When I was in seminary, "Introduction to Greek" was a six-week intensive summer course. We Greek-ed for four hours every morning, five days a week. At about the four-week mark, the daily test scores began plummeting. The teacher asked if any of us remembered the Lays Potato Chip commercial where the lady opens the bag and the chips began to float away. Well, I did. Stupid commercial! Who wants to chase their chips around in order to eat them? Guess you use up the calories you'd take in eating them.
Oops! Got sidetracked! Anyway - she went on to comment that at about this point in the course everything we'd learned would begin to float away, just like those stupid chips. Told us not to worry about it too much. In a few days the language would begin to click back into place and things would get better. How reassuring to know that I wasn't losing my mind!
So - what brought this image back to mind?
My potato chips are floating away again! Or my sanity, I'm not sure which. And it's not just me. I've begun to notice over the past 2-3 weeks that things which ordinarily happen with clockwork precision have fallen off the map, if that makes any sense. Meetings scheduled either don't have a quorum or the moderator forgets to come. Stuff that was ordered and, apparently, arrived is nowhere to be found. Events that usually bring at least 10-15 people for planning and preparation have only 5-6 show up. We've talked about finishing up the hurricane repairs, but nothing has been done to actually finish up the repairs (and that's at the church, not my house. We know what's going on there!). I'll remember that something needs to be done, and then forget to do it.
There have been some staff changes at church and a couple of positions aren't filled, so that's part of the discombobulation, but not all of it. I truly HATE to impose this on Her Horribleness recovery, yet that may be the case. It's certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that this kind of stuff will pop up over a year later. Anything I've read keeps reminding me of that. *sigh* I just want things to be 'normal' again (whatever that is!).
Part of the reason the floating potato chip image came to mind is that I'm feeling a real disconnect, and am seeing the same thing in others. For example, those meetings. Everyone seems scattered in 100 different directions at once, so bringing them together appears almost impossible. And, when we do get together, there's almost an impatience to scatter and get on to the next thing, even if we happen to be enjoying and getting a lot out of the activity we're involved in at the moment.
Maybe in the grand recovery scheme we're at the two-thirds mark. Maybe that's why it feels as though everything has become scattershot and disconnected, like the potato chips have gone free-floating out of reach. Perhaps this feeling is actually a good sign. I don't know. I just hope it goes away soon!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
X-Ray Vision
Interested in x-rays anyone? Then, coming soon to an airport near you, just take a short or long flight and you'll get your fill. The latest in invasive anti-terrorism technology, backscatter, is apparently headed to our airports for screening purposes. The equipment is capable of taking, ahem!, rather graphic x-rays of the human body.
According to this AP article in today's Enterprise, there's a plan in place to blur the appropriate anatomical areas, and the x-ray will only be seen by one person off-site, and any x-ray will be deleted as soon as the person walks away from the screening site. I'm just skeptical enough (paranoid, maybe) to wonder if that will really happen. Of course, I'm also not sure what use keeping such pictures would be to anyone, unless there actually happened to be contraband or weapons viewed on aforesaid x-rays.
What I do know is that our government has gone one step further into invading our privacy, and I don't like it! Privacy issue aside, however, if this technology goes into everyday usage and someone is a frequent flyer, what are the health implications of such ubiquitous use of x-rays? Not a word in the entire article about the health aspects of such exposure to x-rays on a regular basis! To me, that's downright scary!!
In it's initial usage, the TSA is looking at the technology as "secondary screening", so not everyone would pass under its rays. And they are planning to give people the option of the traditional 'pat-down' instead. However, my guess is that, unless someone puts the kibosh on it, it might not be too long before this equipment shifts to the primary screening.
I think I'm going to just start driving everywhere! Oh, wait! Rats! Four days travel for a 2 1/2 day meeting? Plus the ecological, economical, and sheer exhaustion effect of such driving for one person's travel? *sigh* Looks like I'm not giving up flying anytime soon. But I'm definitely NOT going to be happy about it.
According to this AP article in today's Enterprise, there's a plan in place to blur the appropriate anatomical areas, and the x-ray will only be seen by one person off-site, and any x-ray will be deleted as soon as the person walks away from the screening site. I'm just skeptical enough (paranoid, maybe) to wonder if that will really happen. Of course, I'm also not sure what use keeping such pictures would be to anyone, unless there actually happened to be contraband or weapons viewed on aforesaid x-rays.
What I do know is that our government has gone one step further into invading our privacy, and I don't like it! Privacy issue aside, however, if this technology goes into everyday usage and someone is a frequent flyer, what are the health implications of such ubiquitous use of x-rays? Not a word in the entire article about the health aspects of such exposure to x-rays on a regular basis! To me, that's downright scary!!
In it's initial usage, the TSA is looking at the technology as "secondary screening", so not everyone would pass under its rays. And they are planning to give people the option of the traditional 'pat-down' instead. However, my guess is that, unless someone puts the kibosh on it, it might not be too long before this equipment shifts to the primary screening.
I think I'm going to just start driving everywhere! Oh, wait! Rats! Four days travel for a 2 1/2 day meeting? Plus the ecological, economical, and sheer exhaustion effect of such driving for one person's travel? *sigh* Looks like I'm not giving up flying anytime soon. But I'm definitely NOT going to be happy about it.
Friday, December 01, 2006
"Convicted Felon?"
"What part of prison do you miss? Put down the gun."
This huge billboard greets me each day when I exit the freeway on the way to church. The US Attorney General's office sponsors it.
Now, there's nothing particularly unreasonable about reminding convicted felons to stay away from guns. It's part of their conditions for continued freedom. However, something's been bugging me about this sign since I first saw it. It just took me a while to figure out what it was: the implication that someone who's a convicted felon would automatically continue on a criminal path.
The way the billboard is worded sounds to me as if a police officer is telling a criminal during the commission of a crime to "put down the weapon". And, I guess, technically, a convicted felon (as opposed to an unconvicted felon?) in posession of a gun is committing a crime. Yet the image that popped into my head as I read the billboard is of some character brandishing a revolver while robbing a convenience store. Robbing the store would, of course, put the felon back in prison anyway, but not every convicted felon returns to society to turn around and commit another crime.
Those who are released from prison after completing their sentence have a difficult enough time returning to productive and legal integration to society without having everyone and their uncles and aunts be reminded of their status every time they drive past that sign. Recidivism can be a real possibility because of the difficulty in acquiring and keeping employment, overcoming the suspicion that someone once convicted will again commit crimes, finding a place to live, continuing to rehabilitate one's life while 'on the outside', avoiding getting tangled up with the people and lifestyle that contributed to the original criminal activity, etc.
I guess there's a part of me that's wondering why the US Attorney General's office decided it was necessary to spend money on putting up the billboard. Are there really that many convicted felons running around with guns? Well, it IS Texas, after all, so maybe there are, what with our 'concealed carry' laws. Perhaps they think they can get away with it. *sigh* But do you really think that a billboard is going to change that behavior?
Obviously, I've noticed the sign and it's provoked me enough to post this. But in general billboards don't have much impact on my behavior. I don't buy something because I see it advertised on a billboard. Occasionally I'll learn about an event I want to attend on a billboard; although, I usually learn that information through the newspaper or perhaps actually listening to the tv. I wonder how many of the signs we've paid for throughout the country, and was there any particular reason that Beaumont was chosen for one?
Oh, well! Just a momentary peccadillo. Maybe now I've gotten it out of my system and I can go back to ignoring billboards again! *chuckle*
This huge billboard greets me each day when I exit the freeway on the way to church. The US Attorney General's office sponsors it.
Now, there's nothing particularly unreasonable about reminding convicted felons to stay away from guns. It's part of their conditions for continued freedom. However, something's been bugging me about this sign since I first saw it. It just took me a while to figure out what it was: the implication that someone who's a convicted felon would automatically continue on a criminal path.
The way the billboard is worded sounds to me as if a police officer is telling a criminal during the commission of a crime to "put down the weapon". And, I guess, technically, a convicted felon (as opposed to an unconvicted felon?) in posession of a gun is committing a crime. Yet the image that popped into my head as I read the billboard is of some character brandishing a revolver while robbing a convenience store. Robbing the store would, of course, put the felon back in prison anyway, but not every convicted felon returns to society to turn around and commit another crime.
Those who are released from prison after completing their sentence have a difficult enough time returning to productive and legal integration to society without having everyone and their uncles and aunts be reminded of their status every time they drive past that sign. Recidivism can be a real possibility because of the difficulty in acquiring and keeping employment, overcoming the suspicion that someone once convicted will again commit crimes, finding a place to live, continuing to rehabilitate one's life while 'on the outside', avoiding getting tangled up with the people and lifestyle that contributed to the original criminal activity, etc.
I guess there's a part of me that's wondering why the US Attorney General's office decided it was necessary to spend money on putting up the billboard. Are there really that many convicted felons running around with guns? Well, it IS Texas, after all, so maybe there are, what with our 'concealed carry' laws. Perhaps they think they can get away with it. *sigh* But do you really think that a billboard is going to change that behavior?
Obviously, I've noticed the sign and it's provoked me enough to post this. But in general billboards don't have much impact on my behavior. I don't buy something because I see it advertised on a billboard. Occasionally I'll learn about an event I want to attend on a billboard; although, I usually learn that information through the newspaper or perhaps actually listening to the tv. I wonder how many of the signs we've paid for throughout the country, and was there any particular reason that Beaumont was chosen for one?
Oh, well! Just a momentary peccadillo. Maybe now I've gotten it out of my system and I can go back to ignoring billboards again! *chuckle*
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Outrageous!
The state of Texas has gone over the edge! The Ethics panel has decreed that public officials can accept cash, check, or money order and all they have to do is declare, "I've received a check" or I've received currency". No amount is necessary. Bah!
The state has a law that says if a public official receives any gift valued more than $250, a description of the gift must be given. Apparently, all one has to do to meet the law's requirements is give a description of the gift - retangular piece of paper with mountain scenes and lines for date, payee, amount, and signature, but the actual amount written on the check or cash donated doesn't have to be disclosed. Could be $250 or $250,000,000.
If you don't think the amount of that check makes a difference, you're quite naive. Human nature being what it is, unfortunately, someone accepting the big bucks might easily be swayed to try to return the favor by helping the donor on some issue of importance to them. That is, unless the official happens to be someone of exceptionally honest character. I'd say that's probably a rarity, and, if the donee is up-front and honest about not letting financial considerations affect policy-making, the donor will probably not make such a substantial donation.
So here we are, just endorsing bribery. *sigh* To their credit, the Ethics panel said that if the language of the law was different, they'd change their ruling. The problem is that their rationale is just that - a rationalization. It makes perfect sense to me that a 'description' also be required to include the amount. It also appears to me that the Ethics panel had the authority to say "Ahem, public officials, yes, you've got to tell the public how much the check or wheelbarrow full of money was. It's important information and may affect how you choose to vote. We'll do everything we can to help the voting public make informed decision." But they wimped out.
Let's just hope the legislature follows through with the ethics bills that have been submitted and enact something with language that has some force to it. The cynic in me says it won't happen. Do you think they'll prove me wrong?
The state has a law that says if a public official receives any gift valued more than $250, a description of the gift must be given. Apparently, all one has to do to meet the law's requirements is give a description of the gift - retangular piece of paper with mountain scenes and lines for date, payee, amount, and signature, but the actual amount written on the check or cash donated doesn't have to be disclosed. Could be $250 or $250,000,000.
If you don't think the amount of that check makes a difference, you're quite naive. Human nature being what it is, unfortunately, someone accepting the big bucks might easily be swayed to try to return the favor by helping the donor on some issue of importance to them. That is, unless the official happens to be someone of exceptionally honest character. I'd say that's probably a rarity, and, if the donee is up-front and honest about not letting financial considerations affect policy-making, the donor will probably not make such a substantial donation.
So here we are, just endorsing bribery. *sigh* To their credit, the Ethics panel said that if the language of the law was different, they'd change their ruling. The problem is that their rationale is just that - a rationalization. It makes perfect sense to me that a 'description' also be required to include the amount. It also appears to me that the Ethics panel had the authority to say "Ahem, public officials, yes, you've got to tell the public how much the check or wheelbarrow full of money was. It's important information and may affect how you choose to vote. We'll do everything we can to help the voting public make informed decision." But they wimped out.
Let's just hope the legislature follows through with the ethics bills that have been submitted and enact something with language that has some force to it. The cynic in me says it won't happen. Do you think they'll prove me wrong?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Let the Advent-ure Begin
Next Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, a season of the church that I truly enjoy. Now I've always enjoyed Christmas, but I've not always been aware of Advent, that season of four weeks prior to Christmas Day. But then again, the Presbyterian Church didn't reclaim the tradition until probably about 25 or so years ago, so it's no wonder my early years aren't filled with such memories.
Of course, in seminary I learned more about Advent. Even when I first became aware of Advent, it was only as a time of preparation for Christmas. Yet Advent means even more than that - it's a reminder that Christians are also awaiting Christ's return. That's something most people tend to ignore. We look to that incredible baby in a manger and not the return of the Divine.
So, I'm driving along just casually thinking that Advent is approaching when a truly random thought fired in my brain: Advent and Adventure start the same! And I began to wonder how they might be related (other than the obvious, of course).
They seem to share the same Latin root, since the dictionary.com etymology invites one to "see advent". Yet somehow the more or less uninteresting meaning of "to arrive" for Advent took a detour into risk and danger for Adventure. Hard to believe those three little letters could add so much.
Adventure: 1. an exciting or very unusual experience. 2. participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: the spirit of adventure. 3. a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome. 4. a commercial or financial speculation of any kind; venture. 5. Obsolete. a. peril; danger; risk. b. chance; fortune; luck. –verb (used with object) 6. to risk or hazard. 7. to take the chance of; dare. 8. to venture to say or utter: to adventure an opinion. –verb (used without object) 9. to take the risk involved. 10. to venture; hazard. (from dictionary.com)
Hmmmmmmmmm..... you know, if you think back to that very first Advent (long before it was ever called Advent), Adventure describes it quite nicely. Here you have an unwed mother in a society that didn't particularly support women in general, much less one who became pregnant out of wedlock. It doesn't matter that the woman involved claimed divine intervention in the conception. She could have easily been tossed out on her ear by her soon to be husband, abandoned to whatever fate awaited.
Then they make that perilous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census-taking. If you've never been pregnant, those final months are not particularly conducive to travel even with modern conveyances to ease the way. Our cherished Christmas narratives always include Mary riding on a donkey as she and Joseph wend their way to the City of David. I'm sure that became part of the tradition because it seemed cruel to make a pregnant woman walk all that way. (total aside - I'm not sure riding on a donkey would have been that much more comfortable for a pregnant woman, but then, that's just me!) Yet there's no mention of four-footed transportation in the Bible. Joseph and Mary were not wealthy, so how could they have afforded a donkey? Either walking or with donkey, the journey would not have been easy or without peril.
