1. I am a cat snuggler at the local cat shelter. My favorite little cat is now on hold for adoption.
2. I marched with the lesbians from my church at Pride. We carried our church's banner, and it was fantastic.
3. I am dating the most beautiful, amazing woman I have ever met. I am going to marry her.
4. I am a crafting fool. I made a lot of my Christmas gifts this year.
5. My girl and I read books together aloud on the phone. We're reading The Secret Life of Bees right now.
6. I hate snow. A lot. It wrecks my travel plans.
7. I have been on my church's pastoral search committee for about a year and a half. We have found a pastor and will be voting on her as a congregation on Sunday.
8. I believe I have not yet found a full-time teaching job with benefits because I needed to see the pastoral search committee through and because I needed to meet the woman of my dreams first. I believe I will find something now.
9. I am a bicycle commuter.
10. My cats had catnip for the first time ever today.
11. I am only now reading Dykes to Watch Out For. Somehow I missed this lesbian phenomenon.
12. When my girl and I move in together next June or July, we will have four cats.
13. I have been lighting candles every night because they make my house smell good.
14. I have crossed the line from slob to neat in the last month. I'm hoping it stays that way.
15. The Christmas gift I am most excited about giving a member of my family was free.
16. I loathe one of my students this semester. I have never loathed any of them before, but this guy takes the cake.
17. I hired a cleaning service to clean my house once a month. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
18. I have two nieces that technically are not my nieces except that I call them that. They are cute as can be.
19. I have a refrigerator full of grapefruit.
20. I really miss two friends that I saw quite a lot of around here for a while. Neither lives here anymore.
21. I have an impressive tea shelf. I am betting I have more than 20 different kinds of tea currently in this apartment. Would you like a cup?
22. I cut the hell out of my hand this morning accidentally, when I was wrapping presents. I am now wearing six band-aids, and it hurts.
23. I have discovered that I really enjoy the new tread mills at the gym because they have tvs attached to them. I have also found that I walk for an hour instead of a half-hour because I want to watch all of SVU while I walk.
24. The first gift my girlfriend gave me was a pair of socks that she had knitted for me. This was before we were even dating, but I think I loved her from at least then. I may have loved her even earlier than that.
25. The Virgin of Guadalupe fascinates me. I'd really like to wear her picture as a necklace someday.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hard Things
As I mention sometimes on here, I volunteer regularly at the interfaith homeless shelter in town. It has been a hard fall there. Since the end of September, we have lost five of our guests. One, in particular, I knew quite well. His name was Terrance, although I always addressed him as Mr. His Last Name. It just seemed right to do that. Mr. F had been at the shelter for as long as I can remember. He spent many a night in what we call the "drunk tank," or "inner sanctum" in more polite terms, not because he was drunk but because he was occasionally drunk and could not cope with changing the location of his sleeping place on the nights when he did need to be in the drunk tank. It was just easier on him to sleep there all the time. Mr. F would also get very upset if, in their drunken unawareness, one of the other men in the room would inadvertently roll into his traditional spot. He could not cope with sleeping in a place other than the one he always slept in. For those familiar with Aspberger's, this should be a familiar symptom. I always had a fondness for Mr. F because he reminded me a little bit of my cousin, who has Aspberger's, as well. I never knew Mr. F's story. I never asked. I find people will tell me if they want me to know. Many do. I received an email earlier this week from the director of the shelter. In it, she talked about the five men who have died, and I was startled and saddened to see Mr. F's name on the list. I have since found out that he died a very tragic and unnecessary death, the kind that keeps me coming back to the shelter because it is the only thing I can do to keep it from happening again. Tomorrow, I will be attending Mr. F's funeral as conducted by the non-homeless community, which will be very different from the one next week conducted by those who knew and appreciated Mr. F. Since I will not be in town for the second funeral, I am going to the first. I wonder if I will see his family there. I wonder if he had any family. I wonder what we could have done differently to keep him off of the street in the first place. Most of all, I wonder what we will do now. There is often much talk of change within the community after a tragedy like this. It never lasts long. My prayer is that this time, the conversation will not end.
