Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Sunday, September 28, 2003
No More Group
It seemed cool that all our blog posts could be emailed to a listserv, but it didn't work really well. Anyhow, maybe there will be a decent use for it in the future, as for now, there isn't. C'est la vie.
If Rick Can Do It, So Can I
Surely a man who teaches the objectivity of the covenant must be a heretic.
Who Spaketh Thus:
To those for whom it is not clear, I do not think this man is/was a heretic, I meant it with a sarcastic tone.
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* My note: when my Late Antiquity professor refers to whether one was a Christian or not: say, Constantine or Augustine, she refers to their baptism or lack thereof.
Who Spaketh Thus:
The word gentleman originally meant something recognisable; one who had a coat of arms and some landed property. When you called someone "a gentleman" you were not paying him a compliment, but merely stating a fact. If you said he was not "a gentleman" you were not insulting him, but giving information. There was no contradiction in saying that John was a liar and a gentleman; any more than there now is in saying that James is a fool and an M.A. But then there came a people who said -- so rightly, charitably, spiritually, sensitively, so anything but usefully -- "Ah, but surely the important thing about a gentleman is not the coat of arms and the land, but the behaviour? Surely he is the true gentleman who behaves as a gentleman should? Surely in that sense Edward is far more truly a gentlman than John?" They meant well. To be honourable and courteous and brave is of course a far better thing than to have a coat of arms. but it is not the same thing. Worse still, it is not a thing everyone will agree about. To call a man "a gentleman" in this new, refined sense, becomes, in fact, not a way of giving information about him, but a way of praising him: to deny that he is "a gentleman" becomes simply a way of insulting him. When a word ceases to be a term of description and becomes merely a term of praise, it no longer tells you facts about the object: it only tells you about the speaker's attitude to that object. (A "nice" meal only means a meal the speaker likes.) A gentleman, once it has been spiritualised and refined out of its old coarse, objective sense, means hardly more than a man whom the speaker likes. As a result, gentleman is now a useless word. We had lots of terms of approval already, so it was not needed for that use; on the other hand if anyone (say, in a historical work) wants to use it in its old sense, he cannot do so without explanations. [*] It has been spoiled for that purpose.
Now if once we allow people to start spiritualising and refining, or as they might say "deepening," the sense of the word Christian, it too will speedily become a useless word. In the first place, Christians themselves will never be able to apply it to anyone. It is not for us to say who, in the deepest sense, is or is not close to the spirit of Christ. We do not see into men's hearts. We cannot judge, and are indeed forbidden to judge. It would be wicked arrogance for us to say that any man is, or is not, a Christian in this refined sense. And obviously a word which we can never apply is not going to be a very useful word. As for the unbelievers, they will no doubt cheerfully use the word in the refined sense. It will become in their mouths simply a term of praise. In calling anyone a Christian they will mean that they think him a good man. But that way of using the word will be no enrichment of the language, for we already have the word good. Meanwhile, the word Christian will have been spoiled for any really useful purpose it might have served.
We must therefore stick to the original, obvious meaning. The name Christians was first given at Antioch (Acts xi. 26) to "the disciples," to those who accepted the teaching of the apostles. There is no question of its being restricted to those who profited by that teaching as much as they should have. There is no question of its being extended to those who in some refined, spiritual, inward fashion were "far closer to the spirit of Christ" than the less satisfactory of the disciples. The point is not a theological, or moral one. It is only a question of using words so that we can all understand what is being said. When a man who accepts the Christian doctrine lives unworthily of it, it is much clearer to say he is a bad Christian than to say he is not a Christian.
To those for whom it is not clear, I do not think this man is/was a heretic, I meant it with a sarcastic tone.
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* My note: when my Late Antiquity professor refers to whether one was a Christian or not: say, Constantine or Augustine, she refers to their baptism or lack thereof.
Saturday, September 27, 2003
More Thoughts on a Tale of Two Subcultures
Obviously, I am not a huge fan of Jerry B. Jenkins. I make fun of the Left Behind books just as much as the next girl. However, Aaron Rench's "interview" with Jenkins in C/A left a bitter taste in my mouth, overall. I take particular exception to his comment about "the Philip Yanceys and the Marvin Olaskys and the John Pipers." This summer, I was forced to read a Philip Yancey book for school, What's So Amazing About Grace? It was, hands down, the best contemporary book I read this summer. (For the record, I read several Canon Press books too.) For the most part, contemporary uber-Reformed books say what I've already heard several times and thought about in depth. I read them going, "Uh-huh. Yeah, brother. Amen." It's only when I take half a step outside of the comfort zone of uber-Reformed books to books from other ages and other traditions that I am challenged to think and apply my faith in new ways.
I'm not about to cancel my subscription to C/A. In fact, I just updated our address so I can get it sooner. However, it's a shame I can't leave it out on my coffee table. I'd hate for my brothers and sisters from other traditions of Christianity to read it and realize just how pompous and vain Reformed Christians can sometimes be. This year, the chapel theme at the school I teach at is "one another" and we've been focusing on loving one another thus far. They will know we are Christians by our love. I think the objectivity of the covenant means we've got to love even those who grate our nerves and perpetuate wrong doctrine. Even those we consider "bad" Christians are Christians nonetheless.
I'm not about to cancel my subscription to C/A. In fact, I just updated our address so I can get it sooner. However, it's a shame I can't leave it out on my coffee table. I'd hate for my brothers and sisters from other traditions of Christianity to read it and realize just how pompous and vain Reformed Christians can sometimes be. This year, the chapel theme at the school I teach at is "one another" and we've been focusing on loving one another thus far. They will know we are Christians by our love. I think the objectivity of the covenant means we've got to love even those who grate our nerves and perpetuate wrong doctrine. Even those we consider "bad" Christians are Christians nonetheless.
A Tale of Two Subcultures
It was the End Times, it was the Cretan Times ...
In the recent C/A, Aaron Rench has a mock interview with Jerry B. Jenkins, but if you were naive, you wouldn't have realized it. No where in the article does Rench mention the fact that the interview is a joke; actually, quite the contrary, the first line is: "C/A's Aaron Rench recently posed these questions to Jerry B. Jenkins ... " However, this point is neither here nor there, but only in the realm of bad taste.
What is amusing is Rench's caricature of Jenkins, the "owner of the Christian Writers Guild." Rench "asks" Jenkins what -- yes, I know, he should have asked "who" -- are his three favorite pre-20th century writers. Jenkins replies with Tom Aquinas, Herm Melvill, and Al Dumas -- referring to each as a contempory.
Then, later in the "interview", Jenkins refers to Philip Yancey, Marvin Olasky*, and John Piper as the guys "with much more gray matter" than he, as the ones who are capable of answering the question: "Do the basic realities of the Trinity and the Incarnation have any affect on Christian culture?"
