Rev McLean

Well, that was then...

2011-01-27T11:28:00.001-08:00

I just rediscovered my blog. It existed in some part of my brain I suppose, but I clearly haven't been too aware of it for over 3 years.

So now the "Rev" is (hopefully) in the near future, and will no longer be used ironically. Somehow I managed to do (a lot of) the reading and graduated from Andover Newton in May 2010. My brother is still married and I've had the pleasure of officiating 7 more weddings. Seth and I went separate ways, and he's now also pursuing ministry.

I moved to Rockford, IL to be the Intern Minister at The Unitarian Universalist Church for the year, I'm seeing the Ministerial Fellowship Committee in March, and then... a job (again, hopefully) somewhere!

In the meantime, I'll revisit this blog thing!

I survived!

2007-11-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

My midterms went well! The last 2+ weeks have been... rough... but I made it! (And with grades I'd be happy to write on my blog about! hehe) It didn't help that I got a touch of the flu or something, there was a World Series, I have a boyfriend with needs, and am working at the Bookstore.

I don't know WHAT they were thinking scheduling the World Series during mid-terms, but living in the Boston area, it was hard to ignore. Now, don't get me wrong, I have not turned into a baseball fan. I do like Mike Lowell, who is the 3rd baseman for the Red Sox, though I often confuse him for the first baseman who has a similar goatee. Anyway, it was exciting to be surrounded by the buzz! Seth is into NE sports in a big way. (There is a victory dance involved in Patriot touchdowns that one really must experience to fully appreciate.) So, being a better girlfriend than student, we headed to a local sports bar for game 4 (and final) of the series. Unfortunately, I had a midterm in History of Christianity the next day. It all worked out though, I sat with my back to the TV with my papers, and Seth watched the game among his people!

I'm still working on the balance of being a student and a functioning part of society. There are lots of fun things to do (see pictures!), but even more pages to read! Since my last post I guess I have done some fun things... like attended a private event at Ellis Island for my alma mater Wagner College, played with French Bull Dog Puppies, and gone ice skating! Side note on ice skating: it was PAIN FREE! Thanks to my new ankle, this is the first time I can remember that ice skating didn't involve recovery! Hooray! It was also great to be at a Wagner event and see my peeps. I have good people in my life who I don't get to spend enough time with.

Oh! And Seth won the "Wicked" lottery so we got $25 orchestra seats for the show. It was a great show! It's the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, essentially, and her relationship with Glinda. I've known the music (which I would recommend) but loved seeing the show.

Classes continue to enlighten and get my brain working. We've just covered the creation (corruption into being?) of the Papacy. Interesting thing learned there: it is not til 11th century that Popes (etc.) are celibate, and a motivating factor was so that they couldn't have children who would inherit the position. In Hebrew Bible I learned all about the angry, jealous God who orders wars, and of the foreign women who cause the plagues. (Numbers 25. Check it out.)

In my Religious Education class I did 2 groups participations which I really enjoyed. The first was leading a worship, into which we incorporated drawing, writing, singing, body prayer, and others to have something meaningful for everyone. The second was to lead the class in an meaningful "art" project. We chose to make maps of our spiritual journeys. We started by a short walk around campus for reflection, then returned to make our own maps. It was really cool to think about where you've come from, where you're going, where you got lost, what you didn't expect, forks in the roads, etc. I'm still working on mine, I guess we are always working on ours.

My Ethics of Peacemaking class is really interesting. We've been talking about Just Peace theory, which my prof is writing on. The link is to her website. There is a lot of important work for us to do before peace becomes a reality. Sometimes when we talk about the conflicts, and the political and ideological forces behind people's/nation's decisions, I feel overwhelmed a the task before us. But I am encouraged by the work and stories that we read, like the Just Peace movement in the UCC and the work of individuals worldwide - from Northern Ireland to Central America - making it happen. And it will happen. I guess my charge as a minister is to preach it and live it and help others find their path to doing it. Bring it on!

Still reading

2007-10-10T12:09:00.001-07:00

It's funny because I'm so busy, but I don't feel like I have all that much to report!

I spend a lot of time reading and/or referencing what I'm reading. I'm working on a paper for my UU Religious Education class, critiqing a current curriculum being used. I found a fun one for preschoolers, and the assignment is to take what we've been reading about child development and multiple intelligences to critique the curriculum.

The other paper I'm working on currently is on the Rule of Benedict, which set up "rules" for monks (really much more about organization...) in the 6th century. This is for my History of Christianity class, in case you couldn't guess. I've been enjoying reading the early Christian texts as well as learning the historical context for their creation, though it's pretty dense and takes some time and much re-reading to fully understand. Then it seems for any document (or indeed, Bible verse as I'm learning in my Old Testament class) there are at least 100 books and countless scholarly articles, journals, etc written on it!

There are other papers/texts/tests looming around the corner. The next 2 weeks are going to be stressful. I can't believe it's mid-term already!

The weather is changing. I think I've seen the last of the 70's or above for a while, although I did manage to make it for a walk on the beach this weekend. Seth and I drove a bit (as in to Philly and back for a wedding, moving, family, etc.) and encountered beautiful fall colors. Another 2 weeks and the trees will be at peak viewing. We took a little detour to avoid construction in Connecticut and happened about the most quaint New England towns I've ever seen - stone walls, water wheels, and churches on every corner!

I've also made significant progress in the order of my apartment. After a quick trip to Ikea and an area rug, it's about 90% done. I'll post pictures as soon as everything is in order. I've definitely got too many books and not enough shelves... but it's starting to feel even more like home.

I have lots to read...

2007-09-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

... and I haven't quite figured out how to do it all! I am in 4 classes: History of Christianity I, Intro to Hebrew Bible, Spirituality and the Arts in Contemporary UU Religious Education, and Ethics of Peacemaking. All of my professors are women this semester, and each of them is entirely different and interesting.

I am enjoying the reading I have to do. (Amber, Seth's cat, of course, would rather sit on my book than have me read it, but last weekend she was happy for the company!) In the history and bible classes it's a lot of church documents, criticism, THE BIBLE, etc. I'd say most nights these days I fall asleep reading the Bible. Exciting stuff ;) The RE class has reading, too, on approaches and theory, and in class we do more hands-on projects exploring the different modalities of the arts. The ethics class is interesting, calling a bit to my International Affairs major as an undergrad, but putting a theological spin when addressing peace ethically. The intro course have about 35+ people in them. The other two have only 5, allowing for good discussion. Each class meets once a week for 3 hours.

I finally found bookshelves for an awkward space in my room, so I can unpack the boxes! Including the three boxes of books my dad sent for the "seminary shelf." The living quarter is shaping up, but definitely taking a back burner to everything else... like the weekend in NYC I've just returned from!

My final wedding of 2007, my good college friend Meryl got married Sunday! And I had the honor to be a bridesmaid. It was a dream NYC wedding complete with pictures in Central Park, a limo ride down 5th Ave, and fabulous food from Chef Daniel Boulud. The weather was perfect so the ceremony proceeded on the rooftop overlooking the city on 31st and 10th. My feet are still recovering from the dancing (you'll notice in one pic that the other bridesmaid and I gave up on our heels eventually) and my brain/stomach is refusing to go back to EasyMac!

Meryl was a perfect bride - she didn't stress and just enjoyed her day. The groom, Arnaud, is French, so there was lots of French speaking which was fun! He is also the cutest thing alive - a right ball of sunshine, I'd say! It was so fun to see the pure excitement and unstoppable energy coming from both of them. I really do enjoy sharing weddings with people. It's such a special time and everyone is so happy. It was also wonderful to connect with old friends and meet new ones!

First temptation to jump ship

2007-09-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

Orientation took place over Friday and Saturday. There we times I felt overwhelmed and ready to go home, but mostly I felt excited and anxious to get the show on the road!

On Friday night I just kept thinking "oh man, is this really what I want to be doing?" After meeting so many people, and talking so much about spirituality and callings and paths, I just needed a breather! So I took it - and I vowed that I will continue to be very aware of my need/the importance for regular breathers - and cleared my head. It boiled down to the same concern I always have, I guess... the temptation of a "normal" life. But then again, who wants to be normal?! So I entered Saturday with a commitment to join the community and openly participate. And it felt good.

Most of the faculty were here to introduce themselves or speak on panels, but also to join in the events. Many live nearby and returned in the evenings for the shared meals. It is nice to see the dedication and support here, and I am more at ease knowing I am part of it!

My fellow students come from all over the spectrum. Most seem to be United Church of Christ (UCC), Unitarian Universalist (UU), American Baptist Church (ABC), and Episcolpalian (I don't know the acronym!). Our common denominator, our open and accepting liberal leanings, is what I see our greatest strength: we are male, female, and transgendered; GLBT and straight; black, white, Asian, Latino; and run the socio-economic spectrum. I have been pleasantly surprised by this diversity and am quite excited to enter into this path with such interesting and challenging discussion partners!

The picture on this post is of the new chapel on campus, which is an interesting design. It strikes me as industry meets sacred space. But I like it. My first class (of 4) is tomorrow. Eek! Oh, and I have 21 books to buy/read overall so far... I try not to think about that too much, because it sorta' makes me want to cry! Plus, I really don't have shelf space for 20+ books per semester.

HERE IT GOES!

Crazy little thing called love

2007-09-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

I apologize, faithful blog readers, for my absence. Since my last post I have attended version 2 of my bro's wedding in Wisconsin, celebrated another wedding in North Carolina, and moved to Massachusetts!

Version 2 was very nice. My mom put lots of work into planning a very nice ceremony and throwing a good party. It was nice to see lots of family and life-long family friends that only weddings bring together. Mom asked me to speak at the wedding and it felt really good to stand up in my home church next to my minister, Tony, and do the ministerial thing! Seth also came along for the madness, and was ushered into the Rayala-Ruxton-McLean-Schissel-Grande family in style. Amazingly enough, he survived!

