The ACA was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote with Chief Justice Roberts being the person to save the act. I'm so psyched. SOOOOOO psyched. I was in my TA class this morning following the media coverage on the computer while my students took an exam. It was all I could do to not stop them in mid-question around 9:20 and say, "History was just made. Healthcare has truly become affordable for the vast majority of Americans!" I was able to restrain myself though.
I've also been pondering a question I was asked yesterday: What do I consider to be the point of marriage and how do I see it connected to faith? This came up during a conversation where I said I firmly believe you should be able to marry whoever you love, regardless of their gender and that I believed who you had sex with had very little to do with your parenting abilities. I also said I didn't believe abstinence was the ONLY way to live. So this was a valid question to ask - if marriage isn't necessary to legitimize sex or for procreation, why do it? I had never had to articulate my response before so I fumbled through some statements but wasn't happy with my response. So I slept on it and returned to my friend today with this answer:
I finally realized my understanding of marriage is deeply Baptist. And please note here that I mean historical Baptist, not Southern Baptist (or whatever the SBC is calling itself now). To me, marriage is a public declaration of a decision before God (if the people are religious), friends, and family, that has already been made between two people. Similar to a profession of faith followed believers baptism, the commitment to change how one lives their life is made at the engagement and followed with a wedding. Thus the marriage ceremony itself isn't necessary for two people to be committed to each other. And marriages in a courthouse are just as legitimate as those in a church or on a Caribbean island. But the point of the marriage is to "go public" - to not only commit yourself and be accountable to your spouse but to promise to all your friends and family and the friends and family of your partner that you WANT to and WILL share your life with them.
I don't believe in soul mates in the sense that there is only one person in the entire world out there. I don't believe people should enter marriage expecting it to end in divorce. I don't think the gender of your partner should matter in the eyes of the state, though I respect religious institutions' right to not conduct any marriage they do not support. That said, I am proud that my mother has performed multiple same-sex marriages and I'm proud to have attended a church that conducted a same-sex wedding and openly embraced all members regardless of sexual orientation (that would be South Church UCC in Andover, MA).
Okay that's enough on marriage - as all-for-it as I am, I'm also a bit exhausted at seeing all my friends get engaged, married, or start having children. I'd just like a boyfriend. But moving 2000 miles across country isn't really conducive to starting a relationship, so that part of my life is on hold at the moment. And that's okay.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Beginning of the End in Austin
The beginning of the end in Austin has begun and I've started crossing things off the bucket list:
Work-wise, the month of June has been productive but non-stop. As there's only one (very busy) week left, the reality that come July 1st I have one month to pack this apartment, say goodbye to all the people I've grown to love here, and say goodbye to this city itself is becoming more and more apparent. What's also becoming more apparent is the fact that though I will have a bit more time to watch TV and movies and exercise with my Wii in July, I need to sell my TV and that means I lose my DVR and Wii-playing capabilities for a while. Luckily I can watch movies on my computer and many TV stations stream their shows, though often a week later. I really need to open a Hulu Plus account. And motivate myself to exercise despite the lack of Just Dance 3.
Things are moving very fast and many memories are being made and pictures are being taken (except when my battery empties - not even is low, the screen actually said "battery empty") and the end of Austin has begun.
- Been to multiple new restaurants and venues in Austin, including a concert at Stubbs, La Zona Rosa, and The Backyard.
- RGV & South Padre Island happened last weekend where I said a prolonged goodbye to a UMass bestie.
- The Grove last night where I had an awesome dinner with awesome people under the awesome Austin evening sun.
Work-wise, the month of June has been productive but non-stop. As there's only one (very busy) week left, the reality that come July 1st I have one month to pack this apartment, say goodbye to all the people I've grown to love here, and say goodbye to this city itself is becoming more and more apparent. What's also becoming more apparent is the fact that though I will have a bit more time to watch TV and movies and exercise with my Wii in July, I need to sell my TV and that means I lose my DVR and Wii-playing capabilities for a while. Luckily I can watch movies on my computer and many TV stations stream their shows, though often a week later. I really need to open a Hulu Plus account. And motivate myself to exercise despite the lack of Just Dance 3.
Things are moving very fast and many memories are being made and pictures are being taken (except when my battery empties - not even is low, the screen actually said "battery empty") and the end of Austin has begun.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Chris Hemsworth is lovely
It didn't take me over a week to write a new post because I forgot. Rather I've been at a loss for what to write.