Here & Now
by Mark Erelli
Cobblestone pillow
Newspaper sheets
Ten below zero
Sleeping on the street
Someday we all will have a home
A place to come in from the cold
Somewhere so high above the clouds
Why not here
Why not now
Pastures of plenty
For the tired and poor
Still too many hands empty
Behind the golden door
Someday we all will live the dream
There'll be no cracks to fall between
Somewhere where everyone will have enough
But here and now
It's up to us
Someday we all will be at peace
And all of our suffering will cease
There's more than enough to go around
Why not here
Why not now
Rest in peace, Mr. F. May you be the last to die on the street.
Here & Now
by Mark Erelli
Cobblestone pillow
Newspaper sheets
Ten below zero
Sleeping on the street
Someday we all will have a home
A place to come in from the cold
Somewhere so high above the clouds
Why not here
Why not now
Pastures of plenty
For the tired and poor
Still too many hands empty
Behind the golden door
Someday we all will live the dream
There'll be no cracks to fall between
Somewhere where everyone will have enough
But here and now
It's up to us
Someday we all will be at peace
And all of our suffering will cease
There's more than enough to go around
Why not here
Why not now
Rest in peace, Mr. F. May you be the last to die on the street.
Monday, November 17, 2008
How many texts are in your inbox?
none
Who was the first person you talked to today?
Zoe (this is what I'm going to call my girl)
Have you ever dated a soccer player?
nope
Do you tell your mom everything?
no
Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
probably
Do you hate the last girl you had a conversation with?
No! I'm in love with her.
Do you delete people off your MySpace?
no
What are your initials?
VE
When was your last encounter with the police?
um, I saw a police car on the way home?
Do you like your name?
yes
Do you care if your socks are dirty?
um, yes
How many windows are open on your computer?
nine
How tall are you?
5'3"
Which one of your cousins is closest to you in age?
Susan
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so :) I'm planning on it. I love her an awful lot :)
Love really is a beautiful thing, huh?
yes
How are you feeling at this exact moment?
a bit worried about Zoe. She is feeling sick this evening. And tired. We're both tired, I think.
What's the connection between you and the last person you text?
I don't text.
What does your hair look like today?
clean? I didn't do much else with it.
Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
probably
How long does it take you to shower?
15 minutes or so
If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
I would go visit Zoe and make sure she is okay.
Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?
yes, just recently
Who is the last person that called you?
Zoe
What if you had a baby with the last person of the opposite sex you hugged?
that would be weird. he's 70, and we're both gay.
Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?
yes. I'm in a relationship with her right now.
Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?
either way
Do you hate the last person you kissed?
no!
Have you ever been depressed?
yes
Are you any good at math?
yes
When was the last time you had starbucks?
Saturday
Anything you want to ask someone?
probably
Where were you last night at midnight?
sleeping
Have you lost friends in the past year?
I hope not.
Who do you tell everything to?
Zoe and my sister
What are you feeling right now?
tired
Are you missing someone?
Zoe
Do you wear your feelings all over your face?
probably
Is there a guy that knows everything about you?
no. Josh knows me best, though.
Do you like surprises?
yes!
Do people underestimate you?
sometimes. they assume that quiet equals slow.
Do you hate being alone?
sometimes
In the past week have you felt sad?
I've been incredibly happy the last week or so.
Last person you texted?
don't text
What are you listening to?
Golden Girls
Name something that made you frown today:
Zoe being sick. I hope she feels better soon.
Did you give anyone a dirty look today?
once
Do/did you do good in school?
yes
If you could pack up and move, would you?
in with Zoe? yes.
When's the last time you said you were fine, but really weren't?
a few weeks ago.
What person annoys you most?
not really any one person that comes to mind.
none
Who was the first person you talked to today?
Zoe (this is what I'm going to call my girl)
Have you ever dated a soccer player?
nope
Do you tell your mom everything?
no
Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
probably
Do you hate the last girl you had a conversation with?