The following weekend I flew into Atlanta and drove 2 hours to the mountains of North Carolina to spend a beautiful weekend with my good friends, Katy & Ben, for their wedding. I have been talking with them for a year about wedding plans, and it was lovely to see it all come together. The weather cooperated and they got their outdoor wedding at The Mountain, where they met! It was awesome to have their closest friends and family together for a weekend hiking and swimming and having an overall fun time at camp! It is really a special thing to share someone's wedding day with them. I am really looking forward to doing this more often ;)

And now I'm in Massachusetts in my 205 sq foot studio on campus. In an unexpected but very welcome turn of events, Seth has decided to move here! (Not in with me or anything crazy... yet...) So, my ever "always there" KP joined Seth and I for a moving party. With the help of roommate Embo, we loaded the Uhaul Tuesday morning in under 2 hours and I said my final goodbye to DC. We then stopped in Philly at Seth's place to load most of his possessions. Though he'll be there one more month, we wanted to take an opportunity to share a truck. Plus, I needed a bed, dresser, bookcases, and table... so my new place is now completely furnished! We made it on campus Wednesday late afternoon and unpacked the many, many boxes and all the furniture into my new domicile.

I still have yet to unpack most of the boxes. I've set up my entertainment center, the small kitchenette as well as the bathroom, and am nearly done organizing the clothes. My goal is 2 boxes a day til finished. After living out of my suitcase for so long, it's strange to have things in drawers again!

The Honeymoon

2007-08-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

While I don't exactly know what my bro and Reyna are up to for their honeymoon, Seth and I enjoyed a nice trip to Niagara Falls (minus the "marriage" part.) After flying into Philly to celebrate his birthday, we drove up with a 3-day pit stop in Mass to visit Seth's family. Then we journeyed 6 hours to cross the border to the Canadian side of the falls and lots of fun! (The trip almost included a trip to the hospital to enjoy free health coverage, but the strange pain in my arm stopped... but my coratid artery still bubbles occasionaly. It's odd. I'll go to a doc once I have health ins again!)

Knowing how much it would amuse me, Seth begrudgingly agreed to a room with a heart-shaped jacuzzi (yah! I said it!!), but only after finding out it had a view of the falls. The view was a bit distant and under a bridge, but the jacuzzi was just as corny/wonderful as one would imagine! The hotel was just 2 blocks to the falls and to the crazy Clifton Hill area which is a lot like Disney with bright lights, and a wax museum and ice cream stand on every (of the 4) corners! We skipped the wax museum(s) but did enjoy a tour on the huge ferris wheel, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a fresh waffle cone.

Oh, and we saw the falls, too. I was there for the first time 2 years ago in a cold and overcast October. This time the weather was absolutely perfect and the falls even more magnificent because I could really enjoy them without freezing. There are two sets of falls, the American Falls and the Horseshoe or Canadian Falls. The American falls have more rocks and character, but the Horseshoe falls create whirlpools directly in the river, and get you wet! We could see the mist rising off the falls for miles while driving towards them, and the view at night (especially from the ferris wheel) was amazing.

The day I married my brother

2007-08-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

The wedding was great! Yes, the preparation before hand was a bit stressful, but everything came together for a beautiful night.

I was a little nervous as my brother and I, and the best man, were preparing to walk to the altar/gazebo. Just some butterflies, hoping it would all go smoothly. Perhaps if we had had a rehearsal I would have felt better, but alas, that didn't happen. I managed to communicate to the mariachi band about when to play during the ceremony, then collected the groom and best man to start the show. Cory said he wasn't nervous at all, so I straightened my stole and we walked out...

I had gone through most of the ceremony and things I was planning to say with Cory and Reyna beforehand. We spent a lot of time working on their vows, prompted out of questions I asked them about their relationship. Cory got a bit misty-eyed when Reyna was reading hers, which was the only point where I thought I might cry. I made a joke about marrying my brother, and had already planted people in the audience to laugh, so that worked! The "I do's" were said, rings exchanged, unity candle lit, and it was really great fun to say "I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!"

It felt really good to be up there as a "minister." I knew I would be able to provide a meaningful experience for Cory and Reyna, and loved the challenge of finding the right words to not only reflect their personalities, but also to include all the family and friends that had gathered for the event. I wore a simple suit and thin stole, so I think I even looked the part. After the ceremony I got lots of encouragement and good feedback. My bro suggested I might think about doing it professionally (thanks), and now my mom's ready for her own online ordination. One of the wedding guests asked me where my church was because she'd be interested in coming ("I'm not quite there yet") and another asked how long I had been a minister. Bring it on!

Wedding Prep!

2007-07-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have been in Cali enjoying time with my very charming (energetic) nephew and planning the wedding! My brother and soon-to-be sister in law win the award for the most relaxed bride and groom... ever. My to do list keeps growing, even though the wedding is now only 3 days away. The dress is at the cleaners and the tux is at the tailors - I don't know why I'm worried about these things if they aren't, but I guess that's why I came a week early to help get everything ready!

The ceremony is nearly ready. I'm still playing with some wording to find the right sentiment that fit their personalities. The three of us spent a few hours laughing pretty hard while skimming through some potential readings. Cory has suggested a passage from Taxi Driver and I'm a fan of a little Bon Jovi. Reyna's hoping for Cory to sing his vows, or just "Lady in Red." I'm fairly confident the 3 of us are NOT keeping straight faces during the wedding, so if you're attending, be prepared to laugh with us!

The reception is going to basically be a big Mexican Fiesta. The theme of my week of shopping and preparing with Reyna is her asking "Is that too much?" and me answering, simply, "yes." It's going to be colorful and fun! (And, no, it doesn't need any more bows or decorations...)

Oh, and in touring we managed to come across a Kwik-E-Mart for some Simpson's style convenience. It was fun, even if I'm not the biggest fan ever created. And even if I did feel quite ill after my over-processed donut and blue Slushee drink. (Thanks Seth for being the life line...)

Harry's fate...

2007-07-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's over. I'm certainly not going to tell you how it ends, yet: I'll give you a few days to finish...

Had a stylish celebration at the house then made our way over to Borders where chaos ensued. Though Border's wasn't prepared for the crowds, we came chocolate-frogs-in-hand, to collect the masterpiece. I'm putting several pictures of the night's progression... as our lightning bolt scars faded, so did our energy until some of our numbers ended up asleep on the sidewalk at 2 am! Other's bailed... but the true fans persevered!

I managed to read the first few chapters when we got back from the bookstore. I spent all of Saturday frantically reading, stopping occasionally only for food, and several times had to go back because I had missed something! I finished around 2:30 am.

I definitely leaked tears for the last 300 pages of the book. The death toll is high... the revelations are moving... but mostly, I think, I was crying because it's over! I have been in love with this boy and his friends for 8+ years! And though I know their fates, I don't get to hear about nor share their new adventures anymore =/ I suppose I'll still reread, but it's just not the same knowing the ending - no more guess work or theories. At least we have 2 more movies to look forward to. And then sharing it with the children!!!

Case of the missing "e"

2007-07-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

First stop: New York for the viewing of Order of the Phoenix! My NY HP crew met up for the ultimate experience. The theater was not that crowded, but the cheers, claps, and gasps coming for our row more than made up for it! I really liked the movie - usually I walk out with 101 things missing... yes, there are some things missing, but I generally approve of the way all the stuff was packed in. I definitely like the way they show the Sirius/Harry relationship. *tear*

Next Stop: Massachusetts. Let me start by saying I strongly believe that Mass should have another "e" in it's "etts" to make it sound right! It's just how our language works... double consonants need a vowel. After of long day of driving, we reached the Springfield DMV just before the closing rush and within 15 minutes, and $84 dollars later, I had my new Mass plates! A bit strange, really, to be driving around knowing people are now judging me as a resident of Mass!!! And, this means it's really happening: I'm moving to Massachusett(e)s!

A big shout out to KP and VZ Navigator (love it!) for getting us through hoards of traffic. And to Seth for being the other part of the "us."

Silly in Philly!

2007-07-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm back! After a 1o min thunder storm delayed air traffic out of Heathrow by 2 hours, I arrived a bit late but in one piece and with all my luggage! I've now had a few days to work on my sleep pattern and it's almost back to normal. I'm continuing my trip state side, so I don't exactly feel like I'm "home" as I'm still living out of my suitcases. I'm in Philly now catching up on lost time, and working my way through Half Blood Prince (Harry Potter book 6 for my less-fanatic readers.)

I can't believe how HOT it is. While dodging the rain in Glasgow I realized my mid-Atlantic summer was going to be very different than theirs. When we landed at Dulles at 9pm, the captain announced it was 93. Then going through passport control the guy asked where I'd been, checked out the stamps and said "well, welcome home. it was 99 today." Grrrreat. At least we also have AC in this country so we can stay pleasantly at 72 all day long :)

And it's still sinking in that I'm "home" except my home has changed an awful lot. I'm not going back to work and won't have that community of people (though I plan a happy hour and a trip to Matchbox and Cafe Jap-o-ne so get ready!), with continued travels I probably won't make it to church, and I'm moving on from all the other activities and places. Always a strange feeling for me, but I loved living in DC and my life there. Though, I'm sure it won't take long to get into Boston and all it has to offer. And I know I'll be back!

Tonight I head to the Isle of Staten for a Harry Potter viewing. Can you believe I didn't go at midnight yesterday?! Me either. My bro suggested that they probably changed the release date to make increase the box office intake; I'm sticking it out so I can be with my original HP peeps - many of whom I'm proud to say I converted. I'll only be in NY for the movie, then head up to Mass to register my car. A day spent at the DMV. Yay.

This pic is from a very windy cliff in Sussex, just keeping the blog lively.

Bonnie Scotland

2007-07-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

I spent 2 days in London before heading to Glasgow for the weekend. Whilst in London I went to the British Museum to check out the Rosetta Stone and the rest of the Egyptian collection, just for kicks. It was funny to see these items on display in a Western museum having just seen the real deal!

