching low to have a look at the world from rather unflattering angles.

And, from these different angles, a mono-disciplinary problem-solving approach leaves much undiscovered or, worse yet, leads to solutions that serve the narrow interests of the decider, but not the “decid-ee.” Clearly a richer approach is needed. After all, if these were easy problems they would have already been solved.

Last month, in an editorial to the New York Times, scholar Mark C. Taylor suggested that the university as we know it is obsolete–that siloed academic departments produce narrow scholarship and reproduce one-dimensional students. He suggested that graduate curricula, in particular, be restructured:

…like a web or complex adaptive network. Responsible teaching and scholarship must become cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural.

It would be far more effective to bring together people working on questions of religion, politics, history, economics, anthropology, sociology, literature, art…and philosophy to engage in comparative analysis of common problems.

To this I say “Don’t forget music!” Other music majors in the room? I know there are at least a few more…. No?

If this is the educational wave of the future, I dare say that public affairs is on the leading edge. A multi-disciplinary conversation has been one of the real joys of my Humphrey degree. From the Jernberg lounge to Cowles Auditorium and beyond, I’ve been inspired and challenged over and over by the rich experiences of classmates, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars and public leaders.

So now we resume our regularly scheduled education–a course in practical wisdom and moral leadership in the world. Sorry to say there may not be credit available.

Armed with a quiver full of analytic arrows, we climb back up from the ivory-colored basement classrooms and out into the community, prepared to “both think and do” as Hill Fellow Reatha Clark King noted a few weeks ago. Many of us will find…[knock on wood]…positions of public influence. We’ll be planning cities of the future, leading smart investment in technology and energy infrastructure, managing a changing workforce, and stewarding public resources for the greatest social good. Positions full of weighty responsibility. Positions in which “research meets practice”.

But as we all well know, practice is sometimes not as tidy as research. Our careers will undoubtedly require trudging around in the morally-murky grey area between black and white. Some see the grey area as symptomatic of inadequate knowledge, of failed incentives, of ineffectual laws. Others suggest that the murky “in-between” is where moral wisdom and practical leadership bloom. I’m inclined to agree with the latter.

Practical leadership is tested when the answer is unclear or unknown, or when there is no right answer…. Moral wisdom is sharpened on a shapeless, ambiguous, grey whetstone. If these are the conditions under which moral wisdom and practical leadership take root and grow, we should take joy knowing that public affairs is the field into which we’ve been sown.

In the decades after the Civil War, American sociologist William Graham Sumner somewhat pessimistically wrote:

For A to sit down and think, ‘What shall I do?’ is commonplace; but to think what B ought to do is interesting, romantic, moral, self-flattering, and public-spirited all at once. It satisfies a great number of human weaknesses at once. To go on and plan what a whole class of people ought to do is to feel one’s self a power on earth, to win a public position, to clothe one’s self in dignity. Hence we have an unlimited supply of reformers, philanthropists, humanitarians, and would-be managers-in-general of society.

To me, Sumner’s message is not so much an indictment of reformers, philanthropists, humanitarians, and would-be public managers, as it is a call to utmost integrity; a call to unflagging moral and ethical leadership; a call to the magician’s continuous learning; and a mandate to speak with those whom we presume to speak for.

I suspect that some among you will be speaking for us all someday–I hope it’s true. That being the case, then, it has been a practical pleasure being in conversation with you.

Thank you.

2008 in Review

2009-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

All is well here in Minneapolis–I wish the same for you wherever you are. In lieu of a printed Christmas card, I will share a few of the more memorable moments of my 2008:

January

Hennepin County jury duty. Rejected from pool (something about being too handsome…).

February

First time caucusing. Polling place a madhouse. Awesome.
Continued losing streak at Leaning Tower of Pizza trivia night. Someday we’ll beat those dirty hipsters.
Attended Wisconsin state ice fishing tournament on Rice Lake (it looked cold through the window of Clarance’s truck…).

March

Hosted Lars and Scott for organ concert at Mt. Olive–an insanely talented duo.
Met a nice girl for coffee.

April

“South of the Border 30th Birthday Bash North of the Border” at Pepitos, Minneapolis. Lucky to have so many great friends and family present.
NLC tour to IN and MI. When in Fort Wayne, try the Thirsty Camel.

May

Started internship at Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC), St. Paul. Do you know what essential services your county provides?
Tour of northern MN with AMC crew: Bemidji, Warroad, Fergus Falls, and other cultural hot spots.

June

ECCO neighborhood garage sale with Kevin Arneson, an annual tradition. I’m still thinking about that card catalog.
NLC concert for AGO National Convention. With three other fine choirs at the St. Paul Cathedral (…thedral, …thedral, …thedral).

July

Together with three buddies, sang the National Anthem at the Twins game on Independence Day. Front row seats for fireworks on the river near the Guthrie theater.
Camping trips along the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Developing repertoire of backwoods tricks.

August

Three weddings in the first nine days of August (singing at two). Kind of fun to get shined up once in a while.
Visited Dan and Molly in LeMars, IA, home of the biggest bowl of ice cream you’ve ever seen.
Camping in northern Minnesota and vacation time at Lake Superior with the Arneson-Axdahl clan. A perfect time of year.

September

Classes resume.
NLC rehearsals resume.
Begin new jobs at school.
Rude awakening.

October

Halloween costumes: Swedish chef, Prince William (in collaboration with Brian (Prince Harry)).

