~when I go back to sleep in the morning I have the weirdest dreams? And usually ones that leave me feeling sad and nostalgic?
~that I haven't learned that I shouldn't brush my teeth right after putting on a clean clergy shirt?
~that I crave peanut butter so much these days? (At least my brand of peanut butter is safe from the recall!)
~my Christmas cacti bloom at such idiosyncratic times, and hardly ever at Christmas?
~my bird feeders always run out of seed on the days I have NO time to fill them up?
~gas prices go up and down in a matter of hours? (Seriously... I watched the price change up, down, and up again in the same 24 hour period.)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Betwixt and between
My last year of grad school was a crazy time--I was trying to collect data and write a dissertation, teach, and look for a job. Keeping all those balls up in the air wasn't easy--there was a month in the spring where I flew off for three interviews and a conference in the midst of data collection, and returned from the last trip to find that the Kid, then 2, had chicken pox during the week I had to give finals. Somehow I got through it all, defending my dissertation and moving north just a week before my teaching position started.
Memories of those months have come flooding back lately as I prepare for the next big things in my life. As I've mentioned before, my boss leaves for sabbatical in a little under two months, and I will be taking over extra responsibilities during the almost four months of his absence. At the same time, I am looking for my next position because the expectation is that I will move on before the end of the year. And the Kid will be graduating from high school in June and preparing to go on to college in the fall.
The timing is awkward, and it's an awkwardness not of my making. In the grand scheme of things, it would've been better to wait a bit longer before jumping into the search waters so that I wouldn't be dealing with search committees, interview trips, and the like while the boss is away. But it has become abundantly clear to me that the sooner I leave after his return, the happier he will be, and a looming and rather large budget deficit for 2009 is exacerbating that. So I am full into search mode and hoping for the best.
Add to the mix that the Kid is graduating in June. I've long promised him that I wouldn't move before he graduated (and I won't) but it will be hard for him if I pick up and go right after graduation--he really wants to be here to work for the whole summer, but I can't guarantee that. On the other hand, if I haven't found a new place by late fall, I'll be freaking out because come December 31 my job here is done no matter what.
So I'm betwixt and between right now. I can't really blog all the details, but there are a lot of balls up in the air, and I have a lot of mixed feelings. I'm looking forward to parts of this process and dreading other parts. I have a fair amount of annoyance with my boss for making this as difficult as it is--there are several places where different choices could've been made that would have made life easier. And my congregation has a fair amount of anxiety--about the rector's sabbatical, my impending move, and the budget crisis. It all makes for interesting times.
Memories of those months have come flooding back lately as I prepare for the next big things in my life. As I've mentioned before, my boss leaves for sabbatical in a little under two months, and I will be taking over extra responsibilities during the almost four months of his absence. At the same time, I am looking for my next position because the expectation is that I will move on before the end of the year. And the Kid will be graduating from high school in June and preparing to go on to college in the fall.
The timing is awkward, and it's an awkwardness not of my making. In the grand scheme of things, it would've been better to wait a bit longer before jumping into the search waters so that I wouldn't be dealing with search committees, interview trips, and the like while the boss is away. But it has become abundantly clear to me that the sooner I leave after his return, the happier he will be, and a looming and rather large budget deficit for 2009 is exacerbating that. So I am full into search mode and hoping for the best.
Add to the mix that the Kid is graduating in June. I've long promised him that I wouldn't move before he graduated (and I won't) but it will be hard for him if I pick up and go right after graduation--he really wants to be here to work for the whole summer, but I can't guarantee that. On the other hand, if I haven't found a new place by late fall, I'll be freaking out because come December 31 my job here is done no matter what.
So I'm betwixt and between right now. I can't really blog all the details, but there are a lot of balls up in the air, and I have a lot of mixed feelings. I'm looking forward to parts of this process and dreading other parts. I have a fair amount of annoyance with my boss for making this as difficult as it is--there are several places where different choices could've been made that would have made life easier. And my congregation has a fair amount of anxiety--about the rector's sabbatical, my impending move, and the budget crisis. It all makes for interesting times.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Old friends
~I keep reading posts here and there about people finding old high school and elementary school friends on FB, sometimes welcomed contacts, sometimes not. I love FB for helping me stay in touch with family, bloggy friends, and friends from seminary and grad school, but I've been singularly unable to find my old high school and elementary school friends, even though I've searched in various ways.
~Perhaps it's my age. There are certainly less people of my vintage on FB than people 10 years younger than I am, although that is changing every day. But maybe it's something about my particular class? I used to check for friends on classmatesdotcom back when I was still teaching and there weren't ever many there. I guess it's not surprising that some of the same handful of people who showed up there are on FB, but none of my friends are among them--with the exception of my 8th grade boyfriend, whom I have no desire whatsoever to friend.
~I've been looking for one person for years--my bff from 5th-8th grades. A and I met shortly after we moved to City with a Star during the summer before 5th grade. We lived in a really friendly neighborhood, and we hadn't been there for long when my parents were invited to play bridge with a group that included A's parents, and the very next day A and I were introduced. We quickly bonded over our Barbies and our bikes, and were pretty much inseparable for the next 3 and half years, until my father was transferrred. A and I shed many, many tears over our parting, and we wrote each other long letters and visited a few times over the next couple of years, but by junior year in high school the letters tapered off and the visits ended and we lost touch.
~The last I heard about A was when my dad visited City with a Star about the time he retired. A had gotten married and was living in our old neighborhood in the house right next to her parents. But I never found out her married name, and she doesn't show up anywhere under her family name, nor does her sister or brother--not on FB, not on classmates, not in any google searches. A few years ago I drove through City with a Star and fantasized about going to the old neighborhood to see if she or any of her family was still there, but we were on our way to my parents' house for what turned out to be my dad's last Christmas, and time was short, and I couldn't really stop.
~Every time I was pregnant I dreamed about A. If Elder Son had been a girl, he would've been given A's name (a name I didn't seriously consider for any of my other kids as it gained in popularity among girls' names). A and I used to talk about how one of us would be the first woman president. Clearly that isn't going to happen, but I do wonder what she's doing--did she have kids? What kind of career does she have? Would we have stayed friends if I hadn't moved away? My mother always maintains that we wouldn't have, that we would have grown apart, that I remember our friendship through overly rose-colored glasses, but who's to say, really?
~Not too long ago NSLS found her childhood best friend, also named A online, and it's fun to see messages from her on NSLS's FB. But sometimes it does remind me of how much I'd like to reconnect with A, with other childhood friends, friends lost through years of moves and life changes. I miss having that kind of roots.
~Perhaps it's my age. There are certainly less people of my vintage on FB than people 10 years younger than I am, although that is changing every day. But maybe it's something about my particular class? I used to check for friends on classmatesdotcom back when I was still teaching and there weren't ever many there. I guess it's not surprising that some of the same handful of people who showed up there are on FB, but none of my friends are among them--with the exception of my 8th grade boyfriend, whom I have no desire whatsoever to friend.
