Meet Fang

When I announced to one of my mom's sisters that I was considering getting a dog, a greyhound, she laughed. She laughed because coupled with this conversation was the fact that I had moved into a groundfloor apartment which made me more vulnerable to crazy folks entering without invitation, but I knew that one top deterrent to potential intruders is the presence of a large dog with large teeth. Right?

Enter the Greyhound.

"With his quiet dignity and independence, the Greyhound is often likened to a cat.

Once past the puppy stage, he is calm and quiet indoors, moving lightly and gracefully.

This sensitive breed prefers peace and quiet and soft-spoken people. He does not do well in an environment with frequent tension or loud voices.

Most Greyhounds are politely reserved with strangers, and prefer to lean against their owner's leg rather than approaching people they don't know.

Greyhounds are non-aggressive. They tend to freeze when challenged or attacked.

This quiet dog seldom barks."

This merits my aunts laughter at the idea of my getting a greyhound and simultaneously thinking he may be a guard dog. (She did suggest I get him a collar with spikes and call him "Fang" to at least appear intimidating.)

The first half year, Silas would distance himself as far as possible from strangers and sometimes not-so-strangers. Now a year later, he will acknowledge someone's presence and may even go up to him or her, but still when a guest rings the buzzer and enters my home, Si goes straight to his bed, lies down and cautiously observes at a safe distance.

Not a guard dog. Until now.

Though he weighs 60lbs+, Silas has a small bladder. If I do not time his outings properly, I will be woken up mid-dream with his request to be taken out. I've learned these are not to be ignored.

Recently, whilst half asleep during one of these outings, I held his leash as Si pranced around the base of a tree to relieve himself.

At this moment, a man had been dropped off and was heading toward the entrance of an apartment near where I was standing. He was livid, grumbling and every movement was out of anger to the point that he furiously kicked a pile of leaves and sticks and sent them scattering. Instantly, my docile dog sprang to action, lunged at the man and barked viciously. Thankfully, we were far enough away that no one was in danger of being bitten or beaten, but indeed it was an event that though my heart was racing, I was proud of this little friend and felt (and feel) safe with a bodyguard at my side.

So, I have this message to any potential intruder:

Beware of Dog!

WeebWhat?

The current class I'm taking had the students create an on-line portfolio of various types of writing that we've discussed thus far in the semester (using weebly.com). I'm told it will be beneficial for me to create a similar portfolio with various subjects for teaching to use with my resume when searching for future teaching jobs. In light of that, I'll certainly be updating this site. However, since I'm not sure when the professor will get around to marking what's there no updates will be made until after December.

Nonetheless, enjoy! vlakeportfolio.weebly.com (Yes, a few things I stole from my blog...)

A Little Exercise

Would you like to go running with my dog?



Keep in mind that he doesn't do straight lines very well.

Cross-eyed Cutie

I accompanied my slender, four-legged little friend for his regular pedi/manicure treatments on this lovely Friday afternoon.

Upon entering the salon (aka Petsmart), the overly energetic welcomer commented on Silas' perky and peculiar ears as we trotted our way across the tiled floor to register for his appointment.

Following his ordeal with the salonist which always includes trembling, panting and attempted escapes (by Silas!); we sauntered through the aisles, grabbed a few forgive-me-snacks and made our way to the cashier.

The welcome-girl-turned-cashier smiled innocently and asked if all greyhounds' eyes were set like Silas'. Expecting another positive remark about my handsome companion, I replied 'Yes". To which she remarked, "It's very strange, he's like a cross-eyed cutie."

And how does one respond to that?!

Portrait of an ESFJ

A while back a new friend suggested I take one of these Personality Tests. I actually took it a few times, because I doubt that answering a few questions can bring about a summation of my personality - but lo, it hath! (Kinda. Some mysteries will remain, to be sure!)

It's a lot to read, but if you find yourself bored some late night, take a gander and you'll actually learn a bit about me - for good or bad!

ESFJ

Re-Centering

12 very formative years of mine were spent sitting in poorly heated (or extremely humid!) classrooms, waiting on steps and running around in the tiny gym of this little red brick building.
On a recent trip to Holland, Michigan, I chose to return to this little school on Plasman Avenue after many years. I sat on the steps and wandered around the fenced in playground. I allowed a myriad of memories to wash over and flood through me as I remembered year-by-year and classroom-by-classroom. I recalled friends, teachers, coaches and pastors. I remembered choir rehearsals, sports games, chapels and study halls. Laughter, sorrow, fear, accomplishment, anger, gratitude and regret walked with me through these memories.

