I guess I forgot to come up with a clever title

Hey all, its been a while.  Long story short: I have been reduced to borrowing internet at McDonalds and such.  But, I thought I would take the opportunity to actually post something, even though I don't have anything "new."  Well, not technically new.

In May I posted one of my poems that was published in an annual anthology.  (Sorry for the repeat "a")  However, it was not the only one inspired by 9/11.  This one (just below) is actually about my experience of 9/11, both that infamous day and its yearly remembrance.  Sorry its so long.  It started as some reflection and became a four page ramble.

Oh, and if you want, here's the link for the old one (http://baumann-intheloop.blogspot.com/2012/05/rest-well.html).  If the video doesn't work, leave a comment and I'll try to fix it.

One decade older.

Its a new day,

Just after midnight,

In my small town.

Here in the middle of the nation, 

The troubles felt on the coasts are nothing but stories on the news;

Distractions from the high school football game,

And things of that nature.

I stay up late,

Finishing a paper due later this morning.

But my mind refuses to focus.

It keeps going back

To that day

A world away.

One decade ago.

That day,

A Tuesday like any other,

Changed everything.

I was in the gym

Of my high school in my small town.

The coach stopped us

And said a prayer.

I didn’t know why.

By the end of the day I found out,

That tragedy had struck.

Three thousand had perished in pointless attacks.

Ten times the number of people at my school,

Gone in an instant.

I remember looking east,

Towards the coast.

The biggest event of my lifetime,

And I could not see it.

I felt detached,

Unimportant,

And blind.

I never paid attention to what was going on

Outside my home town.

But that was one decade ago.

Now I am one decade older.

I strive to know more.

What goes on in the world, 

Effects me at home.

Never again

Do I want to find myself unaware of the world around me.

Never again

Do I want to see haunting images,

But feel no emotion,

As if they hold no meaning.

No

That’s not true.

It may have been

One decade ago.

But now

I am one decade older.

And in my search to find the truth

I found the definition of what it means to be

A hero.

Two simple words

Became an empowering battle cry

As those innocent people,

Sentenced to die,

Fought to save others they had never met.

Even now I can’t help but tear up

Thinking about the heroes of Shanksville,

Who gave their lives

One decade ago.

Yesterday

Was the anniversary

Of the attacks.

Ten years ago

Four planes

Hijacked

Brought America momentarily to her knees.

And what did we do?

First, we prayed

We prayed for strength,

For healing,

For unity,

For courage.

Then, we stood up,

Ready to do

What had to be done.

One decade ago.

Yesterday,

Those who died were remembered.

And now I sit here,

One decade older.

I have seen wars,

And natural disasters.

I have grown,

In wisdom and stature.

I have witnessed birth

And death.

I have mourned

And I have celebrated.

Through it all

I have not forgotten that day,

One decade ago.

Nor have I forgotten,

The God who has blessed me

With so many things.

I have never been to New York City.

I never saw the Twin Towers in person.

I do not know anyone who was there that day.

But I have cried with them.

I have shared in their pain,

Their frustration,

Their mourning.

And I have witnessed the impossible.

From the ashes of tragedy,

A nation has risen,

Strengthened and restored.

The eponymous phoenix.

And now this new land,

This new people,

Is one decade older.

And so am I.

So to those of you,

who remember that day,

I ask one thing:

That you never forget.

And to the men and women,

Who selflessly served,

To rescue and recover,

I would like to thank you.

Your nation,

And her people,

Are in your debt.

Finally,

To those who paid,

The ultimate price,

And live on only as memories:

Rest well.

We have not forgotten you.

No matter how many decades pass.

And so here I sit,

Still struggling to get my mind,

Wayward as it is,

Back on the task at hand.

But I cannot help but drift back

To that day

One decade ago.

I stand on that lawn,

Looking east.

No smoke clouds mar the clear sky.

No piles of ash tarnish the streets.

But in my mind,

The image is clear.

A wound,

That few expected to heal.

Looking back,

On a decade of pain,

Turmoil,

And strife,

I realize that our only choice

Was to heal.

And so here we are,

A nation

United under God,

Forged by fire and trial,

Ready,

Willing,

And able,

To take on whatever task is set before us.

A nation

One decade older.

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid of terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Put me in, coach! I'm ready!

Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:3-6

Meg wanted to watch “Facing the Giants” last night because of the whole “praying for rain” metaphor.  While I like it as well, I latched onto the second verse of “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns.  (If you haven’t heard it yet, go to You Tube and listen before continuing, just because it’s a good song.)  It’s a summary of David’s fight against Goliath; fitting for a movie where a football team is defeated by a field goal kicked by a kid named David.

Anyway, it got me thinking.  I have been struggling the last couple months with the teacher call process.  I feel that I have worked so hard and that I deserve to get a call.  It is frustrating that it seems everyone else is getting to go out and serve God, but not me.  It's like I'm a soldier who just finished training and all I get to do is stand on the pier and watch as my fellow warriors, orders in hand, board the troopship and head out to battle.  And here I stand, ready to go, practically screaming at God: "HERE I AM! SEND ME!"  I keep hearing an echo of part of the refrain of "Unbreakable" by Fireflight, repeating it almost as if it is a prayer.  "I want to go there; this time I'm not scared!"  The whole song is quite inspirational, I think, but that part is particularly powerful to me.

While watching "Facing the Giants" I was reminded of an Israelite shepherd.  The night before I had this urge to read about Joseph.  In the case of Joseph, he was humbled because he claimed to have the ability to read dreams and be a great manager.  It was only later, when he had nothing, that God called for him.  With David, he immediately declared God to be the ultimate power, specifically the one that would deliver his enemy to him.  Both men acknowledged God as their source of strength; the source of everything.

That is something I have been struggling with.

I keep saying that it was "I" who did all the work.  Was it really?  The most important lessons I have learned were not ones I created, but rather life-changing events that God blessed me with.  Going back to the soldier analogy, God has been the Drill Sergeant, providing me with challenges to "reshape" me into what He needs.  A song by Family Force 5 emphasizes that, though their slant is looking at God as the potter.  "Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me, make me what you want me to be."  But I still wonder why things have been so difficult.  He said that all things work out for those of us who love Him (Romans 8:28).  At the same time, though, He has given us the ability to do more than just conquer our trials (Romans 8:37).  The struggle, then, is in persevering to the end.