When they get to Bethlehem, there is the uncertainty of housing, the birthing of a baby in the even more than usual hazards of a manger instead of a house and apparently without a midwife. In time, they get the warning that King Herod's out to get the baby Jesus, so they flee to Egypt. Yep! Adventure describes this quite nicely.
Adventure even describes the anticipated Second Coming, when, as Christians understand it, the status quo will be turned topsy-turvy. Not my favorite Advent images, but the lectionary texts include that famous "wars and rumors of wars" and other dark and dangerous images of what is to come before Christ arrives (Advent). Personally, I'd prefer to jump right past the perilous and into the time when "the lion will lie down with the lamb" - nice and quiet and peaceful is what I'd like.
Most of us seem to have forgotten the risk, the excitement, the unusual, the dare which comes with Advent. That is, if you don't count those whose vision of the season includes venturing into the wilds of seasonal commerce to score the latest whatever-happens-to-be-the-find-of-the-season item, which some misguided folks would risk life, limb and fortune for.
There are different risks involved in being open to Christ's call "to come" (Advent). We each have the opportunity to explore "actions of uncertain outcome" in our own lives, even if the main risk involved is changing who we are into what we are called to be. Believe me, taking such risks can turn one's life topsy-turvy in many ways!
However, there's adventure in taking such a risk. It has been quite an adventure for me over the years. If you'd known me 'then', it would be difficult to even imagine me as I am today. You probably would have rolled on the floor laughing to even think of me speaking to a group of people, or stubbornly standing up and holding my ground over something I believe to be important, or even being willing to take on such a potentially conflict-ridden call as that of pastor. The adventure has been worth it!
So.............................................
Let's reclaim that very special risk, excitement, even dare! that the arrival of the infant Jesus, the coming of the Christ entails! Let the Advent-ure begin!!
Of course, in seminary I learned more about Advent. Even when I first became aware of Advent, it was only as a time of preparation for Christmas. Yet Advent means even more than that - it's a reminder that Christians are also awaiting Christ's return. That's something most people tend to ignore. We look to that incredible baby in a manger and not the return of the Divine.
So, I'm driving along just casually thinking that Advent is approaching when a truly random thought fired in my brain: Advent and Adventure start the same! And I began to wonder how they might be related (other than the obvious, of course).
They seem to share the same Latin root, since the dictionary.com etymology invites one to "see advent". Yet somehow the more or less uninteresting meaning of "to arrive" for Advent took a detour into risk and danger for Adventure. Hard to believe those three little letters could add so much.
Adventure: 1. an exciting or very unusual experience. 2. participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: the spirit of adventure. 3. a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome. 4. a commercial or financial speculation of any kind; venture. 5. Obsolete. a. peril; danger; risk. b. chance; fortune; luck. –verb (used with object) 6. to risk or hazard. 7. to take the chance of; dare. 8. to venture to say or utter: to adventure an opinion. –verb (used without object) 9. to take the risk involved. 10. to venture; hazard. (from dictionary.com)
Hmmmmmmmmm..... you know, if you think back to that very first Advent (long before it was ever called Advent), Adventure describes it quite nicely. Here you have an unwed mother in a society that didn't particularly support women in general, much less one who became pregnant out of wedlock. It doesn't matter that the woman involved claimed divine intervention in the conception. She could have easily been tossed out on her ear by her soon to be husband, abandoned to whatever fate awaited.
Then they make that perilous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census-taking. If you've never been pregnant, those final months are not particularly conducive to travel even with modern conveyances to ease the way. Our cherished Christmas narratives always include Mary riding on a donkey as she and Joseph wend their way to the City of David. I'm sure that became part of the tradition because it seemed cruel to make a pregnant woman walk all that way. (total aside - I'm not sure riding on a donkey would have been that much more comfortable for a pregnant woman, but then, that's just me!) Yet there's no mention of four-footed transportation in the Bible. Joseph and Mary were not wealthy, so how could they have afforded a donkey? Either walking or with donkey, the journey would not have been easy or without peril.
When they get to Bethlehem, there is the uncertainty of housing, the birthing of a baby in the even more than usual hazards of a manger instead of a house and apparently without a midwife. In time, they get the warning that King Herod's out to get the baby Jesus, so they flee to Egypt. Yep! Adventure describes this quite nicely.
Adventure even describes the anticipated Second Coming, when, as Christians understand it, the status quo will be turned topsy-turvy. Not my favorite Advent images, but the lectionary texts include that famous "wars and rumors of wars" and other dark and dangerous images of what is to come before Christ arrives (Advent). Personally, I'd prefer to jump right past the perilous and into the time when "the lion will lie down with the lamb" - nice and quiet and peaceful is what I'd like.
Most of us seem to have forgotten the risk, the excitement, the unusual, the dare which comes with Advent. That is, if you don't count those whose vision of the season includes venturing into the wilds of seasonal commerce to score the latest whatever-happens-to-be-the-find-of-the-season item, which some misguided folks would risk life, limb and fortune for.
There are different risks involved in being open to Christ's call "to come" (Advent). We each have the opportunity to explore "actions of uncertain outcome" in our own lives, even if the main risk involved is changing who we are into what we are called to be. Believe me, taking such risks can turn one's life topsy-turvy in many ways!
However, there's adventure in taking such a risk. It has been quite an adventure for me over the years. If you'd known me 'then', it would be difficult to even imagine me as I am today. You probably would have rolled on the floor laughing to even think of me speaking to a group of people, or stubbornly standing up and holding my ground over something I believe to be important, or even being willing to take on such a potentially conflict-ridden call as that of pastor. The adventure has been worth it!
So.............................................
Let's reclaim that very special risk, excitement, even dare! that the arrival of the infant Jesus, the coming of the Christ entails! Let the Advent-ure begin!!
Friday, November 24, 2006
Home Again
Sorta home again, at any rate. For Thanksgiving, the pup and I wandered over to Houston to celebrate with Mom, and we went to all the trouble of *chuckle* getting dressed and driving to Cracker Barrel to stand in line with a whole bunch of others for turkey and dressing.
It was a glorious day and, while we waited, I had a blast wandering through the store part looking at the candies we used to buy at the Wag-a-Bag and the games that have been around for generations, like Tiddly Winks. Those pleasant memories are good anchors when one seems to be wandering in exile.
No, we didn't prepare our own turkey and dressing or all of the other parts of a 'traditional' Thanksgiving dinner; however, it's not the meal or even where it's eaten that's important. It's who you're eating with, the sharing around the table, the memories, the roots, and the connections of futures to come that provide the meal's richness. And, of course, we both ended up stuffed and had to take our pecan pie home! (That didn't stop me from eating a second meal later in the evening when a friend of mine who came over to visit needed a bite to eat and we ended up at Cracker Barrel!)
Connections - rootedness - I'm thankful for these. Doesn't mean I end up staying in the same place, doing the same old things. Even when temporarily uprooted, as I am right now, there are people and places where I draw strength and comfort. Over the years, my Thanksgivings have been spent with family, with friends, with church members, at home, and at home. Hard to put that last 'at home' into words, but it's more than the place which has made it home. Some of what made it home yesterday was having my son call and hearing that he's feeling positive about his music again, making plans for turning that dream into a reality, and that he'll be in this neck of the woods for Christmas. *very big grin*
I still wish I were all the way home. It's been over a year since I slept in my own bed! I'm hoping things may be livable again before Christmas. All of the work won't be finished by then, but not everything has to be done before I can move back in. Things are progressing. It's possible to enter my house and not see studs or rafters!! I am so thankful for the progress that's been made!! Texture and paint and insulation and carpet, then I'll head back home.
I am incredibly thankful for the place I've had to stay in while putting the pieces of my house and my life back together. What an awesome blessing! This congregation has uplifted my soul since I've been here, and have been so supportive in all that has happened, especially since Her Horribleness blew through.
They aren't the first awesome congregation I've encountered. With very few exceptions, the churches I've been a part of as an adult have helped me through some difficult times and have encouraged me to grow in many ways. My congregation here has helped me to heal from an encounter with one of the exceptions. Even with the exceptions, I've always come away with lasting friendships that have enriched my life and experiences that have given me wisdom (I hope) and the assurance that I don't go through life alone.
And then there's PsychoKat and Penny! (to completely change course in mid-stream) I've received the comforting chewing outs that I so richly deserved for bringing that dog to my mom's house. The two finally held a tentative encounter today (three days after we got there!) without the cat freaking out and heading for the proverbial hills (or under the bed, to be more precise). It will be a real hoot on the day when we all return home, PsychoKat included, and Mom will be thrilled to be able to make her bed in peace once again!
It was a glorious day and, while we waited, I had a blast wandering through the store part looking at the candies we used to buy at the Wag-a-Bag and the games that have been around for generations, like Tiddly Winks. Those pleasant memories are good anchors when one seems to be wandering in exile.
No, we didn't prepare our own turkey and dressing or all of the other parts of a 'traditional' Thanksgiving dinner; however, it's not the meal or even where it's eaten that's important. It's who you're eating with, the sharing around the table, the memories, the roots, and the connections of futures to come that provide the meal's richness. And, of course, we both ended up stuffed and had to take our pecan pie home! (That didn't stop me from eating a second meal later in the evening when a friend of mine who came over to visit needed a bite to eat and we ended up at Cracker Barrel!)
Connections - rootedness - I'm thankful for these. Doesn't mean I end up staying in the same place, doing the same old things. Even when temporarily uprooted, as I am right now, there are people and places where I draw strength and comfort. Over the years, my Thanksgivings have been spent with family, with friends, with church members, at home, and at home. Hard to put that last 'at home' into words, but it's more than the place which has made it home. Some of what made it home yesterday was having my son call and hearing that he's feeling positive about his music again, making plans for turning that dream into a reality, and that he'll be in this neck of the woods for Christmas. *very big grin*
I still wish I were all the way home. It's been over a year since I slept in my own bed! I'm hoping things may be livable again before Christmas. All of the work won't be finished by then, but not everything has to be done before I can move back in. Things are progressing. It's possible to enter my house and not see studs or rafters!! I am so thankful for the progress that's been made!! Texture and paint and insulation and carpet, then I'll head back home.
I am incredibly thankful for the place I've had to stay in while putting the pieces of my house and my life back together. What an awesome blessing! This congregation has uplifted my soul since I've been here, and have been so supportive in all that has happened, especially since Her Horribleness blew through.
They aren't the first awesome congregation I've encountered. With very few exceptions, the churches I've been a part of as an adult have helped me through some difficult times and have encouraged me to grow in many ways. My congregation here has helped me to heal from an encounter with one of the exceptions. Even with the exceptions, I've always come away with lasting friendships that have enriched my life and experiences that have given me wisdom (I hope) and the assurance that I don't go through life alone.
And then there's PsychoKat and Penny! (to completely change course in mid-stream) I've received the comforting chewing outs that I so richly deserved for bringing that dog to my mom's house. The two finally held a tentative encounter today (three days after we got there!) without the cat freaking out and heading for the proverbial hills (or under the bed, to be more precise). It will be a real hoot on the day when we all return home, PsychoKat included, and Mom will be thrilled to be able to make her bed in peace once again!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Let All Things Now Living ...
... a song of thanksgiving to God our Creator triumphantly raise! ...
One of my absolute favorite Thanksgiving hymns, btw. It gets stuck in my head every year about this time. I'm not quite sure how it became so familiar to me, since it's not in the 'familiar' hymnal of my growing up years - The Hymnbook (or the red hymnal, as it's more commonly called). I learned it somewhere, though, and it's been tagged in my mind as Thanksgiving ever since.
I could sit here and detail all that I have to be thankful for, starting at the letter A and heading through the alphabet to Z (not quite sure what I'd put for X or Z, but I'm sure I could come up with something!). However, I'm not going to do that.
Instead, I'm going to take a moment to enjoy this hymn, and sing along with it, meditating on the blessings which are dear to my heart, and praying that the end of this hymn come into being soon.
... We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing with glad adoration, a song let us raise: Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving, to God in the highest, hosanna and praise.
One of my absolute favorite Thanksgiving hymns, btw. It gets stuck in my head every year about this time. I'm not quite sure how it became so familiar to me, since it's not in the 'familiar' hymnal of my growing up years - The Hymnbook (or the red hymnal, as it's more commonly called). I learned it somewhere, though, and it's been tagged in my mind as Thanksgiving ever since.
I could sit here and detail all that I have to be thankful for, starting at the letter A and heading through the alphabet to Z (not quite sure what I'd put for X or Z, but I'm sure I could come up with something!). However, I'm not going to do that.
Instead, I'm going to take a moment to enjoy this hymn, and sing along with it, meditating on the blessings which are dear to my heart, and praying that the end of this hymn come into being soon.
... We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing with glad adoration, a song let us raise: Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving, to God in the highest, hosanna and praise.
Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Getting Some Gumption?
Finally getting around to reading the paper today, I noticed that Bush's disapproval rating over his handling of the war in Iraq has reached it's lowest point yet. Isn't it interesting that now that there's been a shift in political power people are more willing to acknowledge that they don't support the president's policy?
I think it says a lot about the state our confidence in the president and his administration that many seemed to rubber-stamp his positions. The 'if you're not for us, you're against us - and a traitor to what it means to be an American to boot' tenor of this administration appears to have led to a tendency to not publicly admit to one's true feelings about the war and other policies.
Scary stuff! Reminiscent of McCarthy era politics and the way people either kept their traps shut or (worse) gave up others to the hysteria in order to save their own reputations and incomes. Some of it is human nature to protect oneself and one's family. It takes a special kind of bravery to stand against the crowd, especially when it might mean the loss of liberty or life.
With the shift in power, I wonder if there's a perception that permission has been given to go back to engaging in our First Amendment rights again. Is this a cyclical thing where every so often we back ourselves into a corner to remind ourselves of our responsibility to maintain the right to express our dissent? to call our leadership to account? to voice concerns and seek truths? to be willing to be on the 'wrong' side (from a public opinion perspective) of the important issues of our day in order to point to a greater truth?
The rampant partisan politics which control the way our government governs generally irritates the heck out of me. True statespersons operate in such a way that their goal is the betterment of all whose lives and livelihoods are under their authority, not just those of whichever political party they happen to belong to. There aren't many of that ilk in our government at the moment. However, if our two dominant political parties were cooperating in such a manner right now, I think I'd truly fear for our future.
As it stands, by virtue of the shift in legislative power between the branches, the balance has been more or less restored and the potential for rubber-stamp politics has diminished. I'm not naive enough to think that suddenly politics will lose its penchant for ethical breaches nor that both sides will be goaded into becoming statespersons. However, one can hope that more light will shine on the process and that true bipartisanship might occur (at least temporarily) in order to address the major issues of our political life in a responsible manner.
