Psalm 61
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your
wings.
For you have heard my vows, O God;
you have given me the heritage of those
who fear your name.
Increase the days of the king's [my] life,
his [my] years for many generations.
May he [I] be enthroned in God's presence
forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to
protect him [me].
Then will I ever sing praise to your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.
[in order to glorify You, O God.]
~NIV
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas-ish thoughts
I'm really, really tired. As usual, I meant to go to bed waaaaaaaay before now. As usual, Christmas waltzed pleasantly by, accompanied by the dizzying whir of intensified school-craziness, traveling, and last-minute shopping. More of the traveling than usual, as I went to Tacoma this weekend, after traveling home via Tri-Cities. Unusual amounts of malls involved, too, which rather exhausts one. But also as usual, I'm still trying to figure out how to keep Jesus at the center. Not only the center of Christmas, but the center of everything I do. I was talking to a friend a couple of days ago, and she said a lot of things that really set me to thinking, as she usually does. Here are some of those thoughts.
How do I keep God the center of all I do? How do I eat, sleep, read, work, play, talk, laugh, tell stories with God completely, holistically in mind? It's relatively easy to apportion a segment of my day or week for God; it's one of those human to-do list/routine things that, if you're really determined, you can do, just like with a diet or exercise routine or whatever. Routines and to do lists are not at all foreign to me. But how, when I am sitting here and playing Apples to Apples or Rook or Hearts or whatever with my family do I retain the awareness that God is God, and how do I remain engaged with him? Am I over-thinking this, or am I somehow finally on the right track? What's still missing? Because I certainly haven't got it all right. God? How does this work?
What I do know is this:
God is the God of miracles, of creation, of miraculous change, of a hundred million things. Of comfort, of peace, and of joy. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, "Once you are in him, how could you not live forever? Once you are separated from him, how could you do anything but whither and die?" The testimonies of so many people, besides my own experience, tells me there is a God and that that God is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, the God of the Bible. I have found him because he found me; I pray you, too, take the hand he is always holding out.
How do I keep God the center of all I do? How do I eat, sleep, read, work, play, talk, laugh, tell stories with God completely, holistically in mind? It's relatively easy to apportion a segment of my day or week for God; it's one of those human to-do list/routine things that, if you're really determined, you can do, just like with a diet or exercise routine or whatever. Routines and to do lists are not at all foreign to me. But how, when I am sitting here and playing Apples to Apples or Rook or Hearts or whatever with my family do I retain the awareness that God is God, and how do I remain engaged with him? Am I over-thinking this, or am I somehow finally on the right track? What's still missing? Because I certainly haven't got it all right. God? How does this work?
What I do know is this:
God is the God of miracles, of creation, of miraculous change, of a hundred million things. Of comfort, of peace, and of joy. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, "Once you are in him, how could you not live forever? Once you are separated from him, how could you do anything but whither and die?" The testimonies of so many people, besides my own experience, tells me there is a God and that that God is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, the God of the Bible. I have found him because he found me; I pray you, too, take the hand he is always holding out.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Doxology, = doxa (glory) + logos (word)
Praise be to God, the One and Only, who alone is Omnipotent and Mighty to Save. His Spirit intercedes for us before his very throne, speaking a language that is beyond our expression or understanding, it seems (Romans 8:26; NIV). He alone is Holy and Righteous, with Wisdom Beyond our Comprehension. The Only Wise and Living God--it is his right to receive All Glory & All Honor, and it would be Completely Just of him to send us all to hell. However, he did not. "For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (John 3:16-21; NIV; emphases added)
And in Romans 8:1, after discussing grace and the law, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." (Emphases added)
God is great. Hallelu Yah--Praise God!
And in Romans 8:1, after discussing grace and the law, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." (Emphases added)
God is great. Hallelu Yah--Praise God!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
A comment on Miss Emilia's blog which felt rather important in its own right...
Maybe I should read that book... More and more I become frustrated with the traditional Christianity in general, now and in the past. Our country and world need a revival--a complete, total, thorough revival--of true Christ-seeking. Think about Abraham, wandering the world. He was not a Jew, not a Christian, not affiliated with any religion. He was a seeker of the one, true Living God, Jehovah, Yaweh.
I was raised in a school whose mascot is the Crusaders, and it wasn't until 10th grade World History that I learned, "Hmmm, the Crusaders were, for the most part, pursuing wealth, not God. The Crusades were a form of genocide." And my grandfather's grandfather was a missionary in the time when a lot of missionaries were, with good or ill intentions, and I can't see whether he was one of them, trying to force Native Americans to be "Americanized"--to take on the culture of the white man. Bleck!
I want to see a world where Christians stand up for social justice and love this world and its people unconditionally. But how does that happen? It's a lot of changing that needs to go on. And, I'm afraid that this all just me being stereotypically "young and idealistic." I want to be realistic and idealistic. Is that possible? And I want it to last my whole lifetime. I want to care about people and potential for change forever and always. I don't think it's too much to ask, but I do think it takes a lot of work, and I think it's easier when it's not just me--when there's a whole network of world-changers held together in the common pursuit of God's plan.
What do you think?
I was raised in a school whose mascot is the Crusaders, and it wasn't until 10th grade World History that I learned, "Hmmm, the Crusaders were, for the most part, pursuing wealth, not God. The Crusades were a form of genocide." And my grandfather's grandfather was a missionary in the time when a lot of missionaries were, with good or ill intentions, and I can't see whether he was one of them, trying to force Native Americans to be "Americanized"--to take on the culture of the white man. Bleck!
I want to see a world where Christians stand up for social justice and love this world and its people unconditionally. But how does that happen? It's a lot of changing that needs to go on. And, I'm afraid that this all just me being stereotypically "young and idealistic." I want to be realistic and idealistic. Is that possible? And I want it to last my whole lifetime. I want to care about people and potential for change forever and always. I don't think it's too much to ask, but I do think it takes a lot of work, and I think it's easier when it's not just me--when there's a whole network of world-changers held together in the common pursuit of God's plan.
What do you think?
Hi. :)
Note: Haha--I wrote this at about 2 PM, and I didn't realize I hadn't posted it until I was looking back at my blog after posting the one posted at 2:30 PM. Hahahaha. I laugh at myself:)
Hi. Things are feeling really good. Megan, Colleen, Meg's friend Erin, and I went to Todd Aud last night to watch UP. It was amazing, but I'm not going to give away the plot in any way, shape, or form, except to say that it's coming from a perspective that's not usually taken in mainstream films. You should watch it--really. I'm going to make alllll my family watch it, either at Thanksgiving or Christmas Break, whether they want to or not. It'll be worth it, and chances are they'll love it:)
I'm not feeling particularly eloquent or word-friendly right now. I'm in this tired-but-happy land of slow-moving thoughts and brain cells. The week was above-average in that I got stuff done earlier than usual (some stuff), and I am looking forward to the half-sabbatical of next week, in which I HOPE to get a lot of things done ahead of time: book analysis due 12/8, Performance-based Pedagogy Assessment Rationale due 11/18, and I don't remember what else. But I haven't had time to get ahead since I got here, because everything takes time that isn't available ahead of time. So now that I've got the ahead-of-time time, I'm going to take advantage of it--see? Get it? Got it? Good!:)
For lunch, about 1/2 an hour ago, I made a lovely meal of 1 egg scrambled with a green onion and 3/4 a slice of pepper-jack cheese, plus applesauce and a Co-Jack cheese-gooseberry melt on the side. Food is so delightful!
That's all for now.
