Something New

I want to take a break from talking and spewing out my own personal opinions-yes, I know it's my blog, but I want to make it interactive. Since the only people who read this thing are my friends, I want to hear what you all think about various topics and issues.

If you can't tell, I'm missing some conversations I could be having with any one of you on any given day about any given topic. So, I'm gonna post a topic or discussion question or something of that nature, and I'm hoping that this blog will serve as a place for everyone to contribute when you feel compelled. These days, I've had a lot of time to think and not speak and what I realize is that I've been in a bit of a bubble all my life (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), and now I have a lot of questions that I want to hear your responses/feedback/opinions on.

Rules:

1. BRING IT: The blog is called candid communication for a reason-be candid, be honest, be extreme. Bring your thoughts to the table and know that you and your opinions will not be judged.
2. Don't JUDGE: Judge not, lest you be judged. That's not verbatim from the bible, but you get what I'm saying. This is a forum for all to participate in and in order to really get the variety of opinions that I KNOW exists, I expect the honesty, truth, and respect for others. By all means, disagree with someone's point-Tell me why Barak Obama is not fit to be President, BUT DON'T tell me I am STUPID, or my opinions are stupid for thinking he should be president. we are not all the same and that is why this will hopefully be a wonderful learning exchange where we can all get to know things about this world and the people living in it, that we didn't know before. We're not gonna get there with name-calling, obtuseness, or trying to convert everyone to what we believe.
   
3. Above all LOVE: People receive and understand love differently, but all people NEED love. This honest exchange is a way for each of us (who may only understand love how we were shown love or how we give love) to have a greater understanding of individuals and how each one may function a little differently from the other, and ultimately how they receive love.
   
4. HAVE FUN: Self Explanatory
   

K, I'm gonna think of a post now. hehe :) we'll start with something a little easy in order to stimulate the conversation.

Christian Persecution

We know it exists, but in India? What would you do if it happened to you? Think about it really. Is your faith strong enough to watch your mother, sister, wife, brother, father, husband be tortured in some way? Would you convert, or would you be willing to die?

Below is a link for a website that offers much more about Christians being persecuted around the world right now. I used to go to something called KPA-Know Pray Act. Now you know.
http://www.christianpersecution.info/

Ode To Sarah-Palin that is

Oh Sarah, (and before I get started, everyone brace yourself because Leah Gibson will be making a comment). People can't get enough of this woman. Maybe it's cause Sarah "Barracuda" Palin enjoys referring to Senator John McCain as the "Maverick" as if they played sports together when they were young. Guess what? This is not a game, it's running the freaking country and it scares the poop out of me that this woman who doesn't even know when she's in Iraq or when she's in Kuwait could quite possibly become the head of our nation. Don't deny it, "the Maverick" is old. If he's elected, he will be the oldest president our country will have had. He could die in office, it's a huge possibility. Think about it.

Now, I have been referred to as liberal and if I have to wear a label one being conservative and the other liberal (click on the words to get the definitions), I will claim liberal. That said, all I want for Christmas is a presidential team (V.P. Included) that actually shows some form of intelligent life. They don't have to know all the answers, but they need to know who to go to for the answers and at least understand the general concepts of these solutions people are coming up with for issues like health care, economy, foreign policy and more. It doesn't seem that tough, but poor little Georgey boy couldn't do it. I'd bet a lot of money that he doesn't even read a newspaper in the morning. Okay, wrong soap box-back to Palin.

The woman is praised for being a great mom with 5 kids, one who is a special needs baby and being just a super Christian. Super, Huh? I'm not saying that anyone is perfect, but will someone please explain to me the irony of such a good God fearing woman who is pro-life that has a 17 year old daughter, who is not married, that has exercised that right already? According to Palin's beliefs, should her daughter even be having sex? I don't think so. Why are we so quick to overlook that?

As nice of a woman as she probably is, that does not qualify her to be Vice President of the United States of America. Yea, I've been quoted as having said, "we need less politicians in government and more people who get involved because they want to see change. But that doesn't mean just any PTA mom who refers to Putin as "rearing his head" from Russia, like the freaking lochness monster or something is equipped to be Vice President. Although, she did win the Miss Congeniality award as well as 3rd place in the Miss Alaska Pageant and was able to graduate with a Bachelor's degree after 5 years and 4 colleges and universities later. I mean seriously people, there are some brilliant individuals who follow domestic and world issues and could make great advances to our government who are your standard engineer or doctor who is also a PTA mom, but Sarah Palin is NOT that person. Now, I'd like to end my ode with some of my favorite little clips of our "Barracuda" that I've compiled from the large collection possibilities. Enjoy.

Katie Couric Interview with Palin: CBS News
Katie Couric Interview with Palin: SNL style

VP Debate: MSNBC
VP Debate: SNL style
VP Debate: Letterman's Take

Candid Communication: Houston has it all, and that’s a good thing…Or is it?