~I've been looking for one person for years--my bff from 5th-8th grades. A and I met shortly after we moved to City with a Star during the summer before 5th grade. We lived in a really friendly neighborhood, and we hadn't been there for long when my parents were invited to play bridge with a group that included A's parents, and the very next day A and I were introduced. We quickly bonded over our Barbies and our bikes, and were pretty much inseparable for the next 3 and half years, until my father was transferrred. A and I shed many, many tears over our parting, and we wrote each other long letters and visited a few times over the next couple of years, but by junior year in high school the letters tapered off and the visits ended and we lost touch.
~The last I heard about A was when my dad visited City with a Star about the time he retired. A had gotten married and was living in our old neighborhood in the house right next to her parents. But I never found out her married name, and she doesn't show up anywhere under her family name, nor does her sister or brother--not on FB, not on classmates, not in any google searches. A few years ago I drove through City with a Star and fantasized about going to the old neighborhood to see if she or any of her family was still there, but we were on our way to my parents' house for what turned out to be my dad's last Christmas, and time was short, and I couldn't really stop.
~Every time I was pregnant I dreamed about A. If Elder Son had been a girl, he would've been given A's name (a name I didn't seriously consider for any of my other kids as it gained in popularity among girls' names). A and I used to talk about how one of us would be the first woman president. Clearly that isn't going to happen, but I do wonder what she's doing--did she have kids? What kind of career does she have? Would we have stayed friends if I hadn't moved away? My mother always maintains that we wouldn't have, that we would have grown apart, that I remember our friendship through overly rose-colored glasses, but who's to say, really?
~Not too long ago NSLS found her childhood best friend, also named A online, and it's fun to see messages from her on NSLS's FB. But sometimes it does remind me of how much I'd like to reconnect with A, with other childhood friends, friends lost through years of moves and life changes. I miss having that kind of roots.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
There's a pattern emerging here
~The weather here is abominable. The day started with a lovely snow, but around noon it turned to rain--and not just a little rain, but a downpour. Then as a it got dark the rain slowed to a drizzle and it got very foggy, and then a few hours later the wind picked up and it started pouring again. Before dawn the temperature will fall below freezing, and there will be ice everywhere--especially in the church parking lot. Ugh.
~Right now the w:50ind is just howling outside.
~This whole snow followed by rain thing has been the pattern this winter. It has snowed far more frequently than it did last winter, but just about every time the snow is followed by rain/freezing rain/ sleet/wintry mix within 24 hours.
~Meanwhile, as soon as I hit publish I'm gong to get up and go to bed. I'm exhausted and ever since I got home from work I've been on the couch, dozing off from time to time, with no energy to do anything else. But I continue to stay up til midnight every night. Another pattern that needs to be broken.
ETA: I actually hit publish at 10:52 because I kept dozing off while writing it. Now I really am going to bed!
~Right now the w:50ind is just howling outside.
~This whole snow followed by rain thing has been the pattern this winter. It has snowed far more frequently than it did last winter, but just about every time the snow is followed by rain/freezing rain/ sleet/wintry mix within 24 hours.
~Meanwhile, as soon as I hit publish I'm gong to get up and go to bed. I'm exhausted and ever since I got home from work I've been on the couch, dozing off from time to time, with no energy to do anything else. But I continue to stay up til midnight every night. Another pattern that needs to be broken.
ETA: I actually hit publish at 10:52 because I kept dozing off while writing it. Now I really am going to bed!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Apparently you CAN be too clean
From this article:
This is fascinating to me because recently I have been just amazed by the extent to which some folks want to protect their kids from dirt. And I'm glad that it seems to be not only okay but desirable to let kids run around barefoot and play in dirt.
Is it coincidental that we're talking about this at the same time we're encountering more instances of really bad bacteria like salmonella? Because the more we worry about bugs that make us sick, the more we tend to use antibacterial products and so forth and the more we hurt our immune systems...making us more likely to get sick.....hmmmm....
Sort of makes me wish I knew more microbiology.
"Dr. Weinstock goes even further. “Children should be allowed to go barefoot in the dirt, play in the dirt, and not have to wash their hands when they come in to eat,” he said. He and Dr. Elliott pointed out that children who grow up on farms and are frequently exposed to worms and other organisms from farm animals are much less likely to develop allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Also helpful, he said, is to “let kids have two dogs and a cat,” which will expose them to intestinal worms that can promote a healthy immune system."This is fascinating to me because recently I have been just amazed by the extent to which some folks want to protect their kids from dirt. And I'm glad that it seems to be not only okay but desirable to let kids run around barefoot and play in dirt.
Is it coincidental that we're talking about this at the same time we're encountering more instances of really bad bacteria like salmonella? Because the more we worry about bugs that make us sick, the more we tend to use antibacterial products and so forth and the more we hurt our immune systems...making us more likely to get sick.....hmmmm....
Sort of makes me wish I knew more microbiology.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Two things that made me go "wow!" today
~The idea of bearing 8 babies at once...octuplets, anyone?
~Blagojevich comapring himself to MLK, Gandhi, and Mandela, and then boycotting his own trial.
Although after scheming to sell a senate seat, should we be surprised?
~Blagojevich comapring himself to MLK, Gandhi, and Mandela, and then boycotting his own trial.
Although after scheming to sell a senate seat, should we be surprised?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Truism
Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
ETA: This is not totally true. I actually lots on my mind I'd like to blog about, but those topics are, for now at least. mostly unbloggable.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Isn't it funny
how sometimes accomplishing the smallest things can give you the greatest sense of satisfaction?
The remote control for my almost 10-year-old Beetle has been acting wonky for months now, and finally this week it gave up the ghost. I was dreading having to go to the VW dealer to get it repaired when it suddenly dawned on me that I could probably just change the batteries in it myself--after almost 10 years, (and one whole winter buried in the snow by my garage in VT!) they were a likely candidate for the source of the problem. The directions in the owner's manual were woefully lacking, but the Kid found illustrated instructions on the web for opening the remote and changing the batteries. So off to Radio Shack we went, and voila! A remote that works again, for just over $10.
I'm sure this wouldn't be a big deal for most people, but it does feel like a great accomplishment to me, perhaps because for years I felt inadequate when it came to anything connected to cars and their maintenance. But every year I learn something new, and I am glad to add this small skill to my repertoire.
The remote control for my almost 10-year-old Beetle has been acting wonky for months now, and finally this week it gave up the ghost. I was dreading having to go to the VW dealer to get it repaired when it suddenly dawned on me that I could probably just change the batteries in it myself--after almost 10 years, (and one whole winter buried in the snow by my garage in VT!) they were a likely candidate for the source of the problem. The directions in the owner's manual were woefully lacking, but the Kid found illustrated instructions on the web for opening the remote and changing the batteries. So off to Radio Shack we went, and voila! A remote that works again, for just over $10.
