Saturday, August 25, 2007

First look, then start talking


For an introvert, I sure do enjoy talking to strangers. So my most recent read is right up my alley. Donna S. Thomas, First Look, Then Start Talking . It's about something I found out a few years ago - I can be Lottie Moon the famous missionary right in my own town. I'm looking forward to reading about Mrs. Thomas' insights and experience.
She describes herself as a "counter" and I relate to that as well. Ever since I heard Dick Gregory ask our college audience in the very early seventies "How many Chinese do YOU know?" I've been counting Chinese friends. Thanks to Skype, and Kantalk, I'm doing better there.

Friday, August 17, 2007

RIP Max Roach

I wish I'd gone to U Mass instead of Springfield College in the late sixties. Max Roach was teaching, Dwight Allen was dean, and later, Bill Cosby was working on his doctorate.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

It's been a long summer and too short


Oh yes, it's the school professional's unappreciated whine ... poor me, I've had this big vacation and now it's over!

I was able to complete the writing workshop with 6 grad credits and a stipend. Feels good! I write a lot slower than I would wish, but I was very happy with what I did. I'm working on a short story now. There is nothing short about the process!

I also did a little face to face ESL teaching as a favor to our Korean pastor. 12 adolescents. It was great to know I could do it, but my stamina is still short.

I've been recovering pretty well from the earlier stroke. I'm grateful that my typing has improved ... I was afraid that my work would be badly hampered, but now I feel close to par. Speaking of going back to work, I think I'm going to get a wheel chair so I be more mobile when doing lunch duty and other monitoring. My regular exercise in the pool has been great for me overall, but the pain in my back has been pretty constant all year long and I'm accepting the idea that I may have to live with this.

My computer was out of whack for a few months. Thanks to my son for nagging me to check out if I was covered under warranty.