Tonight after dinner, on our way to the library (the big one downtown that I reserve for special occasions - I was way excited.), Jim and I were talking about the release of a new video game and some reactions to it. Jim was trying to explain to me why he was mad at these reactions because they were based on hearsay of the game; instead of the actual play of the game; the actual graphics etc...
Then it hit me; why Jim has been interested and understood this debate on Rev. Wright so well - better than I could have ever expected. Jim is a geek; a video game geek in one specific way of geekiness. He has lived through all the soundbites of video games - the one liners that people here about them. "Only kids play them." "All people who play video games want to shoot people." "Video games do this or that."
Now, while I am writing this it seems silly to equate the two. But really they are similar. Jim reads a lot of news and often reads about the boycotts of video games and knows that the boycotts are not for good reason because he has actually played the game when the boycotters have not. He knows the industry of technology well enough to know and research if critiques are in order of the new and edgy software.
It was one of those moments of learning to know perspective of a person that made me understand my husband so much better that may or may not be coming across in this blog entry - but it was one of those moments that made my love meter in my head reach another high for Jim.
Anyways, so in comparing this soundbite attitude that we have in our example video game boycotts and Rev. Wright - we know that soundbite "theology" is not helpful. We know that context is important in whatever does not just Rev. Wright, not just reviewers of video games and even if what I might be quoted in saying at work.
I read a blog entitled "Overheard in Chicago" which posts quotes overheard in Chicago. These are funny partially because they are taken out of context - but when judgment and criticism is taken based on quotes like these then that critique and judgment itself is just out of context.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Feedburner
I added a lot of features by adding our blog to feedburner. For those who use a feed reader point your reader to this address
http://feeds.feedburner.com/kristaandjim
You can still check out our normal feed this ones just got nice geek goodies.
For those who don't read via a reader I recommend getting this one
www.google.com/reader
http://feeds.feedburner.com/kristaandjim
You can still check out our normal feed this ones just got nice geek goodies.
For those who don't read via a reader I recommend getting this one
www.google.com/reader
More vacation stuff
While planning the vacation I planned us to go to the Ho-Chunk Casino for the buffet. While we were there I realized I've never actually gambled in a casino before...lo and behold I won $55.25 on nickel slots. I didn't even realize that I had won that much till I had cashed out!
My winnings went to the newly released Mario Kart Wii
My winnings went to the newly released Mario Kart Wii
Monday, April 28, 2008
Vacation Report
Lots of stuff happened over the weekend vacation that Jim planned for me:
First a short car trip to the Wisconsin Dells got there Thursday evening.
Friday, we went to an indoor water park (which are a dime a dozen there) and the outlet malls where I found a way cool skirt for $5.
Saturday, after buying tickets to afternoon boat rides; we drove out of town a bit to follow directions to a thrift store where I found shorts and Jim found a new DVD player, and a book. Then we went to a local bookstore and cruised through other downtown Dells stores. Where I found this: 
It is a bracelet with beads that stand for different things according to color. In college we used to always buy them and I often bought the one for love - so out of the symbolism of being in love and seeing them while with my husband I bought the wish of love bracelet again.
The boat tours were very cool; here are some pictures.
After realizing my swimsuit was missing, we headed back to the place with the waterpark to inquire about it and found an arcade for Jim and a karaoke contest for me. It made me happy.
On Sunday, we got up and as we were getting ready we realized that we had packed alike for the day - does this mean we are getting old....
I realized while away that I love making scrapbooks for vacations, but just like most of my life I would rather blog now than scrapbook.
First a short car trip to the Wisconsin Dells got there Thursday evening.
Friday, we went to an indoor water park (which are a dime a dozen there) and the outlet malls where I found a way cool skirt for $5.
Saturday, after buying tickets to afternoon boat rides; we drove out of town a bit to follow directions to a thrift store where I found shorts and Jim found a new DVD player, and a book. Then we went to a local bookstore and cruised through other downtown Dells stores. Where I found this: It is a bracelet with beads that stand for different things according to color. In college we used to always buy them and I often bought the one for love - so out of the symbolism of being in love and seeing them while with my husband I bought the wish of love bracelet again.The boat tours were very cool; here are some pictures.