I'm sure this wouldn't be a big deal for most people, but it does feel like a great accomplishment to me, perhaps because for years I felt inadequate when it came to anything connected to cars and their maintenance. But every year I learn something new, and I am glad to add this small skill to my repertoire.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Works for me
You Belong in London |
 You belong in London, but you belong in many cities... Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sidney. You fit in almost anywhere. And London is diverse and international enough to satisfy many of your tastes. From curry to Shakespeare, London (almost) has it all! |
Thursday, January 22, 2009
National Blog for Choice Day
It's been a long day and I'm too tired to be coherent, but I hate to let this day pass without mention, so read what I wrote about this two years ago here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Random bits of Wednesday
~I always turn on NPR as soon as my alarm goes off in the morning, and what a thrill it was to hear them talking about "President Obama."
~I'm sort of sorry that Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn from contention for the NY senate seat. I kind of liked her. Maybe she hasn't held office, but she has worked hard for education, and she's smart and articulate, and doesn't seem to let her family name go to her head. And I'm touched that she's withdrawn out of concern for her uncle...although I don't think that bodes well for his long term prognosis.
~Maybe I've just drunk the Kennedy kool-aid, being a child of the Camelot era. I remember when JFK was elected and when he was assassinated, and when RFK ran for president and was killed, and I remember Caroline as a child, and the pictures of her in the oval office with her brother.
~I'm waiting now for the Kid to get home from his inauguration trip. I've seen some of his pictures, but I want to see more, and to hear more about it. I'm so glad he was able to go.
~Today was a long day with too many meetings, and tomorrow promises to be more of the same. Gah.
~The timing of today's meetings meant I didn't get any dinner. I don't do well skipping meals, so I ate junk, which I've been trying not to do. But really scheduling meetings like that? Not good.
~And now, some gratuitous baby cuteness, because we can never have too much baby cuteness~
ETA: I'm always appalled by the typos I find after I hit publish! Really, I'm a good speller and a good editor, but somehow here, I lose those skills! I think I've fixed them all now...
~I'm sort of sorry that Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn from contention for the NY senate seat. I kind of liked her. Maybe she hasn't held office, but she has worked hard for education, and she's smart and articulate, and doesn't seem to let her family name go to her head. And I'm touched that she's withdrawn out of concern for her uncle...although I don't think that bodes well for his long term prognosis.
~Maybe I've just drunk the Kennedy kool-aid, being a child of the Camelot era. I remember when JFK was elected and when he was assassinated, and when RFK ran for president and was killed, and I remember Caroline as a child, and the pictures of her in the oval office with her brother.
~I'm waiting now for the Kid to get home from his inauguration trip. I've seen some of his pictures, but I want to see more, and to hear more about it. I'm so glad he was able to go.
~Today was a long day with too many meetings, and tomorrow promises to be more of the same. Gah.
~The timing of today's meetings meant I didn't get any dinner. I don't do well skipping meals, so I ate junk, which I've been trying not to do. But really scheduling meetings like that? Not good.
~And now, some gratuitous baby cuteness, because we can never have too much baby cuteness~
ETA: I'm always appalled by the typos I find after I hit publish! Really, I'm a good speller and a good editor, but somehow here, I lose those skills! I think I've fixed them all now...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Oh, what a day!
When we let freedom ring,
when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet,
from every state and every city,
we will be able to speed up that day
when all of God's children,
black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles,
Protestants and Catholics,
will be able to join hands
and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual,
Free at last! free at last!
thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet,
from every state and every city,
we will be able to speed up that day
when all of God's children,
black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles,
Protestants and Catholics,
will be able to join hands
and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual,
Free at last! free at last!
thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
What a birthday present tomorrow will be, honoring the memory of a modern day prophet.
Impeccable timing
~Back in November I blogged about losing two pieces of software--my Parallels program and a bible resource. Despite the great stories about find the lost when it has been blogged about, my software never turned up, even though I searched high and low for it.
~About half way through December I realized I had some continuing ed money that I didn't have much time left to use, so I decided to replace my software, because it is something I used for work. Both programs had new updates out, so it seemed reasonable just to start fresh, and I ordered them. The new bible software was delayed, but it finally arrived here Friday, and I figured I'd have some time in the next few days to get it all installed.
~Saturday when the Kid was packing, I pulled my luggage out of the closet to get a luggage tag for him to use. When I reached into the tote bag to pull it out there were a couple of other things in there, too, and I pulled them out without looking at them. Last night I happened to pick them up, and yes, you guessed it--the lost software. Perfect timing.
~I really don't know how it ended up where it was, though. I must've taken it with me when I went to Vermont in August. I bought that luggage in Vermont during that trip, and somehow the software got into the tote bag when I repacked? I don't know....but finding it last night just made me laugh. The timing couldn't have been more ironic.
~About half way through December I realized I had some continuing ed money that I didn't have much time left to use, so I decided to replace my software, because it is something I used for work. Both programs had new updates out, so it seemed reasonable just to start fresh, and I ordered them. The new bible software was delayed, but it finally arrived here Friday, and I figured I'd have some time in the next few days to get it all installed.
~Saturday when the Kid was packing, I pulled my luggage out of the closet to get a luggage tag for him to use. When I reached into the tote bag to pull it out there were a couple of other things in there, too, and I pulled them out without looking at them. Last night I happened to pick them up, and yes, you guessed it--the lost software. Perfect timing.
~I really don't know how it ended up where it was, though. I must've taken it with me when I went to Vermont in August. I bought that luggage in Vermont during that trip, and somehow the software got into the tote bag when I repacked? I don't know....but finding it last night just made me laugh. The timing couldn't have been more ironic.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
All we are saying...
is give peace a chance.
As seen at profgrrrrl's
As seen at profgrrrrl's
Your Word is "Peace" |
 You see life as precious, and you wish everyone was safe, happy, and taken care of. Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you. While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway. |
Saturday, January 17, 2009
On his way to watch history being made
In about half an hour I'll be taking the Kid to meet 40 or so other teens and their brave chaperones who will be boarding a bus headed for Washington, DC. They'll drive all night, and hopefully sleep, stop for breakfast outside of DC and then head straight for the Mall for the big opening inauguration event. This wasn't originally on their schedule--tomorrow was supposed to be spent visiting memorials and museums, but hey, this is historic. Museums will be there, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I'm really glad they changed their itinerary.
Monday they will do sightseeing and Tuesday they will rise in the wee hours to be bused as close as possible to the Mall (not really all that close) to watch the swearing in on jumbotrons. We were hoping they'd be able to get tickets to be closer, but doesn't look like that will happen. Nonetheless, they'll be there to see history being made.
