Back online!

The folks from SBC AT&T Yahoo! have finally pulled through on their promises... I am connected to the wide electronic world of the Internet. I also have a new phone number! And it doesn't cost anything for long distance! So, call me on my OTHER number (after 9pm or on the weekend, if you could) and I'll get you our new number. I say OUR new number because, yes, I will be living with my sister.

Oh, you'd like to see some pictures of the place? Why, of course! Come right this way!

As you enter our spacious accommodations, you enter the dining room. The light is coming from a hanging light just above our table. Amanda and Liz painted the chairs green all by themselves. How cool is that? =) Oh, and that's our phone in the corner.

As you turn to your right, you will notice our family room. Since this photograph was taken, I have moved my stereo system (with surround sound) into the room. It's no Dolby 5.1 or anything, but man it can sure do the job!

Here is our lovely reclining reading chair and my trusty futon. If you ever need to stay the night, the futon folds out into a pretty comfortable bed. I have slept there on several nights already while falling asleep to a movie.

Oh, you want to check our our patio, I see? Yes, since we are on the second floor, we have a nice patio that overlooks the woods directly behind the apartment complex. The apartment complex is just off of Beltline Avenue, one of the busiest streets in Grand Rapids, yet the peaceful and serene view from our windows can easily trick one into believing they are far from civilization.

Oh, you like our patio furniture? Oh, and the umbrella stand! Yes, isn't it great! Not only is it a lovely addition to our outdoor furniture, but it is also a relic of the past... a reminder of a great friend who reminded us to be loyal and true to the very end, just as an elephant would be.

Back inside? Yeah, the humidity can get to me sometimes, too. Yes, that's our kitchen directly in front of us. Would you like to check it out? Great!

Do you like all of our magnets? I think they're great! I especially like the one that Liz made for me. It is a picture of her and I from my aunt and uncle's wedding about a year ago. Isn't it swell? =)

Of course, I see where your intentions lie... =) Grab yourself a water or an Oberon, if you please, and let's continue our tour.

Oh, no... the Ben & Jerry's is mine. Good try, though! =D

Not much food... sorry. I've got a bit more than that now, but without a job yet, it's hard to afford much food. The Mini Wheats are quite delicious though, especially with the soy milk... oh, you're not hungry? It's probably just as well. Perhaps your drink will help tide you over...

Yeah, maybe we should wash our hands after touching the outdoor furniture. Who knows what awful germs and bacteria lie outside our clean new apartment?! =S

Oh, I'll worry about cleaning up the apartment later. It's time to continue our tour! Come now, before it gets too late!

Let's head down the hallway here... oh, you like the guitar and no parking sign? Me, too. =) They give the place a classy feel. Oh, and that sign was hand crafted by women from Iraq.

Just down the hall and to the left is the bathroom. It's just across from Amanda's room. No, we cannot go in. She's not here yet, and I don't want to get on her bad side BEFORE we're living together! After all, who likes a snoop?!

Welcome to my room! What do you think? Pretty clean, huh? My dad told me it needs to stay that way, or I'll have another thing coming. I wonder what he would give me for being messy? Something tells me I'd rather not find out...

I know that my desk may look a bit cluttered in this picture, but it is not that way anymore. Since I moved my stereo system out to the family room, I have LOADS more room and things are not quite as cramped as they appear to be in this photograph. I also have a walk-in closet and a bathroom, but I am not fully unpacked yet.

So, if you would like to come visit in person sometime, I would be more than happy to give you an adequate tour. Until then, I bid you a fond farewell.

Buenas tardes, mis amigos.

Love,
David

I am no longer an employee at Family & Children Services...

I dropped off my keys, my work phone, and all of my notebooks and papers.

I'm officially unemployed now (and, yes, I am considered to be unemployed because I am actively seeking other employment. But, don't get me into statistics and how much I *hate* when sociologists and psychologists put/waste so much time and effort on them).

Chris gave me a hug and everything. She even said "If anything ever happens, you can always come back. Not that I'm saying I *want* anything to happen... you know what I mean."

That was rough.

There were so many people I wanted to say goodbye to, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I knew that I would just start bawling... As it is, I was tearing up on my way to the car. The sky opened up and poured on me. I decided that the clouds were crying enough that I need not join in.

On my way back home after ward, I saw a homeless man crouched underneath the overhang of the grand display of the Michigan Theatre on the corner of Burdick and Lovell. It was then that I thought to myself: "Am I abandoning this town?" This place that has given me so much... so much hope. So many friends. So many great opportunities to really learn what life is all about. This poor, struggling hub for artists, peace lovers, politicians, and people from all walks of life... it's ripping at the seams. Am I leaving this place to the dogs?

Then I reminded myself that one need not look far in this great country to find suffering. Even in a nation that is audacious enough to call itself the last remaining "superpower" in the world, the USA is no stranger to unnecesary brutality, corruption, starvation, poverty, and rampant disease. While Kalamazoo does have a staggering 24% of its population living at or below the poverty level, Grand Rapids has 15% of its population (a MUCH greater number of people) falling at or below that very same line.

I must realize that no matter where I go, there will be need. There will be hunger. There will be sadness, disease, and death. I must not ask why it is that I serve where I do or why I serve in a particular capacity. No. All I can do is perform what services I can in the best manner within my capabilities.

"...It's all I can do."

Love,
David

What's in a name?