After realizing my swimsuit was missing, we headed back to the place with the waterpark to inquire about it and found an arcade for Jim and a karaoke contest for me. It made me happy.
On Sunday, we got up and as we were getting ready we realized that we had packed alike for the day - does this mean we are getting old....
I realized while away that I love making scrapbooks for vacations, but just like most of my life I would rather blog now than scrapbook.
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Real Jeremiah Wright
This is a Bill Moyer interview with Jeremiah Wright(it's an hour long) but worth it. He talks about his view on the bible and that little audio "snippet"
Clicky
Clicky
Thursday, April 24, 2008
This is so me
Check this blog post out:
Click Here
I probably wouldn't come out the same way she did - but I think about stuff in the same way.
Click Here
I probably wouldn't come out the same way she did - but I think about stuff in the same way.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Jr. Highers alert
Today, with a van load of junior high boys in my care...I decided that if they came out of the womb around 12 years old - I want one. They were a delight all day.
A funny conversation that happened today:
8th grade boy: Hey, Ms. Dutt, I forget, do you have babies?
Me: Nope
8th grade boy: Are you going to get one?
Me: Yep, I am going to the store and getting one next week...
8th grade boy: smiled at me and laughed a bit
5 minutes pass
8th grade boy: You can't really do that, can you?
Me: ahh, no.
A funny conversation that happened today:
8th grade boy: Hey, Ms. Dutt, I forget, do you have babies?
Me: Nope
8th grade boy: Are you going to get one?
Me: Yep, I am going to the store and getting one next week...
8th grade boy: smiled at me and laughed a bit
5 minutes pass
8th grade boy: You can't really do that, can you?
Me: ahh, no.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Stuff
Several thoughts:
1. Last week went well without corn. The only time we forgot was when Jim grabbed a Dum Dum sucker when we visited his parents, and when getting some snacks I was was hungry for avocados and bought some chips to go with it - I blanked on corn chips being corn! Silly me.
2. I attended a conference last week which had us downtown in a hotel for the week. (rough life, I know) I wrote a report for the conference and here are some of my favorite pieces are below:
Rev. Young Lee Hertig presented “The Prophetic Imagination of Two Queens: Vashti and Esther”. This might be the speaker that effected my thinking about work the most. After working through the stories of both Vashti and Esther marvelously, she spoke of experience learning being the way for prophetic imagination to root itself in folks. She spoke of being addicted to it. She finds that it can be prophetic because “there is no teacher needed to explain, God shows up and explains”. She has chosen to work where she does because of the experience learning that she can oversee as opposed to other places where she has taught in the “regular model” of academia. She mentioned that “nothing is more powerful than pedagogy.” As a part of that she mentioned that she refuses to use white male scholarship in her studies, but rather use folks of the rest of the world to inform her.
Rev. John Kinney, the Tuesday night speaker, mentioned that he was in Jeremiah Wright territory – knowing that because Rev. Wright was telling the truth even if it isn’t what people want to hear. Jim leaned over to me and said – I guess I am like Jeremiah Wright. It took all my might to not laugh out loud. I love my husband but I never thought that he was going to even remotely be the next Jeremiah Wright. However, it is true that Jim points out the niceties of Christianity and usually points to the truth in the wrongs that so often Church girl like me has just accepted.
Rev Moss:
Wednesday: John 9
I really liked his take on being footnotes in the stories. Jesus told the blind man to go find some water to wash his eyes in. Rev. Moss asked – Who helped the blind man get there? The questions of are we willing to be and train folks to be those people who are essential to the story and yet not in the story.
In response to a question about Trinity UCC’s dilemma of being called to attention in the media. Rev Moss said – I follow Jesus, the guy that got crucified and then came back to life. I can look to that model or the model of Moses and wander in the desert and had a headache for 40 years. I can prophetic with a pastoral twist, like Jesus, or be pastoral with a prophetic twist, like Moses.