Click on the link to read about Houston's wonderful smog. Thanks to Rachel who sent me the article so that I may bask in the nastiness of this place and inhale all that Houston has to offer. her comment to me in the email she sent was, "Yummy." Yummy indeed, Kiki.

Houston has it all, and that’s a good thing…Or is it?

No I’m serious, from Arabic speakers everywhere you turn, local coffee shops, international cuisine and any type of working professional you can think of-Houston has it. They’ve got a Lebanese community, a Greek community (several of which own cafes that I frequent Byzantios, Agora) and apparently, like Austin several of the night club owners here are Middle Easterners. Don’t ask me what’s up with that, I don’t know.

Yes we’ve got surgeons, lawyers, construction workers, way too may cops, and in the café I’m sitting in, there’s an Asian woman wearing the garb of a Buddhist priestess. Is there such a thing? If I had wireless Internet access, I would check. Thrift stores, Joel Osteen’s church, and more make Houston what it is. You know what else makes Houston what it is? The pollution, sticky and itchy (seriously I’m not kidding here, I’m constantly scratching my body and face) weather, overpopulation of irritating bugs (gnats, roaches, and mosquitoes to name a few) overwhelming amount of people (contributing to heavy traffic and constant inappropriate car behavior from all drivers, including me) rain (which sucks for my hair but really helps out the local flora and fauna-you win plants-you always do), hurricane and tropical storm susceptibility-Thank you Ike, I did eat my words with that one- are just a few of the characteristics that are taking a little time for me to adjust to. But I’m not complaining, really. It’s just new, and I was absolutely spoiled living in Austin my whole life. One thing Austin doesn’t measure up here with is the international diversity of the city-I like. Well, gotta flick off the aunt that is crawling on my shirt and get back to studying. AAAhhh. Not scream kind of aaahhh, relaxing deep breath aaahhhh. No, really.

HURRICANE IKE

Okay one thing I never knew about Houston, a city less than 3 hours from Austin, is that they have a hurricane season! Are we joking people? Twice now, we've been threatened with these hurricanes and been told to evacuate-the last one, Gustav (which conveniently came right smack in the middle of the Republican Convention :) brought this glorious breeze to the stagnant, sticky Houston air. Gustav was a bust and a blast!! We sat in a hot tub as the wind blew strongly, and that was the extent of the intimidating GUSTAV. Happy labor day to me, sucks for everyone who evacuated. Quit freaking out people, it's a natural disaster, embrace it!!!

Now comes Ike. Personally, Ike is proving to be very inconvenient for me cause Davo and I were planning to go to Austin, pack all my crap and move it to Houston. Unfortunately, everybody and their dog is evacuating to Austin and I'm pissed about having to drive next to psychos on the road who are trying to outrun a hurricane that will most likely never hit. I understand, "Better to be safe than sorry after Katrina." That's what everyone keeps saying. It was the levies people!!! If a hurricane is coming, stay home, put on your swimsuit and get ready for a good time! I'm not gonna laugh this time when IKE never hits, cause I'll be the kid driving the UHAUL to Houston going a mile an hour with all the other idiots who are coming back into Houston/Galveston on Sunday-and ten bucks says, Houston wont even get rain. Who knows, maybe I'll eat my words-we'll see.

Boston vs. Houston

So since about May, I've been battling between going to get my Masters in Public Health at Boston University (BU) or at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

I pretty much decided that if a job opportunity came my way from Boston University (if the school offered me a full time job and with the job tuition remission) I would take the job and go to school as a part time student.

But over the course of these few months, after visiting Egypt and realizing that I love international health, but I might not be cut out to live internationally for the rest of my life...my viewpoint on the whole school situation has been changing.

I started spending more time in Houston where I have family and friends, and after several phone interviews with job prospects at BU, but no dice, my mind started to dream of Houston and the blessings that awaited me there. Monday, 2 weeks before school starts I get a phone call from Boston. "We'd like to offer you the position of admissions assistant with the school of public health," the HR lady says. My first thought is, are you people serious? 2 weeks before I'm supposed to report for school? I have to pay for a plane ticket, find a place to live, move all my shit to Boston, start a new job and on top of that go to school (Which is the whole reason for the move in the first place).

So I asked her if there was any kind of relocation compensation, "No." What is the last day I can start? "August 25th." Exactly two weeks to uproot myself from a life I am perfectly content with to start a brand new one all for the sake of my graduate education?

Yes. So let's focus on the graduate education that is so important to me. One school will focus completely on International Health and prepare me for a career within the international health field. Another will focus on Management, Policy and Community Health with a concentration in Global Health. So if I don't want to spend the rest of my life in the bush as a single missionary woman and I might actually be looking to raise a family in America, how useful is my MPH in international health gonna be? Better to focus on the broader scope of an MPH in Management, Policy and Community Health which I can implement here or abroad.

Below you'll find the rest of my rant and a final conclusion to my decision. You might be surprised at my choice-I know I was. But then again, God always keeps me on my toes and I'm thankful that He's steering this ship cause I'm easily tossed by the waves of this world and can sometimes get lost in it. Hallelujah for He is my compass and points me in the right direction.

