I had an interview today at Hecht & Norman, LLC. I interviewed with Hecht - the founding partner of the firm. She speaks 5 languages fluently and 3 semi-fluently. Needless to say, I felt like a nobody. Furthermore, I learned that every person employed by this law office speaks at least Spanish and English fluently. I felt a bit out of my league. But I walked in there like I owned the place (thank you, Amber) and showed them what I've got.
What I've got:
-A degree in International Relations with a minor in Philosophy (not bad for an immigration law office)
-Spanish language skills which I haven't used in 2 years (a good base, but not immediately accessible)
-A desire to be involved in law and help people
-A deep interest in immigration
-A desperate need to find a job I care about, which requires me to use my brain, and does not bore me to death
-Job experience that does not directly pertain to this position
What they've got:
-A job with a purpose in which I am very much interested
-Great on-the-job training - by the time they're done training me they said I would know as much as they do, meaning I can be a vital part of helping immigrants wade through the bureaucratic red tape that is our naturalization process
-Room for upward mobility and a supportive attitude toward further education
-A location that is close to home - I could bike to work!
-A cosmopolitan team of fun women - yes, I would be going from an all male workplace to an all female one
Needless to say, I feel very intimidated, but excited about the prospect of this job. My Spanish was very very rusty, and my interviewers recognized that (obviously). But I also fooled them into believing that I was their top candidate out of all their interviews and resumes thus far and they said I would fit the job very well. They perceived me to be intelligent, passionate and an enjoyable person who would fit in well with the team. This is all good news. I have them fooled! I wouldn't start until July, if they offer me the job. Hopefully I will find out within the next two to three weeks if I got the job or not. Things seem to be looking up in the job prospects part of my life.
I would be very challenged in the first few months (or years?) of the job, but it would be very rewarding both personally and professionally. It is right up my alley and would certainly get my language back up to par! The ladies all speak English and Spanish to each other, so I would pick it up again pretty quickly (I hope).
It's strange how my excitement and intimidation can live simultaneously inside of me. I'm scared of the job - whether or not I would be up to it, but I'm also excited about the challenge and actually growing rather than shriveling up in boredom. I mean, reading news and facebooking at work is fun and all, but there comes a time when I need outside challenges and stimulation.
I will keep you all posted.
In other news:
-I started reading Eat Pray Love yesterday. I'm loving it so far.
-I bought some amazing Cole Haan black patent leather Nike Air peep toe pumps this weekend. Amazingly comfortable, and hott!!
-Tim and I got to see Stomp at the Hult Center in Eugene last night and they were fantastic live.
-Julie, one of my very best friends, is coming to visit this weekend and I can hardly wait!
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Where to go next...
I have never been thrilled about my current job, but recent on-the-job happenings have made me even less excited to go to work in the morning. Getting up at 6:00 in the morning to be to work by 7:00 requires a drive, a desire to do the work that awaits me. I have no such drive for this job. I seem to go through feast and famine times here. Sometimes I have lots to do - even some creative projects that require my intellect and my imagination. But most of the time I have very little (or nothing) to do. I just can't handle the boredom.
So, I am, yet again, on the hunt for a new job. Just this week I have applied for an Executive Assistant position at Options Counseling Services in downtown Eugene. This job would be close enough to home that I could ride my bike, and I think I would feel more fulfilled being part of a group whose purpose is to support people through their dark times and help them come out the other side stronger and more prepared to take on the world.
I've also applied for a bilingual Office Assistant position with Hecht & Norman Immigration Law. This would also be much closer to home, and is close to my heart - serving immigrants. I have an interview with them next Thursday, and will be receiving a call sometime this week from a woman who will test my Spanish skills. So, I've been brushing up on my Spanish while I'm bored at work this week. I've learned about heart transplants, car wrecks, sun screen, wine, being too full, and most importantly job interviews in Spanish. Hopefully this little refresher course will pay off. It has at least required me to use a part of my brain that has lain dormant for a couple of years. I was almost surprised to learn that I was assesed as an Upper Intermediate by the site. I guess I haven't lost it all.