I had no agenda in this visit. I just sat. I just remembered. I just re-centered. I surveyed my current life and the recent events which brought me to this place. I traced the years backwards to the day I left those school corridors for good, what carried me from there and now what took me back.

It's an incredible story. It's a lovely story. It's a bumpy story. It's my story. I don't want to lose it. I fear moving on too quickly and forgetting each important chapter with each particular character and event. My passions and motivations and dreams are still alive, but easily get lost in the melee of the adult world. But sitting on the steps of this old brick building set in West Michigan, the ghosts of school days passed whispered messages of refreshment and refocus.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Calvary building is now only an elementary school, though during my years it was kindergarten through 12th grade - lest you think it took me 12 years to get through my first six years of schooling!!!

On Relocation and Dislocation

"What human language captures the dislocation, the acute insufficiency of being in the presence of the superorganism [America], the sinking, shrinking feeling at this display of industrial steel and light and might? It was as if nothing I'd ever done in life prior to this counted. As if my past life was revealed to be a waste, a gesture in slow motion, because what I considered scarce and precious was in fact plentiful and cheap, and what I counted as rapid progress turned out to be glacially slow."

This excerpt is taken from a novel by Abraham Verghese, "Cutting for Stone". At this point Dr. Marion Stone is reflecting on his forced exodus from of his home country and relocation to the United States. I was struck by how in the last year I've often resonated with Marion's words, but never quite knew that this was the voice behind my emotion.

However, simultaneously a wise friend once told me that she believed every experience, every relationship, every trial and every joy will come full circle to deepen our understanding of life and broaden our perspective on others and God's working therein.

Though I may feel lost in this superorganism at times, I believe my years in Europe, my education and my experience will come together and unveil a Master weaver of these threads. Until then, I wait and believe and work and pray.

Money Motivates

I can currently do random 5k runs here and there. In fact I was supposed to do one this past Saturday, but a series of events kept me from doing this. Thursday I did a 5k trial run, just to be sure my body still knew what running was - it did.

My motivation to run is about as high as my motivation to pay any bill that lands in my mail box. Both, if not followed through, have their respective consequences.

I want to run. I liked running when I did. Getting to that point again is my goal.

This may have been a rash and stupid move, but today I registered for a half-marathon at the end of September. Um, yes, I already registered and yes, September 2011. It's a 5k times 4 and a half. Two hours of running.

I haven't done two hours straight of anything in a long time - apart from sleeping and sitting on a computer chair. (Not necessarily sleep on the computer chair...)

So if you have nothing else to do on September 24th and find yourself in the Holland area, come have a pleasant amble along the Lakeshore, grab a corn dog and enjoy the show!! One of us should :)

Today and Tomorrow

I don't have lofty dreams or immense longings to escape. I love to live fully engaged where I am as best I can.

I don't simply hope for a better tomorrow, but live for the best today. And it's fun; it's worthwhile; and yes, it's biblical.

Though I do not believe my traveling days are over and that's exciting for me. Moving apartments, cities, countries or continents are all very real possibilities and I'm ready!

Me and my little dog have very few possessions which need to accompany us on the journey, though my bike is a serious consideration.

No, I'm not discontent - not at all. My present situation is very pleasant and I've nothing to complain about that's worth listening to. I just have fun imagining where I will be five years from now: Check back in 2016!!

Shiny Happy People

"There are some who think..." "Some people feel..." "People have said..."

Who ARE these "people"?

And why is it that these unnamed cowards' opinions have more weight than those who have made the plans and who have a name and a face. Certainly things can be done differently, better and more efficiently, but it's the plan of one who stepped up and did something, asking for advice and guidance, which gets burnt by these people's evaluation.

These "people", these shadows of cynicism, appear not quite too late in the game. One day or one hour later and "some" opinions wouldn't carry any value worthy of discussion. But nope, they voice (granted second or third hand) their nasty little negative ideas just when the last puzzle piece is about to be laid, thus upsetting the whole puzzle.

"People", name yourselves!

Humph. Tirade over.

Ooof, this is possibly the first negative web-log entry I have ever done. Don't quite like it, but had to get it out there - out of me, at least!

Cheese!

You didn't know greyhounds could smile, did you?

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Meet Gabinka, whom when adopted in 2005 was the size of a quarter. Now, don't tell her, but she's actually the size of a good meal. (And very possibly a 'he'). Her home remains in Prague, as without the proper paperwork she could not cross borders, whereas I, without the proper paperwork was forced across borders.

Nonetheless, here she is in a recent video sent to me for my enjoyment and recognition that she is alive and well.

Spring 2010, Yes, that is actually real meat...


Spring 2010, Just swimming:


Spring 2011, The most recent one, eating an all time favourite snack:

What can I say? I don't have cute kids to put up here, so I gotta post videos of something living. Next, my house plant. Excited, aren't you?

