My daughter and I leave on June 8th, so we have just under four months to prepare. Not enough time, as it turns out, to get the full Hepatitis A and B immunization series. At least my daughter has had them. I think. I have a call in to her doctor. As for me... well, I have time to get two, so hopefully that will be enough.
We also have to make sure our tetanus shots are current. I'm not sure about mine... maybe 1999? I'm trying to find out when I last had one, and it’s turning out to be an adventure of following my medical records around town. (Well, don’t envision any exciting car chases—so far I’ve just been using my phone.) I have a feeling I'll be getting a tetanus shot before we go.
We're also supposed to be getting immunized against typhoid. I'm pretty sure my daughter hasn't had that one. What on earth is typhoid, anyway?
Wikipedia's definition lost me after the first sentence. “The bacteria then perforate through the intestinal wall and are phagocytosed by macrophages.” I think I’ll endure the shot instead of risking perforating and phagocytosing.
I'm wondering if we should get flu shots, too. We've both had the Swine Flu, but I guess there are other types of flu floating around the world. But I wonder if the shots available now will prepare us for flu in June, or flu in the Dominican Republic?
Anyway, it looks like I’m going to feel more like a pincushion over the next four months than I did when I was pregnant. Of course, at the end of the pregnancy you have a wonderful baby (or babies, in my case) so you forget all about the ugly needles. Except I just remembered them.
I hate shots. But it’s for a good cause.
We also have to take malaria medicine while we’re there. I would like to go on the record as saying that I will combat malaria with “OFF” and mosquito netting as well as medicine! And calamine lotion, if necessary. (Well, that won’t help with malaria, only itching…)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Going Abroad
My 14-year-old daughter and I are going on a mission trip this summer to the Dominican Republic. After praying about it, talking about it, and thinking about it for two weeks, we made the decision and commitment this past Sunday.
I'm excited and anxious.
Excited because my daughter wants to stretch herself and try something way outside her comfort zone. My amazement of this hasn't worn off yet.
Excited because I'm starting to discover the fun in being open to God's leading and letting Him surprise me. Three weeks ago, if someone had told me we'd be going on this trip, I wouldn't have believed it.
Anxious because it's a third-world country with all its diseases and poverty. Should I feel guilty for exposing my child to such things, or should I feel guilty for being concerned about it? There are arguments for both.
At the moment, I mostly feel relief that we're no longer agonizing over the decision and that we can move forward with preparations.
And I'm certain it will turn out good.
Romans 8:28
I'm excited and anxious.
Excited because my daughter wants to stretch herself and try something way outside her comfort zone. My amazement of this hasn't worn off yet.
Excited because I'm starting to discover the fun in being open to God's leading and letting Him surprise me. Three weeks ago, if someone had told me we'd be going on this trip, I wouldn't have believed it.
Anxious because it's a third-world country with all its diseases and poverty. Should I feel guilty for exposing my child to such things, or should I feel guilty for being concerned about it? There are arguments for both.
At the moment, I mostly feel relief that we're no longer agonizing over the decision and that we can move forward with preparations.
And I'm certain it will turn out good.
Romans 8:28
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
My reaction to this book was very interesting. I was so repulsed by the subject matter I considered putting it down after a few chapters. But I kept reading because both my kids raved about it. This is significant from my son because he reads so much, and significant from my daughter because she almost never reads if she's not forced.
Anyway, the subject matter is 24 teenagers chosen by lottery who are all forced to fight to the death--only one wins. This annual event is sponsored by the government and all citizens (including families of the teenagers) are forced to watch--it's televised live. Yes, I'm a mother of teenagers, which probably didn't help my perception of it, but I think many (most?) people would be a little disturbed by the concept. I couldn't help being a little uncomfortable that my kids had read it, but then again, maybe it's good for them to read something like that and think about why it's so wrong? The story takes place in a future America, so in that way it sort of has a 1984 feel to it--that maybe the creation of a concept that is repulsive to us might help ensure it doesn't turn out to be a prophecy?
It's a YA novel, published by Scholastic, and despite the subject matter the author did a really good job of minimizing the gore without making it seem like it was glossed over. Even though the world the characters live in is so far removed from what American Teenagers are used to, the reader can easily relate to many typical teenage emotions, and can imagine the terror in the games.
In the end, I kept reading because of the characters. Every one of them has complexities that make them interesting. The main character, Katniss, evolves and learns and grows in her emotions, in some ways losing part of who she is and in some ways learning to think differently. And then, I HAD to see how the story would resolve itself. How could Katniss possibly keep her innocence and still win a game in which all other contestants have to die?