And that lead me to the section at the top of the post.  "Suffering produces perseverance."  If things were not hard, would anyone ever develop a "stick-to-it" attitude?  And don't we consider that attitude, that work ethic, to be a characteristic that is to be admired?  Especially because hard-workers tend to be very optimistic and hopeful about the future.  How can they be when life is so hard?  Because they know that God does not disappoint.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."  This isn't about whether I get my "dream job" or not.  This is about God giving me an opportunity to let everyone know how awesome He is.  While I was powerless, worthless, without hope, unable to do anything, He DID.  I must put aside my fear of giving Him the glory.  I should humble myself as His willing servant.

O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your, the son of Your maidservant; You have freed me from my chains.  (Psalm 116:16)

He has bought me, given me new life, given me gifts and a purpose and a mission.  Why then should I doubt that He will continue to provide for me?

Fear Factor: Holy Land Edition

Mark 4:40

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”

In the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” the title character has to pass three tests to reach the Holy Grail.  One of them is the “Leap of Faith.”  Standing at the edge of a seemingly bottomless pit without any visible way to cross, Indiana Jones has to do something many people have trouble with: trust.

Luckily for him there is a camouflaged rock bridge that keeps him from falling to certain doom.  He took a “leap of faith,” placing his life on the line without any proof of safety.

The Disciples were in a position of even greater peril.  Out at night on the Sea of Galilee, there were caught up in a massive storm.  As they struggle to keep from sinking, Jesus, the God of everything, is taking a nap.

Terrified, the Disciples wake Him up.  With one word, Jesus calms the storm.  The Disciples are amazed, but so is Jesus.  They’re amazed that He is able to stop a massive storm with a single word.  He’s amazed that the Disciples could not set aside their fear for but a moment and believe that God is in control and will protect them.

As Christians, we take comfort in knowing that God will protect us.  But sometimes we don’t take that “leap” and give all our worries to Him.  What are we more afraid of, the unknown thing before us, whatever it is, or removing ourself from the equation and letting God handle it?

Father,

We know you are all powerful.  Help us to remember this and to place our trust in You alone.  Help us to take that “leap of faith” and surrender to You and Your plan.

Amen

Destroyermen

Sometimes its hard being patient.  Right now, I'm talking about a fictional world I've gotten drawn into.  I grew up on Star Wars; stories feed on the classic "good versus evil" conflict.  So, it is no surprise that while wandering around the stacks at Barnes and Noble I found this series.

This is not the first time I've found a literary gem while wandering.  One was "The Law of Nines," an odd mix of mystery and fantasy, while at a WalMart.  Another was "Dead Iron," a "steampunk" western, the latter of which is somewhat uncharacteristic of me.  But the "Destroyermen" series is, superficially at least, almost a no-brainer.  Why?

Well, its quite simple: there's a destroyer on the front cover.  Not just any type of destroyer, but a classic US destroyer; a "four-stacker" from back during the "Great War."

I really like military history, so I every time I passed by "Into the Storm" (book 1) while at B&N I would pick it up and glance at it.  The alternate history angle kept stopping me.  Finally, without any interesting Star Wars, and nothing else grabbing my attention, I pulled book 1 off the shelf and sat down to read the first few pages.

I was hooked.

The book starts with the Battle of Java Sea.  USS Walker, a Wickes-class destroyer launched in 1918, was one of a small allied group on the run from the Imperial Japanese Navy.  In the end, Walker and her sister Mahan (another Wickes four-stacker) are all that is left, and they're being hunted.  The battlecruiser Amagi chased them into a squall.

That's when things went "weird."

The crew of the destroyers were drawn into a war between carnivorous human-size lizards and a race of "monkey-cat."  In our world the four-stack destroyers were considered disposable in a battle, with little ability to contribute to a victory.  But in a world where the most advanced ship are based on East Indiaman and there isn't a single firearm in sight, Walker tips the scales in a big way.

I could probably go on and on about the plot, but I'd suggest reading the books yourself.  Word of warning though: the lizards (called "Grik" in the story) represent evil in a pure fashion.  Not only are they a carnivorous, and cannibalistic, society, but their fighting style has no concept of retreat or prisoners.

This stands in sharp contrast with the Americans, who have a distinct sense of the "rules of war," and their allies.  The "monkey-cats" (known as "Lemurians") are a peaceful society.  Convincing them to defend themselves was something of a challenge at first.  Converting the pacifist race to one with the will and material to fight an offensive war took significantly more.

Now, there's a world war going on.  Americans and Lemurians in the west fighting a empire of insatiable predators.  Descendants of British citizens in the east are protecting their home from an enemy practicing a horrific mix of medieval Catholicism and Aztec sacrificial practices.

I just realized I rambled on now for over 500 words and haven't even gotten to why I like this series.

There are, basically, two kinds of stories: those driven by the plot and those driven by the characters.  The "Destroyermen" series has a good mix of the two.  Without the conflict there is no story, but the characters are what make it worth reading.

There are a lot of characters in the series, but there are about a dozen who I consider the "main characters," which the story follows the most.  The one is captain of the Walker: Matthew Reddy.  Officially he is the main character, and watching his story play out is why the story is worth reading.  But I keep coming back for two of the supporting roles: Dennis Silva and Chack-Sab-At.

Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva is a cross between a mad scientist, melodrama villain, pirate, and classic anti-hero, and one of the most interesting characters to follow.  He is rude and crude, he plays practical joke on crew members, been known to booze, and wantonly destroys anything labeled "enemy."  His exploits range from creating a musket rifle from an anti-aircraft cannon, to blowing up an enemy frigate using a bottle of rum for a fuse.  Over time he has become the de facto bodyguard of the captain and those close to him, especially his girlfriend nurse Sandra Tucker and princess Rebecca.  He all but adopted the latter as his "little sister," and consider's her friend, a "friendly Grik," a mix of sidekick and pet.  In spite of himself, Silva is one of the most important fighting men on Walker.  His exploits have saved countless lives.  His somewhat eccentric way of things has left some wondering if he is a strange instrument of God on this "other Earth."  His exploits, and characteristics, takes the story from a mix of "alternate history" and "political thriller" to an honest adventure novel.

