Thanks to April for finding this juicy tidbit:
For any Patriots out there expecting a little one and seeking the appropriate name, we should inform you that "Hillary" has taken a plunge in popularity. Based on information from the Social Security Administration, after peaking in 1992 at number 131 among the top 1,000 girls' names, the name "Hillary" had dropped out of the top 1,000 by 2002 and 2003. It stood at 982 in 2006. Indeed, the name fell out of favor even faster than Ebenezer (Scrooge) and Adolf (Hitler), both of which took more than 30 years after their unfortunate associations to lose their place among the top 1,000. Hillary, though, accomplished this feat in a mere decade. She also holds the title for fastest drop in a single year—295 places. In fact, around our humble shop, we're tired of hearing her name at all and have opted instead for the Harry Potter name-avoidance technique: "She Who Shall Not Be Named."
12.14.2007
12.11.2007
I'm reading!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have started reading a book from my list to the right: A Place on Earth by Wendell Berry.
I find his writing captivating. He guides you through feelings you've felt but never articulated (I should say, "feelings I've felt but never articulated"). It's about the small town of Port William during World War II. I'm on Chapter 4 and have been getting to know some of the folks who are waiting for their soldiers to come home.
More later.
Yay!
I find his writing captivating. He guides you through feelings you've felt but never articulated (I should say, "feelings I've felt but never articulated"). It's about the small town of Port William during World War II. I'm on Chapter 4 and have been getting to know some of the folks who are waiting for their soldiers to come home.
More later.
Yay!
12.05.2007
whew
That black background was oppressive.
I cooked Austin Soup, corn bread, and Banana Bread last night. I felt very accomplished, and even though I cleaned lots of dishes while the food was cooking, there were still a ton of dishes left after we ate. I'm not sure how that happens. Anyway, I think they're still in the sink.
The soup and corn bread came out very nicely. The B Bread needs some work. Banana Bread Pudding?
We have a fireplace at our little apt., and fortunately, Trey enjoys building fires. We didn't have any tools for the fireplace, though, so we had been using some old bamboo tongs that we didn't need in the kitchen. These had served us well, until last night. Last night, the tongs caught fire in the line of duty and Trey sent them on to their inevitable fate.
I am having a chocolate craving. eep!
I cooked Austin Soup, corn bread, and Banana Bread last night. I felt very accomplished, and even though I cleaned lots of dishes while the food was cooking, there were still a ton of dishes left after we ate. I'm not sure how that happens. Anyway, I think they're still in the sink.
The soup and corn bread came out very nicely. The B Bread needs some work. Banana Bread Pudding?
We have a fireplace at our little apt., and fortunately, Trey enjoys building fires. We didn't have any tools for the fireplace, though, so we had been using some old bamboo tongs that we didn't need in the kitchen. These had served us well, until last night. Last night, the tongs caught fire in the line of duty and Trey sent them on to their inevitable fate.
I am having a chocolate craving. eep!
11.29.2007
random
My blog should reflect the season.
Yesterday between lunch and a client's appt. at 2, a little spider made a web in my water cup. I didn't realize this until I lifted the cup to my mouth and felt a strange feeling on my nose (that type of feeing you get when you march between trees in the woods and find yourself smothered in sticky, whitish strings, except this was just that feeling on my nose). I left spidy alone for a whole day, but when he didn't wise up by this morning, washed him away. Now I check my cup before putting it to my lips.
Someone crashed in front of our building. I didn't hear the smack, but my co-worker notified me. I rushed out to look since I wasn't driving and couldn't be accused of rubber-necking.
I love my husband.
Tuesday night I cooked!!! For real!! We had pork loin with spicy appley sauce (the sauce is amazing!), asparagas, roasted and seasoned potatoes, and hot rolls, all with a little glass of Merlot each. It was fun. I'll probably try to cook again. But tonight we're having left-overs.
I am surrounded by paper.
HO
Yesterday between lunch and a client's appt. at 2, a little spider made a web in my water cup. I didn't realize this until I lifted the cup to my mouth and felt a strange feeling on my nose (that type of feeing you get when you march between trees in the woods and find yourself smothered in sticky, whitish strings, except this was just that feeling on my nose). I left spidy alone for a whole day, but when he didn't wise up by this morning, washed him away. Now I check my cup before putting it to my lips.
Someone crashed in front of our building. I didn't hear the smack, but my co-worker notified me. I rushed out to look since I wasn't driving and couldn't be accused of rubber-necking.
I love my husband.
Tuesday night I cooked!!! For real!! We had pork loin with spicy appley sauce (the sauce is amazing!), asparagas, roasted and seasoned potatoes, and hot rolls, all with a little glass of Merlot each. It was fun. I'll probably try to cook again. But tonight we're having left-overs.
I am surrounded by paper.
HO
11.19.2007
HO
My new initials are just in time for the holidays! Though, I don't know that I want to be so closely identified with a fat, white-bearded, old man. The jolliness I can handle.
Trey has pointed out that I complain about my circumstances a lot. I'm sure none of my dear readers have noticed such a thing *wink*. And so I've been reflecting on this, and realizing that if I spend so much time thinking about all the things that are "holding me down" they will, in fact, hold me down.
The sermon Sunday night was on Phillipians 4 when Paul says to rejoice in all things, pray without ceasing, and give thanks for all circumstances. I remember Aunt Melinda once exhorting me to always thank the Lord for our circumstances because He is working out a good purpose in whatever is going on, however negative it seems to our eyes. I don't think Mike heard that conversation, but I think both Mike and Aunt Mo preached that scripture to me. And thanks to my husby for gently applying it to my daily walk.
I feel like this is deja vu; didn't I go through this realization before? Anywho, I'll have to focus on what's in front of me instead of the failings of the past or I'll get stuck back there, too!
Hooray for scripture! and husbands! and aunts! and pastors!
Trey has pointed out that I complain about my circumstances a lot. I'm sure none of my dear readers have noticed such a thing *wink*. And so I've been reflecting on this, and realizing that if I spend so much time thinking about all the things that are "holding me down" they will, in fact, hold me down.
The sermon Sunday night was on Phillipians 4 when Paul says to rejoice in all things, pray without ceasing, and give thanks for all circumstances. I remember Aunt Melinda once exhorting me to always thank the Lord for our circumstances because He is working out a good purpose in whatever is going on, however negative it seems to our eyes. I don't think Mike heard that conversation, but I think both Mike and Aunt Mo preached that scripture to me. And thanks to my husby for gently applying it to my daily walk.
I feel like this is deja vu; didn't I go through this realization before? Anywho, I'll have to focus on what's in front of me instead of the failings of the past or I'll get stuck back there, too!
Hooray for scripture! and husbands! and aunts! and pastors!
11.15.2007
grrr
I'm beginning to have those terrible wake-up-feeling-more-tired-than-when-you-went-to-sleep mornings.
It could be the thought that I haven't mailed out any of my thank-yous from all our wedding gifts, though I have most of them written.
It could be that we haven't made the returns we need to or finished unpacking all our house stuff.
It could be that neither of us has exercised since before the wedding (aside from THAT exercise, of course).
It could be that we have some unpaid household bills.
Hm. Seems like it would be easy to try all those. About as easy as tackling my reading list.
awooga!
It could be the thought that I haven't mailed out any of my thank-yous from all our wedding gifts, though I have most of them written.
It could be that we haven't made the returns we need to or finished unpacking all our house stuff.
It could be that neither of us has exercised since before the wedding (aside from THAT exercise, of course).
It could be that we have some unpaid household bills.
Hm. Seems like it would be easy to try all those. About as easy as tackling my reading list.
awooga!
11.12.2007
Confessions
So, I'm addicted to Lord Beefhammer.
And I haven't given up on food and sleep in order to write.
I have yet to unpack any of my book boxes (but I did finish the laundry this weekend, except ironing).
Spaghetti is a rather messy food to eat. You can come away from a spaghetti meal and have clean clothes if you're careful, but, over time, you will notice little red spots on table, wall, ornamental objects, telephone cords, etc. You can't escape. It's true.
Today the bank is closed. I would call the trip down there a waste except I got a nice little walk out of it. They haven't grasped the concept of my marriage and subsequent name change, though they have all proper documentation to prove said status. If I didn't work in a paper pushing job where things that shouldn't happen do sometimes happen, I'd get all huffy and mad at them for messing up.
A guy at the gas station didn't get the concept of my marriage bands, either, until I turned down his lunch invitation with an explanation of said bands. He seemed nice enough, though. Hm. 'Nice enough' for I'm not sure what, but not nice enough for anything having to do with me.
Trey and I have expressed shock to each other over the quickly approaching Thanksgiving holiday, our first together (at all). We've already been married over five weeks! That's not long compared to my grandparents' 62 years, but it's a long time for us, having never been married to each before. Some things are relative.
And I haven't given up on food and sleep in order to write.
I have yet to unpack any of my book boxes (but I did finish the laundry this weekend, except ironing).
Spaghetti is a rather messy food to eat. You can come away from a spaghetti meal and have clean clothes if you're careful, but, over time, you will notice little red spots on table, wall, ornamental objects, telephone cords, etc. You can't escape. It's true.
Today the bank is closed. I would call the trip down there a waste except I got a nice little walk out of it. They haven't grasped the concept of my marriage and subsequent name change, though they have all proper documentation to prove said status. If I didn't work in a paper pushing job where things that shouldn't happen do sometimes happen, I'd get all huffy and mad at them for messing up.
A guy at the gas station didn't get the concept of my marriage bands, either, until I turned down his lunch invitation with an explanation of said bands. He seemed nice enough, though. Hm. 'Nice enough' for I'm not sure what, but not nice enough for anything having to do with me.
Trey and I have expressed shock to each other over the quickly approaching Thanksgiving holiday, our first together (at all). We've already been married over five weeks! That's not long compared to my grandparents' 62 years, but it's a long time for us, having never been married to each before. Some things are relative.
11.07.2007
Inspiration
My Neill cousins have inspired me. Somewhere inside, repressed beyond recognition, I, too, have the writer's curse. And it demands an answer.
My writing may not appear on this post too often, but I must start writing! I have neglected this innate desire too long! I must make my body a slave to the writer's curse!! sleep, I disdane you! food, you disgust me! write I must and write I shall!!!! bwahahahahahaha! except it isn't that devious, really.
tick tock.
My writing may not appear on this post too often, but I must start writing! I have neglected this innate desire too long! I must make my body a slave to the writer's curse!! sleep, I disdane you! food, you disgust me! write I must and write I shall!!!! bwahahahahahaha! except it isn't that devious, really.
tick tock.
11.05.2007
10.30.2007
Augh!
And I just noticed that my reading list is really, really, really, incredibly long. I must read! I miss it!
Now
Now, now, Duff. Don't be so sensitive. Of course I love Meredith more than you. God made some people really, really, really, incredibly good-looking so that we would love them more than other people. Didn't you go to Sunday school?
Was that mean?
The intent was teasing, or course, but I often have no clue as to how my intent is interpreted through my words. I've found my interpretation of particular statements can be on opposite ends of the spectrum depending on my mood, so I assume other people behave that irradically as well and try to form my words so as to put absolutely no one on the defense. Except I know that's impossible.
Oh well.
Trey's all the way moved in now! So we have two times as many boxes around now! The kitchen is fairly settled, which is encouraging to me. The mountain of laundry, whether clean or dirty, is somehow constantly growing. It won't be long before we have no clothes hanging in our closets at all! We'll have to swim through the pools of towels, pants, undies, pjs, shirts, and socks to reach the dresser drawer, which we will open only to see emptiness. Then we'll begin trolling through the various pools creating more of a mess from the existing mess. Ah.
Work's going well. Being in other jobs has helped me appreciate the parts of this job that I actually find challenging and enjoyable. I still haven't quite learned how to get up in the morning, especially on the days when Trey gets to keep sleeping. I keep saying, "why do I have to get up?" "do I have to get up" to which Trey snores.
Coffee.
Was that mean?
The intent was teasing, or course, but I often have no clue as to how my intent is interpreted through my words. I've found my interpretation of particular statements can be on opposite ends of the spectrum depending on my mood, so I assume other people behave that irradically as well and try to form my words so as to put absolutely no one on the defense. Except I know that's impossible.
Oh well.
Trey's all the way moved in now! So we have two times as many boxes around now! The kitchen is fairly settled, which is encouraging to me. The mountain of laundry, whether clean or dirty, is somehow constantly growing. It won't be long before we have no clothes hanging in our closets at all! We'll have to swim through the pools of towels, pants, undies, pjs, shirts, and socks to reach the dresser drawer, which we will open only to see emptiness. Then we'll begin trolling through the various pools creating more of a mess from the existing mess. Ah.
Work's going well. Being in other jobs has helped me appreciate the parts of this job that I actually find challenging and enjoyable. I still haven't quite learned how to get up in the morning, especially on the days when Trey gets to keep sleeping. I keep saying, "why do I have to get up?" "do I have to get up" to which Trey snores.
Coffee.
