furry shed explained, and other things

I have set this blog up because I used to use a journal. Unfortunately, this means that most people who read this will be rapidly confused by my storytelling. Right now I cannot make much of a blog-entry (is that the right terminology?) because a cat is on my lap getting her fur all over me. She thinks that it is all about her and yet, she's probably right. This blog will serve partly as a place for me to complain - after all, like - how many people are unemployed out there? - like an enormous percentage in New mexico, I am having trouble finding work too. Sucks. Hopefully one of the many resumes I have sent out will stick. I have been gradually having to adjust and readjust my career expectations since my internship ended 2 months ago and instead of applying just for the jobs I want - teaching and chaplain jobs - I am also applying to places like crafts stores, bagels (to be a bagel-baker) and am signed up with about 50 percent of the local employment / staffing services. EEEK! What are we going to do as a nation - with so many of us unemployed and the economy in the toilet? If you have seen my toilet, that's a really terrible assessment of the economy.

Well, it is presently the international Balloon Fiesta here until October 12. The balloons are incredible - if you leave the house before 8 am, you can see all the way across the city (the Rio Grande Basin) all these balloons just hanging there in the sky like dozens of colorful earrings. I still haven't gone because I really don't feel like dealing with the crowds. But I'm enjoying it anyways!

We got about 1-1/2 inches of rain this past weekend, if you were up in the East Mountains near Sandia Crest. That's a LOT o rain - and it fell steadily all night long. We actually offered prayers of thanksgiving for it in church Sunday.

Last night was the 3rd night that I led a women's Bible study at an Episcopal church. We are loosely guided by http://www.womeninthebible.net/. It's a pretty good website. I think that the group of women should get the credit for how well this class is going because they are eager for the fellowship and for the stimulation we get for just encountering what the Bible says to us without a lot of filters. Last night we had a wonderful discussion sharing what we believe have been "religious experiences," after talking about Hagar, the Egyptian slave-girl of Abram and Sarai. If you're reading my blog, stop it now and read about Hagar instead (Gen 16:6-16 and Gen 21:1-24?). She was a "stranger in a strange land" and experienced further alienation in part due to the traditional slavery customs of the time. Next week we'll look at Rebecca!

Anyways, I guess I should explain "the furry shed" - I live in a small, poorly-ventilated apartment with 2 cats - need I say more? Well, additionally, I shed - because of my long hair - and I like to knit - so that's another fuzz-related issue I have. Furthermore, sometimes I use fuzzy logic and fuzzy intelligence to navigate my life, which sometimes drives certain "types" of people beyond madness. So there are all kinds of reasons to call this blog what it really is - coming from a "furry shed"!

Lastly, I may blog again later and I should apologize in advance because I am preparing to write a sermon and when I do that I start to leak at the seams with things that I am learning. I might actually try my sermon out on you (textually, of course). Thanks for writing this. More will emanate from my head later on. Cheers!
Amy-san