I am trying so hard to get organized. Today in feature writing, my students are working on various assignments. I am available for questions, but I thought I'd work on my blog, too.
I look forward to blogging. It's a new addiction, like I need any new ones. I have all of these ideas. When you have a forum to write, it's great.
I actually have a list of things in my planner that I want to blog about when I have the time. Geez! I also have a list of scrapbook pages I want to create when I have the time. I also have a list of home projects that I really want to accomplish … And when am I going to have the time?
That remains to be discovered.
I am going to blog about these things in upcoming posts.
1) People I've seen on 21st St. (includes a man running barefoot and a 70-something woman carrying a cue bag on her shoulder)
2) My adorable sons and their not-so-adorable behavior.
3) My thoughts on discipline (not relating directly to children) and why it matters
4) What it feels like to have the time to blog all of these things.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Celebrate
My mom's getting baptized, and I'm so excited for her. She called to tell me today, and I was likely more subdued on the phone than I am on the inside.
My mom is a confirmed Lutheran, but not all churches accept the sprinkle as a true baptism. As my parents now attend a Baptist church, baptism is essential for membership in the church. Some will totally oppose this "regulation." I can already hear the responses that the masses might have. But, if you want to be a member of a certain body, you are in effect saying you believe the same things, too.
In all the churches I've attended, baptism has been described as an outward sign of an inward process. Becoming a Christian is a personal thing. It's between you and God, but your journey should not end there. If it does, you will still have a spot in heaven, but you will miss the extraordinary blessings right here on earth. And another key is that you have to be able to understand this choice before you can make it. That's why some faiths do not believe in baptizing infants. We do believe in dedicating their lives to God, but the whole personal relationship is just that -- personal. That's another reason why you won't find a "baptism primer" in our churches. We roll the baptism tank out as many times as we need to, but we don't have yearly baptisms of the 8-year-olds. However, I digress a bit.
People were made for relationships. One big relationship in particular. Basically, baptism is telling your family, friends and church family that you are a believer and have a relationship with Jesus. It's a public profession of faith. It says, "Yeah, I believe. I'm not perfect, but Jesus was. And, hey, I'm probably gonna need some help on this journey."
I will never forget the night I was baptized. It was late September, and I was a freshmen in college. I had gone on a weekend retreat with some Christian friends because it really sounded like a fun opportunity. I hate alter calls because I think they can sometimes manufacture responses. But, I was standing there thinking about my life and my walk with God and halfway wondering how many times the song would play.
Suddenly, I had this nagging and quite overwhelming desire to take my relationship with God to a new level. But, I had a little problem. I was sort of angry at my father, and that might be stating it a bit mildly. I was not sure how in the world I would ever be able to have any relationship with my dad, let alone a loving one.
Hmm. Something I could not take care of on my own was never something pleasing for the control freak in me. OK, I found myself walking down the aisle, but without the tears. I'm just not that kind of girl. I had never been baptized, but I could not recall a time I had not believed in Jesus.
I just didn't know how to make him real to my life. It was a fairly cool night in Missouri, and I shivered as I slipped into the camp pool that was being used for the baptisms. I shared why I was standing there with the excited group of students and their advisers.
As I was brought back up, I felt the most amazing things. First of all, there was a physical response for me. I felt warm and like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Actually, it was lifted. I felt it physically. It was like being wrapped up in a blanket fresh from the dryer. It was amazing. And then I felt really light and happy.
My dad was driving a truck over the road during this time, but he was home the next weekend I was home from college. That was a God thing. I hugged my dad for the first time in likely 15 years. Our relationship started right then and there. It wasn't always easy because we are both stubborn. But, now, I'm so proud to call him my dad and love him with all my heart.
My mom is a confirmed Lutheran, but not all churches accept the sprinkle as a true baptism. As my parents now attend a Baptist church, baptism is essential for membership in the church. Some will totally oppose this "regulation." I can already hear the responses that the masses might have. But, if you want to be a member of a certain body, you are in effect saying you believe the same things, too.
