The Adventures of Tatum and Kemper

I once had a friend named Jason Joseph Tatum and he and I had many great adventures together. 

It all started back in 2002 when we were preparing to climb a mountain in Spain and out of nowhere a whirlwind of dysfunction came blowing through threatening to destroy us and our trusty emotional pack mule Erasmus. Luckily Tatum came to the rescue with his grappling hook and saved the day. After arriving at the top of the mountain we were faced with another mountain… a mountain of dirty laundry that threatened to consume my friend Jason while he was sleeping on a matchstick cot! Luckily I was able to lead him to safety by coaxing him out of his matchstick induced slumber by threatening to mark off his most precious dream …playing ultimate Frisbee! After awakening my friend we ran around a small village in Spain more times than I can count

 and ended up in the basement of water-logged dungeon where we were forced to do slave labor building stairs and cutting the bottom off closet doors. Unfortunately my friend Jason got a little aggressive with the skill saw and cut the door too short. The task master was very mad so he lined us all up against the wall and was threatening to shoot us when my friend Jason, who has always had a very quick wit, saved the day by telling a really funny joke in Spanish… “Nadda?” 

We caught the nearest plane back to the states and began to climb yet another mountain, Mount Bagwell. If we had known we would be climbing this third and most treacherous mountain I’m sure that my friend would have brought his grappling hook but instead we were forced to clear a path up the mountain with a gas-less chainsaw 

and a second class pack-mule named Quixote. 

After conquering this third mountain, Jason and my wife Allison were so elated that they skipped down the streets of Decatur arm in arm singing “hurray for the Hamilton’s” at the top of their lungs! It was glorious! 

After a fine time of celebration we were off to the plains of Africa where we pondered the evolutionary plight of the Wart-Hog while our good friend Chris pondered the poignant nature of the word pungent .  

 We wrestled Hippos and rode lions bare-back with secret service agents “tomorrow truly was the best day of my life”. We then rode off in to the African sunset!

My friend Jason and I have had many great adventures together and surely many more will follow. I just hope he remembers to bring his grappling hook next time.

Jason Happy 30th birthday! Here's to many more great adventures! 

Kemper

I will never forget that you started "I started that!"

The very first time I met you, quite possibly my very first week of college I learned that you started "I started that!" on the Announcements song at Sandy Creek YoungLife. Now that I think about it, I have no idea what comes between "Announcements, announcements, annoooooouncements" and the end. Wait no. It literally just came to me. Here it is:

Announcements, announcements, annoooo-ooouncements.
The old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Ain't what she used to be,
Ain't what she used to be,
The old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be,
Why?? 'Cause she's dead.
The cow came home.
Moo.
Hakuna Matata.
I started that.
We should add something.*
FACE!**

In any event, you will forever be associated with that song, even though we never sang it at the same time. But since that first revelation, I have come to see you as one of the nicest and warmest people I have ever known. I love talking about things from Tyrone to Wes Anderson to Harry Potter with you. And I will never forget our quest through London to find the buried treasure that is Chipotle. Come visit me when I move to Denver and we'll go find the original one.

And now I leave you with these. I scoured your Facebook Mobile Uploads albums for these gems that you took at my house a few years ago because I'm fairly certain no picture of the two of us exists. I think this will likely bring you more joy in any case.

Giant baby on a bench says, "Bluaaahyhauhgahuagh Aiiiiiuutraathgin!" Translated, this reads:

"Happy Golden Birthday, Tatum! Stay fantastic!!"

Love,
Meaghan Mc

*Possibly after your time.
**Definitely after your time, as this was added by one Gary Luke Batchelor my sophomore year of high school.

  Happy Birthday Tatum...

What to say after reading so many eloquent words and so many pictures of shared memories...so I have resorted to a cheesy but heart-felt poem because whenever I think of you I always want to give you a hug..to me Tatum and Hugs are synonymous.

So here goes..