The character of Chack-Sab-At is the reason I stuck with the story and got hooked.  At the start of the story this Lemurian teen was a pacifist whose biggest worry was trying to get some girl to date him.  He quickly transitioned through many roles.  He was the first non-human to join the Walker, gaining the rank of Bosun Mate and acting as look out.  Of all his people, he has the best grasp of English, having worked past pronunciation issues that often plague his people.  He soon proved himself in battle, earning the title of "marine" and being placed in charge of some of the first Lemurians trained specifically as marines.  His exploits gained the attention of a young queen who's people often conduct small wars for "fun."  He has been on the forefront of the war, becoming a capable leader.  Like General George Patton, Chack is a legend among the troops.

Seeing how Chack has "grown up" is impressive and even a little depressing.  At the end of the latest story, "Firestorm," he is fighting alongside British marines in what we call Hawaii.  The fighting has been extreme at times, with this part of the war having started with an attack on civilians.  Near the end, Chack is in the hospital tent, having a few minor wounds stitched up.  The description could not have been any different than the one presented when we first met him.  Weapons and armor sit nearby as he stoically sits there while the woman who had rejected him so long ago tends to him.   All the while he is more concerned with the outcome of the fight than reconciling.  His resolve and fighting spirit is impressive, so much so that he is a precious commodity, being requested on at least two fronts.  But it is somewhat depressing looking back at how things have changed.

I'm in an odd position, since I started reading this series recently.  I've been playing catch up with the author, which has allowed me to keep in the stories pretty consistently.  But now I've had a few day to wait for the next book to come out, which gave me time to reflect on things.  And to try to adjust to the ending of "Firestorm."  I really did not expect things to get as bad as they are.  I'm just not sure how this little four-stacker will be able to contend with combat across half the globe, and I'm anxious to find out how they rescue two of their own from the greatest evil this side of the "Final Solution."  The next book cannot come fast enough.

Just got to be patient as a wait to get my copy.

"I am God. Your argument is invalid!"

Then the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?  Who makes him deaf or mute?  Who gives him sight or makes him blind?  Is it not I, the LORD?  Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”  (Exodus 4:11-12)

How may of us have a verse that we find encouraging?  If we think about it, I bet we have a more than one verse that gives us that “boost.”

Well, this passage is one of mine.  In fact, it is the one that encourages me regarding teaching.  In the story, Moses has just finished making some excuse why God should not send him.  Something about not being a good speaker.  I get it, because I don’t think of myself as a good speaker either.

God’s reaction is interesting.  He practically yells at Moses.  It is not Moses who has control over his ability to speak, but rather God.  He explains to the resistant man that he will not be alone.  Even better, God will teach him.

When I read this again last year, I was looking for an encouraging verse for a paper.  This one got my attention.  Despite appearing to be law and cruel, it was really reassurance.  God was letting Moses, and myself, know that He is in control.  And that no matter how I may feel about my abilities as a speaker, or an authority, or and expert in anything, God would be there to lead me.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for bringing us safely to the end of the week.  And I ask that You would continue to lead us in all we do and teach us how to speak and act.

Happy B-Day Army!

In 1775 the Continental Army was established, meaning this day is the US Army's 237th birthday.
In 1777 the "Stars and Stripes" was adopted as the official US flag.
And in 1954 President Eisenhower approved the addition of "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.
Oh, and it's Flag Day.  (I wonder if that is a coincidence, considering "Old Glory" was adopted on June 14th... hmm...)
Now, I'm a big fan of the Navy and Marines, but that doesn't mean I am anti-army.  Kinda hard to be against a branch of the military when you like studying military history.  Especially with a family that has a fair amount of military connection.
My grandfathers both served in World War II, Gordon in the Army Air Force and Lee in the Navy.  Megan's grandfather Lester served in the Navy too.  I have an uncle who served in the Air Force, as has his son, and two of my wife's uncles.  And my father-in-law, Tom, served in the Army.  In fact, he served for a while with the 3rd Infantry Regiment.
The "Old Guard" is based in Washington D.C. and is the oldest infantry unit.  Their role is primarily ceremonial.  It is this esteemed unit that tends Arlington National Cemetery, including guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns.  While serving with them, my father-in-law was responsible for changing the guard at the Tomb, and even got to open the door for President Ford at the White House.  Now he participates in the Memorial Day services every year, often speaking about his experiences and his view on the nation he loves and defended.
But his stories don't stop on November 11th.  One of the most memorable, to me, is about his time in Germany.  He was driving someone around in a Jeep, and was told to go around some M113 armored personnel carriers.  However, the road had a steep hill instead of a shoulder.  Tom voiced his concerns about rolling the vehicle, but was told that Jeeps are impossible to roll.  Guess what, they rolled the Jeep.  No one hurt, pride not included.
Tom is a collector of stories, having a number of friends who are retired military.  His personality and ability to make friends with almost anyone in less than 5 minutes is becoming almost a superpower (my opinion).  It is this personable nature that aided him in climbing the ranks while in the Army.  Everyday, while moving Jeeps about the base, he would pass a General each morning.  Not content with saluting, he would greet the General every day.  Apparently that looks good when promotions come around.
Anyway, I realize that I've been rambling, and it took me all day to get around to it.  If everyone wants, I can have Tom tell his stories on this blog, but I'm not sure how he'd adjust to the world of blog.  Heck, I still haven't fully acclimated myself.  Not that it's going to stop me.
Anyway, happy birthday Army.

Warning: tear jerker

Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

Sometimes you don’t need words to express how you’re feeling.  If you’re annoyed at someone you might roll your eyes.  If you’re scared you may let out a yelp or even a scream.  And if you’re sad you might even cry.

One of the most reassuring things about Jesus is not that He is the Almighty God, which he is, and it is reassuring.  No, the best and most comforting thing about Jesus is that while He is fully God, He is still human.  That means He feels all our emotions: fear, pain, joy, sorrow.

When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus cried.  Could He have walked in, tossed all the professional mourners out and raised Lazarus with a snap of His fingers?  Of course.  So why didn’t He?

Because He was sad His friend had died.

