Thoughts From The Duck

Runs with Cheerleaders

2011-05-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

So this spring, I attempted to set myself up for success. I realized what I was missing here out in the woods was a community of folks to cheer me on. So I asked friends to sign up for a week to be my check in person. Their job was to make sure that I was working out and eating. This was a humbling experience as many folks came forward to take the job for a week at a time. The cheerleader part of this plan worked splendidly. I did not.
A few weeks in, I caught a cold and/or had some serious allergies, so that put me out for over a week. Around the same time, the crazy pace of camp came back, which made running more of a challenge. The nail in the coffin was some rain. I run on trails, by myself, and I slip when there is no mud. I didn't want to hurt myself, and have to get myself home.

So, what did I learn this time around?
1. I have pretty awesome friends who send me food (literally) and play lists, and support me when I need it most.
2. Spring is NOT a good time for me to try to get into a running habit again.
3. I know this is silly, but I forget to eat all the time. This fall, this must be the primary goal.

I'm going to do this again in the fall, complete with cheerleaders and a race to run. Summer is not the time for me to do this for oh so many reasons. Hopefully, trying this again in the fall will be better.

Stories from the Woods

2011-04-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is springing here at camp! It's beautiful. Everything is becoming green again. It's been raining a lot, which has been desperately needed.

Apparently, this spring, I am obsessed with birds hatching. I have watched the Decorah Eagle Cam at least once a day, to see how the eaglets are doing.
BUT, close to home, there is goose nest down at the lake. Mom and Dad are both at the nest. At last check there were three eggs in the nest. (My estimation: The eggs should hatch at the end of April.) It's super stressful to be watching this whole process. A couple nights ago, around 10 pm, I was walking Jack before bed, and I heard the geese honking up a storm. I got super worried. I tried to get Jack to bark, but he wouldn't cooperate. I wish I could put a webcam up similar to the Eagle cam. I also learned that geese lose their flight feathers when they nest, so they can't escape a predator. I have considered installing an electric fence around the area of the nest.

Jack desperately wants to play with Momma Goose, and Momma Goose is not happy with Jack's playful nature. When he smells Momma Goose, he does the "I wanna play!" bark, in the only way that Jack can.
Every time, we walk by, Papa Goose swims out to the middle of the lake, away from Momma.

Job Description: Anita's Cheerleader

2011-03-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

So here's the job description for the week for my cheerleaders. I still need a couple more.

Job Title: Anita’s Cheerleader
Classification: Seasonal
Purpose: To make sure that Anita trains between now and Memorial Day, 2011
Essential Job Functions:
1. Be aware of Anita’s goals and keep her accountable to her training goals for the week.
2. From afar (or a-close, depending on where you live), cheer for her in whatever way you know how (e.g.:Facebook messages, e-mails, postcards, etc.)
3. Suggest a playlist for the week for her to listen to while she runs.
Qualifications:
1. The ability to use the phone, computer, pen and paper
2. The ability to encourage
Compensation
Anita will equally cheer you on for whatever is going on that week.
Postcards. Definitely postcards.

Stories from the Woods

2011-03-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was talking to my friend Lauren and LK. I was telling stories about living in the woods. Lauren suggested that I blog some of the funny/interesting things that happen to me while living in the woods. It's quite different living out here. For example: When I was in the city this past weekend, the first thing I heard when I got out of the car was police sirens. That scared me, as it's been weeks since I've heard sirens. With that being said, here's a story from a couple weeks ago:

Jack and I set out on our morning walk. Soon, we heard this shriek, and Jack let out this echoing bark. I turned to look in the field, and there were two tom turkeys fighting for dominance. Around the toms were a circle of hens, watching the fight. It was turkey fight club. The fighting stopped, and the toms and hens looked at Jack for a second, and (in my head) said meh, and resumed fighting/watching. Jack kept sniffing in their general direction, and after deciding that the threat was minimal kept walking. At the last spotting of the flock of turkeys, dominance had not been decided yet.

Running Update...Help?

2011-03-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

So, I realized that it's been 9 months since I last updated my blog. Life is much different than it was 9 months ago, in a very good way.

I decided that one of my goals for 2011 was going to be running 4 5K races, a pretty attainable goal. I signed up for one for March 2011. I would like to run another one in May, October and December. With that being said.....

My training for my first race has been really bad. It hasn't been consistent. I haven't fallen into a good pattern. Over this weekend, I've been thinking about what set me up for success last year, and what I can repeat for this year. This year, geographically, I'm isolated, and the closest training groups that I can find are an hour away. Last year, I had cheerleaders. I had a training group who kept tabs on me over the course of a week. I won't be able to join a training group, but I can still have cheerleaders. I know that many of you have running goals that you have set up for yourself. And here's where you, gentle reader, come into play.

Here's what I want to do. I'm thinking that my next race is going toward the end of May. That's 11 weeks from now. So, I'm wondering if I could have a weekly cheerleader, someone who is my accountability buddy for the week and cheers for me along the way, and keeps me on track. If I happen to be in your neck of the woods during your week (and knowing my life, that's quite possible), hey, let's even go for a run together. And I will cheer for you from afar (or from a-close, whatever), in whatever way I can. I will hold you accountable for your training time or for whatever goal you're working on. So, I'm asking for you, gentle reader, to sign up for a week, to be my running buddy from afar. Week #1 will start March 20. Running? Bring it on.

Race Day!

2010-05-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

So I've been debating on how to tell the race day story. So I decided to tell the story in context of some of my playlist. Because, it's all about the playlist.

Pre-story:

Tuesday before the race, I was in a car accident. Someone got their pedals confused, and slammed into the side of my car. My back was not happy for a few days, so I didn't train at all last week. The week I cut my hand, I didn't train at all, because I didn't want to screw up the stitches.

Race Day:
At 4:30 am, I woke up with extreme race anxiety, to the point where I wanted to pack up and go home. Dana had a moment where she had to convince me to stay. So I ate some breakfast, we packed up, and got there early. We had our moment with the paparazzi (otherwise known as Dana's parents). We got to the corral and then tried to stay warm.

