Teen Jesus?

Don't ask me why but at some point during this past week it occurred to me that Jesus was a teenager.


Why have we never heard stories of Jesus as a teen? Did those books of the Bible get lost along the way? I haven't yet taken the time to think about Jesus as a teen but I might just do that. Any ideas on what he was like? Lemme know...

Thanksgiving and Selfish Giving

Happy Thanksgiving! Today is a day where most every American gives thanks and spends time with loved ones. It's a wonderful day filled with turkeys, apple and pumpkin pies, and lots of laughter. Family may travel to see relatives and friends gather.

Earlier today, on the way to our Thanksgiving feast, we passed a truck whose tire had blown out on the interstate. A comment was made about how awful that was because the tire couldn't be replaced (something about the rim, I was lost but accepted the explanation). I said I felt like we should stop. We didn't. We were sure he had a phone, who doesn't? Did he? Really, what would we have done? The tire (according to the given explanation) really couldn't have been replaced and we didn't know this guy from Adam so it was doubtful we'd have given him a ride. If he was nice, would we have? It was Thanksgiving day.

After we'd long passed him, I felt guilty. Now, had I been alone I probably wouldn't have because being a single woman it just wouldn't have been appropriate, but I wasn't alone. And I wasn't a single woman today. When I put all of my thoughts together though, it occurred to me... did I want to help him because it would make ME feel better? Because I knew it was the right thing to do... Or did I want to stop and help him because I truly did want him to make it to his own Thanksgiving feast? Of course I did want him to make it to his family dinner, but I just couldn't shake off the guilt -my guilt- of not stopping just to check on him. On this day of thanks when I have everything in the world to be thankful for, we could have stopped.

As we enter into the holiday season that is often filled with numerous opportunities for giving, I'm reminded to give selflessly and not selfishly. While all giving is GOOD because it is helping someone else, doing it for the right reasons is also important.

Wishing everyone safe travels and good bargains tomorrow!

Go and do the same.

As the holiday season begins I am trying to keep myself focused on what is most important. God. I am trying to reflect more upon where I want to be in my faith and where I want to be in life as called by my faith. Over the last few months I have lost so much movtivation, but have prayed for renewal. I know He is answering my prayer. As silly as it sounds, even having this blog has helped me. It's a place where I can record my thoughts and follow myself, in a different way. It make not make much sense but it works for me!

I've been in Boston this week and have been enjoying some time taking a break from routine. It's been so nice! I have so much loved having Nola with me this time. Today we went to the cutest pet store called The Pet Cabaret. I'd seen it last month when I was here but it was closed the only day we could go. Today, fuimos! It was great! They had all sorts of natural products and... they had the earth orbee toy from Planet Dog that I'd refused to order because of the shipping charges. As we were checking out I also grabbed some turkey jerky things and a deer antler, oh and a bully stick. Let's just say, that deer antler... best. thing. ever. It's SO cool. Apparently, they don't splinter and well, I'll have to write a separate post about my favorite dog things because I could obviously go on and on about that...

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I'll spare you the long list of things I'm thankful for (it's long!). We'll be going to Caveman's old boss' house and I will tell ya how thankful I am to NOT be cooking a full meal. Tonight, I made three huge casserole sized homemade macaroni and cheeses, two lasagnas, and a candy bar cake and I would be fine not being in a kitchen for the rest of this year!

On Thanksgiving I'll be praying from 11:00-11:20 PM for people around the world who don't have food and safe water. I'm glad to be doing this as it reminds me of what Jesus would want us to do, remember those who aren't as fortunate as we are. We are so blessed to live in the US and to have access to all that we do... Luke 10:37 says, "Go and do the same." I'd like to think that on Thanksgiving, Jesus would have invited the sick, widowed, afflicted, and poor to his house for dinner. While I won't be able to do that, I can remind myself just what this season is really about.

(And about that list of favorite dog stuff, stay tuned!) :)

Nola in New England

Well, long story short, plans changed. (As always!) I'll resist going into detail but let's just say I have the best Caveman ever!!! We arrived in Boston at 6:00 AM on Sunday morning. It was a long but safe trip and for that, I am thankful!

