Lawd haf mussy its been forever since I posted a blog. These, from here on out, will be weekly synopsi, with the exception of important nota benes.
This week: I have been ill with a common cold. It sucked, but now I am better. I had to miss a day of my internship over it. Nice start John, but lettuce start at brass tacks.
Monday: This day I started my internship at IGE. Good people, good people. I basically got to know the people there. There are a few people of my generation, which is cool. Some are graduate fellows, others are interns. Every morning there we start with devotions. This week the COO was leading them. The theme was the life of Saint Paul (he's Catholic, so it's "Saint Paul," not just "My Buddy Pauly," which most evangelicals are likely to be comfortable with saying, mmm.) Very nice. We had dericious pizza. Mental note: Armand's is excellent.
Tuesday: First full day at the internship. Continued working on researching the process for applying as a non-profit in all 50 states (Attn Daniel, look into this and the Unified Registration Statement). People took me out to Chinese. Very nice. Left an hour early cuz I was illsome.
Wednesday: Called in sick...lame.
Thursday: Returned to IGE in a better circumstance. Moved onto a new project: Writing up country profiles and prayer requests. Every week, we showcase an issue in the countries we work in and petition a prayer request for events around the world concerning religious freedom. I also made a sweet flyer for IGE's Board Conference the day after I finish the internship. Had Chipotle for lunch. I had the barbacoa, not that big a fan, but I enjoyed the annoying army man and his Brooklynian friend. They really loved the movie "Man on Wire."
Friday: Busy day! Went to volutneer at GRM to find my guy was busy. Had chinese food at Chinatown Express. It was ok, but I'll give it another shot. Went to a briefing on healthcare at the Hall of the States. Then a ton of us went out to Ethiopian food at Etete. Dericious!
Saturday: Cleaned kitchen. Went out to eat thai food at Thai Roma. Dericious! Returned to apartment, watched first half of Wedding Crashers with people. I hate that movie. Worked on paper, played brain quest, wrote blog.
Love you all. Yes, even you!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Concerning the Christian Coalition
Today, at my internship, I was studying other internships (not cuz I want to leave, I love it here at IGE, but my boss wants to know what other people are saying and doing).
I was looking at the website for the Christian Coalition, and this survey popped up on the side:
What should be Governor Sarah Palin's next step?:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010.
She Should Run for United States Senate.
She Should Run for President in 2012.
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman.
Disappointed that the answer I wanted, that she would not run again...ever, was not listed, I said she should run for reelection.
The Results:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010. 28%
She Should Run for United States Senate. 31%
She Should Run for President in 2012. 29%
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman. 13%
Total votes: 2262
Oh boy, with that survey, there is no bad answer...
All signs point to success for Sarah!
Hmm, what are we going to do now?
Please, I need comments. I don't know what to think about this.
I was looking at the website for the Christian Coalition, and this survey popped up on the side:
What should be Governor Sarah Palin's next step?:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010.
She Should Run for United States Senate.
She Should Run for President in 2012.
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman.
Disappointed that the answer I wanted, that she would not run again...ever, was not listed, I said she should run for reelection.
The Results:
She Should Run for Re-election as Alaska's Governor in 2010. 28%
She Should Run for United States Senate. 31%
She Should Run for President in 2012. 29%
She Should Become the Republican Party Chairman. 13%
Total votes: 2262
Oh boy, with that survey, there is no bad answer...
All signs point to success for Sarah!
Hmm, what are we going to do now?
Please, I need comments. I don't know what to think about this.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Concerning Concernings
Crap, I haven't been updating this. I will be sure to post WEEKLY blogs, maybe every Saturday night, or Sunday....
In short: busy, sick, tired, shut up.
Talk to you soon!
Lovecakes,
John
In short: busy, sick, tired, shut up.
Talk to you soon!
Lovecakes,
John
Monday, January 26, 2009
Concerning Betty
Wow, these posts are going to get sparingly spare soon enough. Things will still be happening for sure, but I know that I will be lacking time and energy to write many. Also, there wasn't anything of note to note on Sunday, but today was good.
Today we were supposed to have a "mock interview" with a rep's aide, but he forgot about us. Some aide... Anyway, I had the afternoon open, so I visited Betty McCollum's office! Unfortunately, she was not there, but I got to write her a note, see her office, and sign up for a Capitol tour. I then took the Metro, ALL BY MYSELF, to Target. I could have cried because of how much I felt at home. So I got some crap at Target, and then I ate at Panda Express. You know, their food is ok. It's like someone making homemade Chinese food the first time, using the Betty Crocker cookbook. Nevertheless, its fairly cheap, so I will continue to eat there. I'll just bring my own MSG, thank you very much.