Finally, I applied for an Administrative Assistant position with the biotechnology firm Invitrogen, a company I have actually interviewed with before.
We will see how all of this goes. I would be sad to leave Grenzebach right now, since I have been saving up my paid time off for summer activities and I would lose all of that if I left. But I really feel like I will be happier and more fulfilled in a job change. I have managed to stay in this position for nearly a year now. I'm ready to move on.... and I know Tim is ready for me to be less grumpy when I get home from work!
So, I am, yet again, on the hunt for a new job. Just this week I have applied for an Executive Assistant position at Options Counseling Services in downtown Eugene. This job would be close enough to home that I could ride my bike, and I think I would feel more fulfilled being part of a group whose purpose is to support people through their dark times and help them come out the other side stronger and more prepared to take on the world.
I've also applied for a bilingual Office Assistant position with Hecht & Norman Immigration Law. This would also be much closer to home, and is close to my heart - serving immigrants. I have an interview with them next Thursday, and will be receiving a call sometime this week from a woman who will test my Spanish skills. So, I've been brushing up on my Spanish while I'm bored at work this week. I've learned about heart transplants, car wrecks, sun screen, wine, being too full, and most importantly job interviews in Spanish. Hopefully this little refresher course will pay off. It has at least required me to use a part of my brain that has lain dormant for a couple of years. I was almost surprised to learn that I was assesed as an Upper Intermediate by the site. I guess I haven't lost it all.
Finally, I applied for an Administrative Assistant position with the biotechnology firm Invitrogen, a company I have actually interviewed with before.
We will see how all of this goes. I would be sad to leave Grenzebach right now, since I have been saving up my paid time off for summer activities and I would lose all of that if I left. But I really feel like I will be happier and more fulfilled in a job change. I have managed to stay in this position for nearly a year now. I'm ready to move on.... and I know Tim is ready for me to be less grumpy when I get home from work!
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Happy Mother's Day! I owe you, Mom...
A little something that came through my e-mail box this week: (I added the last one, as it was something I always internally laughed at when my mom would use it.)
1. My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE:
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me about RELIGION:
"You'd better pray that will come out of the carpet!"
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL:
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC:
"Because I said so, that's why!"
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC:
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT:
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY:
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS:
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM:
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA:
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER:
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY:
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE:
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION:
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY:
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION:
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING:
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE:
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
19. My mother taught me ESP:
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR:
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT:
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS:
"You're just like your father."
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS:
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE:
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
And finally, one of my own (just for you, mom!).
26. My mother taught me about ANATOMY:
"Stop standing there with your teeth in your mouth!"
1. My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE:
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me about RELIGION:
"You'd better pray that will come out of the carpet!"
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL:
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC:
"Because I said so, that's why!"
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC:
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT:
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY:
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS:
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM:
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA:
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER:
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY:
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE:
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION:
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY:
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION:
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING:
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE:
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
19. My mother taught me ESP:
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR:
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT:
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS:
"You're just like your father."
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS:
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE:
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
And finally, one of my own (just for you, mom!).
26. My mother taught me about ANATOMY:
"Stop standing there with your teeth in your mouth!"
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
One Year Down
I graduated from college a year ago today. I only remember the precise date because it was a cool one, 05/06/07, followed by a cool wedding date almost exactly two months later, 07/07/07. Digression aside, today's marking one year of post-baccalaureate life seems impossible. Have I really been out of school for that long?
This realization brings many questions to mind. In much the same way as Amber reflected upon her life since graduation, I ask myself what I have done with the last year. I suppose a lot has happened; I mean, I married the love of my life, moved to a new city, started (and kept) my first full-time, year-round job with benefits, made new friends, traveled to Georgia twice, learned to referee basketball, became a member of the Red Cross volunteer team, bought my first furniture, joined my first gym, started and maintained my first personal budget etc. It's been a VERY GOOD year!
