First Union made a very happy customer out of me yesterday. I called to inquire about setting up an account, and guess what, no pointless custodial account restrictions. I set up a checking and savings account (in my own name) right over the phone, and tomorrow I'm going to have my dad cancel out my account at Suntrust. Turns out 17 year olds do in fact have the ability to do things on their own.

Onto my story about our recent identity theft incident. To summarize the events, someone (and we have no idea who), used my dad's Social Security Number, and name to apply for a Peeble's store credit card and spent close $400 (which was the limit on the card) in Charlotte, NC. The theif used a phoney address (32 Bluff St in fact), phone number, and closest relative. We found out about this when the store called us up on Tuesday. The sheriff's deputy came over Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and filed a police report. The cop assured my parents this would probably be a one time deal because these people like to use different identities for each purchase they make (so they are less likely to be caught). It seems identity theft is becoming more of a common occurence. The most frightening thing is that anyone can purchase a SSN and name for about $50 over the internet.

7.31.2001 posted on 11:30 PM
The past two days have been nothing short of fast paced insanity. My sleep cycle is beginning to return to it's normal state after getting myself in the habit of staying up to 2 am, and then getting up at 9 or 10. This is probably one of the factors contributing to my fatigue. But hard work is also tiring, and in that case I'm happy to be tired, because my efforts have yielded results. I should be able to move into my room tomorrow - once I put the second coat of paint on the concrete floor (I spent a good deal of time preping and applying the first coat today). Once my paint is dry, the only tasks that remain are installing the ceiling fan, and cutting, nailing, and painting the baseboard. Both of these things can be done once my possesions are in there, however. After over a month of sleeping on a couch shorter than the length of my body, I'm ready to get back into a comfortable bed of my own. Seeing as how I'm exhausted, my story on identity theft will have to wait till another time.

7.29.2001 posted on 12:01 AM
I had a most interesting conversation this morning while waiting in the Family Practice clinic at the hospital. I spent about an hour discussing theology, absolute truth, and other intellectual and philosophical issues with the NCOIC of oral surgery. SFC Renn is 42, and he told me he's still seeking the truth. He grew up in a Catholic background, and was alienated from the Christian church in general by the hypocrisy and short sightedness he saw while he was in college. He told me he believes there is a God. He's come to this conclusion, he said, from the sheer perfection in the design of all things around us. What he's seeking right now is a belief system that logically explains God and his relation to humanity. I never would have guessed that waking up at 7 on a Saturday to take my siblings to their appointments would have given me the oppurtunity to witness to someone. And not only that, but I had the chance to carry on an intellectual conversation. At the end of our talk, I recommended that he pick up The Case For Christ, and read that in order to answer some of the questions he had about Christianity that I didn't have time to address. I planted a seed today. All I can do is pray that SFC Renn finds God in his search for the truth.

7.28.2001 posted on 1:40 AM
For those of you who are curious, I thought I would put together a list of what I've been listening to lately in terms of music. Most of the following are CDs I have recently purchased. All of them I highly recommend. (In no particular order):

Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American
Starflyer 59 - Leave Here A Stranger
MxPx - The Renaissance EP
Tool - Lateralus
Mars Ill - Raw Material
Waterdeep - Sink or Swim
Zao - Self-titled

7.27.2001 posted on 12:03 AM
One of the negative aspects of my choleric temperament is a tendency to become boiling angry. Add to that the fact that I absolutely loathe being referred to as a helpless "minor" and you have the foundation for my episode today. There I was, standing behind the counter at the local Suntrust bank, waiting to have some of my money withdrawn from my recently opened savings account. The teller glances at my license, then at the computer screen. "You're 16, right?". I answer, "No, I'm 17". "Well, you have to be 18 to withdrawl from this account. You'll need to have a parent with you if you want to take out money" Excuse me you incompent peon?! "Well forget it then", I responded, intentionally revealing my irritation in the tone of my voice. I turned around and walked out steaming mad. I tore the withdrawl slip once, and then again. My blood was boiling by the time I shoved the shredded paper into the garbage can. I jumped in the car, saying a few choice words about the bank and their procedures as I slammed the door. And there you have it, Jonathan losing his temper. I could go on about how my old bank didn't restrict me from withdrawing my own hard-earned money, and how I'm going to find a new bank as soon as possible, but I will end my anger management session right here.

7.25.2001 posted on 3:47 PM
I've been getting back into my reading habit this week. I've taken a break from The Brothers Karamazov, and I'm currently about halfway through The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel. The book's premise is an investigative search for evidence affirming the credibility of the Gospels and Jesus Christ by a former journalist for the Chicago Tribune (Strobel). The book also follows Strobel's "spritual journey from atheism to faith" (to quote the back cover) as he uncovers indisputable proof that counters many popular disputes to Christianity. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone seeking hard facts on the Christian faith, saved or skeptic. Stop by your nearest bookstore or buy it from Amazon.