The Kid signed up for this trip a year ago, when we didn't even know who the nominees would be. We wondered once or twice how he and his friends would react if McCain and Palin were the ones being sworn in, but really I think he always expected it to be Obama. What an opportunity this is! I am really, really glad he is going to be there. (I sort of wish I was going to be there, too, but I am counting on texts and pictures--he got a new camera for Christmas for the occasion).
Monday they will do sightseeing and Tuesday they will rise in the wee hours to be bused as close as possible to the Mall (not really all that close) to watch the swearing in on jumbotrons. We were hoping they'd be able to get tickets to be closer, but doesn't look like that will happen. Nonetheless, they'll be there to see history being made.
The Kid signed up for this trip a year ago, when we didn't even know who the nominees would be. We wondered once or twice how he and his friends would react if McCain and Palin were the ones being sworn in, but really I think he always expected it to be Obama. What an opportunity this is! I am really, really glad he is going to be there. (I sort of wish I was going to be there, too, but I am counting on texts and pictures--he got a new camera for Christmas for the occasion).
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday Five~Take me baby, or leave me
take me for what i am
who i was meant to be
and if you give a damn
take me baby
or leave me
~from the musical 'Rent'
~from the musical 'Rent'
Whether it's new friends or new loves or new employers, here are five things people should know about me:
1. I need to see the big picture. When I don't have the big picture, I can drive people crazy questioning and obsessing about nitpicky details, but when I see the big picture then everything falls into place.
2. I need to be heard. I don't have to have my own way, but it took me a long time to find and acknowledge my voice and I have a hard time when I feel like I'm being shut out or shut down.
3. I have strong opinions but I'm willing to compromise (and see #2). And I am pretty good at seeing all sides of an issue when given the chance.
4. Sometimes I take teasing too seriously and get my feelings hurt. I try not to let this happen, but if you don't know me really well, teasing me (unless it's very gentle teasing) might not go over.
5. Sometimes my facial expressions don't adequately or accurately convey what I am feeling. When I concentrating and thinking about something hard, sometimes people think I'm angry or upset when really I'm not. And sometimes I look disapproving when I don't mean to. And I am not aware in the moment that this is happening. I cannot tell you how much trouble this would get me into with my mother, who more than once in an argument or heated discussion would say to me, "Just wipe that expression off your face!" and I 'd be like, "What expression?" Now I work very hard to keep a neutral expression during meetings, but it doesn't always work. (It's also true that I can't hide positive emotions, and I blush very easily, too. I just don't do 'poker face.' There is a psychological term for all this but I don't remember it at the moment).
6. After I read a few other responses I had to come back and add this: I cry. I cry when I'm angry and when I'm frustrated and when I'm sad. I cry way too easily (imo). I don't like it, but I'm trying to accept it as just the way I am.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Question for teh internets~semantics
When GWB says that we've misunderestimated him, what on earth does that mean? That we've not underestimated him enough? Is that even possible? And what did we underestimate? His capacity for feckless stupidty? For mangling the English language? For getting us into to unjustifiable and endless wars?
OTOH, I would say that we (or rather those who voted for him--and not that I think any one would make this mistake, but I was NOT one of those) misoverestimated him, thinking he was actually up to the job. And look what we got for that mistake.
He really is pathetic.
I'm just saying.
OTOH, I would say that we (or rather those who voted for him--and not that I think any one would make this mistake, but I was NOT one of those) misoverestimated him, thinking he was actually up to the job. And look what we got for that mistake.
He really is pathetic.
I'm just saying.
It's a new world dawning
Stuck on the corner of a bulletin board, in the midst of other old buttons (real live pieces of flair!) is a campaign button that says, "Bring back complete sentences. John Kerry for President." Clearly that didn't happen, but in today's NY Tmes, columnist Gail Collins writes, "We are about to enter a world in which our commander in chief speaks in full sentences, and I do not know what we’re going to do to divert ourselves on slow days."
And on NPR just a few minutes ago was a piece on someone who has written songs about all the presidents, and just wrote one about Obama. In the interview he said that Obama has been like someone comforting a hurt child, patting it on its back and saying, "Everything is going to be all right." I think that is an apt image.
A year ago when we were all starting to get excited about the candidacy of Barack Obama, did we know how bad things would be when he finally made it into office? I don't think most of us imagined that we would be were we are now. I, like many I know, was concerned about ending what seems like an endless war, about our broken health care system, about our eroding civil liberties. And I did wonder what George Bush might get the country into as his term wound down.
Turns out that GWB didn't have to do anything else--he'd already planted the seeds for the mes we find ourselves in now--broken economy on top of all the rest. I'm still worried about the war and healthcare and restoring our civil liberties. But I'm also worried that the financial morass we're in is one we have little hope of getting out of. And I wonder if the Obama presidency will be so weighted down by the economic crisis and all the detritus it brings with it that everything else will be eclipsed.
I'm still hopeful. I'm impressed by the way Obama has worked to set up the new administration, including former opponents, working to be conciliatory. I would've hope for a little more representaion for real liberals; I'm unhappy with his invitation to Rick Warren but happy that he invited Gene Robinson for Sunday's event; I'm pleased that he respects the UN enought to make the UN ambassador a cabinet level position. I wish he'd talk more about ending the war and fixing healthcare, but I understand why priorities have changed. And overall things look soooo much better than they have in the last 8 years. It really does feel like a new world dawning. May it be so.
And on NPR just a few minutes ago was a piece on someone who has written songs about all the presidents, and just wrote one about Obama. In the interview he said that Obama has been like someone comforting a hurt child, patting it on its back and saying, "Everything is going to be all right." I think that is an apt image.
A year ago when we were all starting to get excited about the candidacy of Barack Obama, did we know how bad things would be when he finally made it into office? I don't think most of us imagined that we would be were we are now. I, like many I know, was concerned about ending what seems like an endless war, about our broken health care system, about our eroding civil liberties. And I did wonder what George Bush might get the country into as his term wound down.
Turns out that GWB didn't have to do anything else--he'd already planted the seeds for the mes we find ourselves in now--broken economy on top of all the rest. I'm still worried about the war and healthcare and restoring our civil liberties. But I'm also worried that the financial morass we're in is one we have little hope of getting out of. And I wonder if the Obama presidency will be so weighted down by the economic crisis and all the detritus it brings with it that everything else will be eclipsed.
I'm still hopeful. I'm impressed by the way Obama has worked to set up the new administration, including former opponents, working to be conciliatory. I would've hope for a little more representaion for real liberals; I'm unhappy with his invitation to Rick Warren but happy that he invited Gene Robinson for Sunday's event; I'm pleased that he respects the UN enought to make the UN ambassador a cabinet level position. I wish he'd talk more about ending the war and fixing healthcare, but I understand why priorities have changed. And overall things look soooo much better than they have in the last 8 years. It really does feel like a new world dawning. May it be so.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Let it snow, let it snow
let it sew--because that is what it is forecast to do for the next 24 hour here. We'll see.