The Hunger Games is the first book in a trilogy. The second book (Catching Fire) is in the hands of my daughter and I can't read it until she's finished.
And I actually want to. The Hunger Games ends at the end of the games, but I'm hoping to see the government punished for it's brutal treatment of children (and families, actually).
You know, it's interesting how the Capitol citizens in the book are so completely narcissistic and so obsessed with their ultimate "reality show." It makes me uncomfortable how it may not be too far removed from today's United States. Again, 1984--maybe we won't go that far.
Anyway, the subject matter is 24 teenagers chosen by lottery who are all forced to fight to the death--only one wins. This annual event is sponsored by the government and all citizens (including families of the teenagers) are forced to watch--it's televised live. Yes, I'm a mother of teenagers, which probably didn't help my perception of it, but I think many (most?) people would be a little disturbed by the concept. I couldn't help being a little uncomfortable that my kids had read it, but then again, maybe it's good for them to read something like that and think about why it's so wrong? The story takes place in a future America, so in that way it sort of has a 1984 feel to it--that maybe the creation of a concept that is repulsive to us might help ensure it doesn't turn out to be a prophecy?
It's a YA novel, published by Scholastic, and despite the subject matter the author did a really good job of minimizing the gore without making it seem like it was glossed over. Even though the world the characters live in is so far removed from what American Teenagers are used to, the reader can easily relate to many typical teenage emotions, and can imagine the terror in the games.
In the end, I kept reading because of the characters. Every one of them has complexities that make them interesting. The main character, Katniss, evolves and learns and grows in her emotions, in some ways losing part of who she is and in some ways learning to think differently. And then, I HAD to see how the story would resolve itself. How could Katniss possibly keep her innocence and still win a game in which all other contestants have to die?
The Hunger Games is the first book in a trilogy. The second book (Catching Fire) is in the hands of my daughter and I can't read it until she's finished.
And I actually want to. The Hunger Games ends at the end of the games, but I'm hoping to see the government punished for it's brutal treatment of children (and families, actually).
You know, it's interesting how the Capitol citizens in the book are so completely narcissistic and so obsessed with their ultimate "reality show." It makes me uncomfortable how it may not be too far removed from today's United States. Again, 1984--maybe we won't go that far.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Thoughts on Writing vs Storytelling
I'm reading a book right now (I'm not going to say what) that I'm really enjoying for the most part. The story is very intriguing and at this point I really want to follow it through to the conclusion.
But.
Occasionally I run across some writing that pulls me out of the story and makes me think about the writing instead of the story. Has anyone else had this experience?
There are a few areas of dialog that didn't seem natural to me, and there have been a few parts that seemed "clunky." I'm not sure how else to describe it.
When I'm reading a book, I want to get absorbed in the story. I don't want to be trying to follow the story or thinking about how something doesn't make sense or doesn't seem plausible.
I've read two other books recently that I really enjoyed and got fully absorbed in the story without thinking about the writing. They were "Canticle" by R. A. Salvatore and "Eighth Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod)" by Heather Brewer. I enjoyed them enough that I immediately ordered the rest of the series in both cases.
Anyway, I guess my point is that I've been thinking about the concept that the goal of writing fiction is to convey the story, not to showcase your writing. To me, at least, writing, if truly flawless, will disappear and not be noticed. Which seems to be an oxymoron.
It's a bit intimidating. I don't want people to be thinking about my writing when they read my stuff. If I ever get published, I hope I have an excellent editor who cleans up all my "clunky" writing, and I hope I listen to him/her.
But.
Occasionally I run across some writing that pulls me out of the story and makes me think about the writing instead of the story. Has anyone else had this experience?
There are a few areas of dialog that didn't seem natural to me, and there have been a few parts that seemed "clunky." I'm not sure how else to describe it.
When I'm reading a book, I want to get absorbed in the story. I don't want to be trying to follow the story or thinking about how something doesn't make sense or doesn't seem plausible.
I've read two other books recently that I really enjoyed and got fully absorbed in the story without thinking about the writing. They were "Canticle" by R. A. Salvatore and "Eighth Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod)" by Heather Brewer. I enjoyed them enough that I immediately ordered the rest of the series in both cases.
Anyway, I guess my point is that I've been thinking about the concept that the goal of writing fiction is to convey the story, not to showcase your writing. To me, at least, writing, if truly flawless, will disappear and not be noticed. Which seems to be an oxymoron.
