Most of the time I have something to write about when I come over here.Today I have nothing to write about. So I decided to try free associating and see if I come up with anything amusing. If not I'll stop soon before you fall asleep on your keyboard.
So, let's see. We ate the last of our corn last night with some yummy New York Strip Steaks that I managed not to burn, which we ate while watching Kathy Griffin's "D-List" DVR'd from Tuesday. We also finished the last of the peach pie last night, and tonight we finished off the last of the peaches for one more blender-full of Peach Whizzing. So I am now cornless and peachless. Unless Kim comes over, which would be fine since I do have plenty of Vodka.
This morning I went to Menards with Suzie to buy carpet for the nursery at church. We were going to go to several stores, but if I start at Menards I usually find what I want and don't have to keep searching. And sure enough we found what we wanted -- and not a boring brown or grey berber, but something stripey. And kind of pretty. And best of all it was half the price of the boring brown and grey berbers. So Matthew will pick it up tomorrow and install it next week and then hopefully the nursery will be done.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Oh sorry. After we got the carpet Suzie and I were abducted by aliens in the Menard's parking lot, but they were friendly and did not probe us and ended up serving us a delicious lunch onboard their ship and then they let us go. Is that better?
Yeah okay, so this free associating experiment didn't go so well. I'll try to better next time. In the meantime, enjoy the music.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Territorial Integrity
That's the name of my new rock band, and our first album title is: Giving More Love to Myself. We'll be on the road soon. Check us out. See my friend Kim's blog for a complete explanation.
Anyway -- we ate the last of our fresh, Illinois corn-on-the-cob tonight. I can't believe it's all gone! And we each only ate 1 ear tonight. Last night Bob ate 2 and I ate 1. Prior to that we each ate 2 apiece. Yeah, we had a lot of corn. But we still have a few peaches left, enough to either make another small pie, or another batch or two of Peach Whiz's. Whizzes? Whiz'? Yeah, it's an alcoholic drink made with peaches that my parents used to make using peaches from our wonderful old peach tree.
Two things that are funny about that (besides my inability to figure out how to spell Peach Whiz in the plural -- or is it Wiz -- Mom?).
1. My parents were tee-totalers most of their lives. Mom was a good Baptist, and Dad, well he drank when he was younger and for sure when he was in the Navy even though he was underage. But then he met Mom and dried up. Sort of. I seem to recall him having a beer now and then. But not Mom. She never let liquor touch her lips lest she seal her fate (aka eternity in Hell). Anyway, sometime after they switched from Baptist to Presbyterian they realized they would not burn in hell if they drank occasionally... maybe sometime in their 40's? And so because we had all these peaches and one can only eat so much pie, peaches and ice cream, etc. Dad figured out how to blend them with ice, vodka, and frozen lemonade concentrate to make a delicious frozen blended peachy drink.
2. The other funny thing is Bob called Mom yesterday to ask her for the recipe, and bless her heart, she can't remember something I told her last week (though frankly, who am I to judge since I spent most of today, which is Wed., thinking it was Thursday, but I digress) but I'll be damned if she didn't remember the recipe for Peach Whiz/Wiz/Whatever with no hesitation. She told Bob, matter-of-factly, with no hesitation:
1 small can frozen lemonade
3 oz Vodka
2 or 3 sliced peaches, skin on
Blend in blender, then fill with ice, blend some more
Of course we added double the amount of Vodka since, after all, this was the recipe of a former tea-totaler. And YUMMMMMMMMMMM! So now we have to figure out tomorrow what to do with the remaining peaches: Drink 'em or eat 'em?
Talk amongst yourselves while I call Monica to see if she can score some more peaches for us at the Saturday Farmer's Market ...
Anyway -- we ate the last of our fresh, Illinois corn-on-the-cob tonight. I can't believe it's all gone! And we each only ate 1 ear tonight. Last night Bob ate 2 and I ate 1. Prior to that we each ate 2 apiece. Yeah, we had a lot of corn. But we still have a few peaches left, enough to either make another small pie, or another batch or two of Peach Whiz's. Whizzes? Whiz'? Yeah, it's an alcoholic drink made with peaches that my parents used to make using peaches from our wonderful old peach tree.
Two things that are funny about that (besides my inability to figure out how to spell Peach Whiz in the plural -- or is it Wiz -- Mom?).
1. My parents were tee-totalers most of their lives. Mom was a good Baptist, and Dad, well he drank when he was younger and for sure when he was in the Navy even though he was underage. But then he met Mom and dried up. Sort of. I seem to recall him having a beer now and then. But not Mom. She never let liquor touch her lips lest she seal her fate (aka eternity in Hell). Anyway, sometime after they switched from Baptist to Presbyterian they realized they would not burn in hell if they drank occasionally... maybe sometime in their 40's? And so because we had all these peaches and one can only eat so much pie, peaches and ice cream, etc. Dad figured out how to blend them with ice, vodka, and frozen lemonade concentrate to make a delicious frozen blended peachy drink.
2. The other funny thing is Bob called Mom yesterday to ask her for the recipe, and bless her heart, she can't remember something I told her last week (though frankly, who am I to judge since I spent most of today, which is Wed., thinking it was Thursday, but I digress) but I'll be damned if she didn't remember the recipe for Peach Whiz/Wiz/Whatever with no hesitation. She told Bob, matter-of-factly, with no hesitation:
1 small can frozen lemonade
3 oz Vodka
2 or 3 sliced peaches, skin on
Blend in blender, then fill with ice, blend some more
Of course we added double the amount of Vodka since, after all, this was the recipe of a former tea-totaler. And YUMMMMMMMMMMM! So now we have to figure out tomorrow what to do with the remaining peaches: Drink 'em or eat 'em?
Talk amongst yourselves while I call Monica to see if she can score some more peaches for us at the Saturday Farmer's Market ...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Presbyterians
I get to spend the day with them again, today. I'm not sure I'm quite yet over the PTSD of spending 8 days with them in Minneapolis earlier this month, but I have to go to Presbytery to report with the other commissioners on General Assembly. We each get 3 minutes to talk about what happened in the committees we served on. I wish I could yield my 3 minutes to the guy from the Marriage/Civil Union committee, since my committee was so boring and he should get more than 3 minutes to report on that debacle. But since this isn't congress (it just runs like congress) I am pretty sure they won't let me.
So I'm going to leave in about an hour and head to Washington, IL for the meeting, which starts in half an hour. Did I mention I'd be going late to the meeting? They are doing some workshop thing at 10am and I have to go into the office for a bit before heading out, so I'm going to miss the workshop things and get there in time for lunch. We are the last item of business on the agenda so it should be fine.