No! I'm in love with her.
Do you delete people off your MySpace?
no
What are your initials?
VE
When was your last encounter with the police?
um, I saw a police car on the way home?
Do you like your name?
yes
Do you care if your socks are dirty?
um, yes
How many windows are open on your computer?
nine
How tall are you?
5'3"
Which one of your cousins is closest to you in age?
Susan
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so :) I'm planning on it. I love her an awful lot :)
Love really is a beautiful thing, huh?
yes
How are you feeling at this exact moment?
a bit worried about Zoe. She is feeling sick this evening. And tired. We're both tired, I think.
What's the connection between you and the last person you text?
I don't text.
What does your hair look like today?
clean? I didn't do much else with it.
Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
probably
How long does it take you to shower?
15 minutes or so
If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
I would go visit Zoe and make sure she is okay.
Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?
yes, just recently
Who is the last person that called you?
Zoe
What if you had a baby with the last person of the opposite sex you hugged?
that would be weird. he's 70, and we're both gay.
Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?
yes. I'm in a relationship with her right now.
Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?
either way
Do you hate the last person you kissed?
no!
Have you ever been depressed?
yes
Are you any good at math?
yes
When was the last time you had starbucks?
Saturday
Anything you want to ask someone?
probably
Where were you last night at midnight?
sleeping
Have you lost friends in the past year?
I hope not.
Who do you tell everything to?
Zoe and my sister
What are you feeling right now?
tired
Are you missing someone?
Zoe
Do you wear your feelings all over your face?
probably
Is there a guy that knows everything about you?
no. Josh knows me best, though.
Do you like surprises?
yes!
Do people underestimate you?
sometimes. they assume that quiet equals slow.
Do you hate being alone?
sometimes
In the past week have you felt sad?
I've been incredibly happy the last week or so.
Last person you texted?
don't text
What are you listening to?
Golden Girls
Name something that made you frown today:
Zoe being sick. I hope she feels better soon.
Did you give anyone a dirty look today?
once
Do/did you do good in school?
yes
If you could pack up and move, would you?
in with Zoe? yes.
When's the last time you said you were fine, but really weren't?
a few weeks ago.
What person annoys you most?
not really any one person that comes to mind.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Happiness
I have met the girl of my dreams. I have been chatting with her online and on the phone for about three months. I met her in person last weekend. She's amazing, and she's beautiful. She is smart and kind and compassionate. She wants the same things in life that I do. I think she's the one. We have quirky things in common, like the fact that we both like to take walks in cemeteries. And she makes up ridiculous far-fetched stories about her cats, just like I do. And she has for years, not just since she met me. She laughs a lot, too, which is so nice. I haven't ever dated anyone who is so passionate and hilarious. We are officially in a relationship. I don't think I have ever been so happy. She even sent me flowers yesterday. Those who I know in real life are welcome to request pictures and/or details.
Monday, September 22, 2008
I love these, and I now have iTunes.
My life, according to iTunes shuffle:
Opening Credits: Drag King Bar, Bitch and Animal
Waking Up: No Estaba Acostumbrado, Don Tetto
First Day at School: Fidelity, Regina Spektor
Falling in Love: Oye Como Va, Santana
Losing Virginity: American Pie, Don McLean
Breaking Up: Preacher's Daughter, Michelle Malone
Life: Hold It All at Bay, Girlyman
Mental Breakdown: It's the End of the World as We Know It, R.E.M.
Flashback: All for You, Sister Hazel
Getting Back Together: Maybe, Janis Joplin
Wedding: A Horse with No Name, America
Final Battle: I Will Follow You into the Dark, Deathcab for Cutie
Death Scene: Money Made You Mean, Indigo Girls
Funeral Song: One Week, Barenaked Ladies
End Credits: I'm Sticking with You, Velvet Underground
Opening Credits: Drag King Bar, Bitch and Animal
Waking Up: No Estaba Acostumbrado, Don Tetto
First Day at School: Fidelity, Regina Spektor
Falling in Love: Oye Como Va, Santana
Losing Virginity: American Pie, Don McLean
Breaking Up: Preacher's Daughter, Michelle Malone
Life: Hold It All at Bay, Girlyman
Mental Breakdown: It's the End of the World as We Know It, R.E.M.