Letisha and I saw Snow White & the Huntsman last week. In keeping with the original (i.e. not Disney) version of this story, I was thoroughly happy. While it wasn't the epic I was hoping it'd be, I certainly left happy to have spent the money on the ticket. For a pretty spot on review of the movie see my mom's friend's blog. I'd probably agree with her on everything except that Chris Hemsworth needed redeeming from Thor. Who cares if he acted well in that movie (which, for the record, I actually thought he did)? Acting ability aside, he is a beautiful, beautiful creature. :)
In other news, my thesis is entirely drafted. Turn around time from the adviser is allowing me time to get other things off my to-do list, but I won't lie: I want to be done with the thesis. But I've got multiple jobs, small groups to lead, VBS to volunteer for, movie nights to attend, and an apartment to pack. Or right and a city to see.
I've crossed Maudie's off my list. On Thursday I'll cross the RGV off, as I'll head down there to visit Fallon for two nights.
Still gotta get Schlitterbahn, Six Flags, and brewery/winery tours. And karaoke! Let's make these happen people!
Finally, I watched a repeat episode of The Daily Show while eating dinner tonight and wound up crying from laughing so hard at this clip. Watch it all the way through. I promise it's worth it.
Letisha and I saw Snow White & the Huntsman last week. In keeping with the original (i.e. not Disney) version of this story, I was thoroughly happy. While it wasn't the epic I was hoping it'd be, I certainly left happy to have spent the money on the ticket. For a pretty spot on review of the movie see my mom's friend's blog. I'd probably agree with her on everything except that Chris Hemsworth needed redeeming from Thor. Who cares if he acted well in that movie (which, for the record, I actually thought he did)? Acting ability aside, he is a beautiful, beautiful creature. :)
In other news, my thesis is entirely drafted. Turn around time from the adviser is allowing me time to get other things off my to-do list, but I won't lie: I want to be done with the thesis. But I've got multiple jobs, small groups to lead, VBS to volunteer for, movie nights to attend, and an apartment to pack. Or right and a city to see.
I've crossed Maudie's off my list. On Thursday I'll cross the RGV off, as I'll head down there to visit Fallon for two nights.
Still gotta get Schlitterbahn, Six Flags, and brewery/winery tours. And karaoke! Let's make these happen people!
Finally, I watched a repeat episode of The Daily Show while eating dinner tonight and wound up crying from laughing so hard at this clip. Watch it all the way through. I promise it's worth it.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Life's River Shall Rise
My faith/love/affinity for concerts has been renewed. I went to Collective Soul last night with my fellow UMasser, Fallon Wall. I have had an enjoyable time at concerts lately. Snow Patrol gets the crowd going really well. And SXSW did allow me to see Mumford & Sons who are incredible performers. But something was different last night. I don't know if it was that I've listened to this band since I was young, if I was less than 5 feet from the stage, or if they're just better overall performers. But last night was one of the best nights I've had since moving to Austin. And since I was marking 2 months until I move to MA, it seemed somewhat appropriate timing.
Also, some who have gone out with me know I get aggravated when I get pushed around or bumped out of the way because I'm short. And if you know Fallon, you know she shares my vertically-challengedness. So we coined a phrase last night as some pushy concert-goers (and later bar-goers) tried to push in front of us:
(Side note, I've had the Miss USA pageant on while working on things this evening. They're doing a lip sync to "Call Me Maybe" that included Donald Trump singing along, asking America to call him, maybe. I appreciate when people don't take themselves too seriously. The Trumpster redeemed himself a bit tonight.)
I also have had time to cook recently. Made my fave lemon-herb chicken tonight. Want to do pulled pork BBQ soon, too. Maybe July 4? I've got the Sauers and everything. Hoping to try some new recipes too and am taking suggestions. Preferably stuff on the healthier side, and if anyone has tips on cooking seafood I'd appreciate it. I've messed things up several times and gotten gun shy of spending the money on meat that gets thrown away.
Going back to July 4 - anyone in town that weekend? I'd honestly be down to making pulled pork and yall bringing sides if people are up for it as one of my last big get togethers.
Also, some who have gone out with me know I get aggravated when I get pushed around or bumped out of the way because I'm short. And if you know Fallon, you know she shares my vertically-challengedness. So we coined a phrase last night as some pushy concert-goers (and later bar-goers) tried to push in front of us:
We matter because we are matter.
