tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179375062024-03-07T10:00:19.545-06:00In Lay Terms<b>Random Ramblings From a Church Nerd</B>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.comBlogger420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-84561364870405088292011-08-27T10:02:00.006-05:002011-08-27T10:43:22.371-05:00Come On, Irene!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyJYt2PxLEiBHhuezJS-ZsR3EJKk4dL2uvGZ4rVZV7zwwRCXbjYBStGlFh3KN1jQabwLgpDGdjgMzgsHewTkGFda7pwDlriX97QIkHLu6K6Oj8cr_HjUxoq3ocDNEhkoDsw5w/s1600/150830-hurricane-irene-tracking-maps.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyJYt2PxLEiBHhuezJS-ZsR3EJKk4dL2uvGZ4rVZV7zwwRCXbjYBStGlFh3KN1jQabwLgpDGdjgMzgsHewTkGFda7pwDlriX97QIkHLu6K6Oj8cr_HjUxoq3ocDNEhkoDsw5w/s320/150830-hurricane-irene-tracking-maps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645561789362054418" /></a>
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">So, I didn't expect that I'd experience an earthquake and a hurricane...IN THE SAME WEEK! I expected muggings or something. But this is blowing my mind.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I want to update you on my plans. I am not in an evacuation zone (not close enough to water for that). I'm also at the back of the building, surrounded by other, taller buildings. I have a hunch that I'm not going to have a lot of damage in the apartment, even if the storm is severe. I've also heard several people say that the storms with the biggest media hype (especially in NYC), tend to be duds.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, I've learned that the subways are closing tomorrow at noon (the first time that has happened since 9/11). So, it looks like I'll be in my apartment this weekend, and possibly into next week. My biggest concern is losing power or water. However, someone reminded me that NYC has underground power lines. It's not like a tree falls across a wire here like in MN (plus, where are the trees here?).<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I've filled every container I own with water and put it in the fridge. I've started making ice as well, so that if I lose power, I can keep the fridge cooler a little longer. I had a lot of produce from my last grocery order, so I'll eat that up first. Today, I went out and bought 6 cans of beans and several things of granola (both cereal and bars). I already have several Costco canisters of mixed nuts as well. I think I'm OK on the food front. I also got cash, in case I need to buy something and the credit cards aren't working.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So don't worry about me. I'll be safe. I might be bored and stinky, but I'll be safe. Oh, I also have two books and two magazines.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here's my communications plan. If I lose electricity I'm going to send Richard a text message to tell him so, and then I'm shutting off my phone. I'll check it every few hours and send Richard a short update. He will keep you all up to date from my messages. I'm sure there will be a lot of calls on the cell lines, and I don't want to tie those up more than I need to (and drain my phone battery when I don't know when I can charge it again). I have the little netbook and my work laptop, and I'm prepared to use the charge from the computers to charge my phone.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the VERY rare event that I need to evacuate, I'm putting together a bag with my passport, money, toiletries, and some clothes. I really don't anticipate needing to do this (more likely I'll be sitting in my apartment).<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My friend, Katie (who helped me get the apartment) is throwing a hurricane party, so I might go and be with her so I don't have to be alone. I'm hoping that if things are bad, that there is a general cooperative spirit, but if not, then I'm hiding in my place.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again, I WILL BE JUST FINE. No one needs to worry.</p><p></p></span>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-2436359418565221372011-06-04T08:34:00.003-05:002011-06-04T08:37:47.446-05:00Walking AroundIt's a Saturday morning, and I've decided I'm going to "walk around". That's my best plan for the day. Oh sure, I'm supposed to stop by and drop off the key where I was staying. I've also been invited to a block party later today. But my primary agenda is to find out what this neighborhood is like. So to do that, I'm going to take a stroll. Probably not my last, but I'm excited it's my first. <div><br /></div><div>Since I've gotten here, I've been pretty busy. I've figured out how to get to work and how to get groceries. Now I get to see the stuff that makes the city beautiful. The stuff you don't see as you are weaving through crowds to get to your job. I'm going to find what makes Harlem great (or, at least some of the stuff).</div><div><br /></div><div>So...enough writing and more walking!</div>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-34209800657697729152011-06-01T19:32:00.005-05:002011-06-01T19:55:55.465-05:00Apartment Living<div style="text-align: left;">So I’m now in my apartment. I started staying here last night, even though I signed the lease two weeks ago. With the job and the transition and everything, I just wanted a little stability, so I stayed with a friend, in her spare bedroom.</div><br />But now I’m on my own…somewhat. The apartment is nice enough. It’s a two bedroom. It’s first floor. It is 720 square feet. It faces the back of the building. That means that I don’t have a very nice view (pile of rubble), I don’t have any street noise. I may have some building noise, but I didn’t notice it last night.