Prayers for Poland...

Click the link and check out Andrew's "Face of the Day". Marta, daughter of the Polish President who died in the plane crash, along with her mom. Raw grief...very moving:

Face Of The Day - The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan

We want a number ten!

Jodie and I are attending a computer testing session in Salem this week.

We found Jack in the Box on our Garmin and headed there.

We went through the drive through. I shut our diesel rig off to give the order taker a better chance to hear Jodie giving our order from the passenger side. We each picked a combo number to keep it simple.

The gal got Jodie's order easy enough, but she could not seem to get mine. "We want a number ten!" Jodie said over and over. The number ten we saw on the menu was a sourdough chicken combo. It sounded like the gal was repeating "number ten", but then listing a bunch of stuff that was different from the number ten I was seeing.

I finally told Jodie, "You know what? I will eat it...whatever it is, I will eat it."

Curly fries, double bacon cheeseburger, deep fried mozarilla sticks, jalipanos and two egg rolls...

Enough fat to bring down the Titanic!

Date Night

Jodie, Eric and I went to meet Brad and Lori at the theater to see Date Night yesterday. We were late, as usual. We did'nt see Brad or Lori. We thought they might already be in the theater, or they would find us.

We went in. Jodie was in her power chair, I had my walker, so we sat down front. Brad and Lori were not in there.. A guy came in and was looking around. I thought it was Brad.

"Hey Brad!" I said. It was Brad, but it was Eric's former band teacher. Weird moment!

I went out to the lobby. Brad was there looking for us. They were watching the same movie in the theater next to ours. I'm sure they were in the right one for the time we had set.

it was a good movie, but not as great as we had expected from the comedic duo of Fey and Carroll. The best comedy was subtle, when they weren't trying so hard. Good chemistry there.

We went to Old Chicago afterwards. It was a fun evening.

And no, we did not take someone else's reservation...;)

We didn't know he was dead....

Man Dead Hours Before Family Attempted to Check Him in for Flight, Police Say - ABC News

We can!

I can become more than I am...you can become more than you are...

Yes, we can:

Seth's Blog: Accepting limits

And isn't it even worse to write off a person or an organization merely because of what they are instead of what they might become?

Easter thoughts from Googlinggod...

He is Risen: Where Will We Meet Him? | Googling God: "When that invitation comes to you, will you be brave enough to believe that Jesus can transform you? Will you be brave enough to throw away what is comfortable to do something that is unknown? Will you be able to say “Yes” not in a silly or superficial way, but in a way that asks yourself to look more deeply at your relationship with God and others and asks yourself what is it that God is calling you to become? What is God asking you to transform in your life?"

Journeys, goals and miracles

Today I helped my mom and stepdad move a dresser and a queen bed to my sister's place. My contribution was our big rig -- I went along for the ride. We went for lunch afterwards to Foster Burgers, another great find of my sister's boyfriend. Fabulous burger and shakes if you ever get the chance to go.

On my way home, something very frightening happened. We have a curve on one of the streets just down from our house. You need to slow down and watch to make sure an oncoming car is not going to fast and crossing into your lane.

I was slowing down. I saw a lady walking a large dog on the sidewalk on my right. As I was going by her, a smaller dog...a fox terrier I think, came running from across the street. I could not possibly stop that fast. Our van sits very high. Eighteen inch clearance...I don't know.

The dog ran under our van. He ran between the tires and out the other side. Our rig is 8500 lbs. I would not feel it if I hit the dog. I slowed and saw the little dog greeting, attacking, or whatever, the bigger dog. I don't think they knew each other...just a little dog on the loose.

I was shaken when I got home, very thankful for a tragedy averted. I wondered how that little guy cleared four tires of our monstrous van doing 25 to 30 mph. It was a miracle he made it through unharmed.

I think there is a lesson here. How many times have I obliviously run under a moving van, totally unaware of the present danger, for an elusive and meaningless goal?

You are right...too deep. Be thankful for tragedy averted.

Goals can be good, but take care, and enjoy the journey. Goals can turn out bad. Appreciate the

miracles that save us.

;)

I don't need this...

...but I want one...

iPad Lines Around the U.S. [PICS]

The chase we saw up I-5 last night...

Getaway Car Crashes Through Fence, Keeps Going - KOINLocal6.com

Get your palm branches up!

God Needs You! - Our Daily Bread: "Someone once asked Francis of Assisi how he was able to accomplish so much. He replied, “This may be why: The Lord looked down from heaven and said, ‘Where can I find the weakest, littlest man on earth?’ Then He saw me and said, ‘I’ve found him. I will work through him, and he won’t be proud of it. He’ll see that I am only using him because of his insignificance.’ ”"

Cell phone shopping

Jodie's cell phone stopped holding a charge and her 2 year contract was up. Eric was tired of his phone. In this family, that means Jodie gets Eric's old phone, and Eric gets a new phone.

He and I went shopping at T-Moble..

I wanted to stay away from the smart phones; our cell phone bill is high enough. Just to know, I asked the salesman how much the internet charge per month on the smart phone was. $25...too much.

Eric started looking at the non smart phones. Some of them seemed pretty inteternet ready. Eric found a T-Moble Tap. We asked the salesman if it did email and internet. Yes, for $10 per month. Why $10 and not $25? Well, the internet is lower quality, more text like.

I felt like they were trying to get me to buy a smart phone rather than the cheaper option.

Eric scored.

Now guess who wants what Eric has?