10.24.2007
Old Married Woman
So, I'm an old married woman now. And old married women post boring blogs about what's going on:
I started my job. Our house isn't settled, but I've written lots of thank you notes. Trey is half-way moved in, but yes, he does live there, too. I'm eating gumbo for lunch cooked by my wonderful and wonderfully accomplished husband. The gumbo is pretty wonderful, too.
We haven't gotten internet yet, but hopefully I'll kick up the Owens blog and update everything more frequently when that happens.
Married life is good. Being at work all day away from Trey is NOT. I miss him.
love,
Hilary
oh, this isn't a letter. hm. guess I didn't need that last bit, but it mostly applies anyway.
love,
Hilary
I started my job. Our house isn't settled, but I've written lots of thank you notes. Trey is half-way moved in, but yes, he does live there, too. I'm eating gumbo for lunch cooked by my wonderful and wonderfully accomplished husband. The gumbo is pretty wonderful, too.
We haven't gotten internet yet, but hopefully I'll kick up the Owens blog and update everything more frequently when that happens.
Married life is good. Being at work all day away from Trey is NOT. I miss him.
love,
Hilary
oh, this isn't a letter. hm. guess I didn't need that last bit, but it mostly applies anyway.
love,
Hilary
9.28.2007
new happenings
I'm about to make an Owens blog!!
And I'm moving tomorrow!!
And I'm picking up my dress on Monday!!
And I'm getting married on Friday!!
And then I'll be married!!
And I'll refer to myself as an old married woman!!
And I'm moving tomorrow!!
And I'm picking up my dress on Monday!!
And I'm getting married on Friday!!
And then I'll be married!!
And I'll refer to myself as an old married woman!!
9.25.2007
the final days
Well, here it is 10 days before my wedding and I haven't been admitted to Whitfield yet. Someone actually told me I look calm this morning (I was sitting at the Seattle Drip writing thank-yous while Trey worked). And, I do feel more calm the closer the time comes. I'm probably more worried about moving right now than worried about the wedding.
I am looking forward to going home with Trey, waking up with Trey, (of course) sleeping with Trey, fighting over the sink with Trey. Fortunately the townhouses have two and 1/2 baths, so if we ever have to go at the same time, we won't have to fight over the bathroom. We have already been given so many wonderful gifts for our home--new, nice things. I've never had so many lovely things all at once. What a wonderful way to start off.
The Lord is blessing us so richly, and I find myself expecting something horrible to happen so that things even out. I'm not sure where I got the idea that bad things always come along with the good. But we are thankful, and Trey is trying to help me enjoy the good without worrying about things that aren't here or haven't happened. I realized the other day that resting in the Lord means even when circumstances are happy, I am to find my joy and peace in the Lord. Fixing my eyes on Jesus means that I don't find my comfort from things around me, good or bad. Always, always I look to the Lord. I'd never thought of that for some reason.
Anyway, there you have thoughts of the day from Hilary.
I am looking forward to going home with Trey, waking up with Trey, (of course) sleeping with Trey, fighting over the sink with Trey. Fortunately the townhouses have two and 1/2 baths, so if we ever have to go at the same time, we won't have to fight over the bathroom. We have already been given so many wonderful gifts for our home--new, nice things. I've never had so many lovely things all at once. What a wonderful way to start off.
The Lord is blessing us so richly, and I find myself expecting something horrible to happen so that things even out. I'm not sure where I got the idea that bad things always come along with the good. But we are thankful, and Trey is trying to help me enjoy the good without worrying about things that aren't here or haven't happened. I realized the other day that resting in the Lord means even when circumstances are happy, I am to find my joy and peace in the Lord. Fixing my eyes on Jesus means that I don't find my comfort from things around me, good or bad. Always, always I look to the Lord. I'd never thought of that for some reason.
Anyway, there you have thoughts of the day from Hilary.
9.17.2007
Wal-Mart
I made an amusing trip to Wal-Mart today. Amusing for me, mostly, but I'm sure some people found me amusing . . . or weird. Anyway, I went to both entrances (you know how they have one that says "Low Prices" but if you want food you have to go to the end that says "Food Center." I wonder if the low prices count if you go in that door and walk over to the food section. That's what I usually try to do anyhow) looking for a hand basket because I didn't want to get that much stuff. Hey, this is Wal-Mart, they have everything, right? Well, no, not handbaskets. I suppose those are too small. I asked the greeter/receipt highlighter guy if Wal-Mart had some kind of minimum quota (i.e., Wal-Mart large shopping cart full) of purchases you had to make before they would let you out. He didn't respond.
The other funny thing about this Wal-Mart was the large number of empty shopping carts lounging around. I tried a couple of them and quickly realized why they were lounging around with no pushers. So I went to get a 'new' one out of the front entry-way. I should have left it lounging around but I was too lazy to go get another one.
I did manage to make it out without buying much more than was on my list. A success for me. It's always an absolute triumph when I escape with only the items on my list.
The other funny thing about this Wal-Mart was the large number of empty shopping carts lounging around. I tried a couple of them and quickly realized why they were lounging around with no pushers. So I went to get a 'new' one out of the front entry-way. I should have left it lounging around but I was too lazy to go get another one.
I did manage to make it out without buying much more than was on my list. A success for me. It's always an absolute triumph when I escape with only the items on my list.
9.10.2007
eyeball
I went to the eye doctor today. He lowered my prescription. Isn't that strange? He said my eyes must have gotten stronger. This very nicely explains my recent tendency to feel "head-achey". Of course, it means new glasses, too, because I tend to feel the headachey-ness more with them than with my contacts. Anyway, my eyes are finally starting to return to normal from their dilation (it's been almost 6 hours! ug!). Yay for vision correction!
9.03.2007
8.22.2007
blurbs
My first semester as an English major taught me the joys of blurbs. These are shorter (or longer, depending on the prof) written responses to readings. In every English class I took, for every separate reading, I was required to write a blurb. At first, blurbs stumped me. I'd stay up late wracking my brain for something useful to say. The blurbs I had the most confidence in tended to garner mediocre grades. The ones that were my true responses, but (I thought) somewhat coarse and lacking brought in more comments from professors and, often, better grades. After a while, writing blurbs became more natural. The way I thought as I read even changed. I started asking myself questions while reading, looking for patterns, noting seemingly useless details, and paying attention to the things that might be overlooked---these were the things that made blurbing fun; these were the skills, I suppose, the profs wanted us to develop.
Hence, mostly owing to nostalgia, I have chosen to allow 'blurbs' rather than 'comments' on my blog. Part of me, though, does long for that analytical rigor and practice of writing blurbs. I've attempted to do something similar on my own, but without the classroom discussion and the prof's feedback, blurbing just isn't the same.
Happy blurbing!
Hence, mostly owing to nostalgia, I have chosen to allow 'blurbs' rather than 'comments' on my blog. Part of me, though, does long for that analytical rigor and practice of writing blurbs. I've attempted to do something similar on my own, but without the classroom discussion and the prof's feedback, blurbing just isn't the same.
Happy blurbing!
8.20.2007
things to note
I'm going to have to be careful after we're married, and I'm around while Trey is studying or preparing sermons. When he was translating a passage and pronouncing a certain Hebrew word that had a rather gutteral sound, I kept wanting to ask him if he needed a drink of water or if he would please finish clearing his throat. hee.
8.17.2007
shopping
mom and i have concluded that we are not the best shopping buddies for each other. we love spending time together, you must understand, but we are amazingly accomplished at talking ourselves out of buying things. couple that with our unfittable bodies (my shape is beautiful and unique, therefore, no one makes clothes that fit me), and you have clothes shopping disaster.
we do find success, though, in buying purses and jewelry, which is what we resorted to tonight to console ourselves after spending several hours failing to find dresses suitable for our needs. they had some good sales, and we found beautiful accessories for less! i believe my earrings and necklace will make one of my dresses the perfect outfit for one of these wedding events.
in other news, i feel generally useless right now. it's amazing that no matter how unpleasant work may be, the fact that you bring in an income makes your sense of worth much higher. maybe that's just my problem, though. i think doing work that is frustrating and unfulfilling has a different effect on self-worth. but maybe self-worth is overrated like self-esteem. maybe it's just a construct of my culture, and i should do what i have to do when i have to and forget the self- stuff. hm.
we do find success, though, in buying purses and jewelry, which is what we resorted to tonight to console ourselves after spending several hours failing to find dresses suitable for our needs. they had some good sales, and we found beautiful accessories for less! i believe my earrings and necklace will make one of my dresses the perfect outfit for one of these wedding events.
in other news, i feel generally useless right now. it's amazing that no matter how unpleasant work may be, the fact that you bring in an income makes your sense of worth much higher. maybe that's just my problem, though. i think doing work that is frustrating and unfulfilling has a different effect on self-worth. but maybe self-worth is overrated like self-esteem. maybe it's just a construct of my culture, and i should do what i have to do when i have to and forget the self- stuff. hm.
8.16.2007
oh well
It has been ages since I posted, so I'm sure everyone has quit reading my blog.
I'm living in a house with no internet now, so my cyber social life has dwindled into almost nothing. I'm unemployed, and trying to tie up the last few BIG decisions that need to be made for the wedding. Then there will be a couple million details and a few thank-you notes to take care of. We've already gotten lots of beautiful gifts from Trey's home church.
The heat has put everyone in a bad mood, including me. I'm about to go take a short nap. Maybe tomorrow I'll find some inspiration for a livelier post.
I'm living in a house with no internet now, so my cyber social life has dwindled into almost nothing. I'm unemployed, and trying to tie up the last few BIG decisions that need to be made for the wedding. Then there will be a couple million details and a few thank-you notes to take care of. We've already gotten lots of beautiful gifts from Trey's home church.
The heat has put everyone in a bad mood, including me. I'm about to go take a short nap. Maybe tomorrow I'll find some inspiration for a livelier post.
8.02.2007
back
hello. i made it back to mississippi. i came back to all things familiar and found nothing the same. jackson is the same and my friends are still here (except the ones who left, sarah jo, but i still love you and always will) and the interstate still has the same curves. saint mary street is still in the same place and i still shop at the same grocery store.
however, i am not who i was when i left. i was newly engaged, but it was still new. now it's more of a reality. i don't have a job. i don't know what kind of job i'm going to get, assuming i'm able to. i have a new roommate, a new room, and i'm moving again in two months (in with a boy. isn't that crazy? but i like him, so i think we'll do okay).
and wedding stuff . . . i think my to do list is buried in one of the boxes from my move.
instead of finishing unpacking my boxes, i decided to do trey's laundry. i don't think he's done it in a month. well, the decision to do that set off some kind of domestic bomb and so i decided to tidy up his room and clean his bathroom, too. um. the shower. see, i just can't believe that a girl could go for a year without cleaning the shower and have that much gunk on the walls. i think guys have some kind of icky guy gunk that makes their showers extra nasty. at one point, i passed the point of being grossed out and was just in total awe of what was coming off the walls. anyway, it was a very satisfying job, and even if trey doesn't notice, i still enjoyed the before/after trasition. if he doesn't notice, though, i'm having his eyesight checked.
however, i am not who i was when i left. i was newly engaged, but it was still new. now it's more of a reality. i don't have a job. i don't know what kind of job i'm going to get, assuming i'm able to. i have a new roommate, a new room, and i'm moving again in two months (in with a boy. isn't that crazy? but i like him, so i think we'll do okay).
and wedding stuff . . . i think my to do list is buried in one of the boxes from my move.
instead of finishing unpacking my boxes, i decided to do trey's laundry. i don't think he's done it in a month. well, the decision to do that set off some kind of domestic bomb and so i decided to tidy up his room and clean his bathroom, too. um. the shower. see, i just can't believe that a girl could go for a year without cleaning the shower and have that much gunk on the walls. i think guys have some kind of icky guy gunk that makes their showers extra nasty. at one point, i passed the point of being grossed out and was just in total awe of what was coming off the walls. anyway, it was a very satisfying job, and even if trey doesn't notice, i still enjoyed the before/after trasition. if he doesn't notice, though, i'm having his eyesight checked.
7.28.2007
waiting
I have a day of waiting ahead of me. It's another hour and thirty mins before the van shuttles me to the airport, then another three and 1/2 hours before my flight leaves, then another 6 hours or so until I end up in Jackson (hopefully). I suppose in light of a month 11 hours isn't so long to wait.
I really thought I wasn't going to make it through this last week, but I did! Most of the reason I did was that God provided some wonderful friends for me to spend time with and get to know. The time passed and I didn't realize it because I was making some closer friends. I would always talk with people at meals and such, but I hadn't really made any 'buddies' before this week. Now I have a reason to be sad for leaving (which still doesn't outweigh the joy of returning). We have facebook to keep us in touch, though! ha!
It seems like this day will never be over, but then it seemed like this month would never be over. And I have mixed feelings about wanting time to pass quickly. At some point I'm going to look back and wonder why I wanted time to pass so quickly. There's definitely something to be said for enjoying each moment.
Right now I'm just enjoying each moment that I look forward to being back with Trey! Yay!
