Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Remarkably good day!
Well to day was decent, despite the mishaps. I woke later than expected but did finally haul my ass over to the courthouse to reregister CMSLC. The second mishap of the day was discovering that they moved the office from the Montreal CourtHouse to Square Victoria. As I had already miraculously squeezed my car into a near impossible though legal spot between two BADLY parked vehicles AND paid 2hrs parking, I did not want to move it and try to find another spot. So, I walk the many blocks over to Square Victoria. Chilly, damp, and MUCKY!!! Hip was aching something fierce... still is. But after the LONG wait, the registration was rather easy. I signed the paper I had gotten in the mail and only paid $16. He explained that this was less because not Revenue Quebec handles some things and I should get a paper in the mail for tax purposes. Which I did... all in incomprehensible FRENCH legalese. He said to just give it to my tax guy with my regular income tax filing. ANd that the process witll change again next year. He gave me an ENGLISH printout with some further instruction. I could have kissed him for the English document! Then I hiked through the muck back to the car.
I drove to Concordia and managed to get parking in the Concordia underground. YAY! I could not get my stirfry nor fajita from the university mini-cafe because they ran out. So I got some middle eastern food called Laham Baagine. I sat in the GSA building and ate while trying to review my article for the class in the 30min I had left. Class went REALLY well! Apparently I understood this convoluted article much better than I thought I did! YAY me!!
Then there was the long UPHILL hike to Rosanne's place to have dinner and discuss CMS Level 2. Dinner was delicious! Tea was wonderful. Max the cat was very polite to me. And we were extremely productive with planning out Level 2. I am so excited about the new workout that I want to do all kinds of updating and stuff now to follow through...
*sigh*
But alas, I have to shift gears. I need to sleep so I can get to work tomorrow and plan training Hobbes more and interviewing new employees applicants. I lose the next 3 days of possible homework time for this. It really sucks and kinda pisses me off to be stuck and short-staffed. I know it will work out. I just want it worked out now! Right NOW! I hate stressing about work when I am at home and need to be busy stressing about other stuff.
Well... the day went very well. I wish I was not working tomorrow or the rest of the week so I can do stuff I am planning for CMS.
ALSO! Oh also... I have ideas for working on my Star Wars novel and also just got an idea for a new scifi fan fiction for Battlestar Gallactica... another novel I want to write. I want time to WRITE!!! *pout*
I drove to Concordia and managed to get parking in the Concordia underground. YAY! I could not get my stirfry nor fajita from the university mini-cafe because they ran out. So I got some middle eastern food called Laham Baagine. I sat in the GSA building and ate while trying to review my article for the class in the 30min I had left. Class went REALLY well! Apparently I understood this convoluted article much better than I thought I did! YAY me!!
Then there was the long UPHILL hike to Rosanne's place to have dinner and discuss CMS Level 2. Dinner was delicious! Tea was wonderful. Max the cat was very polite to me. And we were extremely productive with planning out Level 2. I am so excited about the new workout that I want to do all kinds of updating and stuff now to follow through...
*sigh*
But alas, I have to shift gears. I need to sleep so I can get to work tomorrow and plan training Hobbes more and interviewing new employees applicants. I lose the next 3 days of possible homework time for this. It really sucks and kinda pisses me off to be stuck and short-staffed. I know it will work out. I just want it worked out now! Right NOW! I hate stressing about work when I am at home and need to be busy stressing about other stuff.
Well... the day went very well. I wish I was not working tomorrow or the rest of the week so I can do stuff I am planning for CMS.
ALSO! Oh also... I have ideas for working on my Star Wars novel and also just got an idea for a new scifi fan fiction for Battlestar Gallactica... another novel I want to write. I want time to WRITE!!! *pout*
sleeeeeeeeeeep.....
I was in bed at 11pm. Asleep by midnight. Up at 3am. Asleep by 4am. Up at 7am. Asleep at 7:30am. And up again at 11am. Ugh...
I feel all unfocused and annoyed. That I blame on the chocolate. Mmmmmm... Oh well. I need a few days away from it before I have another piece.
I did not get anything bloody done. I have just been so tired and burnt out. I am not coping well I think with stress these days. I guess Last semester took a harder toll on me with longer lasting repurcussions than I thought. The littles bit of stress send my heart flipping at fast pace and me having trouble breathing and not sleeping. Little things! Like ACK! My bedroom is a mess. Or Shit I have not reread my homework. Or. Dammit, I have to fill in extra hours to interview and train new employees. ARGH! I have to go reregister CMSLC and figure out what these mail things say. Stupid f-ing French!
I think Saturday will be a restricted cleaning day with the phones and computers turned off.
Ok... today I dress and nibble and pack a lunch and pack homework and CMS-L2. Then drive to the courthouse and sort crap out. Then park at school in the indoor parking, I hope. ($8) after that I work on homework and go to class. AFter class is dinner and L2 planning with Rosanne.
Tomorrow I can call the CMS prospective students and let them know there is a Saturday class for them. Also tomorrow I have to pay for the PO Box.
All I want to do and lay in bed and do nothing but doze and SLEEP.
I feel all unfocused and annoyed. That I blame on the chocolate. Mmmmmm... Oh well. I need a few days away from it before I have another piece.
I did not get anything bloody done. I have just been so tired and burnt out. I am not coping well I think with stress these days. I guess Last semester took a harder toll on me with longer lasting repurcussions than I thought. The littles bit of stress send my heart flipping at fast pace and me having trouble breathing and not sleeping. Little things! Like ACK! My bedroom is a mess. Or Shit I have not reread my homework. Or. Dammit, I have to fill in extra hours to interview and train new employees. ARGH! I have to go reregister CMSLC and figure out what these mail things say. Stupid f-ing French!
I think Saturday will be a restricted cleaning day with the phones and computers turned off.
Ok... today I dress and nibble and pack a lunch and pack homework and CMS-L2. Then drive to the courthouse and sort crap out. Then park at school in the indoor parking, I hope. ($8) after that I work on homework and go to class. AFter class is dinner and L2 planning with Rosanne.
Tomorrow I can call the CMS prospective students and let them know there is a Saturday class for them. Also tomorrow I have to pay for the PO Box.
All I want to do and lay in bed and do nothing but doze and SLEEP.
Monday, January 30, 2006
*sigh*
I was sorta awake at 7am... I just could not motivate myself out of bed. I did manage to get to the store to open it and start training our temp replacement, Hobbes. Then I rushed back to the dentist. Bleh!!! I have to see him again in 2 months for replacement of a filling and to fix some stuffs. I picked up stuff to go to Autumn's with, including sushi for my lunch and some of M-SB's awesome chocolate cake to share. Played with Liam. Worked out a new Level 1 reading pack. Reviewed my article but did not finish reading it. I am too tired. I am going to have a nap then blog the readings and class notes.
Tomorrow I will reregister CMSLC and the PO Box, reread my next article, go to class, adn then meet Rosanne for dinner and Level 2 planning.
Perhaps having a second piece of chocolate cake (one yesterday and now one today), though so very very very delicious, was not the best idea. Tired and tummy not too happy. Nap time.
Tomorrow I will reregister CMSLC and the PO Box, reread my next article, go to class, adn then meet Rosanne for dinner and Level 2 planning.
Perhaps having a second piece of chocolate cake (one yesterday and now one today), though so very very very delicious, was not the best idea. Tired and tummy not too happy. Nap time.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Busy and lazy at the same time
So we were busy with baking and cooking and stuff. I also got in some MUCH NEEDED sleep! Thus neglecting homework and housecleaning. Friday was crazy with interviews for new employees followed by a awesome CMS Open House. Saturday was busy with the Level 3B presentations. WOW! They were great! I will ask them to do them again for the store workshop series!! Congrats! I am so proud of them!!
Then, baking and cooking frenzy ensued in this house. I am sure some cooking alien took over my husbrand's body. We... well HE baked from scratch the most delicious chocolate mint cake for a friend's birthday which we celebrated today during coven. OH! ANd I started teaching the coveners Irish Dancing as they will be dancing in our annual retreat's Opening Ritual. It is all working out...
Except my finances and my studies and my house cleaning and my administrative duties of CMS... *sigh*
Tomorrow I get up early... the kind of early that makes me want to kill things. I wil head out the the Montreal Courthouse and reregister CMS. Then rush to the store to open it and see folks settles in for the start of the day. Then rush to the dentist for 1pm. The dash home to get my homework and CMS Level 1 reading pack. Then off to Autumn's for something less demanding and frantic. We will work out a new reading pack and I will read the other half of my article. When I get home tomorrow, I will blog the readings and the class notes. Busy day tomorrow.
Then, baking and cooking frenzy ensued in this house. I am sure some cooking alien took over my husbrand's body. We... well HE baked from scratch the most delicious chocolate mint cake for a friend's birthday which we celebrated today during coven. OH! ANd I started teaching the coveners Irish Dancing as they will be dancing in our annual retreat's Opening Ritual. It is all working out...
Except my finances and my studies and my house cleaning and my administrative duties of CMS... *sigh*
Tomorrow I get up early... the kind of early that makes me want to kill things. I wil head out the the Montreal Courthouse and reregister CMS. Then rush to the store to open it and see folks settles in for the start of the day. Then rush to the dentist for 1pm. The dash home to get my homework and CMS Level 1 reading pack. Then off to Autumn's for something less demanding and frantic. We will work out a new reading pack and I will read the other half of my article. When I get home tomorrow, I will blog the readings and the class notes. Busy day tomorrow.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Crazy days
Thursday was a bad day. Migraines from Wednesday till this morning. PMS and bad mood Thursday. Stress of planning an Open House for Friday. Stress of finding new employees for the store and making the new schedule.
I will lose some homework days. *pout*
Well, the Open House seemed to go well. It looked great and there were LOTS of people who came by. But... no one actually put money down. Most want a class on Saturday. I now have to juggle lots of schedules to arrange that.
Now also means I am in a tough spot for CMS. It counted on registration to handle some upcoming bills. I will have to dip into the savings I didn't want to touch earlier.
Yesterday, M-SB and I went to Ikea and saw all kinds of nifty stuff, but for somw reason, his cc was locked and we could not use it. He will find out why soon, he sent them an inquiry. I bought 3 little plants while I was there. A new money plant and 2 little white and green bushy things. I felt the need to bring some plant life into the house. Then I was off to do more interviews for the store and set up for the Open House.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Open House such a success!
Today, there are no classes. I got to sleep in. I woke at 9am anyways with another migraine. But it passed by 11am. M-SB is making pancakes and sausages for breakfast. I will do some CMS homework correcting today and then head out to observe the Level 3B presentations. When I come home... I have to plan tomorrow's coven meeting and do some homework (blog the class 2 readings and classnotes).
Tomorrow is homework, cleaning, and coven.
Monday is opening the store, registering CMS, dentist, and homework at Autumns. We will likely work on updating the reading pack for Level 1 CMS. I need to reread class 3's readings for my Theory class, too.
I am so not thinking very clearly this week. I feel pulled in 50 directions. I want a whole week to just clean and relax... so I can recoup some currently non-existent energy for school, work and CMS.
I will lose some homework days. *pout*
Well, the Open House seemed to go well. It looked great and there were LOTS of people who came by. But... no one actually put money down. Most want a class on Saturday. I now have to juggle lots of schedules to arrange that.
Now also means I am in a tough spot for CMS. It counted on registration to handle some upcoming bills. I will have to dip into the savings I didn't want to touch earlier.
Yesterday, M-SB and I went to Ikea and saw all kinds of nifty stuff, but for somw reason, his cc was locked and we could not use it. He will find out why soon, he sent them an inquiry. I bought 3 little plants while I was there. A new money plant and 2 little white and green bushy things. I felt the need to bring some plant life into the house. Then I was off to do more interviews for the store and set up for the Open House.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Open House such a success!
Today, there are no classes. I got to sleep in. I woke at 9am anyways with another migraine. But it passed by 11am. M-SB is making pancakes and sausages for breakfast. I will do some CMS homework correcting today and then head out to observe the Level 3B presentations. When I come home... I have to plan tomorrow's coven meeting and do some homework (blog the class 2 readings and classnotes).
Tomorrow is homework, cleaning, and coven.
Monday is opening the store, registering CMS, dentist, and homework at Autumns. We will likely work on updating the reading pack for Level 1 CMS. I need to reread class 3's readings for my Theory class, too.
I am so not thinking very clearly this week. I feel pulled in 50 directions. I want a whole week to just clean and relax... so I can recoup some currently non-existent energy for school, work and CMS.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Everyone lived
I did not kill anyone, though M-SB came close as I was 20min from leaving the house. I was normal 3hrs later. I have never PMSed with a bad mood before. Usually I get a bit down and very very tired... or very sick and hospitalized from cramping. Today was new. I did not like feeling like that. It is over now. Everyone is safe.
I am going to go make my bread and eat yummy crispy noodles.
I am going to go make my bread and eat yummy crispy noodles.
Bad "Stay the Fuck Away" Days
Yesterday was a migraine that eased with good drugs and some relaxing time with students, later a scheduled Hydro power outage, and yet we still watched LOST on the laptop with a battery. I was woken at 3:30am when the power came back. This morning I felt ok... till about noon.
Now it is a "stay the fuck away" day. I feel mildly cramped and Majorly bad tempered.
Everything that has pissed me off or annoyed me the teensiest in the last 6 months... absolutely infuriates me to a kill point today. I should not be around people. I am just at a point where I am not coping today.
PMS?
Never getting that break long enough to recoup?
I don't know. Probably both.
So today, unless you will grant me instant gratification to my whims... stay the fuck away from me. I cannot guaruntee my behavior nor your health and safety.
Now it is a "stay the fuck away" day. I feel mildly cramped and Majorly bad tempered.
Everything that has pissed me off or annoyed me the teensiest in the last 6 months... absolutely infuriates me to a kill point today. I should not be around people. I am just at a point where I am not coping today.
PMS?
Never getting that break long enough to recoup?
I don't know. Probably both.
So today, unless you will grant me instant gratification to my whims... stay the fuck away from me. I cannot guaruntee my behavior nor your health and safety.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Tada!
I finished the Minutes and uploaded them. I am feeling productive today! What next? Another wbe thing... I will fix the Links page.
http://www.mtl-magicalcircle.ca/links/index.htm
Check it sometime in the morning when I am done updating and uploading.
http://www.mtl-magicalcircle.ca/links/index.htm
Check it sometime in the morning when I am done updating and uploading.
Odd Day
So I was at the GSA building. The room bugged me because it was all... um... the furniture was like all over the place. So... I reorganized it. *rolls eyes and own neurosis*
I got the big article by Horkheimer on Critical Thinking read. I lost comprehension after page 10 of 30, though. I will need to read it again. When I got to class, I learned that class was cancelled. OH! Good, I get a chance to reread the article. Some of the students who showed chatted about the article and other stuffs for about an hour.
Then I headed to work to look through CV's and to post the posters I had made. Already 8-10 people are signed up for the L3B seminars on Saturday. Excellent!
Met with the teachers specialty students. Nice work! I even get to immediately impliment one of those specialties into CMS right away! Scribe Specialty. It looks so interesting that I think I will register for it myself!
Well, home now for dinner and finish the minutes for the Teachers Meeting and get them posted for the teachers to access.
I got the big article by Horkheimer on Critical Thinking read. I lost comprehension after page 10 of 30, though. I will need to read it again. When I got to class, I learned that class was cancelled. OH! Good, I get a chance to reread the article. Some of the students who showed chatted about the article and other stuffs for about an hour.