Hi. Things are feeling really good. Megan, Colleen, Meg's friend Erin, and I went to Todd Aud last night to watch UP. It was amazing, but I'm not going to give away the plot in any way, shape, or form, except to say that it's coming from a perspective that's not usually taken in mainstream films. You should watch it--really. I'm going to make alllll my family watch it, either at Thanksgiving or Christmas Break, whether they want to or not. It'll be worth it, and chances are they'll love it:)
I'm not feeling particularly eloquent or word-friendly right now. I'm in this tired-but-happy land of slow-moving thoughts and brain cells. The week was above-average in that I got stuff done earlier than usual (some stuff), and I am looking forward to the half-sabbatical of next week, in which I HOPE to get a lot of things done ahead of time: book analysis due 12/8, Performance-based Pedagogy Assessment Rationale due 11/18, and I don't remember what else. But I haven't had time to get ahead since I got here, because everything takes time that isn't available ahead of time. So now that I've got the ahead-of-time time, I'm going to take advantage of it--see? Get it? Got it? Good!:)
For lunch, about 1/2 an hour ago, I made a lovely meal of 1 egg scrambled with a green onion and 3/4 a slice of pepper-jack cheese, plus applesauce and a Co-Jack cheese-gooseberry melt on the side. Food is so delightful!
That's all for now.
Friday, November 6, 2009
~Complete Bliss
I am incredibly tired but very awake. (You know how that is.) Bethlehem Heckman is reading us Stone Soup. We wanted Mike Mulligan, but it seems to be lost or misplaced or in someone else's room, so we settled for Stone Soup. We had to fight for the right for any story at all, though, because Beth is a brat; however, she succumbed to our arguments.
When you listen to Beth read stories, you have to interrupt--frequently. You have to ask questions. This is how we learned that the red quilt on the bed has a star design and that the star design happens to be a friendship star. We also learned that the mayor shaved his mustache in order to look more respectable, and, very unfortunately, he will will not grow it back because his wife says she likes kissing him better without him having a mustache. EW! We didn't need to know that, Beth.
...and to all a good night.
:)
~jennifer
Monday, October 5, 2009
Snigglers
I figured the world should know. Ever heard of a sniggler? Neither had I. But then I read Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, and I met Nellie the sniggler who spent her days sniggling for the nuns to earn her family some income.
So, what is a sniggler? (*Giggle!*) To sniggle means....well, now, that'd be much too easy--your eyes might jump down and see the answer before you've read the rest. That would be very disappointing. Thus, I shall make you find it yourself, but first, I'll give you a clue: I am a snig. And chances are, if we're related, you might be, too!
:)
*Giggle, giggle, giggle*
Alright, just click this link to find how to sniggle:)
Definition of sniggle.
So, what is a sniggler? (*Giggle!*) To sniggle means....well, now, that'd be much too easy--your eyes might jump down and see the answer before you've read the rest. That would be very disappointing. Thus, I shall make you find it yourself, but first, I'll give you a clue: I am a snig. And chances are, if we're related, you might be, too!
:)
*Giggle, giggle, giggle*
Alright, just click this link to find how to sniggle:)
Definition of sniggle.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Clumsy me...
I forgot--I also wanted to post these lyrics and the link to the song. It's by a girl I knew in high school, though not very well. I have found it particularly inspiring as of late, and I thought it worth sharing. I've loved this song since it first appeared on Amanda's Myspace. I made a transcript of the lyrics, cuz the ones on the myspace page are incomplete.
When You Rise
by Amanda DuFord
Can I tell you you're amazing, as you stand through suffering
Clinging to the Father when all other hope is gone
Can I see you lift your head up, raise your hands, surrender all
Your remedies forgotten, self-inflicted lies no more
An heir to the Kingdom
In victory you stand
Loved by your Maker
Do you know, how much you're worth?
Do you know, the lives you will touch?
When you fall, it's okay to cry
But when you rise,
He's mighty at your side
Do you know you hold the power, of the One who raised the dead?
When strongholds keep you binded, He'll destroy them all instead
Do you realize He knows you, and He makes no mistakes
The future He holds for you, He already knows your days
An heir to the Kingdom
In victory you stand
And loved by your Maker
And do you know, how much you're worth?
Do you know, the lives you will touch?
And when you fall, it's okay to cry
But when you rise,
He's mighty at your side
And there is joy for the hopeless,
Grace for the fallen,
And peace for the fearful,
And a love that overwhelms
There is joy for the hopeless,
Grace for the fallen,
And peace for the fearful,
And a love that overwhelms
And do you know, how much you're worth?
Do you know, the lives you will touch?
And when you fall, it's okay to cry
But when you rise,
He's mighty at your side
Do you know?
Ohhh, when you rise
And when you fall
It's okay to cry
But when you rise He's mighty at your side
(Harmonizing)
Do you know/An heir to the kingdom
In victory you stand/Do you know
Loved by your Maker
Loved by your Maker/When you rise
When you rise
When you rise
When You Rise
by Amanda DuFord
Can I tell you you're amazing, as you stand through suffering
Clinging to the Father when all other hope is gone
Can I see you lift your head up, raise your hands, surrender all
Your remedies forgotten, self-inflicted lies no more
An heir to the Kingdom
In victory you stand
Loved by your Maker
Do you know, how much you're worth?
Do you know, the lives you will touch?
When you fall, it's okay to cry
But when you rise,
He's mighty at your side
Do you know you hold the power, of the One who raised the dead?
When strongholds keep you binded, He'll destroy them all instead
Do you realize He knows you, and He makes no mistakes
The future He holds for you, He already knows your days
An heir to the Kingdom
In victory you stand
And loved by your Maker
And do you know, how much you're worth?
Do you know, the lives you will touch?
And when you fall, it's okay to cry
But when you rise,
He's mighty at your side
And there is joy for the hopeless,
Grace for the fallen,
And peace for the fearful,
And a love that overwhelms
There is joy for the hopeless,
Grace for the fallen,
And peace for the fearful,
And a love that overwhelms
And do you know, how much you're worth?
Do you know, the lives you will touch?
And when you fall, it's okay to cry
But when you rise,
He's mighty at your side
Do you know?
Ohhh, when you rise
And when you fall
It's okay to cry
But when you rise He's mighty at your side
(Harmonizing)
Do you know/An heir to the kingdom
In victory you stand/Do you know
Loved by your Maker
Loved by your Maker/When you rise
When you rise
When you rise
Hmmm.
A new post is easier than editing. I don't know how I posted the previous one, but somehow it happened. Pretty sure I just pressed enter--a little confused at the moment. Anyway.
Today:
School happened. Finishing touches on my lesson plan for tomorrow, met with my supervisor, was involved in what felt like all kinds of chaos. I feel so sorry for new kids. They need constant attention and explanation of what the rest of the kids have been figuring out and told for the last two weeks. We're already flying through work at warp speed, and they don't understand what's going on. But I also feel sorry for the teachers, cuz suddenly--2 weeks into the quarter--everything just got more complicated and people are confused, whereas the day before things were flowing much more smoothly. GAH!
Alternate jobs: hopefully I'll be writing about the hundreds of jobs I could and would like to be doing that may or may not relate to my degree. But all in good time. Don't automatically assume I won't be a teacher, but don't automatically assume I will be. I've been frustrated lately by people saying, "What!?!?!?! You might not be a teacher?!?!?!?" Please bear in mind that I NEVER wanted to be a teacher to begin with. I chose a major in high school because I had to choose a major (and at that point I chose English teacher, not elem. ed). It's just what you do when you're a middle class high schooler. But all I've really ever wanted to do is get married, have children, and be a stay-at-home mama, cuz a) I really want to and b) I think that's the best thing I can do for my kids. I wish my mom wouldn't have had to work. I liked her pre-working days better. But that's another REALLY LONG story. Just don't judge me too much, okay?
Today:
After school, I dropped off books at the library, walked over to Wray's to check out some produce, skipped on down to Inklings to browse for a certain series and came away with a used copy of My Father's Dragon (for $1.50!), ran back to the library for a movie, drove over to Safeway for Pain Francais, and came home.
