I'm feeling particularly raw lately. That "bubble" I developed during chaplaincy seems to be intact during minstry work itself, but in my personal life, it seems to have popped like so much warm air.
A friend was discussing the first spring of being without her father, and that made me cry. Earlier, I was with a dear friend/teacher, who lost her her mother last week and she told me of the large hole it has created in her life, and I found myself a few moments later, fled to the ladies' room, to dab my streaming eyes, and put myself back together.
My son is ill with strep throat. It's his first experience with needing antibiotics and somehow more difficult than the flu we all just went through. But today, at the doctor's, he was "a poor source of information" as was my own father. His spirit is close and present in these transitional days of sun and snow, before real spring comes to upstate New York.
I am bone tired, so maybe my defenses are truly down, which isn't a bad thing. I'm having a bit of trouble keeping up with everything as the semester churns into its final six weeks. I haven't been home since Christmas and am missing my old stomping grounds. I am feeling the stresses and joys of mothering teens and tweens, preschoolers and school-agers.
I am deeply saddened and struggling with how to understand and cope with world events in the Middle East and Japan, as well as the role of the United States and the choices we are making. The whole front page of the New York times made me want to weep today.
However, my daughter just came in and told me she is being pursued by the University of Pennsylvania as a potential transfer student, which brightened me up again. It's such a statement on our humanity that our personal experiences are a profoundly important way in which we interpret global events. Little successes are vital, both on a personal and on a global scale. Thank you, Sharon Welch!
So I grieve. And study, and pastor, and grieve some more. I look forward to days of reading and sun; of recuperation and freedom from ill children and outside influences that threaten any sense of wellbeing - bacteria or other.
And I sleep. Sleep is healing, as apparently is apple juice.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, May 21, 2010
Libertarianism
I have always been a bit of a nonconformist. I think that's why people who knew me as a child (but not as an adult) are surprised that I am going into ministry, though I think becoming a UU minister is pretty nonconformist!
Lately, I have been feeling constrained by a preponderance of rules in the world. Often, this is the speed limit ;). But some of it is just how one has to get "special" permission for so many things. And so many rules are made to deal with common sense issues, that are not always black and white.
Currently my town code enforcement is driving me crazy. They want me to get rid of my chickens because we technically live in residential zoning, not residential-agricultural. However, RA zoning says that you can have chickens if they are more than 200 ft. away from another residence. Even though we're R, our chickens are WAY more than 200 ft. from another residence, because we have 2 acres. The zoning officer told me I could file a variance and promised to send me the specific code so I could use it to fill out the paperwork, but he didn't.
Then yesterday, I got a letter saying that we had to get rid of the chickens and he wouldn't ALLOW a variance. And, he said it would cost $75, but there is no list of variance costs, let alone the codes themselves online. I think he just made it up, as there is a blank line on the form to fill in the variance fee. Shouldn't there be a specific amount for variances? I mean, the FINE is only $25 but they want $75 to file the variance?
I am feeling ridiculously up in arms about this, but am doing my best to remain super-polite to the code officer. It seems that he is on a bender in our neighborhood and other neighbors have felt his wrath as well. One of the joys in living in small town America I guess.
Anyway, this is the kind of thing that makes me want to be a Libertarian. And things like making kids wear shoes at the Museum of Play. Or in the archeological dig at RMSC, where your shoes immediately get filled with recycled tire bits, which is supposed to be dirt. Or having to park facing the "correct" way on the street (I got a warning about this on my very rural street in front of my house two weeks ago!). Or random age discrimination, like not allowing minors to volunteer at lots of places. I could go on but I'll stop.
Lately, I have been feeling constrained by a preponderance of rules in the world. Often, this is the speed limit ;). But some of it is just how one has to get "special" permission for so many things. And so many rules are made to deal with common sense issues, that are not always black and white.