Sometimes we get caught up in the “awesomeness” of Jesus.  He is God, and He came to beat sin, death, and the Devil.  But He also came to have a relationship with us.  And the best way to do that was to experience every human emotion.  Even feeling sad that someone He knew had died.  Because Jesus knew something very important: that even death had to obey Him.

And that is a reason for us to be very, very glad.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for embracing our humanity and our emotions so that we could know You better.  Help us to realize that there is no emotion we can experience that you have not already felt.  And that you will always be there to comfort us in our pain, and celebrate with us in our joy.

Amen

Suit up!

Its been awhile since I've posted a devotion.  So, here's another from my time student-teaching.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that come from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:13-16

The idea of the “armor of God” is quite popular with Christians.  We like to think that God has given us all the tools we need to fight spiritual warfare.  And He has.

But in this modern age, I don’t think we understand the imagery anymore.  Today’s soldier wears bulletproof vests and carries a rifle.  Back when Paul wrote his letter to Ephesus, the best solders in the world were Roman legionnaires.  This image would have made perfect sense to an early Christian.

The breastplate a Roman soldier would wear did not cover their back.  While there was some armor, like a chain mail shirt, that they could wear for protection, it was not sufficient to stop even an arrow.  In the same way, relying on our righteousness alone will not keep us safe from attack.

The weapon that made the Roman Army great was the shield.  This device was a huge and strong wooden plank, some almost as tall as the soldier carrying it.  Where it was most effective was in formation.  The Roman Army would line up its men, and the first row would place their shields together to form a wall.  Then the men behind them would do the same, only this time above their heads.  This effectively made a human tank.  Alone, the shield was useful, but insufficient to defend fully.  With a group, it made for a much stronger and capable soldier.

Our faith works the same way.  On our own, we may struggle with all life throws at us.  But with our fellow believers we can support and strengthen each other.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for placing people in our lives to support us in the hard times.  Help us to humbly admit when we may need their help, and to be ready when they may need us to lean on.

Amen.

*I would really like to get a set of Roman armor, simply for this purpose.

This week in History.

June 2, 2007 (5 years ago yesterday).
The most important event of our time occurred: Megan and Adam got married!

And everyone thought we were crazy.  Which, we were, and we are, and probably forever will be.  But we are two of the happiest people we know.

And the winner of the poll is...

Republic!

Congratulations to everyone who knew the right answer.  And, yes, the United States is, and has always been a republic.  Apparently no one since Woodrow Wilson (boo) remembers that.  And and before anyone bemoans "but we're a democracy," consider the following.

The United States of America is a Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic that uses the democratic election process.

In other words: we have a centralized government that has oversight and absolute control in some areas (Federal) that is run by a chief elected executive (Presidential) whose authorities are determined by an established document (Constitutional) that, along with the various laws and regulations, is composed by an elected body of representatives of the people (Republic) who are chosen by a popular vote (democratic).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is Meg's birthday!  (This is the part when everybody cheers.)

Perhaps I should tell everyone about my wife.  That's a picture of us at a friend's wedding in Jamaica.  She's the hot one in front of the not-so-closet-case nerd.

Megan is an amazing woman  How else do you describe someone who daily has to put up with three immature boys (Nate, Sam, and me)?  I can barely survive 6 hours with Nate and Sam, and I'm not trying to do a dozen things in addition.  Basically I should go out and buy her a super hero cape.  Or at least a waffle cone.*

What amazes me is that throughout all the hardship of the last 5 years, Meg has stuck by me.  Of course there have been time we have both wanted to run away, sometime together.  She is stubborn, and most of the time that is a good thing.  She hasn't given up.  Not on me, or our family.  Nor has she given up on herself.  She keeps pushing herself to be better.  Whether that is by training to run a 5k, "debating" me on theology, or researching the various requirements for different educational opportunities available.

I could not be more proud of her for all she has done and continues to do.  I am constantly amazed by her.  And that is the answer to her constant question.  You see, I tell her "I love your," and she will ask "why?"  But that's why.  I want to love her, to care for her and be where she is so that I can be amazed.

So, dear beautiful wife of mine who I adore, I love you, and thank you for being born.  Happy Birthday!

* Inside joke.

More evidence that US education is screwed up

Read this: Stupid History Teacher

This teacher is a complete idiot.  She said that you cannot "slander" the president or you will be arrested.  So, how is it that talk show hosts and news anchors of syndicated networks avoid that.  8 years of bashing Bush lead to no arrests.  And even if someone was arrested, they would be read their rights, unless charged with terrorism.  Why?  Because that makes them enemy combatants outside a combat zone, and therefore not under the protection of any nation or treaty.

We, as citizens, have the right to criticize the president.  We should refrain from disrespecting him and the office, but disrespect is not illegal.  What is illegal is threatening the president's life.  Saying Obama is the second worst president in US history and a socialist who is the cause of our current economic woes is not arrest worthy.  It's my opinion of he man Barack Obama, who happens to be the current president.

So here's my question: when did criticism become synonymous with disrespect?

Today's rant: Exxon-Mobile commercial

Hey y'all, been a while.  Like kinda snuck up and, well, I just haven't had anything really to say.

(Well, except that I have an awesome wife, but that goes without saying.)

But here is what's been bugging me for a few days.  Exxon-Mobile has a commercial out reminding everyone that the US is #17 on an international list of "Best Math and Science scores."  So, E-M is working to gain support for teachers, specifically those in the aforementioned fields.  And I don't like it.

Seventeen out of 200 nations.  That's not bad.  Actually that's really good.  That would be a 91% on a report card.  If I get a student moaning about how "horrible" that score is I would be tempted to laugh at them and say they may not have their priorities straight.

Which I feel is our problem in this nation.  We have great math and science programs.  But our history seems to be lacking.  There are a lot of people (including some politicians) who apparently don't know what type of government the United States has.*    How do we survive as a nation with a voting population that is so inept?  That is why I am going to be a history teacher.  My goal is to be "the most dangerous history teacher in November."  In other words: my (future) US Government students will not the the stereotypical ideological "deer in the headlights" voters.  They won't take any political BS or spin.

So, to bring this rant to a close: when is Exxon-Mobile gonna send funding for the real backbone of US society: history teachers?

