Friday, October 27, 2006

Need

It's been eight months since my spiritual director passed away. I haven't talked much about his death here, or really anywhere for that matter; I can't find words for what I feel.

With his passing my faith life suffered a K.O. I spent a good eight months wondering what changed. I played golf last weekend with a friend. We talked about Father Phil's passing. I realized how much I missed my daily conversations and consultations with Father, and how much my life changed when faith spun from the center of my being.

I know why I feel abandoned; my current pastor is not a spiritual director. This passage from Isaiah, 42:16 gives me comfort:

I will lead the blind on their journey; by paths unknown I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. These things I do for them, and I will not forsake them.

Faith.

Oh, and get ready to rock out - turn up your speakers!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

All the news not fit to print, 10/24/06

You better give my son playing time!

Look out below!!!!!

Mmmmmm, fetish!

and, for the dorks in you, via Download Squad: the 10 biggest computer flops of all time!

 

Monday Morning Photo Shoot

John wants us to show off!

Here's today's photo shoot: Your Monday Photo Shoot: Take a picture of something you've made. Pottery, cookies, a drawing or painting, a poem or a pipe cleaner stick man -- it's all good, it just has to have been made by you. Show off your creativity.

My answer: the article I wrote that was just published!

What's a meme?

Deb asked a great question: What's a meme?

To provide a little clarification, here's an entry from Wikipedia on memes, and to give it some context, an entry on meme as it relates to internet phenomena.

Yet another book meme

I picked this up from Hot Carmel Sundae:

1. One book that changed your life
Tuesdays with Morrie, but not for the reasons you might think; reading this book helped me end an unhealthy relationship more than cement one similar to the way Morrie and Mitch revisted their past together. I had a mentor in college that I admired and slaved for in ways that might make you scratch your head (have you picked up goose poop for a professor?), but when I wrote to him expressing my sincere thanks for his guidance and concern for me as an undergraduate, and my desire to continue such a close relationship with him, he never even bothered to reply. While devastated initially, I realized that his not replying helped me see how I improperly latched onto him and his scholarship.

2. One book you have read more than once
Lloyd Alexander's The High King; the simple tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, and his journey of self-discovery. The last of the Chronicles of Pyrain books, The High King is a fabulous addition to the canon of children's literature. I first read it in middle school, have done so countless times, and actually picked it up yesterday for breakfast reading.

3. One book you would want with you on a desert island
The Bible - I'd need inspiration if my only companion was a volleyball.

4. One book that made you laugh
The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul, by Douglas Adams. Oh, how I love Dirk Gently.

5. One book that made you cry
Les Miserables; I cried for the last 100 pages....straight. In front of my parents. In the living room. When I was 16.

6. One book you wish you had written
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis - My first experience with fantasy novels as a child, and I wanted nothing more in life than to find a world hidden in a chest of drawers or a closet. Sometimes, still, when I open a closet, I hope for a cold breeze and the glimpse of a lantern in the distance.

7. One book you wish had never been written
The DaVinci Code, and not because I'm some right-wing fanatic that thinks all readers are destined for hell, but because there are way too many people who have done way too little research, with no historical or theological training, who think elements of this book are real. It's found in the fiction section of your library for a reason, folks; it's not a true story. P.S. I actually enjoyed the story and the book, though I feel his writing style leaves a little something to be desired; it was a page turning read!

8. One book you are currently reading
A Simple Story, by S.Y. Agnon

9. One book you've been meaning to read
The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Anne Catherine Emmerich - I started it, but never finished. The work is a compilation of Anne Catherine Emmerich's visions about the life of the Blessed Virgin.

Now, I'm not tagging any of you, but feel free to play and link back here!

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Which sports car are you?

I got this from Paul.

I'm a Lamborghini Murcielago!

You're not subtle, but you don't want to be. Fast, loud, and dramatic, you want people to notice you, and then get out of the way. In a world full of sheep, you're a raging bull.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Friday, October 20, 2006

A bookish tag

I snagged this from Blue Skies Gentle Breezes. It's pretty fun :)

1. Grab the nearest book. If you are currently reading something, that'll be fine too.

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the text of the next 4 sentences on your Blog along with these instructions.