A Simple Hug by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr There's something in a simple hug That always warms the heart; It welcomes us back home And makes it easier to part A hug's a way to share the joy And sad times we go through, Or just a way for friends to say They like you 'cause you're you Hugs are meant for anyone For whom we really care, From your grandma to your neighbour, Or a cuddly teddy bear A hug is an amazing thing - It's just the perfect way To show the love we're feeling But can't find the words to say It's funny how a little hug Makes everyone feel good; In every place and type, It's always understood And hugs don't need new equipment, Special batteries or parts Just open up your arms And open up your hearts Karen x x x

Once upon a time we took a roadtrip to Birmingham to see Don Miller speak and visit Bff Alix. We went to her favorite restaurant, Newk's and had a wonderful visit. It was in this glorious church, and I got a direct message from Don himself. We drove back super late - but it was worth it for this picture and his signature in our books. 

Love you, Sarah and Alix 

Happy 30th Birthday JT!!!

Dearest Jason Joseph Tatum,

I believe this picture sums up our relationship rather well, the "I am serious" Jason Tatum - yet your wearing a multicoloured wig - and the always fooling around Varsity Jo.

Firstly, thank you for meeting me that day at burgers and for making me feel so welcome! Not only that, but thank you for taking the opportunity to speak to me and for giving me the nickname "Varsity Jo", which has stuck ever since! Still on the burger subject, thank you for persisting over the coming weeks that I came to Canvas on a Thursday night, after burgers in the afternoon. I still remember the "on the fence" feeling of wanting to come, but not sure about going BUT then you got me with GAMES night! The relationship between me and thee and between me and canvas has never stopped growing since that day - thank you!

Secondly, you have shaped my life an awful lot over the last year and there have been times where I wouldn't have known what to do without your wise words - so thank you so much for always being there and always supporting me through the good and bad! I generally feel a better person for knowing you and following your words of wisdom.

Thirdly, thank you for filling my past year with amazing experiences and opportunities! I have attended my first ever open mic, I took part in a Thanksgiving dinner, I watched Home Alone for the first time EVER and many many more memorable experiences.

Finally....to the future!!! To a once in a lifetime opportunity in Kenya - I promise to be good, to behave and to not get left on a bus (or plane)! I WILL make you proud in Kenya and I will NOT be wearing any tribal clothing! Not only this experience, but in autumn me and Brent WILL be attending our first ever weekend away and I cannot wait already! And ofcourse, even though I am graduating in June from Birmingham....you can't get rid of me that easily unfortunately, so I will be up and down the country lots to see you and hopefully your puppy / doggy =D

Thank you for everything Jason Tatum!! 

Have a fabulous 30th birthday and continue being your amazing self! 

Lot's of Love Always

Varsity Jo 

xxxx

"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." - Ludwig van Beethoven

you are the muse for all future holiday-seasonal-activity parties i will ever have (and hopefully we will spend some more together). love you tatum! love, morgs.

Jasone!

Doctor.
well old fart they do say life begins at 30!  15 years ago there was supposed to be a double date.  We had it all planned.  Me with my date on one couch, you and yours on the other.   Conditions were perfect.  I had worn business socks.  Well as you know, that evening did not go as planned.  I've had far worse dates since then, but as far as dates go...never ideal when the other side of your couch is empty.  What transpired that night has shaped the paths of two immature, obnoxious, voices-still-cracking boys into the manly specimens we were to become 15 years later.  For you see Jason, the other side of that couch was not empty.  There we sat raising our chocolate milks and watching Vegas Vacation not knowing there would be 15 years of shenanigans, tom-foolery, and yes, bally-hoo.  Here's to you good man.