I really thought I wasn't going to make it through this last week, but I did! Most of the reason I did was that God provided some wonderful friends for me to spend time with and get to know. The time passed and I didn't realize it because I was making some closer friends. I would always talk with people at meals and such, but I hadn't really made any 'buddies' before this week. Now I have a reason to be sad for leaving (which still doesn't outweigh the joy of returning). We have facebook to keep us in touch, though! ha!
It seems like this day will never be over, but then it seemed like this month would never be over. And I have mixed feelings about wanting time to pass quickly. At some point I'm going to look back and wonder why I wanted time to pass so quickly. There's definitely something to be said for enjoying each moment.
Right now I'm just enjoying each moment that I look forward to being back with Trey! Yay!
7.26.2007
just in case someone didn't know
fi·an·cé [fee-ahn-sey, fee-ahn-sey]
–noun
a man engaged to be married; a man to whom a woman is engaged.
fi·an·cée [fee-ahn-sey, fee-ahn-sey]
–noun
a woman engaged to be married; a woman to whom a man is engaged.
I know there's no difference in the pronunciation, but I can tell when you do or don't use the right word.
ɑnˈseɪ, –noun
a man engaged to be married; a man to whom a woman is engaged.
fi·an·cée [fee-ahn-sey, fee-ahn-sey]
–noun
a woman engaged to be married; a woman to whom a man is engaged.
I know there's no difference in the pronunciation, but I can tell when you do or don't use the right word.
7.25.2007
cleaning up
Well, after a minor mountain involving bridesmaids dresses, wedding planning is humming along smoothly. The church and pastor are scheduled, the pianist reserved, the reception site booked, the rehearsal dinner planned, the photographer booked, the wedding director chosen, the bridesmaids' dresses ordered, the reception menu planned, and the bridesmaids' luncheon menu chosen. Thanks to my wonderful family this has all been accomplished while I've been in California for the last month!
Now all I have is: music for the ceremony (any favorite suggestions, Embly?), invitations, cake (this should be a tasty endeavor), flowers for the ceremony, tuxes for the guys, and some fun parties to go to.
Oh yeah, and my dress. I guess that should be more in the front of my mind. I have such a hard time shopping for clothes anyway, the thought of a wedding dress is simply numbing. It's probably the most important article of clothing I'll purchase. Wow.
I haven't thought about linguistics much for the past two days. Is that sentence well-formed? I should say, I haven't thought much about linguistics for the past two days. Maybe? Hm.
Now all I have is: music for the ceremony (any favorite suggestions, Embly?), invitations, cake (this should be a tasty endeavor), flowers for the ceremony, tuxes for the guys, and some fun parties to go to.
Oh yeah, and my dress. I guess that should be more in the front of my mind. I have such a hard time shopping for clothes anyway, the thought of a wedding dress is simply numbing. It's probably the most important article of clothing I'll purchase. Wow.
I haven't thought about linguistics much for the past two days. Is that sentence well-formed? I should say, I haven't thought much about linguistics for the past two days. Maybe? Hm.
7.24.2007
I am learning
de·co·rum [di-kawr-uhm, -kohr-]
–noun
[Origin: 1560–70; <>decōrum, n. use of neut. of decōrus decorous]
—Synonyms 1. politeness, manners, dignity. See etiquette.
6 o'clock = floor length
half past 5 o'clock = knee length
–noun
| 1. | dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc. |
| 2. | the quality or state of being decorous; orderliness; regularity. |
| 3. | Usually, decorums. an observance or requirement of polite society. |
[Origin: 1560–70; <>decōrum, n. use of neut. of decōrus decorous]
—Synonyms 1. politeness, manners, dignity. See etiquette.
6 o'clock = floor length
half past 5 o'clock = knee length
7.23.2007
things of note after three weeks
- Linguists are trying to turn language into science, to boil it down to a mathematical formula. Duff? Ryan? Is this a slight to math? to language? Maybe I haven't gotten a broad enough picture of things, but I don't really see how language can be an equation. It changes. Does math change?
- All the seating at Stanford is made for people with longer legs than I have. It's getting uncomfortable.
- The cafeteria has some kind of bagel with chocolate chips in it. I must find this bagel.
- I have quads of steel---after 'hovering' over public toilet seats for a month. Our showers and toilets are in the community arrangement.
- I am going to miss being able to leave my window open 24/7.
7.21.2007
sigh
I am not this:
Rather, I find myself an antonym, but I always wish I would be a synonym.
P.S. I should note that I get my definitions from Dictionary.com
as·sid·u·ous [uh-sij-oo-uhs]
–adjective
| 1. | constant; unremitting: assiduous reading. |
| 2. | constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive: an assiduous student. |
—Synonyms 1. continuous, tireless, persistent. 2. studious, diligent, sedulous.
—Antonyms 1, 2. inconstant, lazy.
Rather, I find myself an antonym, but I always wish I would be a synonym.
P.S. I should note that I get my definitions from Dictionary.com
7.20.2007
numbers
Linguist talk seems to center around statistics and numbers. Or, if you walk past a marker board that a linguist has marked, you may see a sentence like 'Joe walked down the street.' Then you'll see the same sentence in various forms and divisions. How can we call that sentence "well-formed"? Wouldn't we all like to know.
I decided that my 'Language and Identity' class was misnamed. It should have been 'Language and Sexuality.' I've really been surprised that so many (i.e., all) of the lectures have centered around various transgender groups and ways that we express sexuality in language. I suppose the fact that many languages have a grammatical gender may have something to do with it. Anyway, I thought the class would have covered very different ground than it has been covering.
I've been pelted with a lot of statistics, too, in all my classes except for morphology. Sociolinguistics is a lot of stats and psycholinguistics is too. I realized that I start getting bored after a while in my 'Language and Thought' class because we have already looked at 50 bar graphs and have 20 more to go. In fact, many of the questions in that class are just about the behavioral tests that were done and how a control was used for a particular study, and if this or that was accounted for, etc., etc.
Despite the complaints, I am glad I came here. I have a tendency to get ideas in my head---vague ideas, mind you---and think they exist somewhere in reality. Unfortunately, it takes a good splash of reality to wake me from my dream. I have really enjoyed being in California and meeting and talking to people from all over the world. I don't know where else I could have found such a diverse combination of people. And, while I'm glad I came here, I am ready to be home now. One week to go still.
Tomorrow I'm going hiking with some friends. Hopefully I'll live to tell about it.
I decided that my 'Language and Identity' class was misnamed. It should have been 'Language and Sexuality.' I've really been surprised that so many (i.e., all) of the lectures have centered around various transgender groups and ways that we express sexuality in language. I suppose the fact that many languages have a grammatical gender may have something to do with it. Anyway, I thought the class would have covered very different ground than it has been covering.
I've been pelted with a lot of statistics, too, in all my classes except for morphology. Sociolinguistics is a lot of stats and psycholinguistics is too. I realized that I start getting bored after a while in my 'Language and Thought' class because we have already looked at 50 bar graphs and have 20 more to go. In fact, many of the questions in that class are just about the behavioral tests that were done and how a control was used for a particular study, and if this or that was accounted for, etc., etc.
Despite the complaints, I am glad I came here. I have a tendency to get ideas in my head---vague ideas, mind you---and think they exist somewhere in reality. Unfortunately, it takes a good splash of reality to wake me from my dream. I have really enjoyed being in California and meeting and talking to people from all over the world. I don't know where else I could have found such a diverse combination of people. And, while I'm glad I came here, I am ready to be home now. One week to go still.
Tomorrow I'm going hiking with some friends. Hopefully I'll live to tell about it.
this is not what i thought it was
am·biv·a·lence [am-biv-uh-luhns] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun
So, I thought ambivalence meant not caring. Now I know that I am much more ambivalent than I once thought!
| 1. | uncertainty or fluctuation, esp. when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things. |
| 2. | Psychology. the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing him or her in opposite directions. |
So, I thought ambivalence meant not caring. Now I know that I am much more ambivalent than I once thought!
7.16.2007
People and such
The trip to LA was well worth every effort. As I was leaving, I realized that that's the first time I've spent more than four hours at a time with April since she moved from Mississippi five years ago. We chattered away about everything the whole time. It was great.
Friday I made it there in time to hang out with April and Chris before the Christmas party. They took me for my first taste of Cuban food (it's scrumptious!) and then down to visit the Pacific ocean. The party was fun, even though the Christmas lights didn't work. We had (most of the folks, anyway) festive attire and all the usual Christmas fare and a game of Dirty Santa. Except no one ever stole anything except for once. I got to meet John and Cindy Rankin, pastor and wife of Redeemer, Chris and April's church.
Saturday April and I ate at their favorite Korean restaurant, which was delicious food and thrilling experience rolled into one. Then April brought me down to see Hollywood. I don't think I ever would have gone if April hadn't been living in LA and chosen to bring me there, but it was lots of fun to get to see some of the sights with her.
Our last stop was Trader Joe's, April's favorite store. It's probably a good thing we don't have one in Jackson, or I'd buy more than I can eat . . . all the time.
And I have to mention Sally, Chris and April's Very Good cat. Sally is an elderly kitty with very good taste and manners. She has a few basic needs (food, water, a short chase around the house, thorough head-scratching) as all cats do, and as long as those are met, she behaves as the ideal cat.
And I'd like to bring special attention to the wonderful patience of my husband-to-be, Trey. We haven't liked being downsized to the phone all that much, and found that I kept getting angry with him when he needed to get off the phone. In my head, of course, I know he can't spend his days with a phone strapped to his ear, but I'd always feel bad when he tried to say goodbye, so I decided he must have hurt my feelings . . . somehow. We decided I needed to figure out why I kept getting mad at him, and I figured out that I missed him and misinterpreted that twinge of parting-pain as hurt feelings. Poor Trey! So now, instead of being angry at him, I can tell him I miss him, and I can actually miss him. I'm glad he puts up with me!
Friday I made it there in time to hang out with April and Chris before the Christmas party. They took me for my first taste of Cuban food (it's scrumptious!) and then down to visit the Pacific ocean. The party was fun, even though the Christmas lights didn't work. We had (most of the folks, anyway) festive attire and all the usual Christmas fare and a game of Dirty Santa. Except no one ever stole anything except for once. I got to meet John and Cindy Rankin, pastor and wife of Redeemer, Chris and April's church.
Saturday April and I ate at their favorite Korean restaurant, which was delicious food and thrilling experience rolled into one. Then April brought me down to see Hollywood. I don't think I ever would have gone if April hadn't been living in LA and chosen to bring me there, but it was lots of fun to get to see some of the sights with her.
Our last stop was Trader Joe's, April's favorite store. It's probably a good thing we don't have one in Jackson, or I'd buy more than I can eat . . . all the time.
And I have to mention Sally, Chris and April's Very Good cat. Sally is an elderly kitty with very good taste and manners. She has a few basic needs (food, water, a short chase around the house, thorough head-scratching) as all cats do, and as long as those are met, she behaves as the ideal cat.
And I'd like to bring special attention to the wonderful patience of my husband-to-be, Trey. We haven't liked being downsized to the phone all that much, and found that I kept getting angry with him when he needed to get off the phone. In my head, of course, I know he can't spend his days with a phone strapped to his ear, but I'd always feel bad when he tried to say goodbye, so I decided he must have hurt my feelings . . . somehow. We decided I needed to figure out why I kept getting mad at him, and I figured out that I missed him and misinterpreted that twinge of parting-pain as hurt feelings. Poor Trey! So now, instead of being angry at him, I can tell him I miss him, and I can actually miss him. I'm glad he puts up with me!
7.12.2007
Los Angeles
I just completed my most impulsive and expensive transaction ever. I booked a flight to LA to see my friend April Duvall. I'm leaving tomorrow and coming back Sunday. The plane flight looked like it would be comparable to renting a car, paying for gas, etc, and I would spend less time traveling and more time with April. The real splurge, though, was when I signed up for a shuttle to come pick me up. Of course, the cost pales in comparison to the cost of the plane ticket, but it's a lot more than the $1.75 bus fare. I just didn't know enough about the connection points on the bus trips to be confident I wouldn't get totally lost and off schedule.
The other thing is that my flight tomorrow said my 'reservation is guaranteed' but the airline isn't assigning seats right now??? Hm. April and I thought that the 'guaranteed' part was comforting, but Chris, April's husband, just squinted his eyes. Y'all can pray about that. The schedule worked out pretty well (assuming I get there). April doesn't have work tomorrow and Chris is working all weekend. Not that I don't want to see Chris, too, but this way I can have April to myself. :)
So, one of the worst things about a time difference is you can't call home when something exciting happens at 9 PM.
The other thing is that my flight tomorrow said my 'reservation is guaranteed' but the airline isn't assigning seats right now??? Hm. April and I thought that the 'guaranteed' part was comforting, but Chris, April's husband, just squinted his eyes. Y'all can pray about that. The schedule worked out pretty well (assuming I get there). April doesn't have work tomorrow and Chris is working all weekend. Not that I don't want to see Chris, too, but this way I can have April to myself. :)
So, one of the worst things about a time difference is you can't call home when something exciting happens at 9 PM.
7.11.2007
way cool
My highlighter is amazing. I marked highlighter over the typed words 'Item and process' (IP) and the words literally raised off the page! They looked like they were floating over the highlighter stuff!!!