And maybe, just maybe, we'll all realize that we almost lost something truly precious, and begin to do everything in our power to make sure it cannot be taken away from us in any way, shape, or form. (Ok - being the optimist here but it could be that by finally expressing our true concerns, we've empowered the generations to take action and not let things get so close to the edge in our lifetimes!)
I think it says a lot about the state our confidence in the president and his administration that many seemed to rubber-stamp his positions. The 'if you're not for us, you're against us - and a traitor to what it means to be an American to boot' tenor of this administration appears to have led to a tendency to not publicly admit to one's true feelings about the war and other policies.
Scary stuff! Reminiscent of McCarthy era politics and the way people either kept their traps shut or (worse) gave up others to the hysteria in order to save their own reputations and incomes. Some of it is human nature to protect oneself and one's family. It takes a special kind of bravery to stand against the crowd, especially when it might mean the loss of liberty or life.
With the shift in power, I wonder if there's a perception that permission has been given to go back to engaging in our First Amendment rights again. Is this a cyclical thing where every so often we back ourselves into a corner to remind ourselves of our responsibility to maintain the right to express our dissent? to call our leadership to account? to voice concerns and seek truths? to be willing to be on the 'wrong' side (from a public opinion perspective) of the important issues of our day in order to point to a greater truth?
The rampant partisan politics which control the way our government governs generally irritates the heck out of me. True statespersons operate in such a way that their goal is the betterment of all whose lives and livelihoods are under their authority, not just those of whichever political party they happen to belong to. There aren't many of that ilk in our government at the moment. However, if our two dominant political parties were cooperating in such a manner right now, I think I'd truly fear for our future.
As it stands, by virtue of the shift in legislative power between the branches, the balance has been more or less restored and the potential for rubber-stamp politics has diminished. I'm not naive enough to think that suddenly politics will lose its penchant for ethical breaches nor that both sides will be goaded into becoming statespersons. However, one can hope that more light will shine on the process and that true bipartisanship might occur (at least temporarily) in order to address the major issues of our political life in a responsible manner.
And maybe, just maybe, we'll all realize that we almost lost something truly precious, and begin to do everything in our power to make sure it cannot be taken away from us in any way, shape, or form. (Ok - being the optimist here but it could be that by finally expressing our true concerns, we've empowered the generations to take action and not let things get so close to the edge in our lifetimes!)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Consumerism
OK - is it just me or has insanity struck? The new PlayStation 3 makes its American debut on Friday. An article in the local paper says that the company has designated approximately 400,000 units for sale in the US. The machines retail for approximately $700, which seems like a ridiculous price to me. So why are people lining up outside the local stores carrying them, holding their place until they can get those first 'precious' units on Friday?
I might understand it (slightly) if there was some kind of special promotion where the first "x" number of customers got some kind of discount, or if it was an endurance contest and whoever lasted and was the first in line got a free one. But aren't there more important things that one could wait in line for?
When I was in Houston before the opening of the latest IKEA store, people lined up for days in advance for the chance to choose $10,000 worth of merchandise. The catch was they had to be the first in line on the morning the store first opened. The ultimate winner, I think, used the prize for furniture for her daughter who was going off to school, as well as for her own home that had undergone some significant repairs. The whole scenario had its sense of the ridiculous to it; however, it did have some positive as well.
I just don't understand this thing for the PlayStation, this waiting to spend $700 on a game unit (not the games, mind you, just the player). Think of the hungry, the homeless, the down and out and what they could do with $700 worth of resources.
To be honest, though, I have indulged my fair share of consumer "needs", including the computer that I am typing on right now. Perhaps it's a rationalization, but I see computers as a tool for communication, research, contact with others and other ideas, and, yes, entertainment. And I confess that I'm not particularly willing to just give up these things. *sigh* I'm also not planning to wait in line for a game unit, nor spend $700 for one (or anything like it).
I still don't understand why anyone would wait in capricious, potentially cold and nasty, weather for a game. Guess it will remain a mystery. Wonder if those who wait will ever notice how ridiculous their waiting truly is.
I might understand it (slightly) if there was some kind of special promotion where the first "x" number of customers got some kind of discount, or if it was an endurance contest and whoever lasted and was the first in line got a free one. But aren't there more important things that one could wait in line for?
When I was in Houston before the opening of the latest IKEA store, people lined up for days in advance for the chance to choose $10,000 worth of merchandise. The catch was they had to be the first in line on the morning the store first opened. The ultimate winner, I think, used the prize for furniture for her daughter who was going off to school, as well as for her own home that had undergone some significant repairs. The whole scenario had its sense of the ridiculous to it; however, it did have some positive as well.
I just don't understand this thing for the PlayStation, this waiting to spend $700 on a game unit (not the games, mind you, just the player). Think of the hungry, the homeless, the down and out and what they could do with $700 worth of resources.
To be honest, though, I have indulged my fair share of consumer "needs", including the computer that I am typing on right now. Perhaps it's a rationalization, but I see computers as a tool for communication, research, contact with others and other ideas, and, yes, entertainment. And I confess that I'm not particularly willing to just give up these things. *sigh* I'm also not planning to wait in line for a game unit, nor spend $700 for one (or anything like it).
I still don't understand why anyone would wait in capricious, potentially cold and nasty, weather for a game. Guess it will remain a mystery. Wonder if those who wait will ever notice how ridiculous their waiting truly is.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
The Gospel of Jesus
While driving to Houston for the first leg of my vacation, I passed a church sign that caught my eye:
As you may know, I detest proof-texting, taking a scripture and twisting it to your personal interpretation. It's especially heinous when a church does this. I'm not going to name the denomination, but it's one of the more literalist ones that's likely to interpret scripture in the most exclusive ways possible. My guess is that they were more focused on the 'be a Christian [according to our interpretation] or Jesus is gonna rain burning coals upon your head' aspect of this one.
Here's the full scripture:
7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, KJV)
7 and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, NSRV)
So, here's this church essentially proclaiming to the world (or, that is, anyone who happens to drive past their sign and read it), if you aren't with us, God's gonna smite you. (I realize that's my own bias interpreting this sign.)
Then it struck me - I wonder how they understand "the gospel of Jesus".
As I understand "the gospel of Jesus", it's not particularly about being part of the Establishment. Oops! To obey the gospel of Jesus, one must "love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength AND your neighbor as yourself". It doesn't stop there. Jesus also commands us to "love your enemies". To obey the gospel of Jesus one must align oneself with the hated and the outcast, lepers and those despicable quislings who collaborated with the government - tax collectors! Sinners were welcome in Jesus' presence and GASP! at his table. He even talked with women and set up children as examples of those inheriting God's kin-dom.
If we follow the teachings of Jesus, we are called to help widows, prisoners, outcasts, and the oppressed, to do kindness, love justice, and walk humbly with our God. I don't see how we can do that if we take the position that only those who meet specific criteria (such as the right sexual history and orientation, correct positions on certain 'values issues', those more or less like us, etc) are worthy of our time, attention, welcome, AND LOVE.
I wonder how this particular congregation would react if one Sunday a whole congregation of society's lepers arrived on their doorstep. To be honest, though, I'd have to wonder how my own congregation would react, as well. There are those who would welcome them with open arms, and others who would cringe.
If we get beyond our comfortable interpretations, obeying the gospel of Jesus is quite an incredible mission to undertake, one which should challenge each and every Christian down to their core. Loving God, neighbors, enemies, and self means opening ourselves to the impossible. I'm reasonably sure none of us will ever do it perfectly, but it is the task Jesus set before us, and one that we are called to at least make a credible stab at.
Makes me thankful that I believe Jesus is full of grace, not vengeance!!
obey the gospel of Jesus or receive his vengeance 2Thess 1:8
As you may know, I detest proof-texting, taking a scripture and twisting it to your personal interpretation. It's especially heinous when a church does this. I'm not going to name the denomination, but it's one of the more literalist ones that's likely to interpret scripture in the most exclusive ways possible. My guess is that they were more focused on the 'be a Christian [according to our interpretation] or Jesus is gonna rain burning coals upon your head' aspect of this one.
Here's the full scripture:
7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, KJV)
7 and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, NSRV)
So, here's this church essentially proclaiming to the world (or, that is, anyone who happens to drive past their sign and read it), if you aren't with us, God's gonna smite you. (I realize that's my own bias interpreting this sign.)
Then it struck me - I wonder how they understand "the gospel of Jesus".
As I understand "the gospel of Jesus", it's not particularly about being part of the Establishment. Oops! To obey the gospel of Jesus, one must "love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength AND your neighbor as yourself". It doesn't stop there. Jesus also commands us to "love your enemies". To obey the gospel of Jesus one must align oneself with the hated and the outcast, lepers and those despicable quislings who collaborated with the government - tax collectors! Sinners were welcome in Jesus' presence and GASP! at his table. He even talked with women and set up children as examples of those inheriting God's kin-dom.
If we follow the teachings of Jesus, we are called to help widows, prisoners, outcasts, and the oppressed, to do kindness, love justice, and walk humbly with our God. I don't see how we can do that if we take the position that only those who meet specific criteria (such as the right sexual history and orientation, correct positions on certain 'values issues', those more or less like us, etc) are worthy of our time, attention, welcome, AND LOVE.
I wonder how this particular congregation would react if one Sunday a whole congregation of society's lepers arrived on their doorstep. To be honest, though, I'd have to wonder how my own congregation would react, as well. There are those who would welcome them with open arms, and others who would cringe.
If we get beyond our comfortable interpretations, obeying the gospel of Jesus is quite an incredible mission to undertake, one which should challenge each and every Christian down to their core. Loving God, neighbors, enemies, and self means opening ourselves to the impossible. I'm reasonably sure none of us will ever do it perfectly, but it is the task Jesus set before us, and one that we are called to at least make a credible stab at.
Makes me thankful that I believe Jesus is full of grace, not vengeance!!
Fall Fandango
I now have a color scheme for my redecorating after the hurricane - fall colors. I'd already figured out some of it - a rich olive green for my furniture with a dark olivy/forest green for the carpet. However, the thought of white walls made me gag. And more green on the walls would have been waaaaaaaaaay too much! I wanted something to 'warm' the rooms up, as well as keep them 'cool' in the summer.
This is where traveling to Oklahoma came in handy. It's fall there! Really, truly fall. The trees are wrapped in all their glorious splendor - deep rich reds, bright golds, resplendent purples, orange/greens, yellow/reds, and trees that never change their colors all blended together in a riotous show of joy. While driving back to Texas on a cool Friday morning, it felt as though our car was wrapped in the warmth of the flames of the brightly colored trees - a sweater of fall colors.
If things had been different, I would have detoured through the Ouachita Mountains on the Talimena Scenic Drive. It's an awesome trip when the fall leaves are at their peak. We weren't that far away, but it would have been about a 5-6 hour detour, and I'm not sure Mom could have handled that. If I'd been alone ....................
That's one thing I miss, the fall foliage. I enjoy seeing the trees getting all gussied up for a year-end spectacular before letting go and taking a much deserved rest during the winter. Getting to see them with mountains makes me want to dance with joy! I think I may reserve a week of vacation for about this time of year next year. My soul could use a mountain break. For now, I'll just have to import the colors into my den, living room, and entrance foyer. Maybe that'll help!
This is where traveling to Oklahoma came in handy. It's fall there! Really, truly fall. The trees are wrapped in all their glorious splendor - deep rich reds, bright golds, resplendent purples, orange/greens, yellow/reds, and trees that never change their colors all blended together in a riotous show of joy. While driving back to Texas on a cool Friday morning, it felt as though our car was wrapped in the warmth of the flames of the brightly colored trees - a sweater of fall colors.
If things had been different, I would have detoured through the Ouachita Mountains on the Talimena Scenic Drive. It's an awesome trip when the fall leaves are at their peak. We weren't that far away, but it would have been about a 5-6 hour detour, and I'm not sure Mom could have handled that. If I'd been alone ....................
That's one thing I miss, the fall foliage. I enjoy seeing the trees getting all gussied up for a year-end spectacular before letting go and taking a much deserved rest during the winter. Getting to see them with mountains makes me want to dance with joy! I think I may reserve a week of vacation for about this time of year next year. My soul could use a mountain break. For now, I'll just have to import the colors into my den, living room, and entrance foyer. Maybe that'll help!
Trippin'
As promised, something about my trip to dear, dull, boring Ada, Oklahoma. In fact, the only not boring thing in Ada is my son! *chuckle*
Mom and I headed out from Houston on our 8-hour (including a lunch break) trek by car, since there's no other reasonable way to get there from here. [aside - by plane, it's a 2 hour wait at the airport, 2 hour flight, assuming no extraordinary delays, 1 hour to deal with the rental car, then about 2 hours to Ada, assuming I don't manage to get lost] I now have several earworms from listening to Mom's collection of Dad's favorites for 14 hours. Not grousing too much, but That's Amore, Chirichiribim (I think that's its name), Racing with the Moon, and others along the same line almost put me to sleep. Not a good thing when in the driver's seat!
Once we got to Ada and connected up with the son, we had an opportunity for some interesting chatter. This is his last semester of undergraduate work, in a major that he detests! The political science class he's taking is a 'hands on' kind of class appropriate to the current political season - it's a group project where they were assigned a local race and are documenting it. Andrew chose his preferred candidate in the race by the fact that the guy gave him a t-shirt (or that's what he said ... knowing him, it went a bit deeper than that). Turns out the guy won by 2 votes. Good thing my son went to the polls!
The purpose of this marathon car ride was to hear my son's senior trombone recital. He was so nervous! For various reasons, this was the first time in a year that he's performed solo before an audience. He did a fine job and the profs were pleased with his performance, but it wasn't perfect, so he's a bit down on himself right now. The problem with these recitals is that they are focused around technique (not a bad thing in and of itself), so the music chosen tends to be along certain lines- obscure classical. Once he got the really stuffy stuff out of the way, Andrew finally got comfortable with the last two pieces and was more himself.
My son is actually more of a performer than a technician, and he got caught up in the expectation that he be a technician. *sigh* What schools will sometimes do to a performer in order to impose standards! ARGH!! When I hear him play, I can imagine him joining in a Chicago extravaganza or one of the retro-Big Band era groups, or even in a jazz combo (although it's not my favorite). He'll get there one day. From Ada it's on to a master's degree in performance, most likely. He's not figured out where yet, but he may end up down here for a while. Maybe not - I think the possibility of residing with me, even if it's for just a while until he makes friends and finds another place, is a bit binding on him. Believe me! I can understand that! (especially after living with my mom for over a year while seeking a call - tough stuff for an adult who was in her 40's and had mostly managed on her own, much less a very independent 20-something son! *chuckle*)
I enjoyed visiting with my son and getting to spend some time with him. It was a good way to spend part of my vacation!