From there I took the metro, ALL BY MYSELF, back to home, where we had class. The subject was "Ideas have legs, why institutions matter." We learned about the importance of studying institutions, which we classify as either organizations, rules, or offices. Even institutions have their own narratives, so Peter Baker sez. Then it was the discussion group. We talked about postmodernity, faith, reason, and doubt. Then it was the community dinner. I love the community dinner, because its lots of free food.
From there the guys planned to play football on the Mall. I only went along to take pictures. However, upon getting to the mall, I discovered my battery was dead (it worked before I left). Lamo. So, I went back home, but I did stop at Starbucks for a Signature Hot Chocolate. It was watery. Here's to you Matt and Tim, the best baristas in Binnesota!
-Me
Today we were supposed to have a "mock interview" with a rep's aide, but he forgot about us. Some aide... Anyway, I had the afternoon open, so I visited Betty McCollum's office! Unfortunately, she was not there, but I got to write her a note, see her office, and sign up for a Capitol tour. I then took the Metro, ALL BY MYSELF, to Target. I could have cried because of how much I felt at home. So I got some crap at Target, and then I ate at Panda Express. You know, their food is ok. It's like someone making homemade Chinese food the first time, using the Betty Crocker cookbook. Nevertheless, its fairly cheap, so I will continue to eat there. I'll just bring my own MSG, thank you very much.
From there I took the metro, ALL BY MYSELF, back to home, where we had class. The subject was "Ideas have legs, why institutions matter." We learned about the importance of studying institutions, which we classify as either organizations, rules, or offices. Even institutions have their own narratives, so Peter Baker sez. Then it was the discussion group. We talked about postmodernity, faith, reason, and doubt. Then it was the community dinner. I love the community dinner, because its lots of free food.
From there the guys planned to play football on the Mall. I only went along to take pictures. However, upon getting to the mall, I discovered my battery was dead (it worked before I left). Lamo. So, I went back home, but I did stop at Starbucks for a Signature Hot Chocolate. It was watery. Here's to you Matt and Tim, the best baristas in Binnesota!
-Me
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Concerning Bleu Cheese
Dear Ramona,
Today was good. I woke up at 11:00 (not good) and commenced to clean our bathroom, considering that it was my assigned chore. I then went and chatted with some peeps, took pictures from the rooftop of my 'partmen', then chatted with those same peeps once more (the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace). Then I went out "shopping" with my friend, Phil. I wasn't planning on shopping, I was only going along to take pictures (cheque facebook/picasa). However, when we got to "Yes! Organic." I saw terrific deals. They had great priced lettuce, $2 off tea, and more! So I got stuff, ha! Upon returning to the 'partmen', it was time for Guy's Night. We were originally planning on going to Hooters, but we went to the Green Turtle in Gallery Place/Verizon Center/Chinatown. I had the "Black'n'Blue" burger, which had crumbles of bleu cheese on it. Good food, except the buns collapsed easily, which made eating difficult. Also, the service was bad. I actually left a 10% tip. I'm usually very generous, but, ya gotta earnit, pal.
Nothing of metaphysical significance to-day.
All of my love and more,
John
Today was good. I woke up at 11:00 (not good) and commenced to clean our bathroom, considering that it was my assigned chore. I then went and chatted with some peeps, took pictures from the rooftop of my 'partmen', then chatted with those same peeps once more (the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace). Then I went out "shopping" with my friend, Phil. I wasn't planning on shopping, I was only going along to take pictures (cheque facebook/picasa). However, when we got to "Yes! Organic." I saw terrific deals. They had great priced lettuce, $2 off tea, and more! So I got stuff, ha! Upon returning to the 'partmen', it was time for Guy's Night. We were originally planning on going to Hooters, but we went to the Green Turtle in Gallery Place/Verizon Center/Chinatown. I had the "Black'n'Blue" burger, which had crumbles of bleu cheese on it. Good food, except the buns collapsed easily, which made eating difficult. Also, the service was bad. I actually left a 10% tip. I'm usually very generous, but, ya gotta earnit, pal.
Nothing of metaphysical significance to-day.