It's a bit intimidating. I don't want people to be thinking about my writing when they read my stuff. If I ever get published, I hope I have an excellent editor who cleans up all my "clunky" writing, and I hope I listen to him/her.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Camp
Well, I can't really say the subject of this post is camp, since I don't exactly know what camp will entail. I'm leaving today, there's over 100 teenagers going (maybe closer to 150), and I think I'm going to be the assistant nurse for the second year running. Maybe when I get back I'll post with a subject of "camp" and it will actually be about camp.
I've been in a remodelling haze and haven't been reading LJ much. I think my bedroom and bathroom are done (except I'm going to have to paint around the shower because I don't have enough wallpaper to patch it). When I get back from camp I have to finish the front bathroom, which means figuring out how to fix the ceiling, finishing the paint job, and replacing the vinyl on the floor. Then I can have the appraisal ordered, and hopefully close quickly on our refinance so we can pay for all this!
I never dreamed we would have our bedroom redone. It's always the last place in the house anyone looks--we keep it closed off when we have guests. We were forced into it because we had to replace the shower, and then the carpet, and I decided I might as well paint and replace the vinyl... Now that it's done, sitting here in my chair looking around makes me feel serene. The carpet and walls are just a neutral toupe, nothing exciting, and the furniture is basically in the same place, but it's nice. I guess it's nice to know it's new (and it doesn't have dog pee in it) and it's satisfying to know I did some of it myself (the painting and the vinyl).
I've been in a remodelling haze and haven't been reading LJ much. I think my bedroom and bathroom are done (except I'm going to have to paint around the shower because I don't have enough wallpaper to patch it). When I get back from camp I have to finish the front bathroom, which means figuring out how to fix the ceiling, finishing the paint job, and replacing the vinyl on the floor. Then I can have the appraisal ordered, and hopefully close quickly on our refinance so we can pay for all this!
I never dreamed we would have our bedroom redone. It's always the last place in the house anyone looks--we keep it closed off when we have guests. We were forced into it because we had to replace the shower, and then the carpet, and I decided I might as well paint and replace the vinyl... Now that it's done, sitting here in my chair looking around makes me feel serene. The carpet and walls are just a neutral toupe, nothing exciting, and the furniture is basically in the same place, but it's nice. I guess it's nice to know it's new (and it doesn't have dog pee in it) and it's satisfying to know I did some of it myself (the painting and the vinyl).
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My First Writer's Conference
BEFORE (last night)
There's a writer's conference in Tulsa that starts in just over an hour. It's only $60 and the topics sound really good. I really should go.
I'm terrified to go. What if I make a fool of myself? I don't have anything to wear. I have no idea what to wear, actually.
(When I commented on my lack of wardrobe in the car last night, my daughter said, "Why do you have to wear anything?")
So should I stay home, promising myself to work on my editing instead, or should I go and hope I can stay invisible and just listen?
I had a friend who was going to go originally, but she had to go to Dallas. That would have made it easier, because I would have been committed to go and I would have had someone to sit with.
When it comes right down to it, I'm very shy.
AFTER
I went. I'm still alive.
Actually, it was a really good experience.
It was this: http://win-acfw.com/web/win-conference-june-26-27-2009/
It's for writers of inspirational books, and so far my fiction writing is all mainstream, but I figured the topics would be general enough to apply to me. I'm a Christian who writes, even if I don't write Christian books. :)
My biggest fear was that I'd have to talk to people. I hate mingling at parties, wondering who to talk to, afraid of interrupting. So I get there, and the first 30 minutes is mingling. Ack!
It was fine, though. No, I didn't get to disappear into a corner like I wanted--people came up and talked to ME! It was a little hard for me to talk about my writing, but I made myself. I don't talk about my writing much to my friends, and I thought strangers might be easier, but it wasn't.
My clothes were fine. I dressed up just a little (for me)--I wore slacks and a nice top. About half the people were dressed like me. The other half were more casual. I'm going more casual today, mainly because the temperature here has been over 100.
There was every age there, too (no kids). I saw some girls and a guy who looked like late teens or early 20's, and I saw a few women who looked like they were at least 70, and everything in between.
The speakers are a good mix--two very different authors (different genders and different genres), an agent, and a publicity person. There was also a pastor who gave a short, encouraging talk at the beginning.