Then I headed to work to look through CV's and to post the posters I had made. Already 8-10 people are signed up for the L3B seminars on Saturday. Excellent!
Met with the teachers specialty students. Nice work! I even get to immediately impliment one of those specialties into CMS right away! Scribe Specialty. It looks so interesting that I think I will register for it myself!
Well, home now for dinner and finish the minutes for the Teachers Meeting and get them posted for the teachers to access.
Zen card of the week: Inner Peace
INNER PEACE
Inner peace brings
FULFILLMENT.
Attain it,
And life works,
Give it away,
And HAPPINESS
becomes
elusive.
Ok... here is the big question...
How does one ATTAIN Inner Peace?
Inner peace brings
FULFILLMENT.
Attain it,
And life works,
Give it away,
And HAPPINESS
becomes
elusive.
Ok... here is the big question...
How does one ATTAIN Inner Peace?
To go or not to go...
I have been debating whether to go to school and work in the GSA building instead of home or not. I just woke up now. I slept decently... but only got to bed around 2 or so AM after doing homework yesterday. I did take a break yesterday and played more CIV4. It is an addictive competitive game... but I would not exactly call it "fun". I am not sure I will play it again.
Well, I work better at the GSA building. ANd I have 3 articles to read and digest before 4pm. I guess I will get my stuff together and just go.
I was considering staying because I was on a decent role... but there are too many disctractions here. This needs to be sorted, that needs to be cleaned, this needs to be planned. ACK!
I will just go. I will take my homework, Teachers Specialty stuff, and the CMS teachers meeting minutes to type when I need a mental break.
Well, I work better at the GSA building. ANd I have 3 articles to read and digest before 4pm. I guess I will get my stuff together and just go.
I was considering staying because I was on a decent role... but there are too many disctractions here. This needs to be sorted, that needs to be cleaned, this needs to be planned. ACK!
I will just go. I will take my homework, Teachers Specialty stuff, and the CMS teachers meeting minutes to type when I need a mental break.
Introduction to the Theory of Religion #3 (warning this may be long)
Yes... it is a STUPID morning time and I am writing this. I want it done! I still have (after this) last weeks stuff on the intro to Critical Theory. AND the readings for class by 4pm. *sigh*
Terry Eagleton, "The Significance of Theory" in The Significance of Theory (Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1990), 24-38.
In this article, Eagleton is asking us to theorize about theory, thus to engage in meta-theory. Theorizing seems to distance one from real life... here is a question or two. What is "real"? What is "reality"? We theorize in order to stabilize our signs and symbol. Reality is a human concept full of cultural symbols and signs. Theory tries to explain, change it, stabilize it. ANd now, theory has been forced to take itself as its own object of study. So metatheory and social theory is now more and more self-reflctive.
"Theory, then potentially destabilizes social life... [and] is also a conservative force." (p. 27)
This hearkens back to theory can support the status-quo or instigate change. Eagleton mentions the idea of Emancipatory vs Conservative Theory.
He also states that "children make the best theorists, since they have not yet been educated into accepting our routine social practices as 'natural', and so insist on posing to those practices the most embarrassingly general and fundamental questions, regarding them with a wondering estrangement which we adults have long forgotten." (p. 34) Thos that challenge the norms follow emancipatory theory while those that stive to maintain them engage in conservative theory.
Yup, I am learning a whole new language.
Eagleton claims that emancipatory theorists are not likely to fall prey to megalomania. *snicker* Really?
Terry Eagleton, "Rise and Fall of Theory" in After Theory (London: Allen Lane, 2003), 23-40.
And begins the language lesson!
Theory engages in Hermeneutics.
Hermeneutics: the science or art of interpretation
Eagleton's title suggests that theory rise into a state of popularity of some sort and then fell out of favor. If that is true, then why am I learning it? It cannot have truly fallen if students are still learning it and using it. What has happened is that the subjects of the cultural theories have changed because history and human needs have changed. Women's Rights and the Peace Movement were once a big issue, now we are talking religious rights, anti-nuclear campaigns, and consumer society. Much social theory revolves around the middle-class society which makes up the majority of many people worldwide (or was I just overgeneralizing?). The challenges to middle-class society as it went through the greatest unheavals in history have made for some the most prolific times for the development of theory... and the critical self-reflection of theory leading to metatheory.
So now we encounter some theories out of history: Capitalism, Communism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Modernism, Post-Modernism, (Classical) Marxism, Neo-Marxism (or Western Marxism), Stalinism... to name a few. Off i go to the "bat-cave", the one known as The Encyclopedia of Religion & Society. And the trusty www.dictionary.com !
Capitalism: An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market.
Communism:
1- A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
2A- A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
2B- The Marxist-Leninist version of Communist doctrine that advocates the overthrow of capitalism by the revolution of the proletariat.
That last one uses terms that again need defining.
Structuralism: A method of analyzing phenomena, as in anthropology, linguistics, psychology, or literature, chiefly characterized by contrasting the elemental structures of the phenomena in a system of binary opposition.
Post-Structuralism: Any of various theories or methods of analysis, including deconstruction and some psychoanalytic theories, that deny the validity of structuralism's method of binary opposition and maintain that meanings and intellectual categories are shifting and unstable.
Modernism: The deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression that distinguish many styles in the arts and literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Post-Modernism:
1- Of or relating to art, architecture, or literature that reacts against earlier modernist principles, as by reintroducing traditional or classical elements of style or by carrying modernist styles or practices to extremes.
2- a repudiation of logocentrism and the embracing of an antifoundational stance toward truth claims. In its most extreme versions, postmodernism constitutes a profound repudiation of the entire Western philosophical tradition and represents an extreme form of relativism.
(Classical) Marxism: The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.
Neo-Marxism (Western Marxism): seeking to incorporate principles of Marxist thought into modern political and economic systems
Stalinism: The bureaucratic, authoritarian exercise of state power and mechanistic application of Marxist-Leninist principles associated with Stalin.
ARRGGHH!!! SOOOooo many new vocabulary words to learn!!
Eagleton mentions that "cultural theory was there to remins the traditional left (Marxist) of what is had flouted: art, pleasure, gender, power, sexuality, language, madness, desire, spirituality, the family, the body, the ecosystem, the unconscious, ethnicity, life-style, hegemony." (p. 30)
Hegemony: The predominant influence, as of a state, region, or group, over another or others.
According to Eagleton, much cultural/social theory evolved out of critiques about classical Marxism in the 1060's and 1070's. This despite that several of the theorists at the time were in fact Marxists, like Claude Levi-Strauss. We begin to see spin-off theories and thoerists: Maoism and Trotskyism.
Maoism: Marxism-Leninism developed in China chiefly by Mao Zedong.
Trotskyism: The political and economic theories of Communism advocated by Leon Trotsky and his followers, usually including the principle of worldwide revolution.
Some more new terms.... deconstruction, Michel Foucault, humanism, existentialism, Taoism and pluralism.
Deconstructionism: A philosophical movement and theory of literary criticism that questions traditional assumptions about certainty, identity, and truth; asserts that words can only refer to other words; and attempts to demonstrate how statements about any text subvert their own meanings: “In deconstruction, the critic claims there is no meaning to be found in the actual text, but only in the various, often mutually irreconcilable, ‘virtual texts’ constructed by readers in their search for meaning” (Rebecca Goldstein).
Michel Foucault: French philosopher and historian who explored the role played by power in shaping knowledge. His works include Madness and Civilization (1961) and the multi-volume History of Sexuality (1976-1986). He was considered a radical Marxist. (more on Foucault later in the semester)
Humanism:
1- A system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth.
2- Concern with the interests, needs, and welfare of humans
Existentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.
Taoism:
1- a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism
2- religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu
3- popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic
4- philosophical system developed by of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
Pluralism:
1- The doctrine that reality is composed of many ultimate substances.
2- The belief that no single explanatory system or view of reality can account for all the phenomena of life.
I think my head is going to explode! Part of the problem with defining theories is that they often are defined by what they are not as opposed to by what they are. "Cultural Theory started out by deepening Marxism, and ended up by displacing it. ANd so we begin to run into the big problem of defining the undefinable... like CULTURE or like RELIGION. I am not even going to try. I know this is complex and a bottomless pit of subdivisions. I spent an entire semester discussing the problems associated with trying to define these terms.
Ok... language lesson is FINALLY over. I am going to bed!
Terry Eagleton, "The Significance of Theory" in The Significance of Theory (Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1990), 24-38.
In this article, Eagleton is asking us to theorize about theory, thus to engage in meta-theory. Theorizing seems to distance one from real life... here is a question or two. What is "real"? What is "reality"? We theorize in order to stabilize our signs and symbol. Reality is a human concept full of cultural symbols and signs. Theory tries to explain, change it, stabilize it. ANd now, theory has been forced to take itself as its own object of study. So metatheory and social theory is now more and more self-reflctive.
"Theory, then potentially destabilizes social life... [and] is also a conservative force." (p. 27)
This hearkens back to theory can support the status-quo or instigate change. Eagleton mentions the idea of Emancipatory vs Conservative Theory.
He also states that "children make the best theorists, since they have not yet been educated into accepting our routine social practices as 'natural', and so insist on posing to those practices the most embarrassingly general and fundamental questions, regarding them with a wondering estrangement which we adults have long forgotten." (p. 34) Thos that challenge the norms follow emancipatory theory while those that stive to maintain them engage in conservative theory.
Yup, I am learning a whole new language.
Eagleton claims that emancipatory theorists are not likely to fall prey to megalomania. *snicker* Really?
Terry Eagleton, "Rise and Fall of Theory" in After Theory (London: Allen Lane, 2003), 23-40.
And begins the language lesson!
Theory engages in Hermeneutics.
Hermeneutics: the science or art of interpretation
Eagleton's title suggests that theory rise into a state of popularity of some sort and then fell out of favor. If that is true, then why am I learning it? It cannot have truly fallen if students are still learning it and using it. What has happened is that the subjects of the cultural theories have changed because history and human needs have changed. Women's Rights and the Peace Movement were once a big issue, now we are talking religious rights, anti-nuclear campaigns, and consumer society. Much social theory revolves around the middle-class society which makes up the majority of many people worldwide (or was I just overgeneralizing?). The challenges to middle-class society as it went through the greatest unheavals in history have made for some the most prolific times for the development of theory... and the critical self-reflection of theory leading to metatheory.
So now we encounter some theories out of history: Capitalism, Communism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Modernism, Post-Modernism, (Classical) Marxism, Neo-Marxism (or Western Marxism), Stalinism... to name a few. Off i go to the "bat-cave", the one known as The Encyclopedia of Religion & Society. And the trusty www.dictionary.com !
Capitalism: An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market.
Communism:
1- A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
2A- A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
2B- The Marxist-Leninist version of Communist doctrine that advocates the overthrow of capitalism by the revolution of the proletariat.
That last one uses terms that again need defining.
Structuralism: A method of analyzing phenomena, as in anthropology, linguistics, psychology, or literature, chiefly characterized by contrasting the elemental structures of the phenomena in a system of binary opposition.
Post-Structuralism: Any of various theories or methods of analysis, including deconstruction and some psychoanalytic theories, that deny the validity of structuralism's method of binary opposition and maintain that meanings and intellectual categories are shifting and unstable.
Modernism: The deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression that distinguish many styles in the arts and literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Post-Modernism:
1- Of or relating to art, architecture, or literature that reacts against earlier modernist principles, as by reintroducing traditional or classical elements of style or by carrying modernist styles or practices to extremes.
2- a repudiation of logocentrism and the embracing of an antifoundational stance toward truth claims. In its most extreme versions, postmodernism constitutes a profound repudiation of the entire Western philosophical tradition and represents an extreme form of relativism.
(Classical) Marxism: The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.
Neo-Marxism (Western Marxism): seeking to incorporate principles of Marxist thought into modern political and economic systems
Stalinism: The bureaucratic, authoritarian exercise of state power and mechanistic application of Marxist-Leninist principles associated with Stalin.
ARRGGHH!!! SOOOooo many new vocabulary words to learn!!
Eagleton mentions that "cultural theory was there to remins the traditional left (Marxist) of what is had flouted: art, pleasure, gender, power, sexuality, language, madness, desire, spirituality, the family, the body, the ecosystem, the unconscious, ethnicity, life-style, hegemony." (p. 30)
Hegemony: The predominant influence, as of a state, region, or group, over another or others.
According to Eagleton, much cultural/social theory evolved out of critiques about classical Marxism in the 1060's and 1070's. This despite that several of the theorists at the time were in fact Marxists, like Claude Levi-Strauss. We begin to see spin-off theories and thoerists: Maoism and Trotskyism.
Maoism: Marxism-Leninism developed in China chiefly by Mao Zedong.
Trotskyism: The political and economic theories of Communism advocated by Leon Trotsky and his followers, usually including the principle of worldwide revolution.
Some more new terms.... deconstruction, Michel Foucault, humanism, existentialism, Taoism and pluralism.
Deconstructionism: A philosophical movement and theory of literary criticism that questions traditional assumptions about certainty, identity, and truth; asserts that words can only refer to other words; and attempts to demonstrate how statements about any text subvert their own meanings: “In deconstruction, the critic claims there is no meaning to be found in the actual text, but only in the various, often mutually irreconcilable, ‘virtual texts’ constructed by readers in their search for meaning” (Rebecca Goldstein).
Michel Foucault: French philosopher and historian who explored the role played by power in shaping knowledge. His works include Madness and Civilization (1961) and the multi-volume History of Sexuality (1976-1986). He was considered a radical Marxist. (more on Foucault later in the semester)
Humanism:
1- A system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth.
2- Concern with the interests, needs, and welfare of humans
Existentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.
Taoism:
1- a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism
2- religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu
3- popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic
4- philosophical system developed by of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
Pluralism:
1- The doctrine that reality is composed of many ultimate substances.
2- The belief that no single explanatory system or view of reality can account for all the phenomena of life.
I think my head is going to explode! Part of the problem with defining theories is that they often are defined by what they are not as opposed to by what they are. "Cultural Theory started out by deepening Marxism, and ended up by displacing it. ANd so we begin to run into the big problem of defining the undefinable... like CULTURE or like RELIGION. I am not even going to try. I know this is complex and a bottomless pit of subdivisions. I spent an entire semester discussing the problems associated with trying to define these terms.
Ok... language lesson is FINALLY over. I am going to bed!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Spent a day at the Owls' Court
After voting, that was a tough decision, I went out to spend time woth Autumn & Liam. I now have my CMS info to type up the minutes which I will do tonight. We chatted and planned and played with baby. Liam bites now with his new little teeth! And chewed his first graham cracker. WEEHEE! It was so cute... till he accidentally bit his own tongue and cried. Poor guy. I watched him sleep while the Hiscocks went out to do their civid duty of voting.
Now I am home. And wow... my car is out of gas! I am amazed I got home. And oh GODS! I was craving as I passed Manzo's with no money. *sigh* Maybe next time.
M-SB is now making wantons for supper for us while I work more on homework.
OH! Watched Logan's Run last night. If you have not seen it but saw the movie The Island, then you will see MANY similarities. The early 1970's visuals and music and sounds were horrific, but the story was decent. The shocking view of female scanty clothing and scenes of nudity were more shocking to see in a film of that time. I was startled. Many of out films today are not so explicit or implicit.
Ok... off to do homework.