Currently my town code enforcement is driving me crazy. They want me to get rid of my chickens because we technically live in residential zoning, not residential-agricultural. However, RA zoning says that you can have chickens if they are more than 200 ft. away from another residence. Even though we're R, our chickens are WAY more than 200 ft. from another residence, because we have 2 acres. The zoning officer told me I could file a variance and promised to send me the specific code so I could use it to fill out the paperwork, but he didn't.
Then yesterday, I got a letter saying that we had to get rid of the chickens and he wouldn't ALLOW a variance. And, he said it would cost $75, but there is no list of variance costs, let alone the codes themselves online. I think he just made it up, as there is a blank line on the form to fill in the variance fee. Shouldn't there be a specific amount for variances? I mean, the FINE is only $25 but they want $75 to file the variance?
I am feeling ridiculously up in arms about this, but am doing my best to remain super-polite to the code officer. It seems that he is on a bender in our neighborhood and other neighbors have felt his wrath as well. One of the joys in living in small town America I guess.
Anyway, this is the kind of thing that makes me want to be a Libertarian. And things like making kids wear shoes at the Museum of Play. Or in the archeological dig at RMSC, where your shoes immediately get filled with recycled tire bits, which is supposed to be dirt. Or having to park facing the "correct" way on the street (I got a warning about this on my very rural street in front of my house two weeks ago!). Or random age discrimination, like not allowing minors to volunteer at lots of places. I could go on but I'll stop.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Amen! (Post-Racial United States)
I am always a David Pyle fan, but I am so glad he posted this. This whole issue has been massively pissing me off for months, and I'm so glad he found time to articulate it.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Not RPD's finesthour
Rochester IMC: home
One of my friends got arrested in front of his daughter and her boyfriend. Yes, they didn't have a permit. Was it necessary to have 30 police cars there and attack them with mace and clubs? I don't think so.
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One of my friends got arrested in front of his daughter and her boyfriend. Yes, they didn't have a permit. Was it necessary to have 30 police cars there and attack them with mace and clubs? I don't think so.
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Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mom gets probation for sending kids to Greece schools | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
Mom gets probation for sending kids to Greece schools | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle
What really annoys me about this article are some of the ignorant comments.
"Here's a thought then for all future moms who want a better education for their kids: move to a better area with better schools."
Ever hear of classism? Racism? Poverty? Duh.
What really annoys me about this article are some of the ignorant comments.
"Here's a thought then for all future moms who want a better education for their kids: move to a better area with better schools."
Ever hear of classism? Racism? Poverty? Duh.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Explosions at 2 Hotels in Indonesia Kill at Least 6 - NYTimes.com
Explosions at 2 Hotels in Indonesia Kill at Least 6 - NYTimes.com
Please send good thoughts and prayers. My sister's husband is there for business and is being moved by security. Love and light to all the families who lost loved ones and to those injured.
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Please send good thoughts and prayers. My sister's husband is there for business and is being moved by security. Love and light to all the families who lost loved ones and to those injured.
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Friday, July 3, 2009
Palin to Resign as Governor of Alaska - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com
Palin to Resign as Governor of Alaska - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com
Um, OK:
So is running for the nomination for president outside of government? She's almost as much fun as Dubya.
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Um, OK:
Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska announced Thursday that she would step down by the end of the month and not seek a second term as governor, allowing her to seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012.
“We know we can effect positive change outside of government,” she said in making the announcement.
So is running for the nomination for president outside of government? She's almost as much fun as Dubya.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
Cayuga's
OK, I have been following this and in a Google search, have not found any top articles that even get a quote from a representative of the tribe.
I know there are long-standing political issues with sovreignity but for the love of pete, can't one of the newspapers present both sides of the issue?
I know there are long-standing political issues with sovreignity but for the love of pete, can't one of the newspapers present both sides of the issue?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
GA and Camp
well, I didn't get to go to GA, but thanks to all the blogosphere for making me feel as if I got to experience some of it. I"m slowly working my way through the videos, and am loving the worship services and the music.