5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet I know that is what you were thinking!

6. Tag 5 people
"They chased me all the way to the Ferry. I have never got over the fright - though I daresay the beasts knew their business and would not really have touched me. Pippin laughed. 'Well, it's time you made it up. Especially if you are coming back to live in Bucklad. Old Maggot is really a stout fellow - if you leave his mushrooms alone.'"

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

I tag: Amanda, Laura, Nat, Patrick, Paul

And now...the good news!

First - and this actually was a pleasant surprise! Alpha Delta Pi, one of our sororities on campus, named me Professor of the Week for the quality of my teaching - sweet!

The second, is that my article is DONE! Feel like reading about Teaching Reflective Practice Through Technology? Go ahead - I dare you! :)

Thursday, October 19, 2006

All the news not fit to print 10/19/06

1. Tops optional!

2. Do they have spellcheck over there?

3. Gobble Gobble! Testicles!

4. Hey Summer....do you want to play me? Not many other options left!

Exciting news coming tomorrow (at least I tink it's exciting!)

Maybe the above title is misleading; the news coming tomorrow makes me happy, and, let's face it folks, whenever that happens somebody should be throwing a parade.

Got any confetti?

Until tomorrow, here's a blogthings for you:

Your Greed Quotient: 42%

You are somewhat greedy, but your greed is probably a healthy motivator.
Wanting nice things is normal, as long as it doesn't take over your life.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

CarnivAOL is up! It's a place to find new journals and sample their best works. You can re-direct yourself by clicking this link, or following the link in my right hand sidebar.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Update on the future of journals

Yesterday I posted a brief entry redirecting you to Stephanie's journal BamBam. She had posted an 'update' for us on the future of AOLJournals. After a barrage of comments, she gave us some clarification today.

Please visit the link, leave your comments, and tell us what you think about those proposed changes.

Monday, October 16, 2006

What's the future of Journals?

Stephanie, over at BamBam has recently posted an entry about some upcoming changes to AOL Journals. While not necessarily clear on the details her post does manage to stir the pot of controversy a bit. After reading it, I encourage you to comment in her journal and let us know here....what do YOU think is the future of AOL Journals?

Monday Morning Photo Shoot

From John Scalzi: Your Monday Photo Shoot: Turn something an unexpected color.

And in that spirit I present to you:

Devil Duck!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

All the news not fit to print - 10/16/06

I dont' care what you say - she's hot!

Did she get to start the reception by looking at her groom and saying, eat me?

It's the land where dreams come true!

Man, this burger's giving me the munchies.

The greatest event in the history of sport. Yes I'm plugging the YouTube video I'm a co-star in - watch and share, and comment :)

Leave us your thoughts, opinions, or links to wacky news stories you'd like to share.

Saturday Six

I know it's technically Monday, but Patrick's Saturday Six is too good to pass up!

Your Sloth Quotient: 52%


You're definitely lazier than the average person, but you're able to live a somewhat normal life.
All your life needs is a little more effort and variety, and you might see that doing hard things is actually fun!

Your Wrath Quotient: 44%


Ouch! You've got a bit of a temper going on there, don't you?
Just make sure to keep your revenge fantasies just that... fantasies only!
Your Lust Quotient: 72%


You are a very lustful person - and it sometimes gets the better of you!
You know how to hold back, but you hardly ever do.
Your Envy Quotient: 57%


You are an envious person, but only at times.
Perhaps certain situations trigger your envy. Or maybe you're especially jealous when you're feeling insecure.
Instead of letting that green monster out, work on making your own life better.
And then maybe people will be envious of you.
Your Pride Quotient: 77%


You're beyond proud - you think you're honorary royalty.
And while you may be nice on occasion, it's usually just to get what you want.
 
Question 6: Sloth - while I have a good sized lazybone, i'm not THAT bad!
 
P.S. Check out our video in the next entry!

The greatest moment in the history of sport

The many loyal readers of Courage are a competitive bunch. They send me emails and comments begging me to attend their feats of athletic prowess and domination. Through them I have learned what desire, ambition, and dedication can do for a hungry soul.