David is the #6 most common male name.
2.363% of men in the US are named David.
Around 2894675 US men are named David!
source namestatistics.com

Filkins is the #12428 most common last name.
0.001% of last names in the US are Filkins.
Around 2500 US last names are Filkins!
source namestatistics.com

Very common to quite rare...

Leave it to me to take up BOTH ends of the spectrum. =P

Love,
David

P.S. I was almost killed (or at least severely injured) by a 10 year old boy at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek while working my afternoon CLST shift today. I haven't been that scared in ages.

Congratulazioni Italia!

"The grandest prize in all of sport belongs to Italy."

A head-butt to the chest. A hug from a guy on the opposite team. Intentionally stopping play for an injured opponent. Spirits were high today as the two teams worked their hearts our for the most prestigious sport prize in the world. Yet, amidst the fierce competitiveness found in all sports competitions, the concepts of "Fair-Play" (as introduced by FIFA to promote good sportsmanship) and compassion for all players on the field. Perhaps the most rewarding sight on a soccer field, whether amateur or professional play, is to see two players of different colored jerseys behaving as good friends. After all, they are all experts in the same field of study. They are all professionals and should treat their co-workers as such. Both goaltenders exhibited this mutual respect with a handshake and hug before the begin of the penalty kick shootout that resulted in France's top-bar deflection - ultimately ending in their defeat.

The sad note of the game was the poor decision made by a hot-tempered Zidane in the second 15-minute half of overtime play. France's captain was a man perceived to be in the same league of players as the famous Pelé himself. To his team's regret, Zidane had announced twice that this would be his last football game. He chose to end it, however, by giving a sharp blow to the chest of Italy's Materazzi... with his head. This move, which took place nowhere near the play, earned Zidane a colorful exit from the stadium as well as the sport itself. It was a sad moment that very well may have cost France their chance at World Cup victory.

All in all, the good outweighed the bad and the game went on with spirits high in anticipation of an exciting end. Fans were not dissapointed when the shootout came to the very last series of shots. The last goal of the game, decided by Grosso, erupted with cheers all across the globe. From Rome to Boston, fans were cheering for the new world champtions of the greatest game on earth.

Italy - wear your medals proudly. And hold your heads and trophy high... you have earned your place in football history.

And to all of the other participants of the 2006 World Cup in Germany... congratulations for being participants in the greatest sporting event in all of history. You have all represented your nations magnificantly. Yet, more importantly, you have shown your abilities to remain loyal to your teammates while also being loyal to those against whom you are fighting for victory. After all, it is not against them you fight. No, any athlete can fight against an opponent. It is the great athlete who recognizes that the real battle wages within.

Love,
David

P.S. I know I shouldn't end on a preposition... but I say - screw grammar. Do any of the literary greats always adhere to the laws, rules, and regulations of the annoying language I was brought up to read, write, and speak? No. They "bend" the rules and get applauded for it. I choose to be unique.

"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism..." -Howard Zinn

"Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."
-Natalie Maines between songs at a concert in London

"[T]he Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind. They can say what they want to say ... They shouldn't have their feelings hurt just because some people don't want to buy their records when they speak out ... Freedom is a two-way street."
-President Bush in an interview with Tom Brokaw




Add some nasty letters, group CD destruction ceremonies, and a few death threats, and this is what you get:

"I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
[...]
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don't mind sayin'
It's a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Sayin' that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over..."
-The Dixie Chicks in their hit "I'm Not Ready To Make Nice"

Can anybody blame them? I mean, honestly... I'd be pissed, too. Is this what freedom means, people? The freedom to treat each other like shit because of what they believe? Sure, if you adhere to closed-minded nazi doctrine. Grow up, America. Quit picking on the people brave enough to stand up when we're being lied to.

That's all. =)

Love,
David

P.S. In more sad news, the last football contest of the 2006 World Cup is today with France and Italy playing. It's at 2:00 pm EST and I can't WAIT! I just don't want it to end. =( International football is the best... especially in such a competition that shows brotherly comradery on a global scale. But, alas, all good things must come to an end... At least there is still this one final game. =)

Three things...

1)

SURVEY

You Are Most Like Bill Clinton

No doubt, your legacy may be a little seedier than you'd like. But even though you've done some questionable things, you're still loved by almost all.

What Modern US President Are You Most Like?

2)

JOKE

Bono, Jesus, and Santa Claus walk into a bar. They sit down and order their drinks. Santa orders hot cocoa, Bono orders a Guinness, and they're just waiting on Jesus to order, when he leans over to Bono and says: "Listen mate, I'm a bit short on cash, so I'll just get some water, and you can turn it into wine."

3)

COMMISSION

Serving the poor...

Make us worthy, God,
to serve those throughout the world
who live and die in poverty or hunger.
Give then, through our hands, this day their daily bread;
and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.
Amen.

--Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Yugoslavia, 20th Century, altered.


Love,
David Filkins

Dead Fish and Monkey Fetus

The crazy antics of Dead Fish and Monkey Fetus have come to an end... ...OR HAVE THEY?

Wow...

D.C. was friggin amazing! =D I'm gonna miss you, Kellers. =( Good thing you're coming back here in a short while!

Oh, and I had a job interview at Pine Rest. It seems like an AWESOME place to work. Everybody I have met there seems so friendly and easy going. Oh, and apparently I got two calls from people from different departments at Pine Rest who ALSO want to set up interviews with me. =P It's nice to be wanted.

Well, now I'm going to the beach with my buds in the Zoo. =) We'll be in South Haven checking out the fireworks. =D

Later! =D

Love,
David