Today we went to Cape Cod... and there was SNOW! It was so pretty! We knew it would be really windy at the beach so we'd gone to Petco last night to get a sweater for Nola. She looked so goofy in it and I'm completely opposed dressing dogs in clothes but with her short fur and the cold, windy weather, we felt like she'd be more comfortable. Here are a few pictures and video from today!

Note to self

Today, I found a really great resource from Tom Davis' blog. It's something I look forward to working on over the next few weeks as 2008 quickly turns into 2009. I thought I'd share for anyone else who is interested. Enjoy!

Inspiring Video

Moms forced to pick which kids eat, which die

Did you know this week is World Hunger Relief Week? I know I've gone on and on about the global food crisis for the last week but the headline in the subject line caught my attention on CNN today. I remember a song I heard years ago (it was a song on a tape [yeah, that long ago!] from Compassion) called Ti Chape. In parts of Haiti children are not named until they are several months old because malnutrition is that bad. So bad that mothers may not even produce enough breastmilk to sustain their infant children. These babies are called "ti chape" until they are named. The article on CNN highlights Haiti and discusses the Wall Street bail out in comparison. Sigh. Check it out.

Why Hope Aid Rocks

It's about time I write about Hope Aid International and why it's an AWESOME organization.

-First, we are small and we are small intentionally. It's because of our size that allows us to know each of our donors. We are able to truly connect people to one another. One of our very first donors gave money towards an income-generating project. Later, we learned that this particular individual wanted to do more to help the family. Another project started, and soon, this beneficiary was able to live on the income from her business and support her family.

-We are transparent. Ask us anything about everything, we will tell you (or show you).

-We are in constant communication with our projects. David and Linda are in contact with not only our school projects, but also with our village projects way across the country. They know exactly what is going on with each person's project and they are able to assist when needed to insure the integrity of the program.

-We are honest, hard-working, reliable, and flexible. We are able to accomodate most requests since we are a small organziation. Need something? Just ask! We might be able to make it happen!

We have some great projects going on right now. First, there's the new secondary school (Hope Secondary School)! We have partnered with a group in the UK called School4Uganda. Elizabeth is the lead on this and she's been able to raise enough money to purchase land and they are currently working on funds for the building itself! This school will be directly across the road from the primary school (Good Hope Primary).

We're also working on a project here in the US to re-build Good Hope Primary School! This building is almost 12 years old and needs some repair work. We've decided to re-build it on classroom at a time. It will cost approximately $2,000 per classroom and we've raised about half of this to date. The new school is a work in progress but we have a great group helping us, Kids with Knowledge!

As if these building projects weren't enough, we are also helping a clinic in Fort Portal with their maternity ward. It's a small, rural clinic that only needs $2,000 total for the project. If anyone feels compelled to help, let me know!

Finally, we still offer school fee sponsorships ranging from $20-50/year. What's the difference? $20 only covers the basics for the child and $50 will cover it all (tuition, supplies, uniform, lunch). Did I mention that is is per year?? We do ask for the funds up front so the fees are covered but you will be able to write to the child who you're helping and you'll receive their photo and school report along with letters. Feel free to send them a special package too! Want to visit? We can help arrange that too!

Last but not least we also provide income-generating projects that range from $10 rabbits to $500 garden projects. Past projects have included rabbits, pigs, goats, cows, brick making, sewing machines, tomato gardens, and chickens.

Keep it Simple Challenge

Beginning December 1st through December 7th, I challenge you to join me and Caveman as we attempt to live on just $1/day for seven days. Originally the plan was to spend no money at all, but because Caveman has tolls to cross on the way to work, an ammendment was made.

Remember the post last week about how over one billion people live on less than $1/day? Well, we'll assume we're the rich of that group and actually have the $1 each day. We will use $7 cash for the entire week and post updates as we go.

We'll post the guidelines before the challenge begins so if you plan to participate (or if you don't but still have input!) feel free to comment with your suggestions!

Not up for this but still want to be creative? Try fasting on Thanksgiving day; use your time to think about and pray for people around the world without access to clean water and food.