Thursday: Judges 11
Rev. Moss, on Thursday, taught on the idea of prophetic contradiction. The way he put it is that understanding that presenting the tragedy of life, then understanding that hope buds from that. So there is tragedy, but not despair. This is evident in the Scriptures but also is a way of preaching. The idea that we don’t teach a prosperity gospel, we can praise out of the hope of tragedy.
Friday: Transition from Moses to Joshua
Rev Moss, on Friday, taught about Hip Hop Generation. Starting with the shift from Moses to Joshua and talking about a shift has to take place when new leaders come into the church. He went into the study of how hip hop started; including the breakdown of the FCC and the role of a song “The Message” that criticized President Reagan’s policies which lead to pressure from the government to recording studios to not sell music that raised questions about racism or poverty. He also talked about the death of public space and the need to move from “back porch people to a front porch community”.
1. Last week went well without corn. The only time we forgot was when Jim grabbed a Dum Dum sucker when we visited his parents, and when getting some snacks I was was hungry for avocados and bought some chips to go with it - I blanked on corn chips being corn! Silly me.
2. I attended a conference last week which had us downtown in a hotel for the week. (rough life, I know) I wrote a report for the conference and here are some of my favorite pieces are below:
Rev. Young Lee Hertig presented “The Prophetic Imagination of Two Queens: Vashti and Esther”. This might be the speaker that effected my thinking about work the most. After working through the stories of both Vashti and Esther marvelously, she spoke of experience learning being the way for prophetic imagination to root itself in folks. She spoke of being addicted to it. She finds that it can be prophetic because “there is no teacher needed to explain, God shows up and explains”. She has chosen to work where she does because of the experience learning that she can oversee as opposed to other places where she has taught in the “regular model” of academia. She mentioned that “nothing is more powerful than pedagogy.” As a part of that she mentioned that she refuses to use white male scholarship in her studies, but rather use folks of the rest of the world to inform her.
Rev. John Kinney, the Tuesday night speaker, mentioned that he was in Jeremiah Wright territory – knowing that because Rev. Wright was telling the truth even if it isn’t what people want to hear. Jim leaned over to me and said – I guess I am like Jeremiah Wright. It took all my might to not laugh out loud. I love my husband but I never thought that he was going to even remotely be the next Jeremiah Wright. However, it is true that Jim points out the niceties of Christianity and usually points to the truth in the wrongs that so often Church girl like me has just accepted.
Rev Moss:
Wednesday: John 9
I really liked his take on being footnotes in the stories. Jesus told the blind man to go find some water to wash his eyes in. Rev. Moss asked – Who helped the blind man get there? The questions of are we willing to be and train folks to be those people who are essential to the story and yet not in the story.
In response to a question about Trinity UCC’s dilemma of being called to attention in the media. Rev Moss said – I follow Jesus, the guy that got crucified and then came back to life. I can look to that model or the model of Moses and wander in the desert and had a headache for 40 years. I can prophetic with a pastoral twist, like Jesus, or be pastoral with a prophetic twist, like Moses.
Thursday: Judges 11
Rev. Moss, on Thursday, taught on the idea of prophetic contradiction. The way he put it is that understanding that presenting the tragedy of life, then understanding that hope buds from that. So there is tragedy, but not despair. This is evident in the Scriptures but also is a way of preaching. The idea that we don’t teach a prosperity gospel, we can praise out of the hope of tragedy.
Friday: Transition from Moses to Joshua
Rev Moss, on Friday, taught about Hip Hop Generation. Starting with the shift from Moses to Joshua and talking about a shift has to take place when new leaders come into the church. He went into the study of how hip hop started; including the breakdown of the FCC and the role of a song “The Message” that criticized President Reagan’s policies which lead to pressure from the government to recording studios to not sell music that raised questions about racism or poverty. He also talked about the death of public space and the need to move from “back porch people to a front porch community”.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Anniversary
Not only is it our 1 year anniversary but we are featured in the CTA Tattler for our escapades of getting on the CTA after our wedding. Tonight we will be going to Pompeii as that's where we went for dinner that day.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
I choose you Barack!
