Sunday, August 07, 2005
Previous haircut and style
This is the way I had my hair cut before. It's similar to the new style, but is my original hair color, the color I was born with. It seems to be the most-viewed picture in my photo stream!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
It Pays to Wear a Collar
I went with a pastor friend of mine (one with whom I rode to the Deaf conference in Olathe in June) to the home of a deaf couple yesterday so he could do a home visit. Both people are deaf and nearing 90 years old. I went along so I could help interpret because the pastor doesn't know much sign language. (Thankfully, he's planning on taking my beginning ASL class that I'm teaching at my church starting in September.)
When we got ready to leave, he realized he had left his headlights on, and the battery wouldn't allow the car to start! We went back inside the house, back to the air conditioning (it got up to 100 degrees yesterday), and the pastor called AAA to come out to help.
The AAA guy who came said at first that the posts on the battery were corroded, and that's why it wouldn't start. But on further inspection, he discovered that the battery was about to die and might not make it much farther. He said that he had a battery on his truck that he could install for $109, and then he stopped and told the pastor that he could get the same battery at Wal-Mart for about $58.
We headed back to my apartment so he could drop me off before going to Wal-Mart, and we started talking about that battery sale that got turned around. I asked, "Why do you suppose he suggested going to Wal-Mart instead of buying the battery from him?"
He said, "I don't know. I think they make most of their money by selling things like that. Maybe he saw my collar" and decided to be honest.
I said, "I guess recognizing a minister with his collar can make people reconsider doing something they shouldn't do."
He laughed and agreed.
I really suggest that all the ministers reading this seriously consider wearing their collars more. Not only could it keep you from being swindled, but it really helps when people who need to speak to a minister in place of their own can recognize you for the divine position you have! Isn't it better, in situations like those, to stick out rather than to blend in?
When we got ready to leave, he realized he had left his headlights on, and the battery wouldn't allow the car to start! We went back inside the house, back to the air conditioning (it got up to 100 degrees yesterday), and the pastor called AAA to come out to help.
The AAA guy who came said at first that the posts on the battery were corroded, and that's why it wouldn't start. But on further inspection, he discovered that the battery was about to die and might not make it much farther. He said that he had a battery on his truck that he could install for $109, and then he stopped and told the pastor that he could get the same battery at Wal-Mart for about $58.
We headed back to my apartment so he could drop me off before going to Wal-Mart, and we started talking about that battery sale that got turned around. I asked, "Why do you suppose he suggested going to Wal-Mart instead of buying the battery from him?"
He said, "I don't know. I think they make most of their money by selling things like that. Maybe he saw my collar" and decided to be honest.
I said, "I guess recognizing a minister with his collar can make people reconsider doing something they shouldn't do."
He laughed and agreed.
I really suggest that all the ministers reading this seriously consider wearing their collars more. Not only could it keep you from being swindled, but it really helps when people who need to speak to a minister in place of their own can recognize you for the divine position you have! Isn't it better, in situations like those, to stick out rather than to blend in?
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Deaf Ministry Getting Started!
A few days ago, I e-mailed the secretary about putting a message in our church bulletin and newsletter about the American Sign Language (ASL) class I'm going to be teaching starting this September. Fortunately, I contacted her in time to make it in the newsletter for August, which was in mailboxes at church today.
Again, if any of you are anywhere near Wichita on Wednesday evenings and are interested in learning ASL, you're welcome to join my class! If there's enough interest, I'll see about offering a second class on a different day of the week.
This is what I had in today's church bulletin:
If you're not near enough to join my class, I would encourage you to find a class and learn sign language so you can communicate with the Deaf, as well. This is a very worthy ministry, and so very important. So many churches teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to those of the Spanish-speaking community, and forget that there are countless people out there who already know the English language but can't and never have heard the Word of God.
We need to spread the Word to the Deaf just as much as we do those in countries where the Word is kept from people. These people are here in our own country! In our own towns! We don't have to travel to find them! Help them to become part of God's family by sharing God's Word with them!
I know I'm getting a little preachy here, but can you blame me? This ministry means a lot to me. I can't exactly explain why, but maybe this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.
Again, if any of you are anywhere near Wichita on Wednesday evenings and are interested in learning ASL, you're welcome to join my class! If there's enough interest, I'll see about offering a second class on a different day of the week.
This is what I had in today's church bulletin:
DID YOU KNOW that more than 90 percent of the deaf population in the U.S. remains unchurched? In an effort to try to reach out to these and the hard-of-hearing community, Erica will be offering a beginning American Sign Language (ASL) class during Midweek starting this September. Included in the lessons will be religious sign laugage, which is not taught in public schools or universities. Those interested are asked to list their names on a sign-up sheet outside the office so Erica will know how many books to request...In the message for the newsletter, most of the same information was given. I only added that those interested in the class don't necessarily have to be interested in serving in Deaf Ministry to join, and that I'm especially encouraging those who are hard-of-hearing, losing their hearing or know someone who is to join.
If you're not near enough to join my class, I would encourage you to find a class and learn sign language so you can communicate with the Deaf, as well. This is a very worthy ministry, and so very important. So many churches teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to those of the Spanish-speaking community, and forget that there are countless people out there who already know the English language but can't and never have heard the Word of God.