About the pie -- IT WAS FABULOUS! It looked good and tasted even better, and I still can't quite believe I made one. Granted it was a simple recipe, and I used those Pillsbury already made crusts instead of making one from scratch (since I have no idea how to do that and am not sure where my rolling pin even is). But I did slice the peaches myself, and add an easy flour/sugar/butter crumbly mixture in between the layers of peaches.
Since it did turn out so well (and was so darn easy), I shall now share the recipe with you. Caroline, after you stop weeping over what blasphemy the recipe is, I hope it helps you to know that it was REALLY good!
Place one crust in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. Line the shell with some sliced peaches. Sprinkle some of the butter mixture on top of the peaches, then put more peaches on top of the the crumb mixture. Continue layering until both the peaches and crumbs are gone.
Top with lattice strips of pie crust.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes, or until crust is golden. Allow pie to cool before slicing. Best when eaten warm with some vanilla ice cream.
You're welcome!
Monday, July 26, 2010
I made a peach pie!
So you know from my previous post that I have a plethora of peaches right now. I've eaten some, and Saturday I made this easy crumble dessert thing that wasn't bad. But today, since it's my day off and I had some time, I decided to make a peach pie. My first!
Okay, so yes, I'm about to turn 50, but I have never made a peach pie. And yes, I grew up with a peach tree in my backyard, but never made a peach pie. I've never been much of a baker -- I'm more of a cooker. But I have a jillion peaches that I don't want to rot, and I refuse to "can" them (why do they call it canning when they go into jars, not cans -- shouldn't it be called jarring?) so I decided to try a pie.
Since my go-to baking expert is out of town I googled "easy peach pie recipes" and found one I thought I could manage for my maiden peach pie voyage. Instead of the usual pie-top, I thought I'd try the lattice thing. Which I did. Evidently there is more weaving involved in putting on a lattice-top than I could figure out (or care to do) so it doesn't look like something Martha would feature on her magazine cover, but I bet it'll taste just as good. I'll let you know in my next entry.
Here it is:
Okay, so yes, I'm about to turn 50, but I have never made a peach pie. And yes, I grew up with a peach tree in my backyard, but never made a peach pie. I've never been much of a baker -- I'm more of a cooker. But I have a jillion peaches that I don't want to rot, and I refuse to "can" them (why do they call it canning when they go into jars, not cans -- shouldn't it be called jarring?) so I decided to try a pie.
Since my go-to baking expert is out of town I googled "easy peach pie recipes" and found one I thought I could manage for my maiden peach pie voyage. Instead of the usual pie-top, I thought I'd try the lattice thing. Which I did. Evidently there is more weaving involved in putting on a lattice-top than I could figure out (or care to do) so it doesn't look like something Martha would feature on her magazine cover, but I bet it'll taste just as good. I'll let you know in my next entry.
Here it is:
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| My first peach pie effort! |
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| Bob wants to eat it. NOW! |
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Peaches and Corn
That's what we'll be eating for dinner tonight, and maybe tomorrow, thanks to Monica, who just dropped some off from the Farmer's Market! Bless her, she knows I'm too lazy to go there myself early on a Saturday morning. Especially such an already hot/humid Saturday morning. So she bought them for us and dropped them off.
Growing up we had a peach tree in our backyard, and every summer some of the branches would literally break with the weight of the enormous, juicy peaches she would gift to us. We'd go out back, grab a peach, maybe wash it off, maybe not, and bite into it, peach juice dribbling down our chins and onto our clothes. Fruit of the gods. In fact, I decided if there was a Garden, and if Eve and Adam were tempted to eat a forbidden peach, it was definitely a peach and not an apple.
We'd eat them until we were bursting. They were one of my favorite parts of summer, and an easy childhood memory that jumps to the forefront of my mind every time I smell a peach. I cried when I was older and the tree had given us all she could and had to be taken down. We replaced her with a new one, but she gave up the ghost much too soon, after producing a few small offerings. I guess the shadow under which she was planted was too big to fill. Still, to this day, a peach is not a real peach unless you bite into it, and end up with more of it on your face and clothes than in your stomach.
As for the corn, I fell in love with sweet corn when we moved to Iowa 20+ years ago. I'd had sweet corn before, but not REAL sweet corn. And Iowa has some pretty spectacular sweet corn. So did New Jersey, now that I think of it. Not a California thing tho (but they can lay claim to the best avocados that's for sure). Anyway, Illinois sweet corn is pretty darn good too, and now I have a whole bag of it. Which will join some of the peaches for dinner tonight. With a nice glass of Cabernet.
I can't wait!
Growing up we had a peach tree in our backyard, and every summer some of the branches would literally break with the weight of the enormous, juicy peaches she would gift to us. We'd go out back, grab a peach, maybe wash it off, maybe not, and bite into it, peach juice dribbling down our chins and onto our clothes. Fruit of the gods. In fact, I decided if there was a Garden, and if Eve and Adam were tempted to eat a forbidden peach, it was definitely a peach and not an apple.
We'd eat them until we were bursting. They were one of my favorite parts of summer, and an easy childhood memory that jumps to the forefront of my mind every time I smell a peach. I cried when I was older and the tree had given us all she could and had to be taken down. We replaced her with a new one, but she gave up the ghost much too soon, after producing a few small offerings. I guess the shadow under which she was planted was too big to fill. Still, to this day, a peach is not a real peach unless you bite into it, and end up with more of it on your face and clothes than in your stomach.
As for the corn, I fell in love with sweet corn when we moved to Iowa 20+ years ago. I'd had sweet corn before, but not REAL sweet corn. And Iowa has some pretty spectacular sweet corn. So did New Jersey, now that I think of it. Not a California thing tho (but they can lay claim to the best avocados that's for sure). Anyway, Illinois sweet corn is pretty darn good too, and now I have a whole bag of it. Which will join some of the peaches for dinner tonight. With a nice glass of Cabernet.
I can't wait!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Speaking of my sister ...
I want her to marry Michael Bublé. He's cute, he's a great singer (he's the one singing to you as you read this), and he's probably rich. And then she could be Betsy Bublé, which really has a nice ring to it. The only problem is that he's only 34 (she's "in her 50's") and I believe he's also engaged to some gorgeous blonde Italian woman. But other than that, I think they would be perfect together. Unless he's really short -- does anyone know how tall he is? She's not a giant or anything -- she's a respectable 5'7" or so. Oh who cares if he's short. He's cute, he sings, and did I mention he's Canadian? Betsy loves Canada! See, a perfect match. So if anyone knows Michael Bublé, or someone who knows someone who knows Michael Bublé (six degrees of separation) let me know, and maybe we can make this work.
Her birthday is August 1, so please let me know right away, as I'd like to make this happen as my birthday present to her.