Of Coloured Balls and Uncle Paul

Calvin Seminary has a Scripture memory club. Every year they choose a text or book of Scripture to memorise and during a chapel service in the Spring semester they dramatically recite the passage. This year it was Philippians and the best recitation of Scripture I've heard yet. It included a rhythmical drum beat, a chorus and responsive reading. Listening to the clubbers speak the words of Apostle Paul in the back of my mind (probably not only mine) was the curiosity if someone would forget the next line or flub up the present one. I had a strong sense that I wanted the recitation to be perfect, but when a mistake occurs I admit to feeling a bit of relief about their humanity.

Thus with jugglers. It's amazing to see these magicians of gravity able to keep so many of the brightly coloured balls whizzing around their heads with the ease of flipping pages of a book. You really want them to keep the round objects up in the air and obeying the one who tosses them up, catches them and tosses them again. You stand their awe-struck until the performance has finished, hoping it's not a premature ending due to an unruly ball finding its way past the juggler's hand and dropping to the earth. But, lo, it happens. He is human as well.

Confused recitations and dropped balls: Yep, it happens. If it hasn't, it will.

Then what? Drop the rest of the balls and go home? Pass on continuing the scripture verses and sit down?

Nope. Pick up the miscreant ball and start again. Take a peek at the Bible passage and speak on.

Have you seen Me?

Long story short - my beloved bicycle is resting peaceably against the wall in my dining room. No criminal activity took place apart from my storing the two wheeled structure in a room in which this was not allowed. However, to my defense, I had no idea that this was forbidden. No signs were posted saying I couldn't and likewise, no sign was posted saying that my friendly apartment complex guys removed it! Agh. Nonetheless, I have it and learned in a few short days how to let go... kind of.

The Look.

You need not see what someone is doing
to know if it is his vocation,

you have only to watch his eyes:
a cook mixing a sauce, a surgeon

making a primary incision,
a clerk completing a bill of lading,

wear the same rapt expression,
forgetting themselves in a function.

How beautiful it is,
that eye-on-the-object look.

-WH Auden

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm taking a 4 credit Math class next year which frightens me to the core.

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm registering for classes over the summer in a different city than I live and work.

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm a student at two different schools and looking at a third.

That 'eye-on-the-object look' is why I'm slowly but steadily and assuredly pursuing an elementary education teaching certification.

I love seeing these little humans learn. I love watching children develop an understanding of the world. I love meeting them where they are and walking forward hand-in-hand, asking questions and answering them together. This inspires me. This energizes me. This gives me the 'eye-on-the-object look'.

(Even enough for me to brave a 4 credit math course... oh man.)

Mr Wystan Hugh Auden, you got it right. You put words to my passion. Thank you.

Last Saturday of April 2011

07.00


09.00

12.30

14.00



17.00

19.00

20.00

22.30

Growing Girth for the Gerths

The Gerth family is on their way to Tanzania in East Africa to work with Wycliffe Bible translators and we can help get them there.

The total amount of $45,000 is needed as one time gifts in order to get Ben, Jeannette, Kara, Luke, Ellie, Jenna and their belongings across the ocean safely; plus it covers Africa orientation, Swahili language school, a vehicle, and housing set-up.

Help yourself to some delicious cheesecake and help them get on their way and get settled!

Above are a few of the many incredible cheesecake flavors available. If you don’t see your favorite or you feel creative, just ask and find out what Baker Gayle can do!

One cheesecake can satisfy 16 (average!) people for only $35 – with the entire proceeds helping the Gerth family move.

Drop me a note and I'll get you the contact info as to how you can get one of these cheesecakes in your fridge!

Want to join me for lunch today?

Nutty visitors

This guy clearly heard there were plenty of nuts at the Seminary!!

(I came across this photo from late last summer when this little visitor stopped by our offices.)

Happy Day to Me

One year has passed since I first sat behind my desk in the south hall at Calvin Theological Seminary.

I've gone through two fish and have since gained two more. Countless bags of Starbursts and Twizzlers have been eaten by visitors wandering by and through. A number of colleagues have seen my little abode and more have been introduced to Si. These among a number of other things characterize the last 365 days in SM 126S.

Today's activities added to the story. This week is extremely quiet since a large majority of the students and faculty will not appear on campus because of Spring Break. Whilst they bask in warm weather somewhere other than Michigan, my coworkers and I find things to keep our spirits high.

Last Friday, I realized that this week I will have been working for one full year at Calvin, which definitely calls for somekind of party. I then invited all to a "surprise picnic party for V to celebrate her one year of employment at CTS" (Calvin Theological Seminary). Yes, it's weird and a touch narcissistic, but hey, it was fun!