The point Rench is trying to make, if I may be so bold to assume that he actually has one and that I can approximate it, is that evangelical culture has ditched the ancient wisdom of our faith and latched onto contemporary leaders as the be all and end all of theological matters.
However, I wonder if they have ever considered the reformed, uber-covenantal, subculture which only reads Doug Wilson, Peter Leithart, and any other person who happens to be published by Canon Press? Also, while it's good to read Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas, it is also good to remember their vocation of strengthening the catholic, kata holos, according to the whole, faith: today that faith includes our evangelic bretheren for whom Christianity was first preached by the big-tent revivalists. Perhaps he'll get into that in next month's "interview" with Peter Leithart.
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* In the spirit of full discloser, Marvin Olasky is one of my elders. While I don't necessarily agree with everything he has either said, done, or written; I do respect him as my elder.
In the recent C/A, Aaron Rench has a mock interview with Jerry B. Jenkins, but if you were naive, you wouldn't have realized it. No where in the article does Rench mention the fact that the interview is a joke; actually, quite the contrary, the first line is: "C/A's Aaron Rench recently posed these questions to Jerry B. Jenkins ... " However, this point is neither here nor there, but only in the realm of bad taste.
What is amusing is Rench's caricature of Jenkins, the "owner of the Christian Writers Guild." Rench "asks" Jenkins what -- yes, I know, he should have asked "who" -- are his three favorite pre-20th century writers. Jenkins replies with Tom Aquinas, Herm Melvill, and Al Dumas -- referring to each as a contempory.
Then, later in the "interview", Jenkins refers to Philip Yancey, Marvin Olasky*, and John Piper as the guys "with much more gray matter" than he, as the ones who are capable of answering the question: "Do the basic realities of the Trinity and the Incarnation have any affect on Christian culture?"
The point Rench is trying to make, if I may be so bold to assume that he actually has one and that I can approximate it, is that evangelical culture has ditched the ancient wisdom of our faith and latched onto contemporary leaders as the be all and end all of theological matters.
However, I wonder if they have ever considered the reformed, uber-covenantal, subculture which only reads Doug Wilson, Peter Leithart, and any other person who happens to be published by Canon Press? Also, while it's good to read Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas, it is also good to remember their vocation of strengthening the catholic, kata holos, according to the whole, faith: today that faith includes our evangelic bretheren for whom Christianity was first preached by the big-tent revivalists. Perhaps he'll get into that in next month's "interview" with Peter Leithart.
-------------------------
* In the spirit of full discloser, Marvin Olasky is one of my elders. While I don't necessarily agree with everything he has either said, done, or written; I do respect him as my elder.
Week's End
I haven't slept well in weeks and insomnia is making me cranky and unbearable. Therefore, I am going to take some time to rejoice in the good of this week.
Good:
+ My classroom is getting real walls somewhere in the future.
+ Mike and I managed to share a car all week wonderfully.
+ I traded one tasty plate of leftover chicken-artichoke-mushroom-parmesean stuff and rice and green beans for a pint of Blue Bell. It's always a pleasure to feed friends, especially when they give you Blue Bell!
+ My mom forwarded mail, including the latest C/A.
+ I get to teach a unit for the middle school girls' PE class on soccer starting Monday.
+ One of my students made me a pretty bracelet.
Good:
+ My classroom is getting real walls somewhere in the future.
+ Mike and I managed to share a car all week wonderfully.
+ I traded one tasty plate of leftover chicken-artichoke-mushroom-parmesean stuff and rice and green beans for a pint of Blue Bell. It's always a pleasure to feed friends, especially when they give you Blue Bell!
+ My mom forwarded mail, including the latest C/A.
+ I get to teach a unit for the middle school girls' PE class on soccer starting Monday.
+ One of my students made me a pretty bracelet.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Catholic Apologetics
One technique in Catholic Apologetics that frustrates me is the appeal to apostolic succession. It usually goes something like this, "Jesus gave the keys to Peter, and Peter passed them down through his office to future Popes." While I'm not against appealing to to Tradition, this technique hinges on us both agreeing to the question of "Faithful Transmission", which in the case of Catholicism, I don't buy.
This came up again when I was reading Tertullian's Proscription Against Heresy. Tertullian, writting in the late second century, maybe could make a case for faithful tranmission as the degrees from Jesus to the Church leaders of his time is able to be counted on one hand. However, I don't think such a claim can be made today, 2000 years removed from the genesis. If any Catholic apologetist disagrees, he should consider the popular game Telephone.
Yet, perhaps someone appeals to the Holy Spirit. God, by his grace, has somehow altered events so that the Roman Catholic church has made no errors in areas of serious doctrine. I find that hard to believe and without warrant. Why do we force such a position on God? What warrant do we have? Even if you want to limit the giving of the keys just to Peter and I'll even grant that "on this rock" could refer to Peter, but even doing all this there is nothing necessitating that the giving of the keys will continue past Peter or that the Church which Jesus refers to is the defined, established Roman Catholic Church, as opposed to any visible body of God's people.
Okay, I really must go and study now.
This came up again when I was reading Tertullian's Proscription Against Heresy. Tertullian, writting in the late second century, maybe could make a case for faithful tranmission as the degrees from Jesus to the Church leaders of his time is able to be counted on one hand. However, I don't think such a claim can be made today, 2000 years removed from the genesis. If any Catholic apologetist disagrees, he should consider the popular game Telephone.
Yet, perhaps someone appeals to the Holy Spirit. God, by his grace, has somehow altered events so that the Roman Catholic church has made no errors in areas of serious doctrine. I find that hard to believe and without warrant. Why do we force such a position on God? What warrant do we have? Even if you want to limit the giving of the keys just to Peter and I'll even grant that "on this rock" could refer to Peter, but even doing all this there is nothing necessitating that the giving of the keys will continue past Peter or that the Church which Jesus refers to is the defined, established Roman Catholic Church, as opposed to any visible body of God's people.
Okay, I really must go and study now.
Future Things, part 2
In regards to a recent post concerning graduate schools ... and Sora's comment, I should probably also add that I'm considering applying for teaching posts at some of the Classical Christian high schools, who may actually appreciate a teacher than can teach ancient history / language / literature -- it is highly unlikely to find a public school which would consider my field an important component in the education of a child.
