James Derkits

Learning how to fall is an important lesson across a wide spectrum of activities. I have only ever had one aikido lesson, and it was all about learning to fall. So, two weeks ago, at my first surf lesson, I wasn't surprised that one of the first terms I learned in the surfing vocabulary was related to falling. It wasn't wipeout, I had heard that one...thanks Beach Boys . The new term for me was to "pearl" or to "pearl dive." It's when the nose of the board gets pushed under, and you follow. In the process the buoyant surfboard goes flying straight up into the air, and its a good idea for you to stay down there for a few extra seconds, even if it is cold, while the board comes crashing back down. You may want to stay down there long enough to feel around for an oyster, and crack it open to see if there's a pearl. Thus, pearl diving. I learned that term just in time to be able to use it to describe what happened to me. I caught one really good wave a...

My favorite math class was pre-calculus my freshman year of college. I added two very good friends to my life in that class. The class itself, or my studies for the class was a different matter. I got a D. I had to take algebra later. This blog isn't about math, but I want you to know I'm not someone who hops up and down when its time to do math. My favorite thing about that math class was Jim and Justin, not the math. I respect math, and the people who love to calculate, it's just not my greatest desire. When it's time to any little simple math problem you can probably catch me counting on my fingers just to be sure. I've gone crawling back into restaurants begging forgiveness because I realized that I under tipped (and I carry extra dollars to go along with the repentance.) I'm a priest. I enjoy the things I do, and I enjoy the variety of things I get to do. Visit people. Keep the story alive and the mystery present on Sunday mornings. Meet with groups, si...