I never said much about the election, but I was asked to be a delegate of my congregation. I got all the info about the two candidates and my boss endorsed Hallman, but I felt drawn to Morales all along. I really did a lot of reading about both of them and their platforms and in the end I voted for Morales, though I felt a little guilty to let my boss down! (She didn't pressure me, she just *really* liked Hallman). So I am excited that Morales won and am looking forwad to the gifts that he will bring to our faith.
In other new, I dropped my two big girls off at camp in the Adirondacks today. I already miss them. My 10 yo has never been away from her parents for this long, and was really nervous, but at least her sister is there. She was already learning camp songs with her counselors when I left!
Quote of the day from Jude: "I want to grow up to be a good man like my dad."
I like it.
I never said much about the election, but I was asked to be a delegate of my congregation. I got all the info about the two candidates and my boss endorsed Hallman, but I felt drawn to Morales all along. I really did a lot of reading about both of them and their platforms and in the end I voted for Morales, though I felt a little guilty to let my boss down! (She didn't pressure me, she just *really* liked Hallman). So I am excited that Morales won and am looking forwad to the gifts that he will bring to our faith.
In other new, I dropped my two big girls off at camp in the Adirondacks today. I already miss them. My 10 yo has never been away from her parents for this long, and was really nervous, but at least her sister is there. She was already learning camp songs with her counselors when I left!
Quote of the day from Jude: "I want to grow up to be a good man like my dad."
I like it.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Iran
I have been following the NYT Lede blog and Twitter (as I can bear it - I haven't quite figured out the whole Twitter thing yet - I think I need a primer). My ex offers this advice about helping keep the lines of communication open.
I don't post much about politics here; I have strong feelings about a lot of things, and they are often controversial, and I don't often have time to spend debating. But because I see this as a religious issue as much as a political one, I am filled with compassion for those who are affected by the rigid and self-serving actions of their government's religious and political leaders.
Oppression, whether it's political or religious, is wrong. I believe that freedom of speech and fair elections are the cornerstones of transparent politics. Religious leaders have oppressed people since religion came into existence; I hope that the Iranian people will get the support they need to have a fair re-election, but I doubt it will happen. As I have recently read, when oppression is done in the name of religion (and isn't outright genocide these days), people are likely to let it happen because we don't want to in turn oppress religious freedom, right?
Right. :::sigh:::
I don't post much about politics here; I have strong feelings about a lot of things, and they are often controversial, and I don't often have time to spend debating. But because I see this as a religious issue as much as a political one, I am filled with compassion for those who are affected by the rigid and self-serving actions of their government's religious and political leaders.
Oppression, whether it's political or religious, is wrong. I believe that freedom of speech and fair elections are the cornerstones of transparent politics. Religious leaders have oppressed people since religion came into existence; I hope that the Iranian people will get the support they need to have a fair re-election, but I doubt it will happen. As I have recently read, when oppression is done in the name of religion (and isn't outright genocide these days), people are likely to let it happen because we don't want to in turn oppress religious freedom, right?
Right. :::sigh:::
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Op-Ed Contributor - A Fast Way to Lose the Arms Race - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Contributor - A Fast Way to Lose the Arms Race - NYTimes.com
My question for Mr. Bolton is, "Is there a way to WIN the arms race?"
How are we supposed to achieve peace without disarmament?
Which reminds me, has anyone read The Sun this month? I'm still working my way through it, but there are some interesting articles on peace activism and religion.
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My question for Mr. Bolton is, "Is there a way to WIN the arms race?"
How are we supposed to achieve peace without disarmament?
Which reminds me, has anyone read The Sun this month? I'm still working my way through it, but there are some interesting articles on peace activism and religion.
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California Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Same-Sex Marriage - NYTimes.com
California Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Same-Sex Marriage - NYTimes.com
This is so very depressing on many levels. I guess the upside is that civil unions are still permitted, but how can we continue to be so backwards?
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This is so very depressing on many levels. I guess the upside is that civil unions are still permitted, but how can we continue to be so backwards?