Good Ole Psalm 25 has really showered me with peace through ultimate truth spoken. My prayer through this time has remained, "Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."



"It doesn't matter what people think, it matters what you think. You have to make the decision, no one else. how do you feel?" mama's wise words.

Here's how i feel (man what a hard concept for me-adding feeling to the realm of reasoning): One option gives me the ability to work in the US, a broader career focus and the ability to actually focus completely on school (which is the reason for this season of my life) as well as begin a thesis and possibly pursue a PhD-all in a city where I have a bunch of family and friends, I'm close to my parents and will be able to enjoy my life. Cook, clean, entertain people, go dancing and do other enjoyable things in the city as well as take care of my own personal health by exercising daily and stepping into a church body that is not completely foreign to me, where I have accountability already established. People know me in Houston.

Houston Pros:
Full-Time Student
Management, Policy, and Community Health (MPH) w/ a concentration in Global health
International Practicum (between first and second year)
Thesis/dissertation topic relevant to global health (with advisers along the way to help shape dissertation)
Possible pursuit of PhD (immediate transition from MPH to PhD-no time in between)
Time for Personal Life-Spiritual, Physical, Mental-time for myself and time with my family in Houston, exercise, dance, enjoy friends, work (write), paint, knit-take on new fun things

Houston Cons:
Houston weather
Tuition More than Boston


In Boston, I wont just be going to school I will be working alongside the school which I hope will open doors to new connections and worldwide possibilities. The only thing is that I will be working 40 hours as an admissions assistant, and school will be part-time. I will not retain information about my masters the way I would if I was a full-time student. Boston is a fun city and very much professional-minded. I will be a working woman in all respects and probably will not have time for myself because I will work 9-5 and then go to class at night and study somewhere in between That doesn't really leave time for me to enjoy the city or the people around me. If I am not about working in international health for the rest of my life, how important is a degree focused specifically on international health? I will not have time to volunteer or work with refugees and do the things I was excited to do in the first place because i will have a full time job. Also, I'm not sure how well admissions assistant in the school of public health will reflect on my resume.

Boston Pros:
Full-time Job in School of Public Health
MPH with dual concentration in International Health/Epidemiology
Cheaper tuition
Live in city of Boston
Serve the undeserved and learn how to do it well
Brand New network of People (Connections formed with Professors and students)


Boston Cons:
Part-Time student
Practicum experience will be after I finish school (during the same time that I should be looking for a full time job)
Will not retain/receive the experience I hope for as a graduate student due to full time job
Full time job in admissions (not going to further my resume)
Far from family
Personal Life on Back burner
Winters


And as much as I'd like to say it doesn't matter, my friends and family are what make my life one that is blessed. With two opportunities, why would I take the one that removes me from my friends and family I've spent a lifetime investing in (and I'm sure will further get to invest into if i go to Houston) in order to pursue my career in Boston. But am I really even pursuing my career in Boston? I'm gonna have a full time job in admissions (something I'm not passionate about and will not further my career) and put Public Health (something I am passionate about learning) on the back burner by taking it on part time-all so I can be in Boston where I have no set body of Christ waiting to support me and welcome me with open arms.

Am I crazy? Am I really leaning towards making Houston, what I once affectionately referred to as the "armpit of Texas," my home? If someone were to say to me, "If all of your friends jumped off the bridge, would you?" My answer would be, "Hell ya!" Maybe I'm finally letting myself be heard and know who I am instead of try to be who I am not. Who I am is a girl that loves people and is inspired and encouraged by the people that surround her, not by jobs or the competition. Maybe that's who I wanted to be-yes I am made better through stimulating conversations, diversity, change and being pushed intellectually but more than that I love the body of Christ. I am home in the body of Christ and comfortable in the love that is there not because of my brains, brawns, intellectual capacity or humanitarian efforts-but because of Christ. Because we share His resurrection and understand true love-how to give it and receive it-because He first loved us. I'm not that kid that thinks Christ was a great historical figure who was really smart and a leader, but wasn't really God incarnate. I'm not too smart to wrap my head around such "ideas" of Christ dying for our sins as the ultimate act of love and freedom for us, so that we may truly live. I'm foolish enough (or smart enough-it all depends) to know how imperfect I am and the thing that drives me to live for tomorrow is not my desire to be perfect in this world, it's my desire to be perfect in Christ's Kingdom. Better to jump into the armpit with a body of believers next to me instead of journey into the unknown land that smells of roses but who really knows what lies behind the roses. In the wise words of OUTKAST, Those roses could smell like poo poo, which is way worse than armpit. Those roses could be covering thorns, which I can't foresee- All I see is the beauty of the rose, nothing more.

Armpit = Straight up Truth.
Roses = Paint a pretty picture but so does Satan-and in the end, you're all alone.

Armpit here I come to take a big whiff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!