Chess - more than just a game

For years I kept suggesting to my son, Eric, that he try taking chess at school from when he was in the younger grades, but I never forced him. Out of the blue this year he decided to take chess.

I took chess when I was in school. In junior high it was with Mr. Blanton in the library. At Beaverton High, I was president of the chess team. It was more of an honorary title. My game was not the strongest on the team, but the kids and our German teacher advisor supported me. I remember going to chess meets at Aloha High School and Catlin Gable. I always found in to be a thrill to be on a team representing my school where my disability was not a handicap.

Eric's school had a chess festival today. I was very moved.

There was a giant chess set up front. Plastic pieces just under 2 feet high. There were tables manned by kids, each showin g how different pieces moved.

At one point Eric was playing 2 little guys at once. Third or fourth grade, I'm not sure. They were trash talking Eric, how they were beating him. Eric took care of them.

I lost a close game to a high schooler. Then I played a dad who was particularly good with his knights...another close game, but another loss.

Two of the young guys played each other. The one who lost was overly concerned that his ranking would go down. The elementary schoolers are involved with much more competitive chess than the jr high/high schoolers.

A high schooler demonstrated blind chess. He sat with his back to the board. Eric wrote down the moves. Eric did not play blind chess today, but he has in class and he has the big Hershey bars to prove it.

Eric and other kids demonstrated how to play "Bug House". It drives me nuts! Four players, 2 boards. Pieces you gain from your opponent you can give to your partner to use against theirs. It is played at lightning speed. I don't begin to process that fast!

I went up front to watch the game on the giant chess board. Eric, kids his age, and older high school kids, jocks and nerds, were laughing and having fun. They were at the end of a game. They cleared away the pieces, and they had kids representing the pieces. They seemed like a band of brothers having fun.

Mr. Svehaug came and found me. "Mr. Wittren, we have another game set up for you."

My opponent was of Russian or East European descent. I could tell that chess was more than a game to him. I am good at chess at times, but not always consistent. This game, I was in a zone. We both castled and then I went on a very aggressive attack. I had forks in place that were so perfect that I never could have planned them. He was making incredible moves; I was making incredible moves. It was a blood bath. I had a king and a bishop left. He had a king and a pawn that was soon to be queen. We called it as a draw out of respect for the kind of game it was.

When I asked Eric how I would find them in the school when we first got there, he said "Follow the nerd herd."

Chess is way more than a game.

See, evidence right there that my end game in writing, as in chess, stinks!

A staggering number..

I don't remember hearing this number:

UN reports 222,570 dead in Haiti earthquake - Wikinews, the free news source

Don't stop believing!

I love Madea...I love Tyler Perry!

His priorities are in the right place:

Messages :: Tyler Perry.com

What would you do for five bucks?

Great find, Papa John!

Fiverr – The place for people to share things they’re willing to do for $5

Funny headline...

...tragic outcome:

Why You Shouldn't Give an 8-Year-Old An Uzi - Guns - Gawker

Faith in no faith is faith...

Must be a calculus problem.

The derivative of no faith...

BBC News - Atheists meet in Melbourne to celebrate lack of faith

World's richest dude...

...basically owns Mexico:

Carlos Slim 'World's Richest' Person: Forbes Says Mexican Billionaire Is Richer Than Bill Gates: "Slim's conglomerate of retail, telecom, manufacturing and construction companies so dominate the Mexican commercial landscape it is often easy for Mexicans to find themselves talking over a Slim-operated cell phone at a Slim-owned shopping center waiting to pay a bill to a Slim-owned company at a Slim-owned bank. If the line is too long, they can catch a quick coffee at a Slim-owned restaurant."

Punishing the kids for having 2 moms?

Even if your faith allows you to judge others, what part of Jesus' plea to let the little ones come to Him don't they understand?

Archdiocese defends decision to deny children because of lesbian parents - CNN.com

Dumb, da dumb dumb.....

Black Barbie Sold Cheaper Than White Barbie At Walmart

Special place for special people...

American Heart: Father Creates Morgan's Wonderland, a Theme Park for Those With Special Needs - ABC News

Don't tax my Pepsi!

Tax Soda, Pizza To Cut Obesity, Researchers Say

I could fit one of these in our Sprinter van

...and I could probably fit it in my new cell, I mean cube, at work:

Ford's New 'Figo,' A Ridiculously Inexpensive Made-For-India Compact (VIDEO)

Come on Lindsay...

This is a great commercial:

Lindsay Lohan Suing E-Trade For 'Milkaholic' Baby Ad

When you feel far from God...

...He is never far from you.

That was the message preached by my son, 14 yo Eric, at our church yesterday. Three services.

Eric drove the message home. A message so simple, yet so often forgot.

All the youth did a wonderful job with the services.

I'm so proud of Eric and all our kids. So much appreciation was shown to them afterwards. It is so nice to be in a congregation that values its richest asset, the kids.

RLC rocks!

Very sad reality check

Police: Couple nurtured virtual child while real baby starved - CNN.com

Okay, I need this...

The J-Walk Blog: Advances In Shoe Lacing

Can we get in?

Last night, Eric had a basketball playoff game at a church over in north Portland. Eric jumped out of the van and ran into the gym as soon as we got there.

Jodie and I looked at each other: "Can we get in?"

No ramp. It looked like an old loading dock. 18 inches high I would venture to say. I walked around to one end and saw three, short, 10 inch steps...maybe higher. I could have done them, except that when you get to the top, there was no railing, just a pole and the dropoff.

There was a guy talking on the phone in his pickup. Don't know who he was, but he was our angel for the moment.

