1) Turning a quarter of a century old
2) Drama ministry retreat
3) 5-day Bibbulmun hike
There were some gold moments in those 3 events.
Day 3 of the hike, after telling them to make it their responsibility to look out for route markers, at the next rest stop.
Me: Okay question, where was the last route marker?
Student: Just there, 2 seconds ago.
Me: (very pleased) Great! Glad you noticed.
Student: Erm, so what does that mean?
Me: (exasperated)It means we're on the right track!
Student: Oh...
Me: (slaps forehead, mentally)
Person A: So who's older, you or G? (FYI: G just turned 30 earlier this year.)
Me: (groan) Repeat that. Did I hear correctly or did you just ask me if I'm older than G?
Little Caesar's Pizza. A drama retreat tradition that we order large amounts of pizza in all sorts of yummy flavours. Incidentally, as I discovered early this week, it now has a Leederville branch. Leedervillie is only 10 mins from where I live! Even less if I speed!
Less than gold however, has been the fact that I've been sick for 3 days. It's the most sick I've been in a long time. All I did was slept and kept hydrated. The doc even said to me, "Doesn't matter if you don't eat, just have plenty of fluid." Doesn't matter if I don't eat?! Gosh. I've barely eaten anything in 3 days. Foods with a strong smell make me feel nauseous. But I am better (I was even too sick to blog, can you believe it?) and hope to get even better pronto. There is only so much porridge and soup I can take!
2) Drama ministry retreat
3) 5-day Bibbulmun hike
There were some gold moments in those 3 events.
Day 3 of the hike, after telling them to make it their responsibility to look out for route markers, at the next rest stop.
Me: Okay question, where was the last route marker?
Student: Just there, 2 seconds ago.
Me: (very pleased) Great! Glad you noticed.
Student: Erm, so what does that mean?
Me: (exasperated)It means we're on the right track!
Student: Oh...
Me: (slaps forehead, mentally)
Person A: So who's older, you or G? (FYI: G just turned 30 earlier this year.)
Me: (groan) Repeat that. Did I hear correctly or did you just ask me if I'm older than G?
Little Caesar's Pizza. A drama retreat tradition that we order large amounts of pizza in all sorts of yummy flavours. Incidentally, as I discovered early this week, it now has a Leederville branch. Leedervillie is only 10 mins from where I live! Even less if I speed!
Less than gold however, has been the fact that I've been sick for 3 days. It's the most sick I've been in a long time. All I did was slept and kept hydrated. The doc even said to me, "Doesn't matter if you don't eat, just have plenty of fluid." Doesn't matter if I don't eat?! Gosh. I've barely eaten anything in 3 days. Foods with a strong smell make me feel nauseous. But I am better (I was even too sick to blog, can you believe it?) and hope to get even better pronto. There is only so much porridge and soup I can take!
Despite the fact that I'm heading the drama ministry and have loved drama since I was 14 (discovering the magic of the stage for the first time), I really cannot act. Truly. Offstage, that is. I am unable to pretend. It is both a blessing and a curse. Great for when I need to be authentic and real. Not so great when a simple yes-no will suffice but my facial expression and body language betray me. I can be read like a book. If you know me well enough, what I am thinking is rarely a mystery.
I wear my naked heart on my sleeve. Please be gentle with me.
I wear my naked heart on my sleeve. Please be gentle with me.
- Mood:
vulnerable
"I'm on ratemyteacher.com."
"Really?! Okay, I'm going to check it out!"
"Nooooooo...."
What began as a passing comment, turned into a full-blown investigation on my housemate's part. I didn't want to see the website. The last time I had seen it was last year. Then there were some unsavoury comments about me. I was upset for several days after even though it was hard to admit that it was what I was upset about.
At the core of it, was wounded pride. I was upset that someone felt that way about me. And more than that, that they felt strongly enough about it to publicise their negative opionion of me on a public fourm.
I went through a similar experience in church as well. Not that there is a ratemychurchmate.com. But something happened that made me feel like it was a rating excercise. Needless to say, I did not come out on top at that "rating excercise" and proceeded to seeth about it. The resentment became an unhealthy obessession as I allowed it to influence my service and ministry. My ego had been damaged and that's all that mattered.
While they may be two separate incidents, I realise that the common denominator in both is - me. Even as I deal with my bruised ego, I am reminded what really matters is what God thinks of me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a beloved child, an heir, a royal priesthood.
Ratemyteacher.com has more positive comments this year. But I cannot allow myself to feel glee at that. Because ultimately, it's not the students' opinions of me that matter. It's not my leaders' or fellow churchmates' opinions that matter. The only opinion that truly matters is God's and I will seek to please Him.