Now I am home. And wow... my car is out of gas! I am amazed I got home. And oh GODS! I was craving as I passed Manzo's with no money. *sigh* Maybe next time.
M-SB is now making wantons for supper for us while I work more on homework.
OH! Watched Logan's Run last night. If you have not seen it but saw the movie The Island, then you will see MANY similarities. The early 1970's visuals and music and sounds were horrific, but the story was decent. The shocking view of female scanty clothing and scenes of nudity were more shocking to see in a film of that time. I was startled. Many of out films today are not so explicit or implicit.
Ok... off to do homework.
Today's Vote... Today's Challenge
I have considered voting Green Party... even though it is a Socialist movement. I have also considered voting NDP. Here are their respective Platforms:
Green Party Platform: http://www.greenparty.ca/article70.html
NDP Platform: http://www.ndp.ca/platform
Interesting... they are extremely similar.
The Green Party seem very focused on their "green" ideas, though they are a bit vague on how they will get there. Government for the people by the people is their driving ground. I have a stong interest in that. But fear a little about their strength and conviction once theyt actually get into power. The "by the people" allows the people to vote regularly on issues throughout their governmental term.
The NDP has less focus on "green" ideas, but it has a stong platform that is for the working-class people (the majority of Canadians). They are less vague and will know how to get where they are going. They are, however, somewhat sensational and spend a great deal of time whining about how bad the Liberals were (even throughout their platform) which is very annoying.
Both offer something counter to what we have had that also does not include Quebec Nationalism and Separation. Green's "by the people" allows the people to vote regularly on issues throughout their governmental term. While NDP is not as "for the people and by the people" like the Green Party, they are addressing the issues that people are truly concerned with and not the government agenda. It is a challenging decision.
This is the first time I have actually felt I had a vested interest in what I am voting about. Gods... maybe I am getting old.
Green Party Platform: http://www.greenparty.ca/article70.html
NDP Platform: http://www.ndp.ca/platform
Interesting... they are extremely similar.
The Green Party seem very focused on their "green" ideas, though they are a bit vague on how they will get there. Government for the people by the people is their driving ground. I have a stong interest in that. But fear a little about their strength and conviction once theyt actually get into power. The "by the people" allows the people to vote regularly on issues throughout their governmental term.
The NDP has less focus on "green" ideas, but it has a stong platform that is for the working-class people (the majority of Canadians). They are less vague and will know how to get where they are going. They are, however, somewhat sensational and spend a great deal of time whining about how bad the Liberals were (even throughout their platform) which is very annoying.
Both offer something counter to what we have had that also does not include Quebec Nationalism and Separation. Green's "by the people" allows the people to vote regularly on issues throughout their governmental term. While NDP is not as "for the people and by the people" like the Green Party, they are addressing the issues that people are truly concerned with and not the government agenda. It is a challenging decision.
This is the first time I have actually felt I had a vested interest in what I am voting about. Gods... maybe I am getting old.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
argh
it takes TOO F-ING long to do this blogging homework thing. I know it is very useful for my ability to digest the homework... But DAMN! I am hating the typing and the pain I suffer through sitting here. Back and hip are killing me. I am stopping and going to get juice and drugs.
Maybe it is time to watch a movie and change both my physical space and my head-space for a bit.
Maybe it is time to watch a movie and change both my physical space and my head-space for a bit.
Introduction to the Theory of Religion #2 (warning this may be long)
Ian Caib, "What's Wrong with Theory and Why We Still Need It?" in Modern Social Theory: From Parsons to Habnermas (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992), 3-13.
"Much modern social theory is unintelligible, banal, or pointless." (p. 3)
This is repeated at the end. And throughout this article, he makes good on proving it! Actually, he is acknowledging it, because he also shows us how it is still useful along with the various frustration. He along with others say that learning theory is like learning a new language. It is frustrating and complicated, but once you learn to think in the other language, it become much clearer. Unfortunately, most theorists speak their OWN theoretical jargon, or even make up new terms.
Caib mentions that human problems force us to theory and that these problems are not always sociological, they are "problems of making sense of what happens to us and the people around us, the problems involved in making moral choices and political choices." (p. 3) In doing so, Social Theory cannot be extremely specif, like mathematical theory. It takes a broad concern and theorizes, trying to explain it and seek a solution.
Why are there so few professional pagans? why are so many pagans living below the poverty line? Is it a social choice? Is it because the professionals are not "out of the broom-closet"? Where are the pagan and pagan-freindy doctors, lawyers, teachers, therapists, businesspeople, computer specialists, etc.?
"Theory is a help only if we can learn from it, and we can learn from only if we can use it." (p. 5)
This is like a catch-22!! ARGH! Yet Caib is referring to learning to "think theoretically" and learning the language that I mentioned earlier. Yet, we already know how to think theoretically. "Most of us are affected in some way by events over which we have no control and the causes of which are not immediately obvious." (p. 6) When we start to think about these situations, we are thinking theoretically and drawing on whatever experiences about the world one has, even though these expereinces do not directly relate to the problem.
My hip hurts. It hurts alot. It may be based on the original injury I had. Why don't I go to physiotheraphy? Because it is expensive. Why is it too expensive for me? Because I am a student with a very LOW paying job. Why am I in that socio-economic state? Is that something to do with a problem in my society? Students with low-paying jobs are a problem? Why? Physiotherapy is expensive? Why? It may have to do with the fact that weak cartilege and joint problems and arthritis run in my family. Why is this so? How did this come about originally? Is it something that could have been headed off earlier? It might have to do with the chair I sit on at the computer for so long doing homework and work-work. Why do I have a crappy chair? Why not a proper chair? (see issue about expence) How do I know which chair is appropriate for me? Why am I spending so much time at the desktop computer? Can there be another way to do my homework or work-work? What about exercising in-between or on breaks? Do I take break? Do I take enough break? How can the breaks help me be more productive so I am working less? Is there a more efficient way for me to work? Is this a problem for all students? Will all students suffer like this because of all the computer work they have to do? AND SO ON....
Yet, Caid does distinguish between everyday theoretical thinking and social theory. (p. 8-9)
1- "Social theory attempts to be much more systematic about both experiences and ideas.... General ideas are systematized through subjecting them to rules of logic. The logic must flow, follow idea to idea and not contradict each other.
2- Regarding systematisation, there arises a problem of which is the best way. "What do we mean by explanation and when is the explanation adequate?"
3- "The various processes of systematisation might lead us to the conclusion that things exist in the world of which we have no direct experience and, on occasion, that these things are the opposite of what we might expect from our experience of the world."
I like the way Caib suggests learning theoretical thinking: read it, try to understand it, "ask the thory questions and speculate on the answers." (p. 10) What questions is the theory asking and what can we ask the theory? HA! Question EVERYTHING! Ask what and ask WHY. Good idea.
Caib then discusses theoretical traps... or rather traps encounted in theory or theoretical thinking. There seem to be four traps that Caib identifies:
1- The trap of Empirical Sociology. With the function of theory based on interpretation of data, we sometimes "need theory to tell us what those facts are." (p. 11) And the trap is when we try to fit the empirical data into a paradign. Thus, empirical sociology leads to "fudged" theories, or to reductionist theory. REDUCTIONISM: "reduces the complexity of the real world to a set of theoretical concepts." (p. 11)
2- The Brain-Teaser trap (as Caib calls it) is the unsolvable fascinating problem, the one that has no real bearing and seem or is irrelevant... the theories that are there to just make you think, not that actually address a problem and attempt to explain them or solve them.
3- The Logic trap is Caib's third trap and sound a bit odd since theory is supposed to work with logic. The trap lies in possibly taking this logic to the extreme. He reminds us the "whilst a theory must strive for internal coherence, for logical order, the world itself is often illogical and the theory must take this into account or it will demolish itself in the trap of too much logic.
4- The last is the Description trap. A theory must tell us something we did not know, otherwise it is just describing what we can discover by looking on our own.
"Much modern social theory is unintelligible, banal, or pointless." (p. 3)
This is repeated at the end. And throughout this article, he makes good on proving it! Actually, he is acknowledging it, because he also shows us how it is still useful along with the various frustration. He along with others say that learning theory is like learning a new language. It is frustrating and complicated, but once you learn to think in the other language, it become much clearer. Unfortunately, most theorists speak their OWN theoretical jargon, or even make up new terms.
Caib mentions that human problems force us to theory and that these problems are not always sociological, they are "problems of making sense of what happens to us and the people around us, the problems involved in making moral choices and political choices." (p. 3) In doing so, Social Theory cannot be extremely specif, like mathematical theory. It takes a broad concern and theorizes, trying to explain it and seek a solution.
Why are there so few professional pagans? why are so many pagans living below the poverty line? Is it a social choice? Is it because the professionals are not "out of the broom-closet"? Where are the pagan and pagan-freindy doctors, lawyers, teachers, therapists, businesspeople, computer specialists, etc.?
"Theory is a help only if we can learn from it, and we can learn from only if we can use it." (p. 5)
This is like a catch-22!! ARGH! Yet Caib is referring to learning to "think theoretically" and learning the language that I mentioned earlier. Yet, we already know how to think theoretically. "Most of us are affected in some way by events over which we have no control and the causes of which are not immediately obvious." (p. 6) When we start to think about these situations, we are thinking theoretically and drawing on whatever experiences about the world one has, even though these expereinces do not directly relate to the problem.
My hip hurts. It hurts alot. It may be based on the original injury I had. Why don't I go to physiotheraphy? Because it is expensive. Why is it too expensive for me? Because I am a student with a very LOW paying job. Why am I in that socio-economic state? Is that something to do with a problem in my society? Students with low-paying jobs are a problem? Why? Physiotherapy is expensive? Why? It may have to do with the fact that weak cartilege and joint problems and arthritis run in my family. Why is this so? How did this come about originally? Is it something that could have been headed off earlier? It might have to do with the chair I sit on at the computer for so long doing homework and work-work. Why do I have a crappy chair? Why not a proper chair? (see issue about expence) How do I know which chair is appropriate for me? Why am I spending so much time at the desktop computer? Can there be another way to do my homework or work-work? What about exercising in-between or on breaks? Do I take break? Do I take enough break? How can the breaks help me be more productive so I am working less? Is there a more efficient way for me to work? Is this a problem for all students? Will all students suffer like this because of all the computer work they have to do? AND SO ON....
Yet, Caid does distinguish between everyday theoretical thinking and social theory. (p. 8-9)
1- "Social theory attempts to be much more systematic about both experiences and ideas.... General ideas are systematized through subjecting them to rules of logic. The logic must flow, follow idea to idea and not contradict each other.
2- Regarding systematisation, there arises a problem of which is the best way. "What do we mean by explanation and when is the explanation adequate?"
3- "The various processes of systematisation might lead us to the conclusion that things exist in the world of which we have no direct experience and, on occasion, that these things are the opposite of what we might expect from our experience of the world."
I like the way Caib suggests learning theoretical thinking: read it, try to understand it, "ask the thory questions and speculate on the answers." (p. 10) What questions is the theory asking and what can we ask the theory? HA! Question EVERYTHING! Ask what and ask WHY. Good idea.
Caib then discusses theoretical traps... or rather traps encounted in theory or theoretical thinking. There seem to be four traps that Caib identifies:
1- The trap of Empirical Sociology. With the function of theory based on interpretation of data, we sometimes "need theory to tell us what those facts are." (p. 11) And the trap is when we try to fit the empirical data into a paradign. Thus, empirical sociology leads to "fudged" theories, or to reductionist theory. REDUCTIONISM: "reduces the complexity of the real world to a set of theoretical concepts." (p. 11)
2- The Brain-Teaser trap (as Caib calls it) is the unsolvable fascinating problem, the one that has no real bearing and seem or is irrelevant... the theories that are there to just make you think, not that actually address a problem and attempt to explain them or solve them.
3- The Logic trap is Caib's third trap and sound a bit odd since theory is supposed to work with logic. The trap lies in possibly taking this logic to the extreme. He reminds us the "whilst a theory must strive for internal coherence, for logical order, the world itself is often illogical and the theory must take this into account or it will demolish itself in the trap of too much logic.
4- The last is the Description trap. A theory must tell us something we did not know, otherwise it is just describing what we can discover by looking on our own.
So far...
Not much done.
Posters made, pamphlets printed, even registration form printed... all with the updated stuffs.
Dealt with some store crises... it all worked out. People need to be more careful when they count the cash. Don't rush and don't panic.
Other than that... I have been lazy today. I slept in, stayed in my PJ's, ate breakfast at the computer, played CIV4 most of the day. I did tidy the kitchen and livingroom. I even attempted a smoothie according to a rough recipe in a magazine. It was ok, but I consider it a failure. It did not taste like a smoothie. ANd I think my blender has finally reached that age at which you decide that the busted buttons really mean it dies some time ago. Time to accept the fact that it is dead, Jim! *sigh* I got 9 years out of a $30 blender, so I guess that is good.
Now, however, I have to address the need-to-do things. Like homework. And the growing piles of junk that are now creating hazards in the bedroom. Just wish my whole body was not so lethargic.
1- blog Theory reading
2- clean bedroom
3- update web homepages
4- read last week's HW : Intro to Critical Theory
5- blog readings
6- type minutes to CMS Teachers Meeting
7- blog Intro to Critical Theory classnotes
Posters made, pamphlets printed, even registration form printed... all with the updated stuffs.
Dealt with some store crises... it all worked out. People need to be more careful when they count the cash. Don't rush and don't panic.
Other than that... I have been lazy today. I slept in, stayed in my PJ's, ate breakfast at the computer, played CIV4 most of the day. I did tidy the kitchen and livingroom. I even attempted a smoothie according to a rough recipe in a magazine. It was ok, but I consider it a failure. It did not taste like a smoothie. ANd I think my blender has finally reached that age at which you decide that the busted buttons really mean it dies some time ago. Time to accept the fact that it is dead, Jim! *sigh* I got 9 years out of a $30 blender, so I guess that is good.
Now, however, I have to address the need-to-do things. Like homework. And the growing piles of junk that are now creating hazards in the bedroom. Just wish my whole body was not so lethargic.
1- blog Theory reading
2- clean bedroom
3- update web homepages
4- read last week's HW : Intro to Critical Theory
5- blog readings
6- type minutes to CMS Teachers Meeting
7- blog Intro to Critical Theory classnotes
Saturday, January 21, 2006
*ouch*
Now my brain hurts. I am NOT going to get any cleaning done. Theory is complicated. I need to digest it well and that takes time. Before the night is out, I will blog about what I got out of the readings for the Intro to Theory.
Right now... need a little nap, rest the brain... then dinner.
Right now... need a little nap, rest the brain... then dinner.
Introduction to the Theory of Religion #1 (warning this may be long)
January 10/06 Class Notes:
Max Horkheimer (Western Marxism)
Michel Foucault
Charles Taylor (Montreal who focused on Ethics)
We will be looking at how to think theoretically with the focus on religion.
Homework readings are crutial prior to class for class discussion. Papers are not to be summaries, but to show our understanding through analysis and corrolation/relation to the reading using a very narrow topic. Pick a small topic or issue, write a thesis statement and CARE about the topic.
We will be looking at three (3) theorists through 4 levels of study
A- background on the theory and theorist
B- Reading the theory and theorist
C- grappling with the religious essays referring to the theory
D- writing an essay on C referring to A & B then discussing and debating in class
It might be helpful to get a book on Intro to Philosophy or Fontana's Dictionary of Modern Though. Guess i add to my Amazon.ca wishlist.