We need to spread the Word to the Deaf just as much as we do those in countries where the Word is kept from people. These people are here in our own country! In our own towns! We don't have to travel to find them! Help them to become part of God's family by sharing God's Word with them!
I know I'm getting a little preachy here, but can you blame me? This ministry means a lot to me. I can't exactly explain why, but maybe this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Yesterday was my Foot-aversary!
Can you believe it's been one year since this photo was taken? One year since the last of my two reconstructive foot surgeries? Well, it has.
Believe it or not, that splint on my foot weighed about 10 pounds. I told the nurse that's what it felt like, and she said that usually, splints like that weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, and mine was probably 10.
That was the last in a life-long series of surgeries to try to correct my feet. The last of 17 surgeries, but the second in 12 years.
Now, I can walk and stand just about as well as anyone else. In fact, I'm back to the point now that unless people knew about my surgeries, they don't know there was ever anything wrong with my feet.
I can stand for about 20 minutes or more, walk for even longer, but I still have to pace myself because my feet still tire more easily than other people's. Before the surgeries, I couldn't stand for three minutes without being in excruciating pain.
I had an appointment with my orthopaedic doctor Tuesday, and he said that I have really good movement in my ankles, and that I've gained back all of the bone mass I lost during and after the surgeries! He also said that unless I start having problems again, I don't need to go back to see him!
I've waited my whole life to hear those words.
If you click on the picture, you can see other photos I've posted on Flickr from the surgeries and the recovery. Warning: if you can't handle seeing stiches, staples and pins imbedded in skin with a little dried blood around them, you might not want to peek.
Believe it or not, that splint on my foot weighed about 10 pounds. I told the nurse that's what it felt like, and she said that usually, splints like that weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, and mine was probably 10.
That was the last in a life-long series of surgeries to try to correct my feet. The last of 17 surgeries, but the second in 12 years.
Now, I can walk and stand just about as well as anyone else. In fact, I'm back to the point now that unless people knew about my surgeries, they don't know there was ever anything wrong with my feet.
I can stand for about 20 minutes or more, walk for even longer, but I still have to pace myself because my feet still tire more easily than other people's. Before the surgeries, I couldn't stand for three minutes without being in excruciating pain.
I had an appointment with my orthopaedic doctor Tuesday, and he said that I have really good movement in my ankles, and that I've gained back all of the bone mass I lost during and after the surgeries! He also said that unless I start having problems again, I don't need to go back to see him!
I've waited my whole life to hear those words.
If you click on the picture, you can see other photos I've posted on Flickr from the surgeries and the recovery. Warning: if you can't handle seeing stiches, staples and pins imbedded in skin with a little dried blood around them, you might not want to peek.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The good news is also the bad news
I guess July in the Celebrations department at work is the busiest time of the year. So many people celebrating anniversaries, engagements and weddings, along with those wishing people happy birthdays, that I've been bombarded with announcements, a.k.a. paperwork.
On the plus side, I'm getting lots of overtime. On the negative, I have no choice but to work the overtime. I'm responsible for getting the pages out, so I have to do whatever it takes to get the job done. For this two-week pay period, I'm submitting 15 1/2 hours of overtime, and there may be more, but I'll have to wait to report it until the next pay period because I have to turn in my time sheet before I actually work the hours.
I'm trying to appeal to my boss (about every other day) that I need someone to help me out with the paperwork a couple of times a week. So far, though, no response. In the meantime, I'm doing everything I can to not have to stay at work for 13 hours on Fridays, like I have two times before, last Friday included.
On the days I can get home at a decent time, I'm able to spend time with my wonderful hubby, and maybe Dan and his Elle, who is quite tolerable, by the way! We've already gone shopping together, and yesterday, Ron and I went out on a double-date with Dan and Elle at our favorite Lebanese restaurant, Byblos. The last time Ron and I were there, I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of gluten-free, dairy-free items on their menu, so I asked the owner to help me differentiate amongst all the yummy yummies. Grape leaves, kibbeh, kafta, some salads and others are foods that Elle, in all her intolerancies, can still eat! And she did, and loved it!
Next, Elle and I are planning to get together so I can give her a free facial. That's going to be fun!
In other news, Ron and I have our third anniversary coming up, and we're having pictures taken Sunday afternoon. My idea. We're supposed to get a CD free with our photos, so I'm going to try to post one on my blog for everyone to see! Anyone want a hard copy?
I'm also coming up on one year since the last of my two reconstructive foot surgeries. Can you believe it? My feet have never been better. That will be proven when I visit my orthopaedic doctor on the 19th of this month. I'll try to remember to bring my camera so I can take pics of the x-rays. You'll love it, and you know it.
There is yet another anniversary coming up: my 5th anniversary as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant!
Three anniversaries! First, the foot anniversary, and next my Mary Kay and wedding anniversary on the same day: August 31! How awesome is that!
On the plus side, I'm getting lots of overtime. On the negative, I have no choice but to work the overtime. I'm responsible for getting the pages out, so I have to do whatever it takes to get the job done. For this two-week pay period, I'm submitting 15 1/2 hours of overtime, and there may be more, but I'll have to wait to report it until the next pay period because I have to turn in my time sheet before I actually work the hours.
I'm trying to appeal to my boss (about every other day) that I need someone to help me out with the paperwork a couple of times a week. So far, though, no response. In the meantime, I'm doing everything I can to not have to stay at work for 13 hours on Fridays, like I have two times before, last Friday included.
