Monday, January 15, 2007

the b-day files

Despite the icy weather, I had a killer birthday gathering yesterday.

Since my favorite Chinese dig is temporarily closed (yup, no peking duck until their new building is complete) we decided to throw a party and invite neighbors and friends.

Agent Wife cooked a turkey, plus I BBQ’d chicken, beef strips & bratworsts. And of course, a cooler full of Fat Tire, 1554, Blue Moon Belgian white, and something called “Ugly Pug” ale (which was OK, but it ain’t no 1554).

We invited over 50 people, but due to the ice we had three households of neighbors, all three members of the local agent network (thanks for coming!), and my friend Grandma Nelly (who shares the same birthday).

That just means more beer and BBQ for me the rest of the month. Oh well.

11 comments:

Agent X said...

B,

That is great. Parties were a specialty with Jesus. They were ministry. However, before you go thinking I am making too much of that, I am not. I recognize that many of his parties had great theological import before he became involved, something which I think B's Birthday is lacking. But, I still think that "party" in and of itself does have theological implications- especially when you invite the poor the downtrodden etc...

Tony Campolo has a book called The Kingdom of God is a Party. The first chapter is worth the price of the book and the rest of it is not, but I still refer to it because of the power of that one ch.

I wish to address the unfolding argument two posts back. I don't dig name calling. People do it, and I cant stop them, I know. And the guy who called you a "glorified sloth" kicked it off, to be sure. But the "F*** Bag" thing was too much for me. Not that such words scare me, they dont. But that was way off base for a Jesus follower. And I sympathize with his position dispite my critique of his attitude and method of engagement.

So, I request that when an argument goes south like that, please delete my comments. I do not like having my name in the middle of that. It is embarrassing and shameful. I have enough embarrassement and shame in my life already. And I hate for the public to see me in the midst of that.

Many blessings...

Agent B said...

Messy Gent:

I recognize that many of his parties had great theological import before he became involved, something which I think B's Birthday is lacking.

??!? Are you saying my party was "lacking" because of the absence of theological stuff? or something like that? I don't get it.

And don't worry...nobody is associating you with any ill comments unless your ID is left as author. I'm a purist when it comes to internet discussion. If everybody deleted words they later regreted, half the blogs out there would disappear. All comments will be left as is...

Exceptions may come up someday. I Hope not.

Agent X said...

B,

It seems I have sounded insulting when I did not mean to. To spell it out, your birthday is not a Passover party or a Hannakah party. It is just B's Birthday. Something not found in the Bible.

My point was that many, not all, of the parties Jesus ministered already had theological import that he recast in some way. You can't claim that for your birthday. Thus I see some difference between you and Jesus (on this and other grounds). It is not meant to deflate. It is an observation. Many of the stories of his parties have more to it than the face value.

However, partying is ministry all the same. And theological, I think. So, while yours lacks the former, it is strong in the latter. Does that make sense?

As for the comments deleted. Perhaps I will save mine up until you have finished a discussion from now on. I respect your opinions, but I don't want to be in the middle of every war. You got some real fools fighting you sometimes, and as the adage goes, once you fight with one, bystanders wont know who is who.

Sorry if that is a problem. But, I walk a fine line with many of my readers, and I promote your blog sometimes. It reflects on me too.

Many blessings...

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday B! From the looks of it, you and Steve have pretty much the same taste in ales.

Agent B said...

MG: do what you want.

Deana: all the more reason to visit you guys in CO someday.

Matthew said...

Happy Birthday! Mind giving me a hint as to the Chinese place you're talking about?

Pleeese?

Agent B said...

The fair mother city??

The best (and only or close-to) authentic chinese??

Closed down in July in order to vacation and rebuild a bigger facility??

(drum roll...)

Szechuan. Formerly at S. 1st & Willis.

Anonymous said...

You had FAT TIRE and "Ugly Pug"!?!? And I stuck with the punch since there were church people there. Oh well. Next time I'll be a little more "pugnacious" with my drink selection. Hold one for me and I'll be by to share a beer and nab that book.

miller said...

dude, i looked for the 1554 but only found the other assorted ales...

the ugly pug deserves its name!

it was a great time...

respect!

ahbahsean said...

Happy Birthday B.
Nothing says birthday like Fat Tire. Mmmm.

Anonymous said...

Mark, if you meant church people as in Wynetta, I think she had the Blue Moon or maybe it was Fat Tire. I can't remember which one is her favorite. Whenever our group has a get together with beverages, all the ladies have wine or mixers, except Wynetta, she has a beer like all the guys! She is so awesome. The most solid person I've ever met- just brushes off offense, looks for the best in people, worshiper of the most high and can hang out with anyone and just keeps on loving.