<br /><br />Oh, here’s what else I don’t have…furniture. I’m writing this as I pirate unprotected wireless from an unsuspecting neighbor, while sitting on the floor of the corner of my “living room”. My butt doesn’t have a lot of padding on it, so the floor gets pretty uncomfortable pretty quickly, especially on these nicely re-done hardwood floors.<br /><br />The apartment still smells like fresh paint. They gutted the bathroom and kitchen, so I have new appliances.<br /><br />I got this place through a friend of a friend of a friend (who is my friend by now). She put in a word for me with her property management company. I also seemed to get lucky and call at the right time. Honestly, this was the first place I called. I totally expected to be rending a room from someone, not staying in my own place with no furniture.<br /><br />When Richard gets here, it will get furnished. We also are going to buy some stuff. Apartment stuff. New York stuff. We decided that our furniture was too “Midwestern”. So, we sold it in a garage sale.<br /><br />Here's my apartment view as I write this:<br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCWoI-EmaG1owthk_VFv3XgGW_UVJHcV3W5P2QigdXcA7bIJGCJOE9nvQj7hysEOWP153YTAwLAR3QLCBZC8w9OsrLdqonUecULWU1c9q0XNcPbtweJAOqz8lEAW5LQQ9j_k_/s320/IMG_20110601_203609.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613418546979496066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">This is the kitchen/living room. The two are really the same thing. Eventually, we will put some an island or a divider of some sort to break up the room. You will see the cardboard box that is serving as my trash right now.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">And this is the view down the hall:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5IA44YpDuLn0UbYHum8V2KaZ0pR4B7zmirmqN1vMz3m7pQ56LwRhVGgTeFPzYquhutviXrnWV7nQf98ruiGr8nuYYS3xhqdr7b-M5kNVN8cLzrriAsN53PLrWZDB97k2RTto/s320/IMG_20110601_203706.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613419419443991906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">You can see the other half of the kitchen, and then the long hallway that leads to our apartment door. I won't show into the bedrooms, because there are no lights in there, so you'll just see darkness. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home!</span></span></div>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-57127717301957948702011-05-22T06:53:00.003-05:002011-05-22T07:13:31.231-05:00Worship in New YorkIt's my first Sunday in New York, and I'm faced with a dilemma: Where to go to church?<div><br /></div><div>When I first told people I was moving, I got this question. People asked me if I was going to worship at a Lutheran church or switch (I'm staying Lutheran). I even got lobbied by a few pastors to worship at their church. It was sort of fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can name four churches where I have good relationships with a number of people in the congregation. All of these would be great places to worship, an they are pretty distinct from one another. Here they are, in alphabetical order (so that I do not show any preference):</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.adventnyc.org/">Advent</a>: I know one of the pastors (Barbara Lundblad, who also teaches at Union Theological Seminary). I met the senior pastor a few months ago, and she seems lovely. I also know a number of the congregation members, because they have worked with my last job at Lutherans Concerned. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.holytrinitynyc.org/">Holy Trinity</a>: I have worshiped here before. The former pastor is now the Bishop of the Metro New York Synod. The new pastor moved to New York from Minneapolis (to take this job). Very high liturgy. They do Bach vespers on many Sunday evenings.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.saintpeters.org/">St. Peter</a>: My friend is an intern there (soon to be ordained). He has introduced me to a lot of other cool people in the congregation. This church sold its airspace to CitiBank, so the church is incorporated into the CitiBank building. I like to call it St. Peter's of Citibank. Also high liturgy.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.trinitylutherannyc.org/">Trinity</a>: Many years ago, I hired the pastor of this congregation to be a keynote speaker at Gather Us In. This church runs a homeless shelter for LGBT youth. I also confess that I got my apartment through a few members of this congregation, so I feel a debt of gratitude.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure over time, I'll try all of these congregations. On this particular day, there is another consideration. I'm getting on a train to go to DC at 11:00, so I looked at the church web sites to see where I could worship before going to the train. Holy Trinity and Trinity were eliminated because they only have 11 AM worship services. </div><div><br /></div><div>And...I'm still staying with my friend. And Advent is very close to her house. Advent is also close to the subway that can get me to Penn Station the quickest. So...Advent Lutheran is the winner for this Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>But don't worry, I'll be getting around. It's also possible that I'll find another church that is lovely that is close to where I live (when I start staying in my apartment). The possibilities are endless!</div>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-9210616239314917352011-05-21T09:31:00.002-05:002011-05-21T09:35:37.479-05:00First Saturday in New YorkIt's my first Saturday in New York, and I'm going to be busy. I'm moving a lot of my stuff to our new apartment in Harlem. I've been staying with friends since I got here, and I signed a lease on Tuesday, but I haven't been able to move or deal with the apartment much else since I got here (I never recommend starting a job the day after you move to a city). <div><br /></div><div>Now I'll finalize measurements, with the help of Richard. I will turn the utility bills over to me. I'll also do my "walk through" and point out any problems or issues, so I don't get billed for them when Richard and I move out. We are used to doing this for our tenants, so it's interesting to be on the other side.