Note: I think *I* wrote this about a month ago and saved it as a draft for some reason...I say I think, because I really don't even remember writing it. That's how awful my memory is. But I agree with it...um, so, I'll take credit until someone else steps up and says otherwise. HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
The situation in Haiti is sad. I don't have to tell you that.
But arguments are being made by some about the amount of money that the government is giving to the country. The amount of outpouring from our citizens. Why not to ourselves? We have homeless, we have hungry, we have orphans, etc. Superficially, it could be easy to agree...but the homeless here are better off than the homeless in Haiti. The water here, even from a random building tap, is likely safer than anything available in Haiti. The orphans here...well, I won't get into a judgment of America's foster system because a lot is wrong...but just as much is right. That option doesn't exist in Haiti. The hungry? Again, a half eaten sandwich can be found in a trash can here, that probably would not kill a homeless person. In Haiti, I doubt those are anywhere to be found.
And not too long ago, we did this for Katrina...our people. So I don't think its as much a view of "where" but "what". The level of catastrophe and helplessness.
But maybe this is a good time for us to reevaluate the level of catastrophe in our own country.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tebow // Haiti (unrelated) // spoken language
Ok, I don't have time to 'really' blog, but these are a few things I just realllllly wanna get out. These will be short thoughts...
Haiti was/is a tragedy. Absolutely. I have no issue with fundraising and helping, etc. But before you send ten dollars via text from your couch because Ryan Seacrest told you too, maybe give five or ten dollars to that homeless shelter (not person, shelter) you pass on the way to work or the gym. One of my original thoughts was about the orphans, and why not adopt here in America, but I thought more about that...
despite the sometimes atrocious aspects of America's foster care system, any orphan here in America is better off than 90% of the orphans in other countries (especially Haiti right now). When you're talking about an orphan who is laying outside on a blanket on the concrete because their building isn't safe to enter, then you're probably also talking about a lack of food and drinking water...oh and any other building to enter because they were all destroyed. For the most part in America, orphans are cared for. Anywho...so that's that. And notice, I'm not saying don't give to Haiti, but if you all the sudden become a giver, give in your community as well. Five dollars helps just as much there as ten dollars will help in Haiti. And notice I AM saying, adopt from Haiti :)
Oh and as for the folks who were criticizing the cruise ships for still porting in Haiti: a) boost economy at least a smidge b) don't punish yourself for others hardships c) maybe consider nixing that cool jungle tour you were going to do at the next port and give that fifty bucks to a relief fund (then come back and give five to a homeless mission).
Next. Tim Tebow. sigh. the golden child. He finishes his college career and looks around at how to be in the public eye next and chooses to be in a commercial about one of the most controversial issues between Christians and non-Christians.
If you want to share your faith, share Christ, not 'law'. When someone who is pro-choice hears that he is pro-life, they'll stop listening. They aren't going to stick around to hear about 'why' Tebow's is pro-life...the conversation has ended before it has a chance to start. This PR move will alienate half of America (that is *not* an official statistic).
Deaf kid CAN speak. clearly. and well. and at an age appropriate or HIGHER level.
www.agbell.org
Haiti was/is a tragedy. Absolutely. I have no issue with fundraising and helping, etc. But before you send ten dollars via text from your couch because Ryan Seacrest told you too, maybe give five or ten dollars to that homeless shelter (not person, shelter) you pass on the way to work or the gym. One of my original thoughts was about the orphans, and why not adopt here in America, but I thought more about that...
despite the sometimes atrocious aspects of America's foster care system, any orphan here in America is better off than 90% of the orphans in other countries (especially Haiti right now). When you're talking about an orphan who is laying outside on a blanket on the concrete because their building isn't safe to enter, then you're probably also talking about a lack of food and drinking water...oh and any other building to enter because they were all destroyed. For the most part in America, orphans are cared for. Anywho...so that's that. And notice, I'm not saying don't give to Haiti, but if you all the sudden become a giver, give in your community as well. Five dollars helps just as much there as ten dollars will help in Haiti. And notice I AM saying, adopt from Haiti :)
Oh and as for the folks who were criticizing the cruise ships for still porting in Haiti: a) boost economy at least a smidge b) don't punish yourself for others hardships c) maybe consider nixing that cool jungle tour you were going to do at the next port and give that fifty bucks to a relief fund (then come back and give five to a homeless mission).
Next. Tim Tebow. sigh. the golden child. He finishes his college career and looks around at how to be in the public eye next and chooses to be in a commercial about one of the most controversial issues between Christians and non-Christians.
If you want to share your faith, share Christ, not 'law'. When someone who is pro-choice hears that he is pro-life, they'll stop listening. They aren't going to stick around to hear about 'why' Tebow's is pro-life...the conversation has ended before it has a chance to start. This PR move will alienate half of America (that is *not* an official statistic).