If Michael Bublé does not turn out to be an option, perhaps I can fix her up with my friend Kim's brother, who is also cute. I don't know if he is a great singer, nor am I aware of his bank account. But I do know he's not 34 -- he's a much more mature 39. And he's single. I met him once, at a birthday party for Kim, and as I recall, he is not short. So now all we need to do is distract Kim's mother between now and August 1 and see if he's interested in a fun, beautiful, goddess-loving, adventurous, funny, 50-something woman who lives across the street from the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach.
Then Kim and I could be sisters-in-law, and when she gets the job as the Cubs Manager, we can sit in the family box at the games and shout obscenities in Spanish.
Wow, I think I'm really on to something here.
Her birthday is August 1, so please let me know right away, as I'd like to make this happen as my birthday present to her.
If Michael Bublé does not turn out to be an option, perhaps I can fix her up with my friend Kim's brother, who is also cute. I don't know if he is a great singer, nor am I aware of his bank account. But I do know he's not 34 -- he's a much more mature 39. And he's single. I met him once, at a birthday party for Kim, and as I recall, he is not short. So now all we need to do is distract Kim's mother between now and August 1 and see if he's interested in a fun, beautiful, goddess-loving, adventurous, funny, 50-something woman who lives across the street from the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach.
Then Kim and I could be sisters-in-law, and when she gets the job as the Cubs Manager, we can sit in the family box at the games and shout obscenities in Spanish.
Wow, I think I'm really on to something here.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I can't remember what I wanted to write here
GAH! On my way home from the gym I had an idea about something to blog about this morning, complete with photos and links and everything. But now, after making coffee, eating an egg on toast, and watering my poor hanging flower pots, I have no recollection of what it was. And I know it was gonna be really funny (and well written)! Getting old sucks.
Speaking of getting old, I'll be 50 in (counting on fingers/toes) ...... 21 days (if you count today and count the 11th -- I'm never sure whether to count those days or not). If you don't count today and the 11th, I'll be 50 in 19 days. I am not looking forward to it, even though "they" say 50 is the new 30. I think they said 40 was the new 30 when I turned 40. What's 60 going to be? The new 21? Anyway, I was excited about turning 30 (20 years ago -- GASP) and even was looking forward to turning 40 (I liked saying "I'm in my forties). But 50? I can't think of anything to get excited about 50. Hell I can't even start getting the senior discount at 50 (though I think I may get invited to join AARP).
I AM looking forward to my sister Betsy coming to visit. We haven't seen her in the flesh (we sometimes see her on SKYPE) since May 2008 when we river rafted in Utah. And she hasn't been out here since May 2003. So it'll be fun to have her here for my birthday so she can meet some of my peeps, experience the big damn deck she's heard so much about, and admire Bob's new gardens.
We are getting pedicures together one day -- not sure what else we might do. We were invited by some of my peeps to listen to Zydeco music outdoors at a winery in Champaign one night, which we might do, though I am a bit hesitant because A) Illinois wines suck ass and B) Sitting outside listening to Zydeco music sounds wonderful but not if it's 100 degrees outside. So we'll see about that one.
Other options include pontoonery with some of my peeps, weather permitting. And she is most looking forward to sitting out on the big damn deck drinking wine (California wine, of course, and maybe some Tequilla shots? Someone should get me some Patron for my birthday .... ) talking and laughing with me and Bob. The three of us, when we get together, do a LOT of laughing. We are very funny people, if I do say so myself. We almost fell out of the raft laughing on our river trip a couple of years ago (good thing there was no white water). Here is a pic of Betsy and Bob from aforementioned river trip. Notice the lack of white water in the picture. And yes, that is a river, not a lake.
Speaking of getting old, I'll be 50 in (counting on fingers/toes) ...... 21 days (if you count today and count the 11th -- I'm never sure whether to count those days or not). If you don't count today and the 11th, I'll be 50 in 19 days. I am not looking forward to it, even though "they" say 50 is the new 30. I think they said 40 was the new 30 when I turned 40. What's 60 going to be? The new 21? Anyway, I was excited about turning 30 (20 years ago -- GASP) and even was looking forward to turning 40 (I liked saying "I'm in my forties). But 50? I can't think of anything to get excited about 50. Hell I can't even start getting the senior discount at 50 (though I think I may get invited to join AARP).
I AM looking forward to my sister Betsy coming to visit. We haven't seen her in the flesh (we sometimes see her on SKYPE) since May 2008 when we river rafted in Utah. And she hasn't been out here since May 2003. So it'll be fun to have her here for my birthday so she can meet some of my peeps, experience the big damn deck she's heard so much about, and admire Bob's new gardens.
We are getting pedicures together one day -- not sure what else we might do. We were invited by some of my peeps to listen to Zydeco music outdoors at a winery in Champaign one night, which we might do, though I am a bit hesitant because A) Illinois wines suck ass and B) Sitting outside listening to Zydeco music sounds wonderful but not if it's 100 degrees outside. So we'll see about that one.
Other options include pontoonery with some of my peeps, weather permitting. And she is most looking forward to sitting out on the big damn deck drinking wine (California wine, of course, and maybe some Tequilla shots? Someone should get me some Patron for my birthday .... ) talking and laughing with me and Bob. The three of us, when we get together, do a LOT of laughing. We are very funny people, if I do say so myself. We almost fell out of the raft laughing on our river trip a couple of years ago (good thing there was no white water). Here is a pic of Betsy and Bob from aforementioned river trip. Notice the lack of white water in the picture. And yes, that is a river, not a lake.
I'd post a picture of the two of us on the raft, but it's not flattering to me and it's my blog so, well, it ain't gonna happen. But perhaps you'll enjoy this one of my feet. Or maybe those are Betsy's feet? We are sisters, so our feet are similar. And we both wore Tevas.
Sissy, Caroline and Beauregard can't WAIT to see you!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Great-grand-baby
My brother David and his then wife had their first and only child in May, 1978, just as I was about to graduate from High School. Kimberly Michelle was not only their first child, but the first family grandchild -- and first niece. So she was quite fawned over and loved by us all, and I felt especially cool to be graduating High School, turning 18, AND having a niece all at the same time.
This August, as you know, I will turn the BIG 5-0, another significant birthday. And so to mark my entrance into middle age and hopefully, the world of senior discounts, Kim (with her husband, Jason) is going to give birth to her first child in September. Isn't that kind of her to make me a GREAT aunt as a 50th birthday present?
Anyway, today my mother and sister are giving her a family baby shower, which will be attended by Great Gramma P-Dub, Great Aunt Betsy, Grandmother Linda (Kim's mom), Step-Grandmother Suzanne (Kim's step-mom, my brother's current wife), honorary Great Aunt Janice (family friend), 2nd Cousins Laura and Julianne (Betsy's girls), and ... I think that's it? None of the men are invited, as far as I know. Great Aunt Susan will be there in spirit only (could have been there on SKYPE if Mom would get rid of dial-up and go cable or DSL) but we sent a present.
Congratulations Kim and Jason!