At home, I tried an absolutely delectable treat: a hunk of French bread with a French truffle in the middle, heated in the microwave for 10 seconds:)! It was soooo delicious, and I got the idea from Molly Wizenberg's book A Homemade Life: Stories from My Kitchen Table. She writes the blog Orangette, in case you're wondering:).
Much more has happened since, but I must get ready for bed. I'm teaching a lesson first thing in the morning, and I need a good rest before that!
Fare well and luvs,
~jee
Today:
School happened. Finishing touches on my lesson plan for tomorrow, met with my supervisor, was involved in what felt like all kinds of chaos. I feel so sorry for new kids. They need constant attention and explanation of what the rest of the kids have been figuring out and told for the last two weeks. We're already flying through work at warp speed, and they don't understand what's going on. But I also feel sorry for the teachers, cuz suddenly--2 weeks into the quarter--everything just got more complicated and people are confused, whereas the day before things were flowing much more smoothly. GAH!
Alternate jobs: hopefully I'll be writing about the hundreds of jobs I could and would like to be doing that may or may not relate to my degree. But all in good time. Don't automatically assume I won't be a teacher, but don't automatically assume I will be. I've been frustrated lately by people saying, "What!?!?!?! You might not be a teacher?!?!?!?" Please bear in mind that I NEVER wanted to be a teacher to begin with. I chose a major in high school because I had to choose a major (and at that point I chose English teacher, not elem. ed). It's just what you do when you're a middle class high schooler. But all I've really ever wanted to do is get married, have children, and be a stay-at-home mama, cuz a) I really want to and b) I think that's the best thing I can do for my kids. I wish my mom wouldn't have had to work. I liked her pre-working days better. But that's another REALLY LONG story. Just don't judge me too much, okay?
Today:
After school, I dropped off books at the library, walked over to Wray's to check out some produce, skipped on down to Inklings to browse for a certain series and came away with a used copy of My Father's Dragon (for $1.50!), ran back to the library for a movie, drove over to Safeway for Pain Francais, and came home.
At home, I tried an absolutely delectable treat: a hunk of French bread with a French truffle in the middle, heated in the microwave for 10 seconds:)! It was soooo delicious, and I got the idea from Molly Wizenberg's book A Homemade Life: Stories from My Kitchen Table. She writes the blog Orangette, in case you're wondering:).
Much more has happened since, but I must get ready for bed. I'm teaching a lesson first thing in the morning, and I need a good rest before that!
Fare well and luvs,
~jee
Hi.
As it says above: Hi. When I envisioned myself blogging tonight, I somehow pictured a much earlier blog. I'd also pictured myself getting a few more things done tonight. But I didn't, and I haven't, and it's okay.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Hiya!
Hey, all. Obviously I've been gone awhile. Well, a combination of gone and distracted. Here are the month's activities:
July 23 was my last day of work. Had to quit or I wasn't allowed to go to Crater Lake with my family. I'd never expected cherries to go so long (they've NEVER gone this long, actually, my friend Kit who works there said), so it really wasn't any loss. I was worn-out, tired, and ready-to-be-done.
July 24-28 my family went to Crater Lake, and Nathaniel met us there on the Saturday. It was action-packed and fun but rather exhausting all the same. Beautiful and worth it, though:) Highly recommended.
July 29 my brother and I ran errands and visited our grandparents. (Another busy day...)
July 30-31 I babysat up at Camp Ghormley. Really fun but really trying, too. The girls were hard the first day but really great the second, so that was nice. It's hard to be patient with children when you feel as though you haven't stopped moving for over a month.
August 1st I was supposed to go hiking with my dad and brother and some other wonderful relatives. Unfortunately, my stomach had been turmoil-ous since Thursday night, so I stayed home. Which was good but a little bit sad:(
August 4-5 (I think it was those days...) I had jury duty. Sat in a pool of a little over 100 (maybe 106?) but wasn't selected.
August 6 I did nothing but read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In some cases that would be acceptable, even good after so much mayhem, but by the end of the day I felt quite sluggish, lazy and good-for-nothing. I recommend interspersing your less productive activities with productivity, in general.
August 7 I don't remember much. Oh, no--I do. We went to my aunt and uncle's for dinner, along with other wonderful relatives (of which I have a lot:). It involved homemade ice cream and fresh marionberries:)
August 8 we had people over for dinner: the "right Reverend" Ronald Jones + some of those same relatives. Mr. Jones and his wife were missionaries to the Philippines supported by our church for a long time, and then they moved back here and attended our church until they moved to Palmer, Alaska. We haven't seen much of them since, so it was nice to have a visit:)
August 9, Megan and I skipped church (*gasp*) and went to Maryhill Museum, primarily to see the Ansel Adams exhibit. However, we also met a lovely sculpture garden, multiple gorgeous peacocks (one of which stole a complete half of Megan's bagel--with cream cheese on it--after she so unwisely attracted individuals with her bagel crumbs...and, hilariously, the crumbs came from the half she hadn't been planning to eat, and they stole the whole half she had been planning to eat. So she was left with less than 1/2 a bagel). The rest of the museum was also impressive and amazing. I'd only been there once before, and we were rather young then. (Meg doesn't recall the previous visit at all.) I'd need a few more days visiting before I'd be quite satisfied, too--I want to read about every single peice of art there, not just look at them. But Meg was done longggg before I was, as she really didn't care about a whole lot beyond the Ansel Adams exhibit. Alas. Ah--also, fear not! We did attend church at night on our way home:)
August 10-11 I've been selected for a different jury, so I sat through the pool and was selected yesterday and today saw the initial stages of the case. I'm not allowed to talk about it until it's all over, so as not to be swayed in any way by bias. It's a fascinating process, and I think it's a really good experience. Besides, I get $10/day, which is a lot more than nothing, and I get to read my book a lot, because the court recesses a lot. It seems we do 15 or so minutes in and then are gone for 15 or 30 or 60 minutes. We DEFINITELY spent more time OUT of the courtroom today than in, but this is on account that the judge and attornies have much to do that doesn't involve the jury. Like I said, fascinating!
I've also house-sat one night and mowed my grandparents lawn twice. God never fails to give me a source of income when I need it!
God is very good. I feel like I've been crabby and, excuse me if you are offended, but there's not a better word I can think of, bitchy a lot this summer, and I suppose there are a variety of factors that go into that. But God is still good and loving and ready to help me move forward instead of backward.
Right now I have a purring kitten on my lap. I did nothing to make her purr except drop her into my lap. Amazing, isn't it?!? Animals are an incredible demonstration of the way God loves us--wholeheartedly and without regret. And ALWAYS. Cool, huh?
~Soli Deo gloria.
July 23 was my last day of work. Had to quit or I wasn't allowed to go to Crater Lake with my family. I'd never expected cherries to go so long (they've NEVER gone this long, actually, my friend Kit who works there said), so it really wasn't any loss. I was worn-out, tired, and ready-to-be-done.
July 24-28 my family went to Crater Lake, and Nathaniel met us there on the Saturday. It was action-packed and fun but rather exhausting all the same. Beautiful and worth it, though:) Highly recommended.
July 29 my brother and I ran errands and visited our grandparents. (Another busy day...)
July 30-31 I babysat up at Camp Ghormley. Really fun but really trying, too. The girls were hard the first day but really great the second, so that was nice. It's hard to be patient with children when you feel as though you haven't stopped moving for over a month.
August 1st I was supposed to go hiking with my dad and brother and some other wonderful relatives. Unfortunately, my stomach had been turmoil-ous since Thursday night, so I stayed home. Which was good but a little bit sad:(
August 4-5 (I think it was those days...) I had jury duty. Sat in a pool of a little over 100 (maybe 106?) but wasn't selected.
August 6 I did nothing but read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In some cases that would be acceptable, even good after so much mayhem, but by the end of the day I felt quite sluggish, lazy and good-for-nothing. I recommend interspersing your less productive activities with productivity, in general.