I live for an Audience of One. (Thank you for the timely reminder.)
[Incidentally, if you happen to look at the time I posted this, you may be wondering: What on earth is Marianne doing up at 3am? Doesn't she need to work the next day? The answer is, yes, I need to work but I also needed to finish a set of exam marking. The life of a teacher - the work is never done.]
"Really?! Okay, I'm going to check it out!"
"Nooooooo...."
What began as a passing comment, turned into a full-blown investigation on my housemate's part. I didn't want to see the website. The last time I had seen it was last year. Then there were some unsavoury comments about me. I was upset for several days after even though it was hard to admit that it was what I was upset about.
At the core of it, was wounded pride. I was upset that someone felt that way about me. And more than that, that they felt strongly enough about it to publicise their negative opionion of me on a public fourm.
I went through a similar experience in church as well. Not that there is a ratemychurchmate.com. But something happened that made me feel like it was a rating excercise. Needless to say, I did not come out on top at that "rating excercise" and proceeded to seeth about it. The resentment became an unhealthy obessession as I allowed it to influence my service and ministry. My ego had been damaged and that's all that mattered.
While they may be two separate incidents, I realise that the common denominator in both is - me. Even as I deal with my bruised ego, I am reminded what really matters is what God thinks of me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a beloved child, an heir, a royal priesthood.
Ratemyteacher.com has more positive comments this year. But I cannot allow myself to feel glee at that. Because ultimately, it's not the students' opinions of me that matter. It's not my leaders' or fellow churchmates' opinions that matter. The only opinion that truly matters is God's and I will seek to please Him.
I live for an Audience of One. (Thank you for the timely reminder.)
[Incidentally, if you happen to look at the time I posted this, you may be wondering: What on earth is Marianne doing up at 3am? Doesn't she need to work the next day? The answer is, yes, I need to work but I also needed to finish a set of exam marking. The life of a teacher - the work is never done.]
About a month ago, I was home for yet another wedding. It seems to be the only reason I go back to Singapore these days. As my mother sat down on the bed (the same bed I had slept in as a 17 year old dreaming about a new chapter in my life far away in Australia), she began to speak, “Marianne, so have you thought about getting married? You know, some day you’re going to grow old, and you’re going to want to have someone take care of you. Someday, your Dad and I will be gone and your sister will have her own family to raise. You don’t want to grow old on your own, do you?”
The tears came fast and furious then. “Don’t you think I’ve thought about that? I’ve considered all of that, Mum! But there just isn’t anyone right now, and I’ve got to come to terms with the fact that there may never be someone!”
It was an outpouring of what had been in my heart in recent years. In my teenaged years when envisioning my future, I always thought of myself as a picture of female independence – young, single and successful. Who needs boys when you’ve got brains? I would cringe inwardly when friends and acquaintances talked about what they wanted in future spouses or dream weddings. I even recall a time in the not so distant past, when asked to lead Bible study and having been given the freedom to talk about whatever I wanted, I chose to do a Bible study on singlehood.
But as I approached closer to a quarter of a century, my perspective of marriage/singlehood began to change. I still believed what I did before: that singlehood (just like marriage) is a gift and that we shouldn’t value one over the other. But my feelings changed. I was no longer ambivalent as I was before about the prospect of marriage. Strangely, I found myself wanting to be married. As I watched friends around me get married, I had to admit to myself that the dull ache I felt was indeed jealousy. These feelings were alien to me. And then I had to deal with the fact that although I might now desire marriage, it may not necessarily be what God has in mind for me.
Well-meaning family, friends and church mates will often attempt to assure me that “my turn will come one day” and also often quote that the Lord “will grant you the desires of your heart”. But that’s ignoring the fact that the emphasis of that verse is to “delight yourself in the Lord”.
God promises to provide for all my needs. God promises to never leave or forsake me. God promises a future and hope. But nowhere in the Bible does He promise to provide a spouse, in the same way that He doesn't promise we will always be happy. Faith is believing that whatever God chooses to give (or to withhold) that He is still good and that He knows what He is doing.
The challenge for me is the daily decision to find contentment in my Lord and Saviour (not in the hope of a spouse, not in the success of my career, not in the flourishing of my ministry, not in joy of my friendships). Anything less is a poor imitation. But I am a work in progress and sometimes I let my feelings get the better of me. It is in these times that I remind myself that His grace is more than enough for me. Yet will I praise thee.