I am proud to say that over the years I have internalized this amazing drive to excel, becoming a member of the greatest sports team ever assembled, The Men's 2006 Trivial Pursuit Team.

There are few who can claim performing on this high level, and even fewer who have tasted success against the best in the world. I am one of those few. Our team has faced and beaten its demons and we have stared the King of Board Games, Trivial Pursuit, in the eye, never blinking. We have claimed our third straight championship against the 2006 Women's Trivial Pursuit Team.

In the world of competitive board gaming there are few who equal us, and none who exceed our combined talents and skills. Our victory in 2006 garnered such fame and fortune that we became the focus of fans, sponsors, and Hollywood.

I am proud to present to you today, the world premiere of the greatest seven minutes in cinema, Miracle II: The Story of the Men's 2006 Trivial Pursuit Team.

Watch. Listen. Learn. Share.

The greatest event ever in the history of sport is now immortalized in the greatest cinematic event of the century.

Click the 'play' button on the video, watch it, and tell me what you think of our efforts!

Crazy nuts

Things have been bonkers in the CJU&S household (that's the charley/jillian/ulysses&shiloh household)! With a flurry of bills paid, research and writing going for my paper (that has to be to the publisher on the 20th), I'm not sure where my sanity got off to...I think it's taken a bit of a vacation.

Cocky sanity - it's not like it asked me if it could take a vacation. Who does he think he is? Does he think I need him or something? Well, I got news for YOU, Mr. Sanity - I don't need you at all!

While I head off to find and flail my sanity back into my skull, enjoy these few photos; they are from the same weekend I went fishing (for the most part), and there are a few of my place of employment on a crisp fall day.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Thursday Thirteen

The Thursday Thirteen is a meme hosted over at Laura's. You simply list thirteen items of your choice, link to her site, and go visit other meme players!

Today, I'm listing thirteen books on my shelf at work:

1. Exceptional children, An Introduction to Special Education
2. Philosophical and Ideological Perspectives on Education
3. Student Cultural Diversity; Understanding and Meeting the Challenge
4. Educational Psychology: Developing Learners
5. The Little Disturbances of Man
6. Social Foundations for Becoming a Teacher
7. Integrated Curriculum
8. If this is Social Studies, Why isn't it Boring?"
9. Foundations of American Education
10. Society and Education
11. To Become a Teacher
12. Strunk and White: The Elements of Style
13. The Courage to be Catholic

Enjoy the day!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Line Rider

This is a video of a game I found a few days ago - I'd been tinkering with it, but this guy, he put some SERIOUS effort into it!

A few housecleaning notes - in the left hand pane you will see a series of journals - if you want to appear here, please let me know - I ask only a return link on your site. If you are already on the list you must email me and tell me you want to stay.

Due to my own issues and problems, the unofficial hiatus of the prayer community is now official. I'm taking a three month sabbatical from the prayer community - it will return in time for the new year. All relevent links will be left in the window to the right, though their location will change.