ETA: In the light of the next morning this is clearly a post written when I was half asleep. I think I had plans to write about the way people react to snow around here and the chances of a snow day, but I dozed off, woke up sometime later and hit the publish button. I've left the typo, but I'm sure anyone who got this on a feed was thinking "Let it sew? WTF?"
Maybe I should just go to bed earlier!
ETA: In the light of the next morning this is clearly a post written when I was half asleep. I think I had plans to write about the way people react to snow around here and the chances of a snow day, but I dozed off, woke up sometime later and hit the publish button. I've left the typo, but I'm sure anyone who got this on a feed was thinking "Let it sew? WTF?"
Maybe I should just go to bed earlier!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Make up your mind* already
The weather here has been nuts. First it will snow--great, I love snow and there is nothing more peaceful than watching snow gently drift down, or seeing a fresh snow fall all around. But then, usually the next day, it rains. And rain on snow is nasty.
The first time this cycle occurred, a couple of weeks ago, it rained enough that the snow all just melted. But since the new year, it generally rains enough to make things really gross, but not enough to get rid of the snow, or even get the sidewalks clear. The parking lot at church is particularly prone to being icy, icy, icy.
This week so far: Snow from Saturday night until Sunday morning. Rain all Sunday morning. Snow yesterday morning. And now my weather pixie says it is currently raining. Sigh.
*not that the weather has a mind...
The first time this cycle occurred, a couple of weeks ago, it rained enough that the snow all just melted. But since the new year, it generally rains enough to make things really gross, but not enough to get rid of the snow, or even get the sidewalks clear. The parking lot at church is particularly prone to being icy, icy, icy.
This week so far: Snow from Saturday night until Sunday morning. Rain all Sunday morning. Snow yesterday morning. And now my weather pixie says it is currently raining. Sigh.
*not that the weather has a mind...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Day off angst
So why would the person who keeps saying to me that I really should take all my days off then on said day off knowingly send me a work related email bound to annoy--even infuriate me--about something that by anyone else's standards really isn't that urgent and could easily have waited until tomorrow--when I'm NOT off?
Par for the course around here, I'm just saying.
Par for the course around here, I'm just saying.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Comfortable
Over the last few weeks I've been straightening and organizing, little bits at a time. I tend to let closets and cabinets and drawers go from time to time, but I really like them to be organized at least a bit. So I bought new dividers for all the kitchen drawers and redid them, and cleaned out the closet that doubles as a linen closet and a place to keep my sweaters, and one cabinet in the pantry that had become a repository for things I just wanted to get out of sight. And I boxed up stuff for the spring rummage sale at church. In the next week or so, I'll have to finally deal with all the Christmas stuff (yes, my tree is still up and the creches are still out) and organize the closets where it is all stored.
Because I've always lived in relatively small quarters, I'm good at maximizing my closet space (just ask anyone who saw how I had my hall closet in NYC packed). But here I have lots of space--more space than any two people need--and the temptation would be to let everything spread out. I have taken advantage of having plenty of closet space, but knowing that I wouldn't live here for more than a few years, I have tried really hard not to acquire too much more stuff or to let it take over. I may never live in a house this big again (and really, in most ways that would be okay; I was perfectly happy in my 700 sq ft NYC apartment). Mostly I've been successful at this.
But as I've moved through the house recently, I've realized how very comfortable I've become in this house. Things are settled in; it feels like MY house. And when I leave I will miss it.
It feels like something similar has taken place at church. I'm at home there. The congregation feels like MY people, if you know what I mean. I'm comfortable with them and with what I do there, and there is still enough challenge to keep me on my toes. Today I taught a bunch of middle schoolers about the Nicene creed--teaching that age group has never been my forte, but I have a good rapport with those kids now (from other contexts) and it went okay--better than okay, actually.
So even though I'm ready to move on, to not be the assistant any more, I'm still sad at the prospect of leaving this congregation. I know their foibles and they know mine. We are good together. As I've moved through the Christmas season, I've thought "next year we'll do this" or "maybe we should think about that" and then I catch myself, realizing that it's not likely that I'll still be here this time next year. Ready or not, it's time to move on.
Because I've always lived in relatively small quarters, I'm good at maximizing my closet space (just ask anyone who saw how I had my hall closet in NYC packed). But here I have lots of space--more space than any two people need--and the temptation would be to let everything spread out. I have taken advantage of having plenty of closet space, but knowing that I wouldn't live here for more than a few years, I have tried really hard not to acquire too much more stuff or to let it take over. I may never live in a house this big again (and really, in most ways that would be okay; I was perfectly happy in my 700 sq ft NYC apartment). Mostly I've been successful at this.
But as I've moved through the house recently, I've realized how very comfortable I've become in this house. Things are settled in; it feels like MY house. And when I leave I will miss it.
It feels like something similar has taken place at church. I'm at home there. The congregation feels like MY people, if you know what I mean. I'm comfortable with them and with what I do there, and there is still enough challenge to keep me on my toes. Today I taught a bunch of middle schoolers about the Nicene creed--teaching that age group has never been my forte, but I have a good rapport with those kids now (from other contexts) and it went okay--better than okay, actually.
So even though I'm ready to move on, to not be the assistant any more, I'm still sad at the prospect of leaving this congregation. I know their foibles and they know mine. We are good together. As I've moved through the Christmas season, I've thought "next year we'll do this" or "maybe we should think about that" and then I catch myself, realizing that it's not likely that I'll still be here this time next year. Ready or not, it's time to move on.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Three years in
The Kid and I had a conversation this afternoon that led me to go through my blog archives and as I did, I ran across this post, which made me realize that I had completely forgotten that Wednesday was the third anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood (January 7). It's not a big deal, but I am still a bit surprised at myself that I didn't think of it at all, because I usually remember things like that--although apparently I forgot it last year, too (at least I didn't mention it on the blog.)
When I was ordained I alternated between feeling like I was finally really ready, and being freaked out because I was afraid I actually wasn't ready (just like so many other things you spend years preparing for) And in truth I was ready and I wasn't. Some things I thought I knew I had to learn (or relearn), and some of the situationsI worried ahead of time about NOT knowing what to do or say came easily when the time called for them. And of course, there have been plenty of occasions that nothing can prepare you for. You just have to live through it and hope God has your back.
One of the things I've had occasion to reflect on this week is how certain people who for the most part are pains in the tushes can also be vehicles of grace, given the chance. There's one guy who has been mad at the church for years and who could harangue you over the least little things--but he's mellowed and it turns out that he has the heart of a pastor in certain situations, reaching out to people who otherwise might be overlooked. And there's the woman who is soooo anal, and such a control freak, but who, if you can just go with the flow with her and play to her strengths, is generous to a fault and more than willing to use her talents where they are needed. Discovering those things--things I could never have predicted or planned for, or even intentionally worked on--has been a learning experience, and definitely a grace-filled thing.