August 7 I don't remember much. Oh, no--I do. We went to my aunt and uncle's for dinner, along with other wonderful relatives (of which I have a lot:). It involved homemade ice cream and fresh marionberries:)
August 8 we had people over for dinner: the "right Reverend" Ronald Jones + some of those same relatives. Mr. Jones and his wife were missionaries to the Philippines supported by our church for a long time, and then they moved back here and attended our church until they moved to Palmer, Alaska. We haven't seen much of them since, so it was nice to have a visit:)
August 9, Megan and I skipped church (*gasp*) and went to Maryhill Museum, primarily to see the Ansel Adams exhibit. However, we also met a lovely sculpture garden, multiple gorgeous peacocks (one of which stole a complete half of Megan's bagel--with cream cheese on it--after she so unwisely attracted individuals with her bagel crumbs...and, hilariously, the crumbs came from the half she hadn't been planning to eat, and they stole the whole half she had been planning to eat. So she was left with less than 1/2 a bagel). The rest of the museum was also impressive and amazing. I'd only been there once before, and we were rather young then. (Meg doesn't recall the previous visit at all.) I'd need a few more days visiting before I'd be quite satisfied, too--I want to read about every single peice of art there, not just look at them. But Meg was done longggg before I was, as she really didn't care about a whole lot beyond the Ansel Adams exhibit. Alas. Ah--also, fear not! We did attend church at night on our way home:)
August 10-11 I've been selected for a different jury, so I sat through the pool and was selected yesterday and today saw the initial stages of the case. I'm not allowed to talk about it until it's all over, so as not to be swayed in any way by bias. It's a fascinating process, and I think it's a really good experience. Besides, I get $10/day, which is a lot more than nothing, and I get to read my book a lot, because the court recesses a lot. It seems we do 15 or so minutes in and then are gone for 15 or 30 or 60 minutes. We DEFINITELY spent more time OUT of the courtroom today than in, but this is on account that the judge and attornies have much to do that doesn't involve the jury. Like I said, fascinating!
I've also house-sat one night and mowed my grandparents lawn twice. God never fails to give me a source of income when I need it!
God is very good. I feel like I've been crabby and, excuse me if you are offended, but there's not a better word I can think of, bitchy a lot this summer, and I suppose there are a variety of factors that go into that. But God is still good and loving and ready to help me move forward instead of backward.
Right now I have a purring kitten on my lap. I did nothing to make her purr except drop her into my lap. Amazing, isn't it?!? Animals are an incredible demonstration of the way God loves us--wholeheartedly and without regret. And ALWAYS. Cool, huh?
~Soli Deo gloria.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
26 Days
Hi. I worked 26 days straight. The last 13 of those were 10- or 10.5-hour days except the 13th day, which was an 8-hr day. This is not a highly recommended way of doing things, but here I am, still alive. Day off today was spent reading a book, helping make food and clean house for family coming over tonight, cutting flowers to put into vases, playing with a happy little kitten, contemplating the changes to be made to me abode now that Julianna has moved out, eating dinner with extended family present, washing dishes, eating dessert [Yakiman cobbler--sooo good! Yakimans are a cross between apricots and peaches, in case you didn't know--most people don't:)], talking with said family members, drying dishes Megan was watching while sharing the ipod:), and listening to selected pieces of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack:). It's been quite a day, and I am definitely tired. I hope cherries are over realllly soon, for good, cuz I feel exhausted from this job. But I still need money, too. Bleh:P.
Anyway, that's the update--thought you deserved something of one.
Farewell, all:)
jee
*AHEM:* This is an amendment: My mother told me that Yakimans are a cross between peaches and apricots, as stated above; however, my father told me they are actually a cross between apricots and nectarines. I give him more credence, as he is the one who grew up at the house with the Yakiman tree. I also learned from him that they are so-named because someone from Yakima first crossed them, and the reason my grandparents have this old tree is because they live in what used to be a farmhouse over an orchard. Who'd o' thunk it? They live in the middle of town!:D Histoy is cool.
~7:17 on Thursday the 16th of June, 2009
Anyway, that's the update--thought you deserved something of one.
Farewell, all:)
jee
*AHEM:* This is an amendment: My mother told me that Yakimans are a cross between peaches and apricots, as stated above; however, my father told me they are actually a cross between apricots and nectarines. I give him more credence, as he is the one who grew up at the house with the Yakiman tree. I also learned from him that they are so-named because someone from Yakima first crossed them, and the reason my grandparents have this old tree is because they live in what used to be a farmhouse over an orchard. Who'd o' thunk it? They live in the middle of town!:D Histoy is cool.
~7:17 on Thursday the 16th of June, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cerezas: Update
Hey:)
So, this position has no set hours, which is different from what I originally thought.
Also, I now, since yesterday, have a chair. THANK GOD FOR CHAIRS!!! The soreness has been minimal since then:) Hurray! And I don't imagine I'd appreciate that if I hadn't gone three days chairless.
Looks like this'll be a 7 days a week gig, so overtime is almost certain. So far this week I've got 16 hours, and that's with 5 days to go! Yee-haw:)!
I feel like I do nothing but eat, sleep, and work, but that's OK, I know. I get annoyed at times thinking of all the things I'd like to be doing but can't because I'm working 8 hours/day, then I had the realization that this is what most people do... Well, this is my first job like this, so cut me some slack:) It's a good experiences, one way or the other.
Besides, I am a productive member of society. And I like cherries. And I spend eight hours a day thinking, singing, and thinking and thinking and thinking, plus a little praying, plus a little chatting with my coworkers. It's nice:) Very like vacuuming in some ways: noisy and a lot of solitude. Only with a lot of other people. Does that make sense?
OK, going to bed. Goodbye:)
Oh, sad thing: Megan goes to work before I get up and to bed before I get home:`( So unfortunate.
Other wonderful thing: I will be housesitting for my aunt starting Friday. That = mas dinero--praise Jesus:)!
Nathaniel: I had a dream about you last night. You should ask me about it:)
Okay, bye:)
So, this position has no set hours, which is different from what I originally thought.
Also, I now, since yesterday, have a chair. THANK GOD FOR CHAIRS!!! The soreness has been minimal since then:) Hurray! And I don't imagine I'd appreciate that if I hadn't gone three days chairless.
Looks like this'll be a 7 days a week gig, so overtime is almost certain. So far this week I've got 16 hours, and that's with 5 days to go! Yee-haw:)!
I feel like I do nothing but eat, sleep, and work, but that's OK, I know. I get annoyed at times thinking of all the things I'd like to be doing but can't because I'm working 8 hours/day, then I had the realization that this is what most people do... Well, this is my first job like this, so cut me some slack:) It's a good experiences, one way or the other.
Besides, I am a productive member of society. And I like cherries. And I spend eight hours a day thinking, singing, and thinking and thinking and thinking, plus a little praying, plus a little chatting with my coworkers. It's nice:) Very like vacuuming in some ways: noisy and a lot of solitude. Only with a lot of other people. Does that make sense?
OK, going to bed. Goodbye:)
Oh, sad thing: Megan goes to work before I get up and to bed before I get home:`( So unfortunate.
Other wonderful thing: I will be housesitting for my aunt starting Friday. That = mas dinero--praise Jesus:)!
Nathaniel: I had a dream about you last night. You should ask me about it:)
Okay, bye:)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Cerezas!