This August, as you know, I will turn the BIG 5-0, another significant birthday. And so to mark my entrance into middle age and hopefully, the world of senior discounts, Kim (with her husband, Jason) is going to give birth to her first child in September. Isn't that kind of her to make me a GREAT aunt as a 50th birthday present?
Hopefully they'll take some pictures at the shower that I can post another day.
Congratulations Kim and Jason!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Happy Birthday Old Man!
Eighty three years ago today, in a tiny little town in Oklahoma, my dear old dad was born. We were fortunate enough to celebrate his last birthday with him -- his 75th -- back in 2002. At that point we knew he was dying and this would likely be his last one, so we flew out to be with him for a couple of weeks, spending several days at a friend's beach condo in San Clemente. He lost his beautiful hair and was skinny and weak from the chemo, which was not helping him, and he slept a lot. But when he felt up to it, we went down to have breakfast on the pier a couple of times.
And he liked to sit out on the small balcony and look at the ocean through binoculars.
The whole family came over to the condo to celebrate his birthday -- we had dinner and a small cake, most of which he didn't eat. I have a picture of him with his cake, but it breaks my heart to look at it, so I am not posting it. It was bittersweet, all being together, knowing it was his last birthday, trying to make the best of it. Obviously there were tears, but some laughter too. And the best part was that both Bob and I could be there to spend his birthday with him.
Here are a couple of him in Laguna Beach, also pre-cancer, chatting with his buddy Madeleine L'Engle. She and my mom were great friends, and Dad met her through Mom. He often got people's names wrong (on purpose or for real, who knows), so when he first met her he called her Marilyn. She didn't miss a beat and shot back calling him Howard. Marilyn and Howard became great friends!
Finally, two of my favorite picts -- the first is of my parents from 2000, celebrating their 50th Anniversary a year late with the whole family in Santa Barbara, CA, where they first met. And a favorite of him and Bob at the same pier shown above, many years earlier. Happy Birthday, Daddy-O! We miss you every day, and hope you are happy and at peace, wherever you are.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hot!
I feel like we are living just outside the gates of hell, if there were such a thing as hell. If there is a hell, I am currently residing there. In other words, WTF is up with this hot, humid weather? I know it's July but this is ridiculous with no end in sight. Ah well, it's a good week to be on Study Leave (and a good week to be recovering from GA) so I can lounge around in the AC reading instead of going out into the inferno. And I can hang with Kayla, who is recovering amazingly well and is off her pain meds. Tests all came back negative, so still no clue why she keeps getting bladder infections and had bladder stones -- but the good news is no cancer (they did a biopsy while in there).
So I hang with Kayla and read for the most part, and occasionally post here or on Facebook. In addition to reading the aforementioned Armstrong book about The Case for God, I am also finishing a novel for a book group which I am enjoying more than I expected. Haven't finished it yet (have a few more days) but do like the story and the writing. Here is the book with a cover different from the copy I have, but I can't find the cover I have online. It's called The Wishbones.
I took a Facebook quiz thing today (well, it wasn't on Facebook, it was an offline site, but I found it on Facebook) where you can copy/paste a sample of your writing and find out who you write like. I pasted a 1000 word short story and came up as Stephen King. I pasted a blog entry from this blog and was told I write like David Wallace Foster. I LOVE Stephen King novels, so it's no wonder my writing mirrors his (though without the horror). He's a phenomenal writer, and I'd love to sit down and have drinks and dinner with him sometime.
So I hang with Kayla and read for the most part, and occasionally post here or on Facebook. In addition to reading the aforementioned Armstrong book about The Case for God, I am also finishing a novel for a book group which I am enjoying more than I expected. Haven't finished it yet (have a few more days) but do like the story and the writing. Here is the book with a cover different from the copy I have, but I can't find the cover I have online. It's called The Wishbones.I took a Facebook quiz thing today (well, it wasn't on Facebook, it was an offline site, but I found it on Facebook) where you can copy/paste a sample of your writing and find out who you write like. I pasted a 1000 word short story and came up as Stephen King. I pasted a blog entry from this blog and was told I write like David Wallace Foster. I LOVE Stephen King novels, so it's no wonder my writing mirrors his (though without the horror). He's a phenomenal writer, and I'd love to sit down and have drinks and dinner with him sometime.
I never heard of David Wallace Foster, so I googled him and found out he hung himself two years ago at the age of 46, which is just so sad. Haven't read anything of his but maybe I will. He wrote Infinite Jest, as well as some short story collections and some non-fiction. Anyone out there read him? If so, any recommendations? So sad that he took his own life. So young.
Here's the link if you to find out who you write like: http://iwl.me/
Here's the link if you to find out who you write like: http://iwl.me/
Anyway, back to reading for me after this brief respite. Hope you are all staying cool!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Quiet morning here, thank goodness
Kayla seems to be doing well this morning. She ate with her usual vigor, and has spent most of the rest of her morning asleep (which is a good thing, and pretty normal -- she's a good morning napper, resting up so she can lick Bob's face most of the afternoon). Gave her pain pills this morning which are hopefully keeping the pain to a minimum, and keeping her restful. She had a good night, slept pretty well, considering, snuggled on the bed with us as usual. Other than waking up panting a few times (heat? pain?) she did better than I would have after going through her ordeal yesterday. She really is Super Dog.
On another note, I got an email from my fellow commissioners to GA -- we'll be doing a 1/2 hour report on our GA experiences at our upcoming July 27 Presbytery Meeting. For this meeting we won't be voting on any of the Book of Order changes for ordination, but we will be reporting on what happened in our committees, and our overall general experience at GA -- 3 minutes each. Should be easy for me to report on my committee experience since my committee was neither controversial nor particularly interesting. As for my overall general experience, I may keep mum, or I may express my disappointment. Who knows. Will let you know.
In the meantime, I found this wonderful letter via the MLP facebook page, and wanted to share it here. So well said, and gives me back some faith in some of my fellow Presbys again.
http://pastorofdisaster.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/open-letter-to-the-219th-general-assembly/
OPEN LETTER TO THE 219TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
AMEN! And now, back to reading Karen Armstrong ...
On another note, I got an email from my fellow commissioners to GA -- we'll be doing a 1/2 hour report on our GA experiences at our upcoming July 27 Presbytery Meeting. For this meeting we won't be voting on any of the Book of Order changes for ordination, but we will be reporting on what happened in our committees, and our overall general experience at GA -- 3 minutes each. Should be easy for me to report on my committee experience since my committee was neither controversial nor particularly interesting. As for my overall general experience, I may keep mum, or I may express my disappointment. Who knows. Will let you know.