* If you think you know what type of government we as a nation has, take the poll over on the right.  I'll post results in two weeks.

Rest Well

Recently one of the poems I wrote was published in an annual anthology at school.  (Wow, four word alliteration.)  I had submitted three poems and a piece of a story I'm working on.  Now, I don't write poetry too often, but mostly because I prefer to write narratives.  But, sometimes I just need to vent literarily, and poetry is a good an outlet.  Perhaps that is why only one was selected.  Since it is just me and my feelings, the form is rough.  Not like the "pretty" poems that made it in the booklet.  Which, I'll admit, there were only 3 or 4 good poems in the whole thing.  And they didn't make sense.  They didn't tell a story, convey an emotion, or paint a mental picture.  They were just a scrambling of "word vomit."

The poem I submitted was written last September.  And recently, I was playing around with the movie making program on my laptop, and used it as a "test."  It turned out better than I hoped.  I posted it a while ago on Facebook, but I'll post it again here, so that more people can read it.

Enjoy.

(Background music: "Remember Me" from the album "Illusions" by Thomas Bergersen)

Introducing!

(drum roll please)

Samuel Whittaker Baumann!

Sam swimming in his first picture.

Born March 7 at 5:15 p.m., measuring 7 pounds 15 ounces and 21 inches long.

Here he is at less than 1 hour old.

He's so adorable.  And his awesome mom is so beautiful.  (Love you Meg!)

The ladies just love a guy with a tan.

However, like his brother, Sam was a jaundiced.  So he spent some time pretending to be a space alien. That sun bed was painfully bright, but it worked.  In fact it worked so well that the nurse was amazed at how quickly he gained the right color.  Actually, everything about Sam has seemed really quick.

Including playing the "air ukulele" and turning around.  Yes, that's right, at just under two months old he was picking his head up while laying on his stomach.  And he tries to scoot forward.  The farthest I've seen him go is almost half a foot.  He's pretty good at rotating around, getting a full right or left handed turn, though usually left.  I don't know why that is.  Maybe he's left handed.

Some quality time with dad.

Whatever, he's adorable.  And we love him very much.  Welcome to the family Sam!

Tonight on "Top Shot..."

One of the most dangerous things on earth: a military enthusiast holding a shotgun and no idea what the heck he's doing.

Hey all, wanted to post this really quick for a few reasons.
1- I haven't yet posted any pictures and I though now was a good time to "test" it.
2- I haven't posted since Saturday.
3- I got to go shooting today.
I have never fired a gun before.  And, no, Nerf and BB guns do not count.  So my friend Tim invites me out to try my hand at shotguns.  Now, I like history, especially if that history is involving the military.  So my opinion on shotguns is so-so.  Lots of kick to make a handful of little holes; doesn't really sound like fun to me.
Boy was I wrong.  We head out to his in-law's farm and "blast" things in their burn pile.  First victim is an old door.  I'm given a 20 gauge (seen in pic) and I go all out.  There's already a couple of holes in it, which I kindly widen.  So much so that the door looks like it is being cut in half.  I also take off the door knob, and try to blast a hinge off.  Next up is a television, which gets both the 20 gauge, and a 12 gauge.  I don't think we can fix it.  Finally we try to destroy an empty helium tank, but all we do it make hundreds of tiny dents.
But it was fun.  And worth the slightly sore shoulder.  I didn't even bruise (darn).

Done?

Its been a long day.
Correction, its been a long year.  I feel drained.  Dead.  Flat.  I've spend so long fighting to prove myself, and now I have.  This morning I was standing in a group of almost 600 waiting to wait.  Waiting to sit in a crowded and stuffy gymnasium and wait our turn to receive a piece of paper that validates our hard work.  Well, for me it was three pieces of paper.  As with many of my peers, I walked twenty feet across a stages to receive a Bachelors of Science in Education, specifically a Lutheran Teacher's Diploma, with an emphasis in Theology and History.  And if that wasn't enough, I got a Bachelors of Science in Theology, too.
No more going to classes.  No more papers to write.  No more pulling hair out trying to get things at the library/registrar/computer lab set up.  I am done with the traditional education experience.  I have graduated.
So, I'm done now, right?

Yeah, right.  I've just barely scratched the surface of my learning.  I'm still in "limbo" regarding my future classroom.  And this adventure known as being a husband and father has only just begun, and is starting to get really interesting.  As if it wasn't already.

Well, this stage of life has come to a close.  Its been fun, but it has been a struggle.  And I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Per ardua ad astra!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...

... a young boy sat on the worn blue-gray carpet of the living room.  All about him were strewn the remains of a make-believe battle.  On the television screen before him were images that would inspire him for decades to come.

That boy was me, and the movie on the television was Star Wars.  I can't help but get a little nostalgic when I hear the opening theme.  And I am a little jealous at those "weirdos" who spend so much time and money making replica costumes and attending conventions.  I'll admit it, it would be fun.  Especially since it is thanks to Star Wars that I started writing.

In 1999 a new Star Wars novel was published.  Now, I had read all the Star Wars books in the school library by that point, and a number at the public library.  So, when this new book came out I pounced on it.  Maybe that's why I didn't do so well in 7th grade math...

Anyway, the book that got me hooked on storytelling was Vector Prime, the first in the "New Jedi Order" series.  Immediately I start doing what any self-respecting 12 year old boy would do: daydream.  I tried to figure out how could I make a story to fit into George Lucas' playground.  Well, being a fan of World War II aviation, I tried to take that route, combining it with bits gleaned from various sci fi and fantasy "bits" I had been exposed to.  I got to high school, and found opportunities to write, mostly at the expense of English free-writing time.  I wound up filling a composition book with fiction, so much that I needed a second.  And that one I filled half way.  (Most of my fellow students barely got a quarter of the way through.)  This "manuscript" was practice in how to create characters and plots and actually get them to work.  Well, the "New Jedi Order" continued on without me, and when I got to the end I realized that I couldn't simply insert myself into an already ongoing story line.