The Meaning & Scope of Theory
What is Theory?
- ideas
- reductionism
- explanation
- tool for problem solving
- "theoria" (Greek) take a perspective or vantage point in order to see the whole & explain things
- point of view on an issue
- "seeing" how things are (imperialist & comtrolling)
- comprehensive form of analysis
- seeing, clarity, control, rational, lucidity, logic
- rational thought
- nothing is "hidden" or "obscure"
reductive explanation of religion
- coherency, synoptic (see multiple things @ the same time: similarities & differences)
- contemplation of the "T/t"ruth
- otherworldly philosopher
Define/Describe Theory
- constitute a studious effort to explain (5 w's) a specific phenomenon, especially "why?"
- theory can be: subversive / shit-disturbing
Metatheory: A theory devised to analyze theoretical systems.
Critical Theory: a theoretical approach developed by the "Frankfurt School" of social thinkers, which stresses that all knowledge is historical and biased and thus claims to "objective" knowledge are illusory, Marxist
Traditional Theory: Scientific theory
Marxist Theory: The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.
Problem of Theory
When we learn about theory, we must start with theory. This can make it very difficult to learn.
When & Why do we think theoretically?
- When we don't have control & want to explain/understand it.
- When practical answers are not abvious or feel inadequate.
Theory rises when a problem arises in our life or worldview. Sometimes, circulstances change to throw the norms out of balance and thus we begin to theorize as to why and how to explain it and develop an idea for a solution which also needs explanation.
Why do people leave their religion of origin for Wicca? What is wrong with religion that people are frequently dissatisfied with it? Why are people drawn to Wicca?
Theory is the social practice of forced reflection, sometimes a practice forced to take itself as the object of study. Can be revolutionary & subversive. Theory is deconstructive. Ideas can be constructed and deconstructed.
Truths can be constructed, natural, authoritarian, or divinely given.
Theory challenges the truths, demands justification and puts validity into question.
Why is it "wrong" to charge for teaching Craft?
Why is it "Wrong" to organize?
Theory is the study of problems and questions.
Why are we engaged in Theory? What matters to us when we theorize? (this is different for each historical period and the history of the person theorizing)
- gender
- religious background
- upbringing
- socio-economic status
- politics
Be careful not to be blind to your biases... rather, be transparent about them.
Some theories either support the status-quo or instigate change.
Theories that instigate change or aim to "free" people or thinking are called Emancipatory Theories.
Max Horkheimer (Western Marxism)
Michel Foucault
Charles Taylor (Montreal who focused on Ethics)
We will be looking at how to think theoretically with the focus on religion.
Homework readings are crutial prior to class for class discussion. Papers are not to be summaries, but to show our understanding through analysis and corrolation/relation to the reading using a very narrow topic. Pick a small topic or issue, write a thesis statement and CARE about the topic.
We will be looking at three (3) theorists through 4 levels of study
A- background on the theory and theorist
B- Reading the theory and theorist
C- grappling with the religious essays referring to the theory
D- writing an essay on C referring to A & B then discussing and debating in class
It might be helpful to get a book on Intro to Philosophy or Fontana's Dictionary of Modern Though. Guess i add to my Amazon.ca wishlist.
The Meaning & Scope of Theory
What is Theory?
- ideas
- reductionism
- explanation
- tool for problem solving
- "theoria" (Greek) take a perspective or vantage point in order to see the whole & explain things
- point of view on an issue
- "seeing" how things are (imperialist & comtrolling)
- comprehensive form of analysis
- seeing, clarity, control, rational, lucidity, logic
- rational thought
- nothing is "hidden" or "obscure"
reductive explanation of religion
- coherency, synoptic (see multiple things @ the same time: similarities & differences)
- contemplation of the "T/t"ruth
- otherworldly philosopher
Define/Describe Theory
- constitute a studious effort to explain (5 w's) a specific phenomenon, especially "why?"
- theory can be: subversive / shit-disturbing
the·o·ry ( P ) Pronunciation Key (th-r, thîr)n. pl. the·o·ries
( according to www.dictionary.com )
- A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
- The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.
- A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
- Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory.
- A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.
- An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
Metatheory: A theory devised to analyze theoretical systems.
Critical Theory: a theoretical approach developed by the "Frankfurt School" of social thinkers, which stresses that all knowledge is historical and biased and thus claims to "objective" knowledge are illusory, Marxist
Traditional Theory: Scientific theory
Marxist Theory: The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.
Problem of Theory
When we learn about theory, we must start with theory. This can make it very difficult to learn.
When & Why do we think theoretically?
- When we don't have control & want to explain/understand it.
- When practical answers are not abvious or feel inadequate.
Theory rises when a problem arises in our life or worldview. Sometimes, circulstances change to throw the norms out of balance and thus we begin to theorize as to why and how to explain it and develop an idea for a solution which also needs explanation.
Why do people leave their religion of origin for Wicca? What is wrong with religion that people are frequently dissatisfied with it? Why are people drawn to Wicca?
Theory is the social practice of forced reflection, sometimes a practice forced to take itself as the object of study. Can be revolutionary & subversive. Theory is deconstructive. Ideas can be constructed and deconstructed.
Truths can be constructed, natural, authoritarian, or divinely given.
Theory challenges the truths, demands justification and puts validity into question.
Why is it "wrong" to charge for teaching Craft?
Why is it "Wrong" to organize?
Theory is the study of problems and questions.
Why are we engaged in Theory? What matters to us when we theorize? (this is different for each historical period and the history of the person theorizing)
- gender
- religious background
- upbringing
- socio-economic status
- politics
Be careful not to be blind to your biases... rather, be transparent about them.
Some theories either support the status-quo or instigate change.
Theories that instigate change or aim to "free" people or thinking are called Emancipatory Theories.
Wonderous
Ahhhh... how wonderful to get some decent sleep. Yesterday went well-ish. I was not up early enough to do my morning stuffs, but I did make it to the GSA workshop. It was INCREDIBLE. Oh how the wheels are turning! Oh... and I bought yet ANOTHER journal. It is a very business looking journal. I used un in the GSA workshop. And then met with business students to talk about their project and our store and how to improve the way we do business. It went well, I guess. I felt like I did not have enough useful information for them, but they seemed all excited with the info I did have. They occasionally threw jargon words at me and lost me very quickly. The day was ended by a lovely treat of fondue dinner at Alpenhaus.
Alpenhaus1279 St-Marc Montreal, Qc514.935.2285
Serving delicious fondues and European specialties for over 35 years. Enjoy fondues, Wienerschnitzel, rack of lamb, rib streak. Rustic and cozy.
Oh sooooo yummy. Thank you Mtl-Rick! It was just as joyous to spend time with you and chat! We will have to get together again. I want to cook chinese stirfry for you *smile* and we can watch Serenity together or something.
Today I was woken a variety of stupid hours for no real reason, but I still feel like I slept. Maybe I just dreamed that I woke? Well, close to 10am I did finally get up. It was warm and balmy in the house and raining and spring-like outside. I opened all the windows. Cloak went bonkers "OPENED WINDOWS! YIPPEE!!!* Skittering excited cat bolting from windo to window. *snicker*
I prepared my morning class on Family & Paganism. There were some interesting issues. They were not so discussive like the last group. Mind, poor Rajura had all 4 wisdom teeth recently pulled. OUCH! I sent them home early with questions to consider in their journals. And asked them to bring some things for the Open House. OOOOOooooooOoooo... Airea, if you read this... maybe bring some craft thing or activity that is easy for children to do as a project/presentation for today's topic! Or make a nice chart of the messy one I had on the markerboard.
Now I have some time before Ash shows up with The Level 3B student for Defence Against the Dark Arts class. I have made the 2 posters I needed and printed up new updated CMS pamphlets. I ate rice for lunch and am considering dessert... maybe the cheese danish before it goes bad. Next on my work list is to type up the minutes for the CMS Teachers Meeting. As I am thinking of this and looking out the window... I see... SNOW! It looks pretty. Warm, fluffy, sticky, fun snow all white and sparkly. I will hate it later when I have to get the car. Well, right now... Meeting minutes.
Later today:
- blog Intro to Theory
- clean out file cabinet
- sort library (start)
- supper
- Healing workshop & ritual
Tomorrow:
- blog Religion & Education Seminar
- finish sorting library
- finish reading Intro to Critical Theory readings
- blog Intro to Critical Theory
- update CMS teachers pages on that blog
- blog GSA Presentation workshop
- redo the Links page to include Pagan Professionals
- clean the bedroom
- start reading the Critical Theory readings
I can do this. It is alot... but not overwhelming. So long as I get sleep... and maybe a backrub. OOOPS... crap. I almost forgot to print up registration forms.
Alpenhaus1279 St-Marc Montreal, Qc514.935.2285
Serving delicious fondues and European specialties for over 35 years. Enjoy fondues, Wienerschnitzel, rack of lamb, rib streak. Rustic and cozy.
Oh sooooo yummy. Thank you Mtl-Rick! It was just as joyous to spend time with you and chat! We will have to get together again. I want to cook chinese stirfry for you *smile* and we can watch Serenity together or something.
Today I was woken a variety of stupid hours for no real reason, but I still feel like I slept. Maybe I just dreamed that I woke? Well, close to 10am I did finally get up. It was warm and balmy in the house and raining and spring-like outside. I opened all the windows. Cloak went bonkers "OPENED WINDOWS! YIPPEE!!!* Skittering excited cat bolting from windo to window. *snicker*
I prepared my morning class on Family & Paganism. There were some interesting issues. They were not so discussive like the last group. Mind, poor Rajura had all 4 wisdom teeth recently pulled. OUCH! I sent them home early with questions to consider in their journals. And asked them to bring some things for the Open House. OOOOOooooooOoooo... Airea, if you read this... maybe bring some craft thing or activity that is easy for children to do as a project/presentation for today's topic! Or make a nice chart of the messy one I had on the markerboard.
Now I have some time before Ash shows up with The Level 3B student for Defence Against the Dark Arts class. I have made the 2 posters I needed and printed up new updated CMS pamphlets. I ate rice for lunch and am considering dessert... maybe the cheese danish before it goes bad. Next on my work list is to type up the minutes for the CMS Teachers Meeting. As I am thinking of this and looking out the window... I see... SNOW! It looks pretty. Warm, fluffy, sticky, fun snow all white and sparkly. I will hate it later when I have to get the car. Well, right now... Meeting minutes.
Later today:
- blog Intro to Theory
- clean out file cabinet
- sort library (start)
- supper
- Healing workshop & ritual
Tomorrow:
- blog Religion & Education Seminar
- finish sorting library
- finish reading Intro to Critical Theory readings
- blog Intro to Critical Theory
- update CMS teachers pages on that blog
- blog GSA Presentation workshop
- redo the Links page to include Pagan Professionals
- clean the bedroom
- start reading the Critical Theory readings
I can do this. It is alot... but not overwhelming. So long as I get sleep... and maybe a backrub. OOOPS... crap. I almost forgot to print up registration forms.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Tagged for a Meme
So, here I am, tagged for a Meme... I will do this before I do anything else. I think I am procrastinating. I had a good day but now a bit tired. Anyways... here is the Meme I was tagged for:
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1- technical documentation specialist (junior)... hated it, will never do it again, cannot be paid anything to convince me to... I consider it has horriblr as prostitution or slavery!
2- teaching at elementary... loved this, will do it again when I have time
3- vet tech assistant... ok... until blood goes through a tube
4- duncan donuts... resulted in me boycotting it for a LONG time after knowing what goes on behind the scenes and the cruelty with which employees are treated
Four movies you could watch over and over:
1- Star Wars... ANYTHING
2- Firefly... and thus Serenity
3- Bulletproof Monk
4- The Postman
Four places you have lived:
1- NDG
2- LaSalle
3- Dorval
4- SWG *grin*
Four t.v. shows you love to watch:
1- Dark Angel
2- Firefly
3- Battlestar Galactica
4- LOST
Four places you have been on vacation:
(true vacation? or just been to for a time that was mixed a bit with working?)
1- Tennessee for a week with Mike
2- New Orleans with Max (part working part fun)
3- Kent, Ohio, visiting Michael and Wendy and wolves
4- Vermont to Griffon Grove Inn with M-SB way way back in the beginning of our relationship some 6 years ago. We will be going on our first vacation since then sometime May in Halifax
Four websites you visit daily:
ONLY FOUR?! My gods... I go through the entire list of friends and student blogs every morning and evey night! I especially check these four though:
1- Owls' Court
2- Dark Lillith's Cave
3- Airea's Aurora Rising
4- Alison's Pod
Four of your favourite foods:
1- pasta
2- cheese bread
3- carob
4- eggs
Four places you'd rather be right now:
1- Victoria BC visiting my brother
2- in a house of our very own
3- in a cottage in the country
4- in bed (where I will be after this blog entry)
Four bloggers you are tagging:
1- Alison's Pod
2- Airea's Aurora Rising
3- Datastreams
4- Roo
Ok... off to bed for me. I have lots to do tomorrow!
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1- technical documentation specialist (junior)... hated it, will never do it again, cannot be paid anything to convince me to... I consider it has horriblr as prostitution or slavery!
2- teaching at elementary... loved this, will do it again when I have time
3- vet tech assistant... ok... until blood goes through a tube
4- duncan donuts... resulted in me boycotting it for a LONG time after knowing what goes on behind the scenes and the cruelty with which employees are treated
Four movies you could watch over and over:
1- Star Wars... ANYTHING
2- Firefly... and thus Serenity
3- Bulletproof Monk
4- The Postman
Four places you have lived:
1- NDG
2- LaSalle
3- Dorval
4- SWG *grin*
Four t.v. shows you love to watch:
1- Dark Angel
2- Firefly
3- Battlestar Galactica
4- LOST
Four places you have been on vacation:
(true vacation? or just been to for a time that was mixed a bit with working?)
1- Tennessee for a week with Mike
2- New Orleans with Max (part working part fun)
3- Kent, Ohio, visiting Michael and Wendy and wolves
4- Vermont to Griffon Grove Inn with M-SB way way back in the beginning of our relationship some 6 years ago. We will be going on our first vacation since then sometime May in Halifax
Four websites you visit daily:
ONLY FOUR?! My gods... I go through the entire list of friends and student blogs every morning and evey night! I especially check these four though:
1- Owls' Court
2- Dark Lillith's Cave
3- Airea's Aurora Rising
4- Alison's Pod
Four of your favourite foods:
1- pasta
2- cheese bread
3- carob
4- eggs
Four places you'd rather be right now:
1- Victoria BC visiting my brother
2- in a house of our very own
3- in a cottage in the country
4- in bed (where I will be after this blog entry)
Four bloggers you are tagging:
1- Alison's Pod
2- Airea's Aurora Rising
3- Datastreams
4- Roo
Ok... off to bed for me. I have lots to do tomorrow!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
*breathe*
Hardly had time for that today. Got TONS done at work... but no homeowrk and am exhausted now. Time fr bed. Homeowrk and a workshop, meeting and dinner tomorrow. And planning for the last class on Saturday. Family & Paganism for L3A.
The weekend bodes to be busy... and i just don't have the time for it to be that way.
Friday:
- GSA workshop on Grad Presentations
- meeting with MBA students
- dinner with Mtl-Rick
Saturday:
- L3A class to teach
- L3B class to observe
- Healing Circle to attend
Sunday:
- HOMEWORK (last week's)
- blogging notes
- HOMEWORK (last and this coming week's)
- cleaning
Something is nagging in the back of my mind saying that I am supposed to be doing something on Sunday... but I cannot seem to remember what.