Visiting Scotland was lovely! I spent an unforgettable week in Scotland with Lizzy 6 years ago (holy crap! was it really that long ago?!) but I never made it to Glasgow which is the birth place of my paternal grandparents, and part of every story I remember. I've said this a few times here, but it's funny that Americans really latch onto their heritage. Sure, we're Americans, but we're almost all near an immigrant line, eh? In my family my grandparents were concerned that we would lose our Scottishness. So, I got a kilt every year, ate black pudding, and listened to bag pipes. We even have a china set with out tartan on it! This part of my identity is important to me and however removed it may be, being in Scotland brings it out.

My first night in the rain stopped for a bit to allow Heather, her family and I to take a walking tour of "Gruesome Glasgow." We visited the sites of all the best murders and suicides, lead by a man in a cloak. Beyond the witch hunts, Glasgow is really an interesting place. A once booming industrial town on the River Clyde, it has haunts of its past prosperity, though seems a bit gritty downtown. The night spots and university areas were fun to explore, aided by a double decker tour bus! One of the most interesting stops was St Mungo (no, not the Hospital for Magical Maladies) Museum of Religious Life and Art. It is small, but packs a punch with a comprehensive display of the major world's religions. It's appropriately across the street from the beautiful cathedral.

Kilt sightings: 19

Flight timing didn't allow a trip to the Unitarian church, unfortunately, but it is fun to know that it's there! It was great fun to catch up with Heather and explore her hometown with her.

Can't believe the trip is over! I am anxious to get back to the states and start taking care of my ever growing to-do-before-you-move list... yikes!

Tea Time!

2007-07-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Lovely. Quite. Enjoying tea in a garden with cakes in Southern England. Claire is as cheeky as ever and we're enjoying lots of laughs and catching up over pints! Her family and pet dog are charming. Claire I met when she showed up last year as my intern at AI.

Had a delicious local dessert - a Banoffee - which is a pie of toffee and banana topped with creamy stuff. I'll have to get the recipe.

Claire is in the kitchen right now making yorkshire pudding. I love the English.

Last Tango

2007-07-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

Full of good laughs and stinky cheese, my week here has been wonderful! Perhaps I should have given a bit of background earlier...my relationship started with Karine when her brother came as a summer foreign exchange student for 3 weeks when I was in 3rd grade. Karine eventually came to live with us while attending school and her whole family (even grandpa) has been to Wisconsin, and likewise us to them! They are affectionately referred to as the "French family" but they do indeed feel like family. There have been many changes since I left 4 years ago - Karine & Laurent got married and had Manon, but also the dear father of my French family died unexpectedly at work. Louis was a very special man - so full of life and love that it was impossible not to get infected with his energy. We spent the weekend at the family house and though for me it was the first time to be there without Louis, he was still there in the joie de vie of his wife, children, and now granddaughter. Annie made her famous paella (I politely skipped the mussels) - we spent lots of time around the table talking & laughing, just like it should be!

On Saturday afternoon Karine and Laurent took me to the town and chateau of Chantilly. (sing it with me: Chantilly lace had a pretty face and a pony tail hanging down...) The chateau was built in the 16th century and is filled with furniture, artwork, and household items - mostly gilded- and one seeing all this one can really understand why the revolution happened! There are beautiful, typical French gardens and while we were there we saw 3 weddings taking advantage of the perfect picture spots! The surrounding city is quaint and very... French. Have I mentioned that I could live here?

Tomorrow I leave for the UK via the Eurostar. Yes, yes I've heard about all the terrorism... I'll be careful. Glasgow is next weekend, so hopefully things will calm down and we'll still be able to go. I am sad to leave France and the family. Manon's perfect curls are a delight, and though I haven't been graced by many, I got a goodbye bisous at bedtime. I won't wait 4 years for the next visit!

Worth a thousand words

2007-06-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

la révolte a commencé

2007-06-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for all things Harry Potter in July that I think my blood pressure is rising. I have, of course, been rereading the series in preparation for the 7th and final installment due out 21 July. I love it, much like France. (just imagine how excited i get over HP en français!!!) It's such a wonderful story about friendship, love, being a good person, etc, etc.

I'm currently on book 5, which is my least favorite book except for the exciting bits, so being reminded of the important plot developments makes me extra prepared to see the movie. Although, it could be a curse that I have all the details fresh in my mind because the movie is sure to butcher it. For anyone interested in a review, I would recommend starting at chapter 28 - the worst of Harry's angst is over and then the revolt really goes full swing! Hopefully Harry won't be such a prat in the movie. Get over it, Harry, and use the mirror you FOOL! You may want to stop after chapter 34 least be forced to remember... t.. th... the veil!

I can't believe he didn't come back! Will the other one? I hope not, because that would just be silly. And, if Harry was right all along about Snape I'm renouncing my love for the series. Although rereading has made me question my "Harry or his scar is a horcrux" theory, I see it happening. I think we may learn more about Harry's heritage, like perhaps he's the heir of Gryffindor? And, well, that would complete the collection, eh? Unfortunately if that's so, I think Harry has 2 choices: (1) die to rid the world of evil *coughchristcough* OR (2) learn that we may have to live with evil in us, but love and friendship can overcome it. And I'm saying RAB is Sirius' brother, Regulus, perhaps middle name like Uncle Alphard.

Is it sick that I have a blog post solely on HP? Perhaps... my parents (who constitute half of this blog's readership) will think so, but I love knowing that the other 2 people who read this will appreciate these reflections ;)

C'est magnifique!

2007-06-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Although it was a bit chilly (like 60), I enjoyed visiting my favorite spots in the city. First stop: Montmatre. I climbed the many steps (I've always meant to count!) to Sacre Coeur. Then I made my way to the artists square, but was surprised to find that at least 3/4 of the square had been taken over by the cafes! I used to sit at the cafes and watch the artists as tourists wove around the rows or got their portrait sketched... but now the artists are pushed to the perimeter of the new cafes and the sketching happens on one side. It's still charming, just not the same! I wandered the streets down the hill and spilled out at the Moulin Rouge.

I took a bus through the city to enjoy the sights a bit more and eventually got off and just walked some more. This picture was taken after I spotted Sandra Oh! I didn't stop her - just smiled politely - but she had her picture taken at this spot. Because it was fairly windy it took a few tries to get the branches off the Eiffel Tour. I continued my wandering and am looking forward to another day of it! Oh, and some pain au chocolat! mmm!

Oui, Je t'aime

2007-06-25T02:40:00.000-07:00

I love France. You already know that, but really, I love it. I have been hanging out with Karine, Laurent, and their very charming daughter Manon. Manon is 3 1/2 and speaks French much better than I! We have pretty funny conversations, considering my ability rests at asking her the names and colors of things. Sometimes I say something wrong and she just giggles at me! hehe It's funny. I'm enjoying walking to the parks, buying a fresh baguette every day, as well as understanding most things that are going on!!!

Today I am on my own in the city. I plan to make it to all my favorite spots and restaurants. It's surprising how some things seem to have just been dormant in my mind - like the bus & metro systems! And even the crazy French keyboard, though I am typing quite deliberately!

My big discovery: Order of the Phoenix is being released 2 days earlier here!!! AND there's a premiere here on the 4th!!! Apparently I didn't plan as much as I should have!

Pictures of Paris coming soon!

Bubbles and Waves

2007-06-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Well, another lovely day spent wandering around Munich. Our first stop was, of course, a beer garden where both the beer and the pretzel were larger than my head. I have really enjoyed just hanging out here. Since I've toured the city & area before I don't feel guilty not packing it in. Pete's company is, of course, a plus, and the whole culture just welcomes enjoying life (through malt beverage).

There was a failed attempt to go to a museum (we got there as it was closing) but luckily we were very close to the English Garden in Munich. It is a large, beautiful park filled with interesting characters and plenty of places to grab a beer.

Our first stop in the park was the best place to catch a wave in Germany! Surfers lined up and took turns on the constant artificial wave. Walking through the park I learned of Germany's openness... several, like tens, of older German men were walking around the sun drenched grassy spots completely nude! Charming. We found our own grassy patch and people watched to the beat of a drummer not far away.

We made our way to the Chinese Tower which welcomes you to a large beer garden in the middle of the park. I opted for Radler which is a surprisingly refreshing mix of beer and lemonade. A little more walking and ended up in a lovely spot overlooking a large pond for a final German dinner of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato salad. And more beer, of course! yummy!

I leave in a few hours for the land of baguettes, cheese and red wine! Sense a theme?**I'm amending this post: turns out I can't keep days straight, and I, in fact, did not leave Munich Wednesday, but am leaving Thursday for Paris!

It's Noon Somewhere!

2007-06-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

My flight arrived to a rainy 5 am Munich. After a quick nap during which the sun came back, Pete took me into the heart of Munich for traditional Bavarian breakfast at the Hofbräuhaus - traditional breakfast being (slightly creepy) white sausages, pretzels, and beer. It was delicious! We walked around the city for a bit, enjoying the markets and another beer garden before heading to an outdoor summer festival filled with lots of vendors and music held at the Olympic grounds built for the '72 games. The highlight of the day was, perhaps, eating crepes next to a Jamaican jerk chicken stand while enjoying a mariachi band. In Munich. It was strange.

On our way to the stadium, we happened upon some amazing places. One was St. Johann Nepomuk-Kirche, an fairly plain looking church from the outside with golden statues jumping off the ceiling inside!

We also came across this curious "first aid" machine selling the essentials. Don't know if the pic will be pic enough, but good to know if I ever needed a drug or pregnancy test they would dispense from this machine for under 5 euros. Odor spray will run you 3 and the fever test is TBA!

Let me give you a run down of all the things I've eaten today:
2 breakfast sausages, 2 pretzels, 1 beer (see pic)
1 more beer
1 amaretto and hazelnut crepe
1 plate, spaghetti ice cream (see pic)
1 large bowl cream of potato soup, with bacon
1 wienerschnitzel with fried potatoes
1 piece of lettuce
1 beer

I have to go to bed now... must let body focus fully on digestion.

Thanks, Dad!

2007-06-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

In honor of Father's Day, I busted out the credit card that my dear ol' daddy pays and he treated Evelyn, Ben and I to the ultimate Turkish experience: A traditional Turkish bath!