And then I touched them and realized that the paper had actually bubbled from the moisture (like that, Meredith? maybe I should have said 'moist-ness') of the highlighter stuff.
The last few days have been easy. The schedule is routine now; we've been having some interesting lectures. In the general lectures I can usually pick up the main point, but the details are lost on me. I did have breakfast with some PhD and post-doc students who were critiquing the lectures and one of the classes I'm attending. I found listening to their critique more helpful than the class, at least for getting an idea of what the academic controversies are in the field (numeric data vs. qualitative data, for example) and what academic ideas of professionalism are.
My roommate, Kyoko, is presenting a paper at a conference in Sweden. She'll be back Sunday. Saturday I'm going to be in a workshop all day. It's called 'Ethnographic Methods in Sociocultural Linguistics.' Sounds exciting, huh? At first, I was thinking I wouldn't go to any of the workshops here, just because I'm not involved in any type of research, so what would I have to work on? Then I realized that this is my chance to get exposure to all that I can, so heck, I might as well go for it. It helped too, that the profs in one of my classes are running the workshop and handed out a flyer, so I actually knew what would be presented.
Now I'll go back to studying Item and process.
And then I touched them and realized that the paper had actually bubbled from the moisture (like that, Meredith? maybe I should have said 'moist-ness') of the highlighter stuff.
The last few days have been easy. The schedule is routine now; we've been having some interesting lectures. In the general lectures I can usually pick up the main point, but the details are lost on me. I did have breakfast with some PhD and post-doc students who were critiquing the lectures and one of the classes I'm attending. I found listening to their critique more helpful than the class, at least for getting an idea of what the academic controversies are in the field (numeric data vs. qualitative data, for example) and what academic ideas of professionalism are.
My roommate, Kyoko, is presenting a paper at a conference in Sweden. She'll be back Sunday. Saturday I'm going to be in a workshop all day. It's called 'Ethnographic Methods in Sociocultural Linguistics.' Sounds exciting, huh? At first, I was thinking I wouldn't go to any of the workshops here, just because I'm not involved in any type of research, so what would I have to work on? Then I realized that this is my chance to get exposure to all that I can, so heck, I might as well go for it. It helped too, that the profs in one of my classes are running the workshop and handed out a flyer, so I actually knew what would be presented.
Now I'll go back to studying Item and process.
7.09.2007
dark chocolate
Today I met some high school teachers who are just here for the week. They teach AP classes and are having an intensive week of classes with the teachers who grade AP exams.
This morning I sat at breakfast with Tom from San Diego. He has a daughter about my age who is apparently having a hard time deciding her niche in the world, at least a niche that will pay for her living expenses and provide health insurance. After learning that I was from Mississippi, he informed me that I have a very nice California accent. Tom teaches English literature and his demeanor reminded me of my favorite English professors at Delta State. And it made me wonder why I've never gone ahead and gotten a MA in English. English professors are so nice.
At lunch I sat with two ladies (I think one was named Christina) who were English teachers and had both tried nursing before and found it didn't suit them. Boy! Did I feel at home today! They also thought I had a very nice California accent. Is it really that bad? Does it come across in my typing?
I wonder who I'll sit with tonight.
This morning I sat at breakfast with Tom from San Diego. He has a daughter about my age who is apparently having a hard time deciding her niche in the world, at least a niche that will pay for her living expenses and provide health insurance. After learning that I was from Mississippi, he informed me that I have a very nice California accent. Tom teaches English literature and his demeanor reminded me of my favorite English professors at Delta State. And it made me wonder why I've never gone ahead and gotten a MA in English. English professors are so nice.
At lunch I sat with two ladies (I think one was named Christina) who were English teachers and had both tried nursing before and found it didn't suit them. Boy! Did I feel at home today! They also thought I had a very nice California accent. Is it really that bad? Does it come across in my typing?
I wonder who I'll sit with tonight.
7.08.2007
70th post
Things I've learned at linguistics camp:
^ is at the middle of everything. I'm often tempted to ask, what is ^? just because everybody refers to it like a person. ^ requires no article.
The meaning of life is ║life ║
Thank you.
^ is at the middle of everything. I'm often tempted to ask, what is ^? just because everybody refers to it like a person. ^ requires no article.
The meaning of life is ║life ║
Thank you.
7.06.2007
Language and . . . Everything!
Today I had my language and identity and language and thought classes. They are both located in a basement classroom. The ceiling is high, the walls are gray, and the desks look very institutional. The hallway leading to the classroom is even depressing---it is wide, vacuous, and totally uninspiring. Funny that it's in an art building.
Anyway, the language and identity class turned out to be not so interesting, at least at first. We were discussing "identity" and the various ways language is used in constructing identity. A student from Greece brought up the point that the Latin root of the word "identity" refers to a being or essence, not something constructed, but something that is. I thought that might have led to an interesting subject if people had wanted to discuss the Creator/creation distinction, but instead the instructors said, oh, that's a very good critique and other people have tried to come up with different terms to define "identity" blah blah blah. At that point I wanted to pull a Bertie Wooster "Right, ho!" and beetle right out of the classroom. Instead I remained constrained to my seat by potential guilt. By the end of the class, we were listening to an interview recording and analyzing the way the interviewee's word choice and elocution reflected possible thought patterns. Anything with analysis is pretty fun for me.
Language and thought, I think will be more interesting. We're looking at such questions as, do people who speak different languages think differently? does language structure the way we think? (it does, but how and to what extent, etc.) are there things that are unthinkable in some languages? can language and thought be defined apart from each other? fun stuff like that.
In other news, I'm trying not to spend hours a day looking for bridesmaids dresses. I don't think I ever imagined it would be this difficult to find something I liked. Maybe I can just tell them to all wear their favorite dresses. I think that would be fun. And they would be comfortable and happy, so I would, too. The only problem would be making sure the flowers matched everything. Maybe I can just have them hold one of those balls. Remember when those flower-balls on a ribbon were in fashion? I could do the balls on a ribbon, but make them with pine cones instead. It is an October wedding.
Anyway, the language and identity class turned out to be not so interesting, at least at first. We were discussing "identity" and the various ways language is used in constructing identity. A student from Greece brought up the point that the Latin root of the word "identity" refers to a being or essence, not something constructed, but something that is. I thought that might have led to an interesting subject if people had wanted to discuss the Creator/creation distinction, but instead the instructors said, oh, that's a very good critique and other people have tried to come up with different terms to define "identity" blah blah blah. At that point I wanted to pull a Bertie Wooster "Right, ho!" and beetle right out of the classroom. Instead I remained constrained to my seat by potential guilt. By the end of the class, we were listening to an interview recording and analyzing the way the interviewee's word choice and elocution reflected possible thought patterns. Anything with analysis is pretty fun for me.
Language and thought, I think will be more interesting. We're looking at such questions as, do people who speak different languages think differently? does language structure the way we think? (it does, but how and to what extent, etc.) are there things that are unthinkable in some languages? can language and thought be defined apart from each other? fun stuff like that.
In other news, I'm trying not to spend hours a day looking for bridesmaids dresses. I don't think I ever imagined it would be this difficult to find something I liked. Maybe I can just tell them to all wear their favorite dresses. I think that would be fun. And they would be comfortable and happy, so I would, too. The only problem would be making sure the flowers matched everything. Maybe I can just have them hold one of those balls. Remember when those flower-balls on a ribbon were in fashion? I could do the balls on a ribbon, but make them with pine cones instead. It is an October wedding.
7.05.2007
A Good Day
Today has been a good day.
The highlight was my trip to the mail room. I wasn't sure there would be anything, but I had been alerted to the possibility. I had to wait on the housing assistant to get off the phone, and then I followed her to the mail room. There were boxes and letters all over the place. She navigated to the LSA pile and started looking through the stack. The first few were addressed to other people. They were sizable envelopes, which was as much as I expected to get, and I began to think there wasn't anything for me. Then she looked at the large box underneath the letters and saw my name about the same time I noticed the Godiva tape on the box. I literally gasped for breath.
I muttered some incoherent things as she told me to enjoy, and grinned all the way back to the dorm. Therein, I found a beautiful birthday package of mixed chocolates with a sweet note from Trey. I think I complained to him once that I didn't have any chocolate out here. (I've been complaining that he's not out here, but I don't know if he can ship in a box.) In the spirit of good Christian giving, I offered a piece of the chocolate to my roommate, Yoko, after I'd had a few pieces, but I think that's a case of motivation that will definitely have to be covered in the blood of Christ :). Chocolate is wonderful! and I want it all for me. Thank you, Trey!
This morning, my intro to morphology class started. A friend yesterday told me that if I like puzzles, I'd like morphology, and I can see how that's true. Instead of messing with truth and the meanings of things (like the semantics), morphology is more about how the pieces of language fit together. It's different from syntax (though some apparently define it as the last step in syntactical analysis), and some languages don't even have morphology! I'm just regurgitating some of the facts I garnered from class this morning; hopefully by the end of the course, I'll be able to speak more knowledgeably on the subject. But I do think it's something I'm going to enjoy if I can get a grip on the terminology.
My other class on literacy acquisition was very exciting. It is dually taught and both professors are passionate about helping kids learn to read and using linguistic tools to help them. They look at phonology and how that relates to the written word, but they also take into account things like kids' discouragement about learning to read and teacher/student misunderstandings, lack of family support, etc. as obstacles to literacy acquisition. It makes me wish that I wanted to/could work with kids on reading and had had some experience doing it. It seems like something that would be so useful, especially at Redeemer's tutoring program or Alice Lusk's summer reading program that is going on at Redeemer while I'm out here. Maybe I'd do better tutoring than in a classroom. I'm not sure what I'll end up with from this class, but I hope I can pull out something I can put to use back in Jackson.
Also, on Sunday I'm going to Peninsula Bible Church with Jeeyoung, my friend from Korea whose name I now can spell, and her husband. I think I'll go with them to get either Vietnamese or Korean food afterwards, too. She usually goes to lunch with her bible study group, and invited me to come along.
God is good!
The highlight was my trip to the mail room. I wasn't sure there would be anything, but I had been alerted to the possibility. I had to wait on the housing assistant to get off the phone, and then I followed her to the mail room. There were boxes and letters all over the place. She navigated to the LSA pile and started looking through the stack. The first few were addressed to other people. They were sizable envelopes, which was as much as I expected to get, and I began to think there wasn't anything for me. Then she looked at the large box underneath the letters and saw my name about the same time I noticed the Godiva tape on the box. I literally gasped for breath.
I muttered some incoherent things as she told me to enjoy, and grinned all the way back to the dorm. Therein, I found a beautiful birthday package of mixed chocolates with a sweet note from Trey. I think I complained to him once that I didn't have any chocolate out here. (I've been complaining that he's not out here, but I don't know if he can ship in a box.) In the spirit of good Christian giving, I offered a piece of the chocolate to my roommate, Yoko, after I'd had a few pieces, but I think that's a case of motivation that will definitely have to be covered in the blood of Christ :). Chocolate is wonderful! and I want it all for me. Thank you, Trey!
This morning, my intro to morphology class started. A friend yesterday told me that if I like puzzles, I'd like morphology, and I can see how that's true. Instead of messing with truth and the meanings of things (like the semantics), morphology is more about how the pieces of language fit together. It's different from syntax (though some apparently define it as the last step in syntactical analysis), and some languages don't even have morphology! I'm just regurgitating some of the facts I garnered from class this morning; hopefully by the end of the course, I'll be able to speak more knowledgeably on the subject. But I do think it's something I'm going to enjoy if I can get a grip on the terminology.
My other class on literacy acquisition was very exciting. It is dually taught and both professors are passionate about helping kids learn to read and using linguistic tools to help them. They look at phonology and how that relates to the written word, but they also take into account things like kids' discouragement about learning to read and teacher/student misunderstandings, lack of family support, etc. as obstacles to literacy acquisition. It makes me wish that I wanted to/could work with kids on reading and had had some experience doing it. It seems like something that would be so useful, especially at Redeemer's tutoring program or Alice Lusk's summer reading program that is going on at Redeemer while I'm out here. Maybe I'd do better tutoring than in a classroom. I'm not sure what I'll end up with from this class, but I hope I can pull out something I can put to use back in Jackson.
Also, on Sunday I'm going to Peninsula Bible Church with Jeeyoung, my friend from Korea whose name I now can spell, and her husband. I think I'll go with them to get either Vietnamese or Korean food afterwards, too. She usually goes to lunch with her bible study group, and invited me to come along.
God is good!
7.04.2007
Cont.
So, to finish out my thoughts from yesterday, I don't think semantics is a field I want to explore further, at least not as a specialty. I kept wanting the "so what?" answered, and no one really seemed interested in that question. The logic class wanted to pin language down as a machine. You put this (x) in, you'll get this (y) out. While admitting that this hasn't been accomplished, I don't really know why people would think you could do that to language. Even the human "machine" doesn't always act like it's supposed to . . . because it's not a machine! I don't think language is, either.