While standing there I received many compliments on the shirt. I love the shirt. My apologies to Charm City Run, as I would have worn a CCR shirt if it had been warmer. Alas, it was cold. I listened to "I Will Survive" ala Cake, while waiting in the corral. (My green shirt was long sleeve, my Charm City Run shirt is short sleeved. Oh well, next race)

Promptly at 8:15 am, the race began. As I crossed over the start line, I hit play on the iPod.

Playing at the start line: Tik ToK by Ke$ha

I'm a slow runner. I'm a new runner. It was like playing a weird version of Frogger, trying to get to a spot where I wasn't in anyone else's way. Walk, Walk, Walk, Run, Run, Run, and I get to the clock at mile #1.

Playing at mile #1: Lose Yourself by Eminem...Internal Monologue at that moment: 17 Minutes? 17 Minutes? Awesome!
During "Lose Yourself," I almost lost it. In the intro: "If you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you wanted in just one moment, would you take it, or let it slip?" I have had a goal of running a 5K for years, and I was on my way to do it. In addition to that, I'm about to live out a childhood dream. I'm heading to camp...to one of my favorite places on Earth!

During mile #2, I was taking it pretty easy. People kept passing me, and complementing me on my awesome shirt. I even had 2 people thank me for allowing them to pass! I had some great music to keep me going. Let's be serious, "What you Own" + "Don't Stop Believin" + "Three Little Birds"? Awesome. The water break was also helpful...I was beginning to need some water.

Playing at mile #2: So What by Pink...Internal Monologue at that moment: How long did it take me to do that mile? It took me a few minutes to do the math. It was about an 18 minute mile. So I was consistent. And yes, I am still a rock star, thank you Pink.

The course got really narrow at this point (narrower than it had been before). And I'm thinking to myself that I'm going to finish in under an hour, which was my goal. I get to the top of a hill, and I can see the side of the Art Museum, which means the finish line is approaching! I believe I was listening to "Early Bird" by Erasure and Cyndi Lauper. It might have been the Backstreet Boys, I can't remember. Regardless, at the very moment that I realized I could do the race in 55 minutes, I tripped and fell. I scraped up my knee and my left hand pretty badly. Some folks helped me get up, and someone handed me some napkins to initially clean up my knee. So I had conversation with myself. I could still run, or I could walk the rest of it. I had a 3-5 second moment where I kinda wanted to give up. I could let a "simple" fall keep me down. Or I could keep going. And then it passed. I brushed myself off and just kept going, pausing occasionally to wipe blood off my knee. And then. I saw the official clock. And I was shocked. Absolutely shocked. The clock said 53:30. Before this, my fastest training run was 55 minutes. So, I started running at full speed down the hill to the finish line. My official chip time was 54:05! (Clock time: 54:16!) I did it! I couldn't believe that I beat my best training run by a minute. I believe I was listening to the Remedy by Jason Mraz when I crossed the line. Dana and Dana's Parents were waiting for me. I was nearly in tears, as I was so proud of myself. I did it! As I said, I have wanted to run a 5K for years, and I finally did it!
After that, I got my knee cleaned by the medics. It's healing well. I think. I had it looked at after I got back to Baltimore. It still hurts a bit, but it looks much better than it did on Sunday.
It's been a couple days since the race, and I'm still shocked that I ran it in 54:05. I'm looking at races to run in the fall. My goal is to run one in the fall in 50 minutes. By this time next year, I want to be at a 45 minute 5K. I think that's pretty attainable. (East Coast Friends - Who's with me for my next race?)

Here's the official play list:

TiK ToK

Somebody to Love (ala Glee)

Come on Eileen

Lose Yourself

According to You

What you Own

Don't Stop Believin

Three Little Birds

So What

Say Hey

I want it that Way

Holding Out for a Hero

Early Bird

The Remedy

4 Minutes

"Anita, your hand looks like a football!"

2010-04-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Laura said these words to me after my left hand was stitched up after I sliced it with a box cutter.

I have 7 stitches on the back of my left hand. I will spare the gory details, but I will say this.....Safety First using box cutters and trying to open Lenten Banks.
I cut myself on the top of the hand in the meaty part between my thumb and index finger. I have been wearing this brace that the doctor gave me to immobilize my thumb, so I don't split the sutures. So, I really can't use my left hand. So this week, I have to be really careful on the whole running thing.
I might try to bike this week at the gym....at least get my heart rate going...

2010-04-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

So it's been a month since I last posted. And so much has happened in that past month.

So, running. About that. I took a break. I needed to do that. Allergies, some rain, and some slight ankle/knee pain necessitated a break.

I registered for the Philadelphia Race for the Cure on May 9. I'll be running with Dana....Well, she will run ahead of me because she is faster than me. In fact, my race shirt is already in my t-shirt drawer, and my race number and race chip are attached to the back of my front door. (Shameless Plug: I'm only $200 away from my fundraising goal! Wanna donate? Click here.) I refuse to wear the shirt until the day after the race. As my coach Juda said, (and taking a page from the movie PCU) "Do not wear the shirt of the race that you are running in." Juda added "I will pretend that I don't know you." I can't wear the shirt until after the race is over. It's similar to my "I can't look at the program until the show is over" phobia. My goal is to finish in 55 minutes. If I finish any faster than 55 minutes, hey, that's awesome. And whatever time I finish in...it'll be my personal record!

I'm now trying to decide what to wear at the race...the shirt I got for the last race is long sleeved, and I think it'll be too hot to wear for a May 9 race.

The Race Day that Wasn't

2010-03-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to run in the race.

I got stuck in a traffic jam on the way to the race, and because I don't know that part of the city well, I didn't know what I could do to get out of the traffic jam.

The race had long started by the time I got to the starting line. I cut through and went to the finish line to find the aforementioned coach Juda. I hugged her, and the rest of the folks from the group that I could find, and then I went home.

All day today, I've been upset with myself. I worked so hard, and missed the race because of a traffic jam. I let myself down, and I feel like I let my friends down too. All of you have been cheering me on, and I didn't run. (I've had cheerleaders from many states and Germany and Korea!) I realize that I'm not a failure, but I feel like I failed on this one. I was reading some of the comments from you guys saying, "you will do this," yada yada yada, and, I didn't.