And so, three years into this vocation, as I prepare for my boss' upcoming sabbatical, and for moving on, hopefully to become a rector, this reminds me, that although I still have those moments when I wonder if I will be up to the task, deep insde I know that what I really have to do is let go--let go of my need to be in control, let go of my expectations, let go of my insecurites, and grace will abound. Life won't always be easy, but grace will abound.
When I was ordained I alternated between feeling like I was finally really ready, and being freaked out because I was afraid I actually wasn't ready (just like so many other things you spend years preparing for) And in truth I was ready and I wasn't. Some things I thought I knew I had to learn (or relearn), and some of the situationsI worried ahead of time about NOT knowing what to do or say came easily when the time called for them. And of course, there have been plenty of occasions that nothing can prepare you for. You just have to live through it and hope God has your back.
One of the things I've had occasion to reflect on this week is how certain people who for the most part are pains in the tushes can also be vehicles of grace, given the chance. There's one guy who has been mad at the church for years and who could harangue you over the least little things--but he's mellowed and it turns out that he has the heart of a pastor in certain situations, reaching out to people who otherwise might be overlooked. And there's the woman who is soooo anal, and such a control freak, but who, if you can just go with the flow with her and play to her strengths, is generous to a fault and more than willing to use her talents where they are needed. Discovering those things--things I could never have predicted or planned for, or even intentionally worked on--has been a learning experience, and definitely a grace-filled thing.
And so, three years into this vocation, as I prepare for my boss' upcoming sabbatical, and for moving on, hopefully to become a rector, this reminds me, that although I still have those moments when I wonder if I will be up to the task, deep insde I know that what I really have to do is let go--let go of my need to be in control, let go of my expectations, let go of my insecurites, and grace will abound. Life won't always be easy, but grace will abound.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Friday Five~Pancakes!
A light and fluffy Friday Five.I love this one. Here's why--my first year in seminary we were supposed to go to a different church every Sunday to experience the rich variety of Episcopal churches and to scope out a place to do field work the next two years. So the Kid and I (often with the caffeinated priest) were all over Manhattan on Sundays, and we always went out for brunch afterwards. For some reason, I ordered pancakes quite often, and I became quite opinionated about the quality of pancakes! I still enjoy pancakes for brunch.
1. Scratch or mix? Buttermilk or plain?
Any of the above can be good, I think.
2. Pure and simple, or with additions cooked in?
With additions--blueberries, raspberries, bananas and pecans are all wonderful. And sweet potato or pumpkin pancakes can be divine.
3. For breakfast or for dinner?
Brunch please.
4. Preferred syrup or other topping? How about the best side dish?
REAL maple syrup please, preferrably from Vermont. I was most displeased when all that was available was that insipid fake stuff, and when I had to pay extra for real maple (though I did it). And crispy bacon is a good side, although I don't do that much any more since I as a general rule don't eat meat. (I do cheat for bacon sometimes though).
5. Favorite pancake restaurant?
There was a place in the Village whose name I can't remember (caffeinated priest, you had Thanksgiving there one year) that had divine blueberry pancakes. And if I recall correctly, Tom's Restaurant (the "Seinfeld diner" on the Upper West Side) had great banana nut pancakes (but bad syrup and instant Sanka for decaf coffee--ugh!) The Cowgirl Cafe in the Village (best brunch ever!) had great sweet potato pancakes. But honestly, I think maybe the best pancakes I've ever had were at the Shelburne Inn this fall, and what made them best was the incredible berry topping and real maple syrup.
Bonus: Maybe I can find the recipe later, but I must mention that I also love Icelandic pancakes, panokakur, very thin like crepes and often filled with jelly and dusted with powdered sugar, or just folded up with sugar.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Looking for work
It's been relatively quiet at work this week --the calm between Christmas and the beginning of Lent, long may it last--and so I've spent a fair amount of time looking for job listings, preparing cover letters and sending out application packets. And what this has reminded me is how time consuming and exhausting this whole process is.
When I was on the academic job market I thought that was hard--and it was. But at least in my field there was a relatively fixed time period in which job listings would come out, and a more predictable timetable for response, interviews, hiring decisions and so forth. And there were reliable places where you could be pretty sure that if there was a job, it would show up there.
With clergy positions, it's different. New openings can come up anytime, and while that's a benefit, it's also time consuming to track. In my denomination there is a national job listing site, but what I'm finding is that not all positions end up being listed there in a timely way. There is a second on-line resource that has listings for the geographic areas I'd most like to be in, but again, some dioceses are better than others about keeping their listings updated. Some dioceses list openings on their own websites--but not all, and there are 108 or so dioceses, if I were inclined to check out all of them (which I'm not). And then there's the matter of who you know. I wish it didn't make a difference, but I fear that it does. Luckily for me, my clergy coach is well-connected and he's a tremendous help. Assistance in the form of tips for me and recommendations to parishes have come from a few other (sometimes unexpected) places as well, for which I'm grateful.
The search and call process is a long and winding road. There are some good reasons for this, but it can still be frustrating--for people on both sides. So there is at least one position that I know is coming open (and have known for months) and might be interested in, but because of the nature of the process, it may not happen soon enough for me to apply for it.
And let us not forget--this is a discernment process, not a hiring process. Parishes and candidates are in a mutual process to discern a good fit, to discern who is called to become the next rector. Despite the hint of sarcasm in that, I do believe that. It's just hard not to lose sight of what's going on in the tedium of the whole thing. And it's hard not to get anxious about it, too.
When I was on the academic job market I thought that was hard--and it was. But at least in my field there was a relatively fixed time period in which job listings would come out, and a more predictable timetable for response, interviews, hiring decisions and so forth. And there were reliable places where you could be pretty sure that if there was a job, it would show up there.
With clergy positions, it's different. New openings can come up anytime, and while that's a benefit, it's also time consuming to track. In my denomination there is a national job listing site, but what I'm finding is that not all positions end up being listed there in a timely way. There is a second on-line resource that has listings for the geographic areas I'd most like to be in, but again, some dioceses are better than others about keeping their listings updated. Some dioceses list openings on their own websites--but not all, and there are 108 or so dioceses, if I were inclined to check out all of them (which I'm not). And then there's the matter of who you know. I wish it didn't make a difference, but I fear that it does. Luckily for me, my clergy coach is well-connected and he's a tremendous help. Assistance in the form of tips for me and recommendations to parishes have come from a few other (sometimes unexpected) places as well, for which I'm grateful.
The search and call process is a long and winding road. There are some good reasons for this, but it can still be frustrating--for people on both sides. So there is at least one position that I know is coming open (and have known for months) and might be interested in, but because of the nature of the process, it may not happen soon enough for me to apply for it.