Too cold to actually have a picnic, we enjoyed picnic-like food indoors with baked beans, macaroni salad and my all time favorite sausages (bratwursts) to all be finished off with cake and ice-cream.

Though clearly not a surprise since I organized it and sent out the e-mail.., my friends did surprise me with a table full of gifts. Knowing these people as I do, I knew not to get too excited about the possible contents of the packages.

See below.
(I apologize for the blurriness, the photographer later complained that I moved too much. Clearly he was right.)

I really don't know how to explain... Basically I'm wearing layers of other people's clothes given to me as gifts by loving colleagues. And yes, this included maternity shorts. I don't know either.

Spring Springeth

A few determined snow piles are clinging to their final crystaline frosty clumps, but there's no doubt that after one or two more days the last lurking bits of winter will disappear for a good long time. And I'm ready!

I've:

• priced bike racks for my car
• secured a student bus pass to explore the greater Grand Rapids area
• washed the few, but large windows of my tiny abode
• begun teaching my dog to run alongside me - well, trot
• raked my back yard

'Rake?' you ask. Yes, I do indeed live in an apartment complex where the grounds crew is responsible to clean the site. This includes cutting the grass and raking the leaves, but there are some areas - particularly the view from my patio - which are not included in their 'to-groom' list.

But it is on my list. If you look closely at this photo from last spring/summer you will see there is nice greenery, but also that the ground is blanketed with dead leaves.

This spring I intend to see green replace the brown hue, so today was my first layer of the raking mission. 'First layer' because I have no idea when, if ever, the leaves back there were cleaned up. It's probable not since the early 80's when these apartments were built. Muck and gunk on my boots after today's outdoor spring cleaning attest to this.

One problem is I'm not entirely sure where to put the leaf-muck pile. Being in touch with the apartment complex owners has gotten no response, so I'm left to my own creativity and devices. It may call for an ad on craigslist. It's amazing what people will take if you say it's 'FREE'.

Also, there's no promise that green will grow since my backyard really is more like a swamp area next to the creek, but I can still hope, can't I?

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?

Lots of flora and fauna to greet me on my Arizona adventure:

This last greeting wasn't such a pleasant one for either party. Hm.

Yup

Come and Dine.

I love leftovers. I always have. In my fridge or in yours, I'm not picky.

A positive consequence of entertaining friends for a meal is that the leftovers remain with me. (And sometimes theirs do as well!)

I only make what I like, so apart from the actual enjoyment of feeding guests, the following day I can rummage through the plastic containers to revisit the delicacies of the night before.

Right now in my little fridge are stacked tiny containers with:

• salmon
• mashed potatoes
• peas
• spinach & mushroom salad
• cheese sauce
• pecan pie (brought by guests!)

Pur-pur-Purple

Yep, it's purple. Well, blue-ish purple. I convinced one student that it's mood-hair colour. You know like the mood-rings that were popular a while ago... changing shade depending on my emotional state.

Wouldn't that be great? And yes, a bit frightening!

One of these things is not like the other...

Remember the Highlights magazines?

I loved them.

Absolutely.

Finding smaller items hidden in a full page picture.

Twisting the riddles around in my brain to come up with the correct responses.

Inspecting two almost identical sketches and finding the differences.Now I've got one for you> comparing three images and finding what the commonality is:

Minnesota Vikings

International Baptist Theological Seminary

V's new do.


Good luck!

Tranquility and Vapor Management

This weekend I was deliberate in my Sunday morning church choice knowing that the preaching at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville is scriptural, insightful and real. What I needed. (Plus, if you get there early enough you can grab a cup of coffee and a quarter of a bagel.)

In January, Mars Hill began a series on the wisdom literature of Ecclesiastes. Though not a faithful participant of this mega-church’s congregation I was fortunate to hear and learn from sermon one of the series; the poignancy of the symbolism and the lesson still today reverberating in my memory.

Within the last two weeks I’ve gradually become consumed with thoughts, plans and worries so much that a knot was developing in my gut. Unfounded and unnecessary, but present; thus invoking my decision to attend Mars Hill’s exposition of another text from Ecclesiastes.

Rob Bell and the Holy Spirit came through for me.

Without rehashing the sermon for you and doing an injustice to the eloquence and insight of Rob, I’ll just say the knot in my stomach is unwinding as I trust God in my and other’s decisions and rest in the leading of the Spirit as we move forward with perseverance and tranquility.

If you have a few minutes (and if you don’t, you should) please allow yourself opportunity to engage in the homiletical skill of Rob and the convicting exhortation of the Spirit.