Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Day Forty-Three...Contemplations
Ok, so I know that I just finished my degree. And, I promised myself I would take a break. And, I'm planning on that. But, I must admit...I miss doing homework and learning. I've found a few colleges that have doctorate programs in Deaf Ed or related fields. I am very interested in pursuing my doctorate. I've come this far...I want to go all the way. Right now, the only way I could even CONSIDER doing that is if I could get full financial aid. The likelihood is that I'd have to take out more student loans. Right now, I have over $85k in student loans to begin paying off. That alone is going to kill me financially...especially if I have to continue subbing. I couldn't even consider continuing on unless I get full financial aid...grants, scholarships, etc.
Well, this is just the preliminary inquiry and I won't jump into anything without seeking wise counsel...
But, I do feel like God is leading me down that path...or at least inviting me to explore the idea.
We'll see...
Well, this is just the preliminary inquiry and I won't jump into anything without seeking wise counsel...
But, I do feel like God is leading me down that path...or at least inviting me to explore the idea.
We'll see...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
A Quote from Ben Stein...
If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.
But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something lik e this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" (She said the same thing when interviewed after 9-11)
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards. honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.
But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something lik e this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" (She said the same thing when interviewed after 9-11)
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards. honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Day Forty-Two...Mottos
So, I've been thinking a LOT about mottos or sayings..I have a few for my life: "That which does not kill me makes me stronger" and "man who fart in church sit in his own pew"...things like that. So, I've decided to put a few mottos for others in my life here.
Pippin: if I can reach it, I can eat it!
Cheyenne: Ball? Do you have it? Where'd it go? Is it up here? No, is it up there? AHHHHH...how about in the couch? Do you have it? No, who has the ball? I can't find the ball...
Milliyra: yah, good luck with that!
Dilibrirth: don't forget a jacket!
Moob: riiiiight...there is that!
Alatáriël: if it doesn't have a tail, it's not a monkey!
And, one that I just learned today is by Aristotle: We are what we repeatedly do
That one is from Moob...we're starting a healthier lifestyle and I think it fits.
Pippin: if I can reach it, I can eat it!
Cheyenne: Ball? Do you have it? Where'd it go? Is it up here? No, is it up there? AHHHHH...how about in the couch? Do you have it? No, who has the ball? I can't find the ball...
Milliyra: yah, good luck with that!
Dilibrirth: don't forget a jacket!
Moob: riiiiight...there is that!
Alatáriël: if it doesn't have a tail, it's not a monkey!
And, one that I just learned today is by Aristotle: We are what we repeatedly do
That one is from Moob...we're starting a healthier lifestyle and I think it fits.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Day Forty-One...Home Sick
Today I stayed home sick...no more McDonalds for lunch...no more bacon and eggs for dinner. Blech! I also don't work tomorrow, so...it'll be nice to have a few days off before Thanksgiving.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, we're having it at our house this year. We're expecting about 12 people. It'll be VERY cool! The menu is as follows:
Turkey (duh!)
Potatoes
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Corn Casserole
Green Beans
Rolls
Overnight Layered Salad
Stuffing
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Afterbirth Surprise (yes, you read that correctly!)
Pumpkin Cake
Tiramisu
Punch
Then, when that dinner is done, we boil the snot out of the carcass and make turkey soup. It's YUMMY! Turkey, barley, celery, carrots, pearl onions...mmmmm...making me salivate just thinking about it. And, it's a recipe that can be frozen, too, so we can have it now and later, too.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, we're having it at our house this year. We're expecting about 12 people. It'll be VERY cool! The menu is as follows:
Turkey (duh!)
Potatoes
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Corn Casserole
Green Beans
Rolls
Overnight Layered Salad
Stuffing
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Afterbirth Surprise (yes, you read that correctly!)
Pumpkin Cake
Tiramisu
Punch
Then, when that dinner is done, we boil the snot out of the carcass and make turkey soup. It's YUMMY! Turkey, barley, celery, carrots, pearl onions...mmmmm...making me salivate just thinking about it. And, it's a recipe that can be frozen, too, so we can have it now and later, too.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Day Forty...A New Perspective on an Old Story
So, today's sermon was on John chapter 4. It was about the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus had been teaching in Judea and decided to go to Galilee. On his way, he stopped at Jacob's Well. He was thirsty. A woman was there...as Samaritan woman, no less...drawing water from the well. He asked her to draw some for Him. She said, "why do you ask me for water? I'm a woman...as Samaritan..." He said, "If you knew who I was, you'd ask ME for living water." She said, "You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep." Here's Pastor's take on this: Because the woman couldn't see the means of provision, she not only misunderstood, she doubted..." How could God provide if He didn't have a bucket? She misunderstood God's promise for provision, then also doubted that He could actually provide. Pastor then said, "We shouldn't expect God to tell us HOW He's going to do what He's going to do. We just need to BELIEVE He will." Jesus was going to give the woman living water...water that moves under its own will...it didn't need to be drawn...it was alive...That water makes us satisfied. Pastor then said, "I've been asked this question: 'How can you say that all the Christians in the world, with all their complaining and whining and...how can you say they're satisfied?" Well...the well of living water...the artisian well...moves under its own power...IT CAN BE CAPPED. Why am I always dissatisfied? My artisian well has been capped. We are just as satisfied as we want to be. I have the choice to uncap the well of living water that God has given me. Once that happens, I will be more satisfied than I can ever imagine. I will be satisfied with God, His promises for me, and the way He will choose to make those promises come to fruition.