However, if I don't keep running, if I let this derail me, that's letting me down, that's letting you down, that's letting my coach down.

So, I'm trying not to derail myself. I need someone to shame me into going for a run on Monday morning. There is a race on 3/27, that I may run. Dana and I are probably running the Race for the Cure on 5/9.

So, I give you permission to give me a hard time tomorrow, and to get me running again.

The Long Overdue Running Update

2010-03-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

I just realized that it's been weeks since I posted anything!

Due to Snowmageddon II and III, I lost a week of February. The sidewalk to the gym wasn't plowed, and I'm pretty sure it was closed for all of Snowmageddon. I did some cross training, and I shoveled my car out twice, so I was being active, but not running.

It's getting warmer in Baltimore, so I don't have to bundle up to run, which has been wonderful. There were some nights where I was wearing my mask that I bought for ice fishing. For awhile, the wind was pretty bad.

I'm doing really well with the training group from Charm City Run. Juda, the trainer, is a saint beyond all words. She is incredibly patient with me. I am always the last one to finish, and she's always waiting for me in the parking lot, cheering me on. I've never felt like a burden, even though I probably am.

Today, if my math is right, I did a mile at 18:35, which for me is a personal best in this whole process. Maybe finishing in 50 minutes isn't such an insane goal!

However, the most shocking thing that has happened in all of this happened to me on Saturday. I was on my couch, under my awesome quilt, and I really didn't want to get up and run. So, I posted the following as my Facebook status: "Dear Anita, Please go and run. Love, Your will power." I then had a flurry of responses from Doug, Tauna, Julia, Christy, and Lauren M., encouraging me to run. I am telling you, that run was sponsored by them. Then on Monday, I posted on Facebook that I was thinking about running another 5K in May or June. My friend Joanna commented on my status: "you're my fitness hero." I cried when I read that. I have never been someone's fitness hero. Just typing that got me choked up again. When I went out for my run today, all of those voices were in my head, saying, "Anita, you can do this." I can do this. And on March 14, I will cross the finish line. And it will be awesome.

2010-02-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

So, I had my first training group meetings this week. I am by far the slowest and the least in shape person of the group. I had a feeling that was going to be the case. I don't like the attention that this fact creates. Folks in the group keep thinking that I'm injured or something like that. I finish last, and as I'm finishing, every person in the group asks me if I'm okay or cheers really loud for me. I'm fine, I'm just slow! I'm doing a little better on not pushing myself too hard.

On a different note, I did 1.6 miles in 31:50 which for me is pretty awesome!

Patience is a virture that The Duck doesn't always have...

2010-01-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

...with herself. Patience with others? I'm pretty patient with others. With myself? not so much.

Shin Splints. Shin Splints. Shin Splints. I hate them. I loathe them.

So, last night, I joined a training group at Charm City Run. I'm excited about it. I'm excited about not being in isolation when I'm running. The trainer, Juda, has an extreme amount of faith in all of us. She seems to think that all of us will finish in about 45 minutes. The plan that she is putting us on is very similar to the plan that I was already on, which is nice. It's good to know that I was and am on the right track.

I've had marked improvement. When I first started, I was doing 1.25ish miles in about 30ish minutes. I'm up to 1.3ish in 30ish minutes. That seems small, but hey, that's improvement. I'll take improvement any day!

I've been realizing something as I've been going through this whole process. I'm a really good student. Put me in a classroom and I'm happy. It really doesn't matter what that something is. I took pottery for awhile, and I loved it. I took a photography class, and I loved it. There's a very distinct reason why I was a student for 24 years of my life. (Fall 2008 was the first fall I did not go back to school at all...I'm weird, I know...college + community college + grad school...I wear the geek name with pride.) I'm a professional learner. With that being said, I generally am a fast learner.

Running is a completely different type of learning. It's retraining the body to do something that it doesn't always want to do. I want the instant gratification, that I will be a great runner tomorrow. Learning to run doesn't work that way. Learning to run is a process. The process doesn't allow for me to jump to the end. The process requires me to keep plugging away, and keep building my strength. I think that is why I keep pushing myself. This is not a goal that I can achieve tomorrow. This isn't like other goals...ones that can be rushed through. I think that's why I keep pushing myself way too hard. I keep thinking that I can be at my final goal...tomorrow. If I do that, I will hurt myself, and then fall off the bandwagon, and then dash the goal before I even remotely get there.

I've had a couple conversations lately about how hard I've been on myself lately. This just adds to it. I'm having to learn to be patient with myself, and learn that this goal is one that cannot be rushed. It will happen, with everyone's support, and by me...learning to be patient with myself, and chugging along.

Team Awesome

2010-01-15T22:52:00.000-08:00

So Running. Yeah, about that.

I'm still working on getting into a routine. Last weekend was complete craziness (in a really good way), so I didn't get any treadmill time in. This week, I pushed myself a smidge too hard and had some killer shin splints. Also, I realize that I need to change my eating habits, which has been a lot of prep work. The flip side is that I've had some good brain storming sessions while running, which is awesome! When I've made it to the gym, I have done at least a mile, usually 1.25 miles.

So this week, I'm working on continuing to change my eating habits, and learning how to stretch to keep the shin splints at bay.

A 5K has been chosen....the Shamrock 5K in Baltimore in March! I really hope that I haven't picked one that is happening too soon, but we shall see. I think I can do it.

Awesomeness

2010-01-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother

I have been saying for a couple years that I wanted to start running, and actually run a 5K. Because of what has been going on, now seems like a good time to start training for it. So, guess what...2010 is the year! Training for a 5K doesn't allow me to keep some of the really bad habits I've picked up since arriving in Baltimore. It gets me up and moving. So, what does this mean for you dear reader...I need you to keep me honest. I'm going to need words of support when I don't want to keep going. Many of you are runners as well, and know more than I do, so I will need questions answered when they arise. And in general, I need you to be awesome. Because, well, you are. Honestly, I need me to be awesome, too.