The weekend bodes to be busy... and i just don't have the time for it to be that way.
Friday:
- GSA workshop on Grad Presentations
- meeting with MBA students
- dinner with Mtl-Rick
Saturday:
- L3A class to teach
- L3B class to observe
- Healing Circle to attend
Sunday:
- HOMEWORK (last week's)
- blogging notes
- HOMEWORK (last and this coming week's)
- cleaning
Something is nagging in the back of my mind saying that I am supposed to be doing something on Sunday... but I cannot seem to remember what.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Sooooooo little time...
Ugh... i was so exhausted this morning. I managed to get out in time but it took longer than expected to scrape frozen rain off my car, especially with cars and truck soaking me head to toe with every pass *grrr*. I got to work late. I was hoping this nasty weather would deter people from the store and I would be able to get a ton of stuff done. NOPE! I got very little accomplished. DMAN! I worked all day and then when CMS started L1 this evening, I was engaged in discussion and store planning with the other manager. So I didn't get much time for homework. I could hardly focus on it after. It is just not the right environment! *sigh*
I got home to some good news! My insurance return YAY! AND a reassessment of my student laons! That took some time to sort through online (nearly 2 hrs). Apparently they owe me like $245. AWESOME!
I dealt with email and just now looked at the time. 12:14AM! AAARRRGGGHHH!!! Not doing anything else constructive tonight.
Tomorrow:
- work 10am-9pm (with a homework break in the middle when it gets quiet)
- call a coworker to come in for 1pm instead of 4pm on Friday
- try to get the orders and posters and minutes dealt with during the store hrs
Friday:
- (doublebooked self at 1pm trying to resolve it before 1pm)
- try to get the weekly stuff i wanted to do done before noon... likely pushing it to Sunday
- 1pm GSA workshop on Presentation Skills in Grad Studies
- 4pm meet an MBA student for an intervue for their school project
- 6pm dinner with Mtl-Rick... fondue... mmmmm.... a rare treat!
Sleep? Sleep? What is that!? This is a week like last semester! well, not really. It is busy and I do not feel overwhelmed by it. The things I want to do are not "CRUTIAL" things to have done this week. They can be pushed to next week without repercussions. I am not stressed out of my mind. I am just tired. Very tired... because I am having trouble sleeping because I am aching fiercely from this wretched weather wreaking havock on my joints. I feel old.
I got home to some good news! My insurance return YAY! AND a reassessment of my student laons! That took some time to sort through online (nearly 2 hrs). Apparently they owe me like $245. AWESOME!
I dealt with email and just now looked at the time. 12:14AM! AAARRRGGGHHH!!! Not doing anything else constructive tonight.
Tomorrow:
- work 10am-9pm (with a homework break in the middle when it gets quiet)
- call a coworker to come in for 1pm instead of 4pm on Friday
- try to get the orders and posters and minutes dealt with during the store hrs
Friday:
- (doublebooked self at 1pm trying to resolve it before 1pm)
- try to get the weekly stuff i wanted to do done before noon... likely pushing it to Sunday
- 1pm GSA workshop on Presentation Skills in Grad Studies
- 4pm meet an MBA student for an intervue for their school project
- 6pm dinner with Mtl-Rick... fondue... mmmmm.... a rare treat!
Sleep? Sleep? What is that!? This is a week like last semester! well, not really. It is busy and I do not feel overwhelmed by it. The things I want to do are not "CRUTIAL" things to have done this week. They can be pushed to next week without repercussions. I am not stressed out of my mind. I am just tired. Very tired... because I am having trouble sleeping because I am aching fiercely from this wretched weather wreaking havock on my joints. I feel old.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
*blink* ......... *groan*
Um... no... no updates tonight on theory, nor on critical theory, nor on the details of the symposium. On 1.5 hrs sleep and aching hip... after 9am symposium, crappy lunch of a happymeal, a class on critical theory, and then a meeting... I am falling apart.
I likely won't update tomorrow either. In the morning i have to prep posters and promo stuff for the store. Then I work at the store and then will be doing homework while Hobbes teaches.
Crash when get home...
crashing now....
I likely won't update tomorrow either. In the morning i have to prep posters and promo stuff for the store. Then I work at the store and then will be doing homework while Hobbes teaches.
Crash when get home...
crashing now....
Symposium & GSA
Grad Student Association.
They have their own building. I have known about it for some time but have felt overall uncomfortable with being here since i just didnèt know it and have not had a tour, nor know anyone wo frequents it. My first introduction to it was really not the best. First room was a lounge full of people talking, knowing each other and drinking MUCH. Parties, especially those with alcohol, are really not my thing.
Well, I am here now. And it is quiet. The lounge has copmfy chairs for reading in, there is a bathroom and a microwave in the back of the lounge. Upstairs, where I am now, are 2 rooms full on computers, one with MACs and one with PCs. Apparently there is a printer too, but I have not located that yet. There is a third and fourth floor and a basement with I don't know what yet in them. I sat in a comfy chair and ate my lunch and read some of today's Critical Thinking articles. I am a bit lost. Ok... LOTS lost. I need to do some research on Marxism. Thus I am on one of the computers.
I hardly slept last night. I fell asleep around 6am. The alarm went off at 7 then 8am. I dragged myself out of bed and into the freezing cold to get to the symposium. I now remember why I never take the shuttle bus. I always get sick on it. I was REAL nauseous when I got off. The bookstore opened and I bought a new simple black hardcover notebook for the symposium and made it over to it just in time. It was fascinating. I wanted to ask questions and give my imput, but I was too shy. I was too tired to be truly intelligent. As it was, I made a fool of myself trying to speak to a PhD student of Religion about interfaith studies and the conference I am going to in Halifax. I sounded vague and like I had no idea what I was talking about. It was really too early for me and I had too little sleep. I will blog about the symposium later tonight when I have an opportunity to digest what went on during it. It gave me great ideas for the panel discussion i am hosting for the GaiaGathering Canadian National Pagan Conference in Halifax. All I need now are some people to be on the panel. The panelists I was hoping to have had to back out due to finances.
Right now, I need to research and read about Marxism and Critical Theory before 4pm. I could really grow to like the GSA building. Perhaps, Perhaps I will do Monday's at Autumn's and Tuesday's before class at the GSA. Maybe I can convince my friend Raphael to join me on Tuesdays.
They have their own building. I have known about it for some time but have felt overall uncomfortable with being here since i just didnèt know it and have not had a tour, nor know anyone wo frequents it. My first introduction to it was really not the best. First room was a lounge full of people talking, knowing each other and drinking MUCH. Parties, especially those with alcohol, are really not my thing.
Well, I am here now. And it is quiet. The lounge has copmfy chairs for reading in, there is a bathroom and a microwave in the back of the lounge. Upstairs, where I am now, are 2 rooms full on computers, one with MACs and one with PCs. Apparently there is a printer too, but I have not located that yet. There is a third and fourth floor and a basement with I don't know what yet in them. I sat in a comfy chair and ate my lunch and read some of today's Critical Thinking articles. I am a bit lost. Ok... LOTS lost. I need to do some research on Marxism. Thus I am on one of the computers.
I hardly slept last night. I fell asleep around 6am. The alarm went off at 7 then 8am. I dragged myself out of bed and into the freezing cold to get to the symposium. I now remember why I never take the shuttle bus. I always get sick on it. I was REAL nauseous when I got off. The bookstore opened and I bought a new simple black hardcover notebook for the symposium and made it over to it just in time. It was fascinating. I wanted to ask questions and give my imput, but I was too shy. I was too tired to be truly intelligent. As it was, I made a fool of myself trying to speak to a PhD student of Religion about interfaith studies and the conference I am going to in Halifax. I sounded vague and like I had no idea what I was talking about. It was really too early for me and I had too little sleep. I will blog about the symposium later tonight when I have an opportunity to digest what went on during it. It gave me great ideas for the panel discussion i am hosting for the GaiaGathering Canadian National Pagan Conference in Halifax. All I need now are some people to be on the panel. The panelists I was hoping to have had to back out due to finances.
Right now, I need to research and read about Marxism and Critical Theory before 4pm. I could really grow to like the GSA building. Perhaps, Perhaps I will do Monday's at Autumn's and Tuesday's before class at the GSA. Maybe I can convince my friend Raphael to join me on Tuesdays.
realizations
Um... ya... I am still up. The Energy drink works well! I finished last week's theory readings. I will blog them sometime tomorrow. I was just packing my stuff for tomorrow and realized... i need ANOTHER notebook. I have nice ones dedicated to ritual, coven, CMS, and personal stuff. I have scrappy ones dedicated to meetings, to class notes and to teaching research and outlines. But I no longer have one for such things as conferences, seminars I attend or other interesting things. The one I used to have is full. Damn. I though there was space. I guess I will get one before the symposium tomorrow. I hope the school bookstore is open that early. It better be reasonably priced too. I am almost out of $$.
Damn... I also have to make food to bring with me. Um... I have a muffin. That SOOO will not hold me for the entire day.
Damn... I also have to make food to bring with me. Um... I have a muffin. That SOOO will not hold me for the entire day.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Lazier that expected
Today was my day off. I had no real errands to run. I slept in till noon. It was wonderful. My friend Mtl-Rick saw me on a rerun of Musique Plus in the morning and called me to let me know how it was and that hearing me made his day brighter. He is such a sweety!
I called the electoral office to find out about registering to vote since i did not get a voting card. I go on Monday January 23rd to the MIB where our polling station will be and just show 2 pieces of ID and a proof of residence. I wonder what the Green Party would do if they actually won? I am voting Green.
I did not have to go out all day. Good thing, the temps are brutally cold!!! Instead I cleaned up email, handles administrative stuffs, typed up minutes to the store staff meeting, and read some homework. M-SB made some muffins, big-ass muffins from my Mom's recipe. We now have big breakfast muffins (mixed berry, carob chip, chocolate chip). Yum. I am usually very fussy about muffins, but these ones I like.
Unfortunately... while reading my homework, I fell asleep in my book. *sigh* Slept for 4 hours and was startled awake my M-SB. I had a spiral binding imprint and a sweater imprint and my glasses imprint in my face. Ugh... I will blog in a bit about the readings once I get through them.
M-SB made supper while I finished cleaning the livingroom and setting up for tomorrow night's CMS Teacher's Meeting. MMMMmmm crispy noodles. I sent him on an errand to get me some energy drinks too... since I seem to be way way WAY too low on energy... and it isn't even that time of month! I need to finish the readings tonight. They are not long, but they require slow reading and time for digesting. I want to do well in this class. My laziness today though lost me precious reading time. I really need a comfy sofa or chair to curl in to read. The bed induces sleep and the floor is too hard.
Starting next Monday I go read at Autumn's. YAY! Visiting with her and Liam is always great. I get to give her a little break to stretch or do some computer stuff while I play with Liam as a reading break. And I get a comfy place to read without the distractions of my home (this needs to be cleaned, I need to run this errand, I need to address this crisis by email, etc.). Also, I get to talk about what I read with someone who will understand. Thanks Autumn!
Ooooo... tomorrow... if I can get reading done tonight...
Interfaith Dialogue Initiatives and Contributions from the Academy: Building Bridges TogetherSymposium 2 of 3 – Education and Religion: Responding to the Conflict
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hall Building, room H-110 Sir George Williams Campus
Religious pluralism is a reality of contemporary society. In the effort to negotiate religious pluralism many support the concept that the greater one’s knowledge of religious traditions and their affiliated practices and beliefs, the greater one’s capacity to respond appropriately to issues of conflict that can occur in encounters with people who hold to diverse religious worldviews. But how does one gain this knowledge? Who provides this education? Public institutions? Or religious communities? Should education be confessional or social scientific? And how important is knowledge about religion in secular society?
The second symposium considers how education contributes to interfaith initiatives. Here we ask: should education about religion be formal? informal? private? public? religious? social-scientific? What is the role of public educators? How should religion be taught in public schools? Should private religious schools be required to include courses in their curriculum that examine other religions? How can educators help us to understand inclusive/exclusive/pluralistic religious expressions? How can members of a faith community educate others about their religious views? Should governments encourage all citizens to learn more about the faith communities within the local/regional/provincial/national social fabric? How can education about religion help bridge conflict?
In this second symposium, the coordinators have asked our guest speakers to address the question of issue of religious pluralism and education. The key-note address by Dr. Solange Lefebvre will examine the role of public institutions as leaders in responding to religious pluralism. Once again, panelists — Dr. Richard Foltz (Religion), Dr. Ayez Naseem (Education), and Harvey Shepherd (free-lance author) — will respond with presentations that highlight various methods religious communities and public institutions employ to educate the greater society about the diverse issues related to religious pluralism.
Tonight & Tomorrow:
- read theory articles and blog them (this helps me understand what i read)
- blog agenda to teachers meeting on teachers blog
- read critical thinking articles & blog them
- go to morning symposium
- theory class
- teachers meeting
- type diviners meeting minutes
- type teachers meeting minutes
- meditate
I called the electoral office to find out about registering to vote since i did not get a voting card. I go on Monday January 23rd to the MIB where our polling station will be and just show 2 pieces of ID and a proof of residence. I wonder what the Green Party would do if they actually won? I am voting Green.
I did not have to go out all day. Good thing, the temps are brutally cold!!! Instead I cleaned up email, handles administrative stuffs, typed up minutes to the store staff meeting, and read some homework. M-SB made some muffins, big-ass muffins from my Mom's recipe. We now have big breakfast muffins (mixed berry, carob chip, chocolate chip). Yum. I am usually very fussy about muffins, but these ones I like.
Unfortunately... while reading my homework, I fell asleep in my book. *sigh* Slept for 4 hours and was startled awake my M-SB. I had a spiral binding imprint and a sweater imprint and my glasses imprint in my face. Ugh... I will blog in a bit about the readings once I get through them.
M-SB made supper while I finished cleaning the livingroom and setting up for tomorrow night's CMS Teacher's Meeting. MMMMmmm crispy noodles. I sent him on an errand to get me some energy drinks too... since I seem to be way way WAY too low on energy... and it isn't even that time of month! I need to finish the readings tonight. They are not long, but they require slow reading and time for digesting. I want to do well in this class. My laziness today though lost me precious reading time. I really need a comfy sofa or chair to curl in to read. The bed induces sleep and the floor is too hard.
Starting next Monday I go read at Autumn's. YAY! Visiting with her and Liam is always great. I get to give her a little break to stretch or do some computer stuff while I play with Liam as a reading break. And I get a comfy place to read without the distractions of my home (this needs to be cleaned, I need to run this errand, I need to address this crisis by email, etc.). Also, I get to talk about what I read with someone who will understand. Thanks Autumn!
Ooooo... tomorrow... if I can get reading done tonight...
Interfaith Dialogue Initiatives and Contributions from the Academy: Building Bridges TogetherSymposium 2 of 3 – Education and Religion: Responding to the Conflict
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hall Building, room H-110 Sir George Williams Campus
Religious pluralism is a reality of contemporary society. In the effort to negotiate religious pluralism many support the concept that the greater one’s knowledge of religious traditions and their affiliated practices and beliefs, the greater one’s capacity to respond appropriately to issues of conflict that can occur in encounters with people who hold to diverse religious worldviews. But how does one gain this knowledge? Who provides this education? Public institutions? Or religious communities? Should education be confessional or social scientific? And how important is knowledge about religion in secular society?