7.20.2001 posted on 12:14 AM
Sarah from the employment agency called today. I'm going to call her first thing tomorrow morning (as instructed) and let her know if I want to take the position at Cingular Wireless as a greeter. After weighing my choices, I have decided to take the job. For one, it pays well ($8.50 hourly), and I have a flexible part time schedule (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11 am to 7:30 pm). I am very much looking forward to getting back into a regular job. It's been almost 2 months since I resigned at Jobe, and a life of unemployment doesn't suit me very well :-). Sure, sleeping in and lazing around can be fun for a while, but it does get old eventually. At least with this new job I'll be out of the house away from everyone, working with people (which I enjoy), and making money. I'm also going to talk to Cory tomorrow about an on call position at Club Car she mentioned on the phone the other day. If I could get 2 jobs that worked out to a full time schedule, that would be even more beneficial.

7.18.2001 posted on 2:43 PM
Things are gradually getting better. I'm keeping myself busy with the finishing touches still left on my room. Drywall work (cutting, screwing, sanding, etc) isn't very enjoyable, but I've been having a fun time running network and cable tv wire. The network wire is going to be used to share out the cable modem (via a router) to my new computer which I'm building. And I figured I'd run the cable tv wire in to my room while I was at it. When we got our cable modem installed, the guy who installed it turned on the tv connection even though we didn't order it. Free tv, works for me. I called Cory at Norrell (the employment agency) today, and she hasn't forgotten about me. I may be able to work for a company designing signs and posters. I'd be happy with that, a little change of pace after being a web designer for almost 2 years.

7.16.2001 posted on 1:54 AM
The transitions we make in life aren't always smooth and painless. At times, as we move from familiarity into uncertainty, we become disoriented and the light in which we view ourselves fades into obscurity. Before moving here, my security had been in the familiar. And no matter how diligently I tried, there was no preparing myself for being uprooted so suddenly. The first couple of weeks I told myself adjusting wouldn't be too hard, and I thought I really believed that. I'm not so sure now. Everything and everyone is so different here. Perhaps I'm exaggerating, but I don't feel like I fit in very well. I want to return to the familiar. I want to do the same things I used to do every weekend. I want to be who I was before.

7.15.2001 posted on 12:29 AM
The problem with maintaining a journal like this is summed up in one word: routine. Once you get out of the habit of updating it on a daily basis, you keep putting it off until it's hopelessly out of date. This is what has happened with my humble journal. The fact that I have been in the process of moving and settling in over the past month has further complicated things - not only time wise, I just haven't had the modivation to add anything. I will expound on that later. For now, I will suffice it to say I am going to get back into my writing habits. Expect to hear more details about the recent changes in my life shortly.

3.16.2001 posted on 6:47 PM
It's Friday! Finally! Well I don't know what turned my attitude around, but ever since Thursday I've been in a much better mood. Not that I've been running around the house doing cartwheels (ok, ok, maybe once), but I haven't been as negative and depressing to be around as I was during the beginning of the week. I'm not sure exactly what changed my attitude, but it seems like I woke up in a better mood on Thursday. Monday - Wednesday must have been a series of waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Other things happened that perturbed me in that time span (as I've already mentioned), but now I'm back to my "normal" self. If there is any such thing. Who knows with me.

3.14.2001 posted on 6:47 PM
It's the middle of the week now, and nothing out of the ordinary seems to have happened yet. I got into a somewhat heated yelling match with my dad last night, but that's not really anything new. We usually go about a month on good terms, and then something comes up and we're back at each others throats. I'm trying to think of something a little bit more positive to write now, but I honestly can't think of anything. This week has been fairly bleak so far. I even wrote a poem (actually two) about how pathetic my day was on Monday. I may post it if I get a chance.

3.13.2001 posted on 7:45 PM
Instead of lamenting about how my busy schedule and other excuses have been keeping me from posting anything lately, I will just move on with the goings-on in my life as of late. For one, I'm on the brink of turning 17 (on the 17th of this month ironically enough). I guess I'm pretty much indifferent about getting another year older. When I was younger it seemed to matter a lot more than it does now. In other news, my family is leaving for Augusta GA in late May/early June. I will be staying here, of course, probably living with my friend Tyler and his family. Seeing as how I'm not going to be going to college for another year, I plan on looking for a higher paying job doing web development (my current occupation). That will probably mean relocating to another state. Things are changing fast, but I'm not anxious about it. I'm ready.