But is my life heading in the direction I had hoped for it? Am I any closer to getting my Masters degree? Closer to working for an international aid agency? Closer to making a real difference in the world? Have I used my degree this year?
I suppose I consider this year a transitional waiting period in some ways. I'm not actually in a job that has anything to do with what I want to do with my life. But I'm gaining work experience and showing that I am dependable and skilled. I've got another couple of years to work while Tim finishes starts and finishes his Paramedic degree and then I'll go back for my Masters, so I guess I'm a year closer to starting my Masters. I guess I have used my degree this year in dealing with an international company and the challenges that come along with it. This is not how I had hoped and dreamed I would use my four years of university education, but it's a start. And after I get my Masters, four years from now, I will be a huge step closer to working for that international aid agency I hope to be a part of - thus making the type of difference in the world that I hope to make.
One year down, four years to go in my five-year plan.
In year number two, I will:
- Visit my cousin and her family in Seattle
- Grow my job skills and get at least one more raise and bonus
- Change jobs for one that offers more interaction with the public and more job responsibilities
- Go to Tim's family's summer vacation in North Idaho for the first time
- Use my wakeboard as much as possible
- Cook a new recipe once a week
- Visit Amber and Aaron in California at least once
- Get together with Julie at least once
- Go sky-diving for our first anniversary
- Float the Willamette River
- Stay fit
- Bike more
- Pay down my school debt - hopefully down to half its original amount by May 2009
- Plan a trip through Europe or a cruise through the Mediterranean for 2009
- Make new friends
This realization brings many questions to mind. In much the same way as Amber reflected upon her life since graduation, I ask myself what I have done with the last year. I suppose a lot has happened; I mean, I married the love of my life, moved to a new city, started (and kept) my first full-time, year-round job with benefits, made new friends, traveled to Georgia twice, learned to referee basketball, became a member of the Red Cross volunteer team, bought my first furniture, joined my first gym, started and maintained my first personal budget etc. It's been a VERY GOOD year!
But is my life heading in the direction I had hoped for it? Am I any closer to getting my Masters degree? Closer to working for an international aid agency? Closer to making a real difference in the world? Have I used my degree this year?
I suppose I consider this year a transitional waiting period in some ways. I'm not actually in a job that has anything to do with what I want to do with my life. But I'm gaining work experience and showing that I am dependable and skilled. I've got another couple of years to work while Tim finishes starts and finishes his Paramedic degree and then I'll go back for my Masters, so I guess I'm a year closer to starting my Masters. I guess I have used my degree this year in dealing with an international company and the challenges that come along with it. This is not how I had hoped and dreamed I would use my four years of university education, but it's a start. And after I get my Masters, four years from now, I will be a huge step closer to working for that international aid agency I hope to be a part of - thus making the type of difference in the world that I hope to make.
One year down, four years to go in my five-year plan.
In year number two, I will:
- Visit my cousin and her family in Seattle
- Grow my job skills and get at least one more raise and bonus
- Change jobs for one that offers more interaction with the public and more job responsibilities
- Go to Tim's family's summer vacation in North Idaho for the first time
- Use my wakeboard as much as possible
- Cook a new recipe once a week
- Visit Amber and Aaron in California at least once
- Get together with Julie at least once
- Go sky-diving for our first anniversary
- Float the Willamette River
- Stay fit
- Bike more
- Pay down my school debt - hopefully down to half its original amount by May 2009
- Plan a trip through Europe or a cruise through the Mediterranean for 2009
- Make new friends
Monday, 28 April 2008
Kingdom Patriotism (and other side news)
It is as though Jesus is Lord of the Spirit but Uncle Sam is Lord of the Flesh.