He went and got one of the dads from our team. They hoisted Jodie up. I could tell that it hurt Jodie's shoulders a bit...and her pride a bit.

Disability and pride...there's a topic. Life is hard and awkward at times. You could lose it if you over analyze those times. We would much rather deal with our own challenges without troubling anyone else, bear our own cross if you will. Sometimes we need the help.

I grabbed a poll and pulled myself up. I'm not going to ask for help!

This was the first basketball game this season where Jodie has not used her power chair. We have not been carry her crutches in the van. She has not needed them. I don't know what possessed Eric to ask me if we should bring her crutches in the van as we left the house to go pick her up for the game, but I'm glad he asked.

Jodie has gotten used to being in her power chair. My own stability has been less stable lately. I like using my scooter when we are out and about.

We used to try to call churches and schools where Eric was going to have a game to see if it is accessible. People usually reply with an automatic "yes", as if it is a legal test, or without understanding what accessibility. Like that church where Eric played a couple years ago where the game was upstairs. There was an elevator...no one on site had a key for it, but there was an elevator.

Old churches do not need to worry about accessibility until they remodel. You could tell that the church gym we were at last night had not been remodeled for 30, 40 years...who knows.

I am sure that stand alone church gyms rank low on the need for accessibility. I know that most kids don't have a pair of disabled parents. I would think, though, that there would be many grandmas and grandpas out there who would have difficulty getting into that gym to watch games.

I know that the cost of accessibility is high, that churches lack the money for it. The cost for a ramp to the landing to the entry of that gym up to ADA specs would be high. It would need to be very long for one thing.

But I give you this: Jodie and I are your average crazed parents. Eric has made so much progress this year. He has gone from "I'd kinda like to have that ball, if your not doing anything with it" to "gimme that ball...it's my ball!"

Eric is our kid. We love him so much! We want to watch him every step of the way if...

...we can get in!

Retard!

I shudder when I hear "Retard!"

When kids would make fun of me when I was a kid, that is most often the word I would hear. That one, and "Spazz!"

Words don't hurt; the intent behind the word does.

I am also offended by certain people trying to gain political mileage by trying to gain political capital by trying to ban a word.

I don't like the word. It does not describe my disability and it is mean way to refer to my developmentally delayed brothers and sisters who have their own tough row to how.

"Retard!"...free speech.

Educate people. Change their hearts and minds.

Don't ban a frickin' word!

NBA.com: NBA supports Special Olympics in bid to 'End the Word'

Yes, Canada won

It was a very good hockey game. I don't watch hockey...I only watch during the Olympics.

I watched the Canada/USA game yesterday. I felt bad for the dejection on the USA faces after the game...they all played a great game.

Yes Glenda, Canada won. I eat crow.

BTW, I think you Maple Leafers were a wonder host for the 21st winter games.

Hide me...

...behind the palm trees:

WHEELIE cATHOLIC: Dear Ann Landers - I'm not surprised

Peek testing

This is a test to see if I can blog from my new email device..

Long day, long week...

Glad I did not hear this kind of crap before I became a Christian!

Naughty word...I know. I'm a back row Lutheran, what can I say?

If God exacted punishment on us, who would live? Who would stand a chance?

God is love. God loves me, God loves you.

These kind of notions are so hurtful:

Va. Lawmaker: Disabled Kids are God's Punishment for Abortion - Political Hotsheet - CBS News: "'The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically,' he reportedly said. 'Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children.'

'In the Old Testament, the first born of every being, animal and man, was dedicated to the Lord,' he added. 'There's a special punishment Christians would suggest.'"

Help for us Idiots

The J-Walk Blog: Wikipedia For Idiots

Yo Left Thumb Blogger...

Hey Glenda, Team USA over Team Canada? Aye...

Kids trump the stars: US hockey upsets Canada - Olympics - ESPN

Now I get it!

The J-Walk Blog: Explaining The Iraq War

Thanks WHEELIE...

A wonderful interview...makes me remember my college days...

WHEELIE cATHOLIC: A college student with CP talks about assumptions about disability: "It's not that I'm not able"

Used tp for sale? Hmm...

Creepy Classifieds: The Funniest Ads Newspapers Have Ever Printed (PICTURES)

Left Thumb blog Godess' take on the Winter Olympics

The cauldron behind a chain-link fence? Nice pics and observations from a local.

The couch curl-up as an Olympic event...it might work...

Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt � More Olympic Sightseeing

Sad, but no surprise...

My poor Beavs:

Goodbye, Corvallis (Jack Bog's Blog)

I am hooked on Seth's Blog...

...but I guess I won't be getting a Valentine's Day card any time soon. Is he trying to put Hallmark out of business?

Seth's Blog: Invent a holiday

My two cents...

Interesting conversation started over here:

Karen Spears Zacharias � Outside the Magic Circle: "“We were brought up, or at least I was brought up, to believe that the distribution of wealth was ordained by God. It was “in the blood.” You were born to be either wealthy and wise and rich and powerful and beautiful and healthy, or you were born to be poor and downtrodden and sick and miserable and drunken and immoral. There was very little you could do to change your fate because it was “in the blood.” I twas a very comforting thought, you see, because when you saw people starving and poor and miserable, you thought, “Well, it isn’t my fault. I didn’t do anything to cause it. God just ordained it that way.”"

This won't happen here...

This won't happen with the new SACWIS system rolling out for Child Welfare in Oregon this July, will it?

