well to be honest it's the same amount of time i've always had on my hands it's just that nobody is awake now while i have free time. :) so yes many changes in life right now... biggest news of all being that i was promoted at Fox... for lack of a better word... FINALLY. But yes i'm quite excited about it. I am an associate producer now, which means no more tapes, and instead i'm actually writing the news, picking out important stories etc.
really im just helping the producers though, but Jason who is the Executive Producer, and the one in charge of me, has already made it clear that his primary role for me is to learn to be a full time producer, so that i could take the place of people when they call in sick or are on vacation or something like that, and eventually i'll hopefully get my own spot.
I'm very excited about that because it should be excellent training, and it means that even if i dont get a ull time position with fox in a little while, i have the experience to get a full time position at another big market somewhere else.
The reason that i am up so late all the time is because this shift is working on the morning show, whihch means i stay awake until the morning show, and then go to sleep... i'm awake now cuz i dont want to throw off my schedule.
im still enjoying starbucks as well, which i received a $1 an hour raise there, so that's nice too. I am much better off financially then i was a month ago... not that i was struggling... i'm just cheap, as lindsay helmbock would say.
well this is a fairly sad weekend right now. because cliff, matt and joseph... two of whom are our new roomates, have gone down to beach project for the summer. also ryan went to see his fam, and keith and elaine are leaving tomorrow. so its me and pat... but we are having baileys bachelor party tomorrow so that should be fun. (i understand that pat is planning on stripping)
other big news, my parents have informed me that if i want to come to egypt for christmas, that they will pay my way! that's awesome, and i'm super excited about the prospect of it, but i need to make sure i can get the time off, and i'm trying to convince kristen to come visit me during the time there too (everybody write to her and pressure her to come up)
I love you all and miss everyone who's not here.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
This is a girl with a curl.
If any of you Birminghamians have been wondering where the Davis' have been for the last couple days, let me tell you. We've been attending a workshop to become certified to teach adult literacy. In some ways, we resisted committing to both the workshop and taking on students, but i think after last night, we both may soon be paired up with adults who will come to us seeking to learn how to read. It's a pretty amazing concept. My brain really doesnt know how to comprehend not knowing how to read. I honestly dont have the slightest recollection of learning how to read. I remember my parents reading to me profusely as a small child and then i have a vague memory of finishing my first "chapter book." but the effort that must have occurred somewhere in between is completely lost. I remember going to the library and checking out about 15 books at a time every week. and in elementary school the library in out neighborhood (the county library was literally in our subdivision) was our daily hang out.
In alabama 1 in 4 adults reads below a 6th grade reading level. The average adult reading level for the state is 8th grade. I guess the only way to begin to comprehend it is the feeling of being in another country and not understanding any of the signs around. I know that I totally take reading for granted. In a few weeks we will meet our adult students and teach them this chart: this is a bird with his tail in the air. say "bird." this is a letter that looks like a bird with his tail in the air. say "bird." this is the word bird, read "bird." the word bird begins with the sound "buh" say "buh." the name of the letter that makes the sound "buh" is "b" say "b." and so on. According to our teacher the success rates for these students is pretty high. most of them don't have a learning disability, aren't stupid, just for one reason or another, never learned how to read. Many examples were of kids who had to take on a lot of family responsibility at a young age and missed the crucial learning. The program we're doing also uses the bible to teach. every week the student learns how to read a Bible verse. It is beautiful and exciting to know God's heart for reading is so big that he chose to communicate his word to the world in written form. What an incredible thing to introduce to someone. I'm humbled, a little scared, and excited.
Monday, May 12, 2008
A Little Comparative Geography Lesson
Since graduating, I've found myself taking on small projects to keep myself occupied. Often this involves amateur cartography. I spent a fair part of my weekend making a map, and then I worked on another while I was bored at work today. This one is a diagram comparing the relative sizes of cities. I was inspired by a comment Elaine made in Charleston. Hopefully this will enlighten your understanding of your world.
PDF: Comparative Size of Cities.
My other map in on my USB drive, which has gone missing. Hopefully I'll finish and post it soon.
PDF: Comparative Size of Cities.
My other map in on my USB drive, which has gone missing. Hopefully I'll finish and post it soon.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
All you have to do is sign on this line...
(A post from Kristen):
Time: 9:52pm
Book(s): Snow- Orhan Pamuk; Gilead- Marilynne Robinson, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger- Ron Sider
Music: Iron and Wine- The Shepherd's Dog
Ugly babies: still haven't found one…
State of mind: befuddled, incredulous, bamboozled.