Gotta love this animated gif...for those not in the know
it's making fun of Pokemon
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ponderings:
We went to see our friend Aimee play and sing with the band Dead Pirates tonight. It was a one night deal and I miss being a Aimee groupie - she is so talented. It is also fun to go out and go to bar - because I never have been a bar fly, I romantize what being a bar fly really means....
----
So we have decided that we are going one week without corn - which means no high frutose syrup and a lot of other stuff. This is all because of watching King Corn. Already, we found out that high frutose syrup is in our whole wheat bread from Sara Lee as a surprise. Watch the blog for updates on how the week goes.
We went to see our friend Aimee play and sing with the band Dead Pirates tonight. It was a one night deal and I miss being a Aimee groupie - she is so talented. It is also fun to go out and go to bar - because I never have been a bar fly, I romantize what being a bar fly really means....
----
So we have decided that we are going one week without corn - which means no high frutose syrup and a lot of other stuff. This is all because of watching King Corn. Already, we found out that high frutose syrup is in our whole wheat bread from Sara Lee as a surprise. Watch the blog for updates on how the week goes.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
What if this was the CTA?
Thanks Alex for sharing this link!
This is from Japan where they actually hire people to push:
Click Here
This is from Japan where they actually hire people to push:
Click Here
Friday, April 11, 2008
Jokes and Notes
Last night I went to Jokes and Notes to see my friend Brenda Matthew's perform in their Thursday night Variety Show. They have several acts and then by vote of applause the winner is determined. Brenda was the winner last night! Yippee. She did one of my favorites of hers - He is still my son.
If you would like to hear one of Brenda's poems: check this link or here.
If you would like to hear one of Brenda's poems: check this link or here.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Short Hair Krista
I have started noticing differences in this whole hair thing:
it takes lots less shampoo and conditioner
If I put a sweatshirt on I realize that it has become a habit to reach my hands back and flip my hair out of the shirt- but now I laugh each time.
Some people notice, others don't - sometimes I don't even remember so I don't blame them either!
it takes lots less shampoo and conditioner
If I put a sweatshirt on I realize that it has become a habit to reach my hands back and flip my hair out of the shirt- but now I laugh each time.
Some people notice, others don't - sometimes I don't even remember so I don't blame them either!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Here is the surprise
I finally got my hair cut for Locks for Love! The process that started 5 years ago this month - has ended! Here are some pictures of the before and after:
Tidbits
Some tidbits similar to Krista's post....
If you look to the side you can subscribe to us with different feed readers with one click
---
I'm going to be adding my list of summer movies on the side also, it's a reminder to myself and just a general interest piece.
Two movies I/We have seen are 27 Dresses and Run Fatboy Run. I expected a cheesy romcom that turned into alot more for 27 dresses. Run Fatboy Run was another movie of removing expectations, I expected a slapstick no-heart movie but what I got was a lot of heart and quality writing with great character and humor.
---
Musically, I'm addicted to Panic at the Disco's new album Pretty. Odd. They had recorded the album in Abbey Road Studios in London obviously famous from the Beatles Album and you can see the influence on PATD. I think I've listened to it 6-7 times since I got it last tuesday. I recommend it, but I would give it a listen at their website I linked above first if it's your thing.
If you look to the side you can subscribe to us with different feed readers with one click
---
I'm going to be adding my list of summer movies on the side also, it's a reminder to myself and just a general interest piece.
Two movies I/We have seen are 27 Dresses and Run Fatboy Run. I expected a cheesy romcom that turned into alot more for 27 dresses. Run Fatboy Run was another movie of removing expectations, I expected a slapstick no-heart movie but what I got was a lot of heart and quality writing with great character and humor.
---
Musically, I'm addicted to Panic at the Disco's new album Pretty. Odd. They had recorded the album in Abbey Road Studios in London obviously famous from the Beatles Album and you can see the influence on PATD. I think I've listened to it 6-7 times since I got it last tuesday. I recommend it, but I would give it a listen at their website I linked above first if it's your thing.