We went (oh god, to say "whole hog" would be ever so appropriately inappropriate) luxury with the Sultan treatment. The men and women are separated. E and I were escorted into our private (un)dressing rooms and given a wrap to cover up and very awkward wooden sandals to prevent slippage. The wrap, however, was a bit short, so no bending allowed... til I dropped my key. oops. It didn't matter much because we were quickly escorted into the bathing room, greeted by very hot (temperature only, I assure you) Turkish women in bathing suits that pointed to a spot on the marble wall where we were to sit, steam, and most importantly "change." Needless to say, my friendship with E is on a WHOLE new level. Eventually one of these Turkish ladies pointed to us individually and then to the marble octagon in the middle of the room. We were laid out, exfoliated (I lost my tan), rinsed, soaped, rinsed, loofahed, rinsed, and steamed some more. If you have an image of 18th century French bourgeoisie women at a Turkish bath - yeah, that was us. It was amazing, relaxing and incredibly refreshing. The funniest part that never entered my romantic ideal is that once you're all soaped up and naked on a marble slab, you get a little slippery! My attendant asked me to turn over, except that process involved me sliding about 5 inches away from her! She pulled me back by my arm and kept on scrubbing. No pictures allowed, obviously, but I pulled this one off their website. These ladies are a little more clad than ours... in fact, owing to the heat of the room and the many hours that they have to work in it, often those swim suits were pulled down... boobage. Lots of it. And none of it pretty.

THANKS DAD!!! I love you! Happy Father's Day! (B & E say thanks! But they said it in Turkish and it involes like 15 letters, so I'll go with what I know...)

I've never met a pickle I didn't like...

2007-06-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

... until dinner in Goreme. I was excited by the plate of juicy looking pickles, but one bite proved more than I could handle. It was like the time when I was 12 and I decided to try to make my own pickles. Only, I just couldn't wait long enough to taste them and I cracked open the magical mix of vinegar & dill and found... watery cucumikles. Actually, it was exactly like that. BUT the rest of the meal was great. We had heard of the famous "Testi Kababa." I know what you're thinking... I'll skip the testi's, thank you very much. Turns out, however, that the "e" is pronounced more like an "a" so it's actually "Tasti." I was still hesitant. The meat, veggies, and spices are all put in a clay pot which is then sealed and baked. The waiter gracefully cracked open the pot and poured the Testi mixture onto our plates.... We continued to stuff ourselves, then had some tea and a hooka to aid in the digestion! 3 hours later we made our way to the hotel. This meal was much deserved after a fun day of exploring the region by private short-bus. We knew we had a Mercedes picking us up... we didn't know it would be a 15 passenger bus just for us!

It was great because our driver pointed to his highlights, but also just let us roam and explore. He was always patiently waiting (or napping or drinking tea) for us. The funniest part of the day was an hour long tour of the Underground city which the Christians built during the Crusades to hide from the enemies. Although it's 8 stories deep, only 5 are open. Our tour guide and his very bad toupe pointed out all the nooks and crannies where the 5, 000+ people living there made wine, bathed, slept, etc. He was very amused at Ben's curiosity, and kindly pointed out that in his 30 years of giving tours he had never had people more curious to explore the dark (and very scary) passage ways "off the beaten path."

The following day we awoke early (10 am) to prepare for a full day of hiking. (I know, I know - me, hike? I did!) We took a 6 hour hike around the surrounding valleys of the town. The natural formations are really beautiful as I mentioned earlier, and I'll really have to defer to E's "Walking on All Fours" for the appropriate detail. At times I felt like Frodo travelling far beyond the shire for the adventure of a lifetime. Other times (like the last mile) I felt like Old Betsy being left in the pasture to die. Every step was more beautiful than the next. The pictures can't really capture it.

We're now back in Istanbul. I ventured on my own to visit Topkapi Palace - a massive complex on a hill with a beautiful view and a harem. Crowned jewels (of sorts) sparkle and St. John The Baptist's skull and arm relics are a bit creepy. Today we took another ferry to Eyup, a lovely part of the city, though the journey involved a enclosed ski-lift type transport over a busy street and big cemetery. Tomorrow is E's birthday, so celebration plans are underway... then Sunday after celebration recovery I start my late night/early morning venture to Munich.

Always an adventure

2007-06-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

After a tasty toasted sandwich on Saturday morning, the 3 of us set off by bus from Konya to Cappadocıa. We drove towards mountains for about 3 hours that never got any closer! Another hour, however, and we were driving into them to drop us off. I didn't understand this at first, but the buses make their route (besides the major bus stations) based on the passengers. One can also just ask to be dropped off anywhere along the way. And likewise if you find yourself stranded on the highway, have no fear, it will pick you up!

We are staying in the town of Göreme which is built into mountains and the naturally forming "fairy chimneys" which have been used for a thousand years (more?) as homes, monasteries, and now hotels. Although we quickly left our original pick of a hotel after an odd vibe from the guy running it, we found a recommended place that is beautiful. It's a lot like a castle... stone walls with wooden cabinets built in, a giant skeleton key... a beautiful garden with a delicious smelling honeysuckle in bloom, and a wooden gate keeping the stray sheep out! A note on the big skeleton key and it's matching big metal lock: don't play with it from the inside!!! Ben managed to lock us in our castle room! E opened the (barred) window, ready to pass the key to the next passerby, but after getting crafty with a clothes hanger Ben managed to free us.

Exploring the town is fun, though it's the surroundings of the city that sell it. On one walk we came across a wool-dying station. Local women were working to produce the fibers used ın the famous Turkish carpets. The weather has been quite cool, which I find as a welcome relief from Egypt. We were about a kilometer out of town, however, when a rumble of thunder warned of an imminent storm. We had just arrived at a 1100 yr old church built in one of these formations. The frescoes were impressive and Ben gave me a good lesson on who all the people are! Luckily for us, this church is watched by a kind Turkish gentleman (who collects your money and unlocks it!) so when the rain came down with a vengeance, he invited us into his office to wait it out over a cup of tea. We soon realized it was hailing - IN JUNE - but the storm passed even before we finished our tea.

Today we explored the Open Air Museum. It is filled with more explorable churches and monasteries. Most has a distinct dining room with a table and benches carved out of stone. The design of the churches were similar, though the beauty of the paintings varied. It involved a bit of hiking, though no more than the walk home which took us to a breathtaking panorama of the town, mountains and valleys. Every 5 steps is a photo op. Tomorrow we will hire a car and explore beyond walking distance!

Worth a thousand words

2007-06-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

A picture of my tour group from Galabeya night on the Nile Cruise (thanks Silvia!!!)

A pilgrimage of sorts

2007-06-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

We set off for Konya early this morning and arrived without comment an hour later. A short taxis ride to our pension revealed beautıful mountaıns ın the dıstance and a quıeter, smaller city.

Our big destination of the day was to the Mevlana Museum. Mevlana aka Mevlana Jelaleddın Rumi. Of course I've read Rumi, but apparently was completely ignorant to much else. He is a saint, founder of the order of dervishes we now know as the "whirling" kind. Many Muslims pilgrim here. As the museum is also a holy place, meaning no or covered shoes and head scarves for all women. Rumi's tomb is beautiful - the pilgrims raise their hands in prayer in front of it. I felt a little awkward taking pictures, but I definitely wasn't the only one.

In the followıng rooms are artifacts - clothing, books, daily use items of Rumi's. Then there is a room filled with glass cases holding many different Qur'ans of varyiıng sizes, all competing for the most beautiful in design and writing. There was a man walking around this room absolutely weeping. I timidly observed him and noticed a mother of pearl box in a glass case in the middle of the room. I hadn't yet seen it because of the crowds surroundıng it. Every Muslim that came to this box would kiss the case and several were crying. Curious, but trying to be respectful, I made my way to where I could read what thıs box was. "Heart of the Holy Prophet Mohommed." I mean... wow! No wonder this is such a sacred place. While I never really know about relics - are they real? or what part they say they are? But either way, it is believed to be there and I can imagine standing before it would easily move any believer to tears. It was incredible to be there and while I feel a bit guilty for intruding on the pilgrim's sacred space, I am quite honored I got to share it with them, even if from the corner.

Continent #3

2007-06-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Today, after we waited out the rainy morning, B & E guided me to the Asian side of Istanbul. It is the more residential part of the city and E informs me that 2/3 of the city lives there. We took a beautiful ferry ride over which offered a nice view of the city, though the geography of this place still confuses me a bit! After buying a few more things to stuff into my suitcase, the 3 of us made our way to a restaurant they learned about in the NY Times. It was delicious! Spicy meat with veggies and rice, and tortilla-like bread. Dessert was an assortment of pastries, the most tasty of which was a "walnut dessert" or in Turkish "cevizli tatli." (Thanks Ben.) The best of our guessing suggests that this was a fresh walnut that has been soaked in sweet spices including at least cloves. It was unique, sweet, and the curiosity of it made it all the better!

The sunset on our ferry ride home cast a sweet pink light on the city. The storm clouds left from earlier provided a perfect screen behind which the sun cast majestic rays upwards. I tried to capture it on "film" but this picture doesn't do it justice.

And, yes Madej, I did visit the Basilica Cistern. It was my first stop, in fact, on the grand tour! It is very cool - both in temperature and experience! Just a short staircase down lead me to a cavernous place with tall columns and a shallow pool of water. Ghostly carp were floating around under the floorboards as I made my way to the Medusa columns. Officially there's no story behind them, but 2 columns at the back of the cistern show the face of Medusa. One is upside down and the other on her side.

There's also plenty of sheesha/hookah places to squish in poofy chairs, sip some tea, and enjoy some fruity smoke.