So, my first consideration is here in Austin. There are really two schools I would consider. Regents and City School; however, both have issues. Some "things" have been happening at Regents in past years, and I really don't know about them or how they would affect me, yet it is something I must examine. Second, City School doesn't really have a high school. It doesn't really have an middle school. Actually, this year they have: a pre-K, K, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. It has grown in popularity and has a goal of doubling each year. It is almost certain that next year they will have two pre-K and Kindergarten classes. As for the high school, I was told that the goal is to plant many elementary/middle schools around the city (think Catholic perish-like) and have them feed into one central high school (think cathedral). Since they barely have one elementary/middle school, yet alone many, the high school will be some distance in the future. Though, it could work out if I convinced those at UT to allow me to stick around for an MA only, perhaps by then they might be ready.
Other than Austin, when I look out I want to find somewhere with a good church, and preferably close to some segment of our family. The good church / good school criteria somewhat rules out Northern California, since there are some good churches in that area, but not any decent Christian schools. When I think of Northern California christian schools, I am reminded of schools that are more of fall out shelters following the explosion of the D-bomb, id est, Darwin. These schools are more like shelters where students can be protected from such ideas, but never hearing them. I don't think this is a wise approach to covenant education -- then again, these people don't think in terms of "covenants".
Another good spot would be Monroe, LA: good church, good people, and -- from what Kristen tells me -- there is a good school there as well. I don't really know much about the school situation in Monroe, so that is one thing I'll have to look into, or just ask my wife -- who seems to know infinitely more than I do when it comes to this inner Reformed cliche around the country.
Probably one of the best spots would be back in Kristen's home -- the triangle area of North Carolina. North Carolina is so beautiful, and if I miss it I know that she must miss it. Her former church is there in Cary, there is a good school there, which the church with which the church is involved. The school isn't under the oversight of the church there in Cary, so I pray that the issues that have plagued Regents don't do the same to this school.
In summary: considering highschools in: Austin, Monroe, and Cary.
However, why am I considering high schools at all? Well, it really depends on whether I get into graduate schools and, if I do, how much they are willing to offer me. Being a Nonresident here at UT has been very expensive; so has getting married and various other things. Hence, I'm trying to eradicate all my debt and get intogood better financial standing before we have children so we can provide well for them, buy a house, etc... It seems that debt is taken for granted in education. It probably isn't as bad in liberal arts as it is in, say, Law or Medicine, but liberal arts grads don't have lucrative, high-paying careers to look forward to. Our highest ambition is probably a professorship, or transfering into a Law or Med program. Yet, schools seem to expect students to take out loans and carry them along in their grad programs, finally paying them off when they are paid professors. However, doing this is very difficult if you come from a community of people who consider debt to be one of the worst evils, yet it is taken for granted in our culture where you buy a car, pay it off, and then must either buy a new car (with new payments) or pay near monthly payments to keep your old car in good condition. Even then, car companies discontinue models that are "too good".
Ideally, I would like to go off to graduate school, be able to afford to go to school and not have Kristen work. She may work, if she so chooses or help out their church or whatever, but I don't want to be in a situation where she has to work.
I should probably go and study for my Latin Prose / Composition exam, which is Friday at noon. You can go ahead and pray for me, if one is so incline.
So, my first consideration is here in Austin. There are really two schools I would consider. Regents and City School; however, both have issues. Some "things" have been happening at Regents in past years, and I really don't know about them or how they would affect me, yet it is something I must examine. Second, City School doesn't really have a high school. It doesn't really have an middle school. Actually, this year they have: a pre-K, K, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. It has grown in popularity and has a goal of doubling each year. It is almost certain that next year they will have two pre-K and Kindergarten classes. As for the high school, I was told that the goal is to plant many elementary/middle schools around the city (think Catholic perish-like) and have them feed into one central high school (think cathedral). Since they barely have one elementary/middle school, yet alone many, the high school will be some distance in the future. Though, it could work out if I convinced those at UT to allow me to stick around for an MA only, perhaps by then they might be ready.
Other than Austin, when I look out I want to find somewhere with a good church, and preferably close to some segment of our family. The good church / good school criteria somewhat rules out Northern California, since there are some good churches in that area, but not any decent Christian schools. When I think of Northern California christian schools, I am reminded of schools that are more of fall out shelters following the explosion of the D-bomb, id est, Darwin. These schools are more like shelters where students can be protected from such ideas, but never hearing them. I don't think this is a wise approach to covenant education -- then again, these people don't think in terms of "covenants".
Another good spot would be Monroe, LA: good church, good people, and -- from what Kristen tells me -- there is a good school there as well. I don't really know much about the school situation in Monroe, so that is one thing I'll have to look into, or just ask my wife -- who seems to know infinitely more than I do when it comes to this inner Reformed cliche around the country.
Probably one of the best spots would be back in Kristen's home -- the triangle area of North Carolina. North Carolina is so beautiful, and if I miss it I know that she must miss it. Her former church is there in Cary, there is a good school there, which the church with which the church is involved. The school isn't under the oversight of the church there in Cary, so I pray that the issues that have plagued Regents don't do the same to this school.
In summary: considering highschools in: Austin, Monroe, and Cary.
However, why am I considering high schools at all? Well, it really depends on whether I get into graduate schools and, if I do, how much they are willing to offer me. Being a Nonresident here at UT has been very expensive; so has getting married and various other things. Hence, I'm trying to eradicate all my debt and get into
Ideally, I would like to go off to graduate school, be able to afford to go to school and not have Kristen work. She may work, if she so chooses or help out their church or whatever, but I don't want to be in a situation where she has to work.
I should probably go and study for my Latin Prose / Composition exam, which is Friday at noon. You can go ahead and pray for me, if one is so incline.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
More About Blue Bell
A few weeks ago, that SoCal classics genius known as WayneO graced our presence for dinner. He offered to bring wine and I asked if he would mind picking up some Cookies & Cream Blue Bell instead. About a minute later I got back the reply: "What's Blue Bell?*" Needless to say, Wayne is now fully initiated and keeps his very own half-gallon in the freezer. Way to go, WayneO!
* If you are clueless too, Blue Bell is hands down the world's best ice cream. If you are wondering if I am just really opinionated, ask any Texan.
* If you are clueless too, Blue Bell is hands down the world's best ice cream. If you are wondering if I am just really opinionated, ask any Texan.
Inspiration
Today, I think I discovered the inspiration for creamsicles experimenting with dessert:
Homemade Vanilla Blue Bell with Triple Sec. mmmm mmmm good.
Homemade Vanilla Blue Bell with Triple Sec. mmmm mmmm good.
INTJ
| INTJ - "Scientist". Most self-confident and pragmatic of all the types. Decisions come very easily. A builder of systems and the applier of theoretical models. 1% of the total population. |
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Regarding Graduate School
When it comes to graduate schools, I have a few options before me. I'll be applying to:
Colorado (M.A. Classics -- studying Church History in Late Antiquity, particularly Roman North Africa, and the problem of heresy/orthodoxy; hopefully, move on to Princeton, etc.)