In all the churches I've attended, baptism has been described as an outward sign of an inward process. Becoming a Christian is a personal thing. It's between you and God, but your journey should not end there. If it does, you will still have a spot in heaven, but you will miss the extraordinary blessings right here on earth. And another key is that you have to be able to understand this choice before you can make it. That's why some faiths do not believe in baptizing infants. We do believe in dedicating their lives to God, but the whole personal relationship is just that -- personal. That's another reason why you won't find a "baptism primer" in our churches. We roll the baptism tank out as many times as we need to, but we don't have yearly baptisms of the 8-year-olds. However, I digress a bit.
People were made for relationships. One big relationship in particular. Basically, baptism is telling your family, friends and church family that you are a believer and have a relationship with Jesus. It's a public profession of faith. It says, "Yeah, I believe. I'm not perfect, but Jesus was. And, hey, I'm probably gonna need some help on this journey."
I will never forget the night I was baptized. It was late September, and I was a freshmen in college. I had gone on a weekend retreat with some Christian friends because it really sounded like a fun opportunity. I hate alter calls because I think they can sometimes manufacture responses. But, I was standing there thinking about my life and my walk with God and halfway wondering how many times the song would play.
Suddenly, I had this nagging and quite overwhelming desire to take my relationship with God to a new level. But, I had a little problem. I was sort of angry at my father, and that might be stating it a bit mildly. I was not sure how in the world I would ever be able to have any relationship with my dad, let alone a loving one.
Hmm. Something I could not take care of on my own was never something pleasing for the control freak in me. OK, I found myself walking down the aisle, but without the tears. I'm just not that kind of girl. I had never been baptized, but I could not recall a time I had not believed in Jesus.
I just didn't know how to make him real to my life. It was a fairly cool night in Missouri, and I shivered as I slipped into the camp pool that was being used for the baptisms. I shared why I was standing there with the excited group of students and their advisers.
As I was brought back up, I felt the most amazing things. First of all, there was a physical response for me. I felt warm and like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Actually, it was lifted. I felt it physically. It was like being wrapped up in a blanket fresh from the dryer. It was amazing. And then I felt really light and happy.
My dad was driving a truck over the road during this time, but he was home the next weekend I was home from college. That was a God thing. I hugged my dad for the first time in likely 15 years. Our relationship started right then and there. It wasn't always easy because we are both stubborn. But, now, I'm so proud to call him my dad and love him with all my heart.
Friday, September 08, 2006
On Motherhood
Picture the scene:
An eager 3-year-old boy wanting to ride his big boy bike while his 1-year-old brother throws an tantrum in the driveway.
As their mother, I manage to convince the youngest to push his little ride along down the street while Jacob pedals his big boy bike.
Now the youngest stops again, but Jacob pedals on down the street and a car is coming. Jacob is at the curb, but he's three and unpredicable. I scoop up Jared, the little ride-on firetruck and run down the street.
More Jared tantrums.
Moral of this story: One child should be "confined" at all times. Jared usually rides in the wagon. Silly, momma.
An eager 3-year-old boy wanting to ride his big boy bike while his 1-year-old brother throws an tantrum in the driveway.
As their mother, I manage to convince the youngest to push his little ride along down the street while Jacob pedals his big boy bike.
Now the youngest stops again, but Jacob pedals on down the street and a car is coming. Jacob is at the curb, but he's three and unpredicable. I scoop up Jared, the little ride-on firetruck and run down the street.
More Jared tantrums.
Moral of this story: One child should be "confined" at all times. Jared usually rides in the wagon. Silly, momma.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Regina's Religion
I have a lot of thoughts and ideas on religion. If you are one of those "easily offended" types, do not read this post. It won't sit well.
As the adviser of the newspaper, I received a copy of a letter from a rather active "religious" group in Topeka. I'll let you try to guess which one. Though this group is likely the most organized, anti-homosexual movement I've ever seen, it's not the only one. Basically, the gist of the letter was that Washburn was a dark, evil place, filled with dark, evil people. Hmm. However, it seems, more or less, that attending WU is the only choice because the "real world" requires a college education. So, how does that line up with their belief system? Would a God who so passionately "hates" people he actually created condone such evil for the sake of a job? Aren't there other less-evil colleges in the world? It does not seem to quite line up, does it?
And then, I am filled with other questions, too. Why is it that this group and some other groups are on such a mission against this one issue? What about the liars, cheats, murders, adulters, etc. Sin is sin in God's eyes.