And let us not forget--this is a discernment process, not a hiring process. Parishes and candidates are in a mutual process to discern a good fit, to discern who is called to become the next rector. Despite the hint of sarcasm in that, I do believe that. It's just hard not to lose sight of what's going on in the tedium of the whole thing. And it's hard not to get anxious about it, too.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Random bits of Wednesday
~Time is such a funny thing--Christmas Eve was just two weeks ago, but it feels like forever, like a dim and distant memory.
~It was just nasty outside today. Overnight we had sleet on top of old snow. It warmed up enough that it was just raining (*just*--ugh) but water on top of ice? Just gross. And slippery. Fortunately it is supposed to stay above freezing tonight, else we'd all need skates to get out tomorrow.
~Lots of meetings today, but it went better than I'd expected. Why oh why do we need days FULL of meetings?
~I never thought about Jimmy Carter as being a small person, until I saw this. Maybe it's just the angle, but Carter looks so puny next to the rest of them. And in the video, listening to GWB welcoming Obama--let me just say that I am so thankful that we don't have to listen to that voice much longer! And in that company, Carter may be the peanut in size, but GWB is the small one intellectually.
~I am determined to start going to bed earlier so that I can get more sleep. That shouldn't be so hard, but I always get distracted by something, or decide to do "one more thing" and then before I know it, it's after midnight again. Which would be okay if I could sleep til 8 or 9, but I can't. Sigh. What ever happened to being a morning person?
~It was just nasty outside today. Overnight we had sleet on top of old snow. It warmed up enough that it was just raining (*just*--ugh) but water on top of ice? Just gross. And slippery. Fortunately it is supposed to stay above freezing tonight, else we'd all need skates to get out tomorrow.
~Lots of meetings today, but it went better than I'd expected. Why oh why do we need days FULL of meetings?
~I never thought about Jimmy Carter as being a small person, until I saw this. Maybe it's just the angle, but Carter looks so puny next to the rest of them. And in the video, listening to GWB welcoming Obama--let me just say that I am so thankful that we don't have to listen to that voice much longer! And in that company, Carter may be the peanut in size, but GWB is the small one intellectually.
~I am determined to start going to bed earlier so that I can get more sleep. That shouldn't be so hard, but I always get distracted by something, or decide to do "one more thing" and then before I know it, it's after midnight again. Which would be okay if I could sleep til 8 or 9, but I can't. Sigh. What ever happened to being a morning person?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Gratuitous baby pix
Commando crawling really does get you where you want to go.
What is this thing you call cat?
Watching Mama play rockband wasn't as exciting as I thought.
What is this thing you call cat?
Watching Mama play rockband wasn't as exciting as I thought.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Pajama day
Now that the Christmas craziness is over, and before we get to Lent, I'm trying to get back in the habit of actually taking all my days off. So this morning I slept in and after checking some blogs and the news, and fielded some emails from work that really required a response (and threatened to put me in a bad mood, but I talked myself out of it) I decided to watch a movie while I folded the pile of clean laundry that I've been moving from place to place the last couple of days. So I watched "Mystic Pizza" (which I'd never seen--and holy cow, the 80s look--somethings are better left behind!) Around noon, still in my pjs, I thought about taking a shower and getting dressed--and then thought, "Why?" I didn't have to go anywhere and I was perfectly comfy the way I was. So I declared the day an official pajama day.
Nonetheless I was remarkably productive in a low key way. I did more laundry (not sure how the two of us make so much dirty laundry these days), made a pot of soup in the crock pot, and sorted and straightened up and organized things I'd been neglecting. I even made this:
It looks really good, but it was something of an experiment. Someone gave me a dried fruit tray that really wasn't very good (and given who gave it, I know exactly where it came from, but we won't go there). I love dried fruit, but much of it was just too hard to eat. I threw some of it away, but the whole bottom layer was dried apples which although pretty unappetizing the way they were, seemed to have some potential. So I decided to rehydrate them and make a pie. They tasted pretty good before I put them in the crust, so I think the pie will be good too. I think the apples must've kept expanding in the oven though, the way the crust is puffed up and broken.
I promised myself another movie after I do a few more straightening up things; maybe I'll have pie with the movie.
Nonetheless I was remarkably productive in a low key way. I did more laundry (not sure how the two of us make so much dirty laundry these days), made a pot of soup in the crock pot, and sorted and straightened up and organized things I'd been neglecting. I even made this:
It looks really good, but it was something of an experiment. Someone gave me a dried fruit tray that really wasn't very good (and given who gave it, I know exactly where it came from, but we won't go there). I love dried fruit, but much of it was just too hard to eat. I threw some of it away, but the whole bottom layer was dried apples which although pretty unappetizing the way they were, seemed to have some potential. So I decided to rehydrate them and make a pie. They tasted pretty good before I put them in the crust, so I think the pie will be good too. I think the apples must've kept expanding in the oven though, the way the crust is puffed up and broken.I promised myself another movie after I do a few more straightening up things; maybe I'll have pie with the movie.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
You really have to see this to believe it
You might remember that last summer new floors and new plumbing were installed in two of the rectory bathrooms and the washer and dryer were moved from the back hall to the "powder room" (which is really much more convenient). With all sorts of unexpected delays, the work was finished the week before Thanksgiving. I ended up with a lovely new vanity in the powder room and matching cabinets over the washer and dryer (and a new toilet, too).
But that's not the part you need to see to believe.
Ever since the last time the washer was moved (to install the light under the cabinets a couple of weeks ago) the washer has been "walking" during the spin cycle--not every load, but many of them. The washer seems to be level and I'm a bit flummoxed about why things are getting that out of balance. Any way, it travels.
So tonight I put a load in the wash and I knew from the amount of noise coming from the powder room that the washer was at it again. When I got there, this is what I found.
Really, doesn't it look like I put the washer that way on purpose? (I promise you I didn't).
So I don't know what to do to make the wahser stop doing this--it seems to be level and what I'm putting in is the same as always and I never had a problem before.
Maybe if I leave it this way and do some more laundry, it will work itself back around. Ha!
But that's not the part you need to see to believe.
Ever since the last time the washer was moved (to install the light under the cabinets a couple of weeks ago) the washer has been "walking" during the spin cycle--not every load, but many of them. The washer seems to be level and I'm a bit flummoxed about why things are getting that out of balance. Any way, it travels.
So tonight I put a load in the wash and I knew from the amount of noise coming from the powder room that the washer was at it again. When I got there, this is what I found.
Really, doesn't it look like I put the washer that way on purpose? (I promise you I didn't).
So I don't know what to do to make the wahser stop doing this--it seems to be level and what I'm putting in is the same as always and I never had a problem before.
