It is snowing this morning! The weather guy on WNYC is saying we can expect 6-8 inches – I can’t wait. I’ve seen snow in the city before, and it can be very pretty – for a while, that is. There won’t be any snowman making around here, however. Trying to push a giant snowball around the sidewalks of Chelsea just won’t cut it.
Just like getting back into the academic paper writing mode, I’ve got to get back into writing down my thoughts. I’ve done a little more writing in my paper journal