And, by the way, he hates SIN, not people.
As the adviser of the newspaper, I received a copy of a letter from a rather active "religious" group in Topeka. I'll let you try to guess which one. Though this group is likely the most organized, anti-homosexual movement I've ever seen, it's not the only one. Basically, the gist of the letter was that Washburn was a dark, evil place, filled with dark, evil people. Hmm. However, it seems, more or less, that attending WU is the only choice because the "real world" requires a college education. So, how does that line up with their belief system? Would a God who so passionately "hates" people he actually created condone such evil for the sake of a job? Aren't there other less-evil colleges in the world? It does not seem to quite line up, does it?
And then, I am filled with other questions, too. Why is it that this group and some other groups are on such a mission against this one issue? What about the liars, cheats, murders, adulters, etc. Sin is sin in God's eyes.
And, by the way, he hates SIN, not people.
On being called a butthead
I love many things about my son's preschool. It's full of great teachers, and Jacob is very happy there. He started there full time in early July, and has brought home lots of great artwork, much of which he insists I take to work with me. But, there are a few drawbacks as well.
Tonight as I was reminding him to sit down and eat his dinner, he called me a butthead. Yes, my precious little son called his momma a butthead. Gene and I tried not to laugh. We failed, but still told Jacob we don't call people buttheads. To which, he replied that so-and-so at preschool calls him a butthed. I told him the next time so-and-so says that, he should tell Mr. so-and-so his momma says it's not very nice. Hmm. We'll see.
To change the subject, we started talking about what he might like for Christmas. He was open to socks, shirts and pjs. He wants "A Lightning McQeen night-night shirt and a Lightning McQueen wake-up shirt, too!" He was also very concerned about what we should leave for Santa. He decided that we could give him some chips, a cup of milk and a corndog.
By the way, preschool has also taught Jacob that his mommy is not fair. At times, I hear, "no fair, mommy!" And this possibly could be my biggest pet peeve in life. And, he has also put me on his "list" for naughty people.
Aren't children wonderful?
Tonight as I was reminding him to sit down and eat his dinner, he called me a butthead. Yes, my precious little son called his momma a butthead. Gene and I tried not to laugh. We failed, but still told Jacob we don't call people buttheads. To which, he replied that so-and-so at preschool calls him a butthed. I told him the next time so-and-so says that, he should tell Mr. so-and-so his momma says it's not very nice. Hmm. We'll see.
To change the subject, we started talking about what he might like for Christmas. He was open to socks, shirts and pjs. He wants "A Lightning McQeen night-night shirt and a Lightning McQueen wake-up shirt, too!" He was also very concerned about what we should leave for Santa. He decided that we could give him some chips, a cup of milk and a corndog.
By the way, preschool has also taught Jacob that his mommy is not fair. At times, I hear, "no fair, mommy!" And this possibly could be my biggest pet peeve in life. And, he has also put me on his "list" for naughty people.
Aren't children wonderful?
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Where is Regina Fall 2006?
Monday
9-11 a.m. Office Hours
1 p.m. Meet with Brenda
2 p.m. Meet with Andrew
Tuesday
9-10 a.m. Office Hours
10 a.m. Meet with Amanda
11-12:15 p.m. MM-320 (HC 7)
1-2:15 p.m. MM-431 (HC 7)
2:30 p.m. Meet with Courtney
Wednesday
9-11 a.m. Office Hours
11 a.m. MM Dept. meeting
12:15 Review Editor’s meeting
Thursday
9-10 a.m. Office Hours
11-12:15 p.m. MM-320 (HC 7)
1-2:15 p.m. MM-431 (HC 7)
2:30 p.m. Meet with Sarah
Friday
11:30 a.m. Review general staff meeting
Noon - 12:50 p.m. MM490 (HC 303)
1 p.m. Board of Student Pubs meeting
9-11 a.m. Office Hours
1 p.m. Meet with Brenda
2 p.m. Meet with Andrew
Tuesday
9-10 a.m. Office Hours
10 a.m. Meet with Amanda
11-12:15 p.m. MM-320 (HC 7)
1-2:15 p.m. MM-431 (HC 7)
2:30 p.m. Meet with Courtney
Wednesday
9-11 a.m. Office Hours
11 a.m. MM Dept. meeting
12:15 Review Editor’s meeting
Thursday
9-10 a.m. Office Hours
11-12:15 p.m. MM-320 (HC 7)
1-2:15 p.m. MM-431 (HC 7)
2:30 p.m. Meet with Sarah
Friday
11:30 a.m. Review general staff meeting
Noon - 12:50 p.m. MM490 (HC 303)
1 p.m. Board of Student Pubs meeting
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
EAT THAT FROG
A good friend of mine made me read this book this summer called "Eat That Frog." The author Brian Tracy advertises it as a guide to overcome procrastination, but I'm not sold on that description of the book.