A letter

Clara Mae, my child from the Philippines, wrote a letter in September that I received earlier this week. This is the second letter she wrote all by herself and it's adorable! This letter was in response to an email I'd sent her while I was working. A few parts that made me smile:

"I'm so blessed for you share your precious time to me while you're on duty. Thank you very much for your comments. I was glad about it! Imagining your facial expressions , it really makes me laugh."

(I think I told her that I smiled a lot when I read her letters.)

"I request you to pray for my family. Be my prayer partners all the time. For I always include you in my prayers. I will pray to God for your safety where ever you go. Happy trip. May God be with you on your journey to Boston."

"I will end here for now. I am looking forward to your real handwritten letter as well as the photos you've told on the letter you sent to me."

She makes me laugh and is so sweet! She will be 10 years old on the 24th of this month.

God is good...and I might have a mouse!

Part I
... so remember my passionate tirade about helping others and how we spend frivolously? Well, I had a little situation yesterday. See, I was at work and it was a really slow night. One of the girls decided she needed coffee. Because it was a little chilly, wet and rainy, and slow in the shop, I decided that yeah, I could splurge. I immediately felt bad though because I'd just been reflecting on how I should stop spending unnecessarily.

Against my better judgement I requested a mocha. And I ultimately decided that I really don't get coffees much and Starbucks is sooo good, so it's an ok splurge. I was okay with that (sort of, I tried to tell myself that anyway). When my coffee arrived I didn't have a receipt -- not that I needed one but it's nice to keep up with all that frivolous spending ya know -- so I asked if I had one. "Oh, she didn't charge you." Huh? Yep, it was free! A free Starbucks mocha, Mmm! And you tell me how many times THAT happens! (See yesterday's post about Luke 6:28) :)

Part II
Oh dear, oh dear, OH DEAR!!! Where do I even begin. Well... last night as I was getting ready for bed (finally, oh man it was so late!) I saw my silly Luka in Nola's crate. It was SO funny I decided to get my camera. (I find him in there a lot lately, maybe he needs his own crate.) By the time I got back into the bedroom, Finley had nestled beside him. It was adorable!


So I'm on the floor with the camera just snapping away and Nola comes to sit beside me. That's when I hear it. "Squeak." "Squeak." "Squeakkkkk." NO WAY. Of course I FLY onto the bed and stare at the closet. It cannot be. There is no way. Then I remember the laundry room...

I'd gone in to grab the vacuum cleaner just a couple days ago and noticed ceiling stuff on some boxes. Odd. I looked up and realized that some of the stuffing from around the water heater pipe had come loose. Hmm...well that could be a slight creature disaster... but I'm in a condo and someone lives above me, so I dismissed it. Wrong, wrong, WRONG! So, in the midst of pouring rain and thunder, I will be making my way to Lowe's to pick up some pipe stuffing material and some mouse hotels. What fun...

One more thing...

I just have one more thing to say about the global food crisis and how we can help... for those that claim the Christian faith, we really have no excuse because we've been comissioned and commanded to help those in need. Want proof? I just found these scriptures when I Googled "God and Food Crisis" and I think they are quite appropriate! :)

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. … Defend the rights of the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31:8-9

“…if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice … Is it not to share your food with the hungry …” Isaiah 58:6-7

"For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give -large or small- will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38

"Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." Isaiah 58:10-11

"He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." Proverbs 28:27

"Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Luke 3:10-11

Follow up

I feel like I should follow up on that last post. I'm obviously pretty passionate about the situation with the global food crisis and since the media doesn't fill you in... here's the down and dirty:

What is the crisis all about?
Families in every nation on every continent are affected. Food prices for popular menu items like rice, wheat and beans have doubled in the last year. While increases in food prices have hit all budgets, it's the poor who bear the brunt of this inflation. The higher prices are forcing people who survive on just $1 a day to spend upwards of 80 percent of their budgets just on food. As a result, many people, including millions of children, are going hungry. The longer food prices rise, the more people will be plunged into hunger and poverty.