Hey, all:) Started cherries today. A lot of standing up--round about 6 hours of it. Not looking forward to that part. Neck hurts from looking down, too. But overall, I liked it. I don't know if I'll keep liking it, but it's a start:) I sang a LOT of songs, made up random poems in my head which I sadly cannot remember, and prayed a bit. Ooh, I made up a joke to! So, when are cherries heartless? When they're pit-i-less! Haha! Yes, I know, I'll keep my day job. Or whatever you call a 1 PM - 8 PM shift. OK, totally supposed to be in bed already--didn't realize what time it was. I practiced guitar for a while, waiting for my mom to be done with the computer. Didn't pay attention to how long. OH!!! More good news: I got $2200 from school in financial aid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, baby! I am so excited about that--PRAISE JESUS!!!:):):)!!! It's a wonderful thing, for sure. Last time I was notified, it was $700, which sounded great compared to last years' amount--I think that was $311 or something like that. But $2200 is phenomenal! Our God is an AWESOME God, and he is Jehovah Jireh:) Never stop trusting that he'll provide everything you truly NEED.
Fare thee well, adieu, gute nacht:)
~jee
Fare thee well, adieu, gute nacht:)
~jee
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
P.S., World
P.S. to whatever I wrote yesterday. Or was that the day before? Anyway, here's the important news of the day, and yesterday:
1) I am contemplating cutting my hair shorter than it's ever been--which you know is pretty darn short:)
2) I am starting sorting cherries either this week or next week--I'll find out a day in advance. Yay! Pray it goes well/I don't get motion sick/I can handle it:) All good, no matter what--Jehovah Jireh:)
3) Yesterday I saw a guy driving a tractor. The tractor was towing a wagon-deal-thing stacked with hay bales. On top of the hay bales was a dog--!!! Crazy, huh?:)
4) I went out to Cowiche Creek Nursery today with my mama and grandma. The sell dwarf lemon trees for $52.something. I want one. You have to bring them indoors in the winter, but it'd be worth it, as long as the tree lasted. I would make lemon butter and can it, if I could:)
That's all there's time for. I'm in the process of getting pictures from Sally's wedding off facebook--it's magnificent:) Yay friends and digital photography and photo-sharing!
Luvs!
1) I am contemplating cutting my hair shorter than it's ever been--which you know is pretty darn short:)
2) I am starting sorting cherries either this week or next week--I'll find out a day in advance. Yay! Pray it goes well/I don't get motion sick/I can handle it:) All good, no matter what--Jehovah Jireh:)
3) Yesterday I saw a guy driving a tractor. The tractor was towing a wagon-deal-thing stacked with hay bales. On top of the hay bales was a dog--!!! Crazy, huh?:)
4) I went out to Cowiche Creek Nursery today with my mama and grandma. The sell dwarf lemon trees for $52.something. I want one. You have to bring them indoors in the winter, but it'd be worth it, as long as the tree lasted. I would make lemon butter and can it, if I could:)
That's all there's time for. I'm in the process of getting pictures from Sally's wedding off facebook--it's magnificent:) Yay friends and digital photography and photo-sharing!
Luvs!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Contemplating Future Kitchen Creations:
Julianna got an apartment and can move in July 1; therefore, she's been talking about food options on a budget.
Nathaniel's dead broke and going back to Cali tomorrow, (stopping in Portland overnight, so back in Redding on Wed, actually) and thus has been talking about the economics of food and such.
Megan's housesitting right now, so she was also figuring out what food to take with her.
All this talk of food is a) making me hungry and b) causing me to think, even more than usual, about when I finally have control of my own food supply and what I shall make and eat. So I decided to make a list of semester must-haves, or if you prefer, musthaves:) Er'hm:
-Pinto beans: cheap and make simple, delicious refried beans!
-Avocados: are simply amazing and useful in so many forms! Mash into guac and add a few other things (tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, cilantro?) OR slice half and put it on toast (maybe even add cheese!) OR just eat it plain OR ... :D If you claim not to like them, maybe you just haven't prepared them properly--some say adding salt makes them better, too. I encourage you to experiment:) And, hey, they're good for you;)
-Brown rice: also eay to prepare, and let's face it--it goes with just about anything. Really.
-Chicken: every once in a while, at least. And there's too many things to list that make chicken good. OK, just one--honey baking it. Prepare a honey/mustard/I don't remember what else mixture to put over it, then stick it in the oven and let it bake for an hour. The sauce is good over rice (previously noted as a wonderful side) or, my favorite, oven-baked potatoes. And since potatoes take about an hour in the oven, you can just wash 'em up and throw 'em in next to the dish containing the chicken and honey mixture:)
-Peanut butter!: Discussing a protein made me think about peanut butter, the staple protein for those of us lacking money:)--and it's darn good, too. Preferred type: Adam's creamy peanut butter with NO SALT ADDED. It's just pure peanuts--YAY!!!
-Hmmm...what else? Lots of fruits and vegetables. Carrots, bananas, romaine lettuce, mushrooms, orange juice, potatoes (they're dirt cheap--how could you pass them up?), oatmeal, the occasional pasta, milk, maybe cheese, the occasional box of sugary cereal, the occasional carton of any kind of ice cream--I'm really looking forward to it, obviously:)
Nathaniel's dead broke and going back to Cali tomorrow, (stopping in Portland overnight, so back in Redding on Wed, actually) and thus has been talking about the economics of food and such.
Megan's housesitting right now, so she was also figuring out what food to take with her.
All this talk of food is a) making me hungry and b) causing me to think, even more than usual, about when I finally have control of my own food supply and what I shall make and eat. So I decided to make a list of semester must-haves, or if you prefer, musthaves:) Er'hm:
-Pinto beans: cheap and make simple, delicious refried beans!
-Avocados: are simply amazing and useful in so many forms! Mash into guac and add a few other things (tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, cilantro?) OR slice half and put it on toast (maybe even add cheese!) OR just eat it plain OR ... :D If you claim not to like them, maybe you just haven't prepared them properly--some say adding salt makes them better, too. I encourage you to experiment:) And, hey, they're good for you;)
-Brown rice: also eay to prepare, and let's face it--it goes with just about anything. Really.
-Chicken: every once in a while, at least. And there's too many things to list that make chicken good. OK, just one--honey baking it. Prepare a honey/mustard/I don't remember what else mixture to put over it, then stick it in the oven and let it bake for an hour. The sauce is good over rice (previously noted as a wonderful side) or, my favorite, oven-baked potatoes. And since potatoes take about an hour in the oven, you can just wash 'em up and throw 'em in next to the dish containing the chicken and honey mixture:)
-Peanut butter!: Discussing a protein made me think about peanut butter, the staple protein for those of us lacking money:)--and it's darn good, too. Preferred type: Adam's creamy peanut butter with NO SALT ADDED. It's just pure peanuts--YAY!!!
-Hmmm...what else? Lots of fruits and vegetables. Carrots, bananas, romaine lettuce, mushrooms, orange juice, potatoes (they're dirt cheap--how could you pass them up?), oatmeal, the occasional pasta, milk, maybe cheese, the occasional box of sugary cereal, the occasional carton of any kind of ice cream--I'm really looking forward to it, obviously:)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Caught
Caught,
between the conflict--
Ripped,
between the two--
Confused,
and yet delighted--
Unsure,
and yet amused.
The sides
are two so different
and I
must find the balance--
Harmony's
the goal;
Equilibrium's
the challenge.
See me bridge the chasm,
speaking to my selves.
One
side is a child;
One
is an adult.
Got
to hold together--
got
to find the balance--
got
to find the way to be
ALL the things
I ought to be.
Got
to be responsible;
Got
to be myself.
Got
to be a child;
Got
to be an adult.
~jee
10:42 PM on Saturday the 6th of June in the year of our Lord 2009
between the conflict--
Ripped,
between the two--
Confused,
and yet delighted--
Unsure,
and yet amused.
The sides
are two so different
and I
must find the balance--
Harmony's
the goal;
Equilibrium's
the challenge.
See me bridge the chasm,
speaking to my selves.
One
side is a child;
One
is an adult.
Got
to hold together--
got
to find the balance--
got
to find the way to be
ALL the things
I ought to be.
Got
to be responsible;
Got
to be myself.
Got
to be a child;
Got
to be an adult.