On the days I can get home at a decent time, I'm able to spend time with my wonderful hubby, and maybe Dan and his Elle, who is quite tolerable, by the way! We've already gone shopping together, and yesterday, Ron and I went out on a double-date with Dan and Elle at our favorite Lebanese restaurant, Byblos. The last time Ron and I were there, I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of gluten-free, dairy-free items on their menu, so I asked the owner to help me differentiate amongst all the yummy yummies. Grape leaves, kibbeh, kafta, some salads and others are foods that Elle, in all her intolerancies, can still eat! And she did, and loved it!
Next, Elle and I are planning to get together so I can give her a free facial. That's going to be fun!
In other news, Ron and I have our third anniversary coming up, and we're having pictures taken Sunday afternoon. My idea. We're supposed to get a CD free with our photos, so I'm going to try to post one on my blog for everyone to see! Anyone want a hard copy?
I'm also coming up on one year since the last of my two reconstructive foot surgeries. Can you believe it? My feet have never been better. That will be proven when I visit my orthopaedic doctor on the 19th of this month. I'll try to remember to bring my camera so I can take pics of the x-rays. You'll love it, and you know it.
There is yet another anniversary coming up: my 5th anniversary as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant!
Three anniversaries! First, the foot anniversary, and next my Mary Kay and wedding anniversary on the same day: August 31! How awesome is that!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
American Sign Language Class Gets Church Council Approval
I was invited to present my position on beginning a Deaf Ministry program at our church during a council meeting this evening. Good news: everyone, and I mean everyone on the council, is in favor of it! They said that whatever materials I need to teach a class, and whatever books I need to help myself learn to interpret at church, including training that's offered by Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, they're willing to help with!
It seems I will be able to start teaching a beginning American Sign Language class during midweek this fall! I need to get in touch with the church secretary after it's decided when the classes will meet, so that she can put out a notice to the other LCMS churches in town about the class, and people at those churches who want to attend will have the opportunity to!
Once the interest in ASL has grown enough, hopefully by this time next year, at least one or two other people might be willing to go with me to the CITI training (Church Interpreter Training Institute) at Concordia Ft. Wayne to learn how to interpret church services. That way, I won't be the only one, and if I happen to be absent from church when an interpreter is needed, there will be someone there who can do it for me.
I know it's going to take a while. Ministries like this don't just spring up out of thin air and become instant successes. Please pray for me and for this beginning ministry here in Wichita. God will bless us, I know.
It seems I will be able to start teaching a beginning American Sign Language class during midweek this fall! I need to get in touch with the church secretary after it's decided when the classes will meet, so that she can put out a notice to the other LCMS churches in town about the class, and people at those churches who want to attend will have the opportunity to!
Once the interest in ASL has grown enough, hopefully by this time next year, at least one or two other people might be willing to go with me to the CITI training (Church Interpreter Training Institute) at Concordia Ft. Wayne to learn how to interpret church services. That way, I won't be the only one, and if I happen to be absent from church when an interpreter is needed, there will be someone there who can do it for me.
I know it's going to take a while. Ministries like this don't just spring up out of thin air and become instant successes. Please pray for me and for this beginning ministry here in Wichita. God will bless us, I know.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Murderers in Heaven???
Recently, I've come across an interesting question: If Dennis Rader (and other notorious murderers, for that matter) were to be truly repentant for all he's done before he dies, it is possible that he could end up in Heaven after he dies.
This is difficult to wrap my mind around, but if we as Lutherans believe that we are saved by God's grace, through faith, and not by our own works (as it's stated in Ephesians), then it really is possible that even the most grevious sins can be forgiven if the transgressor is truly and utterly repentant of all he or she has done. And remember, even though Rader was (or is) part of the Evangelical L*ther*n Church in America, and not the Missouri Synod, he was confirmed in the LCMS, apparently, and therefore must have learned that wonderful gem like the rest of us.
The question remains because we can never and will never know if he truly is repentant. It sure didn't look like it when he was confessing everything in front of the judge: it looked more like he was telling a tale about an insignificant event. But if he can repent of it before he dies, it is possible he'll go to Heaven.
I'm glad that God has the ability to truly know if someone is repentant and forgive them, no matter what, because I really don't think the families of his victims will ever be able to.
This is difficult to wrap my mind around, but if we as Lutherans believe that we are saved by God's grace, through faith, and not by our own works (as it's stated in Ephesians), then it really is possible that even the most grevious sins can be forgiven if the transgressor is truly and utterly repentant of all he or she has done. And remember, even though Rader was (or is) part of the Evangelical L*ther*n Church in America, and not the Missouri Synod, he was confirmed in the LCMS, apparently, and therefore must have learned that wonderful gem like the rest of us.
The question remains because we can never and will never know if he truly is repentant. It sure didn't look like it when he was confessing everything in front of the judge: it looked more like he was telling a tale about an insignificant event. But if he can repent of it before he dies, it is possible he'll go to Heaven.
I'm glad that God has the ability to truly know if someone is repentant and forgive them, no matter what, because I really don't think the families of his victims will ever be able to.