The second symposium considers how education contributes to interfaith initiatives. Here we ask: should education about religion be formal? informal? private? public? religious? social-scientific? What is the role of public educators? How should religion be taught in public schools? Should private religious schools be required to include courses in their curriculum that examine other religions? How can educators help us to understand inclusive/exclusive/pluralistic religious expressions? How can members of a faith community educate others about their religious views? Should governments encourage all citizens to learn more about the faith communities within the local/regional/provincial/national social fabric? How can education about religion help bridge conflict?
In this second symposium, the coordinators have asked our guest speakers to address the question of issue of religious pluralism and education. The key-note address by Dr. Solange Lefebvre will examine the role of public institutions as leaders in responding to religious pluralism. Once again, panelists — Dr. Richard Foltz (Religion), Dr. Ayez Naseem (Education), and Harvey Shepherd (free-lance author) — will respond with presentations that highlight various methods religious communities and public institutions employ to educate the greater society about the diverse issues related to religious pluralism.
Tonight & Tomorrow:
- read theory articles and blog them (this helps me understand what i read)
- blog agenda to teachers meeting on teachers blog
- read critical thinking articles & blog them
- go to morning symposium
- theory class
- teachers meeting
- type diviners meeting minutes
- type teachers meeting minutes
- meditate
Zen card for the week
STILLNESS
When the night is still, you can hear the silence.
When the mind is still, listen to the silence
and let it guide you.
When the night is still, you can hear the silence.
When the mind is still, listen to the silence
and let it guide you.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Where to begin?
Today was not at all what I thought it would be. The meeting was planned then 2 people cnacelled. I held the meeting anyways. I will type up the minutes for it and the other staff meeting likely tomorrow. Then I rushed out in the freezing (no longer like April in January) weather to Karen's. "Important" is what she called it I had the tingling along the coven gorupmind that there was some cool party thing being planned for me and I thought "how rediculous? what have i done for something like that? this must be a crisis in the community that needs addressing... likely the John Abbott situation needs attention now."
SURPRISE!
It was a party. It was for me! I was... shocked! I was surprised... *blush* but thankfully did not cry. I save that for home and in private where no one can see. There were a whole bunch of folks there. People from CMS, from coven, from WIPA, from MPRC... old friends and new. Oh... and baby Liam too! It has been something in the planning for I don't know how long... but DAMN... evil sneaky people! I love you all to pieces!!!
Thank you.
They were saying "thank you" to me on behalf of the community for all the stuff that I have done over the past 10 years. Karen had put up a webpage about that last year. Today... they threw me a surprise party. I did not cry. But it was hard not to. No one can see me now though. *sniff*
They gave me some very lovely meaningful things. A couple books I have been craving. A beautiful leatherbound scrapbook from the same company I got my blue leather journal from, it is even the same blue leather! In it were letters and notes from the community to me. If anyone else hand me other, I will add it to this scrapbook. I will cherish it always. A card that brought me closer to tears than anything else is now also in there. The BFC covens teamed up and got me the meditation cushions I have been dreaming about for nearly 3 years (zafu cushion and zabuton mattress). These items make meditating less damaging on the body. I have trouble with my back, hips and knees. These cushions support the back, easy the tension on the hips and cushion the knees. I love you all for this! And... and... the communyet had a stunning engraves plaque made for me. It says:
SURPRISE!
It was a party. It was for me! I was... shocked! I was surprised... *blush* but thankfully did not cry. I save that for home and in private where no one can see. There were a whole bunch of folks there. People from CMS, from coven, from WIPA, from MPRC... old friends and new. Oh... and baby Liam too! It has been something in the planning for I don't know how long... but DAMN... evil sneaky people! I love you all to pieces!!!
Thank you.
They were saying "thank you" to me on behalf of the community for all the stuff that I have done over the past 10 years. Karen had put up a webpage about that last year. Today... they threw me a surprise party. I did not cry. But it was hard not to. No one can see me now though. *sniff*
They gave me some very lovely meaningful things. A couple books I have been craving. A beautiful leatherbound scrapbook from the same company I got my blue leather journal from, it is even the same blue leather! In it were letters and notes from the community to me. If anyone else hand me other, I will add it to this scrapbook. I will cherish it always. A card that brought me closer to tears than anything else is now also in there. The BFC covens teamed up and got me the meditation cushions I have been dreaming about for nearly 3 years (zafu cushion and zabuton mattress). These items make meditating less damaging on the body. I have trouble with my back, hips and knees. These cushions support the back, easy the tension on the hips and cushion the knees. I love you all for this! And... and... the communyet had a stunning engraves plaque made for me. It says:
Montreal Pagan Community
*pentagram image*
Thanks Scarlet
On behalf of the
Montreal Pagan Community;
in recognition and with
much love, for all you
have done for us.
Thank you Scarlet
Your Friends
2006
To all of you out there... I did not do this alone. I did it with all your help. So, *smile with tears in the eyes*
So... thank you.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Vote
It is my right and my duty as an adult in a society with the blessed freedom of democracy. I will vote. But I did not get a voting card this year. I have to go re-register. Damn.
Also... who to vote for. So far... the usual groups (Liberals, Conservatives, Bloq, Parti Quebequois) all SUCK! Hoover would be jealous!
So... who am I voting for? Well, the only group that sent a person to meet people directly to say HI and to simply offer a card to the party's website, printed on recycled paper. "I am here to meet the people I hope to represent. I am here because we will not post posters that deface our cities or harm the environment by their creation. I am here to let you know you are represented by a human being genuinely interested in representing you and hearing from you."
I am voting GREEN!
Here are some links of interest:
Green Party Website: http://www.greenparty.ca/
2006 Platform: http://web.greenparty.ca/download/GPC_Platform_2006.pdf
The guy who said HI for the NDG/Lachine riding: Albert Sévigny
So there! All you other parties... BITE BE! You are counter-democtratic! Go move to the USA!
Also... who to vote for. So far... the usual groups (Liberals, Conservatives, Bloq, Parti Quebequois) all SUCK! Hoover would be jealous!
So... who am I voting for? Well, the only group that sent a person to meet people directly to say HI and to simply offer a card to the party's website, printed on recycled paper. "I am here to meet the people I hope to represent. I am here because we will not post posters that deface our cities or harm the environment by their creation. I am here to let you know you are represented by a human being genuinely interested in representing you and hearing from you."
I am voting GREEN!
Here are some links of interest:
Green Party Website: http://www.greenparty.ca/
2006 Platform: http://web.greenparty.ca/download/GPC_Platform_2006.pdf
The guy who said HI for the NDG/Lachine riding: Albert Sévigny
So there! All you other parties... BITE BE! You are counter-democtratic! Go move to the USA!
Ahhhhh.....
My apologies to the level 3A students. I was just so bloody exhausted. I am sorry the class was not a full and fascinating class I wanted it to be. I am glad Autumn came to save me.
The ritual... was amazing!!! I so want some flashpaper!!
Dinner after was satisfying... as I satisfied several long time cravings. We ate at the Thai Restaurant!
Coven this evening was productive and fun! Time to begin planning for a Retreat and an Opening Ritual for that Retreat!
Awakening Isis festival is on new land this time and there will be lots of interesting challenges. I will get to reinstate some things from the old CMS program now because of this!
Now I am home and waiting for the 12th episode of Battlestar Galactica season 2 to finish downloading. I will go empty and sort all my stuff that has been carted about and double check my healing candles that were started last night. That will be a little meditation and trip to the astral temple. I have another candle to add to the others. Ugh... I also have to fold laundry.
EEEK! I almost forgot! I have a meeting with the store diviners tomorrow! I have to work out the agenda for that too.
Plan for tomorrow:
- agenda for Diviners' Meeting
- Diviners' Meeting 12-2pm
- visit Karen
- homework for university
- finish cleaning livingroom (almost done... all the stones are sorted)
- start sorting the bedroom (start with the filing cabinet)
- create a Pagan Professionals link for the website (modify the Links page)
The ritual... was amazing!!! I so want some flashpaper!!
Dinner after was satisfying... as I satisfied several long time cravings. We ate at the Thai Restaurant!
Coven this evening was productive and fun! Time to begin planning for a Retreat and an Opening Ritual for that Retreat!
Awakening Isis festival is on new land this time and there will be lots of interesting challenges. I will get to reinstate some things from the old CMS program now because of this!
Now I am home and waiting for the 12th episode of Battlestar Galactica season 2 to finish downloading. I will go empty and sort all my stuff that has been carted about and double check my healing candles that were started last night. That will be a little meditation and trip to the astral temple. I have another candle to add to the others. Ugh... I also have to fold laundry.
EEEK! I almost forgot! I have a meeting with the store diviners tomorrow! I have to work out the agenda for that too.
Plan for tomorrow:
- agenda for Diviners' Meeting
- Diviners' Meeting 12-2pm
- visit Karen
- homework for university
- finish cleaning livingroom (almost done... all the stones are sorted)
- start sorting the bedroom (start with the filing cabinet)
- create a Pagan Professionals link for the website (modify the Links page)
Friday, January 13, 2006
5 minutes of fame
Today was a bit hectic. Again, I could not sleep last night. I ached and hurt and ... *sigh* Gave up. Around 3am I snoozed till I woke thirsty at 5am, again at 7am, the phone rang at 9am and again at 10am. What was the point? I refused to get out of bed till noon.
I sorted email and sorted a confusion about Halifax accommodations. Then spent the rest of the mid-day researching Tristan & Isolde, herbs and potions associated with it and packing for the evening's interview.
We (M-SB & I) stopped into the store to ensure the space for tomorrow's ritual was set up. And to pick up some last minute stuff. I had left behind the box of oils though! *stress* Thankfully, Gordon was just finishing and rushed it to me at Musique Plus.
The interview was live and interesting. It did not go quite as "coordinated" as I would have liked. However, Gordon said it went really well and looked ok. I managed to plug the store and the school and the Young Pagans Circle. What a whirlwind! I was on for 5 minutes or so.
Glad to leave, though. I had not eaten all day! We got a movie, donuts, Korean drinks, and Mc-Donald's. I also got the photocopies for tomorrow morning's class done. The evening was quiet with eating and movie watching. I managed to empty the sorting tray things I got. All the screws, nuts, bolts, and washers went into separate ziplock baggies. I gave up labeling them after 10 or so. Then I sorted (roughly with no order) the stones from the altar cabinet into one tray. M-SB has been doing laundry while I did that.
Now I am tired. And there is SO much laundry to fold. I think I will neatly pile it somewhere with a sarong over it to keep sleeping cats from shedding too much on the clean clothes. I need sleep myself.
Crap. Missed calling a couple people I needed to call today. Well, that will go onto tomorrow's agenda:
- Set up for class
- CMS-L3A (technopaganism, charm&talismans, Protection magic)
- eat something and make something for feast after ritual
- call people I needed to call Friday
- pack for coven meeting
- ritual hosted my CMS-L3B
- coven meeting
- read first homework article
I sorted email and sorted a confusion about Halifax accommodations. Then spent the rest of the mid-day researching Tristan & Isolde, herbs and potions associated with it and packing for the evening's interview.
We (M-SB & I) stopped into the store to ensure the space for tomorrow's ritual was set up. And to pick up some last minute stuff. I had left behind the box of oils though! *stress* Thankfully, Gordon was just finishing and rushed it to me at Musique Plus.
The interview was live and interesting. It did not go quite as "coordinated" as I would have liked. However, Gordon said it went really well and looked ok. I managed to plug the store and the school and the Young Pagans Circle. What a whirlwind! I was on for 5 minutes or so.
Glad to leave, though. I had not eaten all day! We got a movie, donuts, Korean drinks, and Mc-Donald's. I also got the photocopies for tomorrow morning's class done. The evening was quiet with eating and movie watching. I managed to empty the sorting tray things I got. All the screws, nuts, bolts, and washers went into separate ziplock baggies. I gave up labeling them after 10 or so. Then I sorted (roughly with no order) the stones from the altar cabinet into one tray. M-SB has been doing laundry while I did that.
Now I am tired. And there is SO much laundry to fold. I think I will neatly pile it somewhere with a sarong over it to keep sleeping cats from shedding too much on the clean clothes. I need sleep myself.
Crap. Missed calling a couple people I needed to call today. Well, that will go onto tomorrow's agenda:
- Set up for class
- CMS-L3A (technopaganism, charm&talismans, Protection magic)
- eat something and make something for feast after ritual
- call people I needed to call Friday
- pack for coven meeting
- ritual hosted my CMS-L3B
- coven meeting
- read first homework article
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Best laid plan and all that...
Well, I had planned to be up and downtorn by 11am. But that did not happen. The weather inflicted my joints with such agony that sleeping was near impossible. After getting up several times and then finally taking major painkillers, I fell asleep around oh... 4 or 5am. Ugh....
So I am only just getting up now. I have to go to the school to get my readingpack and ask about the Critical Thinking course. And I have to get to Melange early to do a variety of things.
Getting my butt moving now.
So I am only just getting up now. I have to go to the school to get my readingpack and ask about the Critical Thinking course. And I have to get to Melange early to do a variety of things.
Getting my butt moving now.
Busy day!
I worked... like a DOG! I was barely able to accomplish anything between clients and phone calls. Worse still when Gordon had to go scrape letter off the upstairs window and I was alone on the floor. I managed only one order placed. DAMN! The Quebec Livres order. Yes, we are getting a bunch of French titles in. I guess I will go in early tomorrow and try to get more done while TWO are on the floor.
The Level one progressed nicely while I was working with the Teaching Specialty students. They have AMAZING Specialty program ideas!! We discussed their outlines and they will not prepare a refined version in 2 weeks.
I had some stress today about workshops. I had a great list of workshops for the store but lost it temporarily. I only just found it now. *sigh of relief*
Tomorrow, I have to go to the bank to deposit my check. Then I have to stop into the school and see if I can look at the course outline for a Critical Thinking class to help me with critical analyses and writing. Then... to work early to finish the orders I could not do and to prepare the workshop schedule and a few other things before I start work officially at 3pm.
I also have to plan what to do for Friday. At 5:00pm, I will be at Musique Plus for a 5 minute slot on magic/medicine and herbal potions as part of a promotion for teens for the film of Tristan & Isolde. It will be LIVE. Eeeek!!! I have to be ready for that. 5 minutes is remarkably long sometimes. I want to be able to talk a bit about history, medicine and magic. Then I want to give a bit about practical herbs and make an herbal potion right there in the studio. Hmmm... maybe a bath? There are a few I can do. It has to be something to captivate teens. It has to be something similar to Isolde's practice. Damn... research is needed. I also hope to plug both the store & CMS. Wish me luck!!
The Level one progressed nicely while I was working with the Teaching Specialty students. They have AMAZING Specialty program ideas!! We discussed their outlines and they will not prepare a refined version in 2 weeks.
I had some stress today about workshops. I had a great list of workshops for the store but lost it temporarily. I only just found it now. *sigh of relief*
Tomorrow, I have to go to the bank to deposit my check. Then I have to stop into the school and see if I can look at the course outline for a Critical Thinking class to help me with critical analyses and writing. Then... to work early to finish the orders I could not do and to prepare the workshop schedule and a few other things before I start work officially at 3pm.