I'm amused by the animals in this city. Today we had a very sweet dog follow us home. Once a year the cats & dogs are collected by the city for shots, fixing, and tagging. While I'm sure this helps with population and disease control, there are certainly plenty to go around! And while on occasion one looks like it could do with a bath, these are some of the fattest cats I've ever seen! Lots of doorways have a dish of food in front for the taking, and B & E have nicknames for their neighborhood cats! There are lots of fluffy kittens currently which really just add delight to the day :)

That's nobody's business but the Turks

2007-06-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

My last day in Cairo involved a trip to a bookbinder Kiki discovered and who had bound several books for my dad. His little shop is filled with classic instruments, block letters, decorations, and a flame to heat them when pressing foil gilt into the spines. It was really fun to see and explore the drawers of different lettering, etc. (Hint: The book is having the initials SC burned into it.)

I really enjoyed my time in Egypt. The people are kind and welcoming to foreigners, and I noticed a custom of always giving something extra. Almost every purchase I made included some bonus - a "just because." Often I was told "because you are so beautiful" (actually, I'm amazed at how many men know this phrase despite very broken English otherwise!) but it little to do with beauty - throwing in a little compliment is part of the charm. Or maybe it's their way of relieving any guilt they feeling for making you over pay!

So, I arrived in Istanbul and was greeted by the smiling faces of dear, dear friends Ben & Evelyn. They've been here since November exploring Turkish culture as well as travels around the region. Evelyn also happens to be a phenomenal writer, so I would recommend a visit to their blog.

It's very clear I'm not in Egypt anymore. Their neighborhood is exciting, very Western feeling strip of stores and restaurants, but there's a definite old culture here. And I'm sorta' in culture shock. I visited the Blue Mosque and other sites, but had to fast forward 2500 years away from Ancient Egypt, which took me the full day to adjust to. The parts of Istanbul I've seen so far are clean, with an easy public transit line, and plenty of air conditioned yellow cabs! Coupled with the cafes and parks, these parts of the city are a far cry from Cairo's shabby appearance. The roman alphabet also is nice to see, and similar phonetics like "polis" sirens and "oto" dealerships allow a tad more insight than Arabic script.

The weather is beautiful - comfortable, like in the 70's instead of pushing 100. Plus, it's the first time in 2 weeks I'm not wearing sleeves, though the cool breeze welcomes a shawl. It even rained a bit, which was more refreshing than anything. Today it's sunny and looks pleasant, though admittedly I'm still in pj's. And it's noon.

As Evelyn has described before, the men here are aggressive. Unlike in Cairo where "no" tends to mean "no" (or certainly the 2nd "no"), Turkish men seem quite determined. I had an escort through the whole of the Blue Mosque, despite my "no's" and pretending like I didn't understand him. Pointing to the wedding ring I'm wearing didn't help either, because he just pointed to his and said "it's okay. c'est bon." And there was lots of discussion about my beauty and how he'd really like to be my "ami" (he was operating under the impression that I spoke French) and I even got invited out to a romantic dinner. Lovely. I didn't feel threatened, exactly, more annoyed. I mean, it was a public place and all, but I was just caught off guard after many, many invitations in Egypt that ended as soon as I walked away. This guy actually spent 20 minutes following me around and talking at me despite me not talking back! While waiting on a bench for Ben, another guy sat next to me and started a convo, offered me a cigarette, and though met by my non-response and a "no" he touched my arm as if to say everything was fine. I got up and moved benches. He disappeared. Ben came to escort me :)

I'll be exploring the city under the guidance of B&E, then on Friday we head off on an adventure through Turkey (don't worry, not the parts that are dangerous) to see the religious, cultural and natural beauty of this place. Both have pretty good Turkish skills, and Evelyn looks slightly Turkish. Except Ben is 6'4" so he sticks out =p

Totally In de-Nile

2007-06-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

It's official... this place is amazing. I flew to Luxor on Wednesday where I boarded the Nile Commodore for a 3 night journey to Aswan. From Aswan I extended my trip by one day to visit Abu Simbel - the temples built in the side of mountains.

The boat wasn't quite like Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas which I enjoyed in January, but it did have bingo night! I had a nice private (double) room with a big window to enjoy Nile life as we cruised. The upper deck of the boat had a small pool, plenty of sunny and shaded seating, and a lounge. I was lucky enough to meet Silvia when our taxis dropped us both off at the same wrong boat. As an Egyptian, she could communicate in much more effective ways and I tagged along as we made our way to the boat! My small tour group was also an interesting mix. There was a family of four from Indiana, a couple from Georgia, 2 American military personnel stationed in the Sinai, and three lone female travelers: an Australian, and Egyptian, and me.

Tours included the Temple of Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Edfu, Kom-Ombo, and Philae Temples, and again Abu Simbel. I'm a little templed-out, although truthfully I don't think I'd tire of looking at them. The tombs at the Valley of the Kings were especially impressive, as the hieroglyphics and colors are in great condition. One really gets a sense of what it was like for the mummy and it's soul in there! I had to pay extra to see Tut, but I figured it was worth it. And it was! His coffin -he's in it- is displayed in a glass case and the paintings are wonderful. The tomb is quite small compared to the others, with only a few chambers - when I think of how much stuff was in there, I just can't imagine what it looked like upon discovery! (This pic is Silvia and me coming out of his tomb.)

I was really excited to visit Abu Simbel, having seen the picture so many times! It was absolutely incredible to stand in front of these huge statues and walk inside the temples. The really incredible part, however, is that these temples were MOVED. When they built the damn in Upper Egypt, creating Lake Nasser in the 60's, (the dam that they needed for hydroelectricity and other eco/soc reasons) they realized that over 20 temples and countless Nubian and Coptic monuments/artifacts would be underwater. So the international community got together and came up with a solution (and the labor and the money) and MOVED several temples. Piece by piece they dismantled the existing places found suitable places for relocation nearby and moved them! In some instances like Philae Temple, they shaped the new island to be just like the old. And in Abu Simbel, the built it into a mountain again and maintained the alignment with the sun as twice a year the sun hits a specific spot inside the temple to celebrate those days. Amazing.

We had a great time getting to know each other, especially spending the extra days in Aswan together. In Aswan we "hired" a horse carriage for the afternoon and the 16 year-old drive Moustafa drove us around to the market and our hotels. There were lots of spice markets to explore. I'm pretty confident that most of the spices would raise an eyebrow at customs, so I resisted, although some are awfully pretty and smell incredible. I did get some frankincense - it smells nice...

Sunset on the cruise was beautiful. And it was the (nearly) full moon, which was incredible reflecting off the water. The only downfall was that I'm sure I would have seen many more stars.

Oh yeah... and then there was galabeya night. A Galabeya is the traditional robe garment that Egyptians wear - both men and women. Women's tend to be more intricate than men's. The whole boat was dressed up and mostly we looked absolutely ridiculous. But it was a lot of fun, and there was dancing and games to enjoy :)

The first pyramid - and by mistake

2007-05-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Memphis, which was the first capital of the ancient Egyptians, and then Sakkara, their burial site. This is where the step pyramids are, though it is believed that they didn't intend them to be pyramids as such. Unlike those at Giza, there are hieroglyphics inside the tomb walls. I was able to go into one which from the outside literally is a pile of rocks, but inside is a perfectly constructed tomb. It was much more pleasant than Giza - less steps, better air... except that for a minute I was the only person in there... and that was creepy.

There are also tombs of noble people at this site. And, they went all out! One tomb is open for tours with at least 4 rooms covered with both funerary and life images. What amazed me was that every art history course I've taken has taught me that "movement" didn't appear until 5th century ancient Greeks added raised arms and flexing muscles. WELL, that's just plain wrong. These 7 inch high images are flexing leg muscles to haul a heavy load! This statue of Ramses II is clearly taking a step forward with defined muscle movement. And it's huge. Just amazing!

This area is also where the Nile Valley meets the Western desert. It is only an hour from Cairo, but a totally different world. The land out from the Nile is green and lush, growing many crops including corn. The farmers carry their goods on carts pulled by donkeys, and I saw several young children riding donkey on their own on the busy streets. There is a distinct like where the valley ends and desert begins. Memphis is in the valley, the step pyramids in the desert.

My "Pharonic Massage" was wonderful. Balls of herbs wrapped in cloth and dipped in hot oils was the first phase - head to toe, back to front - followed by 30 min of very strong hands dipped in hot oils rubbing out any tension or bad energy that may have been harboring in my body. I still feel very relaxed :)

Tomorrow I am off to Luxor for a Nile cruise to Aswan, where I will take a day trip to Abu Simbel. There is an 8 hour overnight train, though I will fly there in 1 hour! I'll probably be off line, but promise to post pictures upon return. Up Nile is where all the tombs built into the side of mountains are. I am REALLY excited!

Also, the apartment I'm staying in is home to both a pet cat and a pet turtle. The cat would like very much to play with the turtle, however, you can just imagine how much that interests the turtle. So, turtle sorta' moseys around and the cat follows her curiously. They're both charming in their own ways... here they are on the balcony enjoying a little sunshine.

A day in the life

2007-05-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Questions from my mom, seemed like a good blog entry! I can also share that I just got a $8 pedicure and tomorrow I have an appointment for a "Pharaonic" massage. Kiki and her roommates are curious what it is, but are using me as a guinea pig. One prediction is lots of oils, another is that you get wrapped like a mummy! Shall keep you posted :)

Is the Nile a typical dirty looking river?
Yes, definitely no desire to jump in...

How is the temperature?
Hot. The sun is relentless, and the long pants & sleeves don't help! It's not unbearable, though. It's cooler in the shade, and I drink plenty of water. Some places of business have AC, but mostly there's little "cool air" relief. They say it gets ugly in August.

Does it cool off at night always?
Yes, but really just to a comfortable temp. No need for a sweater, though, again, I'm in long sleeves!

Cairo is one of the cities really threatened by global warming I think.
Tis true. This morning it was so smoggy that from the Citadel I could barely see the city. They say most of the damage to the artifacts has happened in the last 50 years or so. I've also been told it is the most polluted city. There are lots of cars emitting nasty fumes, and I can't imagine there's high emission standards.

Have you eaten local food? What is it like?
It's like typical Middle Eastern food. Lots of rice and delicious fresh bread. Hummus, stuffed grape leaves, falafel (but it's not called that), fava beans, coriander, paprika. Nothing too spicy, just flavorful. Lots of mint and lime. In fact, twice now I've ordered something called lemonade, but it's really lime juice!