Monday, June 27, 2005
The Wichita Eagle issues special edition
This issue of the Wichita Eagle was published shortly after Dennis Rader confessed to all of the 10 BTK killings. It was sold out in about five or six hours. The only reason I was able to get a copy is because I work across from the customer service desk in the Wichita Eagle Celebrations office. (I help people place anniversary, birth, engagement and wedding announcments, among others.)
Rader surprised everyone today, including his defense team, which was convinced that the confession was going to be a "bare bones" confession. Instead, Rader gave the eerie details of every killing, including how he chose each one, even comforting some of them before he strangled them to death.
This man is seriously disturbed, although it appears there was not enough evidence to support an insanity defense.
See my post below for links to more information.
Rader surprised everyone today, including his defense team, which was convinced that the confession was going to be a "bare bones" confession. Instead, Rader gave the eerie details of every killing, including how he chose each one, even comforting some of them before he strangled them to death.
This man is seriously disturbed, although it appears there was not enough evidence to support an insanity defense.
See my post below for links to more information.
Dennis Rader Confesses to Being BTK
In a dramatic turn of events, the man held in connection with the BTK murders (serial murders that happened over a course of almost three decades by someone who eluded capture for 31 years), confessed to being the notorious killer. BTK, a nickname given by the killer, himself, stands for "bind them, torture them, kill them".
Dennis L. Rader was expected to change his plea of "not guilty" to "guilty," partially at the request of his family to make it easy on them. To tell you the truth, though, I don't know how any of this could be easy for anyone who knows or loves him. He did change his plea, and then he non-chalantly described every aspect of the killings: how he gained entry into the homes, how he went about the killings, step by step, and how he got away with each one. All this, he told without emotion. It was sickening and very, very disturbing.
I only watched about the first five minutes of his description of the Otero family murders (this was a family full of Judo experts; the youngest of the victims was only 9 years old). After that, I couldn't listen to any more, and I had work to do. I was getting ready to bundle newspapers for delivery for customers of mine who had placed announcements that ran in last Sunday's paper.
While I was bundling papers, The Wichita Eagle was printing (or, at that time, preparing to print) an "Extra Edition" featuring the guilty plea, abbreviated descriptions of the murders, and the victims. Needless to say, it sold out before the day was over, but not before I was able to get a copy for myself. A photo or two of that edition is forthcoming.
In an effort to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information, I'm providing the following links:
The Wichita Eagle, the newspaper I work for, and also one of the media outlets that received communications with BTK prior to his arrest
Eagle links that go directly to BTK coverage
KAKE-TV, the ABC television affiliate that had dealt directly with communications with BTK before his arrest
KAKE-TV links that go directly to BTK coverage: here, here, here, and here.
I may add more as the coverage continues.
Keep in mind that most of this information will only be available for a limited amount of time, so eat up what you can while you have the opportunity. Remember that the "Extra Edition" of today's paper sold out in a matter of about five or six hours. Chances are, there will be more information released over the next few days, weeks, or more, as it is released from sealed status in the court system.
I'll do my best to give my own updates with links, as well. But keep in mind that I have a full-time job now that keeps me very busy, plus a Mary Kay business that fluctuates with consistency.
If you have any questions that you aren't finding answered in the links I provided, let me know and I'll see what I can do to find the information for you.
Dennis L. Rader was expected to change his plea of "not guilty" to "guilty," partially at the request of his family to make it easy on them. To tell you the truth, though, I don't know how any of this could be easy for anyone who knows or loves him. He did change his plea, and then he non-chalantly described every aspect of the killings: how he gained entry into the homes, how he went about the killings, step by step, and how he got away with each one. All this, he told without emotion. It was sickening and very, very disturbing.
I only watched about the first five minutes of his description of the Otero family murders (this was a family full of Judo experts; the youngest of the victims was only 9 years old). After that, I couldn't listen to any more, and I had work to do. I was getting ready to bundle newspapers for delivery for customers of mine who had placed announcements that ran in last Sunday's paper.
While I was bundling papers, The Wichita Eagle was printing (or, at that time, preparing to print) an "Extra Edition" featuring the guilty plea, abbreviated descriptions of the murders, and the victims. Needless to say, it sold out before the day was over, but not before I was able to get a copy for myself. A photo or two of that edition is forthcoming.
In an effort to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information, I'm providing the following links:
The Wichita Eagle, the newspaper I work for, and also one of the media outlets that received communications with BTK prior to his arrest
Eagle links that go directly to BTK coverage
KAKE-TV, the ABC television affiliate that had dealt directly with communications with BTK before his arrest
KAKE-TV links that go directly to BTK coverage: here, here, here, and here.
I may add more as the coverage continues.
Keep in mind that most of this information will only be available for a limited amount of time, so eat up what you can while you have the opportunity. Remember that the "Extra Edition" of today's paper sold out in a matter of about five or six hours. Chances are, there will be more information released over the next few days, weeks, or more, as it is released from sealed status in the court system.
I'll do my best to give my own updates with links, as well. But keep in mind that I have a full-time job now that keeps me very busy, plus a Mary Kay business that fluctuates with consistency.
If you have any questions that you aren't finding answered in the links I provided, let me know and I'll see what I can do to find the information for you.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
I've been book-tagged...
Okay, Devona, I'll take up your challenge. But I must say this is going to be a rather embarrassing post. I'm going to be referring back and forth to your post to answer to the different sections of this tag. Ready? (No!) Oh, sorry. I guess I posted that out loud.