The tears came fast and furious then. “Don’t you think I’ve thought about that? I’ve considered all of that, Mum! But there just isn’t anyone right now, and I’ve got to come to terms with the fact that there may never be someone!”
It was an outpouring of what had been in my heart in recent years. In my teenaged years when envisioning my future, I always thought of myself as a picture of female independence – young, single and successful. Who needs boys when you’ve got brains? I would cringe inwardly when friends and acquaintances talked about what they wanted in future spouses or dream weddings. I even recall a time in the not so distant past, when asked to lead Bible study and having been given the freedom to talk about whatever I wanted, I chose to do a Bible study on singlehood.
But as I approached closer to a quarter of a century, my perspective of marriage/singlehood began to change. I still believed what I did before: that singlehood (just like marriage) is a gift and that we shouldn’t value one over the other. But my feelings changed. I was no longer ambivalent as I was before about the prospect of marriage. Strangely, I found myself wanting to be married. As I watched friends around me get married, I had to admit to myself that the dull ache I felt was indeed jealousy. These feelings were alien to me. And then I had to deal with the fact that although I might now desire marriage, it may not necessarily be what God has in mind for me.
Well-meaning family, friends and church mates will often attempt to assure me that “my turn will come one day” and also often quote that the Lord “will grant you the desires of your heart”. But that’s ignoring the fact that the emphasis of that verse is to “delight yourself in the Lord”.
God promises to provide for all my needs. God promises to never leave or forsake me. God promises a future and hope. But nowhere in the Bible does He promise to provide a spouse, in the same way that He doesn't promise we will always be happy. Faith is believing that whatever God chooses to give (or to withhold) that He is still good and that He knows what He is doing.
The challenge for me is the daily decision to find contentment in my Lord and Saviour (not in the hope of a spouse, not in the success of my career, not in the flourishing of my ministry, not in joy of my friendships). Anything less is a poor imitation. But I am a work in progress and sometimes I let my feelings get the better of me. It is in these times that I remind myself that His grace is more than enough for me. Yet will I praise thee.
When researchers put the following three problems to 3400 students in the US, only 17 per cent got all three right. Can you do any better?
1) A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?
2) If it takes five machines 5 minutes to make five widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?
3) In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of it?
[Hat Tip: Cottontimer]
Answers and why a high IQ doesn't mean you're smart.
1) A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?
2) If it takes five machines 5 minutes to make five widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?
3) In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of it?
[Hat Tip: Cottontimer]
Answers and why a high IQ doesn't mean you're smart.
Apparently, Twitter was experiencing some downtime recently and people got upset, not that I would know because I don't Tweet but this is amusing: No Twitter for Hitler
My not tweeting or facebooking has brought up some interesting conversations. Friends and acquaintances occassionally deride my lack of connectivity. When I first started blogging in 2000, it was a novel thing. It was a phenomenon, social media, and it had just begun. I fully embraced blogging then (and still do) but have been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon since: no Friendster (when it was popular, 2002?), no MySpace, no Facebook, no Twitter. So this is a partial explanation, borrowed from Skye Jethani who lists his top ten reasons why he doesn't Tweet. I'm just listing and simplifying/modifying those relevant to me.
ONE
My life really isn’t that interesting (and in most cases, neither is yours). Let’s be honest, most of life is mundane, ordinary, and routine. I’d rather keep the veil of mystery over my life so that outsiders can construct a far more fascinating picture of my existence with their imaginations.
FOUR
I don’t want to become a phantom. The internet is a medium we think fosters immediacy and authenticity, but in truth it breeds shallowness.
FIVE
I respect the written word too much to mutilate it. In the church we talk a lot about “gifting”-how we feel God has enabled us to bless others. I believe my gifts are centered around communication-speaking, teaching, writing, editing. It seems that our culture has lost respect for the written word and is continuing to lose its capacity to engage in meaningful communication. Twitter is to thoughtful communication what Skittles are to fine cuisine. Each has its place, but I’ll save my appetite for the filet mignon, thank you.
SIX - This is the reason I cite most often to others, like I explain in an earlier post.
I don’t need another commitment in my life. To quote Bilbo Baggins, I fee like “too little butter spread over too much bread.” I already check email, mobile, Bloglines, news.com.au and number of other websites with obsessive regularity. Frankly, I don’t want another one filling my mind or time.
NINE
I suffer from “Terminal Uniqueness.” Terminal Uniqueness (T.U.) is a condition that requires one to be immediately skeptical of any popular trend and always find a way to differentiate one’s self from whatever crowd is present at any moment. It is usually fatal.