Flashback: All for You, Sister Hazel
Getting Back Together: Maybe, Janis Joplin
Wedding: A Horse with No Name, America
Final Battle: I Will Follow You into the Dark, Deathcab for Cutie
Death Scene: Money Made You Mean, Indigo Girls
Funeral Song: One Week, Barenaked Ladies
End Credits: I'm Sticking with You, Velvet Underground
Friday, August 15, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
In Serious Need of Funds
For those of you who don't know, I volunteer weekly at a local homeless shelter. As of tonight, that shelter is seriously hurting, due to lack of funds. Until this year, the shelter has been only a winter shelter, but we opened our doors in November with the intent never to close them. Unfortunately, we have seriously had to limit our hours beginning at the end of the month, as well as cut back staffing, because there is simply no money to keep the doors open as long as we would like.
If you have been watching the news, you will have heard about the foreclosure rate in the United States. With the economy being as bad as it is, people are losing jobs and they are losing their homes. These are many of the people we are serving at this shelter. Many of them are homeless for the first time. Many of them have small children. Many of them are still working full-time. Right now, we house 115-140 people each night. That is astronomical.
Because I know those of you who read my blog are generous people, many in prayer as well as finances, I am asking that you consider helping the people who stay at this shelter. I am providing a link. Your donations are tax deductible. We also appreciate any prayers and/or good wishes you can spare.
http://interfaithsanctuary.wordpress.com/
If you have been watching the news, you will have heard about the foreclosure rate in the United States. With the economy being as bad as it is, people are losing jobs and they are losing their homes. These are many of the people we are serving at this shelter. Many of them are homeless for the first time. Many of them have small children. Many of them are still working full-time. Right now, we house 115-140 people each night. That is astronomical.
Because I know those of you who read my blog are generous people, many in prayer as well as finances, I am asking that you consider helping the people who stay at this shelter. I am providing a link. Your donations are tax deductible. We also appreciate any prayers and/or good wishes you can spare.
http://interfaithsanctuary.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Fun :)
Put your iTunes on shuffle or whatever and record the results.
Don't cheat!
What do people assume when they first look at me?
Song: Girl
Artist: Rose Polenzani
What will be a big challenge in life for me?
Song: More Love
Artist: Dixie Chicks
Am I a good boyfriend/girlfriend?
Song: Let Your Troubles Roll By
Artist: Carbon Leaf
How will I die?
Song: All the Way
Artist: Indigo Girls
Is someone trying to kill me?
Song: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Artist: Joan Baez
What should I do instead of this quiz?
Song: A Home
Artist: Dixie Chicks
What is a bad habit that I should try to stop?
Song: Preacher's Daughter
Artist: Michelle Malone
What's for dinner tonight?
Song: Lil Jack Slade
Artist: Dixie Chicks
How does the world see me?
Song: One Voice
Artist: Wailin' Jennys
Will I have a happy life?
Song: Living Room
Artist: Tegan and Sara
What do my friends really think of me?
Song: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Artist: Indigo Girls
Do people secretly lust after me?
Song: Broken
Artist: Seether and Amy Lee
How can I make myself happy?
Song: When I'm with a Girl
What should I do with my life?
Song: Kryptonite
Artist: Three Doors Down
Why is life full of so much pain?
Song: All that I Want
Artist: The Weepies
How can I get richer?
Song: Drops of Jupiter
Artist: Train
Will I ever have children?
Song: Heart-Shaped Box
Artist: Nirvana
Will I die happy?
Song: I'm Gonna Be
Artist: The Proclaimers
What is some good advice for me?
Song: Jonas and Ezekial
Artist: Indigo Girls
What is happiness?