The last time I saw the inside of a gym was while I was still in Minnesota! So, the plan I have set up is a modified plan from Running Planet. My January schedule is kinda crazy, and if I'm going to do this, I need to take that into account. I'm trying to set myself up for success. There are 2 5Ks that I am considering...The Shamrock 5K in March, the Baltimore Womens Classic in June. The one in March might be too soon, but I've also been told that it's a good first race. There is a local training group for the Shamrock one, so it sounds like there is a ton of support for me as well.

With that being said, Sunday was supposed to be day #1. Church today was rough today, and I came home exhausted. I sat down on the couch, and the next thing I knew it was 7:45 pm. I went over to the gym, and it was closed for the day. Note to self: Find out the hours for the gym. So, instead, I walked around the neighborhood and got my heart rate up for about 15 minutes. I didn't stay out too long, because the creepy neighbor was being creepy. So, tomorrow will be the official day #1.

The plan for the week:

1/4 - Walk for 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Since this is your first workout, take it nice and easy. Walk at a pace that gets your heart rate up and makes you breath heavier than normal, but you should not be out of breath.

1/5 - Walk for 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Same workout as yesterday.

1/6 - Walk/Jog for 30 minutes. Walk for 5 minutes and then jog for 30 seconds. Follow that sequence for the entire workout. This is your first taste of running. Do not run for more than 30 seconds at a time. Run at a pace that is fairly comfortable.

1/7 - Rest. Let your body recover from its first encounter with running.

1/8 - Walk/Jog for 30 minutes. Walk for 5 minutes and jog for 30 seconds. This is the same workout as Thursday. Keep your pace comfortable.

1/9 - Walk/Jog for 30 minutes. You make a slight increase in the jogging interval here. Walk for 5 minutes and jog for 1 minute. You will start making consistent increases in the time of your running intervals.

1/10 - Rest.

My plan is to blog at least once a week about progress and mileage. Maybe more if something interesting happens. The journey officially begins tomorrow.

Things I've Learned

2009-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings Dear Reader!

So, Baltimore has not been what I expected it to be (is it ever?). What has surprised me is what I have learned through this whole experience.

1. I can actually cook, if it involves a crock pot. I need to perfect chicken and dumplings (not Tara's recipe, even though THAT recipe is delicious). This week, I've made chicken and dumplings, mac & cheese, and chili.

2. I really want to run a 5K. As in really, really. So, who's with me?

3. Jack misses dog parks. There is one "legal" dog park in Baltimore County. The "not legal" parks aren't fenced. Blind Dog + No Fence = Bad Idea.

4. Postcard Day may in fact be the greatest day I've ever invented...and yes I have invented other days (cf. Kermie day).

5. I really am smart and talented and gifted. I just may not believe that all the time.

6. FACT: I have the greatest friends. Period. My friends may not be geographically close, but they love me and support me and remind me that I am smart, talented, gifted and called. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Mary Travers

2009-09-17T16:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, one of my heroes passed away. Mary Travers died at the age of 72, due to complications of chemotherapy when she had Leukemia.

I grew up having the privilege of seeing Peter, Paul and Mary ever summer in concert at Wolf Trap, since I was 10 years old. The only summers we did not see them were summers they canceled, one summer I was at camp, and one summer my mom forgot to get tickets, and they were sold out by the time my mom tried to get them. This past summer, less than a month ago, I got to see Peter, Paul sans Mary. The concert was billed as “A Tribute to Mary Travers.” I was sitting in the second row. Peter and Paul waved and smiled at me. Both of them were crying through most of the concert, knowing that their friend was much sicker than they were letting on. Before the concert that night, there was the largest rainbow that I have ever seen. I kid you not, the rainbow went over the Filene center….The WHOLE thing. I still hold that the rainbow was Mary’s rainbow (and my rainbow…that God holds us dear, but that is a story for a different time).

PPM was so integral to my childhood. Summer was complete after I saw them in concert. I could go back to school for the fall because I got to sing “Puff, the Magic Dragon” under the stars at Wolf Trap. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know the songs “No Easy Walk to Freedom,” or “The Wonderful Toy.” Every time I got onto a plane, I sang “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” I learned harmonies for camp songs by listening to their songs.

I learned how to play chord changes on the guitar to “If I had a Hammer.” I have seen the joy that their music brings to kids of all ages at camp. Every time I see plastic handcuffs, I think of Mary telling stories of being arrested with her daughter and granddaughter for civil disobedience, and being cuffed by plastic cuffs not being as cool as metal cuffs before singing “Have you been to jail for Justice?” When I was in Israel/Palestine/Jordan in March 2009, I could not get the song “River of Jordan” out of my head (The Lifelines version, so there were generations of folk singers in my head!). Regardless of what was happening outside of Wolf Trap, for a fleeting moment, we all had hope in the world. Those of us present could take on all of the injustice in the world after singing “We shall Overcome” with PPM, one song at a time, with Mary leading the way. I can still hear her at the end of “Blowin in the Wind,” saying her line...."The answer is still peace, justice and equality, and all of us working for these things together."

There is a semi-joke in my tiny little family…There are only two family traditions. One of them is going shopping the day after Christmas. The other one is seeing PPM every summer. By virtue of that, over the years, Mary Travers became a member of my extended family through the music. Her voice was another part of my small family, and my family is now deeply saddened by the loss of a great woman. I will continue to sing, in honor of her, and to teach her music to the generations to follow.

“And if you take my hand, my son, all will be well when the day is done.”

Professional Youth Worker

2009-02-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

Discussions of professionalism always happen when youth workers gather. It's an inevitability.

As I was reading my blogs this morning, I came across a blog from Ian, a British youth minister.

In a forum he was reading, someone posted the definition of profession. So good, I'm re-posting here.

Looking at the 'roots' of such things ... from the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary, we find:
Main Entry: pro·fes·sion
Pronunciation: \prə-ˈfe-shən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English professioun, from Anglo-French profession, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin profession-, professio, from Latin, public declaration, from profitēri
Date: 13th century
1: the act of taking the vows of a religious community
2: an act of openly declaring or publicly claiming a belief, faith, or opinion : protestation
3: an avowed religious faith
4 a: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b: a principal calling, vocation, or employment c: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling

Thanks to Ian! Go read his blog. He's one of my favorites.