For more, see his tenth reason, the best argument by far. So sums my argument. The next time someone asks me why I don't use Twitter and Facebook, I'll just say, read my blog. (Oh the irony!)
My not tweeting or facebooking has brought up some interesting conversations. Friends and acquaintances occassionally deride my lack of connectivity. When I first started blogging in 2000, it was a novel thing. It was a phenomenon, social media, and it had just begun. I fully embraced blogging then (and still do) but have been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon since: no Friendster (when it was popular, 2002?), no MySpace, no Facebook, no Twitter. So this is a partial explanation, borrowed from Skye Jethani who lists his top ten reasons why he doesn't Tweet. I'm just listing and simplifying/modifying those relevant to me.
ONE
My life really isn’t that interesting (and in most cases, neither is yours). Let’s be honest, most of life is mundane, ordinary, and routine. I’d rather keep the veil of mystery over my life so that outsiders can construct a far more fascinating picture of my existence with their imaginations.
FOUR
I don’t want to become a phantom. The internet is a medium we think fosters immediacy and authenticity, but in truth it breeds shallowness.
FIVE
I respect the written word too much to mutilate it. In the church we talk a lot about “gifting”-how we feel God has enabled us to bless others. I believe my gifts are centered around communication-speaking, teaching, writing, editing. It seems that our culture has lost respect for the written word and is continuing to lose its capacity to engage in meaningful communication. Twitter is to thoughtful communication what Skittles are to fine cuisine. Each has its place, but I’ll save my appetite for the filet mignon, thank you.
SIX - This is the reason I cite most often to others, like I explain in an earlier post.
I don’t need another commitment in my life. To quote Bilbo Baggins, I fee like “too little butter spread over too much bread.” I already check email, mobile, Bloglines, news.com.au and number of other websites with obsessive regularity. Frankly, I don’t want another one filling my mind or time.
NINE
I suffer from “Terminal Uniqueness.” Terminal Uniqueness (T.U.) is a condition that requires one to be immediately skeptical of any popular trend and always find a way to differentiate one’s self from whatever crowd is present at any moment. It is usually fatal.
For more, see his tenth reason, the best argument by far. So sums my argument. The next time someone asks me why I don't use Twitter and Facebook, I'll just say, read my blog. (Oh the irony!)
I just love musicals! Even better if it's improv!
Mission is something close to my heart. It is what I want to do with my life. Many times I feel frustrated where I am now (teaching in a local high school, being in Perth, etc.) because I want to be out there instead. But I know that where I am now, is prep-time. Even as I attended the Kairos course in May, God spoke through one of the facilitators. She said that I'm still here because God's holding me back. He's moulding me but this process is not a quick one, nor can it be hurried in my time.
I've just recently been accepted as a missions apprentice in my home church in Singapore. That's exciting news for me. I'll be travelling to the Phillippines this December, and remain there for a month. I'll be assisting the work of the missionaries already there and also conducting English classes. I'll write more about the specifics at a later date.
( So Why Missions? )
Missions Monday is a series that I began writing to increase awareness of missions. It's also an opportunity for me to do some research. It hasn't been regular but I hope to feature it more soon. Previous Missions Monday entries are: 10 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Missionary, Society for the Picking of Apples and 10/40 Window.
I've just recently been accepted as a missions apprentice in my home church in Singapore. That's exciting news for me. I'll be travelling to the Phillippines this December, and remain there for a month. I'll be assisting the work of the missionaries already there and also conducting English classes. I'll write more about the specifics at a later date.
( So Why Missions? )
Missions Monday is a series that I began writing to increase awareness of missions. It's also an opportunity for me to do some research. It hasn't been regular but I hope to feature it more soon. Previous Missions Monday entries are: 10 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Missionary, Society for the Picking of Apples and 10/40 Window.
"Think about the one person that has caused you the most hurt in your life..." the voice on the DVD continued, oblivious to the depth of emotion and the dizzying thoughts that suddenly crowded my mind. "Have you forgiven that person?" There have been many people who have caused deep hurts in my life. I was having trouble deciding who that "one person" I was supposed to focus on was. And then having to decide if I had truly forgiven that person. I am very good at avoiding. So often when deeply hurt, I take the path of avoidance. It's about minising the hurt.
We've been doing 40 Days of Love at church and the confronting DVD I was watching is part of the programme. As we went through the rest of the evening for small group, I thought again and again of whether I had truly forgiven or whether I had merely played the out of sight, out of mind tactic. The following is an extract, partially in my own words.
Forgiveness Is
I know I've forgiven when I...
1. reliquish my right to get even. (Vengence is mine, says the Lord.)