Change Child Welfare System - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register: "When county children services agencies find no basis for allegations of child abuse or neglect, they cannot formally close investigations listed on the SACWIS, according to the Dispatch. In fact, when any new information on a case becomes available, a cumbersome system must be used to make changes in computerized files. Change requests must be sent to the state, where they are reviewed and, if appropriate, entered into the SACWIS. That can take as long as six months. In the meantime, information available to local children services workers is incomplete and/or incorrect."

Hallowed ground

Eric had a game at Holy Cross Catholic church last night.

Holy Cross has a special place in my heart. It was my Grandma Wittren's church. I liked spending time with Grandma and Grandpa W as a kid. My brother and sister had a lot of friends and were pretty busy. I didn't really have the friends. I had Grandma and Grandpa.

I remember many Sunday mornings with Grandma. Grandpa did not go with us, but I remember Grandma and I getting into the car, the smell of her perfume, seeing her put on her lipstick, hearing country music, as we drove the mile to Holy Cross.

I remember going into the church with Grandma. Holy water by the door, the sign of the cross, kneeling to pray in the pew, the Latin chanting.

Grandma would get the whole family to come to Easter breakfast in the rectory.

As I got older, I did not go to Grandma's and her church as often. Grandma never did stop sharing with me the love of God.

When I was in high school, I heard the gospel of God's love in a different way from friends and family. I was 'born again'.

I remember with sadness the day I questioned Grandma about her faith. It was not the same as my faith, and from what I was being taught, she was wrong.

I was last at Holy Cross in 1985 at Grandma and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary. Grandma passed away in 1995. We were able to let her know that Jodie was pregnant just before she passed.

Last night we parked by the gym. Eric and his buddy ran inside. I was running our lift, getting my scooter and Jodie's power chair out of the van.

I looked across the huge parking lot to the door where Grandma and I use to go into worship.

It was so quiet and peaceful. I felt Grandma was with us. I felt God with us. I felt like we were on hallowed ground.

I told Jodie that I felt so stupid ever questioning Grandma's faith. Jodie said not to worry; Grandma understood.

I live my life by faith. I'll never be perfect; my faith is not perfect.

Part of the faith in me came from Grandma's love.

And last night I was on hallowed ground.

A 13 year old QB commits to USC?

For real?

David Sills and family react to USC commitment - ESPN

I don't know...

...Every now and then I would refute this statement:

STUMPTOWNBLOGGER: TODAY'S CHUCKLE

...Not too often, Pastor...

;)

FB is 6!

Happy 6th Birthday, Facebook!

Check out these models

Pretty amazing:

The J-Walk Blog: Model Photos

slideshow

Putting food on the table...

Interesting development in a land where women are not seen as equal:

'GI Janes' train to protect Iraq - CNN.com: "Most of the trainees said the risks don't concern them, as long as their paychecks put food on the table."

Sounds like my job...

Had to tell a worker yesterday no COBRA medical coverage on a 19 yr old...not the answer they were looking for...

Neil Barofsky: 'My Job Is To Be A Pain In The Ass'

Dumb question...

...what's it sound like when you eat?

Hearing aid you wear on your tooth Boing Boing

Jeb for Prez?

Let's see...Jeb or Sarah...?:

Jeb Bush for President in 2012? - Jeb Bush - Gawker

I want to see this...

HBO's 'Temple Grandin' Offers Inside Look At Autism - Disability Scoop

6 more weeks of winter...cool!

Home - Groundhog Day

Hmm...

Male Breast Reductions Fastest Growing Sector of Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic surgery - Gawker

Remembering #44

Nephew Vance and the Portland Christian gang had a game at Corbett last night.

Corbett is a small town in the Cascade foothills a half hour east of us. We go to their 4th of July parade. Eric's baseball team plays them...we befriended a family of one of the Corbett players a couple years ago.

Corbett is a arch rival. Corbett fans were seen with shirts a few years ago that said "Friends don't let friends go to PC!" Eric goes to PC. He never lets this memory go.

We went to pay for admission to the game in Corbett last night. The lady collecting was none other than Pat Lucas, a friend of my uncle's, and a friend of our family.

Pat's son, Jeff Lucas, was a Navy Seal. He died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2005.

As I watched the high school boys play, I could see future leaders. So much potential...so much hope.

I looked across the gym and I saw jersey #44 enshrined in a glass case. His mother came over to say goodbye.

Jeff Lucas. American hero.

Remember the heroes.

Remember their families.

Congratulations Jim!

Jodie had the hots for this fresh out of college high school teacher nearly 30 years ago. Jim and his family attend our church.

Awesome person for the job:

Schlachter will become superintendent of Gresham-Barlow schools

Hey Winneshiek...that was funny!

I was going down 122nd yesterday to pick Eric up from school.

At a red light, I was behind a tall, green pick up. Iowa plates, "Winneshiek" on the bottom. It's a county in NE Iowa...like, who doesn't know that?

A young gal was driving. She was smoking, and dangling the cigarette outside. She looked cool. Made me want to light up.

The cigarette dropped to the street.

The truck door opened. She jumped the four feet down the street and grabbed the cigarette. She hopped back into the truck.

She looked at me through her side mirror. She had that OMG look on her face as she saw me laughing. She started to laugh.

Don't worry Winneshiek, I won't tell anyone.

Cigs are expensive!

What's on the other side?

IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING: Explaining death: "'You don't know? You're a Christian man, and don't know what's on the other side?'"

Thanks Googling God...

Close call!

We were driving home from church yesterday. A lady pulled out of an apartment and cut us off...really bad.

I slammed on the breaks. I don't know how our 8500 pound van stopped...but it did.