Number of books I own: This is a tricky one, because most of the books I have are text books that I decided to keep after my classes at Wichita State University were over. Other than that, I probably own between 15 and 20 books. (I told you this would be embarrassing.)
Next book to buy: Wow. I haven't really thought about that much, but I guess the next books I'm looking to buy are related to my desire to teach beginning American Sign Language. One is called Religious Sign Language, and that's one that I want to get for myself so I can improve my ability to sign at church. The others are for those who sign up for my class. It's a book called Signing Made Simple.
Currently reading: Well, I can tell you what I read when I want to read and what I'm supposed to be reading. What I read when I want to read is Killed: Great Journalism Too Hot to Print. What I'm supposed to be reading is The Hammer of God for our pastor's summer book club. I have a lot of catching up to do.
Last book I read: I very seldom read a whole book from cover to cover, and if I do, it takes a while. I'm just not much into reading. I'd rather be up and doing something or watching a good TV show or movie. The last book I read all the way through was The Gutenburg Galaxy by Marshall McLuhan. It figures, right? A communication-related book.
I've also been working my way through the articles in Killed. Very intriguing. Even Ron has liked some of them, including a story about an interview that writer Erik Hedegaard had with singer John Mellencamp. It was called "The Lay-Z-Boy Position," and it was killed by Details in 1996. I guess because the story focused a lot on Mellencamp's cigarette addiction, the magazine was afraid that its cigarette advertisers would pull their ads, so they chose not to run the story. I think Ron liked it because every other word Mellancamp used was the f-bomb.
Books that have meant the most to me: The Bible, Luther's Small Catechism, and an assortment of communication-related texts, mostly. That includes the sign language books I have. Afterall, sign language is a form of communication. A very effective one. I find it fascinating. I like Sprituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith, although Ron just mostly read it to me while I was putting my makeup on or something.
A book that changed my view of the world: I remember reading A Brave New World in high school. That was truly a scary futuristic view of the world, but slowly, I keep seeing evidence that some of the stuff described in the book is coming true. For instance the test-tube babies and the necessity to carry around protection in case people got frisky... I could go on, but some of the stuff I found just very disturbing.
I also read Sister Carrie, Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn and others that I can't think of at this moment. I really liked most of the books I read in high school. And I read all of them completely. I would have read more books had I not had an advanced English teacher who didn't like me. I had to transfer out of her class because she wouldn't stop giving me Ds on papers and tests I should have gotten As or Bs on. Because of that, I missed out on Death of a Salesman, the Grapes of Wrath and a few others that I really kind of wanted to read. I guess high school was the time to do my reading because I seemed to enjoy it more then.
Embarrassing: I never really read any books I'd be embarrassed to admit to having read. The embarrassing part for me is the fact that I really don't do much reading unless it's required of me or unless I know I'm going to be stuck in a doctor's office waiting room for a while and the magazines suck. So, I bring a book with me, usually something that has something to do with the media.
My favorite book as a child: Honestly, I don't think I had one. I know that I was excited to learn how to read, but I don't think I ever really had a favorite. Unfortunately, reading wasn't really encouraged when I was growing up. I mean, not that it was banned or looked down upon or anything like that, but I never saw my parents sitting down to read anything, and I guess that's why it never really mattered to me very much.
I'm not getting too specific here, because I really don't do a lot of pleasure reading. In fact, I think it would shock Ron quite a bit if he ever saw me reading a book just for the hell of it. Usually, there has to be a pretty good reason for my book-reading. I do a lot of reading and typing at work. Ron tries to encourage me to read more, but it doesn't seem to have much of an effect on me. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I didn't learn to appreciate it when I was growing up.
But the question is this: How did I end up liking English and journalism so much if I never liked reading as a kid? And further: How am I going to impress upon the kids Ron and I have that reading is important if I can't seem to get into it, myself? That kind of concerns me. I know that whatever kids Ron and I have are going to be smart because they'll inherit our genes and more than likely improve upon what knowledge we impart to them. But we, as their parents, will need to set examples for them to follow. That won't be a problem for Ron: he loves reading. But if they see that I'm not very interested in reading, chances are good they won't be either. I hope that fear doesn't make it to reality.
Number of books I own: This is a tricky one, because most of the books I have are text books that I decided to keep after my classes at Wichita State University were over. Other than that, I probably own between 15 and 20 books. (I told you this would be embarrassing.)
Next book to buy: Wow. I haven't really thought about that much, but I guess the next books I'm looking to buy are related to my desire to teach beginning American Sign Language. One is called Religious Sign Language, and that's one that I want to get for myself so I can improve my ability to sign at church. The others are for those who sign up for my class. It's a book called Signing Made Simple.
Currently reading: Well, I can tell you what I read when I want to read and what I'm supposed to be reading. What I read when I want to read is Killed: Great Journalism Too Hot to Print. What I'm supposed to be reading is The Hammer of God for our pastor's summer book club. I have a lot of catching up to do.
Last book I read: I very seldom read a whole book from cover to cover, and if I do, it takes a while. I'm just not much into reading. I'd rather be up and doing something or watching a good TV show or movie. The last book I read all the way through was The Gutenburg Galaxy by Marshall McLuhan. It figures, right? A communication-related book.