In the meantime, I found this wonderful letter via the MLP facebook page, and wanted to share it here. So well said, and gives me back some faith in some of my fellow Presbys again.
http://pastorofdisaster.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/open-letter-to-the-219th-general-assembly/
OPEN LETTER TO THE 219TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
July 13, 2010, 8:22 pm
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the last year, the District of Columbia’s City Council and Congress approved same gender marriages as legal for the District. Many of us applauded the hard work of many who testified, agitated, and bent history’s arc toward justice. It was due to the strong work of the city council, human rights advocates, LGBTQ organizations, and a committed core of ministers called The D.C. Clergy United. I am deeply proud to have played a small part in the work to make a positive move in this essential civil rights issue of my generation.
When I found a haven within the Reformed family almost twenty years ago, it was as a battered ex-fundamentalist/evangelical who saw love and affirmation within its walls. Many of my gay and lesbian friends had already abandoned the church because it was a place where they felt excluded. Yet, I felt mentored in my beliefs and deeply supported by friends in the PC(USA). They helped restore me to a faith that had been so deeply damaged and broken by legalistic moralists. I grieve when I think of those church leaders who related that this was a denomination where my conscience could be free and that there was a place for me. I am glad that they have passed on and do not have to endure the pain that some of us face these days. Unfortunately, our pews and clergy have become more aged, so when we discuss the approval of same gender marriage in the Presbyterian Church (USA), our church has resorted to becoming that same legalistic church of old.
On the issue of same gender marriage, I stand with the teaching of Pauline Christology when he claims to the uncircumcised gentiles of Galatia and Rome “against such things there is no law.” I do not believe that our 219th General Assembly, or anyone for that matter, has the authority to bind the conscience on matters that the Spirit of God is directing portions of her church. I therefore cannot follow the definition of marriage set out by our current Book of Order. Through prayer, careful study of Scripture and discernment, I believe that this definition is unnecessarily restrictive to our members whom we claim have full membership rights within our churches.
I believe the inaction of the General Assembly, the abdication for fear of losing some of our most conservative elements, and the culture of disciplining only progressive ministers unfairly constitutes a betrayal of the “true liberty of conscience” spoken of in the Westminster Confession. The complicity of our governing bodies in unjust actions against progressive and liberal ministers who have scruples and endeavor to hold fast to their Presbyterian system is the true definition of injustice. All this while those who cry and wail “apostasy” at our church get what they want and stay uncomfortably as living schisms. Absolute and blind obedience to this type of governing is of destruction to some of our liberties in Christ. True love casts out fear, so let us not govern our church within it.
Since the General Assembly refuses to give any concrete guidance on issues of marriage equality, those of us who work in locations where it is legally permitted to marry those of the same gender are left in a quandary. The idea of claiming scruples set out by the Peace, Unity and Purity report has not stemmed Evangelicals’ desires to convict people of conscience in church court, and it appears that you have abdicated your responsibility as a governing body to give direction to church courts. Rather than allowing us to discuss specific proposals in the democratic forum of our presbyteries you have given us a much more amorphous two years of discussion, thought, and prayer, which is odious and stifling of the democratic principles our church was founded upon.
What you have left liberals and progressives is the terrible choice of lying or hiding their actions of conscience, binding their conscience and losing their liberty in Christ, or to face the emotionally, spiritually and psychologically draining possibility that evangelicals will use church courts to sell their ideology in the name of “purity.”
For too long my denomination has been more than willing to cede their view as “people of the middle way” to the threats of Biblical literalists. It has slowly eroded the character of what it means to be a historic Presbyterian in the United States and insults an expanding history of the Reformed tradition. Some of us refuse to agree out of scruples with something that binds our conscience against the things that the Spirit of God is calling us. It is time for us to be a “big tent” denomination in allowing all of our ministers to practice their full gifts, discernment and direction in which the Spirit is calling them, and not merely excluding a few so that the majority “may” feel comfortable.
In Christ,
Rev. Brian Merritt
The Palisades Community Church
Washington D.C.
The Palisades Community Church
Washington D.C.
AMEN! And now, back to reading Karen Armstrong ...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Poor KK
Poor Kayla had abdominal surgery today supposedly to remove bladder stones that were evidently too big to pass but somehow she managed to pass between March and now. So she/we went through this for nothing and I am not happy, tho no one is to blame. They showed up on an ultrasound done in March, but not there today when our vet opened up her bladder to remove them.
I'm not thrilled about the money spent, obviously, but more distressed at putting Kayla through this unnecessarily. But again, it's really no one's fault -- just some freakish thing. But now she's doped up and stressed out. Hopefully she'll get some good sleep tonight and have minimal pain.
I'm not thrilled about the money spent, obviously, but more distressed at putting Kayla through this unnecessarily. But again, it's really no one's fault -- just some freakish thing. But now she's doped up and stressed out. Hopefully she'll get some good sleep tonight and have minimal pain.
Monday, July 12, 2010
A day of rest
Sort of. Monday is not only my day off, but it also is the beginning of a week of Study Leave. No, not going anywhere or taking any expensive classes. This year my goal is to read Karen Armstrong's The Case for God. It's 432 pages, so hopefully I can get it read -- my goal is to be finished by July 20. Bob is also "reading" it -- he downloaded the audio version and is listening on his iPod at work. I may listen too, since she does the narration herself and I love her voice.
Anyway, so far the day has not been very restful. I got up early to get back to the gym routine and swam my 30 minutes, which I hadn't done in over a week. It felt okay, but the hot tub felt better afterwards, that's for sure. My legs are still so sore from all the walking I did at GA, and they felt stiff and sore while swimming. Hopefully they will feel better soon. Then when I got home Mom and I dropped her car off, again, to fix the AC that was "fixed" last week. Then we went to breakfast at Bob Evans. Then home to get her luggage and drop her off for her trip back home to CA. She'll be gone for 3 weeks and then return August 6 to be here for the week of my birthday. Then back to CA again until the fall. After dropping her off I went grocery shopping, loaded and unloaded the groceries, put them away ....... and now I need a day-off from my day-off. But first, laundry!
Tomorrow I'll be up early again, to take Kayla for surgery to remove bladder stones that may be causing the repetitive bladder infections she's been having all year. She's in great health, but she's 11 years old now, so we are a bit nervous about the surgery, mostly because she is at greater risk for post-surgical problems due to her larynx surgery last year. But hopefully all will go well and she'll be back home to heal by tomorrow afternoon. And then while she's taking it easy maybe I'll get to take it easy too. I'm planning to swim after dropping her off for the surgery ... out of the pool in time to get a phone call from the vet saying she's fine.
Will keep you posted.
Anyway, so far the day has not been very restful. I got up early to get back to the gym routine and swam my 30 minutes, which I hadn't done in over a week. It felt okay, but the hot tub felt better afterwards, that's for sure. My legs are still so sore from all the walking I did at GA, and they felt stiff and sore while swimming. Hopefully they will feel better soon. Then when I got home Mom and I dropped her car off, again, to fix the AC that was "fixed" last week. Then we went to breakfast at Bob Evans. Then home to get her luggage and drop her off for her trip back home to CA. She'll be gone for 3 weeks and then return August 6 to be here for the week of my birthday. Then back to CA again until the fall. After dropping her off I went grocery shopping, loaded and unloaded the groceries, put them away ....... and now I need a day-off from my day-off. But first, laundry!