Why is it happening?
Food shortages have affected developing countries for generations. It's a cyclical problem. But this global food crisis is more rapid, urgent and devastating. Since 2005, food prices have risen a whopping 80 percent...mostly due to rising fuel costs (although my sister just called and said she saw it for $1.89 where she lives, wow!), rising food demand from populous nations like India and China, natural disasters destroying crop yields all over the world (US included), and growth of biofuels.

What can we do?
If you have a charity of choice, call them -- ask what they are doing to help, then donate. If you don't have a charity of choice, you can donate to Hope Aid or one of these other reputable organizations: Oxfam America, UNICEF, Compassion, Mercy Corps.

Then tonight, when you say your prayers and you get to the part about being thankful for your daily bread, remember to pray for all of the people who may struggle to find their daily bread.

And of course, you can join me in sponsoring a child. :) There are lots of organizations out there... Compassion is my favorite. Speaking of, I should write about them. Stay tuned, they're cute!

Sheltered

Living in the US certainly has it's perks, access to healthcare, available jobs, social security, temporary assistance, public charities, etc... but it isn't without it's downfalls either. One of the biggest, in my opinion, is the fact that we live extremely sheltered lives. We may read the newspaper every day and tune into the morning or evening news, but that really doesn't tell us anything about what's going on in the world around us. I'm constantly amazed by what I read during my morning news site hops. Here are a few headlines from just today:


Congo rebels make roadblock out of bodies

Acid attack on Afghan schoolgirls

At least 8 killed in Afghan suicide attack

Former El Salvador leader in war crimes case

Congolese children forced to fight

Widespread Flooding in Bangladesh

US aid worker killed in Pakistan

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Guatemala


Did you read about any of this? Hear about it on the news? Yeah, that's what I thought. It's because the media decides what is important. They look at current events but use a formula that also mixes in proximity, interest, and relevance. It's pathetic really. Mostly because by doing so, THEY control what WE know. Unless you have time during the day to truly search for what is going on, how would you know?


Point in case, do you know about the current global food crisis? It's a BIG deal. You can read all about it here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here... oh and by the way, this is a link to USAID's FEWSN (Famine Early Warning Systems Network). Yeah, it's that big -- big enough that The Economist calls it a "silent tsunami." I agree.


Why isn't the food crisis as big of a deal as the credit crunch? I'll tell you why, because we are a selfish nation. We see; we want; we buy. Why? It's a march to the top, to be the best, to have the biggest house, newest car, best technology... in the end, all that stuff is a giant heap of garbage. Why would we want to be on top of garbage?


More than one billion people live on less than $1/day. If you were to divide everything, how much do you live on in one day? I did the math, I live on about $21/day (credit cards not included). Twenty times more than one billion people in the world. And I complain about not having enough money. Now I feel like crap. No, less than that. I feel like the scum that lives off the bacteria that feeds off of crap.


These statistics aren't new to me. When I started Hope Aid I did so because of what I knew. Now, it's just a constant battle to remind myself of why I'm here and what I am able to do.


What can you do? This isn't all about the global food crisis despite my passtionate tirade just now... it's about being informed and knowing what goes on in the world. Could you imagine the field day Nancy Grace would have if someone in OUR country was attacked in a drive by acid attack? The media would be all over that. Why does it matter that it's a little further away? Why don't we care?

Faye's Shower

I worked with Faye at Brody when ECU CARE was still around. She's such a beautiful person. Well, Faye lost a very good friend recently, her dog, Buddy. Buddy was very old and such a good friend to her and her sister Nancy. They decided to honor Buddy's memory by adopting another dog -- Annabelle Koko! She is an adorable minpin mix (I believe that's right!) who they will call Bella.

So... add cute new puppy dog to a mix of dog loving ladies and you have... a Dog Shower! Because Buddy was an older chap and Bella is young, lively lady, we decided that there were a few things Faye and Nancy may need. Add an adorable cake, some yummy ice cream and bags full of gifts and you have our afternoon! Nola was a very well behaved little girl and even got her own vanilla ice cream. We can't wait to meet Bella! We hear she's very smart so maybe she can teach us some tricks!