He many asks the reader to consider what things are most important and make a plan to work on those things each day.
He has a couple of great quotes in the book, including: "You can get your time and your life under control only to the degree to which you discontinue lower value activities."
Also, "The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter the least."
Hmm, I wonder if spending time blogging falls into a category of wasted time? I sure hope not.
At any rate, it's a fantastic little book that offers some very practical and helpful solutions to point your life in the right direction.
He many asks the reader to consider what things are most important and make a plan to work on those things each day.
He has a couple of great quotes in the book, including: "You can get your time and your life under control only to the degree to which you discontinue lower value activities."
Also, "The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter the least."
Hmm, I wonder if spending time blogging falls into a category of wasted time? I sure hope not.
At any rate, it's a fantastic little book that offers some very practical and helpful solutions to point your life in the right direction.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
I love blogs!
I've just checked in with my feature writing class for the fall semester. I am going to love reading their blogs each week. What fun! I hope this experiment is as fun for them as it's going to be for me.
Books I'd recommend
Anything by Laurie Notario
"84 Charing Cross Road," by Helene Hanif
Bridget Jones Diary
"Bird by Bird" (writing guide recommended by a good friend of mine.)
"84 Charing Cross Road," by Helene Hanif
Bridget Jones Diary
"Bird by Bird" (writing guide recommended by a good friend of mine.)
My Christmas Wish List
A nice new, shiny digital camera
A fun thing to plug my ipod easily into our home stereo
A fun thing to plug my ipod easily into our home stereo
Friday, August 11, 2006
Feature Writing Fall 2006
Hello, Bloggers! This will be a fun experiment for the semester, I think. Your weekly assignment will be to post twice to your blog each week. You need to create a topic within your blog called Feature Writing and post two comments each week. After you set up your blog, be sure to e-mail me the link.
1) Type in 200-400 words (can copy and paste from Word if easier) about a weekly observation you've made. Really focus on the QUALITY of your writing. If you notice an unusual scene at the store or wherever, capture it in writing. Your goal is to share snippets of life with the class. This is not a venting spot. Focus on one single event and communicate its significance to your readers.
2) On the second post, you have a choice. You can continue to work fervently on your writing and capture another slice of life or you can use what I'll call stream-of-conscience venting. Whatever you want. Just type at least 200 words.
3) You are also required to visit the blogs of one of your classmates each week and post something. Do not repeat classmates until you have looked at them all. You can certainly read everyone's each week if you like.
4) You will keep a written record on a sheet of notebook paper of the dates you update your blog and post comments on your classmates blogs.
1) Type in 200-400 words (can copy and paste from Word if easier) about a weekly observation you've made. Really focus on the QUALITY of your writing. If you notice an unusual scene at the store or wherever, capture it in writing. Your goal is to share snippets of life with the class. This is not a venting spot. Focus on one single event and communicate its significance to your readers.
2) On the second post, you have a choice. You can continue to work fervently on your writing and capture another slice of life or you can use what I'll call stream-of-conscience venting. Whatever you want. Just type at least 200 words.
3) You are also required to visit the blogs of one of your classmates each week and post something. Do not repeat classmates until you have looked at them all. You can certainly read everyone's each week if you like.
4) You will keep a written record on a sheet of notebook paper of the dates you update your blog and post comments on your classmates blogs.
Technology overload!
So I've joined facebook, created a sparkteam and started my own blog. Geez. I told myself I wanted my students to have some experience with the Internet world and how it affects and shapes communication. This does seem like the perfect opportunity.
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