You Appear To Have Fallen Off The Map In The Blogging World
So says my friend Gary. But not literally, right?
I feel as though I have fallen off the map, but I haven't. I have just been remarkably busy since the first of the year. Here is a little taste of what I've been up to.
Teaching. I ended my teaching hiatus at the college. If I were an actual professor, I would refer to it as a sabbatical. But since I'm just a part-timer, I call it a hiatus. So, I'm back to teaching nine hours. When you already have a full-time job, life gets pretty busy, but I don't mind. I'm enjoying it a lot, and that's what matters, even it if leaves little time for blogging.
Leading worship. In January, I accepted a position as worship pastor at a local church. It is part-time, so it doesn't take up too many hours of the week, at least not right now, but it does drain the brain considerably. That means there just isn't much left to share.
Study. I am currently studying for two gigantic exams, which give me more street cred in the teaching world. Actually, studying isn't the word—CRAMMING is more like it. I had it all planned out. I spaced the two tests about three weeks apart, so I could complete one, then have 21 days to prepare for the next. Then the snow came, and the exam was postponed, now they are one week apart. I feel woefully unprepared.
Guns, Guns, GUNS! Recently, due to budget constraints, the city of Tulsa laid off about 150 police officers. Lisa and I decided that since the police aren't going to be there to protect us, we would exercise our second amendment rights, and buy guns. I purchased a Springfield XD .40 caliber subcompact handgun. For Lisa, we chose the Ruger LCP .380. Neither one of us have much experience in the firearm department, but we are having a great time going to the shooting range and getting our biscuit on. Next week, we are going to take the concealed carry permit class. Like they say, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away. So don't give us any crap, okay, punk?
Weather. We have had a long stretch of dreary, wet, cold, snowy weather in Oklahoma. It began with the blizzard on Christmas eve, and hasn't let up much since. Tonight we are expecting another 4-9 inches of snow. Needless to say, I have not been on the bike much at all in the last six weeks. I even broke down and bought a gym membership. I've been going a few times a week, trying to stay on top of things. I need some sunshine. I need some serotonin. Some Vitamin D. Some buttered sunshine on my skin. But it isn't likely to happen anytime soon. That leaves me a little depressed, not in the mood to write. And since I'm not cycling, what do I have to write about anyway? Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts? John Edwards' sex tape and love child? Obama's push toward Socialism by proposing that students should not have to pay back student loans?
Actually, there is much to write about, if I could just find the time and energy. And maybe I will. Maybe I will.
I feel as though I have fallen off the map, but I haven't. I have just been remarkably busy since the first of the year. Here is a little taste of what I've been up to.
Teaching. I ended my teaching hiatus at the college. If I were an actual professor, I would refer to it as a sabbatical. But since I'm just a part-timer, I call it a hiatus. So, I'm back to teaching nine hours. When you already have a full-time job, life gets pretty busy, but I don't mind. I'm enjoying it a lot, and that's what matters, even it if leaves little time for blogging.
Leading worship. In January, I accepted a position as worship pastor at a local church. It is part-time, so it doesn't take up too many hours of the week, at least not right now, but it does drain the brain considerably. That means there just isn't much left to share.
Study. I am currently studying for two gigantic exams, which give me more street cred in the teaching world. Actually, studying isn't the word—CRAMMING is more like it. I had it all planned out. I spaced the two tests about three weeks apart, so I could complete one, then have 21 days to prepare for the next. Then the snow came, and the exam was postponed, now they are one week apart. I feel woefully unprepared.
Guns, Guns, GUNS! Recently, due to budget constraints, the city of Tulsa laid off about 150 police officers. Lisa and I decided that since the police aren't going to be there to protect us, we would exercise our second amendment rights, and buy guns. I purchased a Springfield XD .40 caliber subcompact handgun. For Lisa, we chose the Ruger LCP .380. Neither one of us have much experience in the firearm department, but we are having a great time going to the shooting range and getting our biscuit on. Next week, we are going to take the concealed carry permit class. Like they say, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away. So don't give us any crap, okay, punk?
Weather. We have had a long stretch of dreary, wet, cold, snowy weather in Oklahoma. It began with the blizzard on Christmas eve, and hasn't let up much since. Tonight we are expecting another 4-9 inches of snow. Needless to say, I have not been on the bike much at all in the last six weeks. I even broke down and bought a gym membership. I've been going a few times a week, trying to stay on top of things. I need some sunshine. I need some serotonin. Some Vitamin D. Some buttered sunshine on my skin. But it isn't likely to happen anytime soon. That leaves me a little depressed, not in the mood to write. And since I'm not cycling, what do I have to write about anyway? Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts? John Edwards' sex tape and love child? Obama's push toward Socialism by proposing that students should not have to pay back student loans?