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a busy week with a lot of travel. I'm going to DC for the HRC Clergy Call until Wednesday morning. Then on Thursday, I leave for Minnesota for our going away party/garage sale. You are ALL invited!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, I'll get to take a walk or something on this pleasant Saturday. My hosts live quite close to Central Park, and I'll like to stroll there. Maybe after my work gets done.</div>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-22432107882976156722011-05-20T07:12:00.002-05:002011-05-20T07:19:02.659-05:00Quick Morning Check InI feel like I have so many stories, but I'm overwhelmed with stuff to do. I've found that evenings go very quickly in New York. People work later in the day, and even one errand might not get you home until 9:00. I thought I would be talking to Richard every night, but it's often been too late for me or him. We are still in contact, but not doing the Skype thing all the time. Maybe Saturday.<div><br /></div><div>Here's the upside. I signed a lease on an apartment. I'm not living there just yet. I'm staying with friends. However, it's a 2-bedroom in Harlem. I thought for a while it was in a neighborhood called Hamilton Heights, but I was informed last night that we are in Harlem. I got this place through a friend of a friend of a friend. But last night I actually met her in person, so now I can call her a direct friend. The apartment is with her property management company and around the corner from her building.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pluses of the place: 2-bedrooms, under $1500/month. Huge windows. Back of the building, so no street noise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Drawbacks: 1st floor (both for light and for safety...which might make those huge windows a liability). I'm told there is some drug dealing on my corner, but I haven't seen it yet. The bedrooms are oddly shaped.</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, I haven't been to my apartment in the daylight yet, so I don't know what the natural light situation is. It's always been after dark. Our (new) friend was there in the morning, and she said that it was more light than she expected.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is just one more step in my process to relocate here. </div>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-22035465579874869842011-05-18T21:31:00.001-05:002011-05-18T21:35:46.979-05:00St. Louis: The Pit Stop to NYC<p class="MsoNormal">I’m working on this blog post at the St. Louis airport (or, I was and finally got it posted today). When I booked my flight that would move me from Minneapolis to New York City, this was the least expensive option, and I’m still cheap, so I went fo rit. I wasn’t pleased about not having a direct flight, but this was about half as much as the other flights. Plus, I used credit card points to get a membership in the Sky Lounge. It’s a place with comfey chairs, food and beverages (adult beverages!) and dedicated people to helping you out. Yes, it’s a little elisist, but I’ve really apprecaited having a place to check email (wifi is also included), and spend less on food when a snack will do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, I figured that I could handle this flight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was starting plan out my first day in NYC. My flight was scheduled to leave Minneapolis at 7:00 AM. I was going to travel with three rolling suitcases and one carry-on. Mostly clothes. I have a friend’s place to stay with, and I have secured an apartment of my own. My plan was to go to my friends place to drop off my luggage, then go so I can actually see this apartment that I’ve supposedly rented. It was cutting it too close to do the lease signing today, so I was going to view it today and sign the lease tomorrow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we were about to baord in Minneapolis, I was called up to the podium. The gate agent asked me if I would be willing to be rebooked on a direct flight to New York in exchange for a $300 travel voucher. I asked what would happen to my luggage. She said that since they were instigating it, they would deliver my luggage to me in New York. It sounded like a perfect opportunity, so I said yes. She had me wait, because she might not actually need to bump me. After a few minutes, she said that she didn’t need to rebook me, so I was stuck back on my original itenerary. So I boarded a plane to St. Louis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In St. Louis, I had a 3 hour layover. Because of my Sky Lounge membership, I thought that I would be able to relax and get free food (and drink?). After landing, I learned that there was no Sky Lounge at the St. Louis airport (at least, not in the terminal that I was in). So, I was relegated to sitting at the gate. About an hour before my flight was to take off, I got an automated phone call that told me that my St. Louis-New York flight was cancelled. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">CANCELLED! (I just reprated it for emphasis)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So now, my somewhat long layover in St. Louis has been extended. I have been rebooked on another flight today, but I’m not sure I’m going to be in New York in time to see my apartment. If it works, I will. However, now it might have to be something that happens tomorrow morning. I also made my first day of work tomorrow, so I’m kicking myself for making such a tight turnaround. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hopefully, I’ll get to my new home in New York soon. And hopefully I won’t resent St. Louis so much the next time I’m there.</p>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-38460483342933345572011-05-08T19:57:00.002-05:002011-05-08T20:32:42.188-05:00RevivingAfter more than a year of a break from this blog, I just might be ready to launch it again. I'm not quite sure yet if this is going to stick or not. I really would like to keep blogging, but it's not like my life got any easier over the last year. If anything, my life has gotten more complicated.<div><br /></div><div>However, that's one of the reasons that I would like to revive this blog. I have a new job, and it requires a move to a new city. I'm now taking a job with a major GLBT organization, and I'm relocating to New York City. I have to say that I'm pretty excited. I've fantasized about living in NYC for years. I think that after a while I thought that it would remain a fantasy. However, this job opportunity opened up, and here I am...getting ready to move...quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I leave a week from tomorrow. The plan is that I'm going to go and get started and Richard is going to join me at the end of the summer. He is going to finish his contract and get the house ready to be rented out before he comes to NYC. I'm going to try to support him long-distance, as much as I can. This is one of those things that will great once it's done, but the transition is going to be really stressful (really). Pray for him and for me as we try to navigate this move in tiers. </div><div><br /></div><div>You might think that having a cushy new job in NYC might be great enough, but I've also already got an apartment. A 2-bedroom in Harlem/Washington Heights. I scored this place without even having to visit. My lease signing is the day after I get there. I'm still going to stay with friends, mostly because I won't have any furniture.</div><div><br /></div><div>The really interesting part about this is that I used to read a lot of blogs from people that lived in NYC. I think that most of these blogs have shut down, and most of these people have moved away from NYC. Now I'm starting my own NYC adventure. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's why I want to start this blog up again. I'm sure I'm going to have a ton of experiences that I want to share with someone. I'm sure there are some family and friends who want to know about this experience. Facebook is good for some of this, but I also want to process. I want to write. I want to put more thought into what I say than into a Tweet (but you can follow me on Twitter @intlayterms).</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I hope that whatever readers I have will come along on this journey with me. I'd love to have you. I can't promise that I'm going to great about updating this thing. I can't promise consistency of theme. I can't promise much on here. But I do want to see what comes of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's to a new adventure! </div>Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-12688652720164447522010-11-28T20:22:00.001-06:002010-11-28T20:22:18.173-06:00Is it time for me to come back?I'm not sure yet.Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10308078791932985528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-18078592026705572012010-04-19T19:32:00.002-05:002010-04-19T19:34:30.865-05:00A Good News Article/Commentary on the ELCA!Someone at the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-cindi-love/the-lutheran-church-embra_b_543142.html">Huffington Post </a>appreciates our work in the media.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-31846776181934651472010-04-04T08:08:00.004-05:002010-04-04T08:11:32.472-05:00He is risen!Today is Easter day! Christ is risen, he is risen indeed!<div><br /></div><div>I'm up and preparing to go to church, but I wanted to share a message with all of you that you are created in the image of a God who loves you enough to suffer through life with you, endure a death more horrible than our own, and come back to life in order to give eternal life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings on you this day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Easter!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-69237668466934308062010-03-31T08:42:00.002-05:002010-03-31T08:43:39.398-05:00Linking issuesI'm not sure what's going on with my posts. It seems to want to hyperlink to something that doesn't exist. I've been trying to fix it, but to no avail. If you have expertise in this area, let me know.<div><br /></div><div>Sorry.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-66128976636077097702010-03-31T08:37:00.007-05:002010-03-31T08:42:30.399-05:00No Snow MarchI'm not sure if I should be excited at the fact that there was no snow in March (which is usually our snowiest month of the winter in this area) or if I should be concerned that it is a symptom of global climate change.<div><br /></div><div>I've confessed quite openly that summer is my favorite season. I savor summer when it is here. Fall is good if it feels a lot like summer. Spring is just the build-up of summer. Winter is just something to get through until summer gets here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I'm wearing short sleeves. In March (granted, the last day...but still). It's supposed to be 75 degrees today. I might get...gasp...hot. And I admit, I'm totally excited about it!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the back of my mind, I know there is still the possibility of snowfall. But now I've gotten a taste of summertime, and I don't want to go back!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-37558591961763777502010-03-06T19:39:00.004-06:002010-03-31T08:36:54.162-05:00Standing On ShouldersThere is a phrase that has floated around for years...that phrase is "standing on shoulders". I don't think I started to notice the phrase until a couple of years ago, when suddenly, everyone was saying it. It seemed to be everywhere.