Maybe if I leave it this way and do some more laundry, it will work itself back around. Ha!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Back to it
This time of year I'm always struck by how fast the holidays are over.* Honestly, that is one of the things that's hard about Christmas--you work soooo hard to get ready for it, and it's over like that (snap of fingers inserted). I keep reading on Facebook and blogs about people having all their decorations packed away and so forth. Well, true to form, I'm behind. My tree is still up, and my creches are still out and the wreath is still on the door, and it's likely to stay that way for a while. I'm actually enjoying the tree--it smells good, and I like to see the various ornaments, many of which have memories attached. The 12th day of Christmas is Tuesday--maybe I'll take the tree down next weekend.
And the relaxing few days away from work are over, too. Until today I had only worked one day since Christmas day, and it was great having the time off. But I preached tonight, and tomorrow is back to a full schedule. It should be a fun day--celebrating Epiphany with King's Cake, and chalk for house blessings, and a procession of the Magi. Of course the Kid's longer than usual break is drawing to a close, too. Tomorrow will be spent doing all the homework he's put off the last two weeks, but that's par for the course I guess.
January always feels like such an inconsequential month. I know as much as I whined about Christmas I shouldn't say this, but January is a bit of a let down (although I should be grateful for the break in craziness.) I am glad we have the inauguration to look forward to this year, and the end of Bush et al. And the Kid is going to the inauguration!
*although as I write this I recognize that if I joined most of the world and started Christmas the day after Thanksgiving I wouldn't think this--but I'm stuck in my pattern of doing Advent and not starting Christmas too early and I'm not likely to change that.
And the relaxing few days away from work are over, too. Until today I had only worked one day since Christmas day, and it was great having the time off. But I preached tonight, and tomorrow is back to a full schedule. It should be a fun day--celebrating Epiphany with King's Cake, and chalk for house blessings, and a procession of the Magi. Of course the Kid's longer than usual break is drawing to a close, too. Tomorrow will be spent doing all the homework he's put off the last two weeks, but that's par for the course I guess.
January always feels like such an inconsequential month. I know as much as I whined about Christmas I shouldn't say this, but January is a bit of a let down (although I should be grateful for the break in craziness.) I am glad we have the inauguration to look forward to this year, and the end of Bush et al. And the Kid is going to the inauguration!
*although as I write this I recognize that if I joined most of the world and started Christmas the day after Thanksgiving I wouldn't think this--but I'm stuck in my pattern of doing Advent and not starting Christmas too early and I'm not likely to change that.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Friday Five~Endings and beginnings
This Celtic Mandala represents life, noting how days and years turn from one to another. As we have stepped from 2008 into 2009 some of us look back with joy and others with saddness; probably most of us with a mixture of the two.First list five things that you remember or treasure from 2008
1. The birth of my granddaughter, Baby J, on Easter Sunday
2. Having WW home for the summer (even if I didn't see her that often, having her in the same country for a while was nice!)
3. A wonderful vacation in Maine with good friends and a couple of great long weekends in Vermont with family
4. The moral support and encouragement I received from family, friends (irl and teh internets) and my clergy coach and his wife, which was always there when I needed it most
5. The election of Barack Obama!!
Then list five things that you are looking forward to in 2009
1. The Kid graduating from high school and starting college.
2. Discerning where I am called to be next
3. Moving and starting a new position
4. Spending time being 'Amma' with Baby J, and spending time with family and friends
5. Plumbing the depths and developing as a preacher
and finally:
A New Year Blessing from the Iona Community:
We stand to face the future:
God behind us in the past
Christ before us; the way ahead;
Christ beside us in this moment;
Christ beneath us in our weakness;
Christ above to shield us-
beneath the shadow of his wings we are safe;
Christ between us to bind us in the unity of his love;
Christ in us equipping us with his all sufficient grace.
Thus armed and guided, and protected we face the new year.
Now we arise and go forth on the journey before us,
knowing that, where Christ leads, life is a journey home.
Therefore we travel in faith, in hope, and in love,
in the name of the Father/ Mother, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
May the blessing of God
be upon us
all this year
and into eternity. Amen.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2009~Looking ahead
This first morning of the new year has dawned bright and beautiful--pristine snow blanketing the ground, a brilliant blue sky and bright wintry sun--this is what winter should look like. It's cold and blustery but I don't have to go anywhere, so it's all good.
Yes Change with a capital C. This is the year when the Kid will graduate from high school and go off to college. This is the year when I will take over for almost four months while my boss is on sabbatical. This is the year when I start to live alone for the first time ever. This is the year when I must--really must because I won't be in next year's budget-find a new position. This is the year that we finally get rid of Bush et al. !!! All good change, but change nonetheless.
I've done change before; I know what it feels like to have kids go off to college (exciting and sad) and what it's like to find a new job and move (daunting and challenging in a good way). I've done multiple changes in one year, so I'm not totally unprepared. But I know that change is hard, that things don't always go the way you want them to, that the unexpected happens. Large parts of what I'll be doing (the job search part especially) will be unbloggable, but I'm sure you'll hear lots about the rest, because one thing I've learned is that writing stuff down here really does help--both the catharsis of writing and the comments y'all leave.
And the thing is, if change is going to be a theme, not just what happens, I need to be proactive, to think and reflect and do. I can't be in control but I can be aware--at least on some level, some (most) of the time. I can work at not fearing the change but embracing it--grieving for good things gone by to be sure but also looking with joy to the opportunities that change brings.
And right now I'm feeling pretty hopeful about the year to come.
I don't really believe in omens, but if I did, I think I'd say that such a bright new year's day might be an omen for a bright shiny year. Nah, maybe I wouldn't say that, but it did get me thinking about the year to come. I don't really make resolutions any more--they were almost always the same and I was never any good at keeping them--but last year profgrrrl wrote about having a theme for the year, and I kind of like that idea. And it only takes me a skinny minute to come up with this year's theme: Change.
Yes Change with a capital C. This is the year when the Kid will graduate from high school and go off to college. This is the year when I will take over for almost four months while my boss is on sabbatical. This is the year when I start to live alone for the first time ever. This is the year when I must--really must because I won't be in next year's budget-find a new position. This is the year that we finally get rid of Bush et al. !!! All good change, but change nonetheless.
I've done change before; I know what it feels like to have kids go off to college (exciting and sad) and what it's like to find a new job and move (daunting and challenging in a good way). I've done multiple changes in one year, so I'm not totally unprepared. But I know that change is hard, that things don't always go the way you want them to, that the unexpected happens. Large parts of what I'll be doing (the job search part especially) will be unbloggable, but I'm sure you'll hear lots about the rest, because one thing I've learned is that writing stuff down here really does help--both the catharsis of writing and the comments y'all leave.
And the thing is, if change is going to be a theme, not just what happens, I need to be proactive, to think and reflect and do. I can't be in control but I can be aware--at least on some level, some (most) of the time. I can work at not fearing the change but embracing it--grieving for good things gone by to be sure but also looking with joy to the opportunities that change brings.
And right now I'm feeling pretty hopeful about the year to come.
Here's to 2009
~Raising my glass of sparkling blueberry juice and wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
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