That's what God spoke to me today...
That's what God spoke to me today...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Out of the Mouths of Babes...
My aunt sent me this link. Listen to it...it's awesome. This kid gets it...
http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/logan-calf-story.mp3
http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/logan-calf-story.mp3
Day Thirty-Nine...Four Weeks and Counting!
So, I took my PRAXIS test today for my endorsement in Deaf Education from Washington State. I was up tossing and turning, second-guessing myself, asking, "Do I REALLY know what I'm doing? Will I actually be able to PASS this test or will I fail MISERABLY because I am just fooling myself into thinking I know what I'm talking about?" Fortunately, I won't have to take another test...well, at least for a while...until I have to start Continuing Education...joy! Anyway, so I got to the testing center. It was on my undergrad university campus. It felt nice to know exactly where I was going. In fact, I was in the same room in which my Cadre met when I was a student there. Kinda fun!
So, the proctor began with some verbal instructions...the basic, you can't leave the testing area until the time is over...use a #2 pencil...no water, food or gum...no cell phones, etc. No problem...except for the gum part. I had mine and wanted to chew, but...alas, I couldn't.
Ok, time for the test. We got 2 hours for the entire test. I was nervous...until I looked at the test. It was 40 multiple choice questions and 2 constructed response (essay) questions. Oh...my...goodness! There were a few questions I was unsure about so I skipped them to begin with. I answered the ones I was SURE about, then went back (thank God I have good test-taking skills!). Some of the questions that were asked were more a matter of opinion and philosophy than of actual fact. Like one question was something like this:
Mr. Smith, a 5th grade teacher, has noticed that his students aren't turning in their homework. He sits down to write a letter to parents asking for their assistance. Which of the following statements would appeal most to parents to get their students to do their homework.
A) Students who do their homework do better academically.
B) Students who do their homework are more helpful to their parents.
C) Students who do their homework are more productive citizens.
D) Students who do their homework will get a sticker for turning it in.
Ok...so, you'd think that A) would be the answer because it's the truth. However, D) could also be the answer because parents are very competitive with their kids. No one wants little Johnny or Suzie to not have a sticker. But, also, B) could be the answer because doing homework denotes responsibility which leads to productivity. Who knows! So, I put A) because it's what would motivate me to have my children do their homework.
Anyway, so that's what a few of the questions were like...and there was no E) All of the Above option either! ARGH!
So, after finishing the multiple-choice portion, I decided I needed a potty break. Time to clear my head (and my bladder) and stretch my legs and arms.
Then came time for the essay questions. Usually, I can crank out essay questions very easily and really this time was not an exception. I did take a moment and think about what I was going to write, but it didn't take as much thought as it could have.
Don't get me wrong, it took me the entire 2 hours to complete the test, but I had an opportunity to review my answers and make sure I was comfortable with them before time was up. It was nice to feel good walking out of an exam. Now all I have to do is wait...for 4 weeks...until I get my test results. Then I can apply to the state and get my endorsement for my certificate. That'll be another 4-6 weeks after I apply. So, all told, it'll be about 10 weeks before I get my certificate back with my endorsement printed on it, so around mid-February...right in time to begin applying for jobs for next year! I sure hope I get one!
So, the proctor began with some verbal instructions...the basic, you can't leave the testing area until the time is over...use a #2 pencil...no water, food or gum...no cell phones, etc. No problem...except for the gum part. I had mine and wanted to chew, but...alas, I couldn't.
Ok, time for the test. We got 2 hours for the entire test. I was nervous...until I looked at the test. It was 40 multiple choice questions and 2 constructed response (essay) questions. Oh...my...goodness! There were a few questions I was unsure about so I skipped them to begin with. I answered the ones I was SURE about, then went back (thank God I have good test-taking skills!). Some of the questions that were asked were more a matter of opinion and philosophy than of actual fact. Like one question was something like this:
Mr. Smith, a 5th grade teacher, has noticed that his students aren't turning in their homework. He sits down to write a letter to parents asking for their assistance. Which of the following statements would appeal most to parents to get their students to do their homework.