But I also realized that my interest in fiction exceeded Star Wars.  It was in 7th grade that I read The Hobbit for the first time.  I have read it twice since then, and cannot wait until the movie arrives.  I also branched out, starting with two Star Wars authors that I knew: R. A. Salvatore and Timothy Zahn.  The former wrote about a half dozen fantasy novels that I rather enjoyed, and was inspired to change his college major based on reading Tolkien.  I am not quite that dedicated.  The latter author has written a number of sci fi books, one of which (Icarus Hunt) I am trying to find a copy of.  After moving down to Seward, I got a Barnes and Noble card, which may be one of the best investments ever.  I have now read numerous books that have helped "break" me of my Star Wars habit.  These range from fantasy, to sci fi, to steampunk, to a strange mix of fantasy and mystery.  Like my taste in music, my choices of fiction has become more eclectic.

All of this has inspired me in my own writing.  I have roughly a dozen developed story ideas, and another half dozen still in the "growing" process.  Some are a little heavy on the "fantasy" side, while others are very much science fiction.  I have a few, though, that are a little more "normal," well, as normal as you can get when it comes to my imagination.

I'm debating on posting bits of my work, but after my "Big E rant," I hesitate to put so many words online again.  (Which makes me a hypocrite, since that's what I'm doing right now.)  Maybe if I get enough feedback I'll post something.  Whatever.  I'm just amazed at how far I've gotten since picking up my first Star Wars book.

Happy reading, and May the Fourth be with you.

No fear!

So, here's the last devotion I wrote for student teaching.  I was trying to make a point for the 8th graders, but mostly it was for me.  Selfish, I know, but I wanted not only to end strong but I wanted to remind myself of this simple fact: God is with me no matter what, so don't be afraid.

Deuteronomy 31:8
“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

God tends to repeat Himself.  A lot.  Part of that is because we, His people, tend to do a really good job at not listening.  Whether it’s some encouragement or reminder of the rules, it doesn’t matter; we universally ignore our Creator.
That’s why there are so many verses and themes in the Bible that sound somewhat similar.  The sentiment “be strong and courageous” is one of these.  Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard Deuteronomy 31:6, and John 16:33, not to mention a passing acknowledgment of Joshua 1:6.  But here’s one that slips through our theological nets.
Moses is getting ready to pass the proverbial baton to his “sidekick” Joshua.  He has the leaders of Israel, as well as the whole nation, listen to a final “pep talk” before they embark on a mission of reclaiming their inheritance.
But the 120-something year old leader remembers when they sent spies into the Promised Land.  Most came back too scared to go back in and fight.  Now, forty years later, the children of that generation are staring into the unknown and untamed wilderness of Canaan.  They remember the stories their parents and grandparents told them, and, most likely, they are terrified.  Terrified of impregnable walled cities.  Terrified of 9 foot tall giant warriors.  Terrified of armies equipped with the most advanced technology of the day.
God, through Moses, reminds them that He is with them.  This last verse in the section is kind of a recap.  Basically “God is with you,” “don’t be scared,” and “don’t be discouraged.”  But aren’t those last two the same?
No.  Being scared is to be frightened of something that seems more powerful than yourself.  The cause of the emotion is outside yourself.  Being discouraged is to lose confidence in your abilities.  This cause is internal, and likely for most of us it is the harder one to vanquish.
But that is what God calls us to do.  He asks, no, implores and commands, us to be “strong and courageous”.  We are not to be discouraged for any reason.  Why?  Because God goes before us, clearing our path so that there is nothing to frighten us or cause us to despair.
That is why “do not be discouraged” is the last in the verse.  It will become quite obvious for the Israelites that God is powerful enough to eliminate that which stands in their way.  What is not so certain is whether God can and will eliminate the feelings of inadequacy.
To be rid of our trials, our “giants,” God may simply remove them completely, or He may place us in such a way that, with His help, we can eliminate them ourselves.  Dealing with despair, though, requires ourselves to act.  We have to let go of that which is weighing us down.  We have to turn it over to God, the only one who can bear our burdens.
Because we have someone who can carry our burdens, we have no reason to be discouraged.  We know that Jesus Christ bore every lie that was ever and will ever be told in an attempt to discourage us for loving and serving God fully.  So why are we still walking around with our heads hanging and our shoulders drooped?  Why are we hanging onto our discouragements?  Cast them on God and go out to do His work while we still have time.

Father Almighty,
Too often we allow the world around us to discourage and terrify us, and we selfishly hang onto that which seeks to destroy us.  Give us the strength to let go and place all out sorrows, struggles, and burdens on Your Son, the only one who could bear them.  Give us a spirit of courage and strength to live our lives to Your Glory.
Amen

French Toast, Flattops, and Frustration

On 16 July 1934, workers at Newport News Shipyard in Virginia began work on the second ship in a brand new class of warship for the United States Navy.  As will most ships, this first piece was the keel; the literal foundation of the vessel. If only they had know that they were laying the foundations of the most famous warship in US history.

Fast forward to 29 February, 2008.  The History Channel premiers a special 10 part series unlike any other.  Not only is it actually focussing on history (which is very unlike the History Channel as of late) but it mixes CGI, interviews, live footage, and expert opinions to paint a portrait of the life and service of one intrepid ship and her crew.  The show's title: Battle 360º.   The subject: USS ENTERPRISE (CV-6), aka: the "Big E," the most decorated ship in the US Navy.

What does this have to do with "french toast?"  And why am I posting about a show that you can watch on You Tube?  (Which you can watch here: Battle 360º E1 "Call to Duty")

Its pretty simple.  On the weekends over the last couple years, Meg has been working 8 hour shifts.  So Nate and I have had free-reign of the house.  By sheer luck or divine providence we kept from burning the place down.  And we bonded over breakfast.  Its amazing what one egg, a little milk and cinnamon, and 4-6 slices of bread can do.  Nate and I would sit at the table and eat our french toast as in the background I had episodes of Battle 360º playing on the laptop.

I had known that ENTERPRISE was one of the most famous and important ships of the Pacific War.  But I had not known how awesome her service record was.  During 4 years of constant combat, she earned 1 campaign star, 20 battle stars (the most of any USN ship, EVER), the Presidential Unit Citation (first carrier to receive this), numerous campaign and service medals, and the Royal Navy Admiralty Pendant.  Read that last one again.  The ENTERPRISE is the only foreign vessel to have received the 400 year award.  Impressed yet?  Because I was.  Then I started paying attention to the episodes.