<div><br /></div><div>In a way, this is an incredibly powerful image. We are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. We are reaping the benefits of the toil and suffering of so many people whose names we will never know (at least, I'm sure I won't). My life is as good as it is because others had to suffer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other reason I like the image is that it reminds me that we are going up. Life is getting better. Through all the struggles. Through all the steps back and public backlash, there is hope. People will be cared for and loved.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm starting to wonder who will be standing on my shoulders. What am I doing today that is going to make life easier for some kid (or older person) who will never know my name?</div><div><br /></div><div>It's my thought that when we get to heaven, we should all meet each other. I want to thank all those people who paved the way for my life to be so good. I also want to tell the story of what I struggled with to those who come after me. For today, my vision of heaven is a place where we share stories and fully understand the connections that hold us together as a common humanity.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's your vision for heaven?</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. I'm putting a video below that uses the image of "standing on shoulders" so beautifully. I have worked with this young woman, and I still feel moved when I hear her story and her vision for the future. God bless her.</div><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QuIG2WenMaI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QuIG2WenMaI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-7503406788087980582010-03-03T19:54:00.002-06:002010-03-03T19:55:07.957-06:00AMEN, Brother Mark!My friend, Mark, has written an<a href="http://pastormarksday.blogspot.com/2010/03/getting-on-my-soapbox.html"> excellent blog post</a> about those "Christian" forwards. Preach on, brother!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-51381734245287980322010-02-21T17:04:00.002-06:002010-02-21T17:33:53.989-06:00Planning with the FamilyI mentioned this before, but we had a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico with my family in the week between Christmas and New Years. It included everyone from my 8-month old niece (who is now a 10-month old niece) to my 81 year old grandmother (who is now an 82 year old grandmother and avid reader of this blog). Totally fun.<div><br /></div><div>Family vacations are different than individual vacations. When you are this intergenerational, a resort is often better. You spend more time on the beach or the pool than running around town. I think that we learned that the whole family should do at least one thing together each day (an excursion or a meal). For other days, you separate and have fun individually. That means that you get a good mix of adventure, relaxation, and couple time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we are planning to do it again. This time, the destination is Hawaii. It's the 50th state for my mother. It is one of 2 that I haven't visited. And, Richard has been there. In fact, his mother has many contacts there. So, we are adding Richard's mom into the mix. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the first challenges is figuring out the "when" and the "where, exactly" portion of the trip. Everyone has different schedules to juggle. We've been going back and forth between Christmas (again) or August. Right now, Christmas seems to be winning (there are some who prefer Christmas, others don't care as much). </div><div><br /></div><div>The "where, exactly" part is a little more complicated, especially if you have no idea what makes each island different. We finally forced our families to take<a href="http://gohawaii.about.com/od/hawaiivacationplanner/a/island_scores.htm"> this online quiz</a> to find out which island would be the best to visit.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're still working all this out, so stay tuned. I'm glad I really enjoy traveling with my family. I'm looking forward to this trip.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-71218674531262889302010-02-20T18:18:00.010-06:002010-02-20T19:21:12.240-06:00Religion & EthicsI wanted to post <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/february-19-2010/churches-and-gay-youth/5722/">this story by Religion & Ethics</a>. It features Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City. Trinity is an ELCA and RIC congregation that started a homeless shelter for LGBTQ youth. <div><br /></div><div>Actually, I was contacted by the good people at Religion & Ethics. They wondered if The Naming Project could provide a youth to interview. I gave two contacts (with permission, of course). After talking to the youth, Religion & Ethics decided that my kids weren't traumatized by the Church enough to feature. Bummer. At least Trinity got in.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-45372269817627606552010-02-14T10:45:00.002-06:002010-02-14T12:10:15.241-06:00Are We Going to Be Farm Fresh?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ocdeals.freedomblogging.com/files/2009/08/vegetables.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="http://ocdeals.freedomblogging.com/files/2009/08/vegetables.