~jee
10:42 PM on Saturday the 6th of June in the year of our Lord 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Oh, P.S.
This is for Colleen & Brian:
So, the janitor I'm working with is Mr. Lincoln. He's a nice, grandfatherly sort (one of his grandsons is Megan's age), and loves to tease. Well, yesterday, I kept yawning, being quite tired by the end of the night (the shift is 3:00-11:30 PM), and finally I yawned so long that he just couldn't help but laugh at me. He kept apologizing, too, which is more than I can say for some people...
So, the janitor I'm working with is Mr. Lincoln. He's a nice, grandfatherly sort (one of his grandsons is Megan's age), and loves to tease. Well, yesterday, I kept yawning, being quite tired by the end of the night (the shift is 3:00-11:30 PM), and finally I yawned so long that he just couldn't help but laugh at me. He kept apologizing, too, which is more than I can say for some people...
For now: JOB!!!
Hi. This will be short, I promise. One of the RCS janitors, Mr. Fred Green, hurt his back this week (sad), so I am filling in for him until at least Tuesday (HAPPY:). Annoying part: Mr. Green hurt his back picking up a backpack to put into the lost and found. Therefore, this is my rant against irresponsible high schoolers who do not clean up after themselves. If you compare the elementary and jh/hs lost and founds at RCS, you--like me--would be appalled by the difference. A much larger number of little elementary-ers have lost nowhere near as much stuff, and they manage to keep it in an orderly state. GRRRRRRRRR high schoolers/junior highers!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Short? Update Time
As usual, I'll attempt to be brief. One look will tell you if managed to succeed.
*Ahem*:
Summer. That's now! Unlike expected, I am in Yakima--YAY!!! Why? My class got canceled due to low enrollment. Or were you asking "Why 'yay'?" Well, it's the first time all six of us have been home for a solid month (little more) since Nathaniel graduated from high school in 2002. We sit around after dinner talking and laughing, we do random things, we're laid-back cuz we know it's not gonna be over in a week, we talk & discuss & tease & poke & prod & laugh & laugh & laugh--I love my family:)
?Que tal?:
Well, I've only been home a week, so not entirely sure of everything yet. The only schedule so far is try to go to bed at a decent hour (I've failed 4/6 of my time here), wake up, eat breakfast, exercise, look for jobs, run errands, water flowers, wash dishes, help with dinner, do random things here and there. It is pretty close to my ideal life, minus the money I need to have saved for next semester and the routines I'd set up if I were here for forever. I love cooking and cleaning and helping and reading. Oh, yeah--add reading to that list. So far I've read or begun reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, and at least 5 others I can't think of right now--prob'ly more. Cool:)
I'm still trying to sort out routines. Should I volunteer here and there? Or should I just reserve time for family--home family and other family? I want to buy a tape recorder and record my grandparents telling stories and talking about life. They're turning 87 this year, and they're not in either great or terrible shape. I've been wanting to do this for a while, and Tuesdays with Morrie is reinforcing that strongly, cuz Mitch Albom did the same with Morrie. He wanted something left behind, something to hold onto. I want to do so in order to write a transcript of what is said, and maybe to publish it as a book. I read a book called Leon's Story that had been done just so, and I want to do it--starting with my grandparents and then moving on to other elderly people. Like The Wisdom Project book/movie/project, too. Cuz old people have a lot to give, and if we don't reach out to accept it now, we never will be able to. I'm scared of losing the last generations that remember the Depression, the World Wars, times when people were born believing there was a God, cuz I look at the new generations and see a lot that is forgotten, a lot that is taken for granted.
Anything else? I don't think so. That's enough for now. Got awfully serious all of a sudden. This weekend I'm going back to Pullman for a wedding--hooray!--and then I'll be back here, looking for a job and wandering through life, trusting that God's gonna provide for my last year (hypothetically--I still don't know about post-grad stuff, but God'll tell me when I need to know) at WSU. Life is exciting!
Loves to all!
*Ahem*:
Summer. That's now! Unlike expected, I am in Yakima--YAY!!! Why? My class got canceled due to low enrollment. Or were you asking "Why 'yay'?" Well, it's the first time all six of us have been home for a solid month (little more) since Nathaniel graduated from high school in 2002. We sit around after dinner talking and laughing, we do random things, we're laid-back cuz we know it's not gonna be over in a week, we talk & discuss & tease & poke & prod & laugh & laugh & laugh--I love my family:)
?Que tal?:
Well, I've only been home a week, so not entirely sure of everything yet. The only schedule so far is try to go to bed at a decent hour (I've failed 4/6 of my time here), wake up, eat breakfast, exercise, look for jobs, run errands, water flowers, wash dishes, help with dinner, do random things here and there. It is pretty close to my ideal life, minus the money I need to have saved for next semester and the routines I'd set up if I were here for forever. I love cooking and cleaning and helping and reading. Oh, yeah--add reading to that list. So far I've read or begun reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, and at least 5 others I can't think of right now--prob'ly more. Cool:)
I'm still trying to sort out routines. Should I volunteer here and there? Or should I just reserve time for family--home family and other family? I want to buy a tape recorder and record my grandparents telling stories and talking about life. They're turning 87 this year, and they're not in either great or terrible shape. I've been wanting to do this for a while, and Tuesdays with Morrie is reinforcing that strongly, cuz Mitch Albom did the same with Morrie. He wanted something left behind, something to hold onto. I want to do so in order to write a transcript of what is said, and maybe to publish it as a book. I read a book called Leon's Story that had been done just so, and I want to do it--starting with my grandparents and then moving on to other elderly people. Like The Wisdom Project book/movie/project, too. Cuz old people have a lot to give, and if we don't reach out to accept it now, we never will be able to. I'm scared of losing the last generations that remember the Depression, the World Wars, times when people were born believing there was a God, cuz I look at the new generations and see a lot that is forgotten, a lot that is taken for granted.
Anything else? I don't think so. That's enough for now. Got awfully serious all of a sudden. This weekend I'm going back to Pullman for a wedding--hooray!--and then I'll be back here, looking for a job and wandering through life, trusting that God's gonna provide for my last year (hypothetically--I still don't know about post-grad stuff, but God'll tell me when I need to know) at WSU. Life is exciting!
Loves to all!
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Word to Remember
OK, here's a word of the day I want to remember. All the rest entirely from dictionary.msn.com:
mer·e·tri·cious [ mèrrə tríshəss ]
adjective
Definition:
1. superficially attractive: attractive in a superficial or vulgar manner but without real value ( formal )
meretricious extras that don't really add to the car's value
2. misleadingly plausible: seemingly plausible or significant, but actually insincere or false ( formal )
Don't be swayed by this meretricious argument in the project's favor.
3. of prostitutes: relating to or like a prostitute ( archaic )
[Early 17th century. < Latin meretricius< meretric- "prostitute" < mereri "serve for hire"]
mer·e·tri·cious·ly adverb
mer·e·tri·cious·ness noun
mer·e·tri·cious [ mèrrə tríshəss ]
adjective
Definition:
1. superficially attractive: attractive in a superficial or vulgar manner but without real value ( formal )
meretricious extras that don't really add to the car's value
2. misleadingly plausible: seemingly plausible or significant, but actually insincere or false ( formal )
Don't be swayed by this meretricious argument in the project's favor.
3. of prostitutes: relating to or like a prostitute ( archaic )
[Early 17th century. < Latin meretricius< meretric- "prostitute" < mereri "serve for hire"]
mer·e·tri·cious·ly adverb
mer·e·tri·cious·ness noun
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Let's see if this things works...