I'm going back today. It's all day with lunch. I know part of the purpose of this is networking, but I'm still nervous about it. I think it will be okay, though. Last night it seemed like people actually wanted to talk to me, even after they found out I wasn't anyone important, (and even after I spilled my tea twice) and that put me at ease.
I know going to writer's conferences is good for me. But instead of taking it like medicine, I'm actually starting to feel a little guilty about the time away from home because the conference is fun!
There's a writer's conference in Tulsa that starts in just over an hour. It's only $60 and the topics sound really good. I really should go.
I'm terrified to go. What if I make a fool of myself? I don't have anything to wear. I have no idea what to wear, actually.
(When I commented on my lack of wardrobe in the car last night, my daughter said, "Why do you have to wear anything?")
So should I stay home, promising myself to work on my editing instead, or should I go and hope I can stay invisible and just listen?
I had a friend who was going to go originally, but she had to go to Dallas. That would have made it easier, because I would have been committed to go and I would have had someone to sit with.
When it comes right down to it, I'm very shy.
AFTER
I went. I'm still alive.
Actually, it was a really good experience.
It was this: http://win-acfw.com/web/win-conference-june-26-27-2009/
It's for writers of inspirational books, and so far my fiction writing is all mainstream, but I figured the topics would be general enough to apply to me. I'm a Christian who writes, even if I don't write Christian books. :)
My biggest fear was that I'd have to talk to people. I hate mingling at parties, wondering who to talk to, afraid of interrupting. So I get there, and the first 30 minutes is mingling. Ack!
It was fine, though. No, I didn't get to disappear into a corner like I wanted--people came up and talked to ME! It was a little hard for me to talk about my writing, but I made myself. I don't talk about my writing much to my friends, and I thought strangers might be easier, but it wasn't.
My clothes were fine. I dressed up just a little (for me)--I wore slacks and a nice top. About half the people were dressed like me. The other half were more casual. I'm going more casual today, mainly because the temperature here has been over 100.
There was every age there, too (no kids). I saw some girls and a guy who looked like late teens or early 20's, and I saw a few women who looked like they were at least 70, and everything in between.
The speakers are a good mix--two very different authors (different genders and different genres), an agent, and a publicity person. There was also a pastor who gave a short, encouraging talk at the beginning.
I'm going back today. It's all day with lunch. I know part of the purpose of this is networking, but I'm still nervous about it. I think it will be okay, though. Last night it seemed like people actually wanted to talk to me, even after they found out I wasn't anyone important, (and even after I spilled my tea twice) and that put me at ease.
I know going to writer's conferences is good for me. But instead of taking it like medicine, I'm actually starting to feel a little guilty about the time away from home because the conference is fun!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I Wrote a Novel
R has been my faithful reader for over two years now. She's been reading my novel (and giving me feedback) a chapter at a time. She's actually read the first half of it twice since I made major revisions.
My next step in this process is to print out the whole thing and take a red pen to it. I decided on a whim to call R first to see if she had the last few chapters I gave her so I wouldn't have to print out all of it--save a tree, you know.
She had every chapter. I was touched. She knew exactly where it all was, too.
So when I picked her up for our staff meeting (we work together, and she lives down the street) she carried out this file folder with this 1-1/4" stack of papers in it (yes, I measured it--I'm a dork). I was like, "Is that my novel???" I had never seen it all together like that.
I think that's the first time it really hit me--I actually wrote a novel.
It's a big stack of papers. R said it was a lot of typing. Yes, but every word of it is an expression of me. It's my imagination articulated and put on paper.
So even if it never gets published, even if only my friends and family read it, even if the agents laugh at me and tell me not to quit my day job...
I WROTE A NOVEL!
My next step in this process is to print out the whole thing and take a red pen to it. I decided on a whim to call R first to see if she had the last few chapters I gave her so I wouldn't have to print out all of it--save a tree, you know.
She had every chapter. I was touched. She knew exactly where it all was, too.
So when I picked her up for our staff meeting (we work together, and she lives down the street) she carried out this file folder with this 1-1/4" stack of papers in it (yes, I measured it--I'm a dork). I was like, "Is that my novel???" I had never seen it all together like that.
I think that's the first time it really hit me--I actually wrote a novel.
It's a big stack of papers. R said it was a lot of typing. Yes, but every word of it is an expression of me. It's my imagination articulated and put on paper.
So even if it never gets published, even if only my friends and family read it, even if the agents laugh at me and tell me not to quit my day job...
I WROTE A NOVEL!
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