Mom and I headed out from Houston on our 8-hour (including a lunch break) trek by car, since there's no other reasonable way to get there from here. [aside - by plane, it's a 2 hour wait at the airport, 2 hour flight, assuming no extraordinary delays, 1 hour to deal with the rental car, then about 2 hours to Ada, assuming I don't manage to get lost] I now have several earworms from listening to Mom's collection of Dad's favorites for 14 hours. Not grousing too much, but That's Amore, Chirichiribim (I think that's its name), Racing with the Moon, and others along the same line almost put me to sleep. Not a good thing when in the driver's seat!
Once we got to Ada and connected up with the son, we had an opportunity for some interesting chatter. This is his last semester of undergraduate work, in a major that he detests! The political science class he's taking is a 'hands on' kind of class appropriate to the current political season - it's a group project where they were assigned a local race and are documenting it. Andrew chose his preferred candidate in the race by the fact that the guy gave him a t-shirt (or that's what he said ... knowing him, it went a bit deeper than that). Turns out the guy won by 2 votes. Good thing my son went to the polls!
The purpose of this marathon car ride was to hear my son's senior trombone recital. He was so nervous! For various reasons, this was the first time in a year that he's performed solo before an audience. He did a fine job and the profs were pleased with his performance, but it wasn't perfect, so he's a bit down on himself right now. The problem with these recitals is that they are focused around technique (not a bad thing in and of itself), so the music chosen tends to be along certain lines- obscure classical. Once he got the really stuffy stuff out of the way, Andrew finally got comfortable with the last two pieces and was more himself.
My son is actually more of a performer than a technician, and he got caught up in the expectation that he be a technician. *sigh* What schools will sometimes do to a performer in order to impose standards! ARGH!! When I hear him play, I can imagine him joining in a Chicago extravaganza or one of the retro-Big Band era groups, or even in a jazz combo (although it's not my favorite). He'll get there one day. From Ada it's on to a master's degree in performance, most likely. He's not figured out where yet, but he may end up down here for a while. Maybe not - I think the possibility of residing with me, even if it's for just a while until he makes friends and finds another place, is a bit binding on him. Believe me! I can understand that! (especially after living with my mom for over a year while seeking a call - tough stuff for an adult who was in her 40's and had mostly managed on her own, much less a very independent 20-something son! *chuckle*)
I enjoyed visiting with my son and getting to spend some time with him. It was a good way to spend part of my vacation!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Vacation Daze
Ok - next time I manage to take a week off, would someone please remind me that reinstalling my mom's hard drive (with updates via dial-up, no less) is not what one might consider a vacation?! Well, we did make an up and back trip to Oklahoma to hear my son's senior recital (more on that later). I think I'm going to take a break from anything related to computers for a few days. See ya next week! *flees from the computer room, screaming*
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Voter Apathy
Could it be? It might. An Associated Press article in today's Enterprise seems to point in that direction. As I interpret what the article says, those attack ads that everyone despises work, but not quite in the way one might assume. "Mostly researchers found that negative ads tend to polarize and make it less likely that supporters of an attacked candidate will vote." (italics added) Most interesting.
So here's what I'm wondering - do the attack ads that candidates run against each other lead to the voter apathy which exhibits itself in such abysmal voter turnouts?
It seems that the negative ads trigger brain responses which show up on functional MRI's. Here's what the researchers found: "When the test subjects saw a picture of the candidate they supported, the medial orbital frontal cortex of the brain - the area behind the eyeballs associated with empathy- lit up. When they were shown a picture or TV ad for the candidate they opposed, the island-shaped insula in the middle of the brain lit up along with other areas 'associated with distaste', Iacoboni (the researcher and UCLA professor) said, Then, other parts of the brain activated, as if the participants were 'using their rational brain areas to get upset at the other guy; they were using it to find a reason ' to dislike the candidate."
Here's the intriguing thing, if each candidate in a race is running attack ads against their opponents, do they ultimately encourage each other's potential voters to stay home? Maybe that's why everyone pulls out the negative advertising, so neither candidate ends up with an advantage. Lousy reason for running them, especially if it reduces potential voters. (or maybe not, depending on your perspective - if you'd prefer a low turnout, that is)
One other bit of tantalizing information - if you're an independent voter, you tend to be neutral in your reaction to the ads. I wonder what it would take to develop a nation of independent voters who aren't committed to either of the political parties.
One of the oddball things which stuck in my mind from high school government was George Washington's farewell address, and a part of that address was a concern that America end up enamored by the party system of politics. Maybe it's time for us to take Washington's advice to heart and send each of the parties to the showers. I wonder what would happen if all candidates were independents, and no one beholden to any particular party structure.
A woman can dream, can't she?
So here's what I'm wondering - do the attack ads that candidates run against each other lead to the voter apathy which exhibits itself in such abysmal voter turnouts?
It seems that the negative ads trigger brain responses which show up on functional MRI's. Here's what the researchers found: "When the test subjects saw a picture of the candidate they supported, the medial orbital frontal cortex of the brain - the area behind the eyeballs associated with empathy- lit up. When they were shown a picture or TV ad for the candidate they opposed, the island-shaped insula in the middle of the brain lit up along with other areas 'associated with distaste', Iacoboni (the researcher and UCLA professor) said, Then, other parts of the brain activated, as if the participants were 'using their rational brain areas to get upset at the other guy; they were using it to find a reason ' to dislike the candidate."
Here's the intriguing thing, if each candidate in a race is running attack ads against their opponents, do they ultimately encourage each other's potential voters to stay home? Maybe that's why everyone pulls out the negative advertising, so neither candidate ends up with an advantage. Lousy reason for running them, especially if it reduces potential voters. (or maybe not, depending on your perspective - if you'd prefer a low turnout, that is)
One other bit of tantalizing information - if you're an independent voter, you tend to be neutral in your reaction to the ads. I wonder what it would take to develop a nation of independent voters who aren't committed to either of the political parties.
One of the oddball things which stuck in my mind from high school government was George Washington's farewell address, and a part of that address was a concern that America end up enamored by the party system of politics. Maybe it's time for us to take Washington's advice to heart and send each of the parties to the showers. I wonder what would happen if all candidates were independents, and no one beholden to any particular party structure.
A woman can dream, can't she?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Walls
Walls! I have walls ......... and ceilings!! It's absolutely incredible. A group of volunteers came in and installed the drywall and now it's being 'mudded' and then textured. By Friday, I should have the work completed on that part. It's so exciting to actually have something happen toward getting back into my home. *gleefully dances around the room*
Next up, painting! Now I've gotta figure out what colors I want. Painting itself may not happen until week after next. I'm heading up to see my son's senior recital, so won't be available to do the painting next week.
And, no, I haven't forgotten that the attic needs to be insulated. That phone call's happening tomorrow!
I'm not predicting move-in dates, but things are looking up! *can't sit still any longer ... starts dancing again!*
Next up, painting! Now I've gotta figure out what colors I want. Painting itself may not happen until week after next. I'm heading up to see my son's senior recital, so won't be available to do the painting next week.
And, no, I haven't forgotten that the attic needs to be insulated. That phone call's happening tomorrow!
I'm not predicting move-in dates, but things are looking up! *can't sit still any longer ... starts dancing again!*
Monday, October 30, 2006
Halloween Eve
Ok - by definition, Halloween is the 'eve' for All Saints Day, which makes it a bit odd to have a Halloween Eve, but we did. The Westminster Children's Center celebrated its 20th anniversary operating a quality day care center in downtown Beaumont. We had a fall festival this evening, inviting current and past families and staff to come out for fun and games and hotdogs, chips, and drinks.
Children in non-scary costumes wandered through the building, getting their faces painted, "fishing" for candy and what turned out to be real fish, bowling for toys, making brightly colored masks, walking in circles for cakes and cookies, popping ballons by sitting on them, and other games.
The biggest draw was the hayride. Putt-putting along behind a four-wheeler, the kids and their parents went on a ride in the parking lots around the church. But it's not a real Halloween hayride if you don't have at least one scary moment, right? So a couple of the adults took turns stepping out from behind the trees and saying "Boo!" *smile* The requisite screeches were a hoot!
I remember my first haunted house was in the basement of the manse next to the church we belonged to in Ft. Worth. The members prepared a mildly scary spook house with all the traditional elements - "eyeballs" and "brains" and some guy who came up out of a coffin loaned by a local funeral home. You entered the basement through a window and came screeching out the door at the other side. Afterward was a feast of hotdogs and marshmallows roasted on an open fire. (ummmmmmmm.....no, I didn't put the marshmallows ON the hotdog. *chuckle*) The temperature was a bit cooler than it is here in Beaumont right now, so that fire was a real blessing!
I have never truly understood those who have a problem with Halloween. I have a much more difficult time with churches setting up "Hell Houses" to "scare the Hell out of" those who come through. There's not only sloppy theology involved, but the premise strikes me as being emotionally violent. Halloween and it's generally tame visiting of homes and stores to shout "Trick or Treat" and say "thank you" when receiving candy from those places is a much more benign event. I'll admit it's changed mightily since I was a child, but you'll have a hard time convincing me that dressing up in a costume (even if it does wander over into witches and ghouls) for one day out of the year will imperil one's soul. God's much bigger than that, and certainly filled with a grace and love which transcends our annual attack of silliness and camoflauge.
Trick or Treat!
Children in non-scary costumes wandered through the building, getting their faces painted, "fishing" for candy and what turned out to be real fish, bowling for toys, making brightly colored masks, walking in circles for cakes and cookies, popping ballons by sitting on them, and other games.
The biggest draw was the hayride. Putt-putting along behind a four-wheeler, the kids and their parents went on a ride in the parking lots around the church. But it's not a real Halloween hayride if you don't have at least one scary moment, right? So a couple of the adults took turns stepping out from behind the trees and saying "Boo!" *smile* The requisite screeches were a hoot!
I remember my first haunted house was in the basement of the manse next to the church we belonged to in Ft. Worth. The members prepared a mildly scary spook house with all the traditional elements - "eyeballs" and "brains" and some guy who came up out of a coffin loaned by a local funeral home. You entered the basement through a window and came screeching out the door at the other side. Afterward was a feast of hotdogs and marshmallows roasted on an open fire. (ummmmmmmm.....no, I didn't put the marshmallows ON the hotdog. *chuckle*) The temperature was a bit cooler than it is here in Beaumont right now, so that fire was a real blessing!
I have never truly understood those who have a problem with Halloween. I have a much more difficult time with churches setting up "Hell Houses" to "scare the Hell out of" those who come through. There's not only sloppy theology involved, but the premise strikes me as being emotionally violent. Halloween and it's generally tame visiting of homes and stores to shout "Trick or Treat" and say "thank you" when receiving candy from those places is a much more benign event. I'll admit it's changed mightily since I was a child, but you'll have a hard time convincing me that dressing up in a costume (even if it does wander over into witches and ghouls) for one day out of the year will imperil one's soul. God's much bigger than that, and certainly filled with a grace and love which transcends our annual attack of silliness and camoflauge.
Trick or Treat!
Ready for Syndication
Well, not really. I just happened to notice that this is my 100th post. WOOHOO!!
TV shows celebrate their 100th episode because it makes the possibility of a syndication run more lucrative. I thought I celebrate my 100th post simply because I managed to make it this far!
This is actually quite an accomplishment for me. The whole blog thing was an experiment, one which I didn't expect to last more than a month or two at the most. In some respects, this is like journaling, and most of my journaling experiences tend to last a week, maybe two, before wandering off into oblivion. Of course, most of my journaling has been totally for private consumption. Since I already know what I wrote, why go back and look at it again? *shrug* BO-RING!
Blogging has a different flavor. True, it's still mostly for my own benefit. Putting things down "in print" has a discipline to it which journaling doesn't. If the potential exists for someone else to read this, then I should strive for some sort of coherence and logic. I'm not always successful. I'm notorious for skipping over the one bit of information which makes the significance of a bit of rambling make sense.
All in all, though, I've had fun. Hope you've had fun, too, or gleaned a tidbit of information here and there. So.......... celebrate .... celebrate .... dance to the music!
TV shows celebrate their 100th episode because it makes the possibility of a syndication run more lucrative. I thought I celebrate my 100th post simply because I managed to make it this far!
This is actually quite an accomplishment for me. The whole blog thing was an experiment, one which I didn't expect to last more than a month or two at the most. In some respects, this is like journaling, and most of my journaling experiences tend to last a week, maybe two, before wandering off into oblivion. Of course, most of my journaling has been totally for private consumption. Since I already know what I wrote, why go back and look at it again? *shrug* BO-RING!
Blogging has a different flavor. True, it's still mostly for my own benefit. Putting things down "in print" has a discipline to it which journaling doesn't. If the potential exists for someone else to read this, then I should strive for some sort of coherence and logic. I'm not always successful. I'm notorious for skipping over the one bit of information which makes the significance of a bit of rambling make sense.
All in all, though, I've had fun. Hope you've had fun, too, or gleaned a tidbit of information here and there. So.......... celebrate .... celebrate .... dance to the music!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Absurdity and Politics
Gotcha! Bet you thought I was going to point out some of the absurdities that exist in politics. Instead, just a couple of thoughts to share today, not really related, as one might think from the title.
1. Absurdity - I was driving along Dowlen Rd yesterday when I saw a "For Sale By Owner" sign. Now there's nothing unusual about that. I've seen those signs in front of houses, on cars and boats, by rather large things for sale for years. Yesterday I began to wonder, do you really think a thief would post a sign saying "For Sale By Thief" or "For Sale By Scam Artist"? Aren't you actually supposed to own the item before you can sell it? By definition, isn't any sale which occurs, whether using an agent or doing it yourself, "by owner"? Aren't those signs just plain absurd, then?
2. Politics - Last night I watched 90% of the county judge debate between Ron Walker and Billy Job (my stupid internet connection slipped into oblivion for about 10% of the debate). While watching the debate online, you could also make/read live comments from others watching the debate. The two juxtaposed gave the experience a twist. There was one person online who is an adamant Walker supporter. She kept "score" throughout the debate and continually noted how "Walker won that one" or commented on how he was really winning the debate and, in my mind, seemed to be at odds with what I was witnessing on the screen.
The Enterprise online poll/commentary about the debate comes in at a draw: 5 in favor of Walker, 5 in favor of Job. For those who commented on Walker's behalf, many (but not all) knew at least something about him and were supporting him more on the basis of that information (things like "isn't a puppet" and "has experience"), which wasn't evident from the actual interaction of the debate. For those who commented on Job's behalf, the choice was based on what was actually said during the debate.
I know neither of these men, nor did I have any opinion prior to the debate. Walker blew it completely for me when, instead of asking Job a hard-ball question about positions or governing during his opportunity to ask any question of his opponent, he asked how Job's family was doing. Not a bad question to ask; however, it's timing was waaaaaaaaay off. More appropriate for after the debate. Job's answers to questions had a fairly good grasp of what would be expected of the position and that he'd thought through some of the potential difficulties.