I've also been working my way through the articles in Killed. Very intriguing. Even Ron has liked some of them, including a story about an interview that writer Erik Hedegaard had with singer John Mellencamp. It was called "The Lay-Z-Boy Position," and it was killed by Details in 1996. I guess because the story focused a lot on Mellencamp's cigarette addiction, the magazine was afraid that its cigarette advertisers would pull their ads, so they chose not to run the story. I think Ron liked it because every other word Mellancamp used was the f-bomb.
Books that have meant the most to me: The Bible, Luther's Small Catechism, and an assortment of communication-related texts, mostly. That includes the sign language books I have. Afterall, sign language is a form of communication. A very effective one. I find it fascinating. I like Sprituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith, although Ron just mostly read it to me while I was putting my makeup on or something.
A book that changed my view of the world: I remember reading A Brave New World in high school. That was truly a scary futuristic view of the world, but slowly, I keep seeing evidence that some of the stuff described in the book is coming true. For instance the test-tube babies and the necessity to carry around protection in case people got frisky... I could go on, but some of the stuff I found just very disturbing.
I also read Sister Carrie, Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn and others that I can't think of at this moment. I really liked most of the books I read in high school. And I read all of them completely. I would have read more books had I not had an advanced English teacher who didn't like me. I had to transfer out of her class because she wouldn't stop giving me Ds on papers and tests I should have gotten As or Bs on. Because of that, I missed out on Death of a Salesman, the Grapes of Wrath and a few others that I really kind of wanted to read. I guess high school was the time to do my reading because I seemed to enjoy it more then.
Embarrassing: I never really read any books I'd be embarrassed to admit to having read. The embarrassing part for me is the fact that I really don't do much reading unless it's required of me or unless I know I'm going to be stuck in a doctor's office waiting room for a while and the magazines suck. So, I bring a book with me, usually something that has something to do with the media.
My favorite book as a child: Honestly, I don't think I had one. I know that I was excited to learn how to read, but I don't think I ever really had a favorite. Unfortunately, reading wasn't really encouraged when I was growing up. I mean, not that it was banned or looked down upon or anything like that, but I never saw my parents sitting down to read anything, and I guess that's why it never really mattered to me very much.
I'm not getting too specific here, because I really don't do a lot of pleasure reading. In fact, I think it would shock Ron quite a bit if he ever saw me reading a book just for the hell of it. Usually, there has to be a pretty good reason for my book-reading. I do a lot of reading and typing at work. Ron tries to encourage me to read more, but it doesn't seem to have much of an effect on me. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I didn't learn to appreciate it when I was growing up.
But the question is this: How did I end up liking English and journalism so much if I never liked reading as a kid? And further: How am I going to impress upon the kids Ron and I have that reading is important if I can't seem to get into it, myself? That kind of concerns me. I know that whatever kids Ron and I have are going to be smart because they'll inherit our genes and more than likely improve upon what knowledge we impart to them. But we, as their parents, will need to set examples for them to follow. That won't be a problem for Ron: he loves reading. But if they see that I'm not very interested in reading, chances are good they won't be either. I hope that fear doesn't make it to reality.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Very well... An update
Nick asked me for an update. Well, Nick, and everyone else, now that the work week is over once again, I can post again.
I was told that our church might pay for the materials I would need to teach an ASL class. That, however has yet to be decided, as it has still not been determined when or where the class will be held. I also have not yet received any information about who will join the class, but there are many who have told me they would join if I taught it. People at church are still trying to decide which board my ASL class would be under: Evangelism, Social Concern, Education... I think it would go under all of them, personally.
As far as work goes, I still have not had my review with my boss. He was at first saying that he'd have scheduled times for everyone, then he said he'd let us know when he was ready for us and he'd try to have the reviews done by the end of June, and now he's saying it will probably take until the end of July. In the meantime, I've been full-time for almost a month, am really enjoying it, and am desparately looking forward to being able to take time off during the day for lunch and whatever other small breaks I could get. But before I can do that, I'll have to train someone to take over for me for those short periods.
So, if I have a doctor's appointment or something, the lady who used to trade off with me during the week will have to take time out from her new full-time position in order to relieve me.
In other news, Devona has tagged me with the book tag that is going around. I'm getting to it, Devona. I'm just very busy, especially during the week. That's why I'll try to post my response this weekend.
In the meantime, I'm tagging IntolerantElle and Nick. They're the only ones whose blogs I frequent that haven't been tagged yet, that I know of. So, take it away, Elle and Nick. (And, Elle, hopefully you can do this before you come to visit Dan, whom I'm surprised didn't tag you first.)
I was told that our church might pay for the materials I would need to teach an ASL class. That, however has yet to be decided, as it has still not been determined when or where the class will be held. I also have not yet received any information about who will join the class, but there are many who have told me they would join if I taught it. People at church are still trying to decide which board my ASL class would be under: Evangelism, Social Concern, Education... I think it would go under all of them, personally.
As far as work goes, I still have not had my review with my boss. He was at first saying that he'd have scheduled times for everyone, then he said he'd let us know when he was ready for us and he'd try to have the reviews done by the end of June, and now he's saying it will probably take until the end of July. In the meantime, I've been full-time for almost a month, am really enjoying it, and am desparately looking forward to being able to take time off during the day for lunch and whatever other small breaks I could get. But before I can do that, I'll have to train someone to take over for me for those short periods.