So America, you have been warned. We may be short, but our size doesn't mean we're easier to push in front of than average-height people. I'd like to give a shout out to the upper-40s rocker couple who let Fallon and I in front of them last night about 10 minutes before the show started. The guy hit it on the head when he said "Please come stand in front of me. I can still see over your heads no problem." You're right, good sir. And I don't find that offensive. I can't see over or around you at all. Thank you for realizing proximity matters less for you than it does for my dear friend and I in terms of actually being able to see the band.
(Side note, I've had the Miss USA pageant on while working on things this evening. They're doing a lip sync to "Call Me Maybe" that included Donald Trump singing along, asking America to call him, maybe. I appreciate when people don't take themselves too seriously. The Trumpster redeemed himself a bit tonight.)
I also have had time to cook recently. Made my fave lemon-herb chicken tonight. Want to do pulled pork BBQ soon, too. Maybe July 4? I've got the Sauers and everything. Hoping to try some new recipes too and am taking suggestions. Preferably stuff on the healthier side, and if anyone has tips on cooking seafood I'd appreciate it. I've messed things up several times and gotten gun shy of spending the money on meat that gets thrown away.
Going back to July 4 - anyone in town that weekend? I'd honestly be down to making pulled pork and yall bringing sides if people are up for it as one of my last big get togethers.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Singed but not charred
Pentecost was this past Sunday. I was a bit nervous about it as it was Pentecost 2011 that redirected my career and education path away from sociology and toward divinity school. And since the choir didn't robe, I couldn't hide my iPod under my robe and tune out during the sermon. Though I'm actually glad I didn't. As opposed to the smack in the head I got last year, this year was a nice spark of motivation and reassurance that I'm on the right path now. Pentecost 2011 charred me and I left FBC with parts still in flames. Pentecost 2012 left me appropriately singed and feeling more like a phoenix out of ashes than someone only identifiable through dental records.
In other news, Kirsten and I HAVE AN APARTMENT!
Notice the suit of armor on the porch? That's Lance. He's our landlady's. It's nice to have a permanent, albeit immobile, bodyguard. So Kirsten and I are pumped. We have a yard and were told by our landlady to feel free to have people over because apparently the neighborhood does block parties and is super friendly and social. I'm also thankfully close to a bus that takes me directly to BU and will get very good at navigating 5-way intersections and two-way streets that don't fit 2 cars next to each other again.
And my thesis is moving along relatively well. I'm drafting chapter number 3 right now. There will be a total of four possibly five chapters, so I've got about half of my full thesis drafted. Other than the thesis I'm writing a TA how-to, leading a set of meetings with FBC youth on healthy relationships, sexuality, and spirituality, attempting to purge then pack, and hopefully cross things off my ATX bucket list.
Finally - the bucket list! Here's some of what I've got planned so far. I've got until August 1 to do this. August 2 the movers come and I head out. Please let me know if something just absolutely needs to be added on:
I'm out!
In other news, Kirsten and I HAVE AN APARTMENT!
Notice the suit of armor on the porch? That's Lance. He's our landlady's. It's nice to have a permanent, albeit immobile, bodyguard. So Kirsten and I are pumped. We have a yard and were told by our landlady to feel free to have people over because apparently the neighborhood does block parties and is super friendly and social. I'm also thankfully close to a bus that takes me directly to BU and will get very good at navigating 5-way intersections and two-way streets that don't fit 2 cars next to each other again.
And my thesis is moving along relatively well. I'm drafting chapter number 3 right now. There will be a total of four possibly five chapters, so I've got about half of my full thesis drafted. Other than the thesis I'm writing a TA how-to, leading a set of meetings with FBC youth on healthy relationships, sexuality, and spirituality, attempting to purge then pack, and hopefully cross things off my ATX bucket list.
Finally - the bucket list! Here's some of what I've got planned so far. I've got until August 1 to do this. August 2 the movers come and I head out. Please let me know if something just absolutely needs to be added on:
- Brick Oven
- Maudie's
- Barton Springs
- Picnic at Zilker
- karaoke
- Schlitterbahn
- Six Flags in Arlington, TX
- tubing
- Rio Grande Valley/Beaches trip with Fallon
- brewery & winery tours in the area
- see the bats!!!