Indiana (MA/PhD Classics -- studying Classical Mythology and Comparative Mythology. They have a "minor" one can do in PhD programs that focuses on mythology. I'm interested in comparative mythology and the understanding of myths. I think my ideas are along the same lines as Tolkien and Lewis, but I haven't studied it completely. I'd be working on classical mythology (greek/latin) and germanic (old english / norse / german), with some suppliments from other cultures: finnish, old french, mesopotamian / near eastern)
Yale/Chicago/Harvard/Emory Divinity: (MDiv/MTS -- here I would want to start my theological training and move into a PhD program in Religious Studies or Classics. I would be studying NT and early Christianity. I don't know how enthused I am about this field as of late. Though I do find it interesting, and worthwhile -- the Christian presence in this field is notably lacking. NT Wright is the most conservative, christian, scholar in this field ... and he is not always the most orthodox.)
Covenant / Westminster (MDIV -- I always keep these open. Talking with Kristen, we really don't think that I'm called to the "gospel ministry"; however, we do recognize our own finiteness and fallibility. We think that while I may serve well as an elder or deacon in the future, a "minister" is probably not the best spot for me. Acknowledging both preceeding sentences, I'll trust whatever wisdom my elders have to offer.)
With regards to graduate school, these are really where I'm thinking. I will probably also submit an application to UT, but my Classics dept. will only let me stay for a Master's if no one else accepts me. Also, graduate school is not the be-all and end-all of my life. It is our desire, where Kristen and I feel called. We both think that we would fair well with me as a professor, giving Kristen the opportunity to stay at home, take care of kids, and serve the church as she is able. This being said, I could decide to go and teach highschool here in Austin, or at a number of "Classical - Christian" schools, and be perfectly happy. I've been tutoring one of Matt's former students, along with his younger brother, and I've enjoyed it. I don't think that I could teach introductory or intermediate Latin all my life, but if I were offered a high school teaching position consisting of Classical History / Literature and the possibility of some upper level reading courses, I would be tempted.
Anyhow, my students have arrived.
Colorado (M.A. Classics -- studying Church History in Late Antiquity, particularly Roman North Africa, and the problem of heresy/orthodoxy; hopefully, move on to Princeton, etc.)
Indiana (MA/PhD Classics -- studying Classical Mythology and Comparative Mythology. They have a "minor" one can do in PhD programs that focuses on mythology. I'm interested in comparative mythology and the understanding of myths. I think my ideas are along the same lines as Tolkien and Lewis, but I haven't studied it completely. I'd be working on classical mythology (greek/latin) and germanic (old english / norse / german), with some suppliments from other cultures: finnish, old french, mesopotamian / near eastern)
Yale/Chicago/Harvard/Emory Divinity: (MDiv/MTS -- here I would want to start my theological training and move into a PhD program in Religious Studies or Classics. I would be studying NT and early Christianity. I don't know how enthused I am about this field as of late. Though I do find it interesting, and worthwhile -- the Christian presence in this field is notably lacking. NT Wright is the most conservative, christian, scholar in this field ... and he is not always the most orthodox.)
Covenant / Westminster (MDIV -- I always keep these open. Talking with Kristen, we really don't think that I'm called to the "gospel ministry"; however, we do recognize our own finiteness and fallibility. We think that while I may serve well as an elder or deacon in the future, a "minister" is probably not the best spot for me. Acknowledging both preceeding sentences, I'll trust whatever wisdom my elders have to offer.)
With regards to graduate school, these are really where I'm thinking. I will probably also submit an application to UT, but my Classics dept. will only let me stay for a Master's if no one else accepts me. Also, graduate school is not the be-all and end-all of my life. It is our desire, where Kristen and I feel called. We both think that we would fair well with me as a professor, giving Kristen the opportunity to stay at home, take care of kids, and serve the church as she is able. This being said, I could decide to go and teach highschool here in Austin, or at a number of "Classical - Christian" schools, and be perfectly happy. I've been tutoring one of Matt's former students, along with his younger brother, and I've enjoyed it. I don't think that I could teach introductory or intermediate Latin all my life, but if I were offered a high school teaching position consisting of Classical History / Literature and the possibility of some upper level reading courses, I would be tempted.
Anyhow, my students have arrived.
Monday, September 22, 2003
On Teaching
I have found a new niche: playing soccer on the playground at recess and lunch. It's fun to take out my pent-up teacher aggression by scoring some goals. I'm already wooping up on the 1st through 4th graders, and tomorrow, I am going to bring some tennis shoes! Imagine the possibilities! Playing in bare feet on the gravel has been a real bummer, especially with the hinderance of a skirt. Professional clothing, bah! I am going to start dressing in the professional clothing of Mia Hamm!
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Oh Yeah!
Yeah, um, like take THAT Rice Owls. Now that UT thoroughly dominated Rice, you better watch out Austin High, you're next. Tell me, what Pop Warner team wants us next? Huh, huh, come on, chicken ... yeah, that's what I thought.
A Brave New Blog
Now that the interviews are over, I can blog again. Look out, real content is coming. Oh, what the heck, I'll give you a little sumpin-sumpin to tide you over until tomorrow.
Domesticity Report
Cooking // A // I like to cook. Mike likes to eat what I cook. Nutritional value is unchanged.
Cleaning // C- // I bought a Swifer Wet Jet. That helps the floor cleanliness. I am trying to tidy a bit everyday... I still could use a lot of improvement.
X-Factors // B // Mike says I am improving in cover-stealing and cover my mouth more consistently when I yawn. Still working towards an A with these before I add something new.
Domesticity Report
Cooking // A // I like to cook. Mike likes to eat what I cook. Nutritional value is unchanged.
Cleaning // C- // I bought a Swifer Wet Jet. That helps the floor cleanliness. I am trying to tidy a bit everyday... I still could use a lot of improvement.
X-Factors // B // Mike says I am improving in cover-stealing and cover my mouth more consistently when I yawn. Still working towards an A with these before I add something new.
Sabbath Reflection
The law of God is good and wise and sets his will before our eyes,
Shows us the way of righteousness, and dooms to death when we transgress.
Its light of holiness imparts the knowledge of our sinful hearts
That we may see our lost estate and seek escape before too late.
To those who help in Christ have found and would in works of love abound
It shows what deeds are his delight and should be done as good and right.
When men the offered help disdain and wilfully in sin remain,
Its terror in their ear resounds and keeps their wickedness in bounds.
The law is good; but since the fall its holiness condemns us all;
It dooms us for our sin to die and has no pow'r to justify.
To Jesus we for refuge flee, who from the curse has set us free,
And humbly worship at his throne, saved by his grace through faith alone.