I think I was proposed to today. Kind of. Sort of. Maybe? It's hard to say.
It all began with a man who came into the office yesterday morning (Thursday, May 8th, 2008). Innocent enough- we exchanged greetings for approximately five minutes, as per custom here; he showing off his English skills, I demonstrating that I am trying my hand at Amharic. He then informs me that I am to introduce myself, which I do politely even though I find him rude and overbearing. He then says, "ok. What else?" as he pulls out a notepad and begins writing something. Since Kristen Straw is the only name I have, I'm at a loss as to how to respond. He commences to pummel me with questions that are becoming increasing personal (what are you doing here, where do you live, who do you live with…), which I find awkward considering I don't even know his name and he's taking notes. As it turns out, he has just returned to Ethiopia from Dallas where he is getting his masters in radiation technology or something. Imagine his delight when he discovered I was born in Dallas. He claims to be doing "research" in the area for free. I ask him what he is researching and his answers get vague. He moans about having to use public transportation and how much he misses his car in Dallas. I have no sympathy.
Next day, 10:45am: He comes storming into the office insisting that I come have a soda and lunch with him as he is leaving for Addis in the afternoon. I tell him that I'm working, it's not lunchtime, I'm not hungry, but it was great to meet him… yet somehow I end up in a sketchy car that he has miraculously acquired. To this day I'm not sure how that happened. At the café he directs me to a table where a man is waiting and orders me food and a soda that I don't want. He then pulls out a piece of paper and informs me that all I have to do is "sign on this line" saying that I agree to marry this man. Then he can go to America. I stare blankly, thinking I cannot recall a half hour in my life that has been as odd as the last one has been. My intended looks almost as confused as I'm sure looked. Dude continuously reassures me that there are no strings attached, he himself has done this many times, he has a wife in Dallas whom he has divorced but will remarry once he helps others get to America, and all I have to do is get a divorce later. As he is sure that I will be returning home soon, he says this will not be a problem. Here I find my voice and say that I will not be returning for two years and that I cannot sign the paper. He says very convincingly, "Yes- you can. Here's a pen. And we'll be paying you of course." A fleeting image of me marrying and then promptly divorcing people for money that would be used to build shelters for street kids around the world (current plan for the future) crossed my mind. I almost asked how much he was offering. Then I realize that this has to be illegal. I firmly repeat that I cannot partake in his scheme. He tells me he can help me get home, that he can get me a car, a house with an oven… his promises get very extravagant and I'm not sure what he's talking about anymore. I remain silent. He then begins telling his buddies who have accumulated that I'm a medical researcher and am getting my masters in health care. I stand up, tell him that I study politics and history and that I have no idea what he is talking about, and walk away. He follows, offended that I didn't eat lunch, yet gives me his phone number and strict instructions to call him when I'm in Addis next week. I'm not going to Addis next week and never told him I was. Again… not sure what he was talking about.
Moral of the story: don't get into cars with pompous, pretentious people who give you the creeps. Alternatively: if you want to get rich quick, marry people who want you for your nationality.
Time: 9:52pm
Book(s): Snow- Orhan Pamuk; Gilead- Marilynne Robinson, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger- Ron Sider
Music: Iron and Wine- The Shepherd's Dog
Ugly babies: still haven't found one…
State of mind: befuddled, incredulous, bamboozled.
I think I was proposed to today. Kind of. Sort of. Maybe? It's hard to say.
It all began with a man who came into the office yesterday morning (Thursday, May 8th, 2008). Innocent enough- we exchanged greetings for approximately five minutes, as per custom here; he showing off his English skills, I demonstrating that I am trying my hand at Amharic. He then informs me that I am to introduce myself, which I do politely even though I find him rude and overbearing. He then says, "ok. What else?" as he pulls out a notepad and begins writing something. Since Kristen Straw is the only name I have, I'm at a loss as to how to respond. He commences to pummel me with questions that are becoming increasing personal (what are you doing here, where do you live, who do you live with…), which I find awkward considering I don't even know his name and he's taking notes. As it turns out, he has just returned to Ethiopia from Dallas where he is getting his masters in radiation technology or something. Imagine his delight when he discovered I was born in Dallas. He claims to be doing "research" in the area for free. I ask him what he is researching and his answers get vague. He moans about having to use public transportation and how much he misses his car in Dallas. I have no sympathy.