Actually, there is much to write about, if I could just find the time and energy. And maybe I will. Maybe I will.
Funny you should blog Jason. I was just getting ready to write you a personal note to see if you were doing ok. I can certainly feel your pain about not riding. I went out a week before Christmas and then finally made it out about 3 weeks ago. The pre-Christmas ride was great! A 30+ miler to Bloomington, IN and back. The one a few weeks ago was fun to get out (about 20) but man talk about all the junk and gunk on the roads! I had to wipe my bike down when I got back. It was grungy. I look at my bike hanging on its rack every day and long to be on it but you all keep passing along your snow. We are expecting your snowfall tomorrow night. I do have one glimmer of light. Someone from my past bought me a brand new 2010 Trek 2.3 64cm as a gift. It is on backorder so with the weather the way it is it can take its time coming in.
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I was going to come on here and chide you for not blogging. Then I checked my blog...
So I'll just offer kudos on the firearm choices. I've got the Springfield XD(M) in .40, and absolutely love it. I shoot it better than anything I've ever shot before. I'm interested in that LCP, though. Is the recoil manageable? Seems like there's not much gun there to absorb it.
Anyway, glad to see you back sharing thoughts here. I don't often comment, but I do always read.
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Great choice on the guns. I carry an HK USPc .40 everyday. You won't regret getting your CCL.
By the way, if you'll be carrying inside the waistband, I recommend a CrossBreed Supertuck. They're ridiculously comfortable.
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Thanks, Bill. Someone from your past?? You should give that person a big hug. What a gracious gift! Congrats, and be sure you post pictures.
Wes, is your Springfield the 3"? Mine is, it is a subcompact, so it is easier to carry on my bike. The LCP does have a little bite to it. Check out my Facebook page--I posted some videos of Lisa shooting it, and the .40, so you can see the difference. The only think I don't like about it is the trigger action. There is a lot of movement required to fire it, but either way, it is a great little gun. Light as a feather, and smaller than a cell phone.
Michael, thanks for the encouragement on the CCL and the .40. I've decided I'm going to need about three different holsters. When I wear slacks, the inside the waistband is not an option. But with jeans, it is. I have ordered a pocket holster for use when riding, and will get an ankle holster for church. I'll check out the CrossBreed right now.
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The XD(M) is actually a 4.5" barrel, and it holds 16 rounds. It's not small, but I found a really good (and reasonably priced) custom holster maker from whom I got a leather IWB holster. I wear it all day every day, and it's very comfortable, which is saying something for such a large pistol. I've heard nothing but good things about the Crossbreed, but I found this one before I had heard of them, and I really do like the all-leather option.
I've held the LCP, but haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet. Certainly you can't beat it for concealability.
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Is it comfortable to wear while preaching? Also, did anyone in your church have an issue with you getting your CC permit? I don't think I would live in SE Oklahoma again without it.
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Actually, it's quite comfortable, although I need to pick up another belt. With any kind of holster, a belt designed for the task is essential. I have a good brown belt, but in black, I only have a cheap dress belt. It works okay for a couple of hours, but I wouldn't want to try it much longer than that.
No one in the church has an issue with it. Several members carry themselves, and I don't make an issue of it.
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I haven't done anything modern, firearms-wise. Still got the Smith Model 13 (.357 magnum) I had when a reserve-type cop. I was one of the Dept's best-scoring shooters and I figured if I couldn't stop the bad guys with 6 Plus-P's (and a couple speedloaders), I probably wasn't going to stop them at all.
If I only ever wore a sportcoat to conceal it.
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Jason,
Glad to see that you're alive and well. Since everyone else interacted about the handguns, I'll ask about some other contents of your post. Where are you leading worship? What are you teaching, and what exams are you cramming for these days?
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I am leading worship at Glenwood Baptist Church in Tulsa. It is a sweet little church, on the Sand Springs line. Working class, good folks. Church runs a little more than 100, and is growing.
Teaching at the college--this semester, Humanities. But I play clean up usually, whatever no one else wants to teach. I've taught Religion, Political Science, Philosophy, and Western Civ. Labor of love.
I'm taking the tests to become certified to teach in public schools. There are two--the subject area exam (Social Sciences for me). And the general education test. I'm a little concerned--I give a lot of tests, but haven't taken one in a while.
Thanks, Gary!
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Jason,
Glad to hear about the church. It sounds like a good fit for you and a neat place to serve. I miss teaching in a seminary setting as I did for so many years in Argentina, but am very thankful for the wonderful church in which I'm privileged to serve as associate pastor. My work with the BGCM also takes me to Guatemala frequently on missions trips where I get to do some teaching and/or translating for other pastors I take down to lead training sessions.
Best wishes for success on the exams.
Gary
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