Mark Van Steenwyk at JesusManifesto.com wrote a post titled Onward Christian Soldiers yesterday that is absolutely fantastic. Aside from a couple of typos, his post eloquently describes and addresses what I have also experienced when discussing pacifism with those who consider my leanings unpatriotic and "disrespectful to those who fought in wars for the freedoms I enjoy". I mean no disrespect to those who gave their lives fighting for our country. I simply believe there is another better way - the way Jesus calls us to live. As Van Steenwyk writes: "Unless we are ready to die developing new nonviolent attempts to reduce conflict, we should confess that we never really meant that the cross was an alternative to the sword . . ." I desire to be as bold as Mark is in actively taking steps toward peace through pacifism. Please read the full article for the full effect.
On a completely different note, I spent two days in Georgia this week celebrating Grenzebach Corporation's 20th anniversary of business in the United States. We had lots of great food (German and Southern), drank thousands of dollars worth of German and American beers and wines, heard many politicians speak (including Governor Purdue, of Georgia ... woopee), and listened to the company band (flown over from Germany for our entertainment). Aside from missing my 6:00 AM flight out of Eugene Wednesday morning, the trip was relatively enjoyable though exhausting.
Also, congratulations to Josh Bailey who graduated from George Fox University (and got a girlfriend *winks*) on Saturday. It was great to see you, Josh.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
The UN on Agriculture, Biofuels, and Rising Food Prices
This BBC News article came out this morning, and I thought it very fitting with the topic I've been discussing here in recent weeks."The UN body describes the need for action as urgent, warning that staple food prices are likely to continue to rise because of increased demand from countries like China and India, and the alternative use of maize and soya beans for biofuels."
What was I writing about yesterday? We need to continue exploring biofuel options other than those that consume staple foods, so as not to adversely effect those who already struggle to feed their families.
Monday, 14 April 2008
A follow up
It has taken me far too long to follow up on my last post. Thank you Amber for nudging me back into the world of the blogging.
The day after I posted I discussed the issue with my father the agriculturalist, educator, and small-scale biofuel producer and came to some not-so-surprising (but interesting nonetheless) conclusions which I will share with you.
- It is not "greedy" of the United States (or the rest of the so-called 1st world) to use corn and other grain crops to produce biofuels. Granted, we may not have considered the unwitting side effects that would be detrimental to the poor of our world. However, I do not consider it "greedy" for us to produce a fuel that is better for our environment and actually costs those who use it more than regular petrol.
- Semantics aside, according to my very knowledgeable father, it is not possible for the globe to produce sufficient crops to feed the world AND provide biofuels (from edible agricultural crops) to the entire world. Obviously our usage of grain crops to produce biofuels does effect the amount of food available to the rest of the world. Thankfully there are other options for producing biofuels. For example, scientists and agriculturalists are currently experimenting with algae for eco-friendly fuels - a very sustainable option which would hopefully not be as detrimental to the poor and starving in the world. There are several other agricultural-esk options currently in the works, but I can't remember the specifics of them all. The important point here is that we can move away from using edible crops for fuel production, and toward capturing what would otherwise be waste and turning it into a solution for our fuel-thirsty nation.
- The production of biofuels is certainly not the only, or even the main, reason for food price increases. The cost of fuel in general has risen considerably in recent years, making the transportation of food more costly. Farmers did not have as high of yields as expected worldwide - some areas of the agricultural world were hit hard by drought, others by severe storms. This drove yields quite low. These reasons and others have caused the soaring food prices that hit the poorest of the poor the hardest.
Any further thoughts on this topic from all you other knowledgeable and thoughtful people in my loyal blog readership?!
The day after I posted I discussed the issue with my father the agriculturalist, educator, and small-scale biofuel producer and came to some not-so-surprising (but interesting nonetheless) conclusions which I will share with you.
- It is not "greedy" of the United States (or the rest of the so-called 1st world) to use corn and other grain crops to produce biofuels. Granted, we may not have considered the unwitting side effects that would be detrimental to the poor of our world. However, I do not consider it "greedy" for us to produce a fuel that is better for our environment and actually costs those who use it more than regular petrol.