2.26.2001 posted on 3:03 PM
My night of inspiration.
It comes and goes.
Words piled up in my brain.
‘Why do I even bother?’
Sometimes I really wonder.
‘What’s the point?’,
I ask myself.
‘Words are words,
what makes mine worthwhile?’
Perhaps I’m insincere,
or maybe poetry isn’t my gift.
But this nagging inside of me –
the urge to write –
I can’t seem to avoid it.
I don’t even think twice
about it usually.
I just sit and they flow…
the words that is.
Convoluted as they are,
my mind is set at ease
each time I sit
and write.

-Jonathan Hutton

2.15.2001 posted on 12:51 AM
Today is Valentine's Day. What a day it has been. Before I detail all the things that have happened today, I need to rewind to this past weekend. I went to Acquire the Fire in Tulsa with my youth group. I can honestly say I've never had an experience quite like it. The Lord convicted me of some things in my life that need changing, namely the malice I've been holding towards my parents. And on Sunday, the evening after we got back, we all got up in front of the church and talked about our various experiences. I thought and thought about how to phrase what I was going to say. When I actually stood up in front of everyone and spoke, I wasn't at a loss for words. I spoke, but I didn't let myself think about how it might sound, I just opened my heart to everyone and shared. After we all took our turns speaking, we had a time of prayer. Some of the adults in the congregation came and prayed over a particular youth who had touched them by what they said. As I knelt there, holding the hand of this woman, I thanked the Lord for the work he was doing in my heart. When you're struggling with something in life, the greatest encouragement comes from someone who has been in your situation. This lady knew where I was coming from, and I could tell that as she prayed with me. Needless to say, I received many hugs and words of encouragement as the evening service came to a close. As I left, I thanked God for how He has changed my attitude, and for everyone at Harmony who has been so accepting and understanding.

2.6.2001 posted on 3:57 PM
I'm at work right now and I have a few minutes before I actually have to start working, so I thought I'd post something in case I don't get a chance to this evening. I was intending to write something last night, but I went to bed early for once. I'm really hoping this week will go by quickly since I'm looking forward to our trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Well, it's time to work now.

2.4.2001 posted on 11:08 PM
On Sundays I usually like to summarize my week; the events that occured, people I talked to, things I felt. This past week I began to regain my mental and physical energy after being sick for close to two weeks. My cough is now gone and I feel so much better. Thank the Lord. In school, my aptitude for geometry is gradually increasing. I don't dread it as much as I used to anymore. Perhaps it's a result of my determination to graduate from high school. Or maybe I'm a math genius and I don't know it yet. Ok, maybe not. In other happenings, I went out with my sweetie on Friday as usual. It seem like I can never think of where to go when I'm not behind the wheel. We had a great time though. And after I came home, I had an inspiration to write the poem you see below. It is the culmination of a lot of things that have been on my mind lately. It's the first poem I've ever written, and I'm still puzzled as to how I came up with what I did. I really need to thank my friend Tina though. She has been most helpful in giving me suggestions on expressing my creative self. I really do appreciate it Tina :-).

2.3.2001 posted on 12:51 AM
There's so much I want to say sometimes
but my words escape me.
I look into her eyes
and everything I wanted to say
is communicated in a single glance.

I gently touch her soft face.
My mind begins to wander,
unaware of anything but now.
I close my eyes and deeply breath in.
Then run my fingers through her hair again.

I don't ever want to be without you, my love.
Maybe that's why it's so hard for me to let go
when I hold you in my arms.
Each time we have to part
it feels like we're preparing for a longer goodbye.

But my love for you will never change.
Time nor distance could ever alter it.
I love you more than I knew before,
and with each passing day,
I love you more.

-Jonathan Hutton

2.2.2001 posted on 12:53 AM
Well, I have corrected the site problems I've been having today. Hopefully we won't have any further problems (so long as I quit moving important files around...doh). I'm thinking of setting up an archive for my humble little site, so this page doesn't get too lengthy. I would most likely have 2 weeks of entries on the front page (this one), and then have a links to previous entries sorted by week down at the bottom. I'm going to try to work on that this weekend.

I've been getting some very positive feedback about this site lately, but I need to apologize for not being frequent enough with my entries. My original goal was to post to it every day, but that has proved to be a difficult task for me. It's not that I am at a lack for words - that rarely happens. Some days I just can't seem to find time to sit down at the computer without interruption or distraction. Nevertheless, I will try to improve my consistency in posting.