Thoughts
We are done....after hosting groups almost everyday for a month, we are done. The last group left yesterday. On Saturday night, I did a leftover dinner...that only Jim knew was a left over dinner of baked chicken (made with a little leftover egg beaters and saltines), broccoli rice casserole, garlic bread, fruit, cooked carrots, salad. I was trying out new recipes for the summer this spring and I had a great time doing it.
------
I am excited to say that Brian and I have a new office and we had a group of volunteers who came to pack and unpack our office. I was amazed at the work that was done on our behalf.
------
Our house is clean to the core - even the drawers and the closets. When I was in college, I often would finish a project and with that energy that I get from that, I would clean! That was sort of the premise yesterday, I haven't been on my own terms for awhile - so while it needed it bad, I got the energy for it because of that. Even Jim, who has a tendancy to be a cleaner person that I, but a person who likes to clean in chunks, thought we should spend Sunday cleaning - it was bad.
------
Yesterday, we picked up our first week of meals from First Slice - the community kitchen project. I will let you know how it goes.
______
Look for a surprise announcement soon!
------
I am excited to say that Brian and I have a new office and we had a group of volunteers who came to pack and unpack our office. I was amazed at the work that was done on our behalf.
------
Our house is clean to the core - even the drawers and the closets. When I was in college, I often would finish a project and with that energy that I get from that, I would clean! That was sort of the premise yesterday, I haven't been on my own terms for awhile - so while it needed it bad, I got the energy for it because of that. Even Jim, who has a tendancy to be a cleaner person that I, but a person who likes to clean in chunks, thought we should spend Sunday cleaning - it was bad.
------
Yesterday, we picked up our first week of meals from First Slice - the community kitchen project. I will let you know how it goes.
______
Look for a surprise announcement soon!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday Five on Saturday
Another one of those Friday Fives on Saturday - feel free to let me know what your five would be!
How has God revealed him/herself to you in a:
1. Book - I think Black Christ by Kelly Brown Douglas inspired me to look at God in new ways - and I still cling to those lessons I had now over 10 years ago.
2.Film - Contact - I was inspired to think of how great and big God is. I also loved the way God was portrayed in Madea's Family Reunion and most of the Tyler Perry flicks - so big and accepting, so personal and loving.
3. Song - River God by Nichole Nordeman. The combo of music and lyrics gets me everytime! The lyrics are: Rolling River God
Little Stones are smooth Only once the water passes through
So I am a stone rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this river's chill
CHORUS:
But when I close my eyes
and feel you rushing by
I know that time brings change
and change takes time
And when the sunset comes
my prayer would be just this one
that you might pick me up
and notice that I am
just a little smoother in your hand
Sometimes raging wild sometimes swollen high
never have I known this river dry The deepest part of you
is where I want to stay and feel the sharpest edges wash away
4. Another person - this is really corny, but hey I haven't been quite a year yet, my husband Jim. Jim has taught me to let go and feel the love that God surrounds me with not just through Jim but through the mulitude of others around me.
5. Creation - Rain in the desert - after living in the San Luis Valley for 2 years, I am amazed at how I like rain and how rain feels like the soft or hard touch of God when it happens
How has God revealed him/herself to you in a:
1. Book - I think Black Christ by Kelly Brown Douglas inspired me to look at God in new ways - and I still cling to those lessons I had now over 10 years ago.
2.Film - Contact - I was inspired to think of how great and big God is. I also loved the way God was portrayed in Madea's Family Reunion and most of the Tyler Perry flicks - so big and accepting, so personal and loving.
3. Song - River God by Nichole Nordeman. The combo of music and lyrics gets me everytime! The lyrics are: Rolling River God
Little Stones are smooth Only once the water passes through
So I am a stone rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this river's chill
CHORUS:
But when I close my eyes
and feel you rushing by
I know that time brings change
and change takes time
And when the sunset comes
my prayer would be just this one
that you might pick me up
and notice that I am
just a little smoother in your hand
Sometimes raging wild sometimes swollen high
never have I known this river dry The deepest part of you
is where I want to stay and feel the sharpest edges wash away
4. Another person - this is really corny, but hey I haven't been quite a year yet, my husband Jim. Jim has taught me to let go and feel the love that God surrounds me with not just through Jim but through the mulitude of others around me.