Deaf kid CAN speak. clearly. and well. and at an age appropriate or HIGHER level.
www.agbell.org
Monday, January 18, 2010
Blessings!
A few weeks ago, Holmes and I decided to start visiting some other churches in our area. We love the people at Southside, but it just wasn't the place for us. The first place we tried is literally across the street.
So far, so good. We had a seat and a couple people came by and introduced themselves...small talk, everyone was very nice. We really enjoyed the music (which could stand to be turned up a smidge) and the pastor was fantastic. He was engaging and funny. The sermon was on something I had never heard before. When you've been going to church for 29 years, this is unusual. But its also part of what I look for. Church is for community, but Church is also for learning. Blessedly, I already know that Jesus loved me and died for my sins and through His grace and love, I will receive God's kingdom. I don't dislike hearing about it. But some Sundays, when its early and I'm sleepy, you gotta give me more.
Oh, the other interesting thing the pastor taught us was that the 10 Commandments did not encompass the law. There were SIX HUNDRED and THIRTY-NINE laws! This morning as I opened up the browser to the "Our Daily Bread" to read today's devotional and the verse is Leviticus 19:18. A LIST OF LAWS! HAAAA! Maybe not funny to you, but me and God had a little chuckle together!
Its a small church plant held in an elementary school auditorium. We even walked there (side note: I love the idea of a walking distance community...so this really excites me) in the rain! I think Holmes was most excited for a chance to wear his new Bean boots (Thanks Mom and Alan!). Anyways, we walked in and were *not* attacked by syrupy sweet greeters. Simple head nods, genuine smiles and good mornings.
So far, so good. We had a seat and a couple people came by and introduced themselves...small talk, everyone was very nice. We really enjoyed the music (which could stand to be turned up a smidge) and the pastor was fantastic. He was engaging and funny. The sermon was on something I had never heard before. When you've been going to church for 29 years, this is unusual. But its also part of what I look for. Church is for community, but Church is also for learning. Blessedly, I already know that Jesus loved me and died for my sins and through His grace and love, I will receive God's kingdom. I don't dislike hearing about it. But some Sundays, when its early and I'm sleepy, you gotta give me more.
This Church did! The sermon was about how God sent the law to the old testament people to condemn them. He *knew* they would never EVER be able to hold themselves accountable to it. This was His "in". Now the people would see just how desperately they needed Jesus. I hope that's a good summary, the guy did speak for 45 minutes yesterday...so I'm not sure I've done it justice in two sentences...
Anyways...all that to say, we loved the new church.
Oh, the other interesting thing the pastor taught us was that the 10 Commandments did not encompass the law. There were SIX HUNDRED and THIRTY-NINE laws! This morning as I opened up the browser to the "Our Daily Bread" to read today's devotional and the verse is Leviticus 19:18. A LIST OF LAWS! HAAAA! Maybe not funny to you, but me and God had a little chuckle together!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Back to Busy
I've always been the type who learns best in a 'trial by fire' situation...and I love being busy. I'm most productive, balanced, and happy when I'm busy.
After a FOUR WEEK BREAK, (side note: four week breaks are unnecessary. This extended amount of time just throws life completely off-kilter. That is not to say that I didn't *enjoy* that break, but man, it was long) I started back to school on Monday with a 9am evaluation in Cumberland. It went really well. I LOVE giving evals. If I could just be a diagnostic SLP, I think I'd be cool with that...I like the challenge of keeping a kid on target through some really boring tasks and activities. That took about two hours, then I headed to campus to start writing the report and learn another new eval to give the next day. I'm getting better at report writing...which bodes well for the diagnostician idea. I was on campus that night until 9. First day back = 12 hours plus 2 hours of driving. Thrown in the deep water. And I loved it.
Friday, I got to attend a meeting my good friend Christine and her volunteer team with Hearing House had planned with the Cochlear reps. It was so great to see DeeDee and Laura. It REALLY made me miss that job. I was good at it..and it was so fun. On the other side of the table, being with Christine and hearing about all her work, made me miss serving kids directly. I'm not gonna lie, I got a smidgen depressed. Obviously, I adore being in school. But man do I miss working. I'm so blessed to be able to do something in a field that I'm mega passionate about...and its a bit sad to be so disconnected from it right now.
Allagash Black is one of my absolute favorite beers. Great in a bottle, better from a tap...I could only imagine what it would be like mega fresh and served at the perfect temperature. What I haven't mentioned yet is that we are in crazy budget crunch. That lack of unemployment income and no more graduate assistantship finally caught up with us. We cut back cable and put the gym on freeze. We are by no means in financial trouble, but we are trying to be smart. And going out to a bar at the end of a $75 in gas costs week is not too smart.