So, if I have a doctor's appointment or something, the lady who used to trade off with me during the week will have to take time out from her new full-time position in order to relieve me.
In other news, Devona has tagged me with the book tag that is going around. I'm getting to it, Devona. I'm just very busy, especially during the week. That's why I'll try to post my response this weekend.
In the meantime, I'm tagging IntolerantElle and Nick. They're the only ones whose blogs I frequent that haven't been tagged yet, that I know of. So, take it away, Elle and Nick. (And, Elle, hopefully you can do this before you come to visit Dan, whom I'm surprised didn't tag you first.)
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
MILDA
It stands for Midwestern International Lutheran Deaf Association, and it's probably the most needed in the United States, although it is one of the most overlooked.
Countless LCMS churches have begun English as a Second Language classes for those who speak Spanish, but the population most in need is that of the Deaf community. I'll tell you why:
About 95% of the Deaf population in the United States remains unchurched. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that since most people don't know how to talk to them, they don't ever receive the knowledge about Christ to begin with, and also, those who do have some knowledge of Christ are unable to find interpreted church services that jive with the theology they believe in.
At least in Wichita (and I'm willing to bet in the majority of cities in the U.S.), there aren't any LCMS churches with services interpreted for the Deaf. There was one LCMS church here that was interpreted about 15 years ago, but no longer.
The church that hosted the MILDA Conference is one that actually does have a Deaf Ministry program and interpreted Sunday services. Although it may have something to do with the fact that there is a school for the Deaf nearby in the same town.
One of the ways to try to start changing people's mindsets about ministering to the Deaf is to start a sign language class at your church. That's what I'm attempting to do at my church for the fall. Anyone close enough to come to my class (which I'm predicting will be Wednesday evenings during our Midweek program) is encouraged to attend!
I hope I've opened your eyes a little bit to this very overlooked ministry. I'm open to answering any questions you may have.
Countless LCMS churches have begun English as a Second Language classes for those who speak Spanish, but the population most in need is that of the Deaf community. I'll tell you why:
About 95% of the Deaf population in the United States remains unchurched. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that since most people don't know how to talk to them, they don't ever receive the knowledge about Christ to begin with, and also, those who do have some knowledge of Christ are unable to find interpreted church services that jive with the theology they believe in.
At least in Wichita (and I'm willing to bet in the majority of cities in the U.S.), there aren't any LCMS churches with services interpreted for the Deaf. There was one LCMS church here that was interpreted about 15 years ago, but no longer.
The church that hosted the MILDA Conference is one that actually does have a Deaf Ministry program and interpreted Sunday services. Although it may have something to do with the fact that there is a school for the Deaf nearby in the same town.
One of the ways to try to start changing people's mindsets about ministering to the Deaf is to start a sign language class at your church. That's what I'm attempting to do at my church for the fall. Anyone close enough to come to my class (which I'm predicting will be Wednesday evenings during our Midweek program) is encouraged to attend!
I hope I've opened your eyes a little bit to this very overlooked ministry. I'm open to answering any questions you may have.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Cross-dressing burglar?
I got this story off of our local ABC station's website. It's just too crazy to believe, but it really happened! My guess is that the burglar was high on meth. I mean, no one in his right mind would do something like this!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
In Church This Morning...
We had a matins service instead of the divine service because our pastor is participating in the annual Bike Across Kansas. Basically, he's joined with hundreds of other people to ride their bicycles all the way from one end of Kansas to the other, a journey that lasts about a week.
The riders get sponsors to donate money to their ride, and in turn, the riders donate their funds to charity. The charity our pastor is donating to is the Children's Christian Concern Society. You should take a look! If you haven't heard of it, it's really a very worthy organization. Our pastor donates his time to the BAK every year, and his sponsor money to CCCS.
I got to write a story about and take pictures of people participating in the BAK three years ago when I was living and working in Ellsworth, Kan. at the the Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter, a tiny newspaper in a county of about 3,000 people in north-central Kansas. The town was on the BAK's route, and many of the riders stayed in town overnight one night before going out again to continue the ride.
Bikers start at the Kansas-Colorado border, and they end by touching the front tire of their bikes in the Missouri River on the Kansas-Missouri border. Whoever's tire touches the water first is considered the winner. If I had the stamina and time to do so (and if I could get my oversized hubby to join me), I think I'd enjoy riding in the BAK, myself!
The riders get sponsors to donate money to their ride, and in turn, the riders donate their funds to charity. The charity our pastor is donating to is the Children's Christian Concern Society. You should take a look! If you haven't heard of it, it's really a very worthy organization. Our pastor donates his time to the BAK every year, and his sponsor money to CCCS.
I got to write a story about and take pictures of people participating in the BAK three years ago when I was living and working in Ellsworth, Kan. at the the Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter, a tiny newspaper in a county of about 3,000 people in north-central Kansas. The town was on the BAK's route, and many of the riders stayed in town overnight one night before going out again to continue the ride.
Bikers start at the Kansas-Colorado border, and they end by touching the front tire of their bikes in the Missouri River on the Kansas-Missouri border. Whoever's tire touches the water first is considered the winner. If I had the stamina and time to do so (and if I could get my oversized hubby to join me), I think I'd enjoy riding in the BAK, myself!