Tomorrow I'll be up early again, to take Kayla for surgery to remove bladder stones that may be causing the repetitive bladder infections she's been having all year. She's in great health, but she's 11 years old now, so we are a bit nervous about the surgery, mostly because she is at greater risk for post-surgical problems due to her larynx surgery last year. But hopefully all will go well and she'll be back home to heal by tomorrow afternoon. And then while she's taking it easy maybe I'll get to take it easy too. I'm planning to swim after dropping her off for the surgery ... out of the pool in time to get a phone call from the vet saying she's fine.
Will keep you posted.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
I love my bed
Yes, I love Bob and Kayla and P-Dub and the rest of my family and my friends and my house and my gardens and my big damn deck. But the true love of my life is my big damn bed, which I missed terribly whilst away. When I sunk into it last night my body let out an actual, audible sigh of relief, and told me never to leave my bed again. I think I can oblige, at least until our Nov. vacation to Zion.
Bob and Mom left for church to attend the 2nd to last session of "Living the Questions." I slept in a bit and will join them in time for the service at 10am. Then I have a meeting after the service for the Lectureship Committee, (we are bringing Robin Meyers to speak here Oct. 29 and 30, 2010). He of Saving Jesus from the Church fame.
Then we will go out to lunch after the meeting, after which I will continue crashing and burning at home for the afternoon. And maybe do some laundry. Thank goddess we have Study Leave this coming week -- I don't think I could face a regular work week. We have two books to read -- the aforementioned Saving Jesus and Karen Armstrong's A Case for God. Hopefully I can get them both finished by July 20 -- that's the plan anyway.
Bob is doing the Reflection this morning, of course, and next Sunday Ben is leading the service. Then we worship with the Unitarians on July 25 and I don't have to preach again until Aug. 1. By then I hope to have something profound and thoughtful to share about GA. Thankfully today is not the day for me to "reflect" on GA, as I'd probably end up sounding like a cross between Lewis Black and "Oh really?!?" with Seth and Amy. Which, now that I think about it, could be fun ...
Bob and Mom left for church to attend the 2nd to last session of "Living the Questions." I slept in a bit and will join them in time for the service at 10am. Then I have a meeting after the service for the Lectureship Committee, (we are bringing Robin Meyers to speak here Oct. 29 and 30, 2010). He of Saving Jesus from the Church fame. Then we will go out to lunch after the meeting, after which I will continue crashing and burning at home for the afternoon. And maybe do some laundry. Thank goddess we have Study Leave this coming week -- I don't think I could face a regular work week. We have two books to read -- the aforementioned Saving Jesus and Karen Armstrong's A Case for God. Hopefully I can get them both finished by July 20 -- that's the plan anyway.
Bob is doing the Reflection this morning, of course, and next Sunday Ben is leading the service. Then we worship with the Unitarians on July 25 and I don't have to preach again until Aug. 1. By then I hope to have something profound and thoughtful to share about GA. Thankfully today is not the day for me to "reflect" on GA, as I'd probably end up sounding like a cross between Lewis Black and "Oh really?!?" with Seth and Amy. Which, now that I think about it, could be fun ...
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Home
I am home.
I am exhausted. Bone tired is the perfect expression. I am tired all the way down to my bones. My hair is tired. That kind of tired, you know?
But I am very happy to be home. The first face I saw was Bob's, at the airport. Then when I got home I surprised Kayla by hiding when Bob brought her outside. She licked my face repeatedly. And finally I saw P-Dub's face when she greeted me upstairs (no licking, thankfully). Thank goodness P-Dub was here -- she took excellent care of the house and my beloveds. Bob told me it would have been unbearable without her. I know she wanted to come with me to GA, and hang out with the crazy Presbyterians -- she LOVES that stuff. But it was a bigger help for her to be here, and put my mind at ease whilst away.
Will post more later, for now I'm just happy to be home! And in the meantime, you can read some more information about decisions made this past week via the link below:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/10/post-general-assembly-pastoral-letter-moderator-an/
P.S. Lest you think it was ALL bad, it was not. Here are some of the beautiful faces I met and/or reconnected with last week in Mpls.
I am exhausted. Bone tired is the perfect expression. I am tired all the way down to my bones. My hair is tired. That kind of tired, you know?
But I am very happy to be home. The first face I saw was Bob's, at the airport. Then when I got home I surprised Kayla by hiding when Bob brought her outside. She licked my face repeatedly. And finally I saw P-Dub's face when she greeted me upstairs (no licking, thankfully). Thank goodness P-Dub was here -- she took excellent care of the house and my beloveds. Bob told me it would have been unbearable without her. I know she wanted to come with me to GA, and hang out with the crazy Presbyterians -- she LOVES that stuff. But it was a bigger help for her to be here, and put my mind at ease whilst away.
Will post more later, for now I'm just happy to be home! And in the meantime, you can read some more information about decisions made this past week via the link below:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/10/post-general-assembly-pastoral-letter-moderator-an/
P.S. Lest you think it was ALL bad, it was not. Here are some of the beautiful faces I met and/or reconnected with last week in Mpls.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Apologies
Too tired and disgusted to update this morning. And I have to get ready to go spend another entire day/evening with some homophobic Presbyterians. The article below will explain my disgust. I'll share my thoughts and feelings about it all after I get home. TOMORROW!
http://ga219.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/9/219th-general-assembly-maintains-current-definitio/
On a happier note I drank away my sorrows after the homophobes won last night with a dear, gay, married friend, who has been faithfully committed to his partner for 17 years and got married in CA before Prop Hate passed. He was less bitter than I, which helped put things into perspective. Kind of. He is hopeful, he did not take it personally, and he isn't going to let it change or define him. On the other hand, I am feeling less than loving toward348 of my fellow commissioners on the plenary floor, whom I must join momentarily. Perhaps I shall focus on the love I have for the other 324, who voted with the heart of Jesus.
http://ga219.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/9/219th-general-assembly-maintains-current-definitio/
On a happier note I drank away my sorrows after the homophobes won last night with a dear, gay, married friend, who has been faithfully committed to his partner for 17 years and got married in CA before Prop Hate passed. He was less bitter than I, which helped put things into perspective. Kind of. He is hopeful, he did not take it personally, and he isn't going to let it change or define him. On the other hand, I am feeling less than loving toward348 of my fellow commissioners on the plenary floor, whom I must join momentarily. Perhaps I shall focus on the love I have for the other 324, who voted with the heart of Jesus.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
nFOG
What the hell is nFOG, you ask? Why, it's the new Form of Government (get it, nFOG) adopted this evening by the Presbyterians. If you still don't know what it is, ask P-Dub, as she watched the scintillating debate happen via live streaming video from GA. Or you can check it out on the PCUSA web site. Or you can just ignore it -- totally not interesting, but evidently very important. And I voted for it, and it passed. So now I am 2 for 2 on the big issues (and well, I won all the other votes too -- I ought to buy a lottery ticket).