(L-R: Martina, Michelle, Faye, Nola, Me, Judi, Linda, Camilla, Ruth, Martha, Debbie, Bonnie)

Luxury or Necessity?

I've been reading a book called Hope Lives (by Amber Van Schooneveld) as part of a study group with some Compassion friends. Last night Amber compared the rich to the poor and discussed how in the US, our per capita is roughly around $37,000 while India's is $530 and Ethiopia's is $90. With the economy in shambles right now a lot of people are feeling their purse strings tighten. Mine included. I am not necessarily feeling it but I am conscious of what I'm spending more so than I was before. At any rate, when you look at global figures, just living in the US inflates your wealth by a ton.

When we look at how much money we spend helping others, how much does it really total. How much are we really giving to people who are less fortunate than us -- are we without? do we spend unnecessary cash? have we reclassified our luxuries into necessities?

Lately I've been trying not to eat out. It's hard as a single person. Cooking for one is easy to do but leftovers are only good for so long and let's just face it, no one wants to eat the same thing day after day. In a typical week I probably pick up food at least 5 times. Working two jobs makes it hard to find time to make much of anything at home. But when I read last night's section of the book and really thought about necessity, I've decided to stop eating out as an excuse. It truly is a luxury and I could take more steps to prepare -- after all, it's no surprise which nights I work. There is plenty of time to make something for later.

As Amber said, "I am the rich fool." I am the one who spends somewhat frivolously. It may not be on an oversized Lexus or a $800,000 house, but I do spend. I. Am. The. Rich. Fool. But I am also aware, which means I can change that. I can decide how and where to spend my money. As the Christmas season approaches I will chant this over and over. Maybe I will memorize Leviticus 27:30-32. Don't know what it says? Look it up!

Write reviews, raise money!

Help us help them! We're working on a GREAT fundraiser! It's super easy and we're on a roll! We've raised over $600 in the first few days! Here's the email I sent out earlier this week:

Dear friends, I'm writing today to ask a favor -- help! Hope Aid is pleased to be working with Parteek Singla and his group: Kids With Knowledge. Parteek started Kids With Knowledge to help bring education to children in need. He has partnered with us to help rebuild Good Hope School, one of Hope Aid's very first programs! I met Parteek a little over a year ago and he has been so wonderful to work with -- this is a very exciting project for both of us! We have quite a lot of fundraising to do to meet our ultimate goal of a new school (~$40,000 total cost) so we're doing some small fundraisers to help jump start things -- afterall, "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step."

There's a really cool way you can help us!!! Go to this link: http://www.insiderpages.com/fundraisers/Kids-with-Knowledge-NC-0811 ...and register to join our fundraiser! (You might have to join then come back and click the original link and click the big blue button on the right hand side of the page that says: "Join this Fundraiser" so that your reviews are counted for us!)

InsiderPages is offering $1.00 for each new review of a business and $.25 for each 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reviews of already reviewed businesses. In only an hour I was able to write reviews for about 50 places and earned our campaign over $35! How simple is that?! With the economy the way it is right now this is a super neat way to make an impact -- give us your time! And you thought that the only way to give time to Hope Aid was to go to Uganda -- ha! Guess again! :)

Please, please... this is such a great way to help out and by raising $2,000 in 20 days we will be able to build one classroom! What a neat way to contribute to the school! Of course you're welcome to give us your own money too (click here to do that) but if you can spare a few minutes each day or whenever is most convenient for you, please write some reviews!

A few things to note...

-You can search for a business but if it doesn't show up you can add it, just scroll to the bottom of the page and you'll see a section where you can add it in and then be the first to review it.

-Some of the businesses are already listed but haven't had a review, earn us that $1.00! :D

-It may seem silly to write lots of $.25 reviews but it adds up quickly!

-Email me if you have any questions about it at all, I'll be happy to help -- I'm certainly no pro but it did take a few minutes to get the hang of how the site works! :)

-Be sure to use the search catagories section on the left-hand side of the page, there are a ton of places I wouldn't have thought about reviewing that were listed, and I even got to write the first one, cha-ching!!