Next day, 10:45am: He comes storming into the office insisting that I come have a soda and lunch with him as he is leaving for Addis in the afternoon. I tell him that I'm working, it's not lunchtime, I'm not hungry, but it was great to meet him… yet somehow I end up in a sketchy car that he has miraculously acquired. To this day I'm not sure how that happened. At the café he directs me to a table where a man is waiting and orders me food and a soda that I don't want. He then pulls out a piece of paper and informs me that all I have to do is "sign on this line" saying that I agree to marry this man. Then he can go to America. I stare blankly, thinking I cannot recall a half hour in my life that has been as odd as the last one has been. My intended looks almost as confused as I'm sure looked. Dude continuously reassures me that there are no strings attached, he himself has done this many times, he has a wife in Dallas whom he has divorced but will remarry once he helps others get to America, and all I have to do is get a divorce later. As he is sure that I will be returning home soon, he says this will not be a problem. Here I find my voice and say that I will not be returning for two years and that I cannot sign the paper. He says very convincingly, "Yes- you can. Here's a pen. And we'll be paying you of course." A fleeting image of me marrying and then promptly divorcing people for money that would be used to build shelters for street kids around the world (current plan for the future) crossed my mind. I almost asked how much he was offering. Then I realize that this has to be illegal. I firmly repeat that I cannot partake in his scheme. He tells me he can help me get home, that he can get me a car, a house with an oven… his promises get very extravagant and I'm not sure what he's talking about anymore. I remain silent. He then begins telling his buddies who have accumulated that I'm a medical researcher and am getting my masters in health care. I stand up, tell him that I study politics and history and that I have no idea what he is talking about, and walk away. He follows, offended that I didn't eat lunch, yet gives me his phone number and strict instructions to call him when I'm in Addis next week. I'm not going to Addis next week and never told him I was. Again… not sure what he was talking about.
Moral of the story: don't get into cars with pompous, pretentious people who give you the creeps. Alternatively: if you want to get rich quick, marry people who want you for your nationality.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Our School is (In)famous!
So, in case you missed it, Samford University made its mark on the map today. For those of us who have grown endlessly tired of correcting others ("No, not STAN-ford... SAM-ford... it's a small, Christian liberal arts school in Birmingham" "Ooohhh..."), we just got famous... and infamous. It's been a busy day for one Err Doctor Andrew Westmoreland.
Pro: Suddenly, our school kicks a**. Scroll down to #27. No way. 27th out of all schools in the country. Forbes Magazine. We beat Berkeley, NYU, UNC, and Vandy. A monumental day indeed. Be sure to check out how they scored it; it makes you proud to be a Bulldog
Con: Campus Safety- as if we didn't all already know how hopelessly inept they were. I'd feel more safe if a nine-year-old with a slingshot was guarding our beloved institution.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Pro: Skype Con: Abnormally Tall People
Time: 11:29pm
Location: Hoover
People Nearby: same as the last time I blogged...a sleeping Emily. She's not in a coma though.
Ugly Babies: Only really tremendously cute ones lately...
Books I'm reading and enjoying: haven't been able to read much... soon enough though!
So back when I was in a sorority (Chi Omega) we did this thing referred to as "Pro Con Pro" during rush. You know, the girls would filter through the sorority house seeking their niche on campus which was manifested through small talk, giggles, and lots of pearls. Then they'd leave for the night and we'd go through one by one and pro con pro 'em. I'm probably divulging too much information, but it's the inspiration for this blog. So, I Pro Con Proed(?) life this evening and came up with Skype, Tall People at Concerts, and the last one will come to me...
Pro: Skype. For some reason I figured Jen and I could somehow create a conference call between the twos of us and a Kristen Straw currently residing in Ethiopia...and it freakin' worked! I mean, to be honest, I thought it was a shot in the dark. I added some money ($18) to my account, called Jen, selected the conference call option and entered Kristen's cell number. We had a pretty good connection, Jen couldn't hear as well, but still, I was impressed, and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour maybe? Oh, it was wonderful to catch up with her!!! She's doing well, but keep her in your prayers bc a lot of PC people are returning home and I think it's hard for Kris not to be discouraged by that.
Con: Tall people at concerts who aren't size aware. I recently got to see Josh Ritter in concert. He's the most thankful and gleeful performer I've ever seen, and as if that's not enough, he's great at giving you not one, but two bear hugs when you talk with him post-show. This is not part of the con, he's awesome. During the concert I counted, seriously...I did, 7 people in the venue who had to be 6'5''. This included a female (she had on heels). Anyhow, 6 out of the 7 stood on the left side of the stage and 6 out of those 6 stood in what would loosely be referred to as the 2nd row. This leaves the following 5 rows struggling to find a gap in the bobbling heads infront of them. It's sort of a domino effect. Anyhow, I'll be honest, I was a bit peeved by the whole matter, only to have my anger eased by meeting Mr. Ritter himselfa few hours later. I'm not discriminating against tall people...I used to be one, I just think it would be a kind gesture to the rest of us for them to remember their stature. My apologies though, to all of you who witnessed my verbal expressions of annoyance.