When watching a debate, appearances do have an affect on how one interprets and rates responses. Walker appeared exhausted and, to me, had difficulty putting his thoughts in order. I have to admit, not everyone does well in such a public forum, but that's what we're asking county judges to do: be part of a public forum on a daily basis. His demeanor appeared to express a sense of uncertainty and a part of me thought he was actually hoping to lose. Not a good impression for a candidate who wants to win. Perhaps that's one of the hazards of a long campaign, since Walker noted more than once that the past 22 months had been difficult. He had a primary election as well as the general election to work through, while Job ran unopposed in the primary.
In the interest of fairness, I'm not going to base my vote entirely on last night's debate. However, if the candidates appear to be almost equal in abilities and commitment to the position, Mr. Job has my vote.
1. Absurdity - I was driving along Dowlen Rd yesterday when I saw a "For Sale By Owner" sign. Now there's nothing unusual about that. I've seen those signs in front of houses, on cars and boats, by rather large things for sale for years. Yesterday I began to wonder, do you really think a thief would post a sign saying "For Sale By Thief" or "For Sale By Scam Artist"? Aren't you actually supposed to own the item before you can sell it? By definition, isn't any sale which occurs, whether using an agent or doing it yourself, "by owner"? Aren't those signs just plain absurd, then?
2. Politics - Last night I watched 90% of the county judge debate between Ron Walker and Billy Job (my stupid internet connection slipped into oblivion for about 10% of the debate). While watching the debate online, you could also make/read live comments from others watching the debate. The two juxtaposed gave the experience a twist. There was one person online who is an adamant Walker supporter. She kept "score" throughout the debate and continually noted how "Walker won that one" or commented on how he was really winning the debate and, in my mind, seemed to be at odds with what I was witnessing on the screen.
The Enterprise online poll/commentary about the debate comes in at a draw: 5 in favor of Walker, 5 in favor of Job. For those who commented on Walker's behalf, many (but not all) knew at least something about him and were supporting him more on the basis of that information (things like "isn't a puppet" and "has experience"), which wasn't evident from the actual interaction of the debate. For those who commented on Job's behalf, the choice was based on what was actually said during the debate.
I know neither of these men, nor did I have any opinion prior to the debate. Walker blew it completely for me when, instead of asking Job a hard-ball question about positions or governing during his opportunity to ask any question of his opponent, he asked how Job's family was doing. Not a bad question to ask; however, it's timing was waaaaaaaaay off. More appropriate for after the debate. Job's answers to questions had a fairly good grasp of what would be expected of the position and that he'd thought through some of the potential difficulties.
When watching a debate, appearances do have an affect on how one interprets and rates responses. Walker appeared exhausted and, to me, had difficulty putting his thoughts in order. I have to admit, not everyone does well in such a public forum, but that's what we're asking county judges to do: be part of a public forum on a daily basis. His demeanor appeared to express a sense of uncertainty and a part of me thought he was actually hoping to lose. Not a good impression for a candidate who wants to win. Perhaps that's one of the hazards of a long campaign, since Walker noted more than once that the past 22 months had been difficult. He had a primary election as well as the general election to work through, while Job ran unopposed in the primary.
In the interest of fairness, I'm not going to base my vote entirely on last night's debate. However, if the candidates appear to be almost equal in abilities and commitment to the position, Mr. Job has my vote.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Progress
I can't believe it! There's drywall sitting on the floor in my house waiting to be installed. WOOHOO!! I'm not precisely sure when the crew is planning to do the actual installation. Assuming the weather holds, it'll be sometime this week.
I do have one part that's going to have to have some more research done before this is all finished. The huge crack in the storage room isn't the result of a problem with the foundation. (whew!!) The question now is, "OK, what caused it?" Someone suggested the framing might be cracked/crushed nearby. It's at the far end of the house from where the tree came in, so I don't understand how that could have happened ... unless when the limbs that came down from my other tree and blocked the gate area, it caused some internal damage. Hmmmmm.... sounds like a case for ER!
Just the vision of covered walls and hidden rafters was enough to inspire me to do some shopping for the furniture I need to replace. Fortunately, I only have two pieces to replace, but the color scheme on the sofa/love seat were essential to have in place before I select the paint and carpet. One interesting criterion: dark enough so the dog/cat hair won't be too obvious! *chuckle* Do you know how hard that was? Especially since I'm also not particularly fond of leather furniture. Another factor is that I'm replacing a sofabed. They don't make un-ugly sofabeds anymore, at least, not un-ugly by my definition. (If you've bought a sofabed recently, I'm quite sure it's absolutely beautiful!)
I've yet to figure it out. When I need to make a significant purchase, like a car or furniture, I'll start the process of shopping (research, warranties, materials, preliminary scan of potential candidates, "test driving") only semi-focused on what I'm looking for, just general broad-brush ideas for what it'll be like. Next I see a style or color that seems to fit that nebulous image, but it may not be on the showroom floor. Then, out of the blue, there it will be - generally a model or color that's just been discontinued, or the last one available at the store, and I'll find it at a hugely discounted price.
It happened today! Found the perfect sofa/love seat ... the sofa was the last one in the store and the love seat wasn't even listed on the store's computers, but there they were! Plain as day on the showroom floor, and not sold or promised to anyone!! So, now I have furniture for my den. WOOHOO!!
All in all, it's been a good day. Now, let's see ... guess I'd better go haunt the paint chip aisles! Later!
I do have one part that's going to have to have some more research done before this is all finished. The huge crack in the storage room isn't the result of a problem with the foundation. (whew!!) The question now is, "OK, what caused it?" Someone suggested the framing might be cracked/crushed nearby. It's at the far end of the house from where the tree came in, so I don't understand how that could have happened ... unless when the limbs that came down from my other tree and blocked the gate area, it caused some internal damage. Hmmmmm.... sounds like a case for ER!
Just the vision of covered walls and hidden rafters was enough to inspire me to do some shopping for the furniture I need to replace. Fortunately, I only have two pieces to replace, but the color scheme on the sofa/love seat were essential to have in place before I select the paint and carpet. One interesting criterion: dark enough so the dog/cat hair won't be too obvious! *chuckle* Do you know how hard that was? Especially since I'm also not particularly fond of leather furniture. Another factor is that I'm replacing a sofabed. They don't make un-ugly sofabeds anymore, at least, not un-ugly by my definition. (If you've bought a sofabed recently, I'm quite sure it's absolutely beautiful!)
I've yet to figure it out. When I need to make a significant purchase, like a car or furniture, I'll start the process of shopping (research, warranties, materials, preliminary scan of potential candidates, "test driving") only semi-focused on what I'm looking for, just general broad-brush ideas for what it'll be like. Next I see a style or color that seems to fit that nebulous image, but it may not be on the showroom floor. Then, out of the blue, there it will be - generally a model or color that's just been discontinued, or the last one available at the store, and I'll find it at a hugely discounted price.
It happened today! Found the perfect sofa/love seat ... the sofa was the last one in the store and the love seat wasn't even listed on the store's computers, but there they were! Plain as day on the showroom floor, and not sold or promised to anyone!! So, now I have furniture for my den. WOOHOO!!
All in all, it's been a good day. Now, let's see ... guess I'd better go haunt the paint chip aisles! Later!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Slip-Sliding Away
Just realized I haven't posted in a week! Not that I have anything of significance to write about. Traveling to meetings in Louisville kind of knocks the usual ebb and flow of things awry. Not a bad meeting Not a spectacular one either. We did have a dinner cruise on the Ohio River which was nice. A couple of nice conversations, and an evening spent in the hotel's spa wasn't bad either. The only major negative was that it got down to about freezing. Had to take my long johns! *chuckle* I wasn't quite ready for that yet.
Looks like I've got some more nastiness at my home to be repaired. The storage room that's part of the garage seems to be slip-sliding away from the rest of the house. I've got a huge-mongous crack growing in the drywall there. *sigh* I don't know that I'm ever going to get back on my house. Quite frustrating. And the insurance company is so helpful - "find out what the problem is, get an expert to look at it, and then we'll send out an adjuster". I don't know what the problem is, and haven't the foggiest of what expert to get to come and look at it. I suspect it may be foundational, but the house was leveled before I bought it 3 years ago and all the cosmetic stuff was fixed then. So it's probably related to Her Horribleness. BLECH!!
Maybe it'll all just float away and I can start all over again. (Nah - don't want that to happen. Just feeling a bit gloomy at the moment. Maybe a good night's sleep is in order.) Ah, well! I'm calling it quits for the night, and maybe something truly intriguing will catch my eye later this week.
Looks like I've got some more nastiness at my home to be repaired. The storage room that's part of the garage seems to be slip-sliding away from the rest of the house. I've got a huge-mongous crack growing in the drywall there. *sigh* I don't know that I'm ever going to get back on my house. Quite frustrating. And the insurance company is so helpful - "find out what the problem is, get an expert to look at it, and then we'll send out an adjuster". I don't know what the problem is, and haven't the foggiest of what expert to get to come and look at it. I suspect it may be foundational, but the house was leveled before I bought it 3 years ago and all the cosmetic stuff was fixed then. So it's probably related to Her Horribleness. BLECH!!
Maybe it'll all just float away and I can start all over again. (Nah - don't want that to happen. Just feeling a bit gloomy at the moment. Maybe a good night's sleep is in order.) Ah, well! I'm calling it quits for the night, and maybe something truly intriguing will catch my eye later this week.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Ok, Unions!
Let me state up front that I have a fairly strong anti-union bias. It was bred through years of watching unions go on strike for what seemed to be trivial amounts, reports of corruption and crime in union leadership, and other seeming misuse of the collective bargaining power that could be wielded.
It was etched pretty solidly in stone after a local refinery strike. It was a long and bitter strike over issues that I don't remember. What I do remember was that one worker became desperate to keep food on his family's table and a roof over their heads, so he crossed the picket line. One of the picketers shot (with a slingshot, I think) and seriously injured the man. The whole incident was caught on the company's security tapes. The company fired the picketer. The union remained on strike until the picketer was rehired without loss of seniority. OUTRAGE!
Let me also state that I believe unions, when used according to their original purpose, can be a powerful force for good. As I recall, the original goal of unions was to provide safe work environments for employees while ensuring that they were paid a fair wage for the work provided. I do believe it was a time of excesses where employers were reaping huge and lavish benefits while employees subsisted in poverty or almost poverty - with little to look forward to in hopes of relief. Does any of that look even remotely familiar?
Paul Krugman's editorial in yesterday's Enterprise, "War against wages is successfully being waged", outlines what Wal-Mart is doing internally to keep employees from advancing financially if they remain loyal to the company. Over and over you see in the news where a company is approaching bankruptcy. Employees are forced to take huge cuts in pay/benefits or a combination, simply to keep from losing their jobs completely if the company folds. Yet, even on a sinking ship, executives reap millions in salary, benefits and perks, totalling several hundred times what the average employee makes. Health care and promised retirement benefits are being summarily and deeply slashed. (Ok - I'll admit the healthcare system is broken in a variety of ways, and as long as it's tied to employment, it will remain broken. But that's another rant altogether.) When things begin to look rough at a company, reductions-in-force slash through the ranks while expecting the same or a higher level of total production from those left, generally without a corresponding deep cut at the upper management levels. It's unconscionable!
My suspicion is that what is happening is part of a perpetually moving societal pendulum. We are heading out to the far end of the "pro-employer" limits of the pendulum and it's time for the "pro-employee" limit of the swing to shift the momentum in the other direction. The rope of the pendulum is only so long and our society as a whole will crumble if the rope breaks while at either end. I don't see that happening soon, though.
However, I do believe it is now time for the unions to find ways to influence the shift in momentum in the opposite direction. Perhaps it isn't simply a union task to accomplish, but it does seem that they should have a major role if they hope to maintain any relevance in the workforce. I certainly think it's an appropriate time for them to reclaim the noble purpose for which they were founded. Ok, unions! What's next?
It was etched pretty solidly in stone after a local refinery strike. It was a long and bitter strike over issues that I don't remember. What I do remember was that one worker became desperate to keep food on his family's table and a roof over their heads, so he crossed the picket line. One of the picketers shot (with a slingshot, I think) and seriously injured the man. The whole incident was caught on the company's security tapes. The company fired the picketer. The union remained on strike until the picketer was rehired without loss of seniority. OUTRAGE!
Let me also state that I believe unions, when used according to their original purpose, can be a powerful force for good. As I recall, the original goal of unions was to provide safe work environments for employees while ensuring that they were paid a fair wage for the work provided. I do believe it was a time of excesses where employers were reaping huge and lavish benefits while employees subsisted in poverty or almost poverty - with little to look forward to in hopes of relief. Does any of that look even remotely familiar?
Paul Krugman's editorial in yesterday's Enterprise, "War against wages is successfully being waged", outlines what Wal-Mart is doing internally to keep employees from advancing financially if they remain loyal to the company. Over and over you see in the news where a company is approaching bankruptcy. Employees are forced to take huge cuts in pay/benefits or a combination, simply to keep from losing their jobs completely if the company folds. Yet, even on a sinking ship, executives reap millions in salary, benefits and perks, totalling several hundred times what the average employee makes. Health care and promised retirement benefits are being summarily and deeply slashed. (Ok - I'll admit the healthcare system is broken in a variety of ways, and as long as it's tied to employment, it will remain broken. But that's another rant altogether.) When things begin to look rough at a company, reductions-in-force slash through the ranks while expecting the same or a higher level of total production from those left, generally without a corresponding deep cut at the upper management levels. It's unconscionable!
My suspicion is that what is happening is part of a perpetually moving societal pendulum. We are heading out to the far end of the "pro-employer" limits of the pendulum and it's time for the "pro-employee" limit of the swing to shift the momentum in the other direction. The rope of the pendulum is only so long and our society as a whole will crumble if the rope breaks while at either end. I don't see that happening soon, though.
However, I do believe it is now time for the unions to find ways to influence the shift in momentum in the opposite direction. Perhaps it isn't simply a union task to accomplish, but it does seem that they should have a major role if they hope to maintain any relevance in the workforce. I certainly think it's an appropriate time for them to reclaim the noble purpose for which they were founded. Ok, unions! What's next?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Winds of Change
It's too soon!! I'm not ready to drag out my winter clothes yet! NOOOOOOOOO!
Why the wailing and gnashing of teeth, you might ask? Certainly things haven't gotten cold enough for winter clothes here in good ol' Beaumont, and the weathermeister on tv alluded to it being cooler, but nowhere near the freezing point over the next several days.
But alas! I'm traveling this week, so, of course, I'm headed to a place where temperatures will be a bit brisker than I like. What's making me moan and groan even more is that this particular trip at this particular time of year is usually made to Daytona Beach, Florida. Three days in a wonderful resort hotel right on the beach. *sigh* And I had to miss last year's meeting because of ..... well, you probably guessed it ... Her Horribleness!
Now instead of warm temperatures and time during the day for barefoot strolls along the beach, and watching the pelicans soar along the coast, one direction in the morning, another in the evening, we'll be meeting where the highs will be around 50 and the lows near 35.