2. respond to evil with good. (Can I pray for them and genuinely wish them well?)
3. repeat that process as long as neccessary.
I like point number 3. Many times I think I have forgiven, only to be confronted with the fact that I was still bitter when the incident or the person is called to mind. Fogiveness is a process, not a one-time event.
Forgiveness is Not
1. Forgiveness is not because the other person deserves it. But beccause you deserve it, and because God commands it.
2. Forgiveness is not trust. Too often, I confuse the two and then when my trust is broken yet again, I become even more reluctant to forgive. Forgivneess is by grace, trust is by works. We are called to fogive but the other party needs to demonstrate that they are trustworthy again. And sometimes, we may forgive, but not trust the other party again.
Utimately, we forgive beacuse we have forgiven. The Lord's prayer clearly demonstrates this in the line, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." We request that God forgives us, even as / while / because we forgive others.
Tough but true.
Excuse me, I have some forgiving to do. (Hey, it rhymes!)
We've been doing 40 Days of Love at church and the confronting DVD I was watching is part of the programme. As we went through the rest of the evening for small group, I thought again and again of whether I had truly forgiven or whether I had merely played the out of sight, out of mind tactic. The following is an extract, partially in my own words.
Forgiveness Is
I know I've forgiven when I...
1. reliquish my right to get even. (Vengence is mine, says the Lord.)
2. respond to evil with good. (Can I pray for them and genuinely wish them well?)
3. repeat that process as long as neccessary.
I like point number 3. Many times I think I have forgiven, only to be confronted with the fact that I was still bitter when the incident or the person is called to mind. Fogiveness is a process, not a one-time event.
Forgiveness is Not
1. Forgiveness is not because the other person deserves it. But beccause you deserve it, and because God commands it.
2. Forgiveness is not trust. Too often, I confuse the two and then when my trust is broken yet again, I become even more reluctant to forgive. Forgivneess is by grace, trust is by works. We are called to fogive but the other party needs to demonstrate that they are trustworthy again. And sometimes, we may forgive, but not trust the other party again.
Utimately, we forgive beacuse we have forgiven. The Lord's prayer clearly demonstrates this in the line, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." We request that God forgives us, even as / while / because we forgive others.
Tough but true.
Excuse me, I have some forgiving to do. (Hey, it rhymes!)
In two weeks, I'd have been a maid of honour for the third time. I must admit, I'm a really lousy bridesmaid. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. Why ask the girl who's clueless about weddings?! While other girls were busy dreaming of destination weddings, theme colours, music and the perfect dress, I was busy making sandcastles, building lego and making houses out of cardboard.
Anyway, this time my responsibilities have increased and I have to give a speech. So I did what any self-respecting 20 something would do when faced with a difficult situation - I googled it. I found great speeches, for other people. I even watched Youtube videos of maid of honour speeches (you can tell I was getting desperate). Nothing really fit what I want to say. So I'm writing my speech from scratch. I can only hope that the audience thinks I'm funny and that M doesn't regret asking me to be her maid of honour.
I'm beginning to feel like that girl in 27 Dresses. Except that I'm so not organised. Gah.
Anyway, this time my responsibilities have increased and I have to give a speech. So I did what any self-respecting 20 something would do when faced with a difficult situation - I googled it. I found great speeches, for other people. I even watched Youtube videos of maid of honour speeches (you can tell I was getting desperate). Nothing really fit what I want to say. So I'm writing my speech from scratch. I can only hope that the audience thinks I'm funny and that M doesn't regret asking me to be her maid of honour.
I'm beginning to feel like that girl in 27 Dresses. Except that I'm so not organised. Gah.
Last night was our church's annual Search for a Star event. It is a highlight in our church calendar, and especially the drama ministry's calander. This year, marks the fifth time, I've directed the drama piece. Looking back on the previous years, I think we've grown and developed so much. At times, there's over-confidence. "We've done it before, we can do it again." But that comes crashing down and I'm humbled (yet again) by how little I really know.
Amidst all the hullabaloo, lost Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturday mornings, what I really take home at the end of the day is not how well we went on stage. Instead it is the bonds that have been forged. The blood, sweat and tears. Okay, I exaggerate. It's far more accurate to say: the dumb in-jokes, the laughter and the shame and embarrasment.
Working with drama folks is always a different expereince than working with regular people. As someone observed yesterday, we are indeed very "unruly". What do you expect when you stick a bunch of people who love the limelight all into one group? Utter chaos.