OK--I did an animoto video for art class as a music "reconceptualization" project. I tried to post it in the sidebar, but it only showed the left half of the video. La-ame! So I'm trying to embed the youtube video. It worked for my ning blogpost for the class; we'll see how this goes. Pretty much it's awesome; I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. The music is good cuz it's fast-paced and intense, and it reminds of pranks and dance parties and LOTS of ridiculousness, and I like the effects it does for you. I'm now a huge fan of animoto, minus a few kinks in the process. One frustration is that my high-quality photos look pretty dang LOW quality in the video:P, but such is life. I'm still happy. OK, I'm done yapping. Here goes:
Blast--it didn't work. I'll just give you the youtube link:
Arts Integration Music Project Video.
Sweet--it works!!! I just wrangled with embedding the post for a bit, and I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it's right now! Take advantage of my amazing technological advancements (Whoo hoo--go elementary ed program!) and go watch my sweet video!
Peace, friends:)
Blast--it didn't work. I'll just give you the youtube link:
Arts Integration Music Project Video.
Sweet--it works!!! I just wrangled with embedding the post for a bit, and I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it's right now! Take advantage of my amazing technological advancements (Whoo hoo--go elementary ed program!) and go watch my sweet video!
Peace, friends:)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Resiliency Theory
Alright--at last! I was saying that my intent on Friday was a quick post about resiliency theory, and here is what I've got, via a presentation by one of my fellow ed students and the comments of my professor, Debbie Dougan. Actually, most of it is based off what Debbie said.
There are three factors which contribute to the ability of a child to be resilient despite adverse circumstances.
1) High expectations: don't dumb it down. Expect great things from them; don't make excuses for them or let their lame excuses slide. Believe that they are capable. Obviously there are cases in which excuses apply, but consider the experiences of Erin Gruwell, the teacher who began the Freedom Writers Institute and upon whose life the movie Freedom Writers is based. She says somewhere in the movie "Don't you think they know you're dumbing it done for them?" or something like that. She refuses to present her class with low-level Shakespeare and instead presents them with brand new novels. (These comments are actually based on a presentation by another classmate, which was done on the Freedom Writers, so I could have a few facts off, but you get my point.)
2) Opportunities to participate in meaningful activities: let them know they're worth it. Take kids to museums, libraries, theatres, let them know they are worth it. There are way too many things that kids at increased risk for adverse circumstances (e.g. students in low-income schools) miss out on. Do art projects, introduce the world as if it were attainable, encourage them to work hard in order to attain it.
3) A relationship with a caring adult: I believe she said that this is the factor which is most commonly found to be related to resiliency in overcoming adversity by children in adverse circumstances, and she definitely said that most often that adult is a teacher. Yes, believe it--teachers are so influential and so important. But, hey, if you're not a teacher, don't stop there. I imagine that the reason that person is usually a teacher is that teachers are the adults to whom we are most exposed during our childhood, besides family. But think about mentoring. You can get involved in a mentoring program through places like the YMCA and probably social services and whatnot. Debbie used to be a social worker, and she says that there are never enough mentors to fill the need for them. A teacher can only deal with so much, but imagine mentoring just one or two children in need of high expectations and opportunities to participate in meaningful activities--in need of a chance to see that they matter. Anyone can do that. So think about it.
Yeah, "brief"--I lied. I am rarely brief, even when I try. But fare thee well to all, and to all a good night.
There are three factors which contribute to the ability of a child to be resilient despite adverse circumstances.
1) High expectations: don't dumb it down. Expect great things from them; don't make excuses for them or let their lame excuses slide. Believe that they are capable. Obviously there are cases in which excuses apply, but consider the experiences of Erin Gruwell, the teacher who began the Freedom Writers Institute and upon whose life the movie Freedom Writers is based. She says somewhere in the movie "Don't you think they know you're dumbing it done for them?" or something like that. She refuses to present her class with low-level Shakespeare and instead presents them with brand new novels. (These comments are actually based on a presentation by another classmate, which was done on the Freedom Writers, so I could have a few facts off, but you get my point.)
2) Opportunities to participate in meaningful activities: let them know they're worth it. Take kids to museums, libraries, theatres, let them know they are worth it. There are way too many things that kids at increased risk for adverse circumstances (e.g. students in low-income schools) miss out on. Do art projects, introduce the world as if it were attainable, encourage them to work hard in order to attain it.
3) A relationship with a caring adult: I believe she said that this is the factor which is most commonly found to be related to resiliency in overcoming adversity by children in adverse circumstances, and she definitely said that most often that adult is a teacher. Yes, believe it--teachers are so influential and so important. But, hey, if you're not a teacher, don't stop there. I imagine that the reason that person is usually a teacher is that teachers are the adults to whom we are most exposed during our childhood, besides family. But think about mentoring. You can get involved in a mentoring program through places like the YMCA and probably social services and whatnot. Debbie used to be a social worker, and she says that there are never enough mentors to fill the need for them. A teacher can only deal with so much, but imagine mentoring just one or two children in need of high expectations and opportunities to participate in meaningful activities--in need of a chance to see that they matter. Anyone can do that. So think about it.
Yeah, "brief"--I lied. I am rarely brief, even when I try. But fare thee well to all, and to all a good night.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Ooops...
I totally meant to be all awesome and stuff today. I was going to get home from class and do my homework and get a head start on next week and go to bed at a decent hour. Well, that didn't happen. I forgot that after class I get home, make lunch, have a one-on-one with Jamie, needed to pack stuff for Meg to take home this weekend, had a Good Friday service I really wanted to go to--and it didn't even play out all in order like I would expect it to, and other things happened here and there. Chris O'Dell parked here so he could go to Angie's concert at Bryan, so he invited me and Jamie during our one-on-one, and we went. It was fun, but I was already sleepy, so I definitely fell asleep during parts. Saw the organ played for the first time ever--SO COOL! I don't really understand how it works, though. The organ's in the middle of the stage, and the pipes or on the stage-left wall. No comprendo. Also balanced my checkbook, called my family, looked at jobs, went through quite a few emails, and made a delicious dinner:) For anyone who cares, dinner was as follows:
Layer 1: a toasted piece of five-seed bread spread with a thin layer of cream cheese.
Layer 2: raw red peppers; some long slices, some halved slices
Layer 3: an omelet composed of 1 egg, an ounce or two of left-over Italian sausage, 2 green onions, and a handful of diced yellow onion.
It was delicious, though I think next time I'll leave out the sausage. Actually, I certainly shall, because it's gone now, and I still have all the other ingredients:) It's just that the sausage overpowered the rest a tad. I also have an avocado--might spread that on top of the cream cheese...so many options--this reminds me of Ratatouille when Remi's trying to describe to Emile all the deliciousness of differing combinations.
And now I'm done. Going to get ready for bed. This isn't even what I wanted to blog about--I was wrote down notes on resiliency theory in Social Foundations this morning so that I could post them and hopefully remain mindful of them in the future. Good stuff--but I'll hopefully do that tomorrow. Tomorrow's my Sabbath, so good option. No school work will be done on my Sabbath:) Yay God!
Love to all:)
Layer 1: a toasted piece of five-seed bread spread with a thin layer of cream cheese.
Layer 2: raw red peppers; some long slices, some halved slices
Layer 3: an omelet composed of 1 egg, an ounce or two of left-over Italian sausage, 2 green onions, and a handful of diced yellow onion.
It was delicious, though I think next time I'll leave out the sausage. Actually, I certainly shall, because it's gone now, and I still have all the other ingredients:) It's just that the sausage overpowered the rest a tad. I also have an avocado--might spread that on top of the cream cheese...so many options--this reminds me of Ratatouille when Remi's trying to describe to Emile all the deliciousness of differing combinations.
And now I'm done. Going to get ready for bed. This isn't even what I wanted to blog about--I was wrote down notes on resiliency theory in Social Foundations this morning so that I could post them and hopefully remain mindful of them in the future. Good stuff--but I'll hopefully do that tomorrow. Tomorrow's my Sabbath, so good option. No school work will be done on my Sabbath:) Yay God!