Song: Underdog
Artist: Lisa Loeb
What is my favourite fish?
Song: Second Hand News
Artist: The Greencards
How will I be remembered?
Song: Wild Night
Artist: Van Morrison
Don't cheat!
What do people assume when they first look at me?
Song: Girl
Artist: Rose Polenzani
What will be a big challenge in life for me?
Song: More Love
Artist: Dixie Chicks
Am I a good boyfriend/girlfriend?
Song: Let Your Troubles Roll By
Artist: Carbon Leaf
How will I die?
Song: All the Way
Artist: Indigo Girls
Is someone trying to kill me?
Song: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Artist: Joan Baez
What should I do instead of this quiz?
Song: A Home
Artist: Dixie Chicks
What is a bad habit that I should try to stop?
Song: Preacher's Daughter
Artist: Michelle Malone
What's for dinner tonight?
Song: Lil Jack Slade
Artist: Dixie Chicks
How does the world see me?
Song: One Voice
Artist: Wailin' Jennys
Will I have a happy life?
Song: Living Room
Artist: Tegan and Sara
What do my friends really think of me?
Song: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Artist: Indigo Girls
Do people secretly lust after me?
Song: Broken
Artist: Seether and Amy Lee
How can I make myself happy?
Song: When I'm with a Girl
What should I do with my life?
Song: Kryptonite
Artist: Three Doors Down
Why is life full of so much pain?
Song: All that I Want
Artist: The Weepies
How can I get richer?
Song: Drops of Jupiter
Artist: Train
Will I ever have children?
Song: Heart-Shaped Box
Artist: Nirvana
Will I die happy?
Song: I'm Gonna Be
Artist: The Proclaimers
What is some good advice for me?
Song: Jonas and Ezekial
Artist: Indigo Girls
What is happiness?
Song: Underdog
Artist: Lisa Loeb
What is my favourite fish?
Song: Second Hand News
Artist: The Greencards
How will I be remembered?
Song: Wild Night
Artist: Van Morrison
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
A hymn from the UCC hymnal:
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, the wild-flowers growing,
For we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation,
That all may have abundant life in every earthly nation.
When bodies shiver in the night and weary wait for morning,
When children have no bread but tears, and war horns sound their warning.
God calls humanity to awake, to join in common labor,
That all may have abundant life, oneness with their neighbor.
God calls humanity to join as partners in creating
a future free from want or fear. Life’s goodness celebrating,
that new world beckons from afar, Invites our shared endeavor
that all might have abundant life and peace endure forever.
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, the wild-flowers growing,
For we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation,
That all may have abundant life in every earthly nation.
When bodies shiver in the night and weary wait for morning,
When children have no bread but tears, and war horns sound their warning.
God calls humanity to awake, to join in common labor,
That all may have abundant life, oneness with their neighbor.
God calls humanity to join as partners in creating
a future free from want or fear. Life’s goodness celebrating,
that new world beckons from afar, Invites our shared endeavor
that all might have abundant life and peace endure forever.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Movies that Made the List
and I'm open to more ideas since I'll be using this project again.