The Drama Team: Foolz for Christ
Thank you for giving me the priviliege to work with you. Thank you for allowing me the chance to see you grow and express yourself in ways you normally wouldn't. Thank you for taking direction when I'm being psycho pedantic. Thank you for being willing to put yourself out there. Thank you for serving along side with me.
Amidst all the hullabaloo, lost Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturday mornings, what I really take home at the end of the day is not how well we went on stage. Instead it is the bonds that have been forged. The blood, sweat and tears. Okay, I exaggerate. It's far more accurate to say: the dumb in-jokes, the laughter and the shame and embarrasment.
Working with drama folks is always a different expereince than working with regular people. As someone observed yesterday, we are indeed very "unruly". What do you expect when you stick a bunch of people who love the limelight all into one group? Utter chaos.
Thank you for giving me the priviliege to work with you. Thank you for allowing me the chance to see you grow and express yourself in ways you normally wouldn't. Thank you for taking direction when I'm being psycho pedantic. Thank you for being willing to put yourself out there. Thank you for serving along side with me.
I attended a workshop the other day where the presenter was trying trying convince the older audience that young people (digital natives) were not using social networking sites (like Facebook and Twitter) to replace face-to-face contact but rather that the technology enables them to enhance their exisiting relationships.
I feel the effects of that sometimes. Unlike most of my peers, I don't have Facebook or Twitter as a matter of principle. (I don't want to get addicted; I already have too many addictions.) When I meet people I don't see often, sometimes they have big news that everyone seems to know about except me. E.g. "If you were on my Facebook, you'd know that I recently became a father." (That was an exaggeration because I did know about his daughter but it makes the point.) And sometimes my friends also Twitter things about me, to which I have no knowledge of until another friend tells me. Thus I feel out of the loop. When this feeling hits me, I think to myself, "Maybe I should get Facebook/Twitter..." But then I quickly drop the idea again. Maybe I'm just doing it because in some small corner of my mind, I think that I'm being different. Or maybe I'll just wait till this peters out. Or maybe I just don't want this to happen:
Facebook, Twitter Revolutionizing How Parents Stalk Their College-Aged Kids
Hat tip to Tama Leaver
I feel the effects of that sometimes. Unlike most of my peers, I don't have Facebook or Twitter as a matter of principle. (I don't want to get addicted; I already have too many addictions.) When I meet people I don't see often, sometimes they have big news that everyone seems to know about except me. E.g. "If you were on my Facebook, you'd know that I recently became a father." (That was an exaggeration because I did know about his daughter but it makes the point.) And sometimes my friends also Twitter things about me, to which I have no knowledge of until another friend tells me. Thus I feel out of the loop. When this feeling hits me, I think to myself, "Maybe I should get Facebook/Twitter..." But then I quickly drop the idea again. Maybe I'm just doing it because in some small corner of my mind, I think that I'm being different. Or maybe I'll just wait till this peters out. Or maybe I just don't want this to happen:
Facebook, Twitter Revolutionizing How Parents Stalk Their College-Aged Kids
Hat tip to Tama Leaver
Crush
noun. Informal
an infatuation, puppy love: I had a teenage crush on my French teacher.
This word seems to be falling out of use. My class knows of it, but hardly seems to use it. I was trying to ellict the word out from them but finally had to tell it to them. I was very surprised at this discovery.
Before it seems too strange that I am encouraging infatuation amongst my teenagers, let me explain the context: I am currently teaching Romeo & Juliet. Unless you've actually read/watched the Shakepspeare version of this story, few people realise that Romeo was originally "in love" with someone else. While still heart-broken over her, he sees and falls madly "in love" with Juliet. Love at first sight (for those who believe in it). This is precisely why I hated the text when I was studying it as school: Romeo was a typical love-sick, fickle teenaged boy! Not that I didn't have my fair share of crushes at that age (and occassionally still do) but I wanted something different to a world I already knew. But I guess human nature hasn't changed much in 400 years. Unlike words.
noun. Informal
an infatuation, puppy love: I had a teenage crush on my French teacher.
This word seems to be falling out of use. My class knows of it, but hardly seems to use it. I was trying to ellict the word out from them but finally had to tell it to them. I was very surprised at this discovery.
Before it seems too strange that I am encouraging infatuation amongst my teenagers, let me explain the context: I am currently teaching Romeo & Juliet. Unless you've actually read/watched the Shakepspeare version of this story, few people realise that Romeo was originally "in love" with someone else. While still heart-broken over her, he sees and falls madly "in love" with Juliet. Love at first sight (for those who believe in it). This is precisely why I hated the text when I was studying it as school: Romeo was a typical love-sick, fickle teenaged boy! Not that I didn't have my fair share of crushes at that age (and occassionally still do) but I wanted something different to a world I already knew. But I guess human nature hasn't changed much in 400 years. Unlike words.