A) Students who do their homework do better academically.
B) Students who do their homework are more helpful to their parents.
C) Students who do their homework are more productive citizens.
D) Students who do their homework will get a sticker for turning it in.
Ok...so, you'd think that A) would be the answer because it's the truth. However, D) could also be the answer because parents are very competitive with their kids. No one wants little Johnny or Suzie to not have a sticker. But, also, B) could be the answer because doing homework denotes responsibility which leads to productivity. Who knows! So, I put A) because it's what would motivate me to have my children do their homework.
Anyway, so that's what a few of the questions were like...and there was no E) All of the Above option either! ARGH!
So, after finishing the multiple-choice portion, I decided I needed a potty break. Time to clear my head (and my bladder) and stretch my legs and arms.
Then came time for the essay questions. Usually, I can crank out essay questions very easily and really this time was not an exception. I did take a moment and think about what I was going to write, but it didn't take as much thought as it could have.
Don't get me wrong, it took me the entire 2 hours to complete the test, but I had an opportunity to review my answers and make sure I was comfortable with them before time was up. It was nice to feel good walking out of an exam. Now all I have to do is wait...for 4 weeks...until I get my test results. Then I can apply to the state and get my endorsement for my certificate. That'll be another 4-6 weeks after I apply. So, all told, it'll be about 10 weeks before I get my certificate back with my endorsement printed on it, so around mid-February...right in time to begin applying for jobs for next year! I sure hope I get one!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Day Thirty-Eight...Another Pass!
I just got word that I passed my comprehensive exam...the one I took in October for grad school. Quite cool!
Also, the University got my transcripts so everything is set for graduation in December! YAY! Things are looking good! Now I just have to pass the test this Saturday to get my endorsement and ALL IS GOOD!
Also, the University got my transcripts so everything is set for graduation in December! YAY! Things are looking good! Now I just have to pass the test this Saturday to get my endorsement and ALL IS GOOD!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Day Thirty-Seven...A New Beginning
So, the family and I joined the Y yesterday. Today I went swimming for the first time in a LONG time. I LOVED IT! I can't wait to go back. I'm just exhausted right now, but...
So, now that I'm done with my degree, the only thing I have left is to study for my Praxis exam on Saturday. That'll be exciting!
And, on Saturday, we're having a new roomie move in...Lúthien Tinehtelë. She's a lot like Moob and me. It'll be so much fun, I think!
Ok, I'm out of words for today.
So, now that I'm done with my degree, the only thing I have left is to study for my Praxis exam on Saturday. That'll be exciting!
And, on Saturday, we're having a new roomie move in...Lúthien Tinehtelë. She's a lot like Moob and me. It'll be so much fun, I think!
Ok, I'm out of words for today.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Day Thirty-Six...It Is Finished!
Ok, so that may be a little sacreligious, but it feels as if a great weight has been lifted from my life. Like I said, I've been in school for the past 8 years or so. I turned in my last assignment of my last class on Sunday evening. I didn't hear anything from my professor yesterday, so I started to panic. I emailed her twice. Finally, she responded that she got it. WHEW! Ok, so I could deal with that. Then, I got another email from her. I thought, "Oh, no...it's THAT bad!" But, she told me I did great and that she'd turn in the grade change. GRADE CHANGE TO WHAT?!?! AHHH! She told me I got an A! So, I have completed my assignment, my class, my semester, my incompletes, and, finally, my masters degree! I'll never have homework again! Well, that is until I go back and get my Ph.D! But, that won't be for a LONG time! Now, I just have 1 test to take for my endorsement on 11/17 and then I'm done. So...
It is finished!
It is finished!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Day Thirty-Five...Bittersweet
Well, it's been 8 long years since I decided to return to college and finish my AA. I finished that degree in August of 2002 and went on to get my BA in 2005. I went on to pursue my MA and, I am so happy to say that I just submitted my final assignment for that degree. I'm done. I'm going to cry, but I'm done. It's been one heck of a journey and I'm sad to be out of school, but at the same time...wow...what an amazing feeling. It's take me so long to be able to say I completed something and now I've done it. And early, too! Ok, early is a relative concept since I'm 31 and just now finishing college, but my paper wasn't due until tomorrow at midnight, but here it is 9:30 and I just sent it off to my professor. I'll graduate in December with my masters degree in Deaf Ed. I get to put letters behind my name on my business cards :-D
The only thing I have left to do is to study for a comprehensive exam in Deaf Ed on November 17th. That won't be a big deal, though. Deaf Ed is what I live and breathe so...
The only thing I have left to do is to study for a comprehensive exam in Deaf Ed on November 17th. That won't be a big deal, though. Deaf Ed is what I live and breathe so...
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