1.31.2001 posted on 12:36 AM
When you honestly love someone, your whole outlook on life changes. It alters the way you think about things, and makes you see things about yourself that were never apparent before. You open your whole life to the person you love, and nothing is hidden from view. And when that person loves you back, there's nothing that can top that. But love isn't a feeling. It's much stronger than that. Feelings are temporary, and change with circumstances. Love is constant, enduring through the most trying times. The love you have for the other person defies explanation. You feel connected to that person spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, but words couldn't possibly describe it. You can't explain it, but you know it's there. And at the moment you look into the eyes of the person you love, words don't seem to matter anymore. All the troubles in life seem distant, and a sense of peace fills you. Suddenly, you're overwhelmed with the reality that you love someone more than you had ever thought possible. It scares you momentarily. But then you fix your eyes on the person resting in your arms. Time stands still. You close your eyes and take a deep breath. True love.

1.30.2001 posted on 1:35 AM
There's something about the rhythm of rain pattering against the windowsill that puts me in a trance. I want to lay down on my bed relax. That's exactly what I did today for a short while. It's been raining most of the day, so I took advantage of it. I have been somewhat lethargic today, and I'm not really sure why. I'm over my sickness, but I still haven't quite gotten back all of my energy. The week has started off well. I can only wait and see what tomorrow will bring.

1.27.2001 posted on 12:53 AM
I think I ate one too many Reese's peanut butter cups, because my stomach is starting to ache. Oh well, they're just too yummy. There are two things I can't keep my hands (or my mouth) off when I see them: peanut butter cups...and Amanda. Hehe ;-). Speaking of my sweetie, she came over this evening and snuggled with me on my couch as we watched a movie. My dad must not have felt like staying up past 10:30, so he had Ben sit out in the living room and watch tv while we were in my room alone. I'm glad my folks trust me enough to give us a little privacy. That's always a good thing.

1.26.2001 posted on 12:06 AM
I've been able to have some really honest, open conversations with my mom the past few days. Seems like it's easier for us to get along than it is for my dad and I. My mom has a personality similar to mine, so it's easier for me to share things with her.

Yesterday I got a B on my geometry test. I'm proud of myself, yes. Now I just have to study and understand parallograms and how to prove them, and I'll be all set.

I was listening to this song earlier today, and I really like the lyrics. The song is called Words for You and it's by Brandtson.

Everything about you is a picture worth a thousand words
Try as I may I try in vain
There's more to you than I could ever hope to explain
I don't think you know
I'll never be the same again

I've seen oceans and sunsets
that took away my breath
And you remind me of everything
that's precious in His sight
and I don't think you'll ever realize
just how much you've touched my life

1.23.2001 posted on 9:06 PM
Well I went to the doctor today and found out that I have bronchitis. I got some antibiotics and these decongestant pills which are making me very hyper. I'm calling them my happy pills. Hehe. I don't usually bounce off the walls like this. I'm having quite a bit of fun laughing at every imaginable thing though. You wouldn't believe how many things are funny when you're high on prescription meds. I haven't been doing much today since I took off work and school. I watched Good Will Hunting on dvd earlier this afternoon. Good movie, but my goodness, how many times do they have to use the f-word? It was a bit excessive, in my opinion. Besides that, I thought the characters were a little more well developed than in Finding Forrester, but the story was equally intriguing and enjoyable. Definitely worth the cost of a video rental.

posted on 12:28 AM
I spent some time today thinking about the future and where I'm going to be 6-8 months from now. It's hard to believe that in a few short months I'll be out on my own. It's an exhilarating, yet frightening thought. For years I've thought about how great it would be to live on my own, but I had not ever seriously considered all the expenses and responsibilities until now. It's not that it overwhelms me, but I really do think I'm going to miss living at home to some extent. Going from living in a house with 11 people to living by myself will probably take some getting used to. I'm confident I can handle it though.

1.21.2001 posted on 10:56 PM
The weekend has just about come to a close, and tomorrow is back to work. Which means some serious studying in my geometry - the only subject that could potentially keep me from graduating this year. I'm hoping I'll finish up with proofs soon, and move on to something a little less mind-bending.

I've been somewhat apathetic this weekend. That's probably due to the fact that I've been feeling pretty pathetic. That sickness I thought I was over is still lingering. Although I don't have a fever, I still have this raw sore throat, and nagging cough. I should feel better soon though.

This evening I spent some time with my family and something surprised me - I actually enjoyed it. Repairing the broken relationship with my parents is going to take a lot of work, but I honestly believe that by the time we go our seperate ways later this year we will be closer. My only regret is that I waited this long to change my attitude. For so long I've been saying to myself it's them who need to change, when, in reality, I was the one with the wrong attitude. I've found that deceiving yourself is easy; coming to the realization that you need to change is the difficult part.