- Semantics aside, according to my very knowledgeable father, it is not possible for the globe to produce sufficient crops to feed the world AND provide biofuels (from edible agricultural crops) to the entire world. Obviously our usage of grain crops to produce biofuels does effect the amount of food available to the rest of the world. Thankfully there are other options for producing biofuels. For example, scientists and agriculturalists are currently experimenting with algae for eco-friendly fuels - a very sustainable option which would hopefully not be as detrimental to the poor and starving in the world. There are several other agricultural-esk options currently in the works, but I can't remember the specifics of them all. The important point here is that we can move away from using edible crops for fuel production, and toward capturing what would otherwise be waste and turning it into a solution for our fuel-thirsty nation.
- The production of biofuels is certainly not the only, or even the main, reason for food price increases. The cost of fuel in general has risen considerably in recent years, making the transportation of food more costly. Farmers did not have as high of yields as expected worldwide - some areas of the agricultural world were hit hard by drought, others by severe storms. This drove yields quite low. These reasons and others have caused the soaring food prices that hit the poorest of the poor the hardest.
Any further thoughts on this topic from all you other knowledgeable and thoughtful people in my loyal blog readership?!
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Biofuels: "Greed Overtaking the Common Good"
BBC News reported today that Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram "has said that it is 'outrageous' that developed countries are turning food crops into bio fuels."As I read the brief article, I was caught up in the complexity of the issue. In an attempt to decrease carbon emissions (thus lessening our damage to the environment) and our dependence on foreign oil, we have managed to create an even worse situation for poorer countries. With 20% of corn crops heading for biofuel production (along with other grains, sugar cane and soybeans), food prices have soared. Did we not consider this before beginning such vast biofuel production? And are there not more corn, grain, sugar cane, and soybean acres being planted to make up for the difference? I don't actually know what the statistics are, but it's tragic that our efforts to decrease our carbon footprints have had such a negative immediate effect upon our own food prices, and that of poorer countries. We are interconnected and the byproducts of our choices effect many.
My mind then wonders - is there a viable solution to this problem? Can't we produce enough of these necessary crops to keep food prices at a reasonable level (for our sake and the sake of those much less fortunate), and at the same time produce these renewable fuel options that are less damaging to our planet? My father the agriculturalist educator and small-scale biofuel producer probably has some light to shed on this topic... Maybe I'll discuss it with him in search of answers. Anyone else?
Monday, 24 March 2008
Obama in Eugene!!
Senator Barack Obama made an appearance at McArthur Court (known as"the pit" for how loud and intimidating it is for opposing teams playing the Ducks there in basketball) in Eugene Friday night, and I made sure to be there! I had Friday off in observance of Good Friday, so that allowed me plenty of time to stand in line for hours with friends as we awaited our chance at seeing Barack Obama speak live and in person.We were not disappointed. I was impressed and inspired by Obama's "A More Perfect Union" speech last week, as were many ministers around the United States who apparently spoke on the same topic during their Easter sermons or homilies this Easter Sunday. And I was not let down by Obama's Eugene speech. I was inspired by his vision for education - from preschool to college and beyond, and his vision for restoring America's morality by helping other countries gain access to clean water and appropriate housing. I was impressed by his compassion for those who are less fortunate, and for his desire do teach our young people not just to be good at science and math, but to be well-rounded and well-informed citizens of the United States. I am impressed that he has not financed his campaign on even one dollar of from special interest groups, but has rather raised all his campaigning dollars from over 1 million people across the nation - and he has raisd an un-precedented amount of money for his campaign!
Obama has convinced me that he is able and ready to take on the most challenging issues our nation and our world have to throw his way, and to do so in a way that I can be proud of.
You can check out a slide show of professional pictures with audio here, and see the whole Eugene speech here. And you can click here to see more pictures I took at the rally.
Tim and I - still waiting in line... (and pointing to my Obama '08 sticker)
OBAMA!!!
Kissing babies...
And shaking hands...Monday, 10 March 2008
Eighty
This weekend Tim and I traveled back to Eastern Oregon for my grampa's 80th birthday celebration! I love my grampa dearly, and enjoyed spending time with him around his special day. My grandma was also in the hospital following her knee-replacement surgery, so we got to visit her in the hospital too!