I was not going to honk, but I fumbled for the horn. I thought she should know how close of call it was.

We pulled over. We had secured Jodie's chair. We had secured it with one restraint. It had really moved and was tipping. I have been telling Eric why we needed to secure it. He really did not get it...but now he does!

What the lady did next was pretty bizarre. She pulled over to the center median and stopped. As we started to go, she crossed back over two lanes of traffic, pulled into the gas station at the corner and turned her suv around to look at us. She then pulled out onto the cross street.

She drove slow and erratic. She then turned around, like she might be coming back to us.

When our light turned green, I was out of there! I kept looking in my mirror to see if she was behind us.

Maybe the lady felt bad and wanted to check on us. Maybe she was stoned.

I don't know!

Need to figure this one out

Yesterday I dropped Ma2 and Eric off at the front door at church. I drove to the back lot and helped Jodie out. I told her to go ahead in.

It was raining and really yucky.

I got my scooter out, closed up the van, and headed for the back door. I use to be able to open a door from my scooter. I was struggling.

A little boy ran to my assistance. He and his mom were greeting at another door and saw me through the window.

He held the door. I started to go. I had to back up and try again. Then, I ran over the boy's foot. OMG!! I felt terrible! He did not cry...he ran to his mom.

I felt so bad!

Need to figure out how to get into church without causing damage...or pain!

Pope To Priests: We Must Blog NOW

Interesting thoughts from the Pope. As we are getting more networked online, so must the clergy.

My pastors are online. Pastor Karl blogs a weekly E-votional, and Pastor Roger (serving the down and out) is blowing on the reeds, making us think.

Pope To Priests: We Must Blog NOW: "'The spread of multimedia communications and its rich 'menu of options' might make us think it sufficient simply to be present on the Web,' but priests are 'challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources,' he said."

Might as well put winning company's logo on Whitehouse as well

David Wallechinsky: Supreme Court Decision Shakes up 2012 Presidential Race; Poll Shows New Leaders: "Jumping right into policy issues, AT&T issued a press release announcing its intention, if elected, to disband the Secret Service and replace it with Blackwater/Xe. Not to be outdone, Goldman Sachs announced that if it took over the White House, it would eliminate the Pentagon. The War in Iraq would be handed over to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and the War in Afghanistan to the World Boxing Council (WBC). This decision caused great controversy, but it died away when Goldman Sachs promised Yemen to the World Boxing Association (WBA)."

Bubble Wrap at 50...

Bubble Wrap Celebrates 50th Birthday

Largest nation in Africa and Arab world

I never realized Sudan was this big.

It is so easy to worry about our own area of the globe without considering other areas of the globe.

I think our calling is greater than that.

Learning about the needs of the rest of the globe will sharpen our hearts and minds to put our own problems in perspective and reach out to others.

South Sudan prepares for elections: "Sudan is the largest nation in either Africa or the Arab world, covering 967,000 square miles, making it about one quarter the size of the United States. It has a population of about 40 million."

Most Union Members Now Work for Government - NYTimes.com

Interesting news. Yes, I am one of those union government workers.

I was a volunteer to start. I remember when I was hired, my family was thrilled...not so much the pay, but the benefits.

Twenty years later, it is still not so much the pay, but the benefits.

Most Union Members Now Work for Government - NYTimes.com

Here is a interesting discussion about why most union jobs are now with government...and where the other union jobs have gone.

A crass thought from a government worker: If you can't beat us, joint.

Caveat: If you join us, you will never be rich.

Choosing a call over riches...

Dreaming of riches and fame...working your butt off for it...

Then, a call from God.

I know a pastor who gave up a lot for a call.

Not quite as dramatic. Even so, have to admire them.

From Baseball to Priesthood - The Daily Beast

Nice pic Pastor Rog

Makes me think of my favorite line by Bob Dylan..."Money doesn't talk; it swears.":

Koine Community in Portland.: Free Speech

Why health care reform would be nice...

John is still looking for work...

Number Seven Forty Four - john's MySpace Blog | I do count, but for what?

As if elections were not already bought...

Could there possibly be more campaign commercials? I'm sure we will see:

Campaign-Finance Ruling Opens Door to More Political Groups - WSJ.com: "The question now is whether corporations and labor unions will take advantage of their new freedom. For the past decade, labor unions have been more aggressive than corporations in finding legal ways to fund independent political campaigns. But the relaxation of campaign-spending restrictions could clear the way for groups from all points along the political spectrum to spend more, and target more of that spending in the critical final days of a campaign."

Eric was wondering about deaf athletes...

Ever wonder where baseball signals and football huddles came from?

Deaf Is | Sports | Paul D. Hubbard

Basketball League for Whites Only?

Totally awful and absurd, but here it is:

Googling God...: Basketball League for Whites Only?

Basketball Alliance (AABA) sent out a press release on Sunday saying that it intends to start its inaugural season in June, with teams in 12 U.S. cities. However, the AABA is different from other sports leagues because only players who are “natural born United States citizens with both parents of Caucasian race are eligible to play in the league.” AABA commissioner Don “Moose” Lewis insists that he’s not racist, but he just wants to get away from the “street-ball” played by “people of color” and back to “fundamental basketball.” Lewis cited the recent incidents of bad behavior by NBA players, implying that such actions would never happen with white players:

U.S. providing work for Taliban?

