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April 20, 2007
Where You Go, There You Are
I've confirmed yet again that international travel makes a mess of my otherwise limited ability to sleep. I suppose the advantage is that there's more time available to work. I should find something more constructive to do with that free time though.
I've enjoyed the time with my Japanese colleagues over the last two days. The small gestures of graciousness and social order are very comforting. I suppose that makes sense - I like expressions of peace. We have far too much of the opposite.
Just before I left I grabbed Beth's copy of A stranger in the Kingdom. Aside from being a very well written book, the story is embellished with countless Vermont nuances that are likely lost on those not familiar with the "culture". It also talks directly and in metaphor about belonging. I'm savoring my first reading of the book.
I can't wait to get home.
Posted by pgutwin at 4:56 PM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2007
The Cat Ate My Homework
On Wednesday, Senator Leahy said he didn't believe President Bushs' administration when they said they couldn't retrieve the emails Leahy's commitee has requested - it was like saying "The dog ate my homework". I thought at the time the Senator was grasping - but now i see what he means...
Posted by pgutwin at 1:42 PM | Comments (1)
April 14, 2007
Wilfing
Andrew Sullivan has a delightful bit on wilfing . What I love is that this is:
- This behavior has been noted by someone besides me. I honestly can't say it's something I experience - there are a few web sites I check every day or two, but that's about it. I have observed this behavior in others 'tho...
- This behavior has a name. I especially love that the English named it and use the name. Those crazy Brits.
- Someone took time out from blabing about misusing the Federal legal system for political ends, the end of the career of some trash-talking radio boob, and other "news" to write about something important in my life. OK, well maybe not as important as loving & family etc., but you know, "meaningful" (pun intended).
Posted by pgutwin at 7:37 AM | Comments (0)
April 7, 2007
Messy Traditions
During the Maundy Thursday service at St. Paul's, Ken Poppe delivered a homily on the Last Supper in which he pointed out that the events of Holy Week were chaotic and hurried as were the events that Passover celebrates.
I realized that most of the events we celebrate commemorate important but confusing times. It's only upon reflection that we truly understand the meaning of those events. The important moments of our personal lives, as well as our communal life are disorganized, rushed and leave us with conflicted feelings. It's only after we understand these moments through discussion and reflection that their true meaning becomes clear - who we are, what we are about, where we are going.
Reflection is a two-edged sword though. Memory can play tricks, especially when the truth about the events is uncomfortable, when the implications are to difficult to accept. We can "remember" events in a way to fit our well-thought-out understanding of ourselves and those we love rather than accept the real truth revealed.
Being human is all of that. I'm enjoying Holy Week, and will especially be celebrating our tradition of messy traditions.
Posted by pgutwin at 9:45 AM | Comments (0)