I baked my grandpa's birthday pie - mixed berry in the shape of a heart - and made my first lemon meringue pie too! The lemon pie came out beautiful (that's me pulling it out of the oven) even though the crust was a bit too hard. My mother and aunt Kathy made the meal, which was delicious, and the company was precious.
I baked my grandpa's birthday pie - mixed berry in the shape of a heart - and made my first lemon meringue pie too! The lemon pie came out beautiful (that's me pulling it out of the oven) even though the crust was a bit too hard. My mother and aunt Kathy made the meal, which was delicious, and the company was precious.
Grampa got to visit with a small group of family and friends around dinner and dessert. He also received a bundle of letters, cards and birthday greetings from family and friends who have known him throughout his life. These were very special to him, as he cherishes the written word - especially from his family and friends. After dinner he shared with us a poem sent to him on his birthday by one of his favorite professors at Blue Mountain Community College. I love the look I captured of him reading from the poem his professor sent. He really gets into his poetry reading!
Grampa's 80th birthday was definitely worth the long (though rushed) trip back home!
Thursday, 28 February 2008
The Fluidity of American Religious Affiliations
A recent study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that more than 40% of Americans are willing to, or have already, switched away from their childhood faith. Furthermore, Americans are showing less and less affiliation with Protestant and Catholic churches altogether. Oregon is being called the "most secular state in the union" because of a significant rise in those "unaffiliated" with a church or religious traditinon altogether. The percentage of Oregonians who are "unaffiliated" is recorded as 27% compared to a national average of 16%.You can read the NPR story, Brian McLaren's perspective (on Jim Wallis' blog), and interact with the results yourself at the Pew Forum website.
So why is this the trend and what can (or should) be done about it?
Monday, 18 February 2008
Proof, for you Doubters
Proof that I can stand on a long board and sweep my bangs out of my eyes at the same time...
And, proof that I can look like a surfer on a long board.
I swear, I really can ride this thing!
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Not for the faint of heart
Long boarding and this post are not for the faint of heart.
Tim and I went long boarding yesterday evening before dinner. He decided that it was time to actually go on a ride, instead of just riding around in the Autzen parking lot. So, we started out and rode down one of the bike trails. Tim is much faster than I am, so he boarded ahead while I dallied behind, enjoying myself, but trying to push myself a bit faster beyond my comfort zone so I could keep up. We came to the foot bridge that crosses the Willamette River and stopped halfway across to rest on a bench there. We talked and gazed at the rushing water for a few minutes. Before we took off again, Tim warned me that the bridge had a pretty good slope to it, so I would pick up quite a bit of speed coming down the other side. On top of that, there was a lip at the bottom of the bridge that would require me to lean back and keep my weight on my back foot to keep from crashing. All that I could handle - I thought...
Tim had been a careful teacher - warning me of what was to come but letting me test my limits so that I could get better at boarding.
The problem is, my board is pretty wobbly (it's supposed to lean side to side so that I can turn, but I'm still not stable on it yet). And Tim forgot to mention that when one gets going fairly fast, one can get what is called "speed wobbles" a perfectly descriptive name for what happened to me as I came down the slope of the bridge. I managed to get over the lip at the bottom of the bridge, but the speed wobbles took over and sent my board into the bark dusted shrub area beside the concrete bike path. Naturally, physics took over and as my board slammed to a halt, I flew off the front of it onto the concrete in front of me, doing my best to tuck and roll and avoid serious injury.
I managed not to hurt myself too badly. I hit my hip, tore a button off my pea coat (not a very "skater" thing to wear), and cut up my hand enough to make it bleed. My first long board crash. Hopefully the first of only a few. (I won't kid myself and think that's the only crash in my future.)
So, I learned that long boarding is not for the faint of heart. Last night's crash hurt. And today my calf muscles aren't sure why I'm torturing them so, but it sure is fun riding my Valentine's Day board around with Tim in our recent Eugene SUN!