Pro: Groceries in the refrigerator, graduation, Redeemer Community Church, going to India soon, and as much as I love skype...my boyfriend returning to the same continent.
Hope you all are well. We have a new addition to the blog: Susan Tyner should be joining us shortly. For some reason she declined her blog invite in the fall of '07. After serious consideration and profile review, she has been permitted access and blogging status. Please join me in welcoming her.
Location: Hoover
People Nearby: same as the last time I blogged...a sleeping Emily. She's not in a coma though.
Ugly Babies: Only really tremendously cute ones lately...
Books I'm reading and enjoying: haven't been able to read much... soon enough though!
So back when I was in a sorority (Chi Omega) we did this thing referred to as "Pro Con Pro" during rush. You know, the girls would filter through the sorority house seeking their niche on campus which was manifested through small talk, giggles, and lots of pearls. Then they'd leave for the night and we'd go through one by one and pro con pro 'em. I'm probably divulging too much information, but it's the inspiration for this blog. So, I Pro Con Proed(?) life this evening and came up with Skype, Tall People at Concerts, and the last one will come to me...
Pro: Skype. For some reason I figured Jen and I could somehow create a conference call between the twos of us and a Kristen Straw currently residing in Ethiopia...and it freakin' worked! I mean, to be honest, I thought it was a shot in the dark. I added some money ($18) to my account, called Jen, selected the conference call option and entered Kristen's cell number. We had a pretty good connection, Jen couldn't hear as well, but still, I was impressed, and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour maybe? Oh, it was wonderful to catch up with her!!! She's doing well, but keep her in your prayers bc a lot of PC people are returning home and I think it's hard for Kris not to be discouraged by that.
Con: Tall people at concerts who aren't size aware. I recently got to see Josh Ritter in concert. He's the most thankful and gleeful performer I've ever seen, and as if that's not enough, he's great at giving you not one, but two bear hugs when you talk with him post-show. This is not part of the con, he's awesome. During the concert I counted, seriously...I did, 7 people in the venue who had to be 6'5''. This included a female (she had on heels). Anyhow, 6 out of the 7 stood on the left side of the stage and 6 out of those 6 stood in what would loosely be referred to as the 2nd row. This leaves the following 5 rows struggling to find a gap in the bobbling heads infront of them. It's sort of a domino effect. Anyhow, I'll be honest, I was a bit peeved by the whole matter, only to have my anger eased by meeting Mr. Ritter himselfa few hours later. I'm not discriminating against tall people...I used to be one, I just think it would be a kind gesture to the rest of us for them to remember their stature. My apologies though, to all of you who witnessed my verbal expressions of annoyance.
Pro: Groceries in the refrigerator, graduation, Redeemer Community Church, going to India soon, and as much as I love skype...my boyfriend returning to the same continent.
Hope you all are well. We have a new addition to the blog: Susan Tyner should be joining us shortly. For some reason she declined her blog invite in the fall of '07. After serious consideration and profile review, she has been permitted access and blogging status. Please join me in welcoming her.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Violet Hill
So I know that all of you aren't big Coldplay fans like I am (I feel sorry for those of you that aren't), but I feel compelled to tell you all that they are giving away their new single for free from their website for the next week. Enjoy it!
green and blue
Time: 10:34 AM
Books: Life of Pi (not so original, but worth it), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Convergence (by sam storms on "charismatic calvinism", and once upon a time I started Brothers Karamazov and intend on finishing it someday.
Music: the hum of air conditioning, typing, and florescent lights
Location: work. I'm typing up the state events for fall 2008. Thrilling. But I did find out that I get to make the article that I wrote for the last issue a series, so more writing experience to come.
State of Mind: content. enjoying the brilliant green leaves outside my wall of windows as the blue-sky sun dances shadows on my desk.
So, waking up next to your very best friend and love every morning is just as spectacular as you might imagine. Making our home might be even more fun than we had imagined. Our apartment is really feeling like home and we're enjoying it thoroughly. So far marriage is great, definitely not the easiest thing I've ever tried--don't be fooled--but the promise of God's heart for us and this union is peace in a heavy form.
I wanted to say thanks to all of you who shared in our wedding. It was fully what we hoped for and more. A weekend to celebrate you: our community, family, and friends (all titles apply); the grace and promises in Christ that got us here; and each other. beautiful.