Not that we should stop trying to do the right thing, but this kind of thing is what makes it hard:

Afghanistan | Corruption: "In spite of the U.S. intervention in this Taliban-ridden region, the dam project has been counterintuitively free of attack, leaving soldiers here suspicious. ADT commander Col. Brian Copes says: “The Taliban might have taken 30 or 40 percent right off the top, and now he’s struggling to perform, because he’s got less than 100 percent of budget because the Taliban took their cut right off the top.”"

Avatar...in 3-D!

We just got back from seeing 'Avatar"...in 3-D.

The 3-D was fun, though at times it was giving me a headache. I think that was because we sat so much toward the front. Jodie saw her first movie from her power chair, so we sat in the front with her. Jodie wore the 3-d glasses, but with her lack of depth perception, it did not make a difference for her. I really noticed the 3-d effects in a few parts, like when the white things were dropping from the "Tree of Voices."

Besides Jodie and myself, I noticed two other disabled women there. One had a walker with a oxygen tank attached, another was in a power chair. When the movie was over, the woman in the power chair was going out someone who was toting a suitcase on wheels who said to her "Too bad they can't make an avatar for you!"

It was neat to see the lead actor in a chair as a paraplegic. Seeing him enter into Avatar form where his mind is in control and his disability disappears...well, that does represent a dream that all us disabled have. The end of the movie where his Avatar love interest saves him in his non-Avatar disabled form was really cool.

I liked the movie a lot, but I could not help but think of the thoughts on the movie I had read earlier in the week. Imperialism. The "conquering the west" push, taking away the land from the Native Americans. There was a pretty obvious mocking of the "war on terror". As a centered lefty, this all made me feel uncomfortable.

I left "Avatar" with a volley of thoughts going through my head: We were awful as a nation to the Native Americans; we like to bulldoze for progress, without realizing we are replacing the better for the worse; the religion portrayed in this movie is way different than my Christian faith; why are we in Afghanistan?

But then I tell myself to shut off my mind and realize it was just a movie...a very good movie,

Faith will heal Trig?

I was in downtown Portland once at the Rose Festival. A young gal grabbed my hand and wanted to pray for me. Enough faith and I would be healed.

I was in my my room at the Varsity House co-op at college. A brother in Christ grabbed my hand and wanted to pray for me. Enough faith and I would be healed.

Jodie and I use to go to Sunday evening service at a rather large church. The preacher said that he was healed by God, and we could be too, if we had enough faith.

God could "heal" me of my cerebral palsy in a split second. I know that. God knows I know that.

My love and faith in God is not based on what He does for me.

We are on a journey together. The footprints in the sand are all His. That's all that matters to me.

Pray for Trig? Sure, I will pray...for the journey.

The J-Walk Blog: Pray For Trig?

'I want to be the white man's brother, not his brother-in-law.'

Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes: Famous Sayings For MLK Day 2010

Bush standing tall

This is not politics:

Bush Pushes Back Against Limbaugh's Obama-Haiti Remark

Young men on the court

Eric had a basketball game in Beaverton yesterday at Valley Catholic. We play a team called 'Visitation'.

One of the refs ushered Jodie and I, in powerchair and scooter, to the primo viewing spot. Mid court, just below the raised scorers table.

The boys each played their part wonderfully. The coach was applauding the plays, the made shots and the missed shots, the made blocks and the missed blocks.

It was about execution, not the score.

I did not see boys on the court yesterday...it was young men who were out there.

But yes...we did win.

Thoughts on Haiti

Just when you think you have witnessed all the tragedy of tragedies, a new one comes along.

Some people say words just to hear themselves. God did this...we must make sense of this.

My heart was warmed yesterday to see President Obama welcome Presidents Bush and Clinton to the stage. We must help, we will help, this is long term.

Pastor Roger's thoughts:

Koine Community in Portland.: Angel Unaware: "The psalmist says it feels like God is asleep, the angels unaware. Yes, it feels that way. And this is acceptable speech for worship of our God who created all things. It's in the Bible, the word of God. It's inspired.

So let the screams be heard and the tears flow. . ."

Proud Dad moment...

We had the funeral service for Jodie's Aunt Bev at our church today.

Pastor Karl did a wonderful job memorializing a woman he met a week ago on the last day of her life.

Pastor Karl had Eric read Scriptures during the service today. Eric led us in the reading of Psalm 23.

The biggest and coolest thing was the Eric helped Pastor Karl serve communion.

Seeing Eric standing up at the pulpit with Pastor Karl, he looks like a natural up there.

It may or may not be Eric's calling to be behind the pulpit, but it excites Jodie and I to consider the possibility.

I was at the bar...and this lady was hitting on me....

Friday means lunch at Action Jackson's with coworkers Vicky and Bonnie. Happy hour; if we come in before noon, cheeseburgers are $1.99, as are a platter of fries.

I filled my second punch card today. My next lunch is free.

The waitress knows my name...it has that "Cheers" feel. Action Jackson's is a bar and grill, in the same parking lot as our office.

We dine on the restaurant side of the establishment, but we go over to the bar side to pay our bill.

There have been more people on the bar side lately. When I went to pay my bill today, this guy, who was also there last week, was calling me "buddy" and his friend, and talking about how well I do. A touch condescending...I know...but people are who they are and I am who I am. I'd rather have people talk to me and relate to me any way they know how rather than have them ignore me.

It is hard to explain this stuff to people not familiar with disability. I get by fine, but with my type of cerebral palsy, doing the simplest thing takes effort. Getting my debit card and my punch card out without spilling all my other cards...takes effort. Signing the receipt takes effort. I always ask a friend or the server write the tip on the receipt for me.

I get by fine; it just takes effort.