There are several useful tools in the right hand tool bar - AIMPage profile, Technorati Profile, a Newsgator subscription button, as well as our frappr map community and our map of just where courage readers hail from. You'll also see a ping-o-matic link as well - a great site for pinging the major blogrolls that you've updated.

~~~~

Drooping eyes fall on fat sticky fingers
and find nothing of any real worth but for writing's sake.

Beneath them tewenty empty lines taunt me to fill them
with whatever drivel and pointless commentary I might muster.

An empty page is a lonely, hateful beast
whose piercing accusations bring anger, doubt, and
impatience to fruition.

Screw them. I am worth more than nothing.

How do you drive?

I snagged this from Carly, over at Ellipses...Suddenly Carly. She's a great friend and a good person - check out her journal.

 

Your Driving Is is: 75% Male, 25% Female
 According to studies, you generally drive like a typical male.
You're confident in your driving skills, and hardly any situation gets the better of you.
And while you may have a few tickets under your belt, you're still a very good driver.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Space-saver

space saving post - two links for later reference:

http://journals.aol.com/teeisme57/OhMyWord/entries/2006/10/08/my-life.-my-blog./1913

http://journals.aol.ca/plittle/AuroraWalkingVacation/entries/2116

CarnivAOL

The twenty-third edition of CarnivAOL is up - check it out!

Antarctica

A aquaintance of mine is working in antarctica and is keeping a blog. I thought some of you might enjoy reading a bit about his experiences and life on the southernmost continent.

Monday, October 9, 2006

Fishing and fun

J and I spent the weekend in MD with some friends. We had a great time, and I wanted to show off a few of the photographs I snagged while fishing on Saturday. While it was cold, wet, and rainy I still had a great time.

Saturday, October 7, 2006

All the news not fit to print

1. Stealing greenbacks?

2. Now I know just where you got that pencil sharpener you gave me for my birthday

3. Blackboards + nails = hell

4. Do like it backwards?

How sketchy are you?

Your Sketchiness Factor

You are 65% Sketchy

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Thursday Thirteen, 10/5/06

The Thursday Thirteen is a meme hosted over at Laura's. You simply list thirteen items of your choice, link to her site, and go visit other meme players!

Thirteen things that have made me happy this week:

1. Having an article approved for publication
2. Being approved to present at a conference in Hawaii
3. Having a really good conversation last night with Jillian
4. Looking forward to my visit with H & J this weekend
5. Receiving a stellar observation from a colleague on Monday
6. Leveling up in Guild Wars
7. Really starting to Journal again
8. Starting up group again with Dave
9. Reading Naked, by David Sidaris
10. Reading The Little Disturbances of Man, by Grace Pauley
11. Getting a phone call from my Nana
12. Looking at my brother's picture
13. Eating waffle fries

Tag: Thursday Thirteen

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

All the news not fit to print

1. He's hot, but is he THIS hot?

2. You think you matter? Try being dead for five years!

3. Think your marriage is a joke? Think again!

4. WANTED!: Your jugs!

5. Cat fight!

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

inspiration

I poured through a good chunk of scripture today, trying to both get caught up in my reading and turn what devolved into a task back into a habit. So many passages on God's redemption, love, and our great gift. Nothing spoke to me, but instead I feel that we can't lose site of the many small lessons that scripture plays in our life. To open our hearts to God allows us to read the Bible and find in it the instruction manual of life. We need not always find some grand passage with some deep spiritual resolution.

Sometimes one minute to the next is hard enough, and God understands that. He's commitment to us can be seen in the so many ways he cares for the little things - the little things that make up our soul.

~~

And because we haven't seen her in a while:

Tag: Angelina Jolie, little things

Sunday, October 1, 2006

Cut if off

From Mark:

Whoever causes any of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed  than with two hands go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'

Why is Christ telling me to punish myself? Am I unworthy? Irreverent?  Unneeded? I don't believe that. I refuse to believe that. This is a story about inside and outside, those who die to self and those who indulge. This is a message of love and peace, of patience and fidelity, of sacrifice and determination. I am already made worthy by Christ's death and resurrection - the gates of Heaven have been opened, the trappings of death cast off and replaced with the resplendent robes of eternal life.

I don't have to cut off my hands or pluck out my eyes, but I have to choose love. I have to choose peace and sacrifice. I have to die to self, to the selfish and worldly instincts that drive me from my brothers and sisters and leave me in an island of loneliness and death. The great millstone around our necks is a choice, and one made available to us out of love, not anger.

I choose life, and love, and faith.

~~

It's been a crazy weekend here in TouristTown, USA. After watching 3/4 of Monk, season two, J and I took care of errands around the house and in town. I love living in the center of town. While the constant sounds of sirens, motorcycles and thundering big-rigs leaves something to be desired, I adore waking up on a Saturday morning, walking half a block to the local farmer's market on the square, buying fresh bread and produce, getting a hot cup of coffee at the local shop, stopping by the library, and then meandering home to enjoy the fresh homemade whoopee pies we got just a short while ago.

Militant Suburbia? City Living? I'll take a small town any day of the week.

 

Tag: faith, whoopee

 

 
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