Tim and I went long boarding yesterday evening before dinner. He decided that it was time to actually go on a ride, instead of just riding around in the Autzen parking lot. So, we started out and rode down one of the bike trails. Tim is much faster than I am, so he boarded ahead while I dallied behind, enjoying myself, but trying to push myself a bit faster beyond my comfort zone so I could keep up. We came to the foot bridge that crosses the Willamette River and stopped halfway across to rest on a bench there. We talked and gazed at the rushing water for a few minutes. Before we took off again, Tim warned me that the bridge had a pretty good slope to it, so I would pick up quite a bit of speed coming down the other side. On top of that, there was a lip at the bottom of the bridge that would require me to lean back and keep my weight on my back foot to keep from crashing. All that I could handle - I thought...
Tim had been a careful teacher - warning me of what was to come but letting me test my limits so that I could get better at boarding.
The problem is, my board is pretty wobbly (it's supposed to lean side to side so that I can turn, but I'm still not stable on it yet). And Tim forgot to mention that when one gets going fairly fast, one can get what is called "speed wobbles" a perfectly descriptive name for what happened to me as I came down the slope of the bridge. I managed to get over the lip at the bottom of the bridge, but the speed wobbles took over and sent my board into the bark dusted shrub area beside the concrete bike path. Naturally, physics took over and as my board slammed to a halt, I flew off the front of it onto the concrete in front of me, doing my best to tuck and roll and avoid serious injury.
I managed not to hurt myself too badly. I hit my hip, tore a button off my pea coat (not a very "skater" thing to wear), and cut up my hand enough to make it bleed. My first long board crash. Hopefully the first of only a few. (I won't kid myself and think that's the only crash in my future.)
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Two Germans and a Longboard
Last night Tim and I had the opportunity to hang out with Dirk, one of Grenzebach's German interns who has been here in the US for the last 5 months, and Hendrick a friend of his. We met them at the North Bank McMenamin's for dinner, and had a great time talking with them about where we all grew up, what it was like etc. Dirk is 27, and is studying to be a Mechanical Engineer - which is what he has been doing with Grenzebach (the company I work for) for the last few months in Newnan, Georgia.
At one point during dinner I mentioned that for Valentine's Day Tim had gotten me a longboard and skate shoes (see pictures below) so that we can go longboarding together! I know, we kinda jumped the gun, but we got the board and shoes yesterday rather than waiting for Thursday.
I'm pretty excited about being able to go boarding with Tim now that the weather is getting a bit warmer and more sunny. I also love how stylish my board is, and how the shoes go back to my Scottish roots with the red tartan accents that match my board. :)
Anyway, I mentioned the long board and Dirk told us that he does street luge in Germany, which is somewhat similar to longboarding, except you're laying down. This is him doing what he does:
After dinner we were walking out of McMenamin's and Tim and I both stopped at the basket of mints to snag a few. We offered them to Dirk and Hendrick, but they declined. Dirk said: "I don't understand why you guys have those all over the place here." I replied: "Well, it's for after dinner - it settles the stomach." He immediately and very mater-of-factly said: "Oh, we have Schnapps for that." Tim and I both laughed so hard we nearly cried!
We decided to take the longboards out for a spin with the boys, so we headed to Autzen Stadium and boarded around for a while. Then ended up in our living room learning all sorts of interesting facts from Dirk and Hendrick.
We learned:
-That in Germany Dirk and Hendrick were required to either go into the Army for 10 months or do a year of civil service. They both chose the Army, but were quick to explain that it was not like our army - their army is like a "fun army". There are a few drills at the beginning, but that's all. Besides, after WWII Germany can only have a defensive army; they cannot attack another country. Dirk found it odd that some US leaders have wanted Germany to help attack Afghanistan, even though we were the ones who helped restrict them to begin with.
- That German news is different from American news. Each German has to pay a fee per TV or radio they own, and that money funds public news channels and stations. One of those TV news stations is Germany's most-watched news because there is no one telling the newscasters what to say or report - the news is not tampered with. Dirk and Hendrick said they felt like the US news is more like a movie, and German news is more like a documentary.