Our moderator did such a fabulous job moderating that we got out an hour early this afternoon, which gave us a three hour dinner break instead of two hours (which allowed me to have a drinky drink before dinner with a bunch of Presbyterians over at the Hyatt, which was free, which was why I went) and then got us out before 10pm tonight so I could still catch the short bus back to my hotel. (Short bus is for those of us who are having trouble walking all over downtown Minneapolis AND the ginormous convention center -- but it stops running at 10pm).
Thursday night we deal with Gay Marriage, and Friday Night we deal with Gay Ordination, so the chances of our ending before 10pm are slight, even with expert Moderation (which means no short bus for me -- but there is a horse-drawn carriage I could maybe make a deal with). But it was nice to get out reasonably early tonight so I could take the short bus, get back to my hotel and put my feet up for a bit while sipping some Sweet Tea Vodka, and get to bed before midnight.
About the Sweet Tea Vodka vote yesterday. I appreciated the votes each of you cast and carefully considered the advice you offered as official advisory delegates to the Susan Ryder General Assembly. In the end I opted for water in a Dasini bottle, no ice. Which essentially means I ignored all of your helpful suggestions, much like we GA Commissioners do when our Advisory Delegates vote to advise us. So see, now it's just like you are here!
ETA: Okay, we don't really ignore them. I embellished for the sake of comedy. Oy. I need to go to bed now.
Our moderator did such a fabulous job moderating that we got out an hour early this afternoon, which gave us a three hour dinner break instead of two hours (which allowed me to have a drinky drink before dinner with a bunch of Presbyterians over at the Hyatt, which was free, which was why I went) and then got us out before 10pm tonight so I could still catch the short bus back to my hotel. (Short bus is for those of us who are having trouble walking all over downtown Minneapolis AND the ginormous convention center -- but it stops running at 10pm).
Thursday night we deal with Gay Marriage, and Friday Night we deal with Gay Ordination, so the chances of our ending before 10pm are slight, even with expert Moderation (which means no short bus for me -- but there is a horse-drawn carriage I could maybe make a deal with). But it was nice to get out reasonably early tonight so I could take the short bus, get back to my hotel and put my feet up for a bit while sipping some Sweet Tea Vodka, and get to bed before midnight.
About the Sweet Tea Vodka vote yesterday. I appreciated the votes each of you cast and carefully considered the advice you offered as official advisory delegates to the Susan Ryder General Assembly. In the end I opted for water in a Dasini bottle, no ice. Which essentially means I ignored all of your helpful suggestions, much like we GA Commissioners do when our Advisory Delegates vote to advise us. So see, now it's just like you are here!
ETA: Okay, we don't really ignore them. I embellished for the sake of comedy. Oy. I need to go to bed now.
Back to Plenary
This will be my last easy morning of the week. Plenary (full session of GA, Mom, with all 712 Commissioners plus various Advisory Delegates, sitting at tables in a giant room voting on stuff) begins after lunch today and will go all afternoon, break for dinner, then this evening. Then tomorrow and Friday it will go morning, afternoon, and night until our business is completed, which sometimes happens long after midnight, depending on how contentious the group is.
With several controversial items coming up for a vote of the full Assembly, and the Presbyterian penchant for amending motions, amending amendments, making substitute motions, and basically just hearing themselves speak at a microphone on the Assembly floor, my guess is that Thursday and Friday will be LONG days, with little time for me to eat and sleep, let alone blog. But I'll try to update you as best I can.
If I fail you, dear blogger, you can read the latest news here:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/
In fact, you can watch the proceedings LIVE via that same link, if you are so inclined (and have no life). Otherwise, there are news updates below the video feed. Or, if you are a Twitterer, you can get quick updates here:
http://twitter.com/presbyGA
Here is the link to the issue about gay marriage I mentioned yesterday. Not sure which day we will be voting on it in the full Assembly but will try my best to keep you posted:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/7/definition-marriage-include-union-two-people/
Sorry nothing funny this morning. I've been hanging out by myself since last evening so have no disparaging jokes to make about the Assembly or Presbyterians (or myself) at this time. Things are going to start to get serious here, but I am feeling hopeful about gay marriage and gay ordination passing the full Assembly.
I'm also feeling a bit homesick. I wish Bob and Kayla were here!
With several controversial items coming up for a vote of the full Assembly, and the Presbyterian penchant for amending motions, amending amendments, making substitute motions, and basically just hearing themselves speak at a microphone on the Assembly floor, my guess is that Thursday and Friday will be LONG days, with little time for me to eat and sleep, let alone blog. But I'll try to update you as best I can.
If I fail you, dear blogger, you can read the latest news here:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/
In fact, you can watch the proceedings LIVE via that same link, if you are so inclined (and have no life). Otherwise, there are news updates below the video feed. Or, if you are a Twitterer, you can get quick updates here:
http://twitter.com/presbyGA
Here is the link to the issue about gay marriage I mentioned yesterday. Not sure which day we will be voting on it in the full Assembly but will try my best to keep you posted:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/news/2010/7/7/definition-marriage-include-union-two-people/
Sorry nothing funny this morning. I've been hanging out by myself since last evening so have no disparaging jokes to make about the Assembly or Presbyterians (or myself) at this time. Things are going to start to get serious here, but I am feeling hopeful about gay marriage and gay ordination passing the full Assembly.
I'm also feeling a bit homesick. I wish Bob and Kayla were here!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
Wonderful stuff. I am currently sipping it (on the rocks) in my hotel room. It's too hot for wine, and there was a nearby liquor store which sells it so I bought a bottle of it and am enjoying it (not the whole bottle, not yet anyway) as I toast the PCUSA for coming out of the dark ages and into the 21st Century on gay issues.
Well, almost -- the full plenary session of all 712 of us still have to approve it, but, the good news on the gay front from the commissioner committees is:
1. Disapproved the definition of marriage as being only between one man and one woman.
2. Approved overtures that would allow clergy to conduct weddings between same-gender couples in states where civil marriage or union is legal (those of us in the other states will just keep doing them of course, but still, this is a good thing).
3. Approved overtures to allow for the full inclusion of glbt's in the PCUSA, including ordination.
Did any of this happen on my committee? Oh hell no. But it happened in the committee considering marriage and civil unions issues (some of which I witnessed this afternoon as part of the gay peanut gallery, where I met my new gay BFF -- only he lives in San Francisco so it could be a problem for us), and in the church orders and ministry committee. So, even tho I wasn't on those committees, I get to vote in plenary to approve their decisions, which I damn well will do!