Shows us the way of righteousness, and dooms to death when we transgress.
Its light of holiness imparts the knowledge of our sinful hearts
That we may see our lost estate and seek escape before too late.
To those who help in Christ have found and would in works of love abound
It shows what deeds are his delight and should be done as good and right.
When men the offered help disdain and wilfully in sin remain,
Its terror in their ear resounds and keeps their wickedness in bounds.
The law is good; but since the fall its holiness condemns us all;
It dooms us for our sin to die and has no pow'r to justify.
To Jesus we for refuge flee, who from the curse has set us free,
And humbly worship at his throne, saved by his grace through faith alone.
Friday, September 19, 2003
Interview Questions III
Nicola:
1. With all the time you've spent in the States, have you considered taking up residency here?
2. What is the most strange thing (to you) that Americans do?
3. Tea or coffee? Why?
4. What do you want to be when you grow up?
5. When are you going to start blogging?
Phil:
1. When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?
2. If you could pick just one part of your experience in East Asia, what do you think changed you the most?
3. What was your favorite non-academic thing about Rice?
4. If you had to live in the states, where would you live?
5. What Caedmon's Call song is your all-time, absolute favorite?
6. Are you nervous about UT Football coming to Rice this weekend? You are, aren't you ... just admit it. Really, it's okay. [Ed. note: this question is offered in jest, by me, Mike. Phil gets six questions because he visited us in Austin and treated us at Kirby Lane, though I was going to pay for it. So, in return, we gave him an extra question. Although, it should be noted that right now in the college football world, only schools which value education more than sports, fear Mack Brown's Softhorns.
Rick:
1. What is your all-time favorite thing about Rachel?
2. If you had to choose a seminary today, where would you go?
3. What is the coolest thing about teaching at Whitworth?
4. If you got offered a full-time job as a cantor in a ECLA church, would you take it?
5. What would your ideal liturgy look like for a Sunday morning?
Michael:
1. How did you get to be reformed?
2. What is your occupation?
3. Why stay in California?
4. What do you hope you will accomplish in the next five years?
5. Harry Potter: are you willing to get them from the library and read them? (more of a challenge than a question!)
1. With all the time you've spent in the States, have you considered taking up residency here?
2. What is the most strange thing (to you) that Americans do?
3. Tea or coffee? Why?
4. What do you want to be when you grow up?
5. When are you going to start blogging?
Phil:
1. When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?
2. If you could pick just one part of your experience in East Asia, what do you think changed you the most?
3. What was your favorite non-academic thing about Rice?
4. If you had to live in the states, where would you live?
5. What Caedmon's Call song is your all-time, absolute favorite?
6. Are you nervous about UT Football coming to Rice this weekend? You are, aren't you ... just admit it. Really, it's okay. [Ed. note: this question is offered in jest, by me, Mike. Phil gets six questions because he visited us in Austin and treated us at Kirby Lane, though I was going to pay for it. So, in return, we gave him an extra question. Although, it should be noted that right now in the college football world, only schools which value education more than sports, fear Mack Brown's Softhorns.
Rick:
1. What is your all-time favorite thing about Rachel?
2. If you had to choose a seminary today, where would you go?
3. What is the coolest thing about teaching at Whitworth?
4. If you got offered a full-time job as a cantor in a ECLA church, would you take it?
5. What would your ideal liturgy look like for a Sunday morning?
Michael:
1. How did you get to be reformed?
2. What is your occupation?
3. Why stay in California?
4. What do you hope you will accomplish in the next five years?
5. Harry Potter: are you willing to get them from the library and read them? (more of a challenge than a question!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
My Soul's Worth
Selling out never looked so good. My soul is worth £74,951. For all you yanks, that's $120,509.89.
Interview Questions II
Shawn:
1. How did you meet your wife, Sarah?
2. What is the most exciting thing about having adult children?
3. What is the most influencial book you read in the last ten years?
4. What 3 sentence practical wisdom would you give to newlyweds?
5. Where do you dream of retiring?
John Owen Butler:
1. What is the most rewarding part of parenting?
2. What is the most rewarding part of pastoring?
3. Should Christians serve in the military?
4. Where do you see yourself in fifteen years?
5. Will you consider reformed matchmaking for all the single bloggers still out there?
Nathan:
1. What is the coolest thing about being married?
2. What have you learned about life since being married?
3. What is you all time favorite work of fiction?
4. What is the hardest thing about teaching?
5. If you could design a math curriculum for elementary through middle school, what would it look like?
1. How did you meet your wife, Sarah?
2. What is the most exciting thing about having adult children?
3. What is the most influencial book you read in the last ten years?
4. What 3 sentence practical wisdom would you give to newlyweds?
5. Where do you dream of retiring?
John Owen Butler:
1. What is the most rewarding part of parenting?
2. What is the most rewarding part of pastoring?
3. Should Christians serve in the military?
4. Where do you see yourself in fifteen years?
5. Will you consider reformed matchmaking for all the single bloggers still out there?
Nathan:
1. What is the coolest thing about being married?
2. What have you learned about life since being married?
3. What is you all time favorite work of fiction?
4. What is the hardest thing about teaching?
5. If you could design a math curriculum for elementary through middle school, what would it look like?
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Regarding Leithart's Against Christianity
For those who have read it, can you evaluate each chapter on their own, or must you wait until you have finished the book? Leithart's style is quite unusual, and each chapter appears, by their title, to be in regards to a separate question.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
Sabbath Reflection
Humbly I adore thee, Verity unseen,
who thy glory hiddest 'neath these shadows mean;
low, to thee surrendered, my whole heart is bowed,
tranced as it beholds thee, shrined within the cloud.
Taste and touch and vision to discern thee fail;
faith, that comes by hearing, pierces through the veil.
I believe whate'er the Son of God hath told;
what the Truth hath spoken, that for truth I hold.
O memorial wondrous of the Lord's own death;
living Bread that givest all thy creatures breath,
grant my spirit ever by thy life may live,
to my taste thy sweetness neverfailing give.
Jesus, whom now hidden, I by faith behold,
what my soul doth long for, that thy word foretold:
face to face thy splendor, I at last shall see,
in the glorious vision, blessed Lord, of thee.
[words by Thomas Aquinas]
who thy glory hiddest 'neath these shadows mean;
low, to thee surrendered, my whole heart is bowed,
tranced as it beholds thee, shrined within the cloud.
Taste and touch and vision to discern thee fail;
faith, that comes by hearing, pierces through the veil.
I believe whate'er the Son of God hath told;
what the Truth hath spoken, that for truth I hold.