All of my love and more,
John
Friday, January 23, 2009
Concerning Jews
Dear Diary,
Today we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum (see pictures on my picasa, you should know how to get there now). It was a beautiful exhibit, a first-rate museum. I highly recommend it. Then, I went out to lunch with friends at the Old Post Office. We took the elevator to the top and saw all of the city. Then, we went back to the shop and had a class. Then, I "laid" down and napped, then I read, then I had an enlightening discussion, then I wrote my blog.
Sincerely,
John
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Holocaust Memorial Museum always has this imperative postered around and through its halls: Think About What You Saw. I think I will, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't hit me that hard, unlike some people who go through the exhibits sobbing. I had seen the stuff before, studied the history, watched the movies. It's like I knew it already. But that's not the case entirely. Sure I was emotionally writhing inside, but parts of the museum hit me in a profound way.
Now, before I say what I have to say, I'm not getting all "beatnik" on y'all. Going through the museum, they had thousands of photographs posted everywhere of regular Jewish people who were in the Holocaust. I looked at all of the pictures, and this is what I thought "They are so many beautiful people."
I didn't necessarily mean 'beautiful' along the lines of physical attractiveness, but the humanness of each human struck me so profoundly. These were not statistics, these were loving, beautiful people. Gorgeous people because they were people. Each a different person, a different smile, and different stare. I loved the pictures of some smiling and smoking. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of the women with short, bob cuts and the men with mustaches. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of old orthodox Jews and little ones with their dreidels. Beautiful. In each picture, I saw the beauty of mankind in each picture. I believe God has developed in me the past year a terrific love for mankind, his creation, and his church. I don't even have to know the person, or be in the same generation, and my love pours out. It was the same thing yesterday at Gospel Rescue Missions. I loved everyone there.
Beautiful people, made wonderfully by God.
Beautiful.
Today we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum (see pictures on my picasa, you should know how to get there now). It was a beautiful exhibit, a first-rate museum. I highly recommend it. Then, I went out to lunch with friends at the Old Post Office. We took the elevator to the top and saw all of the city. Then, we went back to the shop and had a class. Then, I "laid" down and napped, then I read, then I had an enlightening discussion, then I wrote my blog.
Sincerely,
John
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Holocaust Memorial Museum always has this imperative postered around and through its halls: Think About What You Saw. I think I will, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't hit me that hard, unlike some people who go through the exhibits sobbing. I had seen the stuff before, studied the history, watched the movies. It's like I knew it already. But that's not the case entirely. Sure I was emotionally writhing inside, but parts of the museum hit me in a profound way.
Now, before I say what I have to say, I'm not getting all "beatnik" on y'all. Going through the museum, they had thousands of photographs posted everywhere of regular Jewish people who were in the Holocaust. I looked at all of the pictures, and this is what I thought "They are so many beautiful people."
I didn't necessarily mean 'beautiful' along the lines of physical attractiveness, but the humanness of each human struck me so profoundly. These were not statistics, these were loving, beautiful people. Gorgeous people because they were people. Each a different person, a different smile, and different stare. I loved the pictures of some smiling and smoking. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of the women with short, bob cuts and the men with mustaches. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of old orthodox Jews and little ones with their dreidels. Beautiful. In each picture, I saw the beauty of mankind in each picture. I believe God has developed in me the past year a terrific love for mankind, his creation, and his church. I don't even have to know the person, or be in the same generation, and my love pours out. It was the same thing yesterday at Gospel Rescue Missions. I loved everyone there.
Beautiful people, made wonderfully by God.
Beautiful.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Concerning Theodore Geisel
Today was good. We did our service project with Gospel Rescue Ministries (www.grm.org). It was incredible. I got to tutor two African American gentlemen in reading. One read "One Fish Two Fish Read Fish Blue Fish" all the way through, and I helped build confidence in the other. It was an incredible experience. Upon returning home, I went to RiteAid with two friends, got crap, and returned. I then had a long discussion with one of the friends, as well as anyone who came in, on Christianity and politics, free will, personalities, first impressions, etc. It was great.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, the experience at Gospel Rescue Ministries was incredible. I love to teach and help people learn. I was able to share that passion today. Gospel Rescue Ministries helps former drug and alcohol addicts to get back on their feet, healthy both physically and spiritually, and then prepare them for a job with education. Many apply to the program to complete their GEDs. I highly recommend you look at their website. They are doing incredible things in DC.