The ENTERPRISE is the highest decorated ship of the US Navy for a reason.  She and her crew earned each and every award and accolade.  Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal even said that the "Big E" is the "one vessel that most nearly symbolizes the history of the Navy in this war."  The story of Bruno Gaido hit that home for me.  This mechanic manned the twin guns in the tail of a dive bomber  (which he was not trained to do) while the ship was under attack.  One of the attacking bombers was hit, and intent on crashing into the ship.  Despite the enemy plane slicing the tail off his plane, Gaido continued to shoot at it until it crashed into the sea.  For that he was granted a double promotion on the spot by Admiral "Bull" Halsey.  And that was on a quiet day.

The record of the "Big E" takes one from Pearl Harbor to the end of the war.  If there was a battle involving the US Navy in the Pacific, ENTERPRISE was probably there.

But, I my opinion, there's a problem.  This illustrious vessel has not been honored properly.  Don't think for a second that I am belittling the service of CVN-65, the current USS ENTERPRISE.  That amazing vessel has served longer than any other, a phenomenal 51 years.  Her deactivation in December of this year will be emotional for many in the service, I bet.

No, the problem I have originates 8 September 1966.  On that day a sci-fi television program first aired, staring an exploration vessel tasked to "boldly go where no man has gone before."  Perhaps if Gene Roddenberry (who, ironically served in the USAAF, therefore probably not very supportive of the Navy) had made his "Enterprise" a full combat vessel carrying at least two squadrons of fighters into battle, I wouldn't be as frustrated.

I also wouldn't be as "perturbed" if the Department of Defense would just do the right thing and stop naming carriers after people.  This came out a couple days ago while watching my family's favorite show: NCIS.  Every so often, Meg and I get on an “NCIS kick.”  This means having running marathon of all the episodes we own, though the episodes play as “background” as much as they are actually watched.

Anyway, enough tangent.*  One episode after the team is split up features Tony on the “USS Seahawk” with a case that requires the aid of everyone.  Careful attention to the photos reveal that “Seahawk” is CVN-74: the “John C. Stennis.”

Now, I love history, especially military history.  And aircraft carriers are a favorite of mine.  I pride myself with being pretty familiar with them, but the name “Stennis” drew a bit of a blank.  Who is he?
Well, apparently he was a Democrat from Mississippi, who had never served in the Navy.  Actually, he never served a day in uniform.  And we named a carrier after him for what reason?

This keeps happening, the naming of carriers after politicians.  I'm fed up with it.  The Nimitz class is mostly named for presidents or politicians supportive of the Navy.  Well, except for Stennis.  I'm still trying to find a connection between him and the Navy.

But, Nimitz class are old, and being replaced by a new class: Gerald R. Ford.  So far there are three on schedule for service by 2025.  Two are named for presidents who served in the US Navy: Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy.  I can accept these names.

But CVN-80 is causing issue for me.  There's a petition out to name it after the "Big E," but a senator from Arizona has suggested the names "Arizona" or "Barry Goldwater."  While I like the suggestion that Arizona be honored like this, I think that having the name remain resting on the floor of Pearl Harbor is a greater honor.  As for Goldwater, he's half of the "Goldwater-Nichols Act," which re-structured America's military and attempted to eliminate the rivalries between the services.  And while that's great and all, remember that Goldwater served in the US Army Air Force, not the Navy.  Naming a carrier after him would be like naming a football stadium after a famous baseball pitcher.  Sure he's well respected, but the connection isn't there.

So, where am I going with this?  Simple: I can't eat french toast without thinking about the "Big E."  And I can't think about the "Big E" without hoping that the DOD takes the online petitions and proud history of the Navy seriously when it comes time to announce CVN-80's name.

And now I've got a craving for some french toast with melted butter, warm syrup, and powdered sugar.  I'm going to stop now before anyone shorts out their computer due to drool.

P.S. - Let me know what you think.  There's supposed to be a button labeled "comment."  Click it and give me feedback.  It could be about what I've written, about this endeavor, or about whether french toast or waffles are better for breakfast.  I want to hear from you.  Thanks.

*( Yeah, right.  This whole blog is nothing but one big electronic tangent.)

From a Terminal Extrovert

Well, I am not sure how qualified I am (Megan) to post here, since I am almost anything but a "Terminal Introvert". However, I am going to give it a try!

I have discovered I hate the internet. From the weird stuff people put on facebook to the fights moms get into about breast or bottle feeding. The chat rooms and forums and even, dare I say blogs! People will say almost anything as long as they can hide behind the computer screen. I have read so many posts and thought "Would you really say that to someone's face?"

The answer is usually no. If it is yes then you have some serious issues! What ever happened to "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all"? And I would like to coin a new phase! "If you can't say anything useful or interesting, please don't say anything at all!".

I don't want to know what you had for lunch. I certainly don't want to hear about how hot you think Taylor Lautner is. And I don't want to see pictures of you and your friends at the opening of the newest vampire movie!

I understand there are many great and useful things out there online. Many things can be used for good or evil and the internet is no different, but I am tired of all the bologna people think is so important! And since I am no different myself I shall stop ranting. It is not useful or interesting. But like everyone else I had to get my two cents in! You see I am just as bad as the rest, maybe worse, because I waste my time reading what I call junk! Judging and criticizing everyone else when I should be looking at myself. No one makes me sit at the computer and forces my eyes open. It is my choice how to spend my time and I think now I will go spend it snuggling with my good-looking husband! Clarity is an amazing thing!

Its been a long semester...

Yesterday was the last day of student teaching.  That means no more getting up a 5 to get to the school on time, no more 10 to 12 hour days, no more grading papers and making lessons until the wee hours, a no more having to deal with middle school students.  This has been one of the most emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally draining endeavors of my life.  But it has also been the greatest learning experience ever.  I have grown more in the last 18 weeks that I though possible.  I have found patience and endurance beyond what I imagined possible.  And I have discovered that I have not wasted the last few years chasing after this nebulous and fleeting concept of being a "teacher."

I am a teacher.  All that is left is to cross the stage at graduation and receive official documentation that says so.