Oscar Picks 2009

2009-02-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, I spent the day before the Oscars watching all five best picture nominees. Last year, I blogged about it, and I figured, I should blog about it again!

Last year, the commonality between the five films was the fact that each movie didn't end in a perfect way. There was no real story book ending.

This year, the commonality was much more concrete. All five were told in flashback form. I was surprised! I was expecting to have to think about the commonality. In the middle of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I realized that the prior 2 had used the same storytelling technique. Then, when Slumdog Millionaire started, I noticed the same thing. I expected Frost/Nixon to not use that technique...I was wrong.

I was hoping/wishing for something more profound, but I really think that's it.

Milk was the story of Harvey Milk, the gay rights activist, and first openly gay politician.
The Reader was the story of a relationship, post WWII. (As a friend of mine said, the movie is better the less you know about it. She was correct.)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was the story of Benjamin, who was born as an old man, and lived his life backwards.
Slumdog Millionaire was the story of Jamal, who grew up an orphan in the slums of Mumbai.
Frost/Nixon was the story of David Frost, who wanted to interview Nixon, and got him to admit some of his involvement in Watergate.

I've been debating another commonality....acceptance. Harvey Milk was looking for acceptance for himself and for the people of the Castro District. Both main characters found a level of acceptance within each other in The Reader. In Benjamin Button, he was seeking out acceptance, and accepted all those who he met without question. Slumdog Millionaire? Jamal, Salim and Latitka were all orphaned, and were seeking out those family-like relationships that we all want and need. Frost/Nixon? David Frost wanted to be accepted by more folks as a talk-show host/entertainer, and Nixon wanted to go back to DC.

As for who I think will win? All five of them could win! Honestly, whichever one wins, I will be happy. All five were great films.

Rant....

2008-12-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

I did not set up this blog to rant about life. I set up this blog to blog about the things that I am passionate about. (Read my first post to see the short list.)

What I am about to say is something that has been mounting for awhile. Please forgive me for ranting.

I have been living in a state of transition since Summer of 2005. My life has been a series of temporary stops since the fateful day of 07/06/05. I had a job for a year, then I went to Minnesota for school, graduated in May and now I'm applying for just about anything that I think I can get. If I sat down and counted the number of interviews I have been on, I would cry. I was doing okay for a long time about my lack of job or my lack of permanence. However, the past two weeks, I haven't been doing so well with this. So, gentle reader, I have two requests.

Thing #1. Join my cheerleading squad. Encourage me whenever possible. When I start to fall, when I start to get frustrated, remind me that there is possibility for me somewhere.

Thing #2. Help me find a job. I have a lot of research experience. I have a lot of social networking experience. I have 2 theological degrees. I have a degree in American Sign Language. I would love to put ALL of that to use somehow. I would love to work for the Search Institute or Pew Internet and American Life Foundation or something of that ilk. I have 7+ years of youth work experience, in both community centers and in churches. I would love to go back to working in a church. I would love to go back to academia as a research assistant. (I realize I'm turning into my father but that is a discussion for another time...:)) Who do you know? I'm currently in Minnesota, but I can move if the opportunity arose.

Again, I apologize that this got personal. I apologize for my outburst of frustration. I thank you for bearing with me and supporting this process and my blog.

And as reward for bearing with me, here is a picture of Jack. He is adorable.

Blog Action Day 2008 - Digital Divide

2008-10-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Blog Action Day. I wish I had known about it before I checked Mary Hess' blog this morning. I would have prepared more!
The theme is poverty.

I'm excited because most of the bloggers that I follow posted something regarding poverty, regardless of the subject of the blog.

Most of you know my passion regarding social media. I love how social media connects us. I have friends on Facebook that live 2 miles away, and I have friends that are thousands of miles away. I also have the luxury of cracking open my laptop just about anywhere, and bam...I can chat/monitor/tweet/connect to social media. Also, I have been working with youth on the brink for 2 years, and I currently reside in North Minneapolis.

Back in the 1990's Colin Powell and Bill Clinton (among others) coined the term digital divide. The term described the divide between the people who had access technology and those who didn't. This changed from computers in the schools to computers in the home.

The definition has changed since then. The term digital divide does not mean access to technology anymore. The term has now shifted to access to CURRENT technology.

Many community centers and schools are operating with old equipment due to donations of outdated equipment or lack of funding.

How is this an issue of poverty? Youth who don't have basic computer skills are behind in school, as they are having to learn both the computer and the content. Education is power and can begin to break the cycle of poverty.

To read more about this, read this report from the MacArthur Foundation.

I have my favorite places that are decreasing/ending the digital divide.
My two favorites are:
Computer Clubhouse
Redeemer Center for Life

Also surf over to the Blog Action Day Website, and read up on the international effort that is happening today. (Other blogs are much more articulate than me...I'm still finding my blogging voice.... :))

Blogging Take 3

2008-10-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

I pondered for a long time what to call this post. I've been off the blogging radar since the beginning of May. I have gone through so much...yet at the same time, I haven't.

I pondered many titles for this post, one of which was "Clinging to Hope," which I then decided was a rejected campaign slogan of Obama.

I'm in a GIANT holding pattern....I'm waiting to take off at the Atlanta Airport, and there's fog....OR...I'm in a giant hallway with a million doors and as I start to walk through an open door, the door slams in my face...OR...

I have lots of time to ponder metaphors to explain life right now...All of them have some form of truth to them.

There are days when the frustration of where I am in life is oppressive, like yesterday and today. Then the Holy Spirit starts to work in ways that I will never completely understand. People just show up. These are people who love me unconditionally and let's be honest, I don't deserve them at all. I am blessed to be surrounded by MANY friends and colleagues who love me for who I am. They SUPPORT my strange gifts and qualities, and tell me that I will find a place and that I am smart and talented. They catch me when I'm falling into my dark place (as Grey's Anatomy puts it).

Right now, I'm learning that falling isn't as hard as it seems, and that there are a great number of people who are willing to catch me, and I'm blessed, honored and humbled by them. That and patience at so many levels...But that's another post for another day.

I decided that I'm going to blog about books and articles that I've read recently. Right now, I'm reading Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman and an To the Tune of a Welcoming God by David Weiss. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is in the cue, along with Life Together by Bonhoeffer. (Now that I look through that list, I do think I'm crazy.....)