So here's my question. I was given one of those silver coffee "mug" things, thermal coffee container ... you know? Good for cold and hot drinks. Should I take it with me to plenary tomorrow filled with:
1. Ice and water
2. Coffee, strong
3. Ice and Firefly Sweet Tea
Please vote by leaving a comment, and I will count the ballots and announce the decision tomorrow.
Well, almost -- the full plenary session of all 712 of us still have to approve it, but, the good news on the gay front from the commissioner committees is:
1. Disapproved the definition of marriage as being only between one man and one woman.
2. Approved overtures that would allow clergy to conduct weddings between same-gender couples in states where civil marriage or union is legal (those of us in the other states will just keep doing them of course, but still, this is a good thing).
3. Approved overtures to allow for the full inclusion of glbt's in the PCUSA, including ordination.
Did any of this happen on my committee? Oh hell no. But it happened in the committee considering marriage and civil unions issues (some of which I witnessed this afternoon as part of the gay peanut gallery, where I met my new gay BFF -- only he lives in San Francisco so it could be a problem for us), and in the church orders and ministry committee. So, even tho I wasn't on those committees, I get to vote in plenary to approve their decisions, which I damn well will do!
So here's my question. I was given one of those silver coffee "mug" things, thermal coffee container ... you know? Good for cold and hot drinks. Should I take it with me to plenary tomorrow filled with:
1. Ice and water
2. Coffee, strong
3. Ice and Firefly Sweet Tea
Please vote by leaving a comment, and I will count the ballots and announce the decision tomorrow.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Day 2 of My Committee Meeting
Well I can see by the voluminous comments that the recounting of my first day of meeting with the Committee on Church Growth, Christian Education, and PILP was as stimulating for you as it was for me. So now, to share the pain, let me tell you about day 2.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I'd share what happened but I am not cruel. Suffice to say we talked about PILP, Church Growth, and Christian Education. We did hear a fun report from a Youth Task Force, which woke me up for a bit this afternoon. Otherwise it was a continuation of yesterday's snooze-fest. With the exception that we didn't approve something that had already happened.
Of course some tried to stir up some controversy in our committee, just to keep themselves awake. We had questions about what "racial ethnic" means and whether or not it is an out-dated term. And of course, being Presbyterians, we had proposed amendments to change things like "saving grace of Jesus Christ" to "the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," which was defeated. I am not kidding.
Meanwhile, other committees debated gay marriage, divestment from Caterpillar, Middle East Peace, gay ordination, and of course, committees.
I am now in my room, drinking wine and preparing to go find some food (and more booze). We are supposed to go back at 7:30pm for more "important business," as our chair told us while dismissing us. I beg to differ, and suspect I'll be in my room with my poor swollen ankles up, watching the important business of who Ali is going to get rid of tonight on The Bachelorette. Yes, it's come to that.
I blame Calvin.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I'd share what happened but I am not cruel. Suffice to say we talked about PILP, Church Growth, and Christian Education. We did hear a fun report from a Youth Task Force, which woke me up for a bit this afternoon. Otherwise it was a continuation of yesterday's snooze-fest. With the exception that we didn't approve something that had already happened.
Of course some tried to stir up some controversy in our committee, just to keep themselves awake. We had questions about what "racial ethnic" means and whether or not it is an out-dated term. And of course, being Presbyterians, we had proposed amendments to change things like "saving grace of Jesus Christ" to "the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," which was defeated. I am not kidding.
Meanwhile, other committees debated gay marriage, divestment from Caterpillar, Middle East Peace, gay ordination, and of course, committees.
I am now in my room, drinking wine and preparing to go find some food (and more booze). We are supposed to go back at 7:30pm for more "important business," as our chair told us while dismissing us. I beg to differ, and suspect I'll be in my room with my poor swollen ankles up, watching the important business of who Ali is going to get rid of tonight on The Bachelorette. Yes, it's come to that.
I blame Calvin.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Committee Meeting
The first day of our Committee meeting, which only lasted 3 hours, was, um .... BORING! I could hardly stay awake, and not just because I only slept about 5 hours last night. I can only imagine the hell the next two days will be. Our chair and vice-chair are so nice, and trying so hard to make it, um, interesting. But talk about a lost cause. Oy.
Christian Education, Church Growth, and PILP. Yes, PILP. Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program. Talk about a controversial GA committee! Oy. The good news is that our meeting room, in the bowels of the Convention Center, has Wi-Fi. REAL Wi-Fi. So, I illegally posted some stuff on Facebook, checked my email, and updated my Google Calendar. Oh, and voted on some things.
What things, you ask, concerned that I was too distracted to vote on an important issue because I was surfing the 'net? Well, how about this: I voted to approve 4 women to receive the "Women of Faith Award." Important, yes. However, they got their awards this morning at a breakfast, 6 hours before we met and approved them to receive the award. I kid you not.
In the elevator up to my room, I rode with some YAAD's. Young Adult Advisory Delegates. They were getting ready to go to the 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks on Nicollet Island, which I will be abstaining from so that I can rest. I chatted with them, being the friendly Campus Minister that I am, and asked them about their Committees, assuming ANY Committee would be better than mine. I was wrong. One poor young woman, a sweet, fresh-faced college student, told me she was on a Committee to Study Committees. I am not kidding.
Only in the PCUSA ....
Anyway, my clothes are changed and I'm off to dine with an old friend from when I used to be a better Presbyterian and served on a GA Committee.
Christian Education, Church Growth, and PILP. Yes, PILP. Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program. Talk about a controversial GA committee! Oy. The good news is that our meeting room, in the bowels of the Convention Center, has Wi-Fi. REAL Wi-Fi. So, I illegally posted some stuff on Facebook, checked my email, and updated my Google Calendar. Oh, and voted on some things.
What things, you ask, concerned that I was too distracted to vote on an important issue because I was surfing the 'net? Well, how about this: I voted to approve 4 women to receive the "Women of Faith Award." Important, yes. However, they got their awards this morning at a breakfast, 6 hours before we met and approved them to receive the award. I kid you not.
In the elevator up to my room, I rode with some YAAD's. Young Adult Advisory Delegates. They were getting ready to go to the 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks on Nicollet Island, which I will be abstaining from so that I can rest. I chatted with them, being the friendly Campus Minister that I am, and asked them about their Committees, assuming ANY Committee would be better than mine. I was wrong. One poor young woman, a sweet, fresh-faced college student, told me she was on a Committee to Study Committees. I am not kidding.
Only in the PCUSA ....
Anyway, my clothes are changed and I'm off to dine with an old friend from when I used to be a better Presbyterian and served on a GA Committee.
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