November

Keeping head above water.

December

NLC concerts at Basilica; touring concerts in St. Louis, MO. A busy stretch.
Breathing deeper.
Tour of southern Minnesota over Christmas holiday. Eating massive amounts. Accumulating winter fat.

Year in Review, 2004 Edition

2004-12-31T00:00:00+00:00

Winter 2005

Gentle reader,

Since completing a first draft some -two and a half- seven weeks ago, I have been struggling with the subject of this Christmas winter letter.

Last year, I wrote about the impression that travel and traveling partners had made upon me over the course of the preceding twelve months. I suppose I should have followed in that same vein with a sequel that was equally carefully written and reasoned.

Alas, my thoughts are not spilling from my head onto the page as I would like. So, for the lack of anything more profound, I give you:

Bjorn Arneson’s Brief Inventory of Particularly Memorable Personal Events

####January 2004

1-5. Still reveling in December 30 team victory at Leaning Tower of Pizza Trivia Night. Not father’s trivia.

####February 2004

Attended dance at Luther Seminary at invitation of friends Bov and Chris. For future reference, “So, how about that Habakkuk?” not a good pick-up line.
Renowned choral director Weston Noble calls me “Butch” at National Lutheran Choir workshop. Should have printed more clearly on nametag.

####March 2004

Survived Ides of March without major incident.

####April 2004

Dinner with friends at Rainbow on Nicollet Avenue. I recommend the soup du jour. Outstanding.
Another year older.

####May 2004

Took first golf lesson since 1996. Good times. Now in mood for more competitive play. 7-10. Visited brother Hans and sister-in-law Angela in Durham, North Carolina. Witnessed Hans’ hooding ceremony for Master’s degree. Turns out he was telling the truth about the whole “being busy with school” thing.
Moved most of belongings from apartment to storage unit.
Packed rest of stuff into back seat of car for remainder of summer.

####June 2004

4-6. Spent weekend in fresh air of Bemidji, Minnesota to sing at wedding of aforementioned Bov and Chris.

Moved to Decorah, Iowa for 2004 session of Lutheran Summer Music. 11-13. Traveled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to sing and participate in wedding of Eric and Erika. Driving across Iowa Highway 9, experienced moment of clarity about gi-normity of earth. Really.

####July 2004

Admired Grant Wood-esque Northeast Iowa landscape on way to view Independence day fireworks. Tried to temporarily tune out 175 hormonal teenage music geeks who accompanied me.
Last day of full-time work at Lutheran Summer Music. Hope to remain involved in some way.
Sang at ordination service of my friend Dan. He’ll make a great pastor.
Moved belongings from storage unit to new place at Belmont Apartments: only the most luxurious old-timey-hotel-turned-rent-controlled apartment in Minneapolis. Slightly skewed corners and uneven floor give a “lived-in” feel.

####August 2004

First day at new job. Very pleased to serve as General Manager of National Lutheran Choir. If not so modest, would encourage readers to visit www.nlca.com for more information.
Played piano and sang at Logan and Denise’s wedding in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Took advantage of reception’s proximity to Prairie Green Golf Course in hitting a few range balls with usher and groomsman. 19-22. Last wedding of year. Traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with friends to sing in wedding of Zeb and Amanda. In addition to beautiful ceremony, had lot of fun exploring PittsburghÕs natural wonders and Andy Warhol museum. 23-25. Annual extended family pilgrimmage to cabins on North Shore of Lake Superior. Took shoes off upon arrival. Reapplied them upon departure.

####September 2004

Played in open Scrabble tournament at Galleria Barnes and Noble. Discovered I’m not as good as I thought.
Enjoyed dinner cruise on Saint Croix River with friends from National Lutheran Choir. Beautiful scenery and perfect weather soothed memory of previous day’s butt-whooping.

####October 2004

Attended my first-ever “house concert.” Highly recommended. 8-10. Enjoyed Augustana homecoming celebration in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sister Ingrid wore many hats in planning, preparation and execution of event.

####November 2004

4-7. National Lutheran Choir tour to Nebraska and South Dakota. Amazing how choir tours never change, regardless of singers’ age. Still very geeky.

####December 2004

4-5. Road trip with Grandpa and Grandma to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sister Ingrid’s last go around with Augustana College Vespers.

National Lutheran Choir party to remember. For future reference, key to good party of any sort: diversity of attendees in age, profession, gender, status, class, etc. Can’t wait until next year’s.
Played volleyball with friend Dan and others. First exercise in weeks months.
Hurt to laugh. 18-20. Celebrated Christmas with Arneson family in Cottonwood, Minnesota. Homemade gifts talk of town.
On whim, took inventory of refrigerator. Water, cream cheese, orange juice (half gallon), yogurt (two cups), fresh pasta, ketchup, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salsa, bloody mary mix, marinara sauce. Even Emeril might have hard time with that. Bam. 24-26. More Christmas celebrations. Best time of year.
Began work on first short film. Smell Oscar. Watch www.choirgeek.com/blog for news of release.
Embarked on old-fashioned country road-trip to Sisseton, South Dakota for holiday weekend with sister Ingrid and friends Paul and Sarah. Began reading one of best books in recent memory, Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community, by Wendell Berry. Wish everyone could read it. Hint, hint.

That’s it folks. There’s probably more, but I’m running out of room on the page. Here’s wishing you and yours a very happy and peaceful 2005!