Movie List
Hotel Rwanda
Schindler’s List
Super Size Me
The Mission
The Eleventh Hour
An Inconvenient Truth
Real Women Have Curves
Philadelphia
The Constant Gardener
V for Vendetta
Control Room
X Men 2
Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace
Fog of War
Bobby
The Killing Fields
Children of Men
Ghandi
Good Night and Good Luck
Pay It Forward
Motorcycle Diaries
Hearts and Minds
Dead Man Walking
Crash
Brokeback Mountain
Flags of Our Fathers
Letters from Iwo Jima
Blood Diamond
City of God
Babel
As the Band Played On
Stories from the Quilt
Follow My Voice
The Devil Came on Horseback
North Country
Last King of Scotland
Trade
Kids
Joy Luck Club
Gangs of New York
The Pianist
American History X
King Arthur (recent movie)
American Gangster
The Godfather
The Kite Runner
Jesus Camp
Requiem for a Dream
Equilibrium
Sarafina
Pursuit of Happyness
Paper Clips
Rent
Juno
Into the Wild
Movie List
Hotel Rwanda
Schindler’s List
Super Size Me
The Mission
The Eleventh Hour
An Inconvenient Truth
Real Women Have Curves
Philadelphia
The Constant Gardener
V for Vendetta
Control Room
X Men 2
Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace
Fog of War
Bobby
The Killing Fields
Children of Men
Ghandi
Good Night and Good Luck
Pay It Forward
Motorcycle Diaries
Hearts and Minds
Dead Man Walking
Crash
Brokeback Mountain
Flags of Our Fathers
Letters from Iwo Jima
Blood Diamond
City of God
Babel
As the Band Played On
Stories from the Quilt
Follow My Voice
The Devil Came on Horseback
North Country
Last King of Scotland
Trade
Kids
Joy Luck Club
Gangs of New York
The Pianist
American History X
King Arthur (recent movie)
American Gangster
The Godfather
The Kite Runner
Jesus Camp
Requiem for a Dream
Equilibrium
Sarafina
Pursuit of Happyness
Paper Clips
Rent
Juno
Into the Wild
Monday, April 14, 2008
Movies!
Last week, I asked my English 102 movie to watch a movie that would make them think. I gave them a list that they helped make and had them pick one that they hadn't seen. They then had to respond to it on Blackboard and pose a question for the class to discuss. Then they had to answer at least two other peoples' questions. The conversations have been amazing! I have really enjoyed the maturity of thought they have put into their responses. They have discussed everything from war to conspiracy theory to discrimination to teen pregnancy. It's fabulous.
In my 102 class, I have developed a citizenship and volunteerism theme. As part of that, they have to volunteer with a nonprofit agency for at least 15 hours over the semester. Part of their writing for the class is tied in with that experience. It was rough last semester because I was still ironing out what I wanted them to be doing, what was realistic, etc. It's going quite well this semester, though. I think they are enjoying it, too. They're always skeptical at first, of course, but I think it's overall been a great experience.
My English 102 class is my favorite this semester, even better than my upper-level classes. I've really enjoyed their insights into the world.
In my 102 class, I have developed a citizenship and volunteerism theme. As part of that, they have to volunteer with a nonprofit agency for at least 15 hours over the semester. Part of their writing for the class is tied in with that experience. It was rough last semester because I was still ironing out what I wanted them to be doing, what was realistic, etc. It's going quite well this semester, though. I think they are enjoying it, too. They're always skeptical at first, of course, but I think it's overall been a great experience.
My English 102 class is my favorite this semester, even better than my upper-level classes. I've really enjoyed their insights into the world.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Some Recommendations
For the Bible Tells Me So
It's a documentary about being gay and Christian. Absolutely beautiful. I cried through most of it. It simply tells people's stories and the stories of their families. As someone who has sat through many church services where I was condemned as a human being simply because of who I love, it was touching to hear from those outside my own congregation who have struggled with their faith and sexuality and come to terms with both. It was also touching to hear that their families also came to terms with both (well, except for one family). I highly, highly recommend this documentary to anyone who has ever struggled or who has known anyone who has ever struggled with being both gay and Christian. I'm sending a copy to my family.
The God Box
by Alex Sanchez
I actually haven't finished this one yet, but it is a fictionalized account of a teenage boy coming to terms with being both gay and a strong Christian. It's lovely, and it's about time something like this was written.
It's a documentary about being gay and Christian. Absolutely beautiful. I cried through most of it. It simply tells people's stories and the stories of their families. As someone who has sat through many church services where I was condemned as a human being simply because of who I love, it was touching to hear from those outside my own congregation who have struggled with their faith and sexuality and come to terms with both. It was also touching to hear that their families also came to terms with both (well, except for one family). I highly, highly recommend this documentary to anyone who has ever struggled or who has known anyone who has ever struggled with being both gay and Christian. I'm sending a copy to my family.