Internet!

2008-05-25T22:05:00.001-07:00

The internet is back!

Let the rejoicing begin!

And my feet hurt.

That is all.

No internet again

2008-05-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

So, I am without internet again!

I had all these plans for blogging! They are now thwarted!

I will be posting my summer reading list very soon...once I finish the list...

Thoughts?

2008-05-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

A recent Dairy Queen commercial disturbs me at many levels.

Thoughts?

God and Dog Take 2

2008-05-06T10:47:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

This is the second draft of my video for class

For my classmates

2008-05-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

So, after class, we sat around and talked about various shows that are coming through the Twin Cities. Wicked is coming this next season.

There are two shows that have brought me to tears through the tv, Lion King (the Broadway musical) and Wicked.

Here are videos from Wicked. The first video is Defying Gravity, which still brings me to tears.

Jesus Christ Superstar

2008-05-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night, I had a convergence of three HUGE interests of mine: Broadway, Pop Phenomenon, and Theology.

I saw Jesus Christ Superstar. I love that show. I saw it 15ish years ago, with Ted Neeley as Jesus. Ted Neeley plays Jesus in the 1973 film. This tour is being referred to as the "Ted Neeley Farewell Tour." When I saw him in high school , he sounded tired. Last night, he sounded AMAZING. Corey Glover played Judas. Corey Glover was the lead singer of Living Colour. He was amazing as well.

Such a good show.

I got so much more out of the show now than I did 15 years ago. For starters, I now have 6 years of formal theological education under my belt. I'm also older (and hopefully) wiser.

I saw the show with my friend Erica. She had never seen the show before. She talked with her mother before coming and picking me up. Her mother was asking about controversy surrounding the show, specifically the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus.

When I saw it before, I didn't like the Mary/Jesus relationship. I also didn't like the songs that Mary gets to sing (Everything's Alright and I Don't Know How to Love Him). Being smarter and wiser I get it now.

Webber/Rice wrote the show with the understanding that Mary was a woman of ill repute. (In Luke, Jesus exorcises seven demons, but there is no proof of this.)
I Don't Know How to Love Him is sung with Jesus and Mary on stage. Jesus is asleep.
Mary is trying to figure out what she's been experiencing while she's been around Jesus. She explains that Jesus is unlike any man she has ever met. She also wonders what she should do and how she should react.

Webber/Rice fully captured the angst that Mary and the other disciples could have felt, knowing that Jesus was something special and different.

Had I been there what would I have done? How would I have felt?

I tried to find a video of this song, and I couldn't find one on my very short search. I did find the Tony Award performance from 2000.

Emotional Story

2008-05-03T01:35:00.000-07:00

I have been fascinated with the story of Randy Pausch. He's a college professor at Carnegie Mellon University who is dying of pancreatic cancer. His last lecture (which can be watched here) has become famous, being featured on Oprah and the Today show.

His lecture is about saying good bye when you know it's going to happen.
His lecture has become a best selling book as well. Jeffery Zaslow is the co-author of the book. He has an interesting op-ed article about co-writing the book. The article can be found here.

In the words of Christina Yang from Grey's Anatomy, there is a club of people who lost their parents. My father died when I was 5. It was a month before Kindergarden. It was quite sudden.
His story seems like a good way of saying goodbye, along with preserving memories for his young children. I wish I had something like this from my dad.

Unexpected Grace

2008-05-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Grace has been a theme of this week. Grace has been a very visible thing. Grace has come in tangible things! Grace came in my mailbox multiple times!

This morning I turned on my TV to watch the Today Show. Neil Diamond was the concert of the morning. He began with "America," in honor of Matt Lauer's "Where in the World?" series. Then he sang a new song. I was shocked (in a good way) with what I heard. The album drops on Tuesday, and when it's released on iTunes, I will be buying this song.
What caught me was the second stanza. (love in the midst of chaos, calm in heat of war)

The video is available on Amazon, but it's a bad recording.
Here are the lyrics.

Pretty amazing grace is what You showed me
pretty amazing grace is who You are
I was an empty vessel
You filled me up inside
and with amazing grace restored my pride

Pretty amazing grace is how You saved me
and with amazing grace reclaimed my heart
love in the midst of chaos
calm in the heat of war
showed with amazing grace what love was for

You forgave my insensitivity
and my attempt to then mislead You
You stood beside a wretch like me
Your pretty amazing grace was all I needed.

Stumbled inside the doorway of Your chapel
humbled in God by everything I found
beauty and love surround me
freed me from what I fear
ask for amazing grace and You appear

You overcame my loss of hope and faith
gave me a truth I could belive in
You led me to a higher place
showed Your amazing grace
when grace was what I needed

look in a mirror I see Your reflection
open a book You live on every page
I fall and You're there to lift me
share every road I climb
and with amazing grace You ease my mind

Came to You with empty pockets first
when I returned I was rich man
didn't believe love could quench my thirst
but with amazing grace You showed me that it can

In Your amazing grace I had a vision
from that amazing place I came to be
into the night I wandered
wandering aimlessly
found Your amazing grace to comfort me.

You overcame my loss of hope and faith,
gave me a truth I could believe in.
You led me to that higher place
showed me that love and truth and hope and grace were all I needed.

Reason #20,000,000 why I will miss school

2008-04-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

There is absolutely no question that I don't want to graduate. I'm ready to have a break. I will truly miss the community that is here.

Today was free Ben and Jerry's Day. After a flurry of phone calls, a friend and I were ready to go. I did a quick run through the dorm to see if anyone else wanted to go. I found one more and brought him along.

Once we got to Ben and Jerry's, we realized that the line was FOUR hours long. So, instead, we went and ate dinner a block away. We laughed, we talked about brokenness in the world, and prayer. It was a moment of "Mutual care and consolation." It was a moment where we could pause, have a moment of fun, bear one another's burdens and joys, and eat.

Once out in the "real world," things like this won't happen as much.
I will miss these impromptu moments of adventure for free Ben and Jerry's.

So, after returning to Luther, I came inside with the impromptu friend. He later told people that I kidnapped him. At least I was a benevolent. And let's be honest, it was for ice cream.