I think the classes I'll be taking in the regular session will have some more practical applications, though. And I don't mean to be saying that I dislike the exploration of theory. I just like to know the "so what?" And I know that semantics can be useful and helpful, but just trying to break down words into component, isolated meanings for the sake of breaking them down, doesn't appeal to me. I suppose the object then is to build them back up into a language, supposedly superior to natural language? And I think "natural language" is another technical term I don't know.
Can you tell I'm barely able to swim through this stuff?
This morning for breakfast, I had a little bit of raisin bran (which made me think of Uncle Jim), which I mixed with granola and a few cocoa puffs for flavor. The mixing of the cereals made me think of Aunt Melinda, Aunt Susan, Mom, and Grandma, who all taught me how to mix my cereals. So, it was like I got to have breakfast with my family! :) If only they had Daddy's bread to toast, I could eat with him, too.
Yipe! now it's time for lunch. It's weird when you have a closed window of time to get your food. Maybe being on a schedule will be good for me. :)
Happy 4th, everyone! Neills, blow something up for me. Thanks. Grace, you can send off some firecrackers for me, too. I hope the Owens, Jr. family time with the Owens, Sr. family is blessed. I'm sorry I can't be there to meet everyone. Love y'all!
I think the classes I'll be taking in the regular session will have some more practical applications, though. And I don't mean to be saying that I dislike the exploration of theory. I just like to know the "so what?" And I know that semantics can be useful and helpful, but just trying to break down words into component, isolated meanings for the sake of breaking them down, doesn't appeal to me. I suppose the object then is to build them back up into a language, supposedly superior to natural language? And I think "natural language" is another technical term I don't know.
Can you tell I'm barely able to swim through this stuff?
This morning for breakfast, I had a little bit of raisin bran (which made me think of Uncle Jim), which I mixed with granola and a few cocoa puffs for flavor. The mixing of the cereals made me think of Aunt Melinda, Aunt Susan, Mom, and Grandma, who all taught me how to mix my cereals. So, it was like I got to have breakfast with my family! :) If only they had Daddy's bread to toast, I could eat with him, too.
Yipe! now it's time for lunch. It's weird when you have a closed window of time to get your food. Maybe being on a schedule will be good for me. :)
Happy 4th, everyone! Neills, blow something up for me. Thanks. Grace, you can send off some firecrackers for me, too. I hope the Owens, Jr. family time with the Owens, Sr. family is blessed. I'm sorry I can't be there to meet everyone. Love y'all!
7.03.2007
Lexical Semantics
Pretty much everybody I spoke to who has any exposure to linguistics said the lexical semantics of verbs is a rather small area of focus. Truthfully, the class consisted of a lot of words apparently said in no particular order. Ha! I guess some people may have understood some of it.
Basically---what I gathered, at least---to study the lexical semantics of verbs, you are trying to pull the verb out of a sentence and by observing its behavior determine its meaning or the meaning of its component parts that make it behave in a certain way. Since I didn't have a general introduction to lexical semantics in the first place, I may be way off the mark. Unfortunately, I really know nothing about semantics, either, but I didn't see how it would be useful to try to determine the function of a component of a sentence outside of the sentence. It's like pulling a leaf off a plant to see how it works; once you have it off, it doesn't work because it's made to work with the plant. I guess you may be able to garner some helpful information (take, for instance, cadaver dissection) in looking at a dead thing to learn how the living thing functions. But it seemed like taking a dead thing and trying to find life in it apart from what makes it alive.
More on this later! I have my floundering statistics class to attend!
Basically---what I gathered, at least---to study the lexical semantics of verbs, you are trying to pull the verb out of a sentence and by observing its behavior determine its meaning or the meaning of its component parts that make it behave in a certain way. Since I didn't have a general introduction to lexical semantics in the first place, I may be way off the mark. Unfortunately, I really know nothing about semantics, either, but I didn't see how it would be useful to try to determine the function of a component of a sentence outside of the sentence. It's like pulling a leaf off a plant to see how it works; once you have it off, it doesn't work because it's made to work with the plant. I guess you may be able to garner some helpful information (take, for instance, cadaver dissection) in looking at a dead thing to learn how the living thing functions. But it seemed like taking a dead thing and trying to find life in it apart from what makes it alive.
More on this later! I have my floundering statistics class to attend!
7.01.2007
Day 1
Well, I don't remember much from my first two classes. About mid-afternoon, I talked to Trey and we decided I should go ahead and drink some coffee. The idea that I can't focus or have energy without coffee disconcerts me. I suppose I could have caffeine in some other form, but I do prefer to take it in coffee form. Anyway, I'm starting tomorrow off with coffee. Then maybe I can tell you more about my classes!
The most exciting thing today was meeting Chiyungye, whose name I unfortunately have no idea how to spell. We were chatting---she's from South Korea and is studying Asian languages at Stanford; her husband is getting a PhD in electrical engineering---and when I mentioned I was engaged, she asked about Trey. I told her he was a seminary student. "Oh, are you Christians?" "Yes, we are." "We are too!" Yay! So, now I have a Christian friend here! She's going to take me to her church next Sunday.
I got lots of wonderful birthday messages today. People tended to call while I was in class, which wasn't hard considering that's where I was for most of the day! But I'm glad I have messages now, I can save them for a while and re-listen to them.
In the dining hall tonight, there were lots of kids with "Great Books Conference" on their t-shirts. Any of you who have heard me talk about the positively amazing Great Books class I took my sophomore year will know I was practically drooling. But I guess I can't do two conferences at once. I also sat at a table with some high school students who are here for eight weeks total (they've already been here one week), taking summer courses for college credit. One was from Spain, one from Austria, one from Wisconsin, and one from Texas. I also ran into the professor from Pakistan who shared a cab with me to campus. I'm getting lots of cultural exposure over here. I just wish I could remember foreign names better than I do.
And I think I'll go do a little reading before my classes tomorrow. We have two more days of this schedule, a big barbecue and no classes on Wednesday, and the regular courses starting Thursday, which I think I already mentioned. I'll be taking MORE fun classes like Language and Identity, Language and Thought, Introduction to Morphology, and Minority Dialects and Literacy Acquisition.
I've got a mosquito bite. I thought they didn't have those over here. :(
The most exciting thing today was meeting Chiyungye, whose name I unfortunately have no idea how to spell. We were chatting---she's from South Korea and is studying Asian languages at Stanford; her husband is getting a PhD in electrical engineering---and when I mentioned I was engaged, she asked about Trey. I told her he was a seminary student. "Oh, are you Christians?" "Yes, we are." "We are too!" Yay! So, now I have a Christian friend here! She's going to take me to her church next Sunday.
I got lots of wonderful birthday messages today. People tended to call while I was in class, which wasn't hard considering that's where I was for most of the day! But I'm glad I have messages now, I can save them for a while and re-listen to them.
In the dining hall tonight, there were lots of kids with "Great Books Conference" on their t-shirts. Any of you who have heard me talk about the positively amazing Great Books class I took my sophomore year will know I was practically drooling. But I guess I can't do two conferences at once. I also sat at a table with some high school students who are here for eight weeks total (they've already been here one week), taking summer courses for college credit. One was from Spain, one from Austria, one from Wisconsin, and one from Texas. I also ran into the professor from Pakistan who shared a cab with me to campus. I'm getting lots of cultural exposure over here. I just wish I could remember foreign names better than I do.
And I think I'll go do a little reading before my classes tomorrow. We have two more days of this schedule, a big barbecue and no classes on Wednesday, and the regular courses starting Thursday, which I think I already mentioned. I'll be taking MORE fun classes like Language and Identity, Language and Thought, Introduction to Morphology, and Minority Dialects and Literacy Acquisition.
I've got a mosquito bite. I thought they didn't have those over here. :(
Quick update
I'm in California. The weather is as beautiful as everyone said, and the campus is amazing. I'll hopefully get some pictures up here or on facebook sometime soon.
The Owens will be happy to know that this computer lab has all of three PCs and approx. seven Macs. I guess y'all (you, Owenses) will take over the world one day. Glad I'm marrying one of ya. :)
I signed up for a three person dorm room, but so far there is only me and Yoko, who is a graduate student studying in Canada (Toronto, I think), originally from Japan. I'm not sure about the grammar of that sentence.
We unfortunately have classes today, but the following Sundays will not be like this. These are some presession classes; the regular session classes start Thursday. So, today I have the Lexical Semantics of Verbs (oooOOooo!), Statistics for Linguists A (eeeeek!), and Logic for Linguists.
The dorm room is very nice for a dorm room. There are three adjoining rooms; the middle one has two bunk beds. The side rooms have shelves, desks, and a little closet with a sink in it. There are great big windows in all the rooms that open but not without a little noise, as Trey can confirm.
My shoulders are very sore from carrying all those bags around yesterday. And I had something extra salty for supper last night because my eyes are all puffy this morning. I think the food will be very good. I got to have Indian AND Chinese food last night (hm, and I wonder where the salty came from. . . .).
I'll try to post more info later. I get a little sad when I think about how long it will be before I see any of y'all, but I can't really do anything about that right now, so I'll just keep on keepin' on.
The Owens will be happy to know that this computer lab has all of three PCs and approx. seven Macs. I guess y'all (you, Owenses) will take over the world one day. Glad I'm marrying one of ya. :)
I signed up for a three person dorm room, but so far there is only me and Yoko, who is a graduate student studying in Canada (Toronto, I think), originally from Japan. I'm not sure about the grammar of that sentence.
We unfortunately have classes today, but the following Sundays will not be like this. These are some presession classes; the regular session classes start Thursday. So, today I have the Lexical Semantics of Verbs (oooOOooo!), Statistics for Linguists A (eeeeek!), and Logic for Linguists.
The dorm room is very nice for a dorm room. There are three adjoining rooms; the middle one has two bunk beds. The side rooms have shelves, desks, and a little closet with a sink in it. There are great big windows in all the rooms that open but not without a little noise, as Trey can confirm.
My shoulders are very sore from carrying all those bags around yesterday. And I had something extra salty for supper last night because my eyes are all puffy this morning. I think the food will be very good. I got to have Indian AND Chinese food last night (hm, and I wonder where the salty came from. . . .).
I'll try to post more info later. I get a little sad when I think about how long it will be before I see any of y'all, but I can't really do anything about that right now, so I'll just keep on keepin' on.
6.26.2007
Post
This is a quick post about my life.
I'm getting married!!!! On October 5!!!! That's soon (praise God!), so . . .
I'm planning a wedding!!!! Since the only organized event I participate in regularly is a pancake breakfast for two or three, I've got a lot to learn!!!!
I'm going to California on Saturday!!!! Yes, I'm still excited about the trip, even though there are many reasons I'd like to stay here. I still think it's a good idea and something I definitely need to do.
No, I haven't packed yet!!!! I have to pack!!!! And then I have to pack my house!!!!
Yay!!!
I'm getting married!!!! On October 5!!!! That's soon (praise God!), so . . .
I'm planning a wedding!!!! Since the only organized event I participate in regularly is a pancake breakfast for two or three, I've got a lot to learn!!!!
I'm going to California on Saturday!!!! Yes, I'm still excited about the trip, even though there are many reasons I'd like to stay here. I still think it's a good idea and something I definitely need to do.
No, I haven't packed yet!!!! I have to pack!!!! And then I have to pack my house!!!!
Yay!!!
6.07.2007
For those who appreciate such distinctions
jealousy is reflective of a person's feelings or attitudes toward another person, whereas envy expresses a person's feelings or attitudes toward another person's advantages or accomplishments; jealousy pertains to emotional rivalry while envy is resentment of a more fortunate person.
6.06.2007
5.24.2007
2007---to date
It's been an interesting year. In everything that I face, fully expecting to be drained, empty, devastated, totally emotionally exhausted and slaughtered, etc. I find Christ's fullness. Every time I think I'm starting to run empty, I find myself full. It's impossible; it's unexplainable in human terms; it's grace. And it's good.
It's the strange foolishness of sacrifice. Luke 17:33
It's the strange foolishness of sacrifice. Luke 17:33
33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
That makes no sense, no logical, rational sense. But God is more than logical and rational; He's loving, gracious, and oh, so mysterious. And He's good.
5.23.2007
shrimp
Time is passing very slowly and I'm putting labels on envelopes.
I was thinking about my friend, Catherine, who has stage 4 cancer, and I was thinking about one of my relationships that seems broken, or at least crippled. And the feeling I had was that these are both impossible situations. Catherine won't heal and my relationship won't mend. Then I thought about that phrase Christians say all the time---something like "with God, all things are possible." So I prayed, and then I realized that I was saying the words yet praying without hope for a change.
Miracles aren't normal. God usually lets things run according to their nature, which is sinful and that means death. People get sick and die and relationships are broken and destroyed. But the truth is, God is able to save; He is able to work miracles outside of the natural order. Knowing that He can and praying that He will doesn't mean that He'll do what I want, but I have to learn and know that He is able and willing. Not that He'll do, but that He's able. And it's impossible for me to know that when I don't see it happen. I'm like the Jews who kept asking Jesus for a sign, though it didn't always lead to belief. No, God empowers me to believe the impossible, whether I see it or not.