So this guy at the bar, and other people around him, who are having a "happier" hour than my Happy Hour of $1.99 cheeseburger and $1.99 fries.

I was paying my bill today. Vicky, her husband Doug, and Bonnie was over by the door. I am waiting at the bar for my waitress to process my debit card. A lady at the bar started calling me friend. She grabbed my hand.

I signed the receipt. I asked the waitress to write in the tip. I put my debit card away. I was ready to go.

The lady still had hold of my hand! I could not free it!

I kept jerking and pulling my hand until I was free. I was afraid of being rude, but I had to get back to work.

That lady made my day. She gave me a good story to tell...

I was at the bar...and this lady was hitting on me....

What was Pat Robertson referring too?

More perspective:

The Devil’s Reparations for Haiti’s Debt? - Elizabeth Palmberg - God's Politics Blog

Daily Kos: White House Reacts To Limbaugh & Robertson

The link was too long for twitter...this is a good response:

Daily Kos: White House Reacts To Limbaugh & Robertson

What are the requirements of a pundit?

Go beyond the cliche, say something smart...don't insult our intelligence. Can Palin even do this? Let alone run for president:

The Uncertain Future of Sarah Palin - TIME: "The job requirements of punditry — commenting on a variety of political and nonpolitical happenings — are not necessarily the best preparation for a run at the Republican nomination, even in this environment. (Just ask Pat Buchanan.) When asked by O'Reilly why she is still the target of so much criticism, Palin replied, 'It's not about me personally. They don't like the message. They don't like the commonsense conservative solutions I articulate.' Maybe. But eventually, even other Republicans may be emboldened to challenge her."

We're Marching to Victoria!

We received a phone call last week informing us that Jodie's Auntie Bev was gravely ill. Jodie's mom, Bev's sister, had spoken to her the week before and she had been doing well. She had emphysema and was on oxygen.

Jodie's mom and her sister, Denise, went to be with Bev. Jodie was not able to go with them because of the stairs going up to Bev's manufactured home, and the inaccessibility once inside the home. Last Wednesday the doctor's said that Bev had only a few days to live.

Bev was a character. The kind of character that puts a smile on your face.

The Aunt Bev that I knew was the Bev who sat with Jodie and I up at the hospital back in the early 90's. Brother-in-law Ken, Jodie's sister Denise's husband, had a brain tumor. Surgery was being done to relieve the pressure in Ken's head. We were all sad, but doing our best to pull for Ken.

Aunt Bev was a quiet rock of comfort. She had the bag of snacks, she had the puzzles, she had the words of comfort to pull us through.

Growing up, Jodie had many surgeries to increase her mobility. The surgeries were in the summer so as to not interrupt school. Recuperating in the heat of summer was not fun, but there was always Auntie Bev, with loads of books, smiles, encouragement and love.

Bev would help Jodie walk up and down the driveway singing "We are Marching to Victoria".

Jodie and Bev had a special greeting for each other "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny!" One time Jodie shouted that across the gym at school when Bev came for a special function. Bev was so embarrassed!

This past Saturday we were driving to Eric's basketball game. Our phone rang. Pastor Karl asked the family to call Jodie to let her talk to Bev. Jodie was in tears...so was I. Last words are hard to say to a loved one. The phone kept getting disconnected, but on the third try, Jodie finally got it out: "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny!"

After the game we got the call that Antie Bev had passed.

I can hear her singing "We are Marching to Victoria!"

Interesting perspective on Leno debacle

I am a Letterman fan myself...still, I think...but this is a good piece by a great comedian:

Paul Reiser: A Teachable Leno Moment

Portland makes top grade for green jobs

The 5 Best Cities For Green Jobs

No!

USC's first call could be to Oregon State's Mike Riley - latimes.com

Free refills!

Soda, and fecal bacteria and fat ... oh my | KATU.com - News- Portland, Oregon| Local & Regional

Looking for and adaptive solution...

Jodie is doing well in her new power chair. We are really thrilled!

The pain in her shoulders that she use to feel at the end of the day is gone. Dr. Molly was even amazed.

One thing we'd like to figure out.

When Jodie gets into the power chair, somebody needs to strap her feet into the foot rests. It makes her more secure in the chair and keeps her legs from dangling in the air. The tightness of her palsy causes this.

It would be nice to figure out a way that Jodie could secure her feet without assistance.

I have been googling around for solutions...no success yet.

The therapist and Dave, the guy from the wheelchair place, could not think of a solution either. They did get get a "charge" from my idea to have an electromagnet pull her feet into place.

Our line of thought is to find some ski boot binding apparatus that Jodie could snap her feet into.

Anyone have ideas?

Links to possible solutions would be nice.

Extra credit for affordable solutions.

;)

Hmm...would this apply to women

Rules of Thumb - GUESSING A MAN'S AGE

Google that!

Google Is Word of the Decade - The Daily Beast

Walgreens in Fairview...you guys rock!

Eric and I stopped to pick up a prescription for Jodie last night. Walgreens at 223 and Glisan.

Very windy there. Eric raced in, and then watched me battle the wind to get in.

The prescription was ready, but things needed to be cleared with our new insurance. We were asked to wait.

Jodie had told me that she keeps dropping stuff and she cannot reach from her powerchair to get it. She needs a reach tool.

I asked Eric to look for one. Why do we guys look for stuff? We can't find a thing!

The pharmacist called us up. We got Jodie's prescription. As we were, one of the other pharmacists said "Hi" to us.