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Monday, May 18, 2009
Stem Cell Research
Neil Gaiman's Journal: The #StemCellResearch Post and Her Majesty's Armoured Novelists
If you're not a Neil Gaiman fan (and if you're not, you should be), just read the first part of this post, and then go share your opinion.
I think this is an important topic.
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If you're not a Neil Gaiman fan (and if you're not, you should be), just read the first part of this post, and then go share your opinion.
I think this is an important topic.
Posted using ShareThis
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What a day!
Like many in the UU blogosphere, I was so very grateful to see Barak Obama sworn into office today. My friend Alyce had a birthday/inauguration party and I got to spend the afternoon with beloved friends, crying in solidarity and joy.
My oldest daughter has been refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance out of shame at our country's leadership for the last 4 years (yes, she started this boycott in 2nd grade, and she's in 7th now!). She is now proud to start saying it again. We very much enjoyed the "Simple Gifts" performance, as this is the song that her homeschool Waldorf class is learning on recorder right now.
My 10 year old daughter was rivited by my side the whole time, and we listened to every word of Obama's speech. That man was destined for preaching or presidency! I am always so very impressed that he writes his own speeches, and doesn't seem to need notes. He had powerful things to say. I am sooo excited for the future, even though the present is kinda sorta sucky at the moment, for myself and millions of others.
I feel so much hope and love, generalized.
My oldest daughter has been refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance out of shame at our country's leadership for the last 4 years (yes, she started this boycott in 2nd grade, and she's in 7th now!). She is now proud to start saying it again. We very much enjoyed the "Simple Gifts" performance, as this is the song that her homeschool Waldorf class is learning on recorder right now.
My 10 year old daughter was rivited by my side the whole time, and we listened to every word of Obama's speech. That man was destined for preaching or presidency! I am always so very impressed that he writes his own speeches, and doesn't seem to need notes. He had powerful things to say. I am sooo excited for the future, even though the present is kinda sorta sucky at the moment, for myself and millions of others.
I feel so much hope and love, generalized.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What a week
This week has been amazing. (You thought I was going to whine, didnja? Admit it!).
The election was amazing. I am enjoying reading all the wonderful posts of others about their joy at Obama's election. I am so excited to have an articulate, intelligent president, who wants to work with others (preconditions or no!). I can barely stand it. I cannot wait till Jan. 20.
I am doing a student orientation at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School the next two days. I am apprehensive and excited. I can't manage the Meadville Lombard one next week, but must go in October. I haven't gotten my final technical approval of my degree from ESC yet and it's stressing me out but I can't wait to send my new and final transcript to ML and hopefully get an acceptance letter soon so I can start in August for sure.
I met with my ministe today after I had a little freak-out this week. I walked out feeling so much better. I just need to talk to someone who would get it about the joy and anxiety and gifts and burdens of being called to the minstry. We had such a wonderful conversation about a wide range of topics - identity, others' perceptions, church politics, minsterial paths, joy, fear, vulnerability and caring for oneself - it was all very helpful to have her put some things into words for me that I've been struggling with, and that most people just don't understand, much as they might want to.
Much writing is to be done for school over the next three days, but I only have 7 weeks left! I am still struggling with senioritis, but mostly because I am SO enjoying my 4 year old right now! He is still headstrong as hell, but he is so interested in everything! He says the greatest, funnest things, and I totally blow off schoolwork just to listen to him talk to me and ask me questions, and to enjoy his new engagement with the world, and the written word, and to watch his joy in his friends of all ages.
I am also connecting with people - even close friends - on a whole new level. Things are so good. Crises happen, but they don't have to define life.
The election was amazing. I am enjoying reading all the wonderful posts of others about their joy at Obama's election. I am so excited to have an articulate, intelligent president, who wants to work with others (preconditions or no!). I can barely stand it. I cannot wait till Jan. 20.
I am doing a student orientation at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School the next two days. I am apprehensive and excited. I can't manage the Meadville Lombard one next week, but must go in October. I haven't gotten my final technical approval of my degree from ESC yet and it's stressing me out but I can't wait to send my new and final transcript to ML and hopefully get an acceptance letter soon so I can start in August for sure.