I also have to plan what to do for Friday. At 5:00pm, I will be at Musique Plus for a 5 minute slot on magic/medicine and herbal potions as part of a promotion for teens for the film of Tristan & Isolde. It will be LIVE. Eeeek!!! I have to be ready for that. 5 minutes is remarkably long sometimes. I want to be able to talk a bit about history, medicine and magic. Then I want to give a bit about practical herbs and make an herbal potion right there in the studio. Hmmm... maybe a bath? There are a few I can do. It has to be something to captivate teens. It has to be something similar to Isolde's practice. Damn... research is needed. I also hope to plug both the store & CMS. Wish me luck!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Zen card for the week
LOYALTY
"Become loyal to your innermost TRUTH.
Follow the Way when all others abandon it.
Walk the PATH of your own heart."
"Become loyal to your innermost TRUTH.
Follow the Way when all others abandon it.
Walk the PATH of your own heart."
Anxiety
I have been feeling it all day. I did not want to get out of bed. I could hardly focus. I was nauseous. I dreaded.
Class.
Grad school.
Should I be there? Am I just wasting the time of my professors? Am I good enough to be there?
My grades were poor last term. I know I did not manage to be a deep thinkler in any of the papers as teachers had hoped me to be. And I... well... technically failed the Tibetan class and was asked to re-evaluate what I am doing in the grad program. Gods... I don't know if I can do it.
I honestly don't know if I actually would have gone if M-SB did not take the shuttle with me.
But... class turned out to be good. The teacher is radical thinking, dynamic and very clear. The material is in reasonably digestible chunks. The teacher was inspiring and interetsing the entire 2 hours. He gave a break, too. Thankfully. Do I think I can do this? Maybe. Just maybe. I will do my best. This term I have more time to focus on it.
This term I will not add to my plate.
Work 2 days at the store
CMS 2 days
Class one day
Conferences in March and May
Coven every second weekend
The rest of my time is homework. Homework and CMS working. Tonight I finish cleaning and sorting the Livingroom and plan tomorrow's meeting with the Teaching Specialty students. I also have to make a couple posters for CMS for the store.
Class.
Grad school.
Should I be there? Am I just wasting the time of my professors? Am I good enough to be there?
My grades were poor last term. I know I did not manage to be a deep thinkler in any of the papers as teachers had hoped me to be. And I... well... technically failed the Tibetan class and was asked to re-evaluate what I am doing in the grad program. Gods... I don't know if I can do it.
I honestly don't know if I actually would have gone if M-SB did not take the shuttle with me.
But... class turned out to be good. The teacher is radical thinking, dynamic and very clear. The material is in reasonably digestible chunks. The teacher was inspiring and interetsing the entire 2 hours. He gave a break, too. Thankfully. Do I think I can do this? Maybe. Just maybe. I will do my best. This term I have more time to focus on it.
This term I will not add to my plate.
Work 2 days at the store
CMS 2 days
Class one day
Conferences in March and May
Coven every second weekend
The rest of my time is homework. Homework and CMS working. Tonight I finish cleaning and sorting the Livingroom and plan tomorrow's meeting with the Teaching Specialty students. I also have to make a couple posters for CMS for the store.
Monday, January 09, 2006
2006 "christenings"
Last Friday, my 2 new journals were christened. I bought them that afternoon after getting my glasses. That evening after an amazing ritual with the Herthstone coven, I wrote the first words into them. The CMS one got a quick rundown of what I need to address in CMS and the agenda to the upcoming Teachers Meeting. The personal writing journal got some random words. More random words will go into it in a few minutes. It is for poetry and personal feelings or insights, meditations, etc.
On Saturday, the L3B students christened the new skillet. The stirfry was yummy!
Today, I got another journal. I am seriously addicted to neat looking notebooks. I have tons around the house, most unused. The one I got today from Concordia's Bookstore while reserving my reading-pack for my course is a nifty red one HC with a spiral binding. It lays flat and I can fold it backand the spiral is perfect. I will put my coven rituals into it, along with the rites of passage and initiation/elevation ritual so they do not get misplaced.
This 2006 I jave been drawing cards for daily consideration and meditation. I am using my new Zen Cards with their lovely Chinese calligraphy. Notes from this will begin with the full moon this coming Saturday. I have not been regular with it yet.
My first goal is to get the house cleaned and sorted and purged. My second is to get school and CMS on track with regularity. Both I plan to have in place and near complete by that full moon. What card from the Zen Cards did I pull? SUCCESS. Excellent! This kind of success includes giving away something. I gave away bagel to the beggars on the street outside the Faubourgh on my way home. Sometimes, you have to give in order to get. Someone once told me that you sometimes have to spend money in order to make money... and sometimes you just have to give some of it away. The beggars were very grateful for fresh warm bagels. My spirit was happy.
Now... to purge/clean/sort the livingroom some more. Ya... still need a tackle box thingy for stones. Hmmm... hmm... maybe I should stop talking about getting one and just go out and bloody well get one.
BYE!
On Saturday, the L3B students christened the new skillet. The stirfry was yummy!
Today, I got another journal. I am seriously addicted to neat looking notebooks. I have tons around the house, most unused. The one I got today from Concordia's Bookstore while reserving my reading-pack for my course is a nifty red one HC with a spiral binding. It lays flat and I can fold it backand the spiral is perfect. I will put my coven rituals into it, along with the rites of passage and initiation/elevation ritual so they do not get misplaced.
This 2006 I jave been drawing cards for daily consideration and meditation. I am using my new Zen Cards with their lovely Chinese calligraphy. Notes from this will begin with the full moon this coming Saturday. I have not been regular with it yet.
My first goal is to get the house cleaned and sorted and purged. My second is to get school and CMS on track with regularity. Both I plan to have in place and near complete by that full moon. What card from the Zen Cards did I pull? SUCCESS. Excellent! This kind of success includes giving away something. I gave away bagel to the beggars on the street outside the Faubourgh on my way home. Sometimes, you have to give in order to get. Someone once told me that you sometimes have to spend money in order to make money... and sometimes you just have to give some of it away. The beggars were very grateful for fresh warm bagels. My spirit was happy.
Now... to purge/clean/sort the livingroom some more. Ya... still need a tackle box thingy for stones. Hmmm... hmm... maybe I should stop talking about getting one and just go out and bloody well get one.
BYE!
Salem
She had another cardiac episode last night while we were asleep. She seems ok now. I am worried about her and know that there really is nothing to be done but be patient. I will not put her down because when she is not having an episode, she is happy and healthy, save for the heart murmur. She has lived way longer than most people expected. As a kitten I was told she would not live past 3 years old. At the age of 3 I was told she would not live past the age of 5. She is nearly 15 now. She will go when she is ready to. She will let us know. Now is not the time. Though knowing her personality, she might not tell us and just sneak off in the night. I worry about that. Cardiac episodes are scary, for her and us. Wish her well. I am.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Narnia
After today's store staff meeting, M-SB and I went to see Chronicles of Narnia. I think I will read the books now. I saw the Christian influences, but it was still a good movie. I have never read the books before.
Stopped in to say hi to mom on the way home and am now watching too much Die Hard movies. GODS! The first two SUCK!!
Stopped in to say hi to mom on the way home and am now watching too much Die Hard movies. GODS! The first two SUCK!!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Day of Experiences
This morning I slept well. Last night's ritual was amazing!! I crashed fast last night for sleep and slept well. Woke with no killer migraine. However, I still get vertigo with the new glasses. They are fine for looking at things very far off but walking around is problematic. I think the lenses are too close together.
I discovered that the Halifax trip will cost WAY more than anticipated. I need to rework the budget now.
I hustled to get things clean and ready for the class today and to get any missing ingredients. The class went really well. The food was awesome. Elemental Stirfry, Mind Clearing Beverage, and super sweet orange dessert thing.
The hiccup was that Salem had a cardiac episode during the class. These are a bit scary. Ok, a LOT scary. She has a severe heart murmur and was not supposed to live past 5 years of age. She is nearly 15 now. A couple years ago she had a series of these cardiac episodes. They are like heart-attacks or seisures. M-SB, Autumn & I took turns sitting with her during the class. Near the end of the class, she recouped some. She is taking it easy now. Nothing can be done to help her during these. It will be touch and go every time she has one.
It has been quite a day... though not all bad. Salem is ok now. The food turned out great. Sent some home to Ash. ANd I planned the Teachers Meeting for CMS. I need to send out an email for that now. Then plan the staff meeting for tomorrow morning. Geez! Almost forgot about that. Crap. Then plan the last Teaching Specialty meeting. I am proud of what they have accomplished. The students have very interesting course plans. OH! And have to plan workshops for the store for January/February.
Well, I am off to do lots of planning.
I discovered that the Halifax trip will cost WAY more than anticipated. I need to rework the budget now.
I hustled to get things clean and ready for the class today and to get any missing ingredients. The class went really well. The food was awesome. Elemental Stirfry, Mind Clearing Beverage, and super sweet orange dessert thing.
The hiccup was that Salem had a cardiac episode during the class. These are a bit scary. Ok, a LOT scary. She has a severe heart murmur and was not supposed to live past 5 years of age. She is nearly 15 now. A couple years ago she had a series of these cardiac episodes. They are like heart-attacks or seisures. M-SB, Autumn & I took turns sitting with her during the class. Near the end of the class, she recouped some. She is taking it easy now. Nothing can be done to help her during these. It will be touch and go every time she has one.
It has been quite a day... though not all bad. Salem is ok now. The food turned out great. Sent some home to Ash. ANd I planned the Teachers Meeting for CMS. I need to send out an email for that now. Then plan the staff meeting for tomorrow morning. Geez! Almost forgot about that. Crap. Then plan the last Teaching Specialty meeting. I am proud of what they have accomplished. The students have very interesting course plans. OH! And have to plan workshops for the store for January/February.
Well, I am off to do lots of planning.
New Glasses
I am still getting used to them.
Here is a before and after set of pictures:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
They still will need some getting used to. I am ok with them when I am still, but if I walk I get vertigo. That is annoying.
Here is a before and after set of pictures:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
They still will need some getting used to. I am ok with them when I am still, but if I walk I get vertigo. That is annoying.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Shopping: practical & fun
Well, the glasses are ordered. I will get them sometime next week.
I had an opportunity to look around the mall and pick up a few things I needed. My GST check went to both practical and fun things. It is great that there are such good sales on now too. I got a nice dark green long-sleeved shirt for $9 and zippered warm waterproof boots for $30. Other necessities were dish soap and toiletpaper and stuffs like that.
The fun stuff... I got M-SB the last of the Yule gifts I was hoping to pick up for him. He now owns Splinter Cell and Pandora Tomorrow. I got for me two journals. AT LAST! Journals I LIKE! One is a simple spiral book with an Asian look to it and the word "happiness" in Chinese on the front for my CMS planning notes, as my other book is now pretty much full. The other ... a lovely soft light blue leatherbound book with silver edging on the dark cream coloured pages. It will be for my personal creative writings like poetry. I have been craving doing some writing, but I am stupidly fussy about what I write in. If the book I write in is not JUST RIGHT, I can't write in it, or won't for very long. I love this one. Both actually for their purposes. Both were gotten at Renaubrey (or however that French bookstore of spelled).
I had an opportunity to look around the mall and pick up a few things I needed. My GST check went to both practical and fun things. It is great that there are such good sales on now too. I got a nice dark green long-sleeved shirt for $9 and zippered warm waterproof boots for $30. Other necessities were dish soap and toiletpaper and stuffs like that.
The fun stuff... I got M-SB the last of the Yule gifts I was hoping to pick up for him. He now owns Splinter Cell and Pandora Tomorrow. I got for me two journals. AT LAST! Journals I LIKE! One is a simple spiral book with an Asian look to it and the word "happiness" in Chinese on the front for my CMS planning notes, as my other book is now pretty much full. The other ... a lovely soft light blue leatherbound book with silver edging on the dark cream coloured pages. It will be for my personal creative writings like poetry. I have been craving doing some writing, but I am stupidly fussy about what I write in. If the book I write in is not JUST RIGHT, I can't write in it, or won't for very long. I love this one. Both actually for their purposes. Both were gotten at Renaubrey (or however that French bookstore of spelled).
Down Time
Some down time is by choice, and other down time isn't. Yesterday was kinda both. I am grateful for the day off of work yesterday. I got some errands run and got to see Roo for a little bit.
The snow was very annoying. Pretty and sticky, it reminded me of when I was a kid running out to build snow forts and throw snowballs and returning home every 2 hrs for dry clothes. Ya... it was WET too. I noticed that when I realized my boots are not going to make it through this winter. Crap. Next week... next week I will look into shoes and boots. I hate shopping for footware.
Then the headache set in for the day. I pretended to not feel it. But it was there. M-SB and I watched many episodes of LOST. I was just not up for anything else. Then had a hard time sleeping. In my bedroom, there is a noise... a constant noise like a heavy motor humming and vibrating. It keeps us up and lend to the morning headaches. Last night we finally figured out that it was coming from the bedroom upstairs of ours. *grumble*
Well, today should be better. I go get new glasses, photocopies for tomorrow's class and clean the apartment some. I didn't do any cleaning yesterday. And there is a ritual I have to go to tonight. Need to think about that one. What was I supposed to bring? Gotta go look up that email.
EEP! Time to go! Lenscrafters here I come.
The snow was very annoying. Pretty and sticky, it reminded me of when I was a kid running out to build snow forts and throw snowballs and returning home every 2 hrs for dry clothes. Ya... it was WET too. I noticed that when I realized my boots are not going to make it through this winter. Crap. Next week... next week I will look into shoes and boots. I hate shopping for footware.
Then the headache set in for the day. I pretended to not feel it. But it was there. M-SB and I watched many episodes of LOST. I was just not up for anything else. Then had a hard time sleeping. In my bedroom, there is a noise... a constant noise like a heavy motor humming and vibrating. It keeps us up and lend to the morning headaches. Last night we finally figured out that it was coming from the bedroom upstairs of ours. *grumble*
Well, today should be better. I go get new glasses, photocopies for tomorrow's class and clean the apartment some. I didn't do any cleaning yesterday. And there is a ritual I have to go to tonight. Need to think about that one. What was I supposed to bring? Gotta go look up that email.
EEP! Time to go! Lenscrafters here I come.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
More Grades and stuff
Well, yesterday was... bad... and good... but really bad. I got to work and stressed all morning. I managed to bolt over to see my teacher with 20min before he had to teach his class, cutting it close. The final grade verdict he gave me was a B-.
B-
That is GREAT!
Except that it is entirely a mercy grade. I hardly did the readings in class and that showed in my class participation and my presentations and my final paper was far from the in depth MA quality that was expected. I was just working too much and could not devote the time to read properly. I just can't "skin" because I retain ZERO when I do. So, technically I could have failed this class. At best gotten a C.
Why did he give me a B- instead of a C or failing me despite the commentary that I may want to reconsider my choice of being in the MA if I cannot commit myself to it? It has to do with my reputation. He could not grade me without me losing my MA and felt bad about it. So he spoke to other teachers in the department. Apparently I have an amazing reputation for phenomenal work that IS MA quality. He graded me as if I had not worked and what teachers felt I would have gotten otherwise. But he was immensely disappointed in me... and that was the most painful blow.
He will not have me as a TA. He will also not have my in his Women & Buddhism class either. I don't blame him. He does not want to waste his time again. I will have to prove myself before I can get into another one of his classes.