And, here are some pictures from the honeymoon. Oregon is a refreshing and beautiful place.
Books: Life of Pi (not so original, but worth it), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Convergence (by sam storms on "charismatic calvinism", and once upon a time I started Brothers Karamazov and intend on finishing it someday.
Music: the hum of air conditioning, typing, and florescent lights
Location: work. I'm typing up the state events for fall 2008. Thrilling. But I did find out that I get to make the article that I wrote for the last issue a series, so more writing experience to come.
State of Mind: content. enjoying the brilliant green leaves outside my wall of windows as the blue-sky sun dances shadows on my desk.
So, waking up next to your very best friend and love every morning is just as spectacular as you might imagine. Making our home might be even more fun than we had imagined. Our apartment is really feeling like home and we're enjoying it thoroughly. So far marriage is great, definitely not the easiest thing I've ever tried--don't be fooled--but the promise of God's heart for us and this union is peace in a heavy form.
I wanted to say thanks to all of you who shared in our wedding. It was fully what we hoped for and more. A weekend to celebrate you: our community, family, and friends (all titles apply); the grace and promises in Christ that got us here; and each other. beautiful.
And, here are some pictures from the honeymoon. Oregon is a refreshing and beautiful place.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Another Quick Note...
I just got an update from Thailand this afternoon, and I wanted to share some awesome news with you guys. Many of you will remember me sending out messages asking you to pray for a freshman named Beer (or having him add you as a friend on facebook). Beer was on the Thai Summer Project these past few weeks, and I spoke to him about three weeks ago. He told me that he felt that he was very close to becoming a Christian. Well, he did this week! I am so excited! It is so encouraging to get news like that... Thanks for your prayers
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
It's a Bittersweet Symphony; That's Life
April is the cruellest month, breeding/Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing/Memory and desire, stirring/Dull roots with spring rain
Time: 1:38 P.M.
Book(s): Pilgrim at Tinker Creek- Annie Dillard; Paradise Lost- John Milton; The Reason for God- Tim Keller
Music: Jose Gonzalez- In Our Nature
State of Mind: tumultuous; fearful; excited; anxious; reflective
It’s Tuesday afternoon. I’m sitting in the Samford food court, because I, sixteen months post-graduation, have still not fully grasped the fact that I am no longer a student here. I miss it. I miss each of you. Sitting here alone with my computer, vitamin water, and Paradise Lost makes me realize that even more.
The weekend was perfect. This man who has meant so terribly much to me, who has so profoundly and consistently helped to shape my walk, who always humbly, lovingly, and encouragingly pointed me back to the cross, who slept-talked like a champ (and thus, whose dreams were always so comically influenced by whatever nonsensical thought came to my mind- "Keith, what is that Ferris Wheel doing in the middle of the quad? Wait, is that LAVA that it's sinking in!?), who's been almost as famous for his inability to articulate what he's excited about as he has been for his near-matchless enthusiasm for whatever it was he wanted to tell you, was getting married… to a wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, godfearing girl. I could not be any happier for them. I cannot wait to learn so much from their marriage.
Their rehearsal dinner was such a testament to their relationship. They cited their absolute dependence on community to sustain this marriage; they explained their boundless joy in understanding God’s love more fully through his gift of romantic love; they were made to hear what profound influences they had been.
I have been so privileged to have such friends. How could I do anything but thank God for all of you over and over again?
Keith has been the third resident of 1701 to leave via marriage. Parks will be the first to depart for any other reason (though even that is somewhat debatable). Joseph Rhea & Cliff Cook will be moving in with us soon enough. Life moves endlessly and mercilessly forward, and we feverishly clutch to community because we know we cannot survive without it. We cannot survive without the prayers of our brothers & sisters, without their encouragement, accountability, tears, and rebukes. I am too fearful to guess when we shall all be reunited again.
I had a dream a few months back that we all, around the age of forty or so (which assumes, of course, that I’ll last that long) decided to move to the same place and teach at the same high school. It was incredible. I was so happy. In my dream, the students and community surrounding them were changed. It was so beautiful. Maybe one day…
Less important musings: I’m headed on the junior high retreat with Big Time this weekend (I’m speaking the first night on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet); Erin & I are working on a two-week road trip post-Emily/Claire’s weddings- anyone down?; I have a blog: mattfrancisco.blogspot.com. I’ve tried to keep it mostly a secret, but I’m not afraid anymore. You hear that, “I’m not afraid anymore!” –Home Alone, anyone? And at least you know I’ll post more than Will… Much love.
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