We asked the pharmacist waiting on us if they had the reach tool. Instead of telling us where it might be, she raced out and asked another worker where they were. She found two different ones.

Her eagerness to help...no hesitation...all the workers so friendly!

You guys rock!

Taking the bus? Or need a ride?

Jodie had an appointment with Dr. Molly yesterday at 2:30.

In the morning she had a meeting at the district office. She took the bus from her office to the district office in her new power chair. She had tried using her scooter on the bus before, but it was really hard for her to maneuver.

When she made it to her meeting she was early and gave me a call. She was so excited! Getting on and off the bus was easy. A new found freedom. She does not need me to take her everywhere.

I was going to meet her at the pizza place on 122nd for lunch, and then I was going to take her to her appointment with Dr. Molly.

Jodie got done early, so she decided to go back to her office. She was going to see about taking the bus to Dr. Molly's.

I got a call at 1:30. "Troy, will you come get me?" She returned to her office, forgetting that as an office manager you can't just pop in the office for an hour without getting swamped.

"Woman!" A half hour to get to Jodie's office and get her loaded, then a half hour to get to Dr. Molly's. No time to spare. I did not feel comfortable with it...had to try.

We called Dr. Molly's office on the way. We'd be okay if we were there be 2:45.

The valet guys are getting to know us. The disabled couple with the Sprinter van. The one guy applauded Jodie for doing a better job backing onto the lift than she had done two days before.

The receptionist looked at our new insurance and questioned whether our primary care dr. had authorized the appointment with Dr. Molly. Well...no...the appointment had been made last year when we had our old insurance. She said we might have to pay for the visit. We were irritated, but not at her. In our jobs we know all about "rules is rules". She was able to work it out for us.

Dr. Molly was happy how well Jodie is doing with the power chair, and the relief it is giving to her shoulders.

We had time to kill before picking Eric up from basketball practice, so we stopped for a piece of pie. Simple joys in a hectic day...

Disability language...

Interesting thoughts from Glenda.

I have always felt funny with the term "disability" because it "dis"es any "ability" I have!

Even so, it is a useful label that people use.

It is not the term that is offensive or not offensive; it is the thought behind it.

"Functional diversity". I like it, but I agree with Glenda that it would confuse people.

Maybe we can teach our kids to appreciate diversity - physical ability, mental ability, skin color, nationality, cultural identification, religion.

We are all on a continuum, with all these things. None of us better or worse.

Each of us simple. Each of us complex. Each of us diverse.

Maybe someday we won't need labels because we will take the time to try to understand each other.

Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt � What is in a word? The evolution of disability language continues: "In my mind, “functional diversity” definitely has merit over “disability”. However, I wonder if using the term in the English-speaking community would lead to confusion rather than enlightenment, at least until the term catches on. I’m also left wondering if other cultures have equally thought-provoking terms."

We got it..

Last night I picked Eric up from basketball practice. I drove over to get Jodie.

Eric was sound asleep.

I loaded Jodie with her power chair into the van. We're getting it down pretty good.

Jodie walked up to the front and woke Eric.

He was so astonished!

Jodie said "See, we've gotten good!"

Yates Basketball Sets Scoring Record In 170-35 Win

A little lopsided:

Yates Basketball Sets Scoring Record In 170-35 Win

Thinking about our kids...

...and America's future. Everything with the economy seems so bleak sometimes. Can we encourage entrepreneurship and the creation of decent jobs for our kids?

I go here because I think we need to inspire our kids with a hopeful future.

I don't know this guy's politics, but this piece seems a good assessment of what it will take to get our economy back on track.

A stand-pat society? | The Stump - OregonLive.com: "There's a warning here for the Obama administration: Complex regulations or high taxes may discourage startups and job creation. As for broader questions, the answers may remain murky for years. Has the mix of economic trauma and aging made us prudent -- or merely fearful? Has economic resilience survived -- or given way to a stand-pat society?"

A new chapter in our life

Today Jodie took her new power chair into church. It feels like a new chapter in our life.

We dropped Eric and Ma2 of by the door. Today was my day to run the computer power point during service.

Instead of going to our regular spot by Luther Lodge, there would be no room to run our back lift without blocking traffic, I parked in the back parking lot.

Jodie is getting better backing her power chair onto the lift. I decided to ride my scooter in also. It was a little further than I like to walk.

Jodie drove her scooter into the aisle beside the back row where her mother was sitting. I parked my scooter in the corner of the Narthex and walked in to sit by Eric.

Instead of going up front for communion, Jodie asked for it to be brought to her. I went over by her and took communion with her.

Eric was annoyed that I took my scooter in. He sees it as more work, having to help load it.

I don't think he quite gets this new chapter of life that we are in. We have had the lift van for two and a half years now. Prior to that we had a minivan in which we hauled one scooter inside and one outside.

We have been using our scooters since about 2001, primarily for long distances. Now, Jodie will be using her power chair most of the time, and I'll be using my scooter more of the time.

I am getting more use to loading and unloading Jodie in her power chair. It does take extra time, but I can feel God's grace with us.

Part of me wishes that Eric did not need to be inconvenienced by all this. I also wish Jodie and I didn't need to be inconvenienced by this stuff either.

I'm ever optimistic. We are blessed to have the equipment we need and we are blessed to have the courage we need. Some people have neither.

Prayers for Eric. I am searching for a way to make all this make more sense to him.

The Calendar Comes Up Short - WSJ.com

A new calender...Symmetry454. 28 and 35 day months.

Every month has a Friday the 13th.

I am game; let's try it!

The Calendar Comes Up Short - WSJ.com