So, I have 2 days store work and one day class and 2 days teaching. I will have lots of time to devote to the one class. I want an A in it. I also want to redo my Tibet work... if for no other reason than my own sense of self worth. I will represent it to my teacher. If I get it done by the end of January, then I can have a grade re-evaluation. I am not going to stress over it.
So bottom line, I blew it big time in the Tibet class and with this teacher. I did not deserve the grade I got and got it only out of mercy and based on my reputation.
I was a mess when I got back to work. I am grateful Gordon just let me be for a while. I needed some time to collect my shattered ego.
Work was good though after. We got in new books. Gods... more new books! And really good ones too! These got added to my wishlist:
- Nocturnicon (working with Dark Energies)
- A Witch's Grimoire (on making a Book of Shadows)
- Sabbat Entertaining (ideas for dinner parties for the Sabbats)
- Witch Crafts (an adult arts & crafts book including Sabbat crafts and crafting tools)
- Holland's Grimoire of Magickal Correspondances (awesome correspondance reference!)
- Wicca 333 (advanced discussion topics in Wicca)
- Wiccan Meditaions (a good looking book on trance, guided meditation and astral temple work)
- Drawing the Three of Coins (how to open and run a pagan shop)
- Science of the Craft (science and quantum theory and Paganism)
- Solitary Druid (an excellent book by a Rev. of the ADF)
- Voodoo and Afro-Caribbean Paganism (a new look at these traditions)
- Magickal Crafts (Pagan kids arts & crafts to be done with adults... not many pictures)
- Woman in the Shaman's Body (academic look at female shamans-subtitled: reclaiming the feminine in religion and medicine)
- Dancing the Fire (about Pagan festivals... even lists our Canadian ones!!)
- Pagan Man (Bonewits incredible book on male pagan spirituality)
- Pagan Anger Magic (how to deal with anger and negative energy and transform it)
- Exploring Auras (a decent looking book about reading and cleansing auras)
Well, that is ALOT!
Class went well in the eveing too. Hobbes brought samosas. Mmmmmm Guess what I picked up on the way home! I also deposited my pay and will essentially sit on it till tomorrow. I want my glasses. I will get my glasses tomorrow and whatever is left will go to the next debts, like the parking tickets.
Today is a ME day. I need to go reserve my reading pack for the course I will be taking this semester. Then over to the post office to register for the Halifax conference. Home to keep cleaning and do some CMS planning. I am taking today slow and easy. Maybe we will go see a movie in a theatre tonight.
B-
That is GREAT!
Except that it is entirely a mercy grade. I hardly did the readings in class and that showed in my class participation and my presentations and my final paper was far from the in depth MA quality that was expected. I was just working too much and could not devote the time to read properly. I just can't "skin" because I retain ZERO when I do. So, technically I could have failed this class. At best gotten a C.
Why did he give me a B- instead of a C or failing me despite the commentary that I may want to reconsider my choice of being in the MA if I cannot commit myself to it? It has to do with my reputation. He could not grade me without me losing my MA and felt bad about it. So he spoke to other teachers in the department. Apparently I have an amazing reputation for phenomenal work that IS MA quality. He graded me as if I had not worked and what teachers felt I would have gotten otherwise. But he was immensely disappointed in me... and that was the most painful blow.
He will not have me as a TA. He will also not have my in his Women & Buddhism class either. I don't blame him. He does not want to waste his time again. I will have to prove myself before I can get into another one of his classes.
So, I have 2 days store work and one day class and 2 days teaching. I will have lots of time to devote to the one class. I want an A in it. I also want to redo my Tibet work... if for no other reason than my own sense of self worth. I will represent it to my teacher. If I get it done by the end of January, then I can have a grade re-evaluation. I am not going to stress over it.
So bottom line, I blew it big time in the Tibet class and with this teacher. I did not deserve the grade I got and got it only out of mercy and based on my reputation.
I was a mess when I got back to work. I am grateful Gordon just let me be for a while. I needed some time to collect my shattered ego.
Work was good though after. We got in new books. Gods... more new books! And really good ones too! These got added to my wishlist:
- Nocturnicon (working with Dark Energies)
- A Witch's Grimoire (on making a Book of Shadows)
- Sabbat Entertaining (ideas for dinner parties for the Sabbats)
- Witch Crafts (an adult arts & crafts book including Sabbat crafts and crafting tools)
- Holland's Grimoire of Magickal Correspondances (awesome correspondance reference!)
- Wicca 333 (advanced discussion topics in Wicca)
- Wiccan Meditaions (a good looking book on trance, guided meditation and astral temple work)
- Drawing the Three of Coins (how to open and run a pagan shop)
- Science of the Craft (science and quantum theory and Paganism)
- Solitary Druid (an excellent book by a Rev. of the ADF)
- Voodoo and Afro-Caribbean Paganism (a new look at these traditions)
- Magickal Crafts (Pagan kids arts & crafts to be done with adults... not many pictures)
- Woman in the Shaman's Body (academic look at female shamans-subtitled: reclaiming the feminine in religion and medicine)
- Dancing the Fire (about Pagan festivals... even lists our Canadian ones!!)
- Pagan Man (Bonewits incredible book on male pagan spirituality)
- Pagan Anger Magic (how to deal with anger and negative energy and transform it)
- Exploring Auras (a decent looking book about reading and cleansing auras)
Well, that is ALOT!
Class went well in the eveing too. Hobbes brought samosas. Mmmmmm Guess what I picked up on the way home! I also deposited my pay and will essentially sit on it till tomorrow. I want my glasses. I will get my glasses tomorrow and whatever is left will go to the next debts, like the parking tickets.
Today is a ME day. I need to go reserve my reading pack for the course I will be taking this semester. Then over to the post office to register for the Halifax conference. Home to keep cleaning and do some CMS planning. I am taking today slow and easy. Maybe we will go see a movie in a theatre tonight.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Grades
Well, I got my Methodology grade. It is a B+ which is pretty good considering the semester.
Now I have to try not to have anxiety attacks over the Tibetan course. It isn't working. I am panicing. If I fail... I am finished forever!
Now I have to try not to have anxiety attacks over the Tibetan course. It isn't working. I am panicing. If I fail... I am finished forever!
More discoveries
The shortbread cookies I baked at my Parents' place turned out so amazing!!! Mmmmm..... I want their KitchenAid. It made this so much easier! Good cookies. Need more butter to make more. Everyone loves them... even me!
Today I worked LOTS... and didn't even get a fricken brake. It was just busy. Good busy. But damn. I was FAMISHED by the time I got home. I have eaten now and Hobbes is on his way over to plan classes.
I was checking my email and discovered one from my Tibetan teacher. He wants to see me before he hands in my grades. My paper sucked, I am sure of it. I am all stressed out now. Maybe I won't take 2 courses this semester. Maybe I am not cut out for this. Maybe the teachers are right that I need to NOT work while doing this. But I can't or M-SB and I will starve. *STRESSED* I will see him on my break tomorrow. *deep breath* Not like there is anything I can do about it now.
Today I worked LOTS... and didn't even get a fricken brake. It was just busy. Good busy. But damn. I was FAMISHED by the time I got home. I have eaten now and Hobbes is on his way over to plan classes.
I was checking my email and discovered one from my Tibetan teacher. He wants to see me before he hands in my grades. My paper sucked, I am sure of it. I am all stressed out now. Maybe I won't take 2 courses this semester. Maybe I am not cut out for this. Maybe the teachers are right that I need to NOT work while doing this. But I can't or M-SB and I will starve. *STRESSED* I will see him on my break tomorrow. *deep breath* Not like there is anything I can do about it now.
Cleaning... Ugh...
It took me ALL night to sort through just the altar cabinet. One grocery bag worth of garbage gone. I need something better to sort my stones into. M-SB suggested toolbox thingy for nails. Hmmm... good idea. I also need MANY jars for resins and herbs. And that is JUST the alrat cabinet. I have not done any other part of the livingroom.
I guess since I am up and don't work till noon that I should get dressed and continue cleaning the livingroom.
Oh... and I have to look at my bio and make modifications for the store and send it in with a new picture.
I guess since I am up and don't work till noon that I should get dressed and continue cleaning the livingroom.
Oh... and I have to look at my bio and make modifications for the store and send it in with a new picture.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Planning the week
Today was a senior staff meeting to plan activities for the next monthish. This was followed by my promptly writing up the minutes. Done. Yay! And the rest of the day went nice and smooth... except for not finding Chrismas Eggnog when we at the store were craving it. I found it at Provigo when I got home. I start cleaning the Livingroom tonight.
Tomorrow I start cleaning the bedroom and then work (must remember to make my book order)... and then Hobbes is over to work on prepping for the Level 1 class. AK! Get gas... I have to gas up the car. I forgot today and sucked fumes all the way home.
Wednesday is a work day. Then I teach East Asian Deities to Level 1's. And do the important deposit of the paycheck. Then I budget:
- glasses
- GaiaGathering moneyorder
- tickets
- book club purchase
Nifty... everything else is paid already. Awesome! I also have to do a bit of Level 3 course planning for both sessions A and B. Emails must be sent. Oh hey... that reminds me, I have to send out an emial now!
Thursday, I get a day off. I have to finish cleaning the bedroom and prep for school. I have my first class (tentative) in the afternoon. I will start reading as soon as I can. Then I have to go fight to have full permissions for the class. I need that moneyorder for GaiaGathering to be mailed out before I go home. Get home and do homework and cleaning.
Friday, YIPPEE! I will get new glasses. Thank you to someone very special. Home to more homework and cleaning and CMS prepping. I will hopefully take a look at the CMS and mtl-magicalcircle websites and list the needed changes. That night is a meeting and ritual to plan future coven events and bless this year as the Year of Healing. Good theme. I was emailed what I need for the ritual. I have to prep for that too.
Lots to do before the weekend. Then I start a new schedule with some time off to actually do homework and have some personal thinking and me time. Isn't THAT a novelty!!
The house cleaning is a serious sort and purge thing too. I need to weed stuff out as we will be moving in the summer. I do not want to pack crap and take crap with us. Crap thus will get tossed over the next few months.
Time to go get dinner, clean the livingroom while watching a movie, and then maybe start reading my new textbook: Himalayan Hermitess: the Life of a Tibetan Buddhist Nun (which my dad somehow thought read Himalayan Termites... DAD!!!???!!!).
Tomorrow I start cleaning the bedroom and then work (must remember to make my book order)... and then Hobbes is over to work on prepping for the Level 1 class. AK! Get gas... I have to gas up the car. I forgot today and sucked fumes all the way home.
Wednesday is a work day. Then I teach East Asian Deities to Level 1's. And do the important deposit of the paycheck. Then I budget:
- glasses
- GaiaGathering moneyorder
- tickets
- book club purchase
Nifty... everything else is paid already. Awesome! I also have to do a bit of Level 3 course planning for both sessions A and B. Emails must be sent. Oh hey... that reminds me, I have to send out an emial now!
Thursday, I get a day off. I have to finish cleaning the bedroom and prep for school. I have my first class (tentative) in the afternoon. I will start reading as soon as I can. Then I have to go fight to have full permissions for the class. I need that moneyorder for GaiaGathering to be mailed out before I go home. Get home and do homework and cleaning.
Friday, YIPPEE! I will get new glasses. Thank you to someone very special. Home to more homework and cleaning and CMS prepping. I will hopefully take a look at the CMS and mtl-magicalcircle websites and list the needed changes. That night is a meeting and ritual to plan future coven events and bless this year as the Year of Healing. Good theme. I was emailed what I need for the ritual. I have to prep for that too.
Lots to do before the weekend. Then I start a new schedule with some time off to actually do homework and have some personal thinking and me time. Isn't THAT a novelty!!
The house cleaning is a serious sort and purge thing too. I need to weed stuff out as we will be moving in the summer. I do not want to pack crap and take crap with us. Crap thus will get tossed over the next few months.
Time to go get dinner, clean the livingroom while watching a movie, and then maybe start reading my new textbook: Himalayan Hermitess: the Life of a Tibetan Buddhist Nun (which my dad somehow thought read Himalayan Termites... DAD!!!???!!!).
Sunday, January 01, 2006
AAARRRGGGHHH!!!
EVIL! Dimitri is EVIL... to the core!!!
He got me season one of Battlestar Galactica. I have been seized by how amazing it is. Hook, line, and sinker. So much so that M-SB went and downloaded every possible available episode of season two. We just finished to episode 10.
AAARRRGGGHHH!!!
Must.
Know.
What.
Happens.
NEXT!
He got me season one of Battlestar Galactica. I have been seized by how amazing it is. Hook, line, and sinker. So much so that M-SB went and downloaded every possible available episode of season two. We just finished to episode 10.
AAARRRGGGHHH!!!
Must.
Know.
What.
Happens.
NEXT!
Discoveries: good & bad
Yesterday, Mom slipped a movie pass for 2 into my wallet. Thanks! Some awesome movies are coming up. Some are already out. So many to choose from. Which one do I choose to go to?
This morning I discovered that that razor sharp edge bit of tooth that was cutting my gum open is not gone. Thank gods! I can now eat properly without pain, at last.
I have till January 8th to get my glasses at a discount. I got my student loan, but I paid the bills instead. Damn. I don't think I will be able to get the glasses. This is going to be yet another long semester of migraines with these scratched glasses. $355 - $90 = $265 before January 8th. $355 after it. I have other things too that need to be paid.
Today... I have no commitments. Finally. I will get to clean and sort a bit and maybe get a head start on the reading for next semester.
This morning I discovered that that razor sharp edge bit of tooth that was cutting my gum open is not gone. Thank gods! I can now eat properly without pain, at last.
I have till January 8th to get my glasses at a discount. I got my student loan, but I paid the bills instead. Damn. I don't think I will be able to get the glasses. This is going to be yet another long semester of migraines with these scratched glasses. $355 - $90 = $265 before January 8th. $355 after it. I have other things too that need to be paid.
Today... I have no commitments. Finally. I will get to clean and sort a bit and maybe get a head start on the reading for next semester.
Happy New Calendar Year
We cooked munchie dinner together. It was FUN to tease and chat. The fire alarm went off from someone else in the building but I handled it. After we tried the Sake that we have been hording for some time. Not my thing. But then... I only want bottle.
At midnight the back door got opened and a spider (BIG) blocked the way. I will have to look into that meaning. M-SB moved the spider and together we kicked out to old year (GOOD BLOODY RIDDENCE). Then we opened the front door and let in the new year with a blessing and kisses to all in the apartment. I lit a new shrine candle for the Council of Wolves. M-SB opened the bottle of champaigne that smoked. We toasted and drank and made New Yaer's Resolutions. Mine was to not overwork. 2 days working, 2 days teaching and prepping for teaching, 2 days in school and homework... one day for ME. The family all got called and wished a happy new year. All the while, we played Canadian Monopoly. FUN fun FUN!
Happy New Year EVERYONE!!
At midnight the back door got opened and a spider (BIG) blocked the way. I will have to look into that meaning. M-SB moved the spider and together we kicked out to old year (GOOD BLOODY RIDDENCE). Then we opened the front door and let in the new year with a blessing and kisses to all in the apartment. I lit a new shrine candle for the Council of Wolves. M-SB opened the bottle of champaigne that smoked. We toasted and drank and made New Yaer's Resolutions. Mine was to not overwork. 2 days working, 2 days teaching and prepping for teaching, 2 days in school and homework... one day for ME. The family all got called and wished a happy new year. All the while, we played Canadian Monopoly. FUN fun FUN!
Happy New Year EVERYONE!!