The God Box
by Alex Sanchez
I actually haven't finished this one yet, but it is a fictionalized account of a teenage boy coming to terms with being both gay and a strong Christian. It's lovely, and it's about time something like this was written.
I Love Anne Lamott
I think joy and sweetness and affection are a spiritual path. We're here to know God, to love and serve God, and to be blown away by the beauty and miracle of nature. You just have to get rid of so much baggage to be light enough to dance, to sing, to play. You don't have time to carry grudges; you don't have time to cling to the need to be right.
--Anne Lamott
--Anne Lamott
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
More Updates
Today is my birthday. I'm 28 :)
I have decided to adopt Mr. Cat, who is featured below. I'm trying to decide on a name and am grateful for any and all input. Some possible names: Willoughby, Sirius Black, Gatsby, Clyde, Kipling, and Mr. Darcy. I am praying that he and Ms. Emily get along well.
I have a REALLY BIG interview next week at the school I had a phone interview at a couple posts ago. This is a really good job, tenure-track and the whole nine yards. They're flying me in and putting me up because I'm a finalist. Woohoo to that. I'm hoping for the best and accepting all prayers and good wishes.
I bought a new computer. Mine was ten years old. I'm loving it and am currently sitting in a coffee shop with it. Way way way too exciting. I've never had a laptop.
I have decided to adopt Mr. Cat, who is featured below. I'm trying to decide on a name and am grateful for any and all input. Some possible names: Willoughby, Sirius Black, Gatsby, Clyde, Kipling, and Mr. Darcy. I am praying that he and Ms. Emily get along well.
I have a REALLY BIG interview next week at the school I had a phone interview at a couple posts ago. This is a really good job, tenure-track and the whole nine yards. They're flying me in and putting me up because I'm a finalist. Woohoo to that. I'm hoping for the best and accepting all prayers and good wishes.
I bought a new computer. Mine was ten years old. I'm loving it and am currently sitting in a coffee shop with it. Way way way too exciting. I've never had a laptop.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
What Would You Name Him?
Isn't he adorable? I met him yesterday. I think I'm going to bring him home with me. I am still of course consulting Ms. Emily (my other fuzzy) in this new development.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
A Smattering of Updates
I'm getting a chapbook published online! More details to follow!
I have an interview this week for a job that would be really great. It's closer to home.
I have jury duty this week (gag).
Lent starts tomorrow. My thing this year is to do one thing every day that is good for me physically, from eating right to exercising.
Tonight I'm gorging on pancakes.
I have an interview this week for a job that would be really great. It's closer to home.
I have jury duty this week (gag).
Lent starts tomorrow. My thing this year is to do one thing every day that is good for me physically, from eating right to exercising.
Tonight I'm gorging on pancakes.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Oddly Accurate
your Enneagram type is NINE (aka "The Mediator")
"I am at peace"
Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.
How to Get Along with Me
If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.
I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this.
Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.
Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.
Ask me questions to help me get clear.
Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.
Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.
I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.
Let me know you like what I've done or said.
Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.
What I Like About Being a NINE
being nonjudgmental and accepting
caring for and being concerned about others
being able to relax and have a good time
knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe
What's Hard About Being a NINE
being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
being confused about what I really want
caring too much about what others will think of me
not being listened to or taken seriously
NINEs as Children Often
feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
tune out a lot, especially when others argue
are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves
NINEs as Parents
are supportive, kind, and warm
are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective
"I am at peace"
Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.
How to Get Along with Me
If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.
I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this.
Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.
Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.
Ask me questions to help me get clear.
Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.
Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.
I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.
Let me know you like what I've done or said.
Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.
What I Like About Being a NINE
being nonjudgmental and accepting
caring for and being concerned about others
being able to relax and have a good time
knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe
What's Hard About Being a NINE
being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
being confused about what I really want
caring too much about what others will think of me
not being listened to or taken seriously
NINEs as Children Often
feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
tune out a lot, especially when others argue
are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves
NINEs as Parents
are supportive, kind, and warm
are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective
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