Religious Education

2007-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today I joined the same guide that took me to the pyramids on a tour of Islamic Cairo. The city is divided into distinct areas/neighborhood, and Islamic Cairo is another world altogether. There seems to be at least one mosque on each block. It's a bit more chaotic (which I didn't think was possible) and it's also where you find Khan al-Khalili, the big bazaar.

We visited 2 big mosques. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful. Of course we had to take of our shoes, but I didn't have to cover my head as I expected because I wasn't going to be praying. The tour guide and I also had a very good conversation about Islam - including the pillars of the religion, and how it works within the society.

Then the tour lead us to the big market; typical winding alleys filled with knick-knacks and merchants. And I braved the stalls by myself and got lots of scarves and earring... all for at least 50% of the originally quoted price. Negotiation required! Kiki and her roommate Heidi were very impressed with my purchases. Another accomplishment!

When in Rome...

2007-05-25T15:21:00.001-07:00

I don't really know quite how to articulate my day... I rode a camel at the pyramids! I mean, it's sorta' unbelievable, really.

I may be starting to believe in aliens. I was standing at the base of these perfectly constructed icons in total amazement. HOW did they made them?! The plateau is not in the middle of nowhere, despite the misleading pictures. Residential buildings and KFC are just across the street. We were driving in a little mini-bus/van thingy and the guide announces "and straight ahead you can see the pyramids." And there they were!

Oh, and I went INSIDE the middle one. INSIDE. It was a bit like climbing into my own tomb, but I made it out! And camels are quite interesting creatures. It's a little scary when they stand up, but I was advised to hold on tight and lean back.

My tour guide warned us that because of the ground pollution is eroding/cracking the limestone from underneath, the Sphinx may only last another 10 years. Surely much damage was done to all the ancient monuments, but most often it is only in the last 50 years that they have suffered the most damage. They sat in the desert majestically for 5000 years... and then we learned how to burn fossil fuels and we are destroying them faster than time.

Fridays are the Sundays of Cairo I learned today. Out walking I noticed that many businesses were closed, and several had put out prayer rugs/mats on the street. As I was driving through Cairo, I noticed that all the mosques were packed and each had put additional prayer rugs outside, on which hundreds of men were arranging themselves for prayer. Although Muslims pray by themselves 5 times a day, there is a special time on Fridays for group prayer, around noon. This is what I was seeing. I love hearing the calls to prayer- they just fill the city, which gets a tad quieter for a few minutes, and remind me to take some time for reflection and appreciation.

Kiki is also showing me around the varied restaurants in her neighborhood. We went to a very cool sheesha lounge on the Nile. It was open air with comfy couches, and lots of flavors to choose from. She also has an amazing mix of friends that are absolutely lovely. I've enjoyed spending time with them laughing and sharing contempt for American politics!

I looked both ways!

2007-05-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Day 2 in Cairo. A long morning was spent in bed after tossing and turning til I crashed with a sleep aid around 4:30. While I would have preferred to be sleeping, this restless night did afford me the opportunity to hear another call to prayer around 4:15 am. The amplified call is echoed by distant hints of similar broadcasts throughout the city.

Let me explain the pics before I go any further: The Nile in the city; and the scary street I crossed by myself! It felt like a rite of passage. You sorta' have to wait for a break in traffic, then confidently (and quickly) cross. Don't hesitate... you won't make it.

Kiki put me in a cab and I headed on a solo adventure to the Egyptian Museum. It was amazing and overwhelming. I thought I had seen lots of Ancient Egypt stuff in my day. but boy was I wrong! Ancient Egyptians got fat, old, had children... Everything is captured in rich colors, still vibrant and stunning, 5,000 years later, and of course the beautiful and complicated writing system! Hundreds - no, thousands, of columns, sarcophagi, fragments, statues and artifacts fill the run-down hallways which give the impression more of a storage room. Numbers written on the walls with a Sharpie suggest there some catalogue, though as I walked through the chronological history of Egypt, such a task seemed all but impossible. The sleeping guards amused me, much more so than the one determined to figure out my nationality. Crates of what I can only assume are filled with ancient artifacts are pushed over the marble floor by an attendant at a slight run.

Papyrus scrolls, handles, hinges, chains, latches, thousands more pots, vases, tools, beads, combs, sandals, wraps... how we aren't living on Mars by now astounds me when I think of how advanced the Egyptians were.

And then there's the mummies - unwrapped to reveal teeth, fingernails, and hair. HAIR! These bodies, including Ramses II, have been unceremoniously taken from their ornate coffins and encased in glass for us to oggle at. Have no fear - the coffins are only down the hall, covering the whole length of it, and then another! There's also a room of animal mummies including rams, dogs, baboons, cats, and even a 12 ft crocodile.

I managed to taxi home by myself and my three words of Arabic. I feel accomplished :)

Sunset over Cairo

2007-05-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting watching the sun go down over the beautiful French-inspired balcony across the street. Funny to think that same sun is coming your way for the hottest part of the day, and it's finally just cooled off here!

I arrived last night after a full day of travelling. On my flight from DC I was disciplined and did not even look at the "on demand" in-flight entertainment. Instead, downed a plane-size bottle of wine, donned the eye mask and ear plugs, and went down for the long haul. I arrived in London for some timely beans & sausages, but skipped the fried tomato. I went to every shop before discovering the "quiet room" where I proceeded to sleep for the next several hours.

Flight to Cairo was equally uneventful, except for a beautiful lighting storm somewhere North of Athens. I disembarked to purchase my $15 visa, which is actually 2 postal-size stamps, and met the driver who Kiki had hired for me. If it weren't for the mosques and Arabic everywhere, I would have sworn I got off in Vegas! Cairo is filled with high-rise, neon-lit hotels, Mobil "on the run" gas stations, and billboards advertising American goods (like 7up & Chili's).

I slept til 11 today, awoken occasionally by the bustling street below. We took a quick walk to the Marriott, formerly the Geizira Palace which was built for Napoleon's Empress Eugenie at the opening of the Suez Canal. I could people watch for hours. There are several schools and lots of shops in this area bringing all types and ages of people. In this are, women are dressed fairly causally - few wear hijab or are fully covered.

Then we went to the other side of "the river" as Kiki put it. By river, she meant, THE NILE, travelling via downtown and towards Islamic Cairo. Almost all women in this area were fully covered. We headed into the market which was everything you'd think it should be. Merchants with stuffed camels, hookahs, silver, carves... and plenty of men selling things or, more often, trying to get your attention. Got lots of "hellos" or "beautiful." So far my fav comments have been "welcome to Miami" and "beautiful like sugar." We didn't buy anything (yet. we're going back) instead went to a quieter, artisan shop that Kiki and her roommates knew and bought a few items.

(Right now I can hear a call to prayer. How very cool.)

We were lucky to take a yellow cab across the river. Yellow cabs are the only ones with air conditioning. We did not get one back, however, which made for a sticky ride. The only rule of the road is that there are no rules. Although there are clearly defined lanes and traffic lights, I have yet to see anyone obey - and I've been trying! The cars just sorta' honk at each other to bring attention to their presence. Crossing the street is... challenging, but so far I've just positioned myself with another pedestrian between me and the oncoming traffic!

Tomorrow's plan: Egyptian Museum, and... making a plan!

7 hours, and counting

2007-05-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

My flight departs BWI at 9:05 pm... giving me just about 7 hours to, uhh, pack and make a CVS run. I'm dreading my 7 hour layover in Heathrow en route to Cairo, but something tells me the next 7 hours of my life are going to fly by! This picture is the current status of my "packing." eek!

I've sadly said my goodbyes and spent good QT with my peeps. All you DCers: thanks for living it up with me!!! And, despite my concerns over attendance, the UU Young Adult retreat this weekend turned out to be great! The weather cooperated, the workshops were meaningful, and friendships were renewed. It was relaxing, if exhausting... (note to self: don't fall for "let's go look at the stars" after midnight!) and cleared my clouded mind of worries as previously discussed. I'm SO ready for this trip!

My travel schedule is along these lines:
May 23: Cairo, explore Egypt including Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel
June 4: Istanbul, EVELYN & BEN!, explore Turkey
June 18: Munich, beer & sausage
June 21: Paris, friends, French, wine, cheese...
June 28: Manchester/Scotland/Ireland/London
July 9: Depart London back to Dulles!

Okay, must get to packing! Check back often for updates. I promise I'll post as often as I can. And I mean it this time!

Ticket to ride...

2007-05-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Friday was my last day at Amnesty which is kinda' hard to wrap my head around. It's really been a wonderful experience. I'm honored that I got to work for an organization I believed in so much and had many opportunities to learn and grow. While it is undoubtedly time for me to move-on, its strange to think this 9-5 world I've been in is no longer going to be my reality. I will miss the many friends I have made there and the interesting issues I got to learn so much about. It's really been the people there that have made it complete - truly like a family. It was hard to say goodbye, though fun to do it with an office party and a happy hour! I'm still digesting all the nice things people said and wrote :) I know it's not the last I'll see or hear from all those I love so dearly, so I can't be too sad, but it was still hard to walk out.

I will also miss getting a paycheck and health insurance, but with good savings and catastrophic coverage, I'm ready to live it up!

And live it up I shall. Armed with a British Airways frequent flier-mile credit card, I've purchased a plane ticket to Cairo! I leave DC on May 21 (though don't arrive in Cairo til May 23. ugh.) and return via London on July 9. The plan in between involves Istanbul, Munich, Paris, Manchester, Scotland, and lots of time spent with good friends! I'm so very excited!!!

I'll come back and spend enough time in DC to de-jetlag and do laundry, then I'm off to the West coast: San Fran for the release of HP 7, LA for the wedding of my brother (more on this to come... I'm marrying my brother!), and then perhaps some crunchy exploration of the upper NW.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

2007-04-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

No post in nearly 4 months, you say?! Apologies all around, I will, indeed, try to be better. I've been distracted, including by some time spent with this sea turtle in Grand Cayman Islands! (Aren't posts with pictures just more fun?!)