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Hit the ground running
I've never been so happy with a job that I've done. My work at The Wichita Eagle as the Celebrations Coordinator is really very enjoyable. I get to do everything: work with the customers, edit the photos, write the copy, layout the pages and print them, make slicks... I do it all. In reality, I kind of feel like I do the job of two people. I mean, I work all day five days a week now (well, starting on Monday, I will).
I start the job at 8:30 in the morning and hit the ground running. I start two computers (one a Mac and the other a PC) and check my mail and voicemail. Depending on the day, I either start out by bundling newspapers and making slicks or dealing with customers and typing announcements and arranging pages. Slicks and papers are done on Mondays and Tuesdays, usually Mondays, if I don't have too many customers to interrupt me. The rest of the time, I prepare my pages, and lately have been three pages for each Sunday edition.
I'm supposed to be finished with the day at 4:30 p.m., but oftentimes, I end up staying at least 15 minutes late. Sometimes, if I've really had a busy week dealing with customers, I end up staying really late on Fridays, which are my publication days. last night, I was at work until 9:15. I went in at 8:15 that morning. A four-day week made my job just a little more compressed.
I still don't get any breaks, either, including lunch. I eat in my office, and if the phone rings or someone comes to my window to place an announcement, I'm the only one who can help the customer, so I do. I have to. It's my job. And if my lunch gets interrupted, so be it. I can't leave the office because no one else knows how to do my job except the lady who used to work with me, who's now moved on to another department.
Apparently, in about another month or so, I should be training a lady who just started about a week ago at the front counter. She's supposed to take over for me during actual lunch breaks and whenever I might have a doctor's appointment or something. It'll be a while before I run up enough vacation time to actually go anywhere, so I should have time to train her before I would want to go anywhere. Theoretically speaking, of course.
Mostly, I'm just looking forward to getting to take a break once in a while. Working part-time was okay because, even though I worked full days, I only worked two to three a week, max. Now I'm working every day and still getting no breaks until I'm able to train someone else to take over for me. My boss said to give this new lady about another month to really fully learn her job before I start training her to do mine so she can cover for me. It's difficult work to train someone. Putting out three pages all by myself and training someone at the same time is going to be extra work and extra time after hours. I just hope I don't get burned out on this work before I have someone to give me breaks!
Ron calls me sometimes when I'm at work. He says, "Are you busy?" It's kind of funny for me to hear that when I'm at work, because there's never a time when I don't have something, something to do. So I tell him, "Yeah, I'm always busy." Then he says, "I like it when you're busy. That means you're not being lazy." How am I suppose to be lazy at work when I know that I'm going to have at least an hour or more in post-work-time hours every week than I would if I wasn't fully responsible for an entire three-page spread? I can't afford to slack off. Actually, I'm afraid that taking on the training of someone else, especially during a time of the year when we've got more customers than at any other is really going to make me work a lot of overtime hours.
Good thing I get paid by the hour!
I start the job at 8:30 in the morning and hit the ground running. I start two computers (one a Mac and the other a PC) and check my mail and voicemail. Depending on the day, I either start out by bundling newspapers and making slicks or dealing with customers and typing announcements and arranging pages. Slicks and papers are done on Mondays and Tuesdays, usually Mondays, if I don't have too many customers to interrupt me. The rest of the time, I prepare my pages, and lately have been three pages for each Sunday edition.
I'm supposed to be finished with the day at 4:30 p.m., but oftentimes, I end up staying at least 15 minutes late. Sometimes, if I've really had a busy week dealing with customers, I end up staying really late on Fridays, which are my publication days. last night, I was at work until 9:15. I went in at 8:15 that morning. A four-day week made my job just a little more compressed.
I still don't get any breaks, either, including lunch. I eat in my office, and if the phone rings or someone comes to my window to place an announcement, I'm the only one who can help the customer, so I do. I have to. It's my job. And if my lunch gets interrupted, so be it. I can't leave the office because no one else knows how to do my job except the lady who used to work with me, who's now moved on to another department.
Apparently, in about another month or so, I should be training a lady who just started about a week ago at the front counter. She's supposed to take over for me during actual lunch breaks and whenever I might have a doctor's appointment or something. It'll be a while before I run up enough vacation time to actually go anywhere, so I should have time to train her before I would want to go anywhere. Theoretically speaking, of course.
Mostly, I'm just looking forward to getting to take a break once in a while. Working part-time was okay because, even though I worked full days, I only worked two to three a week, max. Now I'm working every day and still getting no breaks until I'm able to train someone else to take over for me. My boss said to give this new lady about another month to really fully learn her job before I start training her to do mine so she can cover for me. It's difficult work to train someone. Putting out three pages all by myself and training someone at the same time is going to be extra work and extra time after hours. I just hope I don't get burned out on this work before I have someone to give me breaks!
Ron calls me sometimes when I'm at work. He says, "Are you busy?" It's kind of funny for me to hear that when I'm at work, because there's never a time when I don't have something, something to do. So I tell him, "Yeah, I'm always busy." Then he says, "I like it when you're busy. That means you're not being lazy." How am I suppose to be lazy at work when I know that I'm going to have at least an hour or more in post-work-time hours every week than I would if I wasn't fully responsible for an entire three-page spread? I can't afford to slack off. Actually, I'm afraid that taking on the training of someone else, especially during a time of the year when we've got more customers than at any other is really going to make me work a lot of overtime hours.
Good thing I get paid by the hour!
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