Top Ten Tatum Tales:
1. I have to start with running of the bulls.  That look in your eye.  You turning to me with that sudden realization that yes, you were about to go down into the arena and face your destiny.
2. Poison ivy - suffice it to say it was far longer than a mile and I'll never look at an iceberg the same way again.
3. Really easy trigger - possibly the scariest moment of my life and probably the reason I've lost so much hearing (although I blame it on the drums).  "you ever go skydiving boy? well maybe you shouldn't talk about things you don't understand."
4. Mario Kart - did we really spend an entire summer on my couch with that game?
5. "I did it again" - alright buddy let's go get another ice cream cone.
6. A sleepless night - for you at least.  apparently I was passed out the whole time.  I'm glad you didn't die though.  And hospital floors do not good beds make.
7. Dave Matthews - Did you really just play "Satellite"???
8. Cada Wuevees! Cada Wuevees!  - riding around on trashbins all night.  well spent.
9. Hey darlin' it's good to see ya, it's been a long time - the one time in my life I will ever spend over an hour watching a classical country music collection...
10. I'll just finish off with saying spaghetti, lasagna, and african rice....followed by more spaghetti, lasagna, and african rice.  One of the greatest traditions ever created.

Here's to another 15 years good man.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

First of all, go look at our Facebook friendship page RIGHT NOW. I was trying to get some inspiration for this, and reading our wall-to-wall conversation was laugh-out-loud hilarious. 

Secondly, I never thought that I would leave England with such a near and dear friend. I was told by many a folk prior to my Globalscope departure that 1) you definitely had your favorites and 2) that I was going to be one of them. People these days, right? Winter/Spring 2011 was one of the craziest times in my life, and I honestly don't know how I would've made it through the semester without your encouragement and your ability to keep me sane. It's astounding. You're amazing. The end.

But of course it's not really the end, and the story only gets better! My semester in Selly Oak is only a small portion on the timeline that is our friendship, so prepare to deal with all of my ridiculous quirks until we meet Jesus. And then we can ask him if everything happens for a reason, because I don't think we ever quite resolved that debate (which happened exactly a year ago today at the Old Joint Stock over Blue Moons.. so sorry for getting pissy about that). 

But until that time comes, we can laugh about my impeccable Spanish-speaking abilities, getting "handsy", that time I flicked you off when you told the entire Canvas staff that "we'll always have Fab", my never-ending love for Rooster House, your never-ending love for Nertz, Wednesday night dinners, and of course that time you led us around the entire city of Birmingham to find the Crescent Moon Theatre. We've had some quality moments, sir :)

Love and miss you, sweet friend! Have a wonderful birthday. I hope it's filled with all sorts of fun shenanigans, hullabaloo, antics, and ballyhoo. Give everyone at Canvas a big hug for me. xx

See you in June!

- LL

New Years 2012 Video

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And to accompany that New Years picture.... here's Jesse's video of that war zone.  To many more New Year Partys and many more Birthdays.  :)

Bizzle's Favorites

Mr. Tatum will always be in Mr. Tumnus's top 3.

Happy Birthday Bud ;)

I'm bad at naming things...

So I'm really bad at story telling and also at being sentimental.  But you, my friend, are one for the books.  You're always coming into my life when I need it most.  Whether its for some sound advice, a little encouragement or just a good laugh, your timing is always perfect. Any-who, here's a pic from one of my favorite times with you.

A Christmas Carol has always been one of my favorite things about Christmas and is now even more special because you are now always a part it.  Happy Birthday my dear friend.  I wish I could be there to celebrate with you, maybe next year :)

Love Always,

Alix

And to think that it all started with peanut butter ...

... but not just any peanut butter. Jif peanut butter! Which is obviously superior to all other peanut butters. I have to admit that I rarely remember the first time that I meet someone, but I think that it is incredible that a conversation about a delicious, nutty spread could give me the opportunity to know someone as awesome as you. I think I had to wait about 27 seconds before I said something sarcastic or sassy to you (as opposed to the usual 27 days). I know you don't necessarily appreciate sarcasm (said sarcastically), but I appreciated it. You are such an amazing, caring person and I admire how you use that to spread God's love. I hope you have an extraordinarily spectacular birthday and I hope to see you soon!