And I felt some reluctance to mention my relationship in the same instance as my friend who has cancer. But God is in relation (the Trinity), and He has made us in His image as relational beings. I think the brokenness of relationships in this life is just as horribly unnatural as death is. Jesus's death was coupled with a severing of His relationship with the Father. And that sacrifice gave us the very real hope of life and healed relationships, even if we don't see them before Jesus returns.
Praise God for His power! Praise God for His ability and willingness! Praise God for His faithfulness! Praise Him for His goodness!
I was thinking about my friend, Catherine, who has stage 4 cancer, and I was thinking about one of my relationships that seems broken, or at least crippled. And the feeling I had was that these are both impossible situations. Catherine won't heal and my relationship won't mend. Then I thought about that phrase Christians say all the time---something like "with God, all things are possible." So I prayed, and then I realized that I was saying the words yet praying without hope for a change.
Miracles aren't normal. God usually lets things run according to their nature, which is sinful and that means death. People get sick and die and relationships are broken and destroyed. But the truth is, God is able to save; He is able to work miracles outside of the natural order. Knowing that He can and praying that He will doesn't mean that He'll do what I want, but I have to learn and know that He is able and willing. Not that He'll do, but that He's able. And it's impossible for me to know that when I don't see it happen. I'm like the Jews who kept asking Jesus for a sign, though it didn't always lead to belief. No, God empowers me to believe the impossible, whether I see it or not.
And I felt some reluctance to mention my relationship in the same instance as my friend who has cancer. But God is in relation (the Trinity), and He has made us in His image as relational beings. I think the brokenness of relationships in this life is just as horribly unnatural as death is. Jesus's death was coupled with a severing of His relationship with the Father. And that sacrifice gave us the very real hope of life and healed relationships, even if we don't see them before Jesus returns.
Praise God for His power! Praise God for His ability and willingness! Praise God for His faithfulness! Praise Him for His goodness!
5.12.2007
wouldn't you know
The craziest things happen.
Mom was cooking lunch, and she and Dad heard a crash--like a crash when a bird hits the window.
Thirty minutes later, Mom and I were eating at the dining room table, gazing out the window to the wonderfully green trees and bright sunshine (May is a lovely month). Our picturesque view was momentarily distracted by an object in proximity--on the window, as a matter of fact. Um, what did our wondering eyes behold? Was it a splattered bug? Was it a clod of mud thrown from the street? Was it... yes, it was... BIRD POO!
So that bird must have had quite a scare when he found himself face to face with glass rather than an enemy. Scared something right out of him.
This wasn't the most appetizing way to enjoy a meal, but it was entertaining.
Mom was cooking lunch, and she and Dad heard a crash--like a crash when a bird hits the window.
Thirty minutes later, Mom and I were eating at the dining room table, gazing out the window to the wonderfully green trees and bright sunshine (May is a lovely month). Our picturesque view was momentarily distracted by an object in proximity--on the window, as a matter of fact. Um, what did our wondering eyes behold? Was it a splattered bug? Was it a clod of mud thrown from the street? Was it... yes, it was... BIRD POO!
So that bird must have had quite a scare when he found himself face to face with glass rather than an enemy. Scared something right out of him.
This wasn't the most appetizing way to enjoy a meal, but it was entertaining.
5.09.2007
work
The building I work in is surrounded by trees. My desk sits in front of a wall-to-wall window, so I'm often able to enjoy looking at these trees. Across the street that runs in front of the building, I can see the physical plant, and there are yet more trees next to this other building.
Every few weeks or so, I notice a clump of men standing next to the clump of trees. A few will have their hands clasped behind their backs, and one or more others will be pointing and gesturing at the clump of trees.
One time after this series of events, they actually spent several days cutting down one of the trees and removing some vines. Another time, they pulled up a stump.
Even when some action is taken, there are still at least three men clumped around and pointing or clasping their hands. They seem to enjoy pointing and gesturing at the workers as much as they do the clump of trees.
They seem to be moving progressively farther into the clump of trees. For instance, today they are almost in the dark, shady part of the clump. I wonder what they're about to do.
Every few weeks or so, I notice a clump of men standing next to the clump of trees. A few will have their hands clasped behind their backs, and one or more others will be pointing and gesturing at the clump of trees.
One time after this series of events, they actually spent several days cutting down one of the trees and removing some vines. Another time, they pulled up a stump.
Even when some action is taken, there are still at least three men clumped around and pointing or clasping their hands. They seem to enjoy pointing and gesturing at the workers as much as they do the clump of trees.
They seem to be moving progressively farther into the clump of trees. For instance, today they are almost in the dark, shady part of the clump. I wonder what they're about to do.
5.05.2007
Carrot cake and suspenders
I took a quick trip to the grocery this a.m. to get some ingredients for carrot cake (with nuts! can you believe this is me??). I was careful to get all the ingredients I needed so that I wouldn't have to make a mad dash to the store later on to get some ingredient I didn't have on hand.
So this afternoon as I made the mad dash to the store to get the one ingredient I'd forgotten this a.m., I saw a man. He was older, maybe late 60s, with very thin arms and legs. The reason I knew he had thin arms and legs is because he was only wearing what looked like some cut off khakis, rolled up... short...very short, actually. They reminded me of the length (if I should even call it a length) of Trey's tennis shorts from 1974. So, this man, bronzed by the sun, had on the top at least of some nice khakis and a nice-looking, dark leather belt. He seemed quite comfortable.
Then I thought about how hot and humid it's going to be this summer. And I just remembered that I get to spend July in California where the climate is so temperate they don't even install air-conditioners in the dorm rooms. And thinking of dorm rooms made me think about the fact that I'll be sharing a dorm room with two other strangers (I hope they put me with girls--it is California, after all!) for a whole month. I think Trey's right. This trip will change me.
So this afternoon as I made the mad dash to the store to get the one ingredient I'd forgotten this a.m., I saw a man. He was older, maybe late 60s, with very thin arms and legs. The reason I knew he had thin arms and legs is because he was only wearing what looked like some cut off khakis, rolled up... short...very short, actually. They reminded me of the length (if I should even call it a length) of Trey's tennis shorts from 1974. So, this man, bronzed by the sun, had on the top at least of some nice khakis and a nice-looking, dark leather belt. He seemed quite comfortable.
Then I thought about how hot and humid it's going to be this summer. And I just remembered that I get to spend July in California where the climate is so temperate they don't even install air-conditioners in the dorm rooms. And thinking of dorm rooms made me think about the fact that I'll be sharing a dorm room with two other strangers (I hope they put me with girls--it is California, after all!) for a whole month. I think Trey's right. This trip will change me.
5.02.2007
I'm glad I learned to like mushrooms and nuts
It opens doors to all sorts of new culinary delights!
As I thought about how we make plans, how we want to know what the Lord's plan is for us, how we are afraid of making choices outside of that plan (as though we could!), something made me think of this passage in Jeremiah (it's from the 29th chapter):
10 “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
I don't know how (or if) you're supposed to take God's words to Israel in the prophets and apply them to today, but God's character is unchanging; thankfully He isn't fickle or confused by His emotions like I am. I was struck by the sound of compassion and care in God's words here. I'm not sure if it's just in the language or if this passage is particularly comforting to me right now. God knew He was sending His people into a place they didn't want to go and where they would be very unhappy. Yet He sent them because it was part of His plan for them, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." So I don't know God's plans; I can only make choices with what's in front of me. But I know He knows His plan. And I know His plans are good.
And God has been working out His plan, a plan which includes me. As I struggle over the idea of a lost dating relationship, I have to see that through God's direction. Should I ask, Have I messed up? Or should I ask, What has God given me? Does God ever lose anything He can't find? Does He ever waste anything? Is anything outside of His purpose? And like Mrs. K said, God has me in the palm of His hand. If His character is sure and I am His child, I haven't lost anything! (The world and devil would certainly like me to believe that I have.) I have gained a wonderful, godly friend and through him a wonderful, godly family. I don't know how my relationships will change over time, but I do know that I don't have to figure that out to have peace right now. What a blessing to live in the light of God's faithfulness!
As I thought about how we make plans, how we want to know what the Lord's plan is for us, how we are afraid of making choices outside of that plan (as though we could!), something made me think of this passage in Jeremiah (it's from the 29th chapter):
10 “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
I don't know how (or if) you're supposed to take God's words to Israel in the prophets and apply them to today, but God's character is unchanging; thankfully He isn't fickle or confused by His emotions like I am. I was struck by the sound of compassion and care in God's words here. I'm not sure if it's just in the language or if this passage is particularly comforting to me right now. God knew He was sending His people into a place they didn't want to go and where they would be very unhappy. Yet He sent them because it was part of His plan for them, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." So I don't know God's plans; I can only make choices with what's in front of me. But I know He knows His plan. And I know His plans are good.
And God has been working out His plan, a plan which includes me. As I struggle over the idea of a lost dating relationship, I have to see that through God's direction. Should I ask, Have I messed up? Or should I ask, What has God given me? Does God ever lose anything He can't find? Does He ever waste anything? Is anything outside of His purpose? And like Mrs. K said, God has me in the palm of His hand. If His character is sure and I am His child, I haven't lost anything! (The world and devil would certainly like me to believe that I have.) I have gained a wonderful, godly friend and through him a wonderful, godly family. I don't know how my relationships will change over time, but I do know that I don't have to figure that out to have peace right now. What a blessing to live in the light of God's faithfulness!
4.30.2007
Growing Pains
In the midst of emotional turmoil and unpleasant circumstances, I sometimes realize--as though I momentarily step back from my plight and can see with different eyes--that God is training me. Life's an obstacle course of sorts. More often than not, someone sage and loving (e.g., Aunt Melinda), simply points this out to me. I can't even take credit for "realizing" it.
And sometimes in the midst of my own little struggles, I hear news of martyrdom (in this case the missionaries in Turkey) or some other such event that makes my "emotional turmoil" seem like the pettiest of problems. But I wonder if, even in the presence of death, my own obstacle course in human relationships is less than some other event in God's eyes. He works in both situations; He glorifies His name through my little lesson learned and through the horrific earthly death of one of His children. It does challenge my perspective, though. How can I let my attention rest only on my life when my Lord and Master works everywhere? Yes, there is importance in what He's teaching me, but He's not just at work in my heart. And so I feel valued yet realize that I can't just lounge in feeling chastised or valued. God's work is bigger than I. . . . And He has made me part of that work!
In the more logistical side of life, I've got plane tickets for California. Looks like I'm really going to a month of linguistics classes. I wonder what I'll learn there.
And sometimes in the midst of my own little struggles, I hear news of martyrdom (in this case the missionaries in Turkey) or some other such event that makes my "emotional turmoil" seem like the pettiest of problems. But I wonder if, even in the presence of death, my own obstacle course in human relationships is less than some other event in God's eyes. He works in both situations; He glorifies His name through my little lesson learned and through the horrific earthly death of one of His children. It does challenge my perspective, though. How can I let my attention rest only on my life when my Lord and Master works everywhere? Yes, there is importance in what He's teaching me, but He's not just at work in my heart. And so I feel valued yet realize that I can't just lounge in feeling chastised or valued. God's work is bigger than I. . . . And He has made me part of that work!
In the more logistical side of life, I've got plane tickets for California. Looks like I'm really going to a month of linguistics classes. I wonder what I'll learn there.
4.22.2007
On a Clean Room
Sometimes I am overwhelmed by how downright complicated it is to be human. You have an intellect, talents, emotions, opportunities, relationships, choices, open doors, closed doors, books, clothes, mixed feelings, hunger, thirst, chocolate, jobs, limitations, vitamins, laundry, groceries, advantages, good looks, and bad hair days. All this stuff clamors every day to be noticed, dealt with, balanced, resolved, etc., etc., etc. And some days I feel so overwhelmed and lost in all the mess that I want to put on bright pink socks, hop on my bike, and drive to the end of some road in another state. Or I might actually have to run because I think I've let my chain rust.
Then there are times like now when I look around at my room, which I was able to clean this weekend. My dresser is cleared of the persistent piles of paper scraps; I've dusted everything; my desk has one small pile of things to deal with and a few receipts that I haven't logged yet (actually, since posting, I've cleared these piles, too); my floor is clear; all my clean clothes are ironed and put away; my books are in neat stacks; the sheets on my bed are fresh; I've gotten to leave my window open for fresh air the past two beautiful days; I balanced my checkbook; I've had my piece(s) of chocolate; and even though I have to go to work tomorrow, everything is okay.
If only peace were so simple. You'd just have to think a few purifying thoughts, brush your teeth, and voila! peace, like a clean room. sigh.
Then there are times like now when I look around at my room, which I was able to clean this weekend. My dresser is cleared of the persistent piles of paper scraps; I've dusted everything; my desk has one small pile of things to deal with and a few receipts that I haven't logged yet (actually, since posting, I've cleared these piles, too); my floor is clear; all my clean clothes are ironed and put away; my books are in neat stacks; the sheets on my bed are fresh; I've gotten to leave my window open for fresh air the past two beautiful days; I balanced my checkbook; I've had my piece(s) of chocolate; and even though I have to go to work tomorrow, everything is okay.
If only peace were so simple. You'd just have to think a few purifying thoughts, brush your teeth, and voila! peace, like a clean room. sigh.