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Richard and I just had a "discussion" (I'm not sure that we fight like other people, but our discussions can get pretty loaded. This discussion centered around renewing our farm share. As I've blogged about for the last three years, I've really loved the farm share. During the summer, once a week, we get a 1/2 bushel of farm fresh vegetables (which were already washed for us). In the spring and fall, we would get a box every other week. <div><br /></div><div>We knew that we were getting the stuff that was in season. We felt like we knew our farmers and what was going on in their lives. It introduced us to food we hadn't imagined before: kale, chard, fennel, bleeding heart radishes. It also supplied us with familiar food with much better taste: carrots, tomatoes, squash (which I hated as a kid). The food tasted wonderful and kept fresh way longer than anything that I've bought in a store (including organic stuff).</div><div><br /></div><div>But there was a dark side to the farm share: It had to be picked up on Friday. We had until the end of the day on Friday to get it. If we were out of town, we needed to arrange someone else to get it or just let it go. We also got a lot of food. A lot. Spinach is pretty much always in season, so we continued to get bags and bags of spinach, long after we knew what to do with it. We made salads. We steamed it. We would make a stir-fry (our phrase for throwing a lot of vegetables in a pan). Still, the spinach would come. Same for other foods: asparagus in the early summer, radishes at the end of the year. We would have, what I called, "Vegetable backup" in the fridge. The food did stay fresh, but sometimes we would push it too far and have to throw something away.</div><div><br /></div><div>So now, we are presented with the option to renew (at a significant discount for being current members). Richard doesn't want to deal with it any more. He thought that trying to get it and eat it caused a lot of stress. I liked it a lot, and would like to continue doing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, what are your thoughts? Is it worth it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, we think that a good compromise would be to share the membership with another home. If you are in our area, would you be open to splitting a farm share with us? If we can find someone else who lives nearby, then we are more likely to keep it. If not, then we'll probably forgo the farm share.</div><div><br /></div><div>I realize that many of you don't live near me, but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the farm share. Let's start a discussion.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-47126251422266319292010-02-13T14:06:00.002-06:002010-02-13T14:55:39.554-06:00Creating ChangeI was in Dallas, TX, all of last week. In fact, I didn't get home until Monday. The purpose of my trip was to attend the Creating Change conference of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. This was my first time at this conference. There was a lot to process.<div><br /></div><div>I think that NGLTF is the lesser known organization, often hidden in the Human Rights Campaign's shadow. However, while HRC does direct lobbying for (and against) legislation, NGLTF is more focused on organizing for change at a grassroots level. They work campaigns in states, to be sure, but they are also concerned with the overall movement. </div><div><br /></div><div>Creating Change is an organization for anyone and everyone who is working with an LGBTQ organization. There were religious groups, racial justice groups, ability groups, youth agencies, senior programs, and political organizers. All these people come with their own particular agendas, but they know that learning how to organize and build relationships will be important for the overall movement. The diversity sometimes means that we don't agree. To be sure, there were several people who don't trust religious folks (and I don't really blame them). However, knowing that we are working on something mutual (like a society that protects and honors all its members) can draw us together and understand how interconnected our work is.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other thing that I appreciate about Creating Change is its emphasis on the intersection of oppressions. While we are all there for LGBT equality, we make sure that our work also encompasses work on race, age, gender, ability, and language. Creating Change challenged us to think about how other people in our society need to be honored and protected. We don't always live up to our goal of a society that honors and protects its members, but we can be challenged to do more.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is more emphasis on workshops and training sessions than the keynote. For one thing, with such a diverse group, it's hard to plan a keynote that speaks to everyone. Also, we came to the conference to learn skills...and we did. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next year, Creating Change will be in Minneapolis. Consider what you want to learn and if attending can be helpful for you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-42727903239872317172010-01-27T21:08:00.002-06:002010-01-27T21:19:41.274-06:00Putting it into PerspectiveI'm listening to the State of the Union address right now. <div><br /></div><div>Why am I listening?</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the big reasons I'm listening is that I'm one of those people that feels the need to be informed. I wanted to hear what was going to be brought up. What are Obama's priorities? What will he name? What does he want to address? Those are things I want to hear. I'm also a fairly liberal guy. I voted for Obama. I still want to see his priorities succeed, mainly because they are also my priorities.</div><div><br /></div><div>But something else is happening as I listen. I think that I've been feeling down lately. It seems like there are constant problems, chipping away at my energy to make a focus. I thought that no one cared about the same things that I did. I felt incredibly weighed down by burdens. But as I listen to this address, I realize that my problems don't seem so bad when I listen to what others are working on. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm certainly not a young woman in Afghanistan struggling to go to school. I'm not one of those unemployed people, wondering if I'm going to get another paycheck. I'm not a victim of earthquakes in Haiti, hurricanes in New Orleans, or even the cold of Minnesota (because I have a nice warm house to live in). </div><div><br /></div><div>I am blessed, and I think I needed to hear President Obama talk about what's going on out there to make me realize it.</div><div><br /></div><div>For that, I say "thank you".</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to teachers who help bring people out of poverty by providing education. Thank you to volunteers who give time and talent to organizations that helps those most in need. Thank you to social workers who spend time with people that most of us want to avoid. Thank you to military personnel who struggle and fight in foreign lands to keep us safe in our own land. Thank you to clergy who provide spiritual guidance through the daily struggles of life. Thank you to police officers and firefighters who keep us safe at home. Even thank you to politicians who work for a better society.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks. Your work sustains my work.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-55900751198787324342010-01-23T10:00:00.002-06:002010-01-23T10:12:12.246-06:00WritingPart of my motivation for starting this blog, oh so many years ago, was that I wanted to improve my writing skill. When I began this blog, I was also writing a column for a local GLBT paper (that quickly went under!). The editor was very patient, but I think he recognized that I didn't quite have the knack for spinning a tale with the right amount of detail that would draw a reader in. I guess I also recognized that deficiency, and I wanted to improve it.<div><br /></div><div>For a long time, I had considered myself a good writer. My main run-ins with reality had to do with major academic papers. My college thesis was a mess. I knew it. My readers knew it. According to the teacher, I did fine because I "honored the process" and went through all the steps. The problem was that I still produced a piece of crap through all those steps. My master's thesis was just as bad. This time, my teachers recognized the problems and sent me back to rework my papers. With the help of a brutally honest friend (who was also a gifted writer and editor), I was able to present something that was worthwhile. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since then, I've applied for PhD programs twice, both times rejected. I have a hunch that the essays that I've written and the writing samples that I've submitted have not really been up to par for the schools. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then, there is this blog. This is certainly not academic writing, but it is writing. It's storytelling. It explores one little idea, one day at a time. There are some posts that I'm particularly proud of, and there are others that I threw up there just to say that it was updated. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best blog writers that I've appreciated is <a href="http://zombiefightsshark.blogspot.com/">Zombie Fights Shark</a>. I think that guy can spin a tale or offer an opinion in the funniest and most provocative way possible. Granted, he does swear a lot (a LOT), but that makes it funnier. I've been reading him for a while, and he is going in and out of blogging right now. However, he is the sort of writer that I could enjoy doing. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am, on this blog. It is what it is. It has a few readers. Some of you appreciate it (hello Grandma!). Others have come and gone. I should say now that I appreciate anyone who reads and offers comments on this blog. Your feedback has helped me feel better about this offering that I've giving to the blogosphere.</div><div><br /></div><div>Where do we go from there? Who knows. But I'll keep trying.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-34750841891874078492010-01-18T11:46:00.003-06:002010-01-18T12:04:43.834-06:00MLK Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.myptsmail.com/hotdog256/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DrMartinLutherKingJr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 236px;" src="http://www.myptsmail.com/hotdog256/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DrMartinLutherKingJr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today is the day we remember and commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is also the first time that I've had the day off from work. When I worked in an academic setting, the opted to keep the college open, not hold classes, but also hold a convocation that addressed the themes of Dr. King's life. The speakers were great, there were often schoolchildren who would attend. A local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha would perform a stepping routine (this got quite popular). The understanding behind the day was that we needed to have a day "on", not a day off.<br /><br />So, here I am at home from work. I'm not at the college anymore, so I don't have a ready-made convocation outside my office door (quite literally). How do I best honor Dr. King?<br /><br />One popular option is to spend this day in volunteer service. It's a good time to visit a shelter, a thrift store, somewhere that will work for peace and justice.<br /><br />Since I already work with a few non-profits, it may be a good time to continue the work there. I've been behind in getting information about The Naming Project Summer Camp out there. I've almost got a brochure completed, and I need to update the web site with this summer's dates (July 18-23, just in case you were wondering).