Love to all:)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Spring Cleaning:
FYI, I just removed my 6 blogs created for Ed Tech class, T&L 445. I didn't want to bother reading them to see whether they meant anything or were just a bunch of BS written for a class I didn't really like. (The latter is more likely.) I did copy & paste them to Google Docs, cuz they were, after all, scholastic writings. I'll keep them till I graduate. I'm very pack-ratty. But at least this, in this case, I'm being a digital pack rat--no physical storage/toting from house to house to apartment necessary:) Pretty fantastic.
OK, I'm going to stop procrastinating and do some real work. I've had intermittent breaks allll day, and I'm going to regret them when the week arrives. Moreso when nest week arrives. :P.
OK, I'm going to stop procrastinating and do some real work. I've had intermittent breaks allll day, and I'm going to regret them when the week arrives. Moreso when nest week arrives. :P.
Yuck.
Pretty much, that's it. Y-u-c-k YUCK. Kind of whiny, I know, but I'm so sick of school. Why, God? I just want life to be hugs & puppies & Tillamook ice cream. (Maybe add a few other things in there, like children's books, cheese & cottage cheese, & LOTS of wonderful friends:) But it's not. And "it's not" because we have free will and all that jazz--because God gave us choice and we misused it, leaving ourselves gone very awry and with all sorts of consequences. Sometimes I'd be very willing to give up my free will, and lately I've wanted to quite a lot. Troubles with school & boys (*ahem*--that's "boy," singular...) & being irresponsible. I just want to hand over the free will till I'm done with the semester, be forced to do the right thing like a little puppet on a string. The trouble is, God doesn't want puppets. And I don't suppose I'd ever be truly happy as a puppet. I'd just be a bubblehead in Scott Westerfields Uglies series, or a robot with no more personality than Mr. Universe's lovebot (Serenity). I guess having a personality at all requires the free will option--and, hey, I like my personality:)
In a nutshell, I've been slightly bipolar, riding the emotional roller coaster which I know, to a degree, I have had a hand creating. I love being responsible in some ways; I hate it in others; I want to be done with school; I want to be married and living a happy life with the absolute best husband & lots of little children running about; I want, I want, I want. God, O God--I didn't think I was still this self-centered. I thought I was getting better, living for you, living for others. I've tried the "me" road; I was miserable, and I don't want to go there again. Change me, God, please, please, PLEASE. Reinforce the good and take away the bad. You are the only one worth entirely living for. Give me peace and patience and wisdom and love and humility and accurate self-assessment. Please.
In a nutshell, I've been slightly bipolar, riding the emotional roller coaster which I know, to a degree, I have had a hand creating. I love being responsible in some ways; I hate it in others; I want to be done with school; I want to be married and living a happy life with the absolute best husband & lots of little children running about; I want, I want, I want. God, O God--I didn't think I was still this self-centered. I thought I was getting better, living for you, living for others. I've tried the "me" road; I was miserable, and I don't want to go there again. Change me, God, please, please, PLEASE. Reinforce the good and take away the bad. You are the only one worth entirely living for. Give me peace and patience and wisdom and love and humility and accurate self-assessment. Please.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
OK--I couldn't resist: Words & Sayings
Climb the day.
Drop your dreams.
Possess the day.
an Ayorthaian song from Fairest
Foolishness may have golden offspring.
a Gnomish saying from Fairest
nonpareil: (first definition) somebody or something unparalleled: somebody or something without an equal
carom:
1. billiards shot: a shot in billiards in which the cue ball hits one object ball and rebounds to hit another ball
2. pool shot: a shot in pool in which the object ball is rebounded off another ball and into a pocket
3. rebound following collision: a collision that is followed by one of the objects rebounding off at an angle (This was the way it was used when I stumbled over it, I believe.)
Drop your dreams.
Possess the day.
an Ayorthaian song from Fairest
Foolishness may have golden offspring.
a Gnomish saying from Fairest
nonpareil: (first definition) somebody or something unparalleled: somebody or something without an equal
carom:
1. billiards shot: a shot in billiards in which the cue ball hits one object ball and rebounds to hit another ball
2. pool shot: a shot in pool in which the object ball is rebounded off another ball and into a pocket
3. rebound following collision: a collision that is followed by one of the objects rebounding off at an angle (This was the way it was used when I stumbled over it, I believe.)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Inspiration!
I've just been reading Orangette, a blog I'm looking forward to following semi-regularly in the future. (AKA, in the summer when I'm not spending all my time on homework, etc.) I was greatly inspired to see that its author, Molly, has been writing since July of 2004 and makes time for it still. I would like to do that, even if no one reads what I write. I love writing, and it'd be nice to look at this blog and see something besides the posts I did for Ed Tech class last semester. "Bleck" is all I have to say about them, by the way. Blogging--I'm a fan.
I prob'ly won't be back before the second week in May (yay for summer!), if by some miracle you happen to be a person who's stumbled upon this before then. If, by another miracle, you plan to return, do so after May:)
Forewarning: I write very much like I talk, in some ways, and not in others. I like big words and tend to go off on run-on-type tangents. Well, I don't just like big words. I like any words. You know, I should begin recording my vocab journal on here. I keep writing down words, and today I realized I might as well put their definitions down in a blue book so I can actually remember and refer to them in the future. This would be an excellent location. As my teachers keep telling me, the internet is a good place to store things if I want to come back for them when I'm teaching (one day at least a year and a half from now--SCARY THOUGHT!!!) without lugging yards of paper from house to house to apartment to house to who-knows-where.
OK, I think I'm sufficiently done. Good night to all and to all a good night:)
Oh--just kidding. One more thing of import: I'm reading Fairest by Gail Carson Levine who wrote Ella Enchanted. Excellent book. Call me dim-witted but I read a good portion of the latter before realizing it was a Cinderella story, and I got at least 2/3 into the former before realizing it was a Snow White story. Both excellent--I think Gail Carson Levine is a genius and magician, all in one. This week I also listened to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Girl on the Milk Carton by (I think) Carolyn B. Cooney, and (still in the middle of) Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. I don't recommend the Milk Carton one, though--cliffhanger ending. I hate cliffhanger endings, unless you can be absolutely certain they turned out well.
Anyway, now I'm just rambling off anything I can think of. I guess that's how hungry to write I am. Sorry if you're bored--go read someone else.
Good night:)
I prob'ly won't be back before the second week in May (yay for summer!), if by some miracle you happen to be a person who's stumbled upon this before then. If, by another miracle, you plan to return, do so after May:)
Forewarning: I write very much like I talk, in some ways, and not in others. I like big words and tend to go off on run-on-type tangents. Well, I don't just like big words. I like any words. You know, I should begin recording my vocab journal on here. I keep writing down words, and today I realized I might as well put their definitions down in a blue book so I can actually remember and refer to them in the future. This would be an excellent location. As my teachers keep telling me, the internet is a good place to store things if I want to come back for them when I'm teaching (one day at least a year and a half from now--SCARY THOUGHT!!!) without lugging yards of paper from house to house to apartment to house to who-knows-where.
OK, I think I'm sufficiently done. Good night to all and to all a good night:)
Oh--just kidding. One more thing of import: I'm reading Fairest by Gail Carson Levine who wrote Ella Enchanted. Excellent book. Call me dim-witted but I read a good portion of the latter before realizing it was a Cinderella story, and I got at least 2/3 into the former before realizing it was a Snow White story. Both excellent--I think Gail Carson Levine is a genius and magician, all in one. This week I also listened to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Girl on the Milk Carton by (I think) Carolyn B. Cooney, and (still in the middle of) Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. I don't recommend the Milk Carton one, though--cliffhanger ending. I hate cliffhanger endings, unless you can be absolutely certain they turned out well.
Anyway, now I'm just rambling off anything I can think of. I guess that's how hungry to write I am. Sorry if you're bored--go read someone else.
Good night:)
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