O memorial wondrous of the Lord's own death;
living Bread that givest all thy creatures breath,
grant my spirit ever by thy life may live,
to my taste thy sweetness neverfailing give.
Jesus, whom now hidden, I by faith behold,
what my soul doth long for, that thy word foretold:
face to face thy splendor, I at last shall see,
in the glorious vision, blessed Lord, of thee.
[words by Thomas Aquinas]
An Attempt To Become "Unsearchable"
For various reasons including by not limited to: Kristen's teaching job and my currect/future academic career, we've decided to strive to make our website "unsearchable". We still want our friends and readers to visit our site; however, we want to prevent angry parents or other such people from finding our website by Google or other seach engines.
One way to do this is by putting a "robots.txt" file on your computer. It is very handy; however, Google's robot scans a site about every six to eight weeks, so it'll take a little while to activate. Even the internet archive respected by robots.txt file.
One way to do this is by putting a "robots.txt" file on your computer. It is very handy; however, Google's robot scans a site about every six to eight weeks, so it'll take a little while to activate. Even the internet archive respected by robots.txt file.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Interview Questions I
Valerie:
1. If you had to pick one character trait you wished you had, but feel like you don't what would you choose?
2. What literary character do you have the biggest crush on?
3. What scares you the most about starting college?
4. Where is one place would you like to travel that you haven't been before?
5. Imagine yourself 20 years from now and single. What do you think you'd be doing?
Jessie:
1. If you had a million dollars, and had to spend it in a week, what would you do with it?
2. Who do you most admire and why?
3. If you had to move out of the South/Texas, where could you imagine yourself being comfortable?
4. What's the coolest thing about being an aunt?
5. If you could never wear another t-shirt as long as you lived, what would your wardrobe look like?
Joy:
1. What did you learn the most from your undergraduate years?
2. If you could look back on your whole life at age 80 and name your greatest accomplishment, what do you hope that you would say?
3. SC and IL: what are the benefits of each?
4. What attracts you to classical Christian education?
5. What is your all-time top ten list of books?
1. If you had to pick one character trait you wished you had, but feel like you don't what would you choose?
2. What literary character do you have the biggest crush on?
3. What scares you the most about starting college?
4. Where is one place would you like to travel that you haven't been before?
5. Imagine yourself 20 years from now and single. What do you think you'd be doing?
Jessie:
1. If you had a million dollars, and had to spend it in a week, what would you do with it?
2. Who do you most admire and why?
3. If you had to move out of the South/Texas, where could you imagine yourself being comfortable?
4. What's the coolest thing about being an aunt?
5. If you could never wear another t-shirt as long as you lived, what would your wardrobe look like?
Joy:
1. What did you learn the most from your undergraduate years?
2. If you could look back on your whole life at age 80 and name your greatest accomplishment, what do you hope that you would say?
3. SC and IL: what are the benefits of each?
4. What attracts you to classical Christian education?
5. What is your all-time top ten list of books?
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Interview Questions from Christin
1. When and where did you meet each other and what was the most important thing you learned from having a long-distance relationship? We met each other at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport October 26th when Kristen was on her way home from being maid of honor in a wedding in Phoenix. It really started when Mike read an article Kristen had wrote for Razormouth about the importance of taking communion weekly and emailed her. He asked several questions and included his IM. She IMed him some answers. We figured out we knew people in common, and became friends after that. Then the airport and the Advance and that's history. Being in a long distance relationship helped us to learn how to communicate, specifically learning to value being honest about how we feel. It's easy to mask disappointment or anger on the phone, but it's important to deal with it and move on. [MIKE -- Before I met Kristen, being far away and communicating by phone helped me to fall in love with her as a person, so now I don't worry that I just married her because she's hot.]
2. What is your favorite thing about living in Texas and what do you miss the most about your home state? Hands down, Blue Bell Ice Cream [MIKE -- and good football.] Mike misses the Pacific. Kristen misses the weather and the people, as well as the sweet tea.
3. Do you play any musical instuments? If so, which ones and if not, what do you wish you could play? Mike does not. Kristen plays guitar mediocrely and took many years of piano lessons once upon a time.
4. If you could go back in time to any era of history, when and where would it be? The 1950s in England. Modern conveniences, cool accents and less hustle and bustle than today.
5. What do y'all hope to be doing 20 years from now? Preparing our children to lead godly lives. Mike teaching and being generally scholarly and Kristen either at home or teaching elementary school again.
::If you would like to participate too, here are your instructions:
1. Leave me a comment saying "interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions (not the same as you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
And the cycle continues, on and on and on::
2. What is your favorite thing about living in Texas and what do you miss the most about your home state? Hands down, Blue Bell Ice Cream [MIKE -- and good football.] Mike misses the Pacific. Kristen misses the weather and the people, as well as the sweet tea.
3. Do you play any musical instuments? If so, which ones and if not, what do you wish you could play? Mike does not. Kristen plays guitar mediocrely and took many years of piano lessons once upon a time.
4. If you could go back in time to any era of history, when and where would it be? The 1950s in England. Modern conveniences, cool accents and less hustle and bustle than today.
5. What do y'all hope to be doing 20 years from now? Preparing our children to lead godly lives. Mike teaching and being generally scholarly and Kristen either at home or teaching elementary school again.
::If you would like to participate too, here are your instructions:
1. Leave me a comment saying "interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions (not the same as you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
And the cycle continues, on and on and on::
Why We Will NOT Use BN.com Again
We ordered four books: The Princess and the Goblin, the Great Brain, and 2 copies of Against Christianity. It was supposed to have shipped on the 6 Sept., and arrive two days later as we payed $15 for 2-day shipping. Ho-hum, needless to say, the books haven't arrived.
I called customer service today, to ask, "What's UP!!??" Apparently, our order was "filled" on the sixth, but there wasn't anything marked in the inventory for "The Great Brain". The lady tried to explain this to me, but I still didn't understand. Somehow, our order was filled, but it wasn't.
The lady then said that she would separate the order, have Against Christianity and Princess shipped ASAP, and have the Great Brain shipped ASAP when they can get it. She also waved my $15 shipping charge.
However, I'm still a little peeved and will probably call back and talk with the supervisor. Grr ...
I called customer service today, to ask, "What's UP!!??" Apparently, our order was "filled" on the sixth, but there wasn't anything marked in the inventory for "The Great Brain". The lady tried to explain this to me, but I still didn't understand. Somehow, our order was filled, but it wasn't.
The lady then said that she would separate the order, have Against Christianity and Princess shipped ASAP, and have the Great Brain shipped ASAP when they can get it. She also waved my $15 shipping charge.
However, I'm still a little peeved and will probably call back and talk with the supervisor. Grr ...
Oh boy!
