Social Life Online?

Social life these days for me is the Internet. Rob and I don’t really go out that much, because there’s really not much to do. Basketball games are not our thing; we are not sports fans. There aren’t that many restaurants either. Shopping is best whenever we venture out of the mountains, either to Charleston or Lexington. The church is keeping Rob busy, and it’s keeping me busy, too. Also, finding a deaf community has been proven difficult. So for me, I relax by emailing my family, blogging and uploading pictures, and chatting with family and friends online and on videophone.

Recently, my brother and sister in law has joined Facebook. Through that, we stay in touch. This is so much better than emails or phones, because it’s a direct, live conversation between us.

Last week at a school, I met a deaf adult finally since the move. He lives in the area. (I don’t count the Sorenson videophone consultants who came twice to set up the phone.) He and I exchanged information, and via emails, he kept me informed about state meetings and events. The other night, I chatted with an old friend back in Virginia who informed me about the deaf community across the Kentucky/Virginia border. It’s a little far, but it’s a start. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get involved with the local deaf community in some form.

Online tonight, I was tagged by another set of two friends one new and one old. Both of them reached out to me sharing their recent struggles and asking for advice. Through online, I was there for them. I hope I was able to help them.

I guess socialization online isn’t a bad thing, as long it is done in moderation. Right?

Lenten Ponderings

To me, Lent is a time of reflecting and pondering on what God had done for us. It is also a time of sacrifice and restraint. And an opportunity to make a commitment. I struggle with that concept of giving up something. Why give up something that one will do again later, especially if it’s unhealthy for you anyway?  I am aware of this argument: giving up something is realizing that one can do without for a short period to help him/herself reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Does it really? For me, I have given up chocolate or ice cream, and I become obsessive about what I can’t have. It took my thoughts away from focusing on what’s important: Christ.

I’ve learned blogging everyday is harder than it sounds. One does run out of topics after a few days. But why did I choose to do this? Good question. I started this blog as a way for me to keep my family and friends up to date, especially over the past year with all the hectic events. Now that we’re settled here in Kentucky, I’ve blogged less often. I wanted to get back into the habit of blogging, not only to keep family and friends informed, but to hopefully share some insights that would help someone, just maybe.

I already made a commitment on Ash Wednesday that I’ll be blogging every day, when my friend challenged me with this idea: “During Lent, it is also important to take away or give up something” in addition to doing more. She usually prays more or does something for someone. I thought and thought about that again, and I’ve looked over my daily schedules and habits. I really don’t see any of them would be a spiritual benefit during Lent. Instead of taking away or giving up, I’m going to restrain. It means keep under control or within limits. Because of her, I’m restraining my free time so that I can pray, read, ponder, blog, and do more for others.

Post Graduation 2

Me and my dearest friend, Cathy. (Her daughter is hiding under the food.) Both of us met at a deaf camp years ago and rekindled our friendship while we were in deaf education program at Kent State. After graduation, we all went out to eat and played pool at our favorite hangout, Ray’s, in Kent. It was nice being back in Kent.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

Back to Writing Posts

Since the move, we have been overwhelmed. Rob started his job. We unpacked (and we are still unpacking in Rob’s office and at home). We got our driver’s licenses and license plates. We met our neighbors and the congregation, and we started to get to know them. I got an interview for a job, and I got it. Rob got ordained, and both of our families came to the ordination service. I started the new job. I signed up for the last course before I graduate in December. We got a VP200 (a videophone) and got our iPhones to stay in touch with our friends and families. We are getting settled in our new home. Now, I’m back to writing posts.

Y’all come back, ya hear? Watch out for more posts soon.

Packing and Saying Goodbye

Today, I went to get more boxes, peanuts, and bubble wrap for more packing. After today, I will need to get more peanuts. Does anyone have peanuts? I feel like I’m at the baseball game when I say that. We just finished packing our media stuff, our wardrobe, pictures, camping stuff, and more. We’re getting there. But I’m starting to get a little worn out, because I’m not getting that much sleep. Too much on my mind and too much excitement.

The movers are arriving here on Wednesday afternoon. Shortly after the movers move our stuff, we will be cleaning with the help of our friends. Then, we’ll leave for Kentucky on Thursday.

For the past few weeks, we have been saying good-bye to our dear friends here in Staunton and saying good-bye to all our favorite places. Our friends have certainly became one big family. Third Presbyterian Church has been there for us through all the trials. VSDB friends have supported me through ups and downs. Barnes & Noble in Harrisonburg have been so understanding with Rob’s situation. Our old neighbors have helped us and vice versa. They demonstrated what neighbors are supposed to do… sadly not enough people do that anymore. Thank you so much for all you have done.

Last weekend, we took Buffy, our dog, one last walk in Gypsy Hill Park. Hopefully, we will find a park just as good.

Gypsy Hill Park at sunset

Ducks on the pond

Gypsy Hill Park Train

Koi fish in the pond

Creek at the Park

Bandstand at the Park (where Statler Brothers used to sing)

The Duckies