A very confronting but effective video. Let us help to build a better world - a world that does not turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, a world that does not ignore cries for help.
Visit Hands for Hope.
Have you made your mark? I have. I’ve created a hand print in support of Indigenous suicide prevention, now it’s your turn to leave a mark at Lifeline’s Make Your Mark site.Suicide is such a devastating way to lose members of our communities. It’s heart breaking to think that some people believe that death by their own hand is a better alternative than continuing to live.
Did you know suicide among Indigenous Australians is up to 40%* higher than in the general Australian population?
It’s also believed this figure is under reported. (*Living is for Everyone, 2008)
By creating your own hand print you will be showing your support for Indigenous healing, emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.
For every handprint created the NRL (Rugby League) will donate one dollar to Lifeline for this cause. You can also donate directly.
Your participation will help Lifeline connect Indigenous communities with services and resources to support individuals and families into the future.
This is stupid. What will he think of me? Will he laugh? Will he be annoyed? Will he think I'm crazy? What should I say? Is this really what love is? Oh, this is stupid. And at my age too. You'd think I'd have out-grown this by now. But no, still concerned with what other people think. Oh crap. The other people. What will they think? What will they say when I go over to talk to him? Why did I decide to do this again? God? What do You think? Should I really do it?
Silence. ( Read more... )
Silence. ( Read more... )
... I'm gonna be at Hillsongs Conference!
It's so exciting. I've wanted to go for a very long time now. Years. But there's always reasons why I couldn't. Mostly financial and since now, I actually am financially independent, I am able. I'm excited about what God's going to say to me through the conference. (A little scared too, but mostly excited.)
And I'm also excited about exploring a new city on my own. I haven't travelled to a new place on my own since backpacking around the US in 2005. I am going to the Conference with other people but I'm hanging around Sydney for a few days after on my own. Which reminds me that I still need to find accomodation for then...
It's so exciting. I've wanted to go for a very long time now. Years. But there's always reasons why I couldn't. Mostly financial and since now, I actually am financially independent, I am able. I'm excited about what God's going to say to me through the conference. (A little scared too, but mostly excited.)
And I'm also excited about exploring a new city on my own. I haven't travelled to a new place on my own since backpacking around the US in 2005. I am going to the Conference with other people but I'm hanging around Sydney for a few days after on my own. Which reminds me that I still need to find accomodation for then...
- Mood:
excited
One of my favouritest (yay, English-teacher me!) blogs is Jon Acuff's Stuff Christians Like. I've blogged about it before. One of his latest post is a quiz on singleness. It's hailarious. Try it!
The Surviving Church as a Single Scorecard
1. Your church doesn't have a singles ministry. = + 1 point
2. Your church has a singles ministry but it's combined with the college ministry which creates opportunities for conversations like this:
Student: "My roommate bought a microwave for our dorm room. I love being a Freshman!"
Single: "My 401K is underperforming." = +2 points
3. Your church has a singles ministry but it's a triad that combines college, single adults and divorce recovery. = + 3 points
4. Your church has a singles ministry but it's the dreaded quad, combining college, single adults, divorce recovery and retired widowers that refuse to move to Florida. = +4 points
5. Someone pays you the world's most backhanded compliment, "I just don't understand how someone as great as you isn't married yet." = +1 point
6. Someone told you, “If you stop looking for love you’ll find it.” 2 points for each time you’ve heard that.
7. At church, people give you weird looks if you refuse to sit in the “singles” section of the sanctuary. = +1 point
8. When people introduce you, they say, “This is Matt, my single friend.” = +2 points
9. When people introduce you they feel compelled to list out your accomplishments, “This is Sally, my single friend who owns her own home, drives a luxury sedan and has a very, very stable job.” = +3 points
10. Your friends that have been married for 15 minutes act like they suddenly don’t remember anything about dating and therefore can't give you any advice. “It’s been so long since I dated, things have changed so much. I’m just out of that whole scene.” + 2 points( Play On! )
I got at least 33 points! How many did you get?
I particularly identify with number 31 and 32. (See this other post on singleness.)
And one of my own:
41. When Jon Acuff blogs about singleness, you feel strangely compelled to repost his entire quiz. = +5 points
I guess that means I'm on 38! Woohoo!
The Surviving Church as a Single Scorecard
1. Your church doesn't have a singles ministry. = + 1 point
2. Your church has a singles ministry but it's combined with the college ministry which creates opportunities for conversations like this:
Student: "My roommate bought a microwave for our dorm room. I love being a Freshman!"