And I am tired, so I think I might go pass out now and catch up on 4 months of sleep.  So, until tomorrow, peoples of the internet, good night and God bless.

A most profound question, indeed.

Here's another of my devotions.  Each of the verses I use are inspiring to me.  This one is key to me and my mission as a teacher.  As a teacher, my task is to teach students how to seek the truth.  But…

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. 

(John 18:38a)

I must admit, I have an addiction to learning.  Especially if that learning is at all related to Theology.  I can spend literally hours reading the cross-references in my self-study here.  I could spend more simply reading footnotes.

That’s a problem, though.  When Jesus was brought before the governor’s court, Pilate asked a somewhat strange question: “What is truth?”

Now, according to my Bible’s footnotes, he may have been sarcastic with his remark, or perhaps he was genuinely curious about the truth of why Jesus was there.  Maybe he was thinking something even more profound than that.  If you want I could even tell you what his little question was in Greek.

The problem is that all this thinking and information is distracting from the very thing Pilate asked.  All this searching and no truth to be found.

Sometimes we over-think things.  If I tried, I could probably teach an entire week on what “truth” is.  But does it matter?

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, says that seeking wisdom, seeking truth, is like “chasing after the wind.”  (1:17b)

So, what is truth?

Not what, who.  Jesus Christ, the Worthy Sacrifice, is Truth.  The answer Pilate sought was right in front of him, waiting to be sent to the cross.  John 8:32 says “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The truth is this: Christ came to live the perfect life that you could not, and pay the price that you deserve, so that you can be free to live with Him eternally.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we come before you this week, when we turn our minds to the truth of Your life and death.  We are reminded that we are the cause of Your suffering, and we are reassured by the truth that You came to free us.  Help us to be mindful of this fact not just this week, but throughout our lives.  Help us to seek You, the Truth, in all we do.

Amen

Some mountains aren't meant for moving.

Ever had one of "those days?"

You know the ones I'm talking about.  The ones that make you just want to give up.  I've had a few in the last couple of weeks.  I even wondered last Wednesday if I can finish Student-Teaching.  I was dead tired; drained physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.  It seemed that God had put a mountain in my path that I could not move.  And then, in the back of my mind at half-past midnight, as Meg was giving me a much needed pep-talk, I hear this little voice: "maybe you're not supposed to move this mountain."

So, I found this verse and "chewed on it" for a couple of days.  I sat down last night after finishing my work for the day and got to composing.  And here is what happened.

Mountains:

He replied, “Because you have so little faith.  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20

On August 27, 1883, a small island in Indonesia literally blasted itself into oblivion.  This volcanic explosion was the largest explosion ever.  Way bigger than “Little Boy,” about 16,000 times bigger.

That’s the sort of power the Jesus is describing here.  I’m not sure what the conversion between mustard seeds and the standard faith measuring units are, but its implied to be pretty small.  Even this most miniscule measure of faith has enormous power.  More even than the largest explosion in history.

Just imagine walking up to Mount Everest and saying “get outta here you pebble!”  With an impossibly loud groan, 357 trillion pounds of rock rips itself from the Earth and is violently tossed away.  Luke Skywalker, eat your heart out.

But what about when the mountain doesn’t get out of your way?

Obviously the “mountain” Jesus mentions is not a literal mountain, despite standing not even a mile away from the Transfiguration site.  Some of the “mountains” we have to face may be things like illness.

In cases like this, often the first thing we do is pray.  We want God to take our challenge away and make life easy for us.  We want Him to say “yes, I’ll get rid of it.”

Sometimes the answer is: “Not gonna do it this time, kid.  This isn’t a mountain you’re meant to move.  Now go get your good shoes and start climbing.”

Father,

Sometimes you allow mountains to block our path.  Help us to understand why, whether we are to wait for You move them or to climb them.  But especially remind us that whichever You require, it is Your will, not ours.

Amen

Devotions - Psalm 119:133

As part of my Student-Teaching II experience at Concordia, I have the opportunity to teach an 8th grade religion class.

One of the assignments I gave them was that each would compose a devotion and present it.  Prior to the first student devotion, I was presenting my own.  And I kinda feel like sharing some of them.

Here's the first:

Compass:

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

Psalm 119:133

How many of us have ever gotten lost?

Being lost is an experience we all have had from time to time.  A group of lost friends on a road trip is a classic set-up for a comedy, often leading to an adventure of discovery.  A small child who gets lost in a crowded store is a nightmare scenario for many parents, and kids.  It is in time like these that people seek out direction.

When my wife and I were getting ready for our camping trip last year, I bought a compass.  The instructions provided described how to use the compass to find a bearing: a direction to a specific object.  Specifically, it is the angle between the line I am traveling on, and north. Growing up I never was part of the boy scouts, nor did I go camping much, so I am still learning how to use this tool.

A lot of times people feel lost in their lives.  They complain that there is not a “guide book” with all the answers.  In the Psalms, we here a call for God to “navigate” us in life.  The writer realized who could guide him, and how that guidance is provided.  Through God’s Word, the Bible, we can find direction.  But sometimes those around us, and even ourselves, need training in how to use this “instrument of navigation.”

That’s why Christian education is so important.  And that’s why we are here: to learn how to use God’s Word in our lives.

Father, we ask for your direction in our lives and in our studies.  Help us to admit when we feel lost, and give us the strength to ask for guidance.  Help us to lead people to the right answers, at the right time.  And in all we do, to point to You.  Amen.

Genesis

Why does one start a blog?

Well, in my case it is because I am starting to get fed up with "social networks."  There has to be a better way to keep my parents and friends "in the loop.*"  This should be an adventure for all involved.  So, here we go.

I've taken to calling myself a "terminal introvert."  A little "do-it-yourself" character assassination isn't a bad thing, especially when it is true.  I am an introvert, ask anyone who really knows me.  That makes it difficult to converse with "normal" people.

Which is why social networking, texting, even cell phones are somewhat unappealing to me.  But I like writing.  I can write an occasional log of my events and thoughts and post it for people to see.  So that's why I'm here, a late arrival to the "information super-highway" and all its connectedness, tentatively testing the e-waters.

Well, no sign of sharks yet.

(* Check it out, my first "title drop.")