Much love from across the pond,
Megan Matthews

Nothing says friendship like an instagrammed photo...

                                                                          this is you and that is me!
                                                                                       loves! xx

felizest of cumples

thanks for inviting me to your apartment to watch pirates of the caribbean. thanks for marrying me on facebook when you went to spain, and thanks for making me finish life of pi. oh, and thanks for always driving to kroger. i love you very much. xoxo - kb

A discourse of the traits of your character which I admire, including a reference to pork scratchings and Charles Dickens

'One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things' 


Start with a quote. Some astute mind will have already have put it more elegantly than you could hope to. Starting with a quote is good.


What to write? I fear our shared anecdotes are lacking as we don't spend nearly enough time together. You exist on a scholarly schedule and I have progressed to the bromidic and soul crushing schedule of parental adulthood. I'm ready for my Ovaltine by 9pm. We have enjoyed some wild nights out together though haven't we? I remember sweaty pubs and music, shouting and shoving in alleyways, pints of local bitter and fatty, salted scratchings. Countless strangers with sad absurd tales and every night religiously sealed with English drizzle and platonic tired embraces. 


But I'm not sure we have an anecdote we could tell at a wedding do we?


So I thought instead I'd write about three things I admire about you. Hope that's okay.


I admire your thirst for knowledge. It's not the dry academia that sorts Oxbridge dons from Oldbury domestics, it's a rabid excitement for new ideas. I love the palpable enjoyment on your face when someone presents you with some little hidden nuance or nugget of poetry. You become animated, delighted by it. The same happens when you share a discovery of your own. Your start to talk faster and gesticulate more and it's joyful for me to watch. I hope you never lose that, because it's vital for any man with questions who feels he's on a path.


I admire your love for my home. The United Kingdom is a strange beast. Romantic  from afar, but plain and  grisly in the flesh. No everyone can stomach our faded empire glory and misplaced arrogance, our weather, our food, our consumptive culture. But you do. That shows sensitivity and courage. That shows deep thought and a willingness to mine for treasure despite the dirt. The beautiful parts of this country thrill you as well they should. You're in Dublin as I write this and frantically tweeting pictures of every pub and pipe you chance upon. I know your affinity for our countryside. That's the easy part. But the thing I admire is your love for the people here, their strange eccentricity and the history that has shaped them. Who knows what the future holds? I believe you'd be as comfortable in a leather armchair reading Dickens as the rain beats on your lead-paned windows as you would be mopping your brow and drinking sweet tea on an ornate Georgia porch in the heat of summer. You've a home here if you choose it.


Finally, I admire your personal strength. We all have our own battles. Sometimes we gain ground and sometimes we're overrun. But the best of us keep fighting and that's what you do, you keep fighting. That's to be admired.


There you have it. 


Happy 30th birthday Tatum.


Amos.

I get low on that truck bed!

Tatum,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to someone who inspires so many, myself included! From cafe talks to that one table talk a couple years ago :), I have carried many of your words with me. Keep shining, loving, reading, and writing. Also...

  

Hope you get to dance in a truck bed on Peachtree St. sometime in the very near future!

Love, Jade

from your friend with the restless mind and clever wit...

Tatum!!! So this is exciting. My first ever blog post. I'm not much into blogging or reading blogs or knowing much about any modern day interwebs and technology, so I'm just going to put all my birthday wishes and tangents down memory lane in this one post :-)

Picture this. It's the year 2004. Georgia Tech. I, a young, naive freshman. You a poetic, honorary intern....that fall, the birth of Facebook brought innovation and virtual joy to us all....and it was then when you and I became the first ever fake facebook relationship. That was pretty awesome. We are such trailblazers...

Then all the fun you brought to our Hemphill 'get-togethers'...and that one fun breakfast at McDonalds with you, me, Em and Kara...."this is like a really bad McDonalds commercial"....*sigh*...haha.....