ROFLCon

2008-04-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

I've been following the blogs of two conferences this weekend.

One is the Web 2.0 conference being held in San Francisco. The other one is not receiving as much press, ROFLCon.

Here's the description of ROFLCon in their own words:
Mix up a bunch of super famous internet memes, some brainy academics, a big audience, dump them in Cambridge, MA and you've got ROFLCon.

What has been receiving press has been the internet celebrities, like the Bert is Evil guy (it disturbs me because of my extreme love of all things Muppet), Jibjab, and the xkcd guy.

Had I known about this conference, I would have gone to it. If they do another one, I am so there.

Regardless, one of the posts that has intrigued me greatly was from Wired News.
Read the article here. (I'll try to find the full lecture.)
She called for a revolution. She called for new media to not be sexist, racist and something to be proud of.

The church is in a great position to respond to the revolution in so many ways. Churches can be participating in new media, and encouraging members to create media that is not sexist or racist. There is so much more that I could put here about how the church can participate.

The $10 Million question is how. How does the church accomplish this? How can the church encourages others to do the same?

Earth day!

2008-04-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, today is Earth Day!

I've said this before, I'm working on small changes toward wasting less.

My two big changes for 2008 has been not using disposable grocery bags and coffee cups.
I try to remember to have tote bags and mugs in my car at all times.

There are the times when I don't remember to have mugs in my car or I'm at the mall, I do get a disposable cup. I also use the sleeves.

I found this knitting pattern online. I can throw it in my bag, and use it when I need it. Amy is making one for me. I'm excited!

Coffee cup cozy
Thanks to the Knittingbug for the pattern.

Just out of curiosity, are there little things that you do to be less wasteful?

Caffination!

2008-04-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

I find myself in need of caffeine. A lot.

Surprisingly, some blogs I read have made mention of caffeine. For anyone in need of caffeine resources, here you go.

The Caffeine Database
Better ways to use caffeine

Yep, this is where I am now. I don't want to think about how much caffeine is in my system.

It's been awhile since I've worked full time in a congregation. This time of year is where I remember self-care. How do we work in congregations and take care of ourselves?
I usually swing toward too much self care or no self care. I've never found that balance.
How or what are your ideas for self care? What do you do for self care?

Pros and Cons of Graduation

2008-04-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

So as much as I am looking forward to graduation, I am not looking forward to graduation.

There are so many unknowns right now, and well, after graduation, the number of said unknowns will increase exponentially. Some days I'm fine and some days I'm a mess.

However, there are many things I'm looking forward to, like being able to do things I want to do. I have a huge list of books I want to read.
I love crafty things, especially beading. I haven't been able to bead in a really long time. Right before I came out here I began to learn how to throw pots. I'm not very good, but it was fun and I miss it. Don't even get me started on photography (again, I'm not very good, but it was fun).

However, I have been introduced to something receiving more press as of late.
What is this you may ask?

Plastic bag recycling.

Apparently, you can use plastic bags as yarn and crotchet things with it, or you can make "fabric" by fusing 6 bags together with an iron. Then you can use this fabric to "make" a more sturdy bag.

I am REALLY excited by this. I miss crafty things... I'm ready to graduate, so that I have some free time.

Instructions for the "fabric" method is here.
Instructions for the "crotchet" method is here.
Thanks to Lifehacker for the instructions.

Seriously?

2008-04-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Today is April 10? Seriously?

Where did the past 10 days go?

Seriously.

(Can you tell I watch Grey's Anatomy a lot?)

Tomorrow, I'm hopefully heading to the Twin Cities Social Networking Breakfast (if the weather decides to cooperate, and I'm a wimp in the cold).

Phew. I need to climb back onto the planet.

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff Part 1

2008-03-28T10:50:00.001-07:00

I went back to VA for the week after Easter. It's been an adventure. I got a lot of reading done. Thank heavens. My brain needed both the fun and academic reading.

I'm almost done with Lamb:The Gospel according to Biff.
It's one of the first books I've read in awhile where I actually laughed out loud.

I'll write more about the book later, but the book has been making me think about Jesus' humanity. We, as modern readers, have three years of Jesus' ministry documented. Even in those three years, and four gospels, there are holes.

What was his childhood like? Did Jesus know that he was the Son of God? When did he know it?
It's one of those things that almost two years into seminary, and I question Jesus' humanity/divinity more and more.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

My East Coast brain hurts. It's Good Friday, and it's snowing. That's just not right.

I saw this on one of the blogs I read, and it made me laugh. The author does make a good point, the church knows it's audience.

Jesus Mii

God and Dog

2008-03-12T13:50:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

This is a video I made for class. It's a draft, and it's a start. Please let me know what you think and what I should add.

Blogger's Prayer

2008-03-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

I come across this prayer every once in awhile, and it makes sense to me.....

The Blogger's Prayer
Special thanks to jonnybaker.
Everytime I read it, I pick something else up.

Unlikely Theologians

2008-03-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I've given this a lot of thought. I am surrounded by unlikely theologians. There are many authors, songwriters, and movie directors that would say that they are NOT theologians...I disagree.

I've been reading Lamb: The Gospel according to Biff by Christopher Moore. I am soon going to read A Song to Sing, a Life to Live by Emily Saliers and Don Saliers. Dr. Don Saliers recently retired. He was a seminary professor at Emory; Emily Saliers makes up one half of the Indigo Girls (my favorite band. ever.).

However, the theologians that have been taking up a lot of mental space are the ones with fur. Yes, Dogs. Dogs have taught me a lot about theology. I know this will sound strange, but read Moltmann and think about a dog. Moltmann makes so much more sense when you think about a dog.

I have had 14 collies in my lifetime. (Well, there are 2 that my mom has now that I kinda consider mine. I haven't lived with them for long periods of time, so are they really mine?) All but 3 are shelter or rescue dogs.

My dog Jack is a collie, and he's blind. He's been blind since birth as a result of irresponsible breeding. (Collies are prone to blindness. Reputable breeders will genetically test for the gene. Jack was born at a puppy mill...) He has taught me about how I respond to God. Just as Jack cannot see me, I cannot see God. I call Jack, just as God calls me. Jack zigzags and meanders, while I keep calling. God keeps calling me and I know that I meander and zigzag and who knows what else. Yet, I keep calling Jack, and God keeps calling me. God continues to be faithful, even when I don't know the way.