Today, I helped one man read, whose name is, oh, let's say, Gerald. From what I heard, Gerald was incarcerated at some point, and during which, he taught himself to read. He had gray hairs in his beard, but did not look too old. Together, we read through Dr. Seuss' masterpiece "One Fish Two Fish..." Gerald put so much energy into reading, and he was determined to learn how. He has two twins, one of which has a daughter. He's a grandfather and he cannot read. He looks forward to seeing his kids and granddaughter soon.
The other man, we'll call him Sulley, did not really have a bad history. He just joined because of the religious part of the program, as well as learn to get a job. He too was not a good reader, but he came a long way in his 9 month program. We barely read together, we just talked. He was so open with me about everything. He was disappointed in the program and in life. He felt like he was just doing busy work and not learning how to get a job, which is what he desired greatly. He had a book he had to read, "Who Moved My Cheese," which dealt with people experiencing changes. He was to meet with a supervisor and talk about the book. He had his son and his niece help him through it, and it seemed like he mastered the content of the book. He knew the characters, and even identified with them. He admitted to me that he was very angry and sad about not being able to read, and how he wallowed in self-pity over it. We barely read, I just let him talk. He had so much to say, we both encouraged each other, and we both learned a lot that day.
This was a truly maginificent experience. They were all so grateful for the help. I have never been so open with people I did not know. But I was open because I was there to help them. I was there to help them read, but more importantly, I was there to support them, build their confidence, and just be a friend to them. God is working wonders in that ministry and in the lives of those who work there and who come for its services. I truly love Gerald and Sulley, even just after one day. I love them because they are wonderfully created by God. They have gone through tough stuff, and my compassion for those people is overwhelming. I love to help people learn, teach them, and disciple them into a life of serving God. Today was a most holy day. I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday.
In fact, when I return to Minneapolis, I want to volunteer, or even work, at a place like this. God is working in amazing ways through the Gospel Rescue Ministry, as well as DC, and I want to do his work here in Mpls as well.
Tomorrow we're going to the Holocaust Museum. That's all to be said until tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, the experience at Gospel Rescue Ministries was incredible. I love to teach and help people learn. I was able to share that passion today. Gospel Rescue Ministries helps former drug and alcohol addicts to get back on their feet, healthy both physically and spiritually, and then prepare them for a job with education. Many apply to the program to complete their GEDs. I highly recommend you look at their website. They are doing incredible things in DC.
Today, I helped one man read, whose name is, oh, let's say, Gerald. From what I heard, Gerald was incarcerated at some point, and during which, he taught himself to read. He had gray hairs in his beard, but did not look too old. Together, we read through Dr. Seuss' masterpiece "One Fish Two Fish..." Gerald put so much energy into reading, and he was determined to learn how. He has two twins, one of which has a daughter. He's a grandfather and he cannot read. He looks forward to seeing his kids and granddaughter soon.
The other man, we'll call him Sulley, did not really have a bad history. He just joined because of the religious part of the program, as well as learn to get a job. He too was not a good reader, but he came a long way in his 9 month program. We barely read together, we just talked. He was so open with me about everything. He was disappointed in the program and in life. He felt like he was just doing busy work and not learning how to get a job, which is what he desired greatly. He had a book he had to read, "Who Moved My Cheese," which dealt with people experiencing changes. He was to meet with a supervisor and talk about the book. He had his son and his niece help him through it, and it seemed like he mastered the content of the book. He knew the characters, and even identified with them. He admitted to me that he was very angry and sad about not being able to read, and how he wallowed in self-pity over it. We barely read, I just let him talk. He had so much to say, we both encouraged each other, and we both learned a lot that day.
This was a truly maginificent experience. They were all so grateful for the help. I have never been so open with people I did not know. But I was open because I was there to help them. I was there to help them read, but more importantly, I was there to support them, build their confidence, and just be a friend to them. God is working wonders in that ministry and in the lives of those who work there and who come for its services. I truly love Gerald and Sulley, even just after one day. I love them because they are wonderfully created by God. They have gone through tough stuff, and my compassion for those people is overwhelming. I love to help people learn, teach them, and disciple them into a life of serving God. Today was a most holy day. I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday.
In fact, when I return to Minneapolis, I want to volunteer, or even work, at a place like this. God is working in amazing ways through the Gospel Rescue Ministry, as well as DC, and I want to do his work here in Mpls as well.
Tomorrow we're going to the Holocaust Museum. That's all to be said until tomorrow.
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