5. Creation - Rain in the desert - after living in the San Luis Valley for 2 years, I am amazed at how I like rain and how rain feels like the soft or hard touch of God when it happens
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Corn Syrup and the FDA
After we watched King Corn. Krista got the idea that we should spend a week sometime in the future Corn-free. I just found an article about the FDA's stance on HCFS(high fructose corn syrup). They claim that any product claiming to be natural should not have any HCFS.
Check it out
Check it out
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
CTA musings
Number 7 bus, 10:43 am Monday; Kedzie and Congress
I was in my own little world - lazily coming back from dropping off a group. I had stopped at the library; and then taken the "road less taken" back walking. However, I got tired so I grabbed a bus. As I waited to pay, someone waved and I glanced over to find a woman from church smiling at me. I sat down, rode my 4 block ride and told her to have a nice day. Nothing more; Nothing less.
Number 126 bus, 8:02 am Tuesday; Central Park and Jackson
It was a packed bus. The bus driver shouldn't have let us on, but she did (the risk of traveling with 4 people behind you). I was concerned about my folks making sure they had a place to hang on, other than the windshield (yes, we were that close); when I heard a clear but shy call - "Hi, Krista". I looked and stuffed beside my armpit was Denzel a 9th grader who read scripture before my sermon on Sunday. The simple hello meant alot.
Waiting for the 94 bus, 1:08 pm Tuesday, Jackson and California
I had a magazine and a hat and a sweatshirt; my fellow waiting-on-the-94 bus was more bundled up than I was. She asked if this was the way to Mt. Sinai, I assured her it was as that is where I was headed. She asked me where to apply to get a bus shelter; then told me she never takes the bus because we don't have enough bus shelters, which would assure her warmth.
I have people ask me all the time about not knowing anyone in the city. This isn't my experience at all. I don't normally see folks that I know on the CTA like the past couple days; but I do know that the city is my home and I find it just as homey as a small town; especially on the CTA.
I was in my own little world - lazily coming back from dropping off a group. I had stopped at the library; and then taken the "road less taken" back walking. However, I got tired so I grabbed a bus. As I waited to pay, someone waved and I glanced over to find a woman from church smiling at me. I sat down, rode my 4 block ride and told her to have a nice day. Nothing more; Nothing less.
Number 126 bus, 8:02 am Tuesday; Central Park and Jackson
It was a packed bus. The bus driver shouldn't have let us on, but she did (the risk of traveling with 4 people behind you). I was concerned about my folks making sure they had a place to hang on, other than the windshield (yes, we were that close); when I heard a clear but shy call - "Hi, Krista". I looked and stuffed beside my armpit was Denzel a 9th grader who read scripture before my sermon on Sunday. The simple hello meant alot.
Waiting for the 94 bus, 1:08 pm Tuesday, Jackson and California
I had a magazine and a hat and a sweatshirt; my fellow waiting-on-the-94 bus was more bundled up than I was. She asked if this was the way to Mt. Sinai, I assured her it was as that is where I was headed. She asked me where to apply to get a bus shelter; then told me she never takes the bus because we don't have enough bus shelters, which would assure her warmth.
I have people ask me all the time about not knowing anyone in the city. This isn't my experience at all. I don't normally see folks that I know on the CTA like the past couple days; but I do know that the city is my home and I find it just as homey as a small town; especially on the CTA.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
more stuff
Not far from my block of work and home, there is a place where folks seeking day labor congregate. It is in front of Home Depot, next to the Sam's and Food4Less that I shop at for work. My mind goes to the only story I know about day labor which is from the Bible.
However, in a time of so much excess....heck, this morning I was going to Sam's, the hell that is over abundance to shop for an excess of food for a group - I feel something special for those who need to worry about things day to day.
However, in a time of so much excess....heck, this morning I was going to Sam's, the hell that is over abundance to shop for an excess of food for a group - I feel something special for those who need to worry about things day to day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)