Blogger also lets you email your posts to an email address. If that happens to be a yahoo!groups, then you create an email list ... this could be very cool. Much potential.
Oh yeah, I just checked it and it works. Maybe some of us could get together ... create a very hush-hush group ... have our blogs email there ... and get all our updates in one spot. Oh yeah ... very cool.
For right now, if you want to receive our posts to your email box, send an email to: mikeandkristenstewart-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Oh yeah, I just checked it and it works. Maybe some of us could get together ... create a very hush-hush group ... have our blogs email there ... and get all our updates in one spot. Oh yeah ... very cool.
For right now, if you want to receive our posts to your email box, send an email to: mikeandkristenstewart-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
New Fun Stuff From Blogger
Oh, yeah. Blogger gave us non-Pro users most of the free stuff from Blogger Pro. Gotta luv it!
Okay, maybe I'll be a little more specific. To make titles, I've always used some form of html code. Well now, Blogger gave me a title box on my template, I code the correct title code into the template, and tada!, I don't have to mess with html code. That makes my blog item box very much like a what-you-see-is-what-you-get. That's a little easier ...
Okay, maybe I'll be a little more specific. To make titles, I've always used some form of html code. Well now, Blogger gave me a title box on my template, I code the correct title code into the template, and tada!, I don't have to mess with html code. That makes my blog item box very much like a what-you-see-is-what-you-get. That's a little easier ...
OH BLAST!!
So, it appears that all my efforts last weekend in uploading the wedding photos were in vain. I went to access one of the photos, and nothing happened, another and another, all the same. Any guesses at what I'll be doing this weekend?
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Teaching Update
I really enjoy teaching. Third and fourth graders are still somewhat sweet, which helps. I already have 13 drawings that they did for me. It's just so cool to read to them from a history book about the Indians of the Pacific Northwest and then ask them to write a journal entry from the perspective of a Native American in that culture and then to look through them and realize they got the concepts I wanted them to learn. I really like the Charlotte Mason approach of our school which allows me to be very flexible with the students. I don't even mind the silly Saxon math scripts. On my birthday, the whole school sang "Happy Birthday" to me, the children made me hats and crowns to wear and one of the classroom mothers who is past her due date (and therefore extremely pregnant) baked me a spice cake! Oh... and for no reason at all, my students bring me apples and pumpkin bread. How cool is that?
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Monday, September 08, 2003
Paper Topic?
I have an idea for a new paper, if I could ever find time. It would be entitled, "Getting Past the Porn Filter: Linguistic Genius in Mass Emails". It would study all the subject lines for the new wave of porn emails being sent out. What is a proper substitute for "girls" or "nude" or something along those lines. I'm sure it would be wildy hilarious to write ... and may even help filter designers.
Prayer Request
Dr. Grant is headed to Iraq, please keep him in your prayers. He wrote to our congregation in Austin:
We will visit the schools in Dahuk, Mosul, and Sulymania. We then go to Kirkuk for a very historic pastor's conference. That is when we are expecting the greatest danger. The big prayer requests are safety during the travel -- if we are able to get direct air service we are in the best shape. Driving is the most dangereous way to go -- so, we are praying we won't have to drive across the desert. Then getting out may be a bit hairy, too. Our plan is to fly back to Amman then on to the US the next day. I hope to teach at church the next morning! We've got a prayer vigil going here the entire time we're away ...Dr. Grant is a fine christian man. He filled in our pulpit this summer, while I was away in California, which helped our church tremendously. Let us join the prayer vigil with our own prayers.
Sunday, September 07, 2003
Sabbath Reflection
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o'er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o'er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
'Tis an ocean full of blessing, 'tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, 'tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o'er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o'er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
'Tis an ocean full of blessing, 'tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, 'tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!
Friday, September 05, 2003
The Most Important Item: So Read This First
Happy Birthday Kristen!!
Kristen!! It's your Birthday!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Kristen!!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!
Kristen!! It's your Birthday!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Kristen!!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!
Thesis info
I'm looking at Christianity in late Roman North Africa, particularly at the Donatist controversy. I don't know where I'm going with it, but I was encouraged that my thesis advisor said that she didn't expect original research out of me. I'm to develop research skills and learn a particular area really well. The first book on my list is Walter Bauer's, "Orthodoxy and Heresy In Early Christianity." I'm doing an annotated bibliography as I read the books, so I'll post what I write about the different sections, as I get through them.
Classes This Semester
MWF 10-11: Erotic Latin Elegy -- Good professor, terrible content. I know erotic elegy is an important latin genre. I know that I'll have to read it for my PhD. But frankly, I got my file of erotic literature reading, "Daphnis and Chloe" and Catullus last semester.
MWF 11-12: Pauline Epistles -- Good professor as well. Good content. We're only reading the "undisputed, authentic" letters this semester, since that translates into less work, I'm not bickering.
MWF 12-1: Latin Grammer, Prose, Composition: Great professor, Dr. Ebbeler, my thesis advisor. She rocks and around Christmas time, I'll be prosin' and composin' Latin like no-buddies bid-ness.
MWF 2-3: Intro to Late Antiquity: Great professor, Ebbeler again, pretty easy lecture class. On the topic of my thesis makes it especially nice.
MW 3-4:30: Fencing -- this class rocks, though it is initially making me very sore. We use some of the same warm-up exercises from football, so I'm home again. Then, we pummel each other with long, steel, objects .... and the university then gives me course credit for it.
MWF 11-12: Pauline Epistles -- Good professor as well. Good content. We're only reading the "undisputed, authentic" letters this semester, since that translates into less work, I'm not bickering.
MWF 12-1: Latin Grammer, Prose, Composition: Great professor, Dr. Ebbeler, my thesis advisor. She rocks and around Christmas time, I'll be prosin' and composin' Latin like no-buddies bid-ness.
MWF 2-3: Intro to Late Antiquity: Great professor, Ebbeler again, pretty easy lecture class. On the topic of my thesis makes it especially nice.
MW 3-4:30: Fencing -- this class rocks, though it is initially making me very sore. We use some of the same warm-up exercises from football, so I'm home again. Then, we pummel each other with long, steel, objects .... and the university then gives me course credit for it.
Why You Should Never Become A Texan
Tuesday morning, Kristen and I were up early. We thought one of our ministers was beginning a study on Leithart's new book, Against Christianity, that morning, but he wasn't. So, we were at the church at 7am with nothing to do. We decided that we would go ahead and drive to DPS (dept. of public safety) early and wait for it to open, as we had to get our new driver's license.
We arrive wicked early and are among the very first to enter the door. My number was 004, her's 005. Needless to say, I was done first and was waiting in the lobby for my lovely bride to finish, when allofasudden two DPS officers -- one rather large, another slim and lengthy -- approached me.