Don't get me wrong. I like Louisville, KY, even have a souvenier bat from the Louisville Slugger museum. (*scratches head* well, I did, but at the moment am not completely sure where it is in my disheveled house.) They've got a really cool theater for the performing arts and I really enjoy wandering along the river (when it isn't near freezing, that is).
Under normal circumstances, I'm not sure I'd even be upset by the cooler temperatures in Louisville. I just realized today, however, that I'm not ready for winter clothes. It's not time for it to be cool enough ANYWHERE for me to drag out the sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. OK - the calendar says October, and it's not outrageous for it to be cooler. The intellect recognizes that.
There's something about the time-sense of my soul that is rebelling loudly against wearing a jacket. Somehow I'm still in a time-warp where it's still ... hmmmmmm end of July? first of August? ... not anywhere near October. I desperately miss my barefoot walks in that awesome soft sand of Daytona Beach. I miss the special sunrises that come up out of the ocean. The rhythm of this past year (and a bit more) has simply not fallen back into its usual pattern, and my heart's not happy about it.
*sigh* The winds of change. I really could have done without that stupid hurricane last year! (I know - we all feel the same way about that one.) I just for this moment wish the winds would blow back the opposite direction and send us down to a warmer clime.
Ah, well! Next year is definitely a Daytona Beach year! I'm so looking forward to it. *wanders off, shaking head and looking for where I put that sack with my sweaters in it*
Why the wailing and gnashing of teeth, you might ask? Certainly things haven't gotten cold enough for winter clothes here in good ol' Beaumont, and the weathermeister on tv alluded to it being cooler, but nowhere near the freezing point over the next several days.
But alas! I'm traveling this week, so, of course, I'm headed to a place where temperatures will be a bit brisker than I like. What's making me moan and groan even more is that this particular trip at this particular time of year is usually made to Daytona Beach, Florida. Three days in a wonderful resort hotel right on the beach. *sigh* And I had to miss last year's meeting because of ..... well, you probably guessed it ... Her Horribleness!
Now instead of warm temperatures and time during the day for barefoot strolls along the beach, and watching the pelicans soar along the coast, one direction in the morning, another in the evening, we'll be meeting where the highs will be around 50 and the lows near 35.
Don't get me wrong. I like Louisville, KY, even have a souvenier bat from the Louisville Slugger museum. (*scratches head* well, I did, but at the moment am not completely sure where it is in my disheveled house.) They've got a really cool theater for the performing arts and I really enjoy wandering along the river (when it isn't near freezing, that is).
Under normal circumstances, I'm not sure I'd even be upset by the cooler temperatures in Louisville. I just realized today, however, that I'm not ready for winter clothes. It's not time for it to be cool enough ANYWHERE for me to drag out the sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. OK - the calendar says October, and it's not outrageous for it to be cooler. The intellect recognizes that.
There's something about the time-sense of my soul that is rebelling loudly against wearing a jacket. Somehow I'm still in a time-warp where it's still ... hmmmmmm end of July? first of August? ... not anywhere near October. I desperately miss my barefoot walks in that awesome soft sand of Daytona Beach. I miss the special sunrises that come up out of the ocean. The rhythm of this past year (and a bit more) has simply not fallen back into its usual pattern, and my heart's not happy about it.
*sigh* The winds of change. I really could have done without that stupid hurricane last year! (I know - we all feel the same way about that one.) I just for this moment wish the winds would blow back the opposite direction and send us down to a warmer clime.
Ah, well! Next year is definitely a Daytona Beach year! I'm so looking forward to it. *wanders off, shaking head and looking for where I put that sack with my sweaters in it*
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Ambivalence
As I write this morning, I'm wrestling with how I feel about the media coverage of a faux-Christian hate group which is coming to Beaumont to protest at the funeral of a fallen soldier. This young man whose life was taken so early, whose family is already hurting so deeply, was not gay. (Not that what this snake-in-the-grass group plans to do would be appropriate if he were.) Staff Sgt. Edward Reynolds was simply a soldier fulfilling his duty when his life was cut tragically short.
Now his funeral has become a platform for a group who has the skewed belief that God has chosen this young man, and other men and women like him, to punish for our country's democratic inclusiveness. GACK! PTOOEY! BLEAH! BLEAH! Even writing that leaves a bad taste in my mouth!
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Phelps and those like him have wandered to the dark side. Here's where my ambivalence creeps in. What is the best way to neutralize such sliminess?
There is a part of me which advocates ignoring them as the gnats they are and keeping them from having the platform to reach others like them. This part of the state, unfortunately, has many generations of KKK-minded individuals living here. Vidor being a most notorious location at one point. I believe this area has come a very long way from where it was when I lived here in the 70's-80's. While prejudice still exists, it is not as rampant, nor virulent as it was back then. Good grief! We even managed to hold an interfaith worship service with Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist leaders without anyone taking a potshot at us!
Could it be that Phelps and his brood of vipers have chosen Beaumont as a recruitment place, where they might find like-minded individuals lurking in the shadows? If so, then by airing their intent to be present and protest, are we not aiding their cause? Would not ignoring them take the steam out what seems to me to be a publicity stunt? Of course, they would still do it most likely.
At the same time, visibility to the community at large has two advantages: (1) the hurt being inflicted on the family is being answered by an outpouring of love and concern by the community at large, and (2) it gives the opportunity for those who believe differently to live out their faith and counteract the false message that God hates.
Amazing to me that anyone who professes to be a Christian could even begin to embrace the idea that God hates .... anyone! "God so loved the world ..." The world! Not just this person, and that person, and the one over there. Not just Christians .... there weren't Christians when God through Jesus performed his act of restoration. God is not a god of exclusion!
So visibility gives us the opportunity to be inclusive. (Some part of me can't believe I'm saying this.) Even inclusive of such hateful people. God IS Love! What I pray is that my heart may be opened to be loving to mine enemies that their hearts may be opened to God's true love. Not quite sure how to do it, nor to be it. Not quite sure how to even express such a message to people who seem to be closed off in so many ways.
I guess I'm just going to have to live in ambivalence.
Now his funeral has become a platform for a group who has the skewed belief that God has chosen this young man, and other men and women like him, to punish for our country's democratic inclusiveness. GACK! PTOOEY! BLEAH! BLEAH! Even writing that leaves a bad taste in my mouth!
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Phelps and those like him have wandered to the dark side. Here's where my ambivalence creeps in. What is the best way to neutralize such sliminess?
There is a part of me which advocates ignoring them as the gnats they are and keeping them from having the platform to reach others like them. This part of the state, unfortunately, has many generations of KKK-minded individuals living here. Vidor being a most notorious location at one point. I believe this area has come a very long way from where it was when I lived here in the 70's-80's. While prejudice still exists, it is not as rampant, nor virulent as it was back then. Good grief! We even managed to hold an interfaith worship service with Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist leaders without anyone taking a potshot at us!
Could it be that Phelps and his brood of vipers have chosen Beaumont as a recruitment place, where they might find like-minded individuals lurking in the shadows? If so, then by airing their intent to be present and protest, are we not aiding their cause? Would not ignoring them take the steam out what seems to me to be a publicity stunt? Of course, they would still do it most likely.
At the same time, visibility to the community at large has two advantages: (1) the hurt being inflicted on the family is being answered by an outpouring of love and concern by the community at large, and (2) it gives the opportunity for those who believe differently to live out their faith and counteract the false message that God hates.
Amazing to me that anyone who professes to be a Christian could even begin to embrace the idea that God hates .... anyone! "God so loved the world ..." The world! Not just this person, and that person, and the one over there. Not just Christians .... there weren't Christians when God through Jesus performed his act of restoration. God is not a god of exclusion!
So visibility gives us the opportunity to be inclusive. (Some part of me can't believe I'm saying this.) Even inclusive of such hateful people. God IS Love! What I pray is that my heart may be opened to be loving to mine enemies that their hearts may be opened to God's true love. Not quite sure how to do it, nor to be it. Not quite sure how to even express such a message to people who seem to be closed off in so many ways.
I guess I'm just going to have to live in ambivalence.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Stupid Hurricane
Does anyone remember me pontificating about anniversary dates not too long ago? Yep! I'm so aware of what's going on that I flat out got blind-sided when I realized that I've been muddling around in a fog for the last couple of weeks (at least).
Along about Friday, I began to realize that I was feeling this really weird distance from everyone - friends, co-workers, members of my congregation, even 'honorable enemies' (who disagree vehemently on most things but we interact respectfully). Ability to concentrate? HAH! If it was longer than a short paragraph, I couldn't read it, which really makes reading the newspaper difficult, much less the research I have to do each week to come up with a sermon. If I did manage to read it, it didn't make any sense. Makes holding coherent conversations a challenge too.
The hardest thing was this sense that there was an invisible wall between me and others. Now the reality is that I do sometimes isolate myself. Being an introvert, 'alone time' is essential to recharging the emotional batteries. However, I occasionally pull into my shell and don't make much contact with others. Not good. And that darned invisible wall was setting me up for some real isolation!
The good news is that I did finally realize what was happening. Stupid hurricane!! At some level, it was much like the way I felt in the week after the storm - stunned, lost, bewildered, in shock, uncertain of where people were or how to find them. I'm not going to let some stupid hurricane get the better of me, though.
Since Friday, I've been working slowly to reconnect with society, and I've managed to regain some of the concentration that went AWOL. It's a process and I'm aware of that. In the meantime, if you catch me wandering around muttering to myself, just say "Hello!" and remind me that this too shall pass. .... *drifts away from the keyboard with 'stupid hurricane' comments wafting along behind* ....
Along about Friday, I began to realize that I was feeling this really weird distance from everyone - friends, co-workers, members of my congregation, even 'honorable enemies' (who disagree vehemently on most things but we interact respectfully). Ability to concentrate? HAH! If it was longer than a short paragraph, I couldn't read it, which really makes reading the newspaper difficult, much less the research I have to do each week to come up with a sermon. If I did manage to read it, it didn't make any sense. Makes holding coherent conversations a challenge too.
The hardest thing was this sense that there was an invisible wall between me and others. Now the reality is that I do sometimes isolate myself. Being an introvert, 'alone time' is essential to recharging the emotional batteries. However, I occasionally pull into my shell and don't make much contact with others. Not good. And that darned invisible wall was setting me up for some real isolation!
The good news is that I did finally realize what was happening. Stupid hurricane!! At some level, it was much like the way I felt in the week after the storm - stunned, lost, bewildered, in shock, uncertain of where people were or how to find them. I'm not going to let some stupid hurricane get the better of me, though.
Since Friday, I've been working slowly to reconnect with society, and I've managed to regain some of the concentration that went AWOL. It's a process and I'm aware of that. In the meantime, if you catch me wandering around muttering to myself, just say "Hello!" and remind me that this too shall pass. .... *drifts away from the keyboard with 'stupid hurricane' comments wafting along behind* ....
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Bigger Is Better?
Yesterday evening, a friend and I wandered through the brand new, ultra-humongo, phantasmagorical, multi-mega HEB store in town. Who'd a-thunk that a grocery store would sell beds?!
I lived in Austin for ten years, most of them two blocks away from the local HEB store. I loved shopping at HEB. The food is high quality. The prices reasonable. The selection sufficient to deal with the picky palate of a toddler and his sometimes pretty picky mom. (have to be honest about this, you know!) It didn't hurt that the store was nearby and open 24 hours/day, not that I ordinarily shopped at 2am, but occasional dashes to pick up emergency supplies when one has a sick youngster sure made it handy.
I probably won't be back to the Beaumont HEB any time soon. It's not that the prices weren't good. Of course they were good! They've got to lure you into trying their new store and making the switch. It's not that they neglected to provide a variety to choose from. Variety! Sushi ... live seafood available ... an in-store buffet of ready to eat stuff, or ready to take home and reheat stuff ... live cooking demos and samples ... fruits ... veggies ... even Drumsticks in a flavor-pack that just jumped out and said "take me home!" It's not that there was a crowd, even though we went during Friday night high school football hours. That'll die down after a few weeks.
Nope! It's none of those things. It's the layout. Now, don't laugh. The store just plain isn't laid out like a grocery store! There's no apparent rhyme or reason to it. Grocery stores should have a 'flow' to the way you shop them. I don't particularly care if you start with the fruits and veggies on the right or end with the deli on the left, but it needs to flow from there. And this one doesn't.
Hmmmmmmmmm.....I may have just hit on my problem with HEB. I like to start from the right side of the store, and you can't at HEB. OK - I admit it. I'm not particularly fond of change. *chuckle*
I also tend to shop close to home. It's convenient, and on my way home from the office, and I can get the stuff into the 'fridge a whole lot faster. These things are important, since I only go to the store when the cupboard's approaching barer than bare. The desperation of the hunt is what usually sends me into the wilds of the local store. It helps if I know where things are in the places I usually stalk (semi-pun intended).
*sigh* Is bigger better? I'll give that an unqualified 'maybe'. I've been spending some time this past week learning some better definitions of success, most of which don't include anything about size. It's nice to know there's a place which has a variety of the things I like from time to time. In that particular instance, bigger does equate with better. The larger store has more space for that variety. However, when it comes to the overall picture, I think I'll stick with 'smaller', and just get adventurous when the craving for chocolate-chocolate Drumsticks overwhelms the senses and draws me out into bigger-land.
I lived in Austin for ten years, most of them two blocks away from the local HEB store. I loved shopping at HEB. The food is high quality. The prices reasonable. The selection sufficient to deal with the picky palate of a toddler and his sometimes pretty picky mom. (have to be honest about this, you know!) It didn't hurt that the store was nearby and open 24 hours/day, not that I ordinarily shopped at 2am, but occasional dashes to pick up emergency supplies when one has a sick youngster sure made it handy.
I probably won't be back to the Beaumont HEB any time soon. It's not that the prices weren't good. Of course they were good! They've got to lure you into trying their new store and making the switch. It's not that they neglected to provide a variety to choose from. Variety! Sushi ... live seafood available ... an in-store buffet of ready to eat stuff, or ready to take home and reheat stuff ... live cooking demos and samples ... fruits ... veggies ... even Drumsticks in a flavor-pack that just jumped out and said "take me home!" It's not that there was a crowd, even though we went during Friday night high school football hours. That'll die down after a few weeks.
Nope! It's none of those things. It's the layout. Now, don't laugh. The store just plain isn't laid out like a grocery store! There's no apparent rhyme or reason to it. Grocery stores should have a 'flow' to the way you shop them. I don't particularly care if you start with the fruits and veggies on the right or end with the deli on the left, but it needs to flow from there. And this one doesn't.
Hmmmmmmmmm.....I may have just hit on my problem with HEB. I like to start from the right side of the store, and you can't at HEB. OK - I admit it. I'm not particularly fond of change. *chuckle*
I also tend to shop close to home. It's convenient, and on my way home from the office, and I can get the stuff into the 'fridge a whole lot faster. These things are important, since I only go to the store when the cupboard's approaching barer than bare. The desperation of the hunt is what usually sends me into the wilds of the local store. It helps if I know where things are in the places I usually stalk (semi-pun intended).