- How glass is made. One part of what Grenzebach does is makes the machinery that makes glass. Dirk told us all about the process - how it is mixed, melted, shaped, scanned for imperfections, cut, stacked etc. It was really quite interesting to learn what that part of the business does.
At the end of the night, Dirk, Hendrick, and I set up our cameras on the bar, set the timers and each took a picture by which to remember the enjoyable evening we had spent together. Dirk hopes to come back to Oregon when he finishes his studies - I certainly hope we will be able to hang out with him again in the future.
Dirk, Hendrick, Me and Tim
At one point during dinner I mentioned that for Valentine's Day Tim had gotten me a longboard and skate shoes (see pictures below) so that we can go longboarding together! I know, we kinda jumped the gun, but we got the board and shoes yesterday rather than waiting for Thursday.
I'm pretty excited about being able to go boarding with Tim now that the weather is getting a bit warmer and more sunny. I also love how stylish my board is, and how the shoes go back to my Scottish roots with the red tartan accents that match my board. :)
Anyway, I mentioned the long board and Dirk told us that he does street luge in Germany, which is somewhat similar to longboarding, except you're laying down. This is him doing what he does:
Pretty fun, eh? He invited us to come to Germany and street luge with him. Sounded like fun to me!
After dinner we were walking out of McMenamin's and Tim and I both stopped at the basket of mints to snag a few. We offered them to Dirk and Hendrick, but they declined. Dirk said: "I don't understand why you guys have those all over the place here." I replied: "Well, it's for after dinner - it settles the stomach." He immediately and very mater-of-factly said: "Oh, we have Schnapps for that." Tim and I both laughed so hard we nearly cried!
We decided to take the longboards out for a spin with the boys, so we headed to Autzen Stadium and boarded around for a while. Then ended up in our living room learning all sorts of interesting facts from Dirk and Hendrick.
We learned:
-That in Germany Dirk and Hendrick were required to either go into the Army for 10 months or do a year of civil service. They both chose the Army, but were quick to explain that it was not like our army - their army is like a "fun army". There are a few drills at the beginning, but that's all. Besides, after WWII Germany can only have a defensive army; they cannot attack another country. Dirk found it odd that some US leaders have wanted Germany to help attack Afghanistan, even though we were the ones who helped restrict them to begin with.
- That German news is different from American news. Each German has to pay a fee per TV or radio they own, and that money funds public news channels and stations. One of those TV news stations is Germany's most-watched news because there is no one telling the newscasters what to say or report - the news is not tampered with. Dirk and Hendrick said they felt like the US news is more like a movie, and German news is more like a documentary.
- How glass is made. One part of what Grenzebach does is makes the machinery that makes glass. Dirk told us all about the process - how it is mixed, melted, shaped, scanned for imperfections, cut, stacked etc. It was really quite interesting to learn what that part of the business does.
At the end of the night, Dirk, Hendrick, and I set up our cameras on the bar, set the timers and each took a picture by which to remember the enjoyable evening we had spent together. Dirk hopes to come back to Oregon when he finishes his studies - I certainly hope we will be able to hang out with him again in the future.
Dirk, Hendrick, Me and TimMonday, 11 February 2008
Our new place - in pictures
View from the entry - into the Guest Bathroom.
(Guest Bedroom is to the right, the rest of the apartment is to the left.)
Guest Bathroom
When you come to visit, you'll get the great honor of using this room! ;)
Guest Bedroom
When you come visit, you'll get the pleasure of sleeping in this bed!
View from living room, through dining room, into kitchen.
Living room.
Fireplace, and prominent artwork painted and given to us by
Tim's elementary school teacher.
Kitchen with lots of counter and cupboard space.
Hallway from living room past kitchen to front door, guest bedroom and bathroom. Washer and dryer are tucked away to the left in the hallway (yay for the ability to do laundry in our apartment!!)
Master bedroom - nice and large!
Master closet
Master Bathroom
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