4.18.2007
4.16.2007
Death? and taxes?
There are 15+ buzzard/hawk-type birds circling above the trees outside my office. Before, I've seen maybe three at the most. I wonder what luscious roadkill they've spotted. I just hope it isn't my brain, which at times I think is rotting behind my very eyes.
I think I've posted about my priorities before, but life just keeps getting more complicated, and I can't seem to actually change my priorities. Any advice, anyone?
Here's what I want my priorities to be/think they should be:
Here's what my priorities end up being:
Hm. This is more of a "Dear Diary" than a very pleasant post to read. Maybe my problem is that I love spontaneity yet crave routine? I did have a lovely spontaneous trip to Tickfaw State Park with Trey and his family this past weekend. It was definitely worth any sacrifice to my petty priorities.
Anyway, I've apparently made posting on my blog more of a priority than working. I should probably remedy that now.
I think I've posted about my priorities before, but life just keeps getting more complicated, and I can't seem to actually change my priorities. Any advice, anyone?
Here's what I want my priorities to be/think they should be:
- Time with the Lord
- Books (including such things as self-study, GRE prep--I just registered to take it in June!--and that long list to the right of unread books on my shelves)
- People (friends, and, of course, Trey. And the Trey part is tricky because I'm not sure how much priority this should have on my time at this point. . .it's important, but not urgent (which I apparently learned from Franklin Covey via Steve Lanier). Obviously wants and needs differ rather dramatically at this point.)
- Running (I miss it)
Here's what my priorities end up being:
- Getting to work on time (though I often fail at this)
- Staying awake at my desk
- Making sure I have clothes to wear to work that aren't dirty or wrinkly
- Paying bills, grocery shopping, not leaving the house or my room a total wreck
- Worrying about classes that I haven't been to or haven't done the homework for
- Spending time with friends (rather unmoderated; people are more important than pretty much everything and I don't always balance that well)
- Trying to get to bed before 1 a.m.
Hm. This is more of a "Dear Diary" than a very pleasant post to read. Maybe my problem is that I love spontaneity yet crave routine? I did have a lovely spontaneous trip to Tickfaw State Park with Trey and his family this past weekend. It was definitely worth any sacrifice to my petty priorities.
Anyway, I've apparently made posting on my blog more of a priority than working. I should probably remedy that now.
4.13.2007
4.11.2007
Explode!
We've had three cloudy days in a row, and my chocolate consumption has spiked. Yet here on the day when my spirits would be lowest, I find blessed thankfulness.
(I should note that I am also thankful for the ability to be cheesy and mean it and laugh at it simultaneously.)
- chocolate (of course!)
- Aunt Melinda (what a friend and blessing she is!)
- Mom and Dad (how wonderful to have loving, godly parents)
- rain (it does make everything nice and green, even if the air gets sticky)
- my good friends Daniel and Sarah Jo and my roommate Bethany, and many others who are dear to me (God is good to put us in community, and how easy it is to take God-fearing brothers and sisters for granted)
- Target and Kroger (okay, so maybe they don't encourage good stewardship in me, but you have to admit they're great stores)
- Tide laundry detergent and clean clothes
- books
- Mrs. Olps (another godly friend and counselor)
- Redeemer Church and her faithful pastors, Mike and Steve
- the Bible and God's faithfulness to make it effective
- God's faithfulness
- Trey (possibly the most awesome human person in my life right now)
(I should note that I am also thankful for the ability to be cheesy and mean it and laugh at it simultaneously.)
3.28.2007
Speechless
It seems that my blog posts of late have been so brilliantly authoritative, intellectual, and dense that none of my aspiring readers is able to comment beyond small exclamations of praise and adoration.
While fully appreciating the great compliment of awed silence, I find myself lonely at the top. Genius is indeed a hard lot when one must endure life without a companion capable of responding to such insightful and inspiring thoughts.
Though I suppose if my premise is true, this post is again a mere voice spoken into the great void without hope of even an echo.
Can I truly find comfort in simply recording my lofty thoughts? No, my sense of wholeness comes up lacking when not buffered by friends.
The question I now face is what kind of fall to expect. For some reason that proverb holds true even when pride takes the form of a jest. I suppose it's still pride at the core, badly disguised.
While fully appreciating the great compliment of awed silence, I find myself lonely at the top. Genius is indeed a hard lot when one must endure life without a companion capable of responding to such insightful and inspiring thoughts.
Though I suppose if my premise is true, this post is again a mere voice spoken into the great void without hope of even an echo.
Can I truly find comfort in simply recording my lofty thoughts? No, my sense of wholeness comes up lacking when not buffered by friends.
The question I now face is what kind of fall to expect. For some reason that proverb holds true even when pride takes the form of a jest. I suppose it's still pride at the core, badly disguised.
3.20.2007
Good gifts
Matthew 7:7-11
7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
This is one of those scripture passages I've heard my whole life and have intellectually acknowledged. Yet when I find myself facing a "good gift," I slip into a sort of denial. It doesn't feel real. This is something I think is good; this is what God gives to others, not to me. It can't really be meant for me; I must sabotage!
So now I have to give myself permission to accept good things from God. Funny, isn't it, that I would ask for bread, and when He gives it to me, say, "No, God. You were supposed to give me that rock. Take the bread away, and give me what I need."
Sounds like another dern double-bind.
It's amazing what arrogance I hide behind "self-denial."
3.17.2007
I'm afraid to talk
I'd rather not iron, but that pile of wrinkly clothes is completely useless as far as work-wear is concerned. Though the other day, I did put on a shirt that was somewhat wrinkly, sprayed some Downy wrinkle releaser on it, smoothed it as best I could, and headed to work. I didn't get fired, so I suppose it was a success.
Here's my new hotspot.
Here's my new hotspot.
3.15.2007
On Perspective
As Trey and I discussed our testimonies last night, I realized again how persistently I see the world through my own eyes. I've always started my testimony on a somewhat apologetic note because I don't have any sort of dramatic or exciting or name-the-day-and-hour conversion experience. I can always talk about ways that I've grown or things that God has taught me over the years, but I can't say that I remember a time of not knowing Jesus, even if I have a new understanding of grace or realize the gospel in new ways that seem fundamental to basic salvation. (I know I shouldn't apologize for that, but I always feel a bit sappy anyway.)
Anyway, Trey pointed out that the testimony is not that I always knew Jesus, but that covenantally, God faithfully knew me all those years. Well, okay, then let me feel stupid again for a minute: A Christian's testimony is about God, not about the Christian. What's that catechism question? Isn't this stuff I'm supposed to know? And I do know it, in a way; I just don't always realize it.
So last night's conversation is another instance of my salvation becoming more real to me. But that doesn't mean it wasn't as real before I had new understanding, because (hallelujah!) my salvation isn't even dependent on my own perception.
For all that I know, I don't seem to know much. But isn't it splendiferous to learn!
Anyway, Trey pointed out that the testimony is not that I always knew Jesus, but that covenantally, God faithfully knew me all those years. Well, okay, then let me feel stupid again for a minute: A Christian's testimony is about God, not about the Christian. What's that catechism question? Isn't this stuff I'm supposed to know? And I do know it, in a way; I just don't always realize it.
So last night's conversation is another instance of my salvation becoming more real to me. But that doesn't mean it wasn't as real before I had new understanding, because (hallelujah!) my salvation isn't even dependent on my own perception.
For all that I know, I don't seem to know much. But isn't it splendiferous to learn!
Spring!
The colors outside my apt this morning made me melt a little inside. The refreshing rain that fell all night washed off the lovely yellow-ish tree pollen that's been coating everything the past few days. The sky was still that rich, dark grey that brings out the many-hued greens of new foliage. Spotted amongst the bright greens of fresh leaves and dark browns and greys of branches were a bright blooming red bud and a crisp flowering Bradford Pear (thankfully too far away for me to smell). The sight of it all was quite therapeutic.
Then I had to go to work.
Then I had to go to work.
3.13.2007
On Friendship
It's a strange phenomenon that the same person can either drain you of energy or refresh you.
How can you break down the dynamics of communion between two people into chemicals and biological processes?
I'm sure some scientist has pinpointed all the little chemical pathways that instigate emotional responses, but is an emotional response a predictable process? Can you predict what a particular situation will elicit from different individuals?
I should have paid more attention in biology.
But something in me rebels from the thought that my experience boils down to a chemical. Somehow that is too simple to account for the richness of living. Or maybe I underestimate chemicals. Or maybe I don't like thinking that all the wonderful feelings and experiences I live can be teased out of some tube under a fluorescent light in a chemistry lab. Seems to cheapen my value or worth.
Why do I respect things I don't understand?
Why do I keep writing this babble?
How can you break down the dynamics of communion between two people into chemicals and biological processes?
I'm sure some scientist has pinpointed all the little chemical pathways that instigate emotional responses, but is an emotional response a predictable process? Can you predict what a particular situation will elicit from different individuals?
I should have paid more attention in biology.
But something in me rebels from the thought that my experience boils down to a chemical. Somehow that is too simple to account for the richness of living. Or maybe I underestimate chemicals. Or maybe I don't like thinking that all the wonderful feelings and experiences I live can be teased out of some tube under a fluorescent light in a chemistry lab. Seems to cheapen my value or worth.
Why do I respect things I don't understand?
Why do I keep writing this babble?
3.07.2007
Peanut butter
I've been trying to muster up some inspiration to write a deep, thought-provoking blog, but for some reason inspiration doesn't come that way. Or maybe I'm just not deep and thoughtful.
Instead I'm going to tell you about the superiority of Kroger brand crunchy peanut butter. It's basically the best you can get if you like crunchy peanut butter. It has nothing short of whole halves of peanuts, and Kroger isn't skimpy on dishing them out, either. It's kind of like the whole Raisin Bran "two scoops" thing, only with peanuts in peanut butter instead of raisins in cardboard flakes (don't misunderstand me; I like those cardboard flakes, but I really don't know a better way to describe them).
I often ponder the use of the word "crunchy" to label crunchy peanut butter. I don't think of peanuts as crunchy, reserving that word for things like toast or croutons. But I have seen the label "chunky" peanut butter. That's just gross, so I guess it's why the industry (in general) sticks with the "crunchy" usage.
My GRE study guide came in yesterday, so I have no excuse to put off studying for that lovely exam. I also got Far From the Madding Gerund, which has an amusing account of author bios on the back cover. You should check it out. My only hope is that linguistics will save me too!
Instead I'm going to tell you about the superiority of Kroger brand crunchy peanut butter. It's basically the best you can get if you like crunchy peanut butter. It has nothing short of whole halves of peanuts, and Kroger isn't skimpy on dishing them out, either. It's kind of like the whole Raisin Bran "two scoops" thing, only with peanuts in peanut butter instead of raisins in cardboard flakes (don't misunderstand me; I like those cardboard flakes, but I really don't know a better way to describe them).
I often ponder the use of the word "crunchy" to label crunchy peanut butter. I don't think of peanuts as crunchy, reserving that word for things like toast or croutons. But I have seen the label "chunky" peanut butter. That's just gross, so I guess it's why the industry (in general) sticks with the "crunchy" usage.
My GRE study guide came in yesterday, so I have no excuse to put off studying for that lovely exam. I also got Far From the Madding Gerund, which has an amusing account of author bios on the back cover. You should check it out. My only hope is that linguistics will save me too!
2.26.2007
Keep an open mind?
Lately I've been challenged in my perception of life. I keep running into these statements that force me to stop and reconsider everything I've held to be right and true.
For example, "Bacon is a vegetable." I've always thought bacon tasty, but have (almost) always felt some guilt when eating it for fear that the one slice I just consumed hardened my left ventricular artery or caused another lipid molecule to adhere to the vessel wall, beginning the dark, dangerous path to a clot. But now I am faced with the option of believing (if I want to keep an open mind, after all) that bacon falls under the category of vegetable, that class of foods purported to increase years and quality of life. The real question is whether my belief changes reality (after all, I do want to keep an open mind). Well, you see, I can believe that it does (for me, at least) or I can believe that it doesn't, which would put me right back where I was before I read that bacon is a vegetable. I certainly don't want to think that I wasted all this time reading and contemplating that statement, so for the sake of redeeming potentially wasted time I'll just choose to believe it (haha! I love grammar. You, dear reader, have no idea what I've decided to believe! There are way too many antecedents for that pronoun. Anyway, in the interests of relativity, I'll let you decide which noun "it" refers to.)
The other statement I've seen is "feelings are boring, kissing is awesome." I had to think about this one for a while because, you see, I'm a girl. If you've lived life more than five minutes, you've heard that girls are all into feelings and relationships and stuff like that. You might think that this statement comes from a guy, seeing that they are the ones always classified as "chauvinist pigs" and "too physical" and etc. But, after long, careful contemplation, I have to agree with this statement. I'd make one revision: "feelings are boring, good kissing is awesome" (though that may just be my feelings saying that).