*sigh* Is bigger better? I'll give that an unqualified 'maybe'. I've been spending some time this past week learning some better definitions of success, most of which don't include anything about size. It's nice to know there's a place which has a variety of the things I like from time to time. In that particular instance, bigger does equate with better. The larger store has more space for that variety. However, when it comes to the overall picture, I think I'll stick with 'smaller', and just get adventurous when the craving for chocolate-chocolate Drumsticks overwhelms the senses and draws me out into bigger-land.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Musings from a Traffic Jam
Traveling from Houston back to Beaumont, wouldn't you know it? I-10 East through Baytown became a parking lot. Just what I needed! So what does one do while stuck in traffic (besides trying to figure out an alternate route that would take less time than inching forward, that is)?
After getting bored with singing to my cd's, I just decided to let the brain ramble. Here's the result:
The truck and trailer next to me pulled forward and had this bumper sticker: We are coming. God may forgive you. We will not. I certainly hope the guy's not a Christian. Wonder if he prays the Lord's Prayer regularly. If so, he's forgotten the part where you pray, "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" (the Presbyterian version). Professional hazard, of course. Those are the kinds of things that run through my head when I see such absolutes. Wasn't too particularly impressed with the idea of being included in the bumper sticker's "we" either.
As you might guess, my fellow trapped vehicles were fodder for contemplation. Does anyone have any idea what state has license plates with rainbows on them? A car two lanes over had some really attractive white plates with a rainbow across the top third, but I couldn't see which state they were from. I love rainbows! Might even consider moving to a state with rainbow license plates .... hmmmmm..... well ... someday.
Dumb question of the week: Why do gas stations continue to identify their gasoline as 'unleaded'? Why don't they just advertise regular, super, and premium as they used to when gasoline was leaded? I seem to recall the shift from leaded to unleaded taking place sometime in the 70's. I don't recall seeing leaded gasoline in at least 25 years. Would you be confused if the pumps just said regular, super, and premium, and unleaded wasn't anywhere to be seen?
And about that point, the road in front of me miraculously cleared and traffic began to move at something resembling a normal speed. 'Til next time!
After getting bored with singing to my cd's, I just decided to let the brain ramble. Here's the result:
The truck and trailer next to me pulled forward and had this bumper sticker: We are coming. God may forgive you. We will not. I certainly hope the guy's not a Christian. Wonder if he prays the Lord's Prayer regularly. If so, he's forgotten the part where you pray, "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" (the Presbyterian version). Professional hazard, of course. Those are the kinds of things that run through my head when I see such absolutes. Wasn't too particularly impressed with the idea of being included in the bumper sticker's "we" either.
As you might guess, my fellow trapped vehicles were fodder for contemplation. Does anyone have any idea what state has license plates with rainbows on them? A car two lanes over had some really attractive white plates with a rainbow across the top third, but I couldn't see which state they were from. I love rainbows! Might even consider moving to a state with rainbow license plates .... hmmmmm..... well ... someday.
Dumb question of the week: Why do gas stations continue to identify their gasoline as 'unleaded'? Why don't they just advertise regular, super, and premium as they used to when gasoline was leaded? I seem to recall the shift from leaded to unleaded taking place sometime in the 70's. I don't recall seeing leaded gasoline in at least 25 years. Would you be confused if the pumps just said regular, super, and premium, and unleaded wasn't anywhere to be seen?
And about that point, the road in front of me miraculously cleared and traffic began to move at something resembling a normal speed. 'Til next time!
Monday, September 25, 2006
The Day After
I'll admit it. I was disappointed by the number of people who came to Shelter from the Storm. I'm not going to begin to dissect the whys of it all, for I've realized that's not what's important.
What's important is that we touched people's lives. There were those who walked the labyrinth (wish I'd had time to do that!). There were those whose prayers are now in the hands of our community. There were some who needed someone to talk with about their hurricane experience. There were some who simply needed to know who to contact for resources.
And the worship? The worship service was awesome! I was worried that we might get rain. Pfft! God took care of that and the weather was nigh perfect. Oddly enough, for a service like this, I believe it went off without a hitch. Our speakers were uplifting, even when talking about crisis, and no one got carried away and tried to speak for hours. The choirs were joyous! The liturgical dancers expressed so much so beautifully. Paul's song, written especially for the service, was bang-on. It was the perfect finale for the service.
And I believe God smiled. Those of us on stage couldn't see it during the service, but the sky became the most beautiful shades of red and purple as the sun set. Awesome!!
We swung for the hills, and missed. And yet, we didn't. It would have been incredible if the congregation had been in the thousands instead of the couple of hundred who were there. However, if we hadn't swung for the hills, the message of hope for the many might have been missed.
On the front page of the Beaumont Enterprise today, above the fold, was a marvelous picture of someone adding to our prayer wall. Below that is a picture of our Interfaith clergy holding hands and praying together before the worship service. The article speaks of the faith and hope we share as a result of our common experience in Rita, and the healing we've shared as a community.
The Enterprise reaches about 60,000 people, people who also need a message of faith, hope, and community. I'm not sure we would have been particularly 'newsworthy' if we had taken the safer route and sought a smaller venue.
What I do know is that God was in the midst of this from the moment of conception to its culmination. I have worked with an awesome group of people over the past few months, who helped to make Shelter from the Storm an experience to remember with satisfaction and comfort and hope for the future. Wouldn't it be incredible if this was the kernel which grew into a fully flourishing interfaith group in this community? Who knows what God has in store for the future?
What's important is that we touched people's lives. There were those who walked the labyrinth (wish I'd had time to do that!). There were those whose prayers are now in the hands of our community. There were some who needed someone to talk with about their hurricane experience. There were some who simply needed to know who to contact for resources.
And the worship? The worship service was awesome! I was worried that we might get rain. Pfft! God took care of that and the weather was nigh perfect. Oddly enough, for a service like this, I believe it went off without a hitch. Our speakers were uplifting, even when talking about crisis, and no one got carried away and tried to speak for hours. The choirs were joyous! The liturgical dancers expressed so much so beautifully. Paul's song, written especially for the service, was bang-on. It was the perfect finale for the service.
And I believe God smiled. Those of us on stage couldn't see it during the service, but the sky became the most beautiful shades of red and purple as the sun set. Awesome!!
We swung for the hills, and missed. And yet, we didn't. It would have been incredible if the congregation had been in the thousands instead of the couple of hundred who were there. However, if we hadn't swung for the hills, the message of hope for the many might have been missed.
On the front page of the Beaumont Enterprise today, above the fold, was a marvelous picture of someone adding to our prayer wall. Below that is a picture of our Interfaith clergy holding hands and praying together before the worship service. The article speaks of the faith and hope we share as a result of our common experience in Rita, and the healing we've shared as a community.
The Enterprise reaches about 60,000 people, people who also need a message of faith, hope, and community. I'm not sure we would have been particularly 'newsworthy' if we had taken the safer route and sought a smaller venue.
What I do know is that God was in the midst of this from the moment of conception to its culmination. I have worked with an awesome group of people over the past few months, who helped to make Shelter from the Storm an experience to remember with satisfaction and comfort and hope for the future. Wouldn't it be incredible if this was the kernel which grew into a fully flourishing interfaith group in this community? Who knows what God has in store for the future?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Calm Before the ...
... Shelter from the Storm?
Well, I'm about as ready as it's possible for me to be at this moment. You do have to realize that I don't have everything done for tomorrow. I'm not hard-wired with an 'early' gene. Before I head for bed tonight, I'll be 99% ready, but there will certainly be something forgotten on the list. *chuckle*
It has been an interesting journey to this point. Waaaaaaaaay outside my comfort zone for most of the trek. For a time, it felt as though I was a 'voice crying in the wilderness'. My heart recognized a need for our community to worship together, and others would agree with me when I brought it up, but that's all the further the conversation would go.
I came mighty close to capitulating (at several points, actually). That is, until Ron Franscell showed up at the church office bearing a book: In the Wake of Disaster:Religious Responses to Terrorism & Catastrophe by Harold G. Koenig, M.D. Thanks, Ron!! The chapters in that book affirmed that feeling in my heart that kept poking and prodding me to pursue an Interfaith worship service.
With a vote from the Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization for Disaster Recovery approving pursuit of such a venture, I began to gather a committee to bring things into being. *chuckle* I'm not sure that throughout the process we ever had the exact same group of people involved. At times it's been much like herding cats being chased by dogs. God works in mysterious ways. We've always had the right people at the right time, though.
There has been a wonderful, creative core group present, pulling ideas together to make the experience a healing and helpful event. It's hard to put into words the beautiful things which have happened as we've worked together over the past few months.
We've run into a variety of obstacles along the way, even up to yesterday. What worthwhile goal doesn't? I told someone yesterday that the devil's been nipping at our heels all along the way, and each time I thought we'd land on our keisters, some miracle has arrived out of nowhere to keep us on our feet.
I'm still in 'how on earth did I get here?' mode. A certain level of bullheaded and stubbornness is part of it; however, it's somewhat uncharacteristic for me. Well, not the bullheaded and stubborn part really, but the taking on of a fairly visible role in a project which could involve people from 3 counties and culminate in an event that might have thousands of people attending. I've never done anything like this before. Scary stuff!
So was the publicity part of it. Let's see... I've now done a live radio show and Live at 5 (no taping to fall back on ACK!) and survived. Would prefer not to do that again. *chuckle* ahhhhhhhh, growth. I have certainly been stretched by this experience.
And here we sit. It's Saturday evening. There's some thunder rumbling, and it rained just a bit ago. (Ok, God! Let's send that stuff someplace else for tomorrow!) In completely uncharacteristic manner, I'm not on tenterhooks at this moment. Not sure whether that's a good thing or not. Who knows what I'll be like tomorrow?
I'm just going to do what I've been doing all along - trust that God's been in the midst of this and it will be blessed whatever the outcome! Now I'm off to put the finishing touches to tomorrow morning's worship service (yep! still have that to do, too!). Later, all!
Well, I'm about as ready as it's possible for me to be at this moment. You do have to realize that I don't have everything done for tomorrow. I'm not hard-wired with an 'early' gene. Before I head for bed tonight, I'll be 99% ready, but there will certainly be something forgotten on the list. *chuckle*
It has been an interesting journey to this point. Waaaaaaaaay outside my comfort zone for most of the trek. For a time, it felt as though I was a 'voice crying in the wilderness'. My heart recognized a need for our community to worship together, and others would agree with me when I brought it up, but that's all the further the conversation would go.
I came mighty close to capitulating (at several points, actually). That is, until Ron Franscell showed up at the church office bearing a book: In the Wake of Disaster:Religious Responses to Terrorism & Catastrophe by Harold G. Koenig, M.D. Thanks, Ron!! The chapters in that book affirmed that feeling in my heart that kept poking and prodding me to pursue an Interfaith worship service.
With a vote from the Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization for Disaster Recovery approving pursuit of such a venture, I began to gather a committee to bring things into being. *chuckle* I'm not sure that throughout the process we ever had the exact same group of people involved. At times it's been much like herding cats being chased by dogs. God works in mysterious ways. We've always had the right people at the right time, though.
There has been a wonderful, creative core group present, pulling ideas together to make the experience a healing and helpful event. It's hard to put into words the beautiful things which have happened as we've worked together over the past few months.
We've run into a variety of obstacles along the way, even up to yesterday. What worthwhile goal doesn't? I told someone yesterday that the devil's been nipping at our heels all along the way, and each time I thought we'd land on our keisters, some miracle has arrived out of nowhere to keep us on our feet.
I'm still in 'how on earth did I get here?' mode. A certain level of bullheaded and stubbornness is part of it; however, it's somewhat uncharacteristic for me. Well, not the bullheaded and stubborn part really, but the taking on of a fairly visible role in a project which could involve people from 3 counties and culminate in an event that might have thousands of people attending. I've never done anything like this before. Scary stuff!
So was the publicity part of it. Let's see... I've now done a live radio show and Live at 5 (no taping to fall back on ACK!) and survived. Would prefer not to do that again. *chuckle* ahhhhhhhh, growth. I have certainly been stretched by this experience.
And here we sit. It's Saturday evening. There's some thunder rumbling, and it rained just a bit ago. (Ok, God! Let's send that stuff someplace else for tomorrow!) In completely uncharacteristic manner, I'm not on tenterhooks at this moment. Not sure whether that's a good thing or not. Who knows what I'll be like tomorrow?
I'm just going to do what I've been doing all along - trust that God's been in the midst of this and it will be blessed whatever the outcome! Now I'm off to put the finishing touches to tomorrow morning's worship service (yep! still have that to do, too!). Later, all!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Studio 60
Well - I just took my last break until after the 24th. Deep breath. From here on in, I think I'll be eating, sleeping, and everything-else-ing Shelter from the Storm. So, what did I do with my break?
It's the start of a new TV season, and I just had to give Sorkin's new show a look-see. Pilots generally leave me feeling ambivalent, and this one was no exception. There's just so much setup that has to happen, background, character establishing (at least the baseline stuff) that they often end up being a bit pedantic.
At this point, you'll probably find me watching Studio 60 next Monday. I came close to writing it off, though. There was just too much murky in the beginning and I had trouble connecting the who's who with their significance. The moment that cinched it for me, though, was Matt running down the alley to tell-off the network muckety-mucks because he thought they were blackmailing Danny into taking the job ... fade to commercial as Danny tries to catch up with him to head him off at the pass.
Of course, with Sorkin at the helm, it'll be hard to escape the expectations that the success of The West Wing raises. I loved WW and mourned its loss of focus when Sorkin left the show. I'm willing to give Studio 60 the benefit of the doubt at the moment. Here's hoping that it will live up to its potential.
Now for a momentary rant - What's with Time Warner Cable and the new CW station? Here I thought I was going to be able to regularly watch a show I enjoy, Veronica Mars, and the local TWC affiliate isn't able to work out a deal to keep the CW on the air. *sigh*
It's not fatal. I'll still live and thrive. I'm not truly addicted; however, the sound in the background is a good distraction if you can find something at least semi-interesting to listen to/watch. (I do tend to listen more than actually watch.) It's just a bit irritating, that's all.
It's the start of a new TV season, and I just had to give Sorkin's new show a look-see. Pilots generally leave me feeling ambivalent, and this one was no exception. There's just so much setup that has to happen, background, character establishing (at least the baseline stuff) that they often end up being a bit pedantic.
At this point, you'll probably find me watching Studio 60 next Monday. I came close to writing it off, though. There was just too much murky in the beginning and I had trouble connecting the who's who with their significance. The moment that cinched it for me, though, was Matt running down the alley to tell-off the network muckety-mucks because he thought they were blackmailing Danny into taking the job ... fade to commercial as Danny tries to catch up with him to head him off at the pass.
