Librarian in Disguise

part one

This weekend I spent most of my time with my computer and scanner. I successfully scanned part oone of a multi-part process of digitzing our family photo albums. The photos so far have all been of our family years in Lexington, VA. I must say that really enjoyed spending time with those 20 year old photos. While I had several nostalgic moments the majority of the time I felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. I am thankful for the family God has blessed me with.

This summer my parents will celebrate 36 years of marriage. In this day and age that is certainly a rarity. I am grateful the blessing of having parents who are still married to each other. But even more I am thankful for a family that is still connected despite the many miles that separate all of us. God is good

Here is one of my favorite photos from the collection over 1000 photos from Lexington.

not every day...

This morning on NPR there was a story featuring the Gold Medalist for the 500m speedskating race. This skater Joey Cheek is from North Carolina. And he did a rather amazing and thing. During his "winners" press conference he boldly declared to the press that he would not be offering a story filled with sweetness and dreams fulfilled. Instead he used his time in front of the media to talk about the genocide going on in Darfur, Sudan. It was amazing to hear someone my age use the spotligt to discuss something that is urgent and pressing in the media.

So during an age in our culture when so many are vying for their 15 minutes of fame. I commend this athlete for his willingness to use his 15 minutes to shine the spotlight on a tragedy that is taking place in the Sudan.

p.s. He's also donated a significant portion of his Olympic winnings to a charity that works with refugees from Darfur.

For more info on what's going on in Darfur check out this website www.savedarfur.com or www.savedarfur.org .

Dad in NY Times

My dad was on the front page of the Sunday New York Times. I found out thisi afternoon when a friend from church called to ask if it was really him. I didn't know anything about it so I went to the library and sure enough there was my dad. How cool is that?! Just another one to add to my list.

Top Tens ways to know if your dad is as cool as my dad…

10. He drives a truck with an 10 inch subwoofer.
9. He'll take you to see chick flicks and actually enjoy them!
8. He has a grandson named Buckminster Fuller
7. He falls asleep during movies and assures you he wasn't sleeping, "just resting my eyes."
6. He's pulled you behind the car in a toboggan.
5. He's been your science teacher.
4. He trekked through the woods in Luxemburg, with you and 6 other 8 th graders as you raced to be the first group back for dinner.
3. He graduated from the same college you did, only 30 years earlier J
2. He's watched the Real World before, "for cultural research".
1. He's loves Jesus and has mentored your own relationship with him.

sunday morning

The conference I went to on Thursday and Friday went really well. My presentation with my co-worker Joanna also went well. The last session I went to on Friday was about a research project beginning at the University of Toledo. It's about the needs of low-income students. It sounds fasinating and I'll be eager to see what their findings are. Although the study won't be over for at least another 4 years. They will be following students for 4 years.

It was supposed to snow lots & lots yesterday and last night. Well once again the weather folks predicted incorrectly. There is barely a dusting on the ground. It did snow a considerable amount but because it's been so warm it didn't stick. Oh well.

having my life back

This time tomorrow I will have my life back. For the last week I have been working on a presentation that I will give tomorrow. It is for a professional association for folks who work in Student Affairs. I am going to be talking about my job and what I do in Campus Ministry alongside the Residence Life staff here at ODU. I am eager to present and be done with it!