Berkeley is a smooth collie (read: short hair). I consider him mine, even though he's back in VA. We got him while I was still in college. Berkeley was found in Berkeley Springs, WV, as a stray. He was abused before we got him. He doesn't like men much, nor does he like newspapers or brooms. Last night he had a Grand Mal seizure. My mom's a wreck (he's her favorite, don't tell the others...). He's not to happy either. He's seeing a specialist today. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I'll update you after he's seen the Vet today.

Blogging with Pen and Paper…..

2008-02-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Or it’s equivalent…..

Writing this blog in MS Word feels like writing with pen and paper.

The internet is down at my apartment. I feel like something is missing. I cannot check IMDB at a moments notice. I cannot check Facebook, MySpace or e-mail. I cannot watch YouTube, check up on blogs, look for plane tickets, look for answers to all the random questions I have while watching TV, research (read: play Webkinz. I do read actual reports too...) and play Scrabulous. I cannot instant message or Skype!

What am I going to do with myself? Well, I’m blogging with MS Word. I started to clean my desk. I’m watching shows on DVD that I haven’t had time to watch since I got them. (Star Trek: Voyager and The Muppet Show, yes, I am a geek.)

I never realize how the internet has revolutionized how I live until it’s gone. I depend on it for research, communication and recreation. I wonder what is going to happen over the next 5, 10, and 20 years how it will continue how to revolutionize how we live. How will the internet continue to evolve? Thoughts?

One whole lot of movies...

2008-02-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

I just watched all five Best Picture Nominees back to back at the AMC in Roseville.

I'm surprisingly emotionally drained.

I realize that I really can't talk much about the individual movies. The spoiler alert statute of limitations is not up yet.
However, I think I can write about the experience without revealing too many plot points.

So, the order of the films were:
Michael Clayton
There will be blood
Atonement
Juno
No Country For Old Men

Midway through the movie marathon, we started saying that the films were so different. Each one had it's own flavor.
Then again, maybe the movies were more similar....

Michael Clayton deals with corporate corruption. There will be blood...I still can't quite tell you what I was supposed to get out of it. The movie deals with the rising (and falling?) of an oil prospector and his family and associates. Atonement deals with the effects of a lie on family and friends. Juno deals with a teen pregnancy and how the family deals with the situation. No Country for Old Men deals with drug dealing, greed, and honest law enforcement.

Now, how are all of these movies similar?
Each movie deals with the messiness of life. There is corruption, deceit, pregnancy, drug dealing, greed and weird relationships in our lives. Unfortunately, we do not live in a Disney fairytale. (Sad, considering I want to walk into a room with a full production number in progress...) As over the top as some of these films are, they began to encapsulate real life.

Also, the movies were similar in how they ended. Other than Juno, each movie did not end with all of the loose ends tied up. Even Juno, things were "relatively" tied up, but the future was not "perfect." As much as I wish life was sometimes that simple, we leave situations and places with loose ends and more questions.

As for my Oscar pics?

My favorite is Juno, but I think There will be blood will win. I still want Juno to win. Badly.
Note: I wanted Little Miss Sunshine to win last year.

What the cold does to the Duck...

2008-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

When the Minnesotans tell you that it's cold, it's cold. It's really cold in Minnesota right now. Grr....I'm trying to stay warm, but that's not working out for me so well. I did give up and start using the puffy coat that invites ridicule from the "real" mid-westerners. However, I am a wannabe mid-westerner, so I will wear the puffy coat with extreme pride.

Cold also makes me sleepy. So reading the tons of books that I have to read this semester is a challenge! My classes are quite interesting this semester, so I enjoy the reading, it's just that I'm cold!

Hot Chocolate is my friend. mmm.....Hot Chocolate.....

Neeterduck?

2008-02-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, neeterduck. Why do I have that user name?

Well, it was my nickname in college. Well, it started before that.
Surprisingly, as I started to type, I realized that it's a really long story, that actually has to deal with what I was going to write about today.

I have a large collection of rubber ducks. In fact, the duck collection is quite insane. The collection started with two special ducks.

One is a duck from Germany. It is a necklace by Janosch. I bought it while I was on a choir tour with my high school choir. My host had the same necklace. Since then I have received the actual toy that the necklace is based on, along with a large print of the duck. I wore the necklace almost every day of college. It's in my driver's license picture. I don't wear it anymore, but it's still important.

The other duck is a rubber duck. It's a duck. Visibly, there is nothing special about the duck. I bought it while I was on choir tour with my church choir. Because the tech crew of the choir was referred to as the Ducks (we used a lot of duct tape), I bought a mascot on one of our fun stops. This duck has traveled to many places. It has a prized spot on my shelf.

What do these ducks mean to me? These ducks are concrete reminders of my communities. I am still close friends with members of both of those choirs. Geographically, I may be far away from friends that I call family. They are there when I am in need. The ducks remind me that I am not alone in this crazy thing called life.

So in college, people saw me with these ducks. Then someone blurted out "Duck, Duck, Neeterduck," and it kinda stuck. (Anita gets shortened a lot to Neeta or Neeter)

So, today, I saw all of the friends that were there when Neeterduck was blurted out, plus some. These friends are also family. We support each other, we are there for each other in times of joy, sorrow and need.

As Meredith Grey said, "Friends are the family we choose."

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Welcome! Pull up a chair!

2008-02-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog...well, I realized that I signed up for Blogger back in Feb. 2005, and never used it. So welcome to my mostly new/very dusty blog! I'm not sure what I'm going to write about. However, I'm sure some of the following will come up!

Theology, Ducks, Social Networking, Collies, Blind Dogs, The Muppets, Humorous yet potentially heretical books and movies, The Indigo Girls, REM, Eddie From Ohio, Lowen and Navarro, Broadway Musicals, Technology, The Digital Divide, and friends, friends and more friends.

Ah yes, and the Minnesota Weather. I'm still getting used to the cold.