The update: I'm going to ANTS!

I've been accepted, and was honored to be offered the Presidential Award. So, I've sent all the paper work back, signed the dotted line and am starting to think about packing! I'm excited that this is all finally happening and falling into place. I'll be moving up to the Boston area the week of Labor Day (who wants to drive a U-haul?!) and classes begin the following week.

I've just discovered the blog of Rev James Ford which you may enjoy. He was a visiting professor at Meadville Lombard in the fall when I went for visitation days and I attended his Zen Buddhism class. I really enjoyed the class, and him! Lucky for me, he's the senior minister at the First Unitarian Society of Newton which is 9 minutes from ANTS' campus.

On the I'm going to be a minister front, the last few months have been, well, trying for me. Job changes & disenchantment, a break-up, long distance friends, future plans, the weather... but I've processed it all in a new way. Maybe I've just "grown up" (say it ain't so!), though I think it has more to do with trying to be a better person. I don't want to "regret" or "burn bridges" but, boy, is it easier! It's easy to check-out, get angry, or blame someone else, but quite challenging to accept responsibility and actively try to forgive, accept & love. I don't think I've found the balance (ask my roommate...) or maybe acceptance and love are just that hard?

As the view out my window becomes progressively more colorful, so too my spirits. I did a bit of soul searching (from my bed) and made amends with it all. I've said my peace, put my cards out, whatever cliche you can think of, and it feels good.

After Chino shoots him, Tony mutters to Maria "I didn't believe hard enough," to which she replies "loving is enough." (crescendo, "how do you fire this gun, Chino?" procession, fade.)

I'm not sure loving is enough. You have to be true to yourself. Recognize what makes you happy, and more importantly fill your life with those things/people. One can't blindly follow a dogma or mission statement or person, because sometimes things get off track. Yes, you do your damndest to get it back, but I do think sometimes admitting defeat is okay. Hard, but okay. I have to trust that other people will fight the battles, and even if they don't, I can't fight them alone and certainly not for them. Choose them wisely, eh? So be it...

I did it!

2007-01-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have officially applied, in full, to Andover Newton! I made it in not before Christmas... but definitely before 2007 struck in! It feels sooooooo good to have that not hanging over me. It also feels a little scary because, well, now it's in. It's really happening!

Being home for the holidays gave me some cool opportunities. I had lunch with a family/church friend who was both a campus chaplain and parish minister in another life. I really enjoyed talking to him about his experiences, hearing his thoughts & advice, and asking questions. It was reassuring and reaffirming. Jerry was able to do some really neat, very needed, social justice activities on his campus and had interesting experiences in the escalating political climate of the Vietnam War. As a parish minister he was able to connect with people at both their happiest and saddest moments - the moments when you're really pushed to your own limits to be there for another person. I have enjoyed (perhaps that's too positive a word...) moments like those in my own life. Like on 9/11 when I didn't have any answers, just plenty of time to listen and to comfort.

Christmas Eve was another magical service. It's funny how differently I see a church service now. The minister really needs to build it to include all the meaning and learning in a purposeful and meaningful way. The Sunday after Christmas we always do Kwanzaa at our church. It was a great service which engaged the congregation in exploring and celebrating the 7 principles of the holiday. I'm excited to learn this practical ministry stuff!

Getting a little sappy...

2006-12-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the 33rd annual Holiday Craft Day at my church, and it very fun!
It's quite the production - craft stations are set up everywhere, doing just about anything you can think of! Candle making, plate decorating, bird feeder pinecones, hammering tin... Glenn was working the tie-dying wrapping paper and I spent most of the day helping with wreath making. (I'm in the background of this picture... the little kids were going crazy with the wreaths!)

There is a church picnic involved in Holiday Craft Day. Picnic in December, you ask? Everyone bring a blanket and their own food and sets up in the sanctuary. Then someone lead us in holiday songs - it was really fun :)

It's so nice to participate in a community like this. Kids were running everywhere, and their parents weren't far behind. It's always nice to be reminded of the community a church can create. While my home church didn't have Holiday Craft Day, certainly the holiday traditions are imprinted in my brain and bring up only the warmest, most comfortable memories.

Christmas in my home church is really spectacular. It's always the same every year, but never gets old. It's a holiday narrative. After a welcome, the lights are turned off in the church and we prepare to celebrate Hanukkah. Dancers line up along one wall, each holding a candle in their right hands and their left hands hold the wrist of their neighbor. While the lights are off and dancers still, the church sings Dona Nobis Pachem in 3-parts. It's beautiful. Then the dancers light their candles and move around the church to a violin and oboe or clarinet. The menorah is lit, then the candelabras are lit and we move into the Christmas celebration. We sing carols as the story is narrated (my minister tells it from a different point of view each year). Towards the end, a banjo player joins the minister, along with Kermit, and we all sing "Rainbow Connection." On the "we know that it's probably magic" a rainbow appears overhead and everyone feels warm & fuzzy! Then mistletoe drops from the ceiling, prompting many hugs & kisses, and blessings are exchanged. The blessings take form in little colored stickers with sentiments like "love" and "peace." When I was little it always seemed like a challenge to get the most, I'm over that now, kinda'.

And so, I guess I'm feeling the holiday spirit :) Can't really believe it's December already. Dec 1 here was 73 degrees! Tis much colder now, and I'm preparing for birthday celebrations! And I've navigated to the John Denver & Muppets holiday album on my ipod! My favorite song on it is one that the Children's Choir sings, "The Christmas Wish." "I don't know if you believe in Christmas, or if you have presents underneath a Christmas tree. But if you believe in love, that will be more than enough for you to come and celebrate with me."

Let the games begin!

2006-11-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have started the application process! I may have said I'd have my stuff in by December 1, and while this *might* happen, I'm pushing that to Christmas. I've decided this mostly means to ANTS, however, I'm still keeping all options open.

I've asked 3 people for letters of recommendations, and spend quality time staring at my personal statement. It's about 2 good hours til ready... if you're dying to read it (I know so many of you are hehe) I'll share it.

I've partnered up with someone going through all this, too. It's wonderful to have someone to talk to about all these decisions who is also facing them and it's nice to try to encourage each other. He is, however, perhaps proving more of a distraction than I bargained for ;)

Thanksgiving was spent it with a very loving and supportive family, with plenty of laughs and more than plenty servings of food! It's nice that we're forced once a year to be reflective and take a moment to really appreciate all that we have in our lives. This year I was thankful for good friends (no matter how far away you all are!), the great support I've gotten in this journey towards ministry, the ability to wear heels and dance (!), and someone to dance with. At my friend's table they all went around and said what they were thankful for. Her 6 year old cousin said "I'm thankful for pockets - they keep my hands warm!" I, too, am thankful for pockets. Sometimes we forget those simple things, but it is precisely the daily things in our lives that we should be most thankful for.

ANTS!

2006-11-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm in Fort Lauderdale with KP right now writing under the influence of maybe too much red wine shared with my old bosses from Flowers & Company in Racine. It's a little unreal as we're watching the election results creep in, and I'm refreshing the Wisconsin results every minute or so to check on the marriage ban as well as death penalty reinstatement. Projections seem hopeful for the first female speaker of the house, and I'm encouraged by the turnout and the turnover so far!

I spent a total of 8 hours in DC after a weekend in Boston visiting Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS). I wanted to like ANTS, clearly, and I really did. I have lots of thinking to do about my preference, for sure, but ANTS has lots to offer. It is in a very ritzy (yuppie?) town just west of Boston called Newton Centre. The campus is about a 10-minute walk from the metro (aka "T") stop, and is quite lovely. It's on a hill overlooking pretty mini-mountains (which were covered with changing leaves this weekend!)

ANTS claims to have to largest number of UU students at a seminary in the US. With approx. 60 of them, that may be the case when you count people on campus at a given time. I really enjoyed the mixture of people - in ages, denominations, experiences - as well as the faculty and staff. I could definitely see myself at ANTS. They seem to have a pretty active Student Association including many student groups/clubs. It is definitely Christian focused, but not in an uncomfortable way (perhaps this may just reflect my own acceptance/respect of/for Christianity). I think ANTS will challenge me spiritually for this reason. In a sample class "Taking off you shoes: the Holy Ground of Presence" I really enjoyed witnessing very different spiritual experiences from people of different denominations, as well as talking about the issue in a safe environment in which both the students and faculty we're anxious to hear another perspective. ANTS says they focus on the practical arts of ministry - ie preaching, counseling, etc versus the academic focus of learning the world's religions. I don't need help in challenging the academic side of ministry. It is the spiritual development where I see that I need the most challenge.

I'm still digesting it all... basically at this point I'm choosing between Meadville Lombard in Chicago and ANTS. I wish weather could just be the deciding factor. Alas, I'll have to really think about what will be best for me in developing me as a minister. Hopefully the hot tub and mojitos's at this hotel will help a bit! Between you and me and the alcohol, I think I'm leaning toward ANTS. I've been connected to a student who transferred from ANTS to ML, so now I'm prepared to ask lots of specific questions and am looking forward to honest answers. Need I say again: HO HUM!

A word on PK's

2006-10-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

I have several PK's (Preacher's Kid's) in my life and they have been a most amazing place of support in my discernment*. The first question I asked them all was if I'm going to screw up my children. The short answer: yes. The longer answer: but not because I'll be a minister.

While I have yet to meet a PK who enjoyed going to church, my friends seem quite proud of their preacher parents. Jake said he was always proud knowing that his dad was a leader in the community and respected by so many people. Kristen (KP!) said her dad was always good at leaving work at work, so the church didn’t always run the house. A negative: they moved every 7 yrs. A positive: the church ladies go ALL out for the weddings of PK’s! My kids will have plenty of quilts!

Certainly ministers are always ministers... just like you ask a doctor at a cocktail party about some ailment, so too is the fate of a minister. Even now it's amazing the things people tell me (at bars, parties, work...) when my plans come out! I instantly know the last time people went to church or how they feel about mortal sin. Although this is an interesting new filter I have in making friends, I can see that the “minister” identity will be pretty defining. Ministers and PK’s have said to me sure, it’s defining, but you learn to balance. One minister told me she has an alias profession when, say, at a bar.