Single: "My 401K is underperforming." = +2 points
3. Your church has a singles ministry but it's a triad that combines college, single adults and divorce recovery. = + 3 points
4. Your church has a singles ministry but it's the dreaded quad, combining college, single adults, divorce recovery and retired widowers that refuse to move to Florida. = +4 points
5. Someone pays you the world's most backhanded compliment, "I just don't understand how someone as great as you isn't married yet." = +1 point
6. Someone told you, “If you stop looking for love you’ll find it.” 2 points for each time you’ve heard that.
7. At church, people give you weird looks if you refuse to sit in the “singles” section of the sanctuary. = +1 point
8. When people introduce you, they say, “This is Matt, my single friend.” = +2 points
9. When people introduce you they feel compelled to list out your accomplishments, “This is Sally, my single friend who owns her own home, drives a luxury sedan and has a very, very stable job.” = +3 points
10. Your friends that have been married for 15 minutes act like they suddenly don’t remember anything about dating and therefore can't give you any advice. “It’s been so long since I dated, things have changed so much. I’m just out of that whole scene.” + 2 points( Play On! )
I got at least 33 points! How many did you get?
I particularly identify with number 31 and 32. (See this other post on singleness.)
And one of my own:
41. When Jon Acuff blogs about singleness, you feel strangely compelled to repost his entire quiz. = +5 points
I guess that means I'm on 38! Woohoo!
So I'm still thinking about a name for my car. I've narrowed it down to two options. 1. Narci (as from before) and 2. Raceht (pronounced "Racket").
1. Narci
Narcicuss is a devastatingly beautiful man in Greek mythology. He had many suitors but despised them. Eventually, he falls in love with his own reflection in a pool. Echo, a nymph, is cursed to only repeat what other people say (hence where the English language derives the word from). She sees Nacicuss gazing at his own reflection in the pool and falls in love with him. He is too self-absorbed and eventually she dies, leaving only her voice behind.
2. Raceht
The name Raceht is derived from Patricia Hughes' The Sacred Rac, in which the rac (car, spelt backwards) is a "beast of burden" that is "revered" bu the Aus (USA, spelt backwards) society in the same way that people in India revere cows. It is essentially a satirical stab at the obession with cars (as well as anthropology).
1. Narci
Narcicuss is a devastatingly beautiful man in Greek mythology. He had many suitors but despised them. Eventually, he falls in love with his own reflection in a pool. Echo, a nymph, is cursed to only repeat what other people say (hence where the English language derives the word from). She sees Nacicuss gazing at his own reflection in the pool and falls in love with him. He is too self-absorbed and eventually she dies, leaving only her voice behind.
2. Raceht
The name Raceht is derived from Patricia Hughes' The Sacred Rac, in which the rac (car, spelt backwards) is a "beast of burden" that is "revered" bu the Aus (USA, spelt backwards) society in the same way that people in India revere cows. It is essentially a satirical stab at the obession with cars (as well as anthropology).
A Hypothetical Conversation
Student: [trying to make conversation] So miss, what books are you reading right now?
Me: Oh, I'm currently reading two books, one on the English language and the other on punctuation.
Student: No, miss, I mean, what are you reading for fun?
Me: I am reading about English and punctuation for fun!
Student: erm...
Me: Really! They're really funny books, hilarious, in fact! Very informative too!
Student: Punctuation is fun?
Me: [excitedly] Yeah! Did you know that, for example, a man in 1916 was "hanged on a comma"? The judge decided that the law applied to the case because of the inclusion of a comma.
Student: Right... um, Twilight has punctuation.
Me: And did you know 'attract' and 'tractor' come from the same root word? Tract - to pull.
Student: [trying to change the subject] What about what you were reading before this?
Me: Well, I read one about the book publishing industry and a book about puns. My favourite pun of all is this - a good pun is like a good steak, a rare medium, well-done.
Student: [groan]
It is true, I am currently reading a book on punctuation (Eat, Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss) and one on the English language (Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson). Yes, I think they're hilarious. I before this, I read Casanova was a Book Lover by John Maxwell Hamillton (on the book industry) and Get Thee to the Punnery by Richard Lederer (on puns).
I think most normal people would think me mad. Ack! I think me mad. Methinks me mad. ('Methinks', by the way, is a proper English word. It is found in the dictionary.) I have morphed into one of those English creatures!
(I am up so 'late' because I don't have to be at school tomorrow. Professional development! I'm being sent on training. No kids! Yay!)
- Mood:
bouncy
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