<br /><br />I may also crack open my work laptop and do some more work. Again, I feel like the work that I do does advance a greater understanding between individuals. It's still a day "on" (even though I slept in today).<br /><br />I keep thinking about "peace and justice". In some ways, the idea of peace and justice is big and amorphous. It seems way more than we can do. It is beyond the work of an individual. It also encompasses so many aspects. Are we talking about peace and justice for race? class? gender? sexual orientation? ability? the earth? war? crime? community?<br /><br />Yes, yes, and yes. Because peace and justice is such a big term, we can work on any part of it. We don't have to solve all the problems of the world. We simply need to do what we can to make this world a better place. That may mean working in human relations (race, class, ability, gender, etc). It may be becoming a stronger environmentalist. It may be working within the political system. It may be volunteering at the local library. This is the best part: YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bymyart.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/martin-luther-king-jr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 370px;" src="http://bymyart.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/martin-luther-king-jr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Most people think of Dr. King as primarily someone who worked for the rights of African-American people. Surely, most of his work was centered around race relations. However, later in his life, he began looking at poverty. He understood (as I am beginning to understand) that discrimination doesn't happen in a vacuum. Poverty is just as much of a problem for humankind as racism is. In fact, the two probably feed into one another. In order to help eliminate racism, Dr. King recognized that he needed to address the needs of the poor (regardless of race). And many of the poor suffered from racial discrimination, which implies that we need to eliminate racism to achieve real results in decreasing poverty. The cycle continues.<br /><br />Those are the thoughts that are filling my head on this MLK day. As I work on The Naming Project brochure, communication for TNP, and comforting those who still feel excluded from the church, I hope that I can help honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<br /><br />Please strive for justice and peace today, and every day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-24644073915384478342010-01-05T21:25:00.001-06:002010-01-05T21:31:14.697-06:00Bad RoadsSo, maybe I'm interpreting too much, but it seems like the roads are in much worse condition than they have ever been before. I only started commuting to St. Paul to work last February, and it is possible that there wasn't a significant snowfall that stayed very long. Well, in December, we had a big snow (in fact, we had a couple). After the snow in mid-December, there was dirty snow and slush all over the streets. I'd sort of slop through it to get to work. I just assumed that St. Paul had a really crappy snow removal system.<br /><br />After the Christmas snow, it got really cold. The snow that got packed down just turned to ice. Instead of driving through slush and slop, I'm sliding across whole blocks of sheer ice (with holes in it). <br /><br />I can't help but wonder if the road conditions has anything to do with budget cuts, and the inability to remove all the snow after a major snow fall. I've been hearing on the news that snow removal is being cut to the bone. Perhaps I'm driving on our budget cuts.<br /><br />Another possibility is that this is just St. Paul roads. I'm someone who clearly prefers Minneapolis over St. Paul, so I'm fine with saying that the crappy roads are just a St. Paul thing. Of course, that doesn't explain why my driveway isn't clearing either...<br /><br />Be careful driving out there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-39858011521835423872010-01-04T08:18:00.003-06:002010-01-04T09:33:38.552-06:00Christmas RecapI've spent nearly two weeks with my family. Everyone was here, from my eight-month old niece, to my 81-year old grandmother. We spent Christmas at my house (a first for me). Them more exciting part came after Christmas. We loaded up on an airplane and headed to Puerto Rico as a family. And we had a WONDERFUL time! <br /><br />We stayed in Ponce. It's the second largest city in PR, on the south side of the island. It was really a pleasant city. We stayed a resort with a pool and a beach. My grandmother could be pampered (by us and the resort staff). My niece could nap when she wanted and go out with us as well. Richard and I drove around the city quite a bit. We had to get two vehicles, so Richard and I were the drivers for the whole group. <br /><br />The trip was the Christmas gift from my parents. Richard and I gave the gift of a snorkeling trip. My sister and her husband gave us all massages (or, we used the massage service in the resort). My grandmother paid for nearly all the meals. It was a great time, sharing a lot of the expenses. <br /><br />We ventured outside of Ponce a little, but there is a lot of the island that was unexplored. We feel the need to go back and explore some more! We are also discussing the next family trip...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17937506.post-12347918421376441242009-12-17T18:48:00.005-06:002009-12-17T19:14:49.604-06:00Advent ConspiracyLast year, I learned about Advent Conspiracy. I think it is excellent and urge you all to think about how much "stuff" you need to give and receive and how much time with family is more important.<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LkTyPzRzuwc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LkTyPzRzuwc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0