I met with my ministe today after I had a little freak-out this week. I walked out feeling so much better. I just need to talk to someone who would get it about the joy and anxiety and gifts and burdens of being called to the minstry. We had such a wonderful conversation about a wide range of topics - identity, others' perceptions, church politics, minsterial paths, joy, fear, vulnerability and caring for oneself - it was all very helpful to have her put some things into words for me that I've been struggling with, and that most people just don't understand, much as they might want to.
Much writing is to be done for school over the next three days, but I only have 7 weeks left! I am still struggling with senioritis, but mostly because I am SO enjoying my 4 year old right now! He is still headstrong as hell, but he is so interested in everything! He says the greatest, funnest things, and I totally blow off schoolwork just to listen to him talk to me and ask me questions, and to enjoy his new engagement with the world, and the written word, and to watch his joy in his friends of all ages.
I am also connecting with people - even close friends - on a whole new level. Things are so good. Crises happen, but they don't have to define life.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
President Obama
I couldn't make it to the end awake, but was pretty sure of the results. I woke at 2 a.m. (the baby woke up), and immediately turned back to the NY Times. I immediately had tears running down my face. I am watching /listening to his acceptance speech, and the tears keep running.
I am so, so grateful and awed. What a historic day.
I am so, so grateful and awed. What a historic day.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Not exactly live-blogging the election
So Obama has taken PA and OH. I could not wait to vote this morning. I was so excited. I took Soren with me and we had a good talk about the electoral college. I have been waiting all day to listen to NPR!!
I am listening live, and am supposed to be studying, but am finding it impossible. I'll have to catch up tomorrow I guess; I am obsessed. No matter how you cut it, this has been a historic campaign, and I just can't wait to see how it all pans out. The Senate and House voting is almost equally compelling. One can almost hope for some serious change...I'm too superstitious, given the last two elections.
It was a gorgeous day, which is mystically supposed to bode well for Democrats, historically, so we'll see if myth holds true.
Behind the political scene, I had a Wellspring meeting last night, and a meeting with my minister on Thursday, and a student orientation at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School on Friday and Saturday. I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the moment. I thought that when I was called to the ministry that I knew what transformation meant, but I really didn't have any idea. I think that I'm just now starting to find out. I'm finding it joyous, exhilirating, and terrifying at the same time, ergo the meeting with my minister to try to find my footing.
This potential election result is not about me - it's not personal, but it's certainly a reflection of a series of continuing connections and events that are leaving me with a disbelief in coincidence and a healthy respect for mystery.
I am listening live, and am supposed to be studying, but am finding it impossible. I'll have to catch up tomorrow I guess; I am obsessed. No matter how you cut it, this has been a historic campaign, and I just can't wait to see how it all pans out. The Senate and House voting is almost equally compelling. One can almost hope for some serious change...I'm too superstitious, given the last two elections.
It was a gorgeous day, which is mystically supposed to bode well for Democrats, historically, so we'll see if myth holds true.
Behind the political scene, I had a Wellspring meeting last night, and a meeting with my minister on Thursday, and a student orientation at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School on Friday and Saturday. I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the moment. I thought that when I was called to the ministry that I knew what transformation meant, but I really didn't have any idea. I think that I'm just now starting to find out. I'm finding it joyous, exhilirating, and terrifying at the same time, ergo the meeting with my minister to try to find my footing.
This potential election result is not about me - it's not personal, but it's certainly a reflection of a series of continuing connections and events that are leaving me with a disbelief in coincidence and a healthy respect for mystery.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
NYT Endorses Obama
Here's the latest.
I am becoming more and more invested in this election every day, to the point where it is painful to be tied down by school and family right now and not able to help in some way.
Be here now is a hard lesson sometimes.
I am becoming more and more invested in this election every day, to the point where it is painful to be tied down by school and family right now and not able to help in some way.
Be here now is a hard lesson sometimes.
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