- figure out a way to get to one of the upper floors of a downtown skyscraper to see Austin from above
I'm out!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Back in Massachusetts...
It's very deceptive to go to MA in May. Even when it's rainy, the temperature is nice: no jacket necessary and you don't break a sweat after 5 minutes outside. It's the early summer weather that makes southerners so upset come winter-like weather (to a southerner) in October.
Is it odd that I even miss the aggressive drivers? There are dumb drivers in Austin. There are good drivers in MA, they just all have anger management problems and makes them seem like dumb drivers.
Found a GREAT meadery in Londonderry, NH today. Mead = fermented honey. This place makes over 50 different types of honey wine, infused with fruits, spices, pepper, coffee, brewed in barrels that had aged cognacs or beer. Really cool. If you're ever there, go for a tour and tasting. You won't be able to leave without bottles. Yes, plural. Check them out: Moonlight Meadery. Check 'em out - they might ship to your state!
I'm headed into the city tomorrow and I feel as excited about going into Boston as Rachel Berry does about going to New York. :) And speaking of Rachel, GLEEEEEEEEEEE. If you haven't seen the season finale and you care, stop reading now.
Okay - Finn did what was probably the most mature move he's had for the entire series. At least the sending Rachel off as a single woman move. His desire to "redeem" his father's memory by joining the army himself seemed a bit of a rash move. But Rachel was living in a pipe dream that she could have it all - career and guy - and the opportunity for her career was too good to pass up. And Puck... what is Puck doing now? Yay he graduated but what, is he going to just expand his pool cleaning business in Lima? Maybe he'll start a mohawk hair studio. You know, a place to get and maintain your mohawks. Males and females welcome. Kurt's future is unclear now too. No NYADA, but what is he doing? And finally, a few mixed emotions over Santana's mom (oh hello, Gloria Estafan!) giving her what seems to be a sizable check to go to New York.
Is it odd that I even miss the aggressive drivers? There are dumb drivers in Austin. There are good drivers in MA, they just all have anger management problems and makes them seem like dumb drivers.
Found a GREAT meadery in Londonderry, NH today. Mead = fermented honey. This place makes over 50 different types of honey wine, infused with fruits, spices, pepper, coffee, brewed in barrels that had aged cognacs or beer. Really cool. If you're ever there, go for a tour and tasting. You won't be able to leave without bottles. Yes, plural. Check them out: Moonlight Meadery. Check 'em out - they might ship to your state!
I'm headed into the city tomorrow and I feel as excited about going into Boston as Rachel Berry does about going to New York. :) And speaking of Rachel, GLEEEEEEEEEEE. If you haven't seen the season finale and you care, stop reading now.
Okay - Finn did what was probably the most mature move he's had for the entire series. At least the sending Rachel off as a single woman move. His desire to "redeem" his father's memory by joining the army himself seemed a bit of a rash move. But Rachel was living in a pipe dream that she could have it all - career and guy - and the opportunity for her career was too good to pass up. And Puck... what is Puck doing now? Yay he graduated but what, is he going to just expand his pool cleaning business in Lima? Maybe he'll start a mohawk hair studio. You know, a place to get and maintain your mohawks. Males and females welcome. Kurt's future is unclear now too. No NYADA, but what is he doing? And finally, a few mixed emotions over Santana's mom (oh hello, Gloria Estafan!) giving her what seems to be a sizable check to go to New York.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
I've been cured of my baby envy
For the past few months I have wanted my own baby like crazy. Now that the semester is done, my social world has shifted to being more church-heavy than grad-heavy, and so many people in my age group have little ones. And they're adorable. And even being pregnant didn't look so awful - or at least it all seemed worth it. So despite the lack of a boyfriend - let alone a husband - and an income that could support two mouths, I was soooo ready to be a mom.
Yeah, no more.
Babysat three boys tonight, ages 2, 4, and 6. And boy do I feel like I just sat for three boys. The two year old was a dream. The six year old tried to help but also pushed his bedtime for an hour. The four year old was a bit of a terror. He was a bit like me with my sitters in that being tired made him push harder and harder to stay up. It also made him angry and he became rude when I told him to go back to bed. And the 4 and 6 year old share a room and the poor 6 year old truly wanted to go to sleep but couldn't because his brother was singing "Ol' McDonald" at the top of his lungs. When the TV was on they were angels. Sonic the Hedgehog is great.