So we go. For "just one" we promise each other. HA. It was heaven in a glass. And as usual, the company was great and we were having a blast. So we have "just one more". Then some friends call to invite us to dinner and we figure oh, what the h, let's just stay. So our friends join us for dinner...on them! Seriously, we have great friends. Anyways...we had a blast. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband...we have so much in common, I feel like it might be a bit unusual.
Now I'm back at it. Reading about the syntax of adolescents. Surprisingly, its not that boring...
I'd like to keep the running at about 20 miles a week, but we'll see. No speedwork in forever, haven't had time for yoga. So I'm a bit out of shape, but I think the distance is still in me.
So this past week should've been a great week...and it was!
After a FOUR WEEK BREAK, (side note: four week breaks are unnecessary. This extended amount of time just throws life completely off-kilter. That is not to say that I didn't *enjoy* that break, but man, it was long) I started back to school on Monday with a 9am evaluation in Cumberland. It went really well. I LOVE giving evals. If I could just be a diagnostic SLP, I think I'd be cool with that...I like the challenge of keeping a kid on target through some really boring tasks and activities. That took about two hours, then I headed to campus to start writing the report and learn another new eval to give the next day. I'm getting better at report writing...which bodes well for the diagnostician idea. I was on campus that night until 9. First day back = 12 hours plus 2 hours of driving. Thrown in the deep water. And I loved it.
Tuesday was similar, run/eval/observation/report/class. Wednesday was a little more normal, a new client (and another eval) in the am and my old client group in the afternoon. Thursday was really nice...nothing all day, I finished up those reports, read some chapters for classes and got about 85 things done (including four loads of laundry, dishes and a five mile run). Class that night ended early and I was home before ten!
Friday, I got to attend a meeting my good friend Christine and her volunteer team with Hearing House had planned with the Cochlear reps. It was so great to see DeeDee and Laura. It REALLY made me miss that job. I was good at it..and it was so fun. On the other side of the table, being with Christine and hearing about all her work, made me miss serving kids directly. I'm not gonna lie, I got a smidgen depressed. Obviously, I adore being in school. But man do I miss working. I'm so blessed to be able to do something in a field that I'm mega passionate about...and its a bit sad to be so disconnected from it right now.
So after coming home from that and reading about syntax and why all the black kids sit together in the cafeteria (interesting book, but that's for another blog), I started to REALLY bum myself out. Then I see it. Capital Ale House Midlothian posts on their facebook page "Firkin Friday-we hear it might Allagash Black".
Allagash Black is one of my absolute favorite beers. Great in a bottle, better from a tap...I could only imagine what it would be like mega fresh and served at the perfect temperature. What I haven't mentioned yet is that we are in crazy budget crunch. That lack of unemployment income and no more graduate assistantship finally caught up with us. We cut back cable and put the gym on freeze. We are by no means in financial trouble, but we are trying to be smart. And going out to a bar at the end of a $75 in gas costs week is not too smart.
But it's Allagash Black. served at 55 degrees. from a cute little mini-keg thing. at our favorite bar. where we could see our friend Katie. ok, so you see where I'm going with this.
So we go. For "just one" we promise each other. HA. It was heaven in a glass. And as usual, the company was great and we were having a blast. So we have "just one more". Then some friends call to invite us to dinner and we figure oh, what the h, let's just stay. So our friends join us for dinner...on them! Seriously, we have great friends. Anyways...we had a blast. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband...we have so much in common, I feel like it might be a bit unusual.
Now I'm back at it. Reading about the syntax of adolescents. Surprisingly, its not that boring...
So this semester is back in full swing already...but I feel like I have a better grasp on how to balance it all. Here's what it will look like: Mondays - Motor Speech Disorders 1-2:50, Feeding and Swallowing 6-9. Tuesdays - RTI 11:00-12:30, Public School Methods in a Diverse Society 6-9. Wednesdays - artic/lang client 10-11, phonological awareness clients 4-5. Thursdays RTI 11-12:30, Language Disorders in the School Age Population 6-9. "off" Fridays. RTI doesn't start for a few weeks. Somewhere in there, I'll also (hopefully) be seeing a 2 month old with Down Syndrome. I'm also prepping for the Virginia Graduate Research Forum in February, then preparing to teach an undergrad class about communication impairments in April.
I'd like to keep the running at about 20 miles a week, but we'll see. No speedwork in forever, haven't had time for yoga. So I'm a bit out of shape, but I think the distance is still in me.
That's enough procrastination for today...I'm gonna keep up the productive streak...
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