And when I think about “friends” or hosting a party at my house, I realize I’m going to have to change my vision a bit. A minister can’t be friends with people their congregation, so often it seems that they’re friends with other ministers and other like-minded people that are not part of the church. But if called to a small town, where does one who finds community at church find community if it can’t be at church?

Guess I’ll have to try extra hard to find an extra interesting husband…

p.s. The PK Picture: 2 kids on the right – Jake & Kristen – are my super star PK’s! Mel is in the pic for good measure.

* “Discernment” gets thrown around a lot in this ministry thing, I promise to use it only when most appropriate!

"Historic Dialogue"

2006-10-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS), the other school on the top of my list which is just outside of Boston, is hosting a dialogue between the United Church of Christ and the UU Association... Interesting to see (a) what comes of such a convo and (b) what it might mean for ANTS's role. I'll be visiting ANTS for their Fall Open House on November 4. They have about 400 students and are also part of the Boston Theological Institute which is made up of 9 seminaries. They seem to have a pretty strong UU community and history. We shall see!

Anyway, here's the blurb about the dialogue, but also read more:
Rev. John Thomas, General Minister and President of the UCC and Rev. William Sinkford, President, of the UUA, will reflect on the historical affinities and divisions between their denominations, and then go on to explore current realities and future possibilities. This exchange is of interest to clergy and congregants in both denominations because, despite theological differences and the historical controversy that led to their split, in recent years there has been a growing solidarity of the two groups. On a number of issues of progressive religious conviction and social justice the two share common perspectives, and in some communities there are some churches that have become aligned with both denominations.

Prospective Student Days: 4 days later

2006-10-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm back in DC after a weekend to digest the rest of the prospective Student Days at Meadville Lombard. My impression is I'd be quite happy there, although I have to consider what type of school environment I am looking for. ML has 6 full time faculty and only about 45 students on campus at a given time. You are required (to get enough credits for graduation!) to take courses at the University of Chicago as well as at any of the 10 schools in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.

The "campus" is 4 buildings, but they are smack in the middle of the University of Chicago campus, and as a student you can use the facilities, etc. Hyde Park seemed like a pretty neat place - always a stream of people, interesting little places to eat... it did SNOW so I didn't spend too much time exploring the neighborhood, but we took a little tour of campus. It's nice!

I asked one of the students how often they get to downtown Chicago... one a month! It's definitely a trek up there, but arguably worth it. Hopefully I'd get there more often. At least I'd have plenty of time to catch up on my reading!

Prospective student: Day 1

2006-10-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this from the basement of a residence hall in Chicago... I have just finished my first of a 3-day prospective student orientation at Meadville-Lombard Theological School. There are 12 people here for this, and the group is almost split equally between young adults and over 50's (ish). We did introductions followed by a quick tour of the campus. The Meadville-Lombard "campus" is actually 2 buildings, but they are nestled in the hub of the University of Chicago campus. And even through the cold and rain, the beauty of the campus shows through. We were in one outside corridor (is there a name for such a thing?) and I commented "I feel like I'm in Hogwarts" and all 6 people in my group got the reference! A good sign.

Already this is proving to be harder than I thought it would be. I had hoped the worst of the introspection, doubt, and confusion was over... alas... according to the sermon at the Vespers service, that's what ministry is all about. He said to be a minister is to lead a life of integrity. I'm working on this. I try to lead a principled life - I always stand up when needed, I don't shop at non-union grocery stores, and I follow up words with actions. But I see "integrity" as something much more whole, much more perfect than I am. I do aspire to "lead a life of integrity" and I think that is where we all need introspection. A big part of being a religious person, a UU, or even just a human, is your hope and intentional work for integrity. It is your moral character, the application of your ethics and principles. "Do onto others as you will have done to you" is a big charge, and an essential one. If we are ever to see change and progress, we must adopt this idea, and actively reflect on our own integrity; reflect on how it is that we would like to be treated and change our behavior, if needed, to mirror those ideas. Gandhi said "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." You don't have to be a religious or political leader, nor a teacher or doctor or organizer... but you do need to be intentional with your words and deeds.

And so, I'm facing this awesome task of leading a life of example (scrutiny) and integrity. I am trying to be the change I wish to see, but it is not easy. It takes lots of deep breaths, tears, quiet moments, and an increasingly large amount of time alone. I hope integrity doesn't always include so much loneliness. I know it doesn't, because everyone here is facing it, too, so coming into a place where you're supposed to feel that way will be nice. For now, I guess it's part of the journey =/

Patience, acceptance, respect...

2006-10-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Being a minister surely will take more magnanimity than I currently possess. As Rebekah commented, being the ever patient supporter has got to be the hardest part! I have a few thoughts around this...

Perhaps my biggest concern of following this path is changing who I am. I use four-letter words, wear sparkly shirts, and don't hide my opinions. And I think those are defining parts of my personality. Of course, there's room for improvement (and I'm looking forward to it) and I can keep away from the pulpit... My friend Jake, a PK from WI, has been fabulously supportive. In a particularity encouraging moment while discussing this topic, he said it takes all kinds of ministers to reach all sorts of people, and he thought that those traits would only attract more people who otherwise wouldn't be involved. I liked this idea! I'll have to strike a balance, which will be challenging, and I'm counting on my friends and family to help me stay grounded!

Also, I'm looking forward to the "practical" part of seminary. When I was a Resident Assistant, I always hoped for more training and guidance in relating to people on such a personal level. Active listening skills, pastoral care, ministerial leadership, etc, will all help further develop that part of me, and I'm committed to bettering it.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to pursue campus chaplaincy, guided by the idea that I'm not your average campus chaplain. I don't think that an interfaith service means reading from the Jewish part of the Bible. And I'm not an old white guy. Higher ed is a strong part of my world, and I think there's an important place for truly inter-faith services and exploration of spirituality on a campuses. Most places just need a little spicing up and I can definitely handle that!

Oh the Places You'll Go

2006-09-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

First off, let me clarify... I'm going to be a Unitarian Universalist minister, no god-fearing for me.

There are only 2 specifically UU seminaries. One is Starr King in Berkeley, the other Meadville-Lombard in Chicago. I visited Starr King in May and concluded that I was not a Berkeley/circle worship kind of gal. I will be visiting Meadville in a few weeks for their prospective students days.

I am not limited to UU seminary, but I definitely want to be in a place with plenty of UU's and with people who understand the Principles. There are several other viable options that I have explored for geographic reasons over programmatic, including Wesley (Washington, DC), Union (NYC), and Harvard. I entertained the idea of Rabbinical school (yes, Rabbi training!) because I enjoy Judaism more than Christianity. The only school that would take me and my non-hebrew-speaking ways, however, is outside of Cincinnati, and as much as I love people from Cincity, I don't think I want to live there... The other true option based on the program is Andover Newton (outside of Boston). They seem to have a pretty developed UU course offering and some great opportunities for students. Hopefully I'll be visiting ANTS, as they affectionately call it, in early November.

At this point I think it's falling between Meadville and ANTS, but all could change once I visit!

Hello?

2006-09-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Red wood
Originally uploaded by morganrmclean.

I've been talking about seminary on-and-off for a few years, with different people at different times. I finally sent away for info early this year and talked to my DC folk quite a bit about it. On a much needed vacation in Portland/Seattle/San Fran in May, many things became clearer in my life, arguably most important was "the calling." I spent quality time with my dad's best friend and retired minister, Maynard, and his wife Darleen. Accompained with lots of wine and many laughs, their wisdom and experience proved to reinforce my suspicions that this was right. And more time with Will Critzman, who is always an inspiration and amazing sounding board, was just as reaffirming. Over some desserts and champagne, he gave a resounding "Yes. This is what you're going to do." And so it would be.

I've been working on my personal statement - I keep calling it a "faith statement"- for months. This is the opening of my personal statement:

I guess I’ve found God – Spirit of life and love, the energy that binds us all together, the shared emotions that bring meaning to our principles, the guiding force that calls on us all to strive for more noble aims. My calling has been an ever-present whisper just beyond the noise of everyday life. But then I stepped away from the sirens, from laundry and bills and health insurance… I stepped into a Redwood forest, and I listened. Ancient majesty silenced all but the voice in me. And that whisper gained strength from the old growth, from cavernous trunks and fallen trees. It elevated into a low hum and then, with the sudden competition of a small waterfall, it spoke clearly. Matter-of-factly. I could no longer tune it out. It spoke truth. It spoke meaning. It spoke the final destination of the journey I began at two weeks old when a minister held me on Christmas Eve and dedicated me into a spiritual home.

Reverend McLean?

2006-09-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

Inspired by sage advice, I'm starting this blog to chronicle the process of, uhh, becoming a minister... It'd be a way, the wise woman said, to see what you actually think, and to let your friends tell you how crazy you may or may not be. That was a few months ago. Then I had surgery. But lately I was extra inspired by the Lovehardstein's wedding blog which is personal, witty and picture-filled. And since I petition for blog-use professionally, I should probably enter the blogosphere personally. So there you have it - I'm going to try this out! Please, friends & family, do comment!

I've been chewing on this awhile* now, and most of the introspection has happened. I was definitely crazy then (people to vouch for that especially include: Evelyn, KP, Jake, Will, Kim). But I suppose the same questions I had in April are still open - more on those in a later post.

I am planning to enroll in seminary in fall 2007, giving me a few months to visit & research schools, a few months to apply, time to hope for the acceptance letter, and a some time to live it up in DC before planning the move...

How I came to the decision (aka "hearing the call") and where I'm thinking of doing this "minister" thing are, I envision, the next few posts to come!

*From dictionary.com: Usage Note: Awhile, an adverb, is never preceded by a preposition such as for, but the two-word form a while may be preceded by a preposition. In writing, each of the following is acceptable: stay awhile; stay for a while; stay a while (but not stay for awhile).