I'll be a great mom one day. I know that. I have patience like no other with kids. But right now, I'm so enjoying the ability to turn them back over to their parents after a few hours.
****
In other news, two chapters of my thesis are drafted. The data is 98% ready to be run. I got a full-benefits job for the summer. I get a bit of a vacation this coming week on a trip to Boston. And life in general really is going well. After the stressful months of 2011, 2012 really is shaping up to be a great year.
In prepping to move, I put the cat carriers out in the apartment with the doors open to try and get Ruby and Rosalie used to them. Ruby apparently is fine with this as I find her in there napping regularly. Rosalie on the other hand sniffs the outside and the opening and then walks away. She's gonna be my problem child in this upcoming move, I'm betting.
Finally - some food for thought. What if we read passages of the Bible as if they were sarcastic. (Hear me out before you flip out, please.) For example, the passage of Jesus talking with the woman at the well. It's been suggested that this is a woman going toe to toe with Jesus in a theological discussion and that she's so caught up in her conversion experience that she goes and tells the villagers and they all come to hear the Good News. What if she actually brought the villagers to come see the crazy guy at the well? And her social standing was already low as she was on her fifth husband and ostracized by her community (as shown by her coming to a well as high noon as opposed to with the rest of the women in the morning when it was cooler). That much ostracism likely gave her a thick skin. It's possible I'm applying too much 21st century thinking to Biblical times. But seriously... the Greeks (which is what a lot of the New Testament is written in) were known for layering their writings, sarcasm, and humor. Why do we read the Bible as if it's all as dull as the dictionary? Why do we think people didn't have questions then? Because people certainly have questions now; though they're often told that's a sign of weak faith. It just doesn't seem to make for good writing to have lots of questions and justifications thrown around when you can use metaphors and sarcasm. Just something to think about.
I'm off to watch another episode of Downton Abbey. I hope that show's not over... I'm hooked.
Yeah, no more.
Babysat three boys tonight, ages 2, 4, and 6. And boy do I feel like I just sat for three boys. The two year old was a dream. The six year old tried to help but also pushed his bedtime for an hour. The four year old was a bit of a terror. He was a bit like me with my sitters in that being tired made him push harder and harder to stay up. It also made him angry and he became rude when I told him to go back to bed. And the 4 and 6 year old share a room and the poor 6 year old truly wanted to go to sleep but couldn't because his brother was singing "Ol' McDonald" at the top of his lungs. When the TV was on they were angels. Sonic the Hedgehog is great.
I'll be a great mom one day. I know that. I have patience like no other with kids. But right now, I'm so enjoying the ability to turn them back over to their parents after a few hours.
****
In other news, two chapters of my thesis are drafted. The data is 98% ready to be run. I got a full-benefits job for the summer. I get a bit of a vacation this coming week on a trip to Boston. And life in general really is going well. After the stressful months of 2011, 2012 really is shaping up to be a great year.
In prepping to move, I put the cat carriers out in the apartment with the doors open to try and get Ruby and Rosalie used to them. Ruby apparently is fine with this as I find her in there napping regularly. Rosalie on the other hand sniffs the outside and the opening and then walks away. She's gonna be my problem child in this upcoming move, I'm betting.
Finally - some food for thought. What if we read passages of the Bible as if they were sarcastic. (Hear me out before you flip out, please.) For example, the passage of Jesus talking with the woman at the well. It's been suggested that this is a woman going toe to toe with Jesus in a theological discussion and that she's so caught up in her conversion experience that she goes and tells the villagers and they all come to hear the Good News. What if she actually brought the villagers to come see the crazy guy at the well? And her social standing was already low as she was on her fifth husband and ostracized by her community (as shown by her coming to a well as high noon as opposed to with the rest of the women in the morning when it was cooler). That much ostracism likely gave her a thick skin. It's possible I'm applying too much 21st century thinking to Biblical times. But seriously... the Greeks (which is what a lot of the New Testament is written in) were known for layering their writings, sarcasm, and humor. Why do we read the Bible as if it's all as dull as the dictionary? Why do we think people didn't have questions then? Because people certainly have questions now; though they're often told that's a sign of weak faith. It just doesn't seem to make for good writing to have lots of questions and justifications thrown around when you can use metaphors and sarcasm. Just something to think about.
I'm off to watch another episode of Downton Abbey. I hope that show's not over... I'm hooked.
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