Also, remember that time we discovered that island down in good ole' fayette county? We were like the first ever to be on that island. I doubt anyone to this day has yet to step foot on it either...

And then of course, the many many really wonderful conversations at Manuel's over some refreshing PBR. Sometimes it was story time, sometimes it was sharing and learning more about Jesus, and sometimes it just was me venting about the latest drama or dilemma in my life. You always had that listening ear and insight. You are such a great sounding board and an even better friend.

Gosh, I miss hearing your stories and ideas. I am certain you are gaining so many more since you have been in England. You are such an inspiration and it has been an honor to be your friend and a part of your journey in following God and your dreams and getting to England. I can't wait to see and hear what's next! It's all about the story.....

Happy 30th Birthday, my dear friend!! I miss and love you!

P.S. If by the time you read this and you still haven't replied back to my email, you should ;-)

a golf cart tale.

Before you moved away, we used to have these Peachtree City days. The first time I came to visit you asked me, "What do you want to do?" and I immediately and specifically responded "Golf cart ride." It's one of your favorite memories to bring up and I always laugh. So we went on a golf cart ride. Along with eating broccoli and cheddar soup at ABC, you knowing every single person that walks into Starbucks, doing the Greece puzzle inside the bookstore, and eating ice dream at Chick-Fil-A. But most importantly the golf cart ride.  

So after we had tasted our glorious honey suckles - we found a big open field. You decided it would be the most fun to do donuts in this field - I laughed but didn't stop you. Turns out there was a big ole mud patch and we got stuck. This picture is our disappointment. The sadness continued when we were trying to push it out and the coolest kids in town drive by on their own cart and literally point and laugh at us. You were a trooper and got your shoes muddy, but we made it through. Love you and miss you. <3 Sarah

My dearest Georgian friend of wisdom,

I have learnt many things from you but I can summarise them in 5 words – Shiiiiinanigans... Tomfooleeeery... Hullabaloooooo.... Ballyhoooo... Antics! ♥

Another important message from you to me - once you told me: “Life is like a roller – coaster. You go really high and really low, really fast.” You saved me from sadness, Tatum, thank you.

You rock my world, TayTay! Have a very, very happy birthday! 

Always Yours,

Vili

P.S. Below I have selected some cool Brothers Karamazov stuff specially for you (don't forget to read the book, boy!)...

". . . I'm a Karamazov. . . . when I fall into the abyss, I go straight into it, head down and heels up, and I'm even pleased that I'm falling in such a humiliating position, and for me I find it beautiful. And so in that very shame I suddenly begin a hymn. Let me be cursed, let me be base and vile, but let me also kiss the hem of that garment in which my God is clothed; let me be following the devil at the same time, but still I am also your son, Lord, and I love you, and I feel a joy without which the world cannot stand and be."

----

 ". . . I know that heart, it is a wild but noble heart . . . It will bow down before your deed, it thirsts for a great act of love, it will catch fire and resurrect forever. There are souls that in their narrowness blame the whole world. But overwhelm such a soul with mercy, give it love, and it will curse what it has done, for there are so many germs of good in it. The soul will expand and behold how merciful God is, and how beautiful and just people are. He will be horrified, he will be overwhelmed with repentance and the countless debt he must henceforth repay. And then he will not say, 'I am quits,' but will say, 'I am guilty before all people and am the least worthy of all people.'"

----

"It's the great mystery of human life that old grief passes gradually into quiet tender joy."

 ----

"The more I detest men individually the more ardent becomes my love for humanity."

 ----

"I think the devil doesn't exist, but man has created him, he has created him in his own image and likeness."

Happy Birthday!

Fun fair at Cannon Hill Park: A day to remember!

 

Photos from the fun fair to add to the wonderment that was Megan's post. Thank you for coming out there with us for such an awesome day! Lots of love, Hannah. Xx