-One last thing, it doesn't have to be a place in Greenville so search away and have some fun while you donate! To read more about our projects you can visit Parteek's site: http://www.kidswithknowledge.org/ or ours: http://www.hopeaid.org/.

Thank you!

Fall leaves

These were taken at work, there's a walking trail behind the

trees that is simply beautiful right now!

These are a few of my favorite things

(Before you're allowed to read the following list, you must sing the title of this post just like Julie Andrews did in the Sound of Music, because that's my first favorite thing!)

I realized a few days ago that there are some songs that pop into my head at random moments and others that I find myself humming only during certain activities. Hmmm... regardless, I love that I do this, it makes me laugh and when you laugh you smile... and in the words of Buddy the Elf "I just love to smile, smiling's my favorite!"

Some of my favorite things:

1) Curling up on the couch in pajamas to watch a movie with a mug of hot chocolate
2) Love, love, love the cool crisp air of fall and the brightly colored leaves
3) The smell of Nola's face
4) Warm, snuggly wool socks
5) Quilts
6) My sister
7) A good book to read in a hammock
8) Listening to rain on a screened in porch
9) Waking up excited
10) A great fitting pair of jeans
11) Jackets and bags
12) Being snowed in when there's nowhere to go

Read this...

Maybe one day someone will read the back logs to this blog because I doubt many folks are reading now, but no one should miss this post and this post from one of the blogs I follow. I'm sure I'll talk about Compassion more at some point, but for now you should know that it's an organization I've been donating to since 1993 and I whole heartedly am committed to them because of the work they do around the world. I sponsor four children (Hilda, Clara Mae, Zainabu, and Marcela) and am very proud to be part of their mission.

Reflection

Fall is one of my most favorite seasons (yeah, I know there's only four) and I absolutely LOVE the trees and watching the leaves fall into big colorful piles all over the ground, and having my windows open when I'm home, and curling up in cozy pajamas and quilts...

I find myself reflecting upon life more during this time of year than any other. Maybe the cool weather stirs something inside, but it's when I become restless and eager to bounce onto all sorts of possiblities.

This year, I've realized that I seek something deeper inside myself. Maybe we have two mid-life crisises, one in the first half of life and one in the second half of life? Nevertheless, one thing I do know is that I am seeking to be nearer to God. Somehow in the last couple of years I have lost what I once had. I still pray, I still have faith, and I still believe, but I've lost my relationship. Caveman bought me a book called No Small Snakes and it's been nice reading someone else's journey. I'm also reading Hope Lives as part of a study group with some of my Compassion friends. Actually, one of the girls who works at Compassion wrote it (how neat is that?!).

As I journey to a place where I want to be, I've found comfort in the following verses:

-Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

-They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

-And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Mottakelse, Karibu, Bienvenido, Welkom

This isn't my first blog, nor will it be the last I'm quite sure of... but because it's been so long since I posted on my first blog and I don't even remember my login, I'm having to start from scratch. I like that. It's fresh and new and it will be exactly what I want it to be... which I'm not sure I've completly figured out yet, but that's coming soon! I've forgotten how much I enjoy writing and I always feel better when I can put my thoughts on paper (ahem, on screen). I sorta hate the publicity of blogs but I can deal with that because it's better than hand writing lotsa stuff. And yeah, I've already tried keeping a journal in Word format but that's no fun.

My second blog is for Hope Aid but I don't post there much since we're either not too busy with projects or ridiculously busy with projects... and I often forget that it's even there to tell you the truth. Next trip to Uganda = crazy busy postings on that blog, promise! My third blog started from a silly joke and spare time, and now we use it to post pictures. Caveman has some silly remarks from time to time but he's busy so he doesn't post too much. Either way it's mainly for pictures and exists only because of a slide I added to one of our YouTube videos.

So finally, I'd like to welcome you to my thoughts. I hope that some of the things I post will inspire you, challenge you, enlighten you, and maybe even enable you...

And in case you're wondering why I randomly decided to start [another] blog... today is election day and time for CHANGE. :) A day to embark upon web logging my thoughts.