For example, "Bacon is a vegetable." I've always thought bacon tasty, but have (almost) always felt some guilt when eating it for fear that the one slice I just consumed hardened my left ventricular artery or caused another lipid molecule to adhere to the vessel wall, beginning the dark, dangerous path to a clot. But now I am faced with the option of believing (if I want to keep an open mind, after all) that bacon falls under the category of vegetable, that class of foods purported to increase years and quality of life. The real question is whether my belief changes reality (after all, I do want to keep an open mind). Well, you see, I can believe that it does (for me, at least) or I can believe that it doesn't, which would put me right back where I was before I read that bacon is a vegetable. I certainly don't want to think that I wasted all this time reading and contemplating that statement, so for the sake of redeeming potentially wasted time I'll just choose to believe it (haha! I love grammar. You, dear reader, have no idea what I've decided to believe! There are way too many antecedents for that pronoun. Anyway, in the interests of relativity, I'll let you decide which noun "it" refers to.)
The other statement I've seen is "feelings are boring, kissing is awesome." I had to think about this one for a while because, you see, I'm a girl. If you've lived life more than five minutes, you've heard that girls are all into feelings and relationships and stuff like that. You might think that this statement comes from a guy, seeing that they are the ones always classified as "chauvinist pigs" and "too physical" and etc. But, after long, careful contemplation, I have to agree with this statement. I'd make one revision: "feelings are boring, good kissing is awesome" (though that may just be my feelings saying that).
2.24.2007
Birthdays
Today is my friend Sarah Jo's birthday. It's overcast and windy, which would make one think that it's a bad day for a birthday.
BUT
we're under a tornado watch. For most people that may mean an even worse birthday, but not so for my dear friend. No, some of us have a great appreciation for the more violent of mother nature's expressions. Wait, I'm Presbyterian, I don't believe in mother nature (or do I?). Anyway, the fact that we're under a tornado watch, in Sarah Jo's eyes, redeems the overcastedness of the day making it all add up to a fantastic birthday day. Though she did admit that it would be most exciting if we actually have a tornado and no damage is caused and no people injured.
I'm not really that fascinated with tornadoes, but a good, thorough thunderstorm does get me excited. The strength of air and water in that context astounds me. Well, whatever happens . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH JO!!
I hope you have a great day.
BUT
we're under a tornado watch. For most people that may mean an even worse birthday, but not so for my dear friend. No, some of us have a great appreciation for the more violent of mother nature's expressions. Wait, I'm Presbyterian, I don't believe in mother nature (or do I?). Anyway, the fact that we're under a tornado watch, in Sarah Jo's eyes, redeems the overcastedness of the day making it all add up to a fantastic birthday day. Though she did admit that it would be most exciting if we actually have a tornado and no damage is caused and no people injured.
I'm not really that fascinated with tornadoes, but a good, thorough thunderstorm does get me excited. The strength of air and water in that context astounds me. Well, whatever happens . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH JO!!
I hope you have a great day.
2.21.2007
Lent
This week I've been wondering what's up with Lent. And I've also been wondering what's up with me sitting at a desk all day looking at a computer screen only to come home, sit at my desk, and look at a computer screen.
But back to Lent. Actually, I don't have any thoughts about Lent to share. Several people at my office mentioned it, and some talked about what they're giving up for Lent. I thought, hey, I could give up sweets and candy, lose some weight, and fit into all my clothes again. Somehow it didn't seem appropriate to do that in the name of Lent, so I've decided to do it just because that's what I decided. And thankfully, I didn't decide with a time limit, so a newer decision---such as "eat sweets and candy"---will override that one.
I started organizing the books on my shelves. I made it through alphabetizing my fiction and reference books, but haven't made any more progress. I'm supposed to be working on it right now, but I decided to redo my blog instead. Though I did add a list of books I have in my library that I haven't read yet. And I didn't even include the language books that I want to study. Memorizing a new vocabulary unfortunately takes more than one read-through.
In hunting for some good GRE study books, I've discovered that Barron's is superior to Kaplan. At least that's what the Amazon customer reviewers think. Princeton's was mentioned, but not discussed. Speaking of Amazon, I've also started compiling a massive wish list of books I'd like to read some day. Most of them I don't know much about other than that they sound interesting to me.
Enough procrastination! To the shelves I go!
But back to Lent. Actually, I don't have any thoughts about Lent to share. Several people at my office mentioned it, and some talked about what they're giving up for Lent. I thought, hey, I could give up sweets and candy, lose some weight, and fit into all my clothes again. Somehow it didn't seem appropriate to do that in the name of Lent, so I've decided to do it just because that's what I decided. And thankfully, I didn't decide with a time limit, so a newer decision---such as "eat sweets and candy"---will override that one.
I started organizing the books on my shelves. I made it through alphabetizing my fiction and reference books, but haven't made any more progress. I'm supposed to be working on it right now, but I decided to redo my blog instead. Though I did add a list of books I have in my library that I haven't read yet. And I didn't even include the language books that I want to study. Memorizing a new vocabulary unfortunately takes more than one read-through.
In hunting for some good GRE study books, I've discovered that Barron's is superior to Kaplan. At least that's what the Amazon customer reviewers think. Princeton's was mentioned, but not discussed. Speaking of Amazon, I've also started compiling a massive wish list of books I'd like to read some day. Most of them I don't know much about other than that they sound interesting to me.
Enough procrastination! To the shelves I go!
2.06.2007
History
While researching some university history departments, I observed that some institutions of higher learning catalog their history department under humanities whilst others lump history with social sciences. Soon my observation became a question: why the heck do they do that?
This launched me into an inner debate over the meaning of history and the purpose of studying it. For me to continue writing, I have to note that I'm not trained in the study of history, or at least, I haven't applied myself to the processes of history and historiography to come up with my own philosophies of history. Perhaps that's what I'm doing right now.
A class I took in undergraduate, which many of you have heard me discuss if you've talked to me more than once, included a discussion of history. We read War and Peace, discussing the questions Tolstoy asked about history. What drives human history? What moves events? Is it the action of individuals? How do the lives of individuals work within the larger framework of great rulers, wars, the rising and falling of nations? Do men make history happen? Or, maybe, do our actions make history happen? Do events, such as war, plagues, famines, etc., determine our actions?
These are the questions that put history under humanities. They involve discussion of the nature of man, his relation to nature (events, at least natural ones), his relation to humanity and history.
Do we study history to understand humanity? to attain a deeper understanding of our humanness?
* * * * * * * * * *
Today I heard the statement: To move forward, we have to come to terms with the past.
This understanding of history (which I think would fall under Henry Ford's assessment, "History is one damn thing after another.") pushes history under the social sciences. As a society, we must study our past so that [fill in the blank] "we don't repeat the past" or "we don't make the same mistakes" or etc.
This approach demands that certain other questions be answered. What is "forward"? and who determines the direction "we" want to move? What are mistakes? Who decides what a mistake is?
* * * * * * * * * *
From my current understanding, I don't see any point in studying history as a "social science." If a society does not agree on fundamental questions, primarily dealing with the "Who," no one can measure if "progress" is "made." And if someone does measure it somehow, the next generation is likely to call it a mistake.
So, you may be asking, what is the value of knowing man? Well, practically, I don't know. But it sure is a heck of a lot o' fun!
[Humanities are worthwhile studies, but I'm not articulate on my reasoning, and I'm being lazy.]
This launched me into an inner debate over the meaning of history and the purpose of studying it. For me to continue writing, I have to note that I'm not trained in the study of history, or at least, I haven't applied myself to the processes of history and historiography to come up with my own philosophies of history. Perhaps that's what I'm doing right now.
A class I took in undergraduate, which many of you have heard me discuss if you've talked to me more than once, included a discussion of history. We read War and Peace, discussing the questions Tolstoy asked about history. What drives human history? What moves events? Is it the action of individuals? How do the lives of individuals work within the larger framework of great rulers, wars, the rising and falling of nations? Do men make history happen? Or, maybe, do our actions make history happen? Do events, such as war, plagues, famines, etc., determine our actions?
These are the questions that put history under humanities. They involve discussion of the nature of man, his relation to nature (events, at least natural ones), his relation to humanity and history.
Do we study history to understand humanity? to attain a deeper understanding of our humanness?
* * * * * * * * * *
Today I heard the statement: To move forward, we have to come to terms with the past.
This understanding of history (which I think would fall under Henry Ford's assessment, "History is one damn thing after another.") pushes history under the social sciences. As a society, we must study our past so that [fill in the blank] "we don't repeat the past" or "we don't make the same mistakes" or etc.
This approach demands that certain other questions be answered. What is "forward"? and who determines the direction "we" want to move? What are mistakes? Who decides what a mistake is?
* * * * * * * * * *
From my current understanding, I don't see any point in studying history as a "social science." If a society does not agree on fundamental questions, primarily dealing with the "Who," no one can measure if "progress" is "made." And if someone does measure it somehow, the next generation is likely to call it a mistake.
So, you may be asking, what is the value of knowing man? Well, practically, I don't know. But it sure is a heck of a lot o' fun!
[Humanities are worthwhile studies, but I'm not articulate on my reasoning, and I'm being lazy.]
2.03.2007
the new me
Through my church I am taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peach University. Supposedly if I attend 12 of 13 classes, I graduate! I've always wanted another degree, so I guess I certificate won't be that bad.
Ramsey hates credit cards, which I have started calling ruin-my-life-debt cards. I decided to pay mine off and cancel them. It's funny, but I get the distinct impression that my credit card doesn't want to be canceled. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is absolutely no information regarding cancellation on the website, and when you call the 800 number, you have to go through 10+ button options to get to something that sounds like it might have something to do with closing the account. Then you are put on hold for the standard 20--30 minutes. tick. tock. tick. tock. tick. tock.
. . . wait . . . I've gotten through . . .
Hm. That was easier than closing my free AOL account back when I first got my computer.
Yay!
Ramsey hates credit cards, which I have started calling ruin-my-life-debt cards. I decided to pay mine off and cancel them. It's funny, but I get the distinct impression that my credit card doesn't want to be canceled. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is absolutely no information regarding cancellation on the website, and when you call the 800 number, you have to go through 10+ button options to get to something that sounds like it might have something to do with closing the account. Then you are put on hold for the standard 20--30 minutes. tick. tock. tick. tock. tick. tock.
. . . wait . . . I've gotten through . . .
Hm. That was easier than closing my free AOL account back when I first got my computer.
Yay!
1.26.2007
tardy
Ack! It's been way too long since I posted. And I still don't think I have anything to say that could be slightly amusing.
I've noticed this strange pattern in my life: when the high temp for the day stays below 45, I am surprisingly comfortable and non-cold. When the lows are in the 30s and the high are in the 50s or 60s, I'm insanely cold and miserable. Odd, don't you think?
Right now I'm trying to decide whether to learn Greek or Latin, whether to go to school and get debt or go to work and pay bills, whether to stay here or go there, whether to eat more or eat less, whether to make up my mind or dilly-dally, and whether to take a shower before bed or not.
And I'd like to report that I've had several delightful opportunities to use the phrase "hot-diggity" in the past several weeks. I don't desire frequency of occurrence, but instead find delight in the most appropriate use of the phrase, that is, finding an occasion for which the phrase is perfectly suited. And unfortunately the previous sentence does not call for such happy use of the phrase.
Words are delightful.
I've noticed this strange pattern in my life: when the high temp for the day stays below 45, I am surprisingly comfortable and non-cold. When the lows are in the 30s and the high are in the 50s or 60s, I'm insanely cold and miserable. Odd, don't you think?
Right now I'm trying to decide whether to learn Greek or Latin, whether to go to school and get debt or go to work and pay bills, whether to stay here or go there, whether to eat more or eat less, whether to make up my mind or dilly-dally, and whether to take a shower before bed or not.
And I'd like to report that I've had several delightful opportunities to use the phrase "hot-diggity" in the past several weeks. I don't desire frequency of occurrence, but instead find delight in the most appropriate use of the phrase, that is, finding an occasion for which the phrase is perfectly suited. And unfortunately the previous sentence does not call for such happy use of the phrase.
Words are delightful.
1.09.2007
Here I am at my desk.
This morning occurred in a series of misfortunes. First my alarm sounded. And I hit snooze. However, the misfortune is not that I failed to wake up in a timely fashion but that I did get out of bed, take my shower, eat my breakfast, all in good time and still managed to be late to work.
Somewhere in the midst of all that I blew (or is it "flipped"? anyway, all the kitchen appliances and lights went off) a breaker, brewed the worst coffee known to man, put my eyeliner on crooked, picked out clothes that don't match, had to finish my microwave oatmeal on the stove, and burnt my toast.
The worst part is that my hair has acquired this phenomenal capability to absorb and disseminate the most obnoxious smells I encounter. It's not going to let me forget that burnt toast until I chop it off.
sigh
Somewhere in the midst of all that I blew (or is it "flipped"? anyway, all the kitchen appliances and lights went off) a breaker, brewed the worst coffee known to man, put my eyeliner on crooked, picked out clothes that don't match, had to finish my microwave oatmeal on the stove, and burnt my toast.
The worst part is that my hair has acquired this phenomenal capability to absorb and disseminate the most obnoxious smells I encounter. It's not going to let me forget that burnt toast until I chop it off.
sigh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)