Of course, with Sorkin at the helm, it'll be hard to escape the expectations that the success of The West Wing raises. I loved WW and mourned its loss of focus when Sorkin left the show. I'm willing to give Studio 60 the benefit of the doubt at the moment. Here's hoping that it will live up to its potential.
Now for a momentary rant - What's with Time Warner Cable and the new CW station? Here I thought I was going to be able to regularly watch a show I enjoy, Veronica Mars, and the local TWC affiliate isn't able to work out a deal to keep the CW on the air. *sigh*
It's not fatal. I'll still live and thrive. I'm not truly addicted; however, the sound in the background is a good distraction if you can find something at least semi-interesting to listen to/watch. (I do tend to listen more than actually watch.) It's just a bit irritating, that's all.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Oxymoron?
Two posts in one day. I know, but I couldn't pass this up and was afraid I'd forget.
Perusing the Houston Chronicle, I was reading an article on Houston finally approving a SuperShuttle agreement when I came across the following quote:
"Houston, one of the only large cities in the country without the service"
Doubletake!!
If it is one of "the only" large city (I know - it says 'cities', but how can you have 'the only' be plural?), then how can there be more than enough for Houston to be "one of"? Should it not be something like "one of only a few"?
Perusing the Houston Chronicle, I was reading an article on Houston finally approving a SuperShuttle agreement when I came across the following quote:
"Houston, one of the only large cities in the country without the service"
Doubletake!!
If it is one of "the only" large city (I know - it says 'cities', but how can you have 'the only' be plural?), then how can there be more than enough for Houston to be "one of"? Should it not be something like "one of only a few"?
Neighbors
"Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:30-31 NIV) The Ten Commandments in a nutshell. The prickly part becomes "Who is my neighbor?"
The Maori have a greeting ritual called the hongi, where the greeters press noses together. The essence of the hongi is not that noses touch, but that each breathes into themselves part of the other. The air I breathe out becomes part of the air you breathe in. Your neighbor, in fact, becomes a part of yourself.
I wonder what the world would be like if we realized that each person we encounter - family, friend, stranger, or foe - now carries within them just the tiniest bit of us and that we carry within us a part of them. If we recognized that bit of each other in ourselves, perhaps we could treat each other with the respect, dignity, and support we ourselves would want. then our lives would indeed be richly blessed, wouldn't they, neighbor?
The Maori have a greeting ritual called the hongi, where the greeters press noses together. The essence of the hongi is not that noses touch, but that each breathes into themselves part of the other. The air I breathe out becomes part of the air you breathe in. Your neighbor, in fact, becomes a part of yourself.
I wonder what the world would be like if we realized that each person we encounter - family, friend, stranger, or foe - now carries within them just the tiniest bit of us and that we carry within us a part of them. If we recognized that bit of each other in ourselves, perhaps we could treat each other with the respect, dignity, and support we ourselves would want. then our lives would indeed be richly blessed, wouldn't they, neighbor?
Monday, September 11, 2006
Remind Me ...
... to never again fold 600 letters by hand! *chuckle*
I'm now using a partial hunt-and-peck method to type because my poor thumb is so sore. And I hate hunt-and-peck. But it's all in a good cause.
The letters were sent out to all area churches today for the"Shelter from the Storm" Hurricane Rita anniversary event. We're heading down to the final days of preparation. Here's hoping that everything falls into place and goes as planned. I'm hitting that panic-point which is par for the course for me. Pray for those of us who are putting this together!
... to always take time, no matter how nutty the world gets, to play Bunko with friends.
There's a wonderful group of ladies who get together monthly for dinner and a friendly game of Bunko. I'd never heard of Bunko until I came to Beaumont, but it's a simple game and doesn't tax one's mental resources. (which is good for me on Mondays, when I'm basically a useless human being) I only play as a substitute, and truly enjoy the opportunities I've had to join in the fun.
What's wonderful about this group is that they care about each other and simply enjoy spending time together. Usually there're at least one or two hiliarious moments leading to some good belly laughs. Since Mondays are my Sabbath, this is a blessing and quite an opportunity for re-creation!
... that although much has changed, other things have remained the same.
I have family and friends (both long-time and brand new) who are supportive in so many ways. I continue to be encouraged to move outside of my comfort zone and try new things (sometimes kicking and screaming, sometimes ending up in the midst of them without really being certain how I got there, sometimes even jumping into them enthusiastically). My furred friend Penny still greets me at the door, while my PsychoKat continues to drive my Mom crazy as she tries to make her bed!
I continue to love my chosen profession (hmmmm....profession chosen for me?). The people I work with are uplifting and make me smile. In the midst of things that aren't normal, so much that is good continues to happen.
... that I am richly blessed and have much to be thankful for!
I'm now using a partial hunt-and-peck method to type because my poor thumb is so sore. And I hate hunt-and-peck. But it's all in a good cause.
The letters were sent out to all area churches today for the"Shelter from the Storm" Hurricane Rita anniversary event. We're heading down to the final days of preparation. Here's hoping that everything falls into place and goes as planned. I'm hitting that panic-point which is par for the course for me. Pray for those of us who are putting this together!
... to always take time, no matter how nutty the world gets, to play Bunko with friends.
There's a wonderful group of ladies who get together monthly for dinner and a friendly game of Bunko. I'd never heard of Bunko until I came to Beaumont, but it's a simple game and doesn't tax one's mental resources. (which is good for me on Mondays, when I'm basically a useless human being) I only play as a substitute, and truly enjoy the opportunities I've had to join in the fun.
What's wonderful about this group is that they care about each other and simply enjoy spending time together. Usually there're at least one or two hiliarious moments leading to some good belly laughs. Since Mondays are my Sabbath, this is a blessing and quite an opportunity for re-creation!
... that although much has changed, other things have remained the same.
I have family and friends (both long-time and brand new) who are supportive in so many ways. I continue to be encouraged to move outside of my comfort zone and try new things (sometimes kicking and screaming, sometimes ending up in the midst of them without really being certain how I got there, sometimes even jumping into them enthusiastically). My furred friend Penny still greets me at the door, while my PsychoKat continues to drive my Mom crazy as she tries to make her bed!
I continue to love my chosen profession (hmmmm....profession chosen for me?). The people I work with are uplifting and make me smile. In the midst of things that aren't normal, so much that is good continues to happen.
... that I am richly blessed and have much to be thankful for!
Monday, September 04, 2006
A Telethon Curmudgeon
Call me a curmudgeon. I totally dislike the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
It's not the cause which is the problem, even though I've decided to give my funds elsewhere. People with Muscular Dystrophy truly are deserving of such devoted support. I do know that each year the researchers get closer and that's a good thing.
I think my problem is two-fold.
First, I got burned out when I had to work the freaking telethon year after year at the skating rink, and, of course, the tv was turned to the telethon. Inane (well, what do you expect from Jerry Lewis?), repetitious, and the hyped up announcements of the amounts pledged every so many minutes.........don't get me started!!
Second, and this one is the bigger one for me now, there are so many other diseases/disabilities out there which are deserving of equivalent treatment. Yet they don't get the same amount of airtime, visibility, support that MDA does. Of course, if they did, we'd be having a telethon every weekend and compassion fatigue would turn the money fountain to a leaky faucet.
I realize that the MDA telethon has become a Labor Day staple, and probably won't be dislodged unless some miracle brings about a complete cure for those suffering with Muscular Dystrophy. So I guess I'll just have to continue to be a grumpy curmudgeon on Labor Day weekend ... and, of course, boycott the show.
Yet, wouldn't it be something of wonder if Jerry Lewis would lend his name and gravitas to supporting a different disease/disability each year, to open up the hearts of people to the needs of other equally deserving victims?
It's not the cause which is the problem, even though I've decided to give my funds elsewhere. People with Muscular Dystrophy truly are deserving of such devoted support. I do know that each year the researchers get closer and that's a good thing.
I think my problem is two-fold.
First, I got burned out when I had to work the freaking telethon year after year at the skating rink, and, of course, the tv was turned to the telethon. Inane (well, what do you expect from Jerry Lewis?), repetitious, and the hyped up announcements of the amounts pledged every so many minutes.........don't get me started!!
Second, and this one is the bigger one for me now, there are so many other diseases/disabilities out there which are deserving of equivalent treatment. Yet they don't get the same amount of airtime, visibility, support that MDA does. Of course, if they did, we'd be having a telethon every weekend and compassion fatigue would turn the money fountain to a leaky faucet.
I realize that the MDA telethon has become a Labor Day staple, and probably won't be dislodged unless some miracle brings about a complete cure for those suffering with Muscular Dystrophy. So I guess I'll just have to continue to be a grumpy curmudgeon on Labor Day weekend ... and, of course, boycott the show.
Yet, wouldn't it be something of wonder if Jerry Lewis would lend his name and gravitas to supporting a different disease/disability each year, to open up the hearts of people to the needs of other equally deserving victims?
Hurricane Days
All right, already! It's been almost a year now. You'd think it'd be easy to just get back to "normal" and let go of the effects of Her Horribleness. It should be ... shouldn't it?
Maybe. .................................... Well, not necessarily.
The thing is, we're facing an anniversary date this month: the day that Hurricane Rita came through and knocked Southeast Texas silly. Anniversary dates of traumatic events are strange creatures. For some people, they are non-events. For others, the opposite occurs and it is almost as though the experience happened yesterday. And still others find themselves somewhere in the middle.
Her Horribleness displaced thousands of us in so many different ways, and turned many lives upside down. I'm still not home, and maybe that's not a bad thing (although I really want to get back home). For those whose homes have been repaired, it is a bit easier to slip back into "everything's normal" mode and not see the homes and businesses that are still awaiting repair or may never be repaired, not see all of the blue (and brown and black) tarps still covering roofs with gaping holes in them, not be aware of the upheaval in lives that have been permanently changed.
There are still literally thousands of homes in Southeast Texas that haven't been fixed yet. The SETIO repair request list alone is over 1,000 names long. Some for lack of funds. Others just waiting in line for the next available (fill in the repair type needed).
And broken houses are not the only type of displacement people are experiencing. Individual situations have changed significantly for so many, and it can be difficult to adapt to the necessary changes. They are disorienting, especially when one has had to leave a beloved familiar place or move forward without a loved one in one's life.
I've recently experienced what I've decided to call "hurricane days". Earlier this week, I found myself feeling, oh!, I guess stuck is a good word for it. There were things I knew I needed to do, and I could even think of the steps I needed to take to accomplish them, but I couldn't for the life of me manage to get my brain out of park and actually do any of them. It was as though I were disconnected, mind from body.
What a relief it was to pick up a resource on anniversary date reactions and discover that what I was experiencing was not unexpected! Here's what one study had to say: "It takes much longer than a few months to truly begin to make peace with the past and turn to the future. In their study of loss and mourning, Zunin and Zunin (1991) found that the lives of the bereaved may still be strongly affected a year and a half to three years later."
Other things people might be experiencing about now: (a) memories, dreams, thoughts and feelings that are vivid with some possibly seeming as though they happened yesterday; (b) grief, sadness, and regret (In fact, some people may have been so involved with the practicalities of recovery and rebuilding that they may not have had time to grieve themselves); (c) fear, anxiety, and stress may return (How many of us began to feel a bit tense when the early projections for Ernesto put him headed toward us as a pretty strong storm?); (d) avoidance - Oh! It's just another day. (Nothing inherently wrong in that. It's useful to be aware, though, that others may not have the same type of reaction.); and (e) reflection - taking a look at what's happened and incorporating it into our lives.
We all go through this process of incorporating significant, yes - traumatic, change into our lives in different ways. As we walk through the days ahead, perhaps it would be wise to be aware of how those we encounter may have been impacted by this life-changing storm and honor the ways each of us react to this signficant date in our lives.
I know that I'm going to be a bit more aware of what's happening in my own life, and labeling it for others, as necessary. So, if you see me just sitting there, speaking randomly disconnected thoughts, all I ask is that you treat me gently. "Hurricane days" are hell.
Maybe. .................................... Well, not necessarily.
The thing is, we're facing an anniversary date this month: the day that Hurricane Rita came through and knocked Southeast Texas silly. Anniversary dates of traumatic events are strange creatures. For some people, they are non-events. For others, the opposite occurs and it is almost as though the experience happened yesterday. And still others find themselves somewhere in the middle.
Her Horribleness displaced thousands of us in so many different ways, and turned many lives upside down. I'm still not home, and maybe that's not a bad thing (although I really want to get back home). For those whose homes have been repaired, it is a bit easier to slip back into "everything's normal" mode and not see the homes and businesses that are still awaiting repair or may never be repaired, not see all of the blue (and brown and black) tarps still covering roofs with gaping holes in them, not be aware of the upheaval in lives that have been permanently changed.
There are still literally thousands of homes in Southeast Texas that haven't been fixed yet. The SETIO repair request list alone is over 1,000 names long. Some for lack of funds. Others just waiting in line for the next available (fill in the repair type needed).
And broken houses are not the only type of displacement people are experiencing. Individual situations have changed significantly for so many, and it can be difficult to adapt to the necessary changes. They are disorienting, especially when one has had to leave a beloved familiar place or move forward without a loved one in one's life.
I've recently experienced what I've decided to call "hurricane days". Earlier this week, I found myself feeling, oh!, I guess stuck is a good word for it. There were things I knew I needed to do, and I could even think of the steps I needed to take to accomplish them, but I couldn't for the life of me manage to get my brain out of park and actually do any of them. It was as though I were disconnected, mind from body.
What a relief it was to pick up a resource on anniversary date reactions and discover that what I was experiencing was not unexpected! Here's what one study had to say: "It takes much longer than a few months to truly begin to make peace with the past and turn to the future. In their study of loss and mourning, Zunin and Zunin (1991) found that the lives of the bereaved may still be strongly affected a year and a half to three years later."
Other things people might be experiencing about now: (a) memories, dreams, thoughts and feelings that are vivid with some possibly seeming as though they happened yesterday; (b) grief, sadness, and regret (In fact, some people may have been so involved with the practicalities of recovery and rebuilding that they may not have had time to grieve themselves); (c) fear, anxiety, and stress may return (How many of us began to feel a bit tense when the early projections for Ernesto put him headed toward us as a pretty strong storm?); (d) avoidance - Oh! It's just another day. (Nothing inherently wrong in that. It's useful to be aware, though, that others may not have the same type of reaction.); and (e) reflection - taking a look at what's happened and incorporating it into our lives.
We all go through this process of incorporating significant, yes - traumatic, change into our lives in different ways. As we walk through the days ahead, perhaps it would be wise to be aware of how those we encounter may have been impacted by this life-changing storm and honor the ways each of us react to this signficant date in our lives.
I know that I'm going to be a bit more aware of what's happening in my own life, and labeling it for others, as necessary. So, if you see me just sitting there, speaking randomly disconnected thoughts, all I ask is that you treat me gently. "Hurricane days" are hell.
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