"Excuse me, Mr. Stewart, can I ask the nature of your business here today," said the rather large one.
"My wife and I are getting our driver's license," I replied.
"Mr. Stewart, we're going to ask you to come to the back with us."
"Um, okay," as I'm becoming greatly worried. The officers escort me through the lobby -- all eyes on me, of course -- past all the counters -- including Kristen's, where she's trying to take her picture -- and sit me down in the back, still in view of everyone standing at about half of the counters.
"When was the last time you were in Chicago?"
"Um, about 2-1/2 years ago, Thanksgiving."
"And what were you doing there."
"Visiting some friends, for Thanksgiving." At this point, the officers aren't really paying attention to me, but gazing intently at a document they now hold in their hand. They ask me for my driver's license; I hand them the little slip of paper that's supposed to be my "driver's license" and inform them that the lovely lady at window 11 has my old California ID, I also surrender my Social Security Card, considering this moment not to be the best time to lecture them on personal liberties and freedoms.
"Did you ever shoplift while in Chicago."
"No, sir."
"It's not him," the slender guy says to his more muscular counterpart. He goes to the edge of the open space that was supposed to be the "back room", greets Kristen, informs here that they suspected me of shoplifting in Chicago, but I'm probably the wrong guy.
His more muscular counterpart, however, wasn't convinced. He continued to look at his document and mine, hoping that perhaps some piece of information would change with time and I would suddently become guilty. Then, after about five minutes, he throws my information back at me and growls,
"You can go."
I then learned that some guy with my first and last name and birthdate, had a warrant in Chicago. The slender guy figured out by the fact that my middle name, social, and entire appearance were off, I must not be the right guy.
Shesh, let this be a warning to you, Wayne Olson, DPS doesn't like good California boys moving to Texas.
We arrive wicked early and are among the very first to enter the door. My number was 004, her's 005. Needless to say, I was done first and was waiting in the lobby for my lovely bride to finish, when allofasudden two DPS officers -- one rather large, another slim and lengthy -- approached me.
"Excuse me, Mr. Stewart, can I ask the nature of your business here today," said the rather large one.
"My wife and I are getting our driver's license," I replied.
"Mr. Stewart, we're going to ask you to come to the back with us."
"Um, okay," as I'm becoming greatly worried. The officers escort me through the lobby -- all eyes on me, of course -- past all the counters -- including Kristen's, where she's trying to take her picture -- and sit me down in the back, still in view of everyone standing at about half of the counters.
"When was the last time you were in Chicago?"
"Um, about 2-1/2 years ago, Thanksgiving."
"And what were you doing there."
"Visiting some friends, for Thanksgiving." At this point, the officers aren't really paying attention to me, but gazing intently at a document they now hold in their hand. They ask me for my driver's license; I hand them the little slip of paper that's supposed to be my "driver's license" and inform them that the lovely lady at window 11 has my old California ID, I also surrender my Social Security Card, considering this moment not to be the best time to lecture them on personal liberties and freedoms.
"Did you ever shoplift while in Chicago."
"No, sir."
"It's not him," the slender guy says to his more muscular counterpart. He goes to the edge of the open space that was supposed to be the "back room", greets Kristen, informs here that they suspected me of shoplifting in Chicago, but I'm probably the wrong guy.
His more muscular counterpart, however, wasn't convinced. He continued to look at his document and mine, hoping that perhaps some piece of information would change with time and I would suddently become guilty. Then, after about five minutes, he throws my information back at me and growls,
"You can go."
I then learned that some guy with my first and last name and birthdate, had a warrant in Chicago. The slender guy figured out by the fact that my middle name, social, and entire appearance were off, I must not be the right guy.
Shesh, let this be a warning to you, Wayne Olson, DPS doesn't like good California boys moving to Texas.
First Day of School
Overall, my first day of school went really well. I earned the best "my first day of teaching" story the first hour of school, when one of my precious students threw up all over me. Luckily, we live less than a mile from school and my principal had the compassion and good sense to let me go home and change! Teaching is exhausting. I came home at 5, cooked dinner [angel hair with homemade pesto and corn on the cob], Mike came home, we ate, Mike started to clean up, I laid down on the couch and then suddenly I woke up and it was 10:15. Oops.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
New Blog
Mark Goodacre, a lecturer in NT at the University of Birmingham, has been running the NTGateway for some time. Now, he's joined the bandwagon and creted the NT Gateway Weblog. It looks to be interesting.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Domesticity Report
I decided that in order to motivate myself to do better in areas of household management, I would assess myself every 2 weeks and let everyone know how I am doing.
Cooking: A. Mike is very happy. We eat healthy and yummy with a good deal of diversity. I really love to cook, which helps.
Cleaning: D+. I don't like to clean, and busyness is my excuse for doing unsatifactorily in that department. I really need to clean everything, every week. Mike even helps out by taking care of the regular kitchen cleanup most of the time and I can't handle the rest. Cleaning needs major improvement.
X-Factors: F. This is the category where I pick out random obnoxious things I do and try to improve on them. This time around, it's cover stealing and yawning with my mouth open.
Any suggestions that do not involve getting 40 Flylady emails a day would be received warmly in comments :o)
Cooking: A. Mike is very happy. We eat healthy and yummy with a good deal of diversity. I really love to cook, which helps.
Cleaning: D+. I don't like to clean, and busyness is my excuse for doing unsatifactorily in that department. I really need to clean everything, every week. Mike even helps out by taking care of the regular kitchen cleanup most of the time and I can't handle the rest. Cleaning needs major improvement.
X-Factors: F. This is the category where I pick out random obnoxious things I do and try to improve on them. This time around, it's cover stealing and yawning with my mouth open.
Any suggestions that do not involve getting 40 Flylady emails a day would be received warmly in comments :o)
Monday, September 01, 2003
Still Addressing the Problems
I noticed in my blogger template that I left the anchor tag for the permalinks open. This may have caused some issues with the color, I really don't know. Let me know if it has gotten any better for those with color issues.
I haven't got pictures or other images uploaded yet. Kristen and I want to put a row of books across the top, but we're trying to find time to work on it.
Addressing the Problems ... Slowly
Okay, I've tried to create more space inbetween the columns. This should fix Wayne's trouble on Mozilla/Netscape. Is this the case? Is it too wide? or narrow?
As for the others where the CSS doesn't show (Macs only?), what do you see? Pieter it is still the same for you? Nathan, what does it look like to you? Emailing me jpg files of your screen shot is cool.
As for the others where the CSS doesn't show (Macs only?), what do you see? Pieter it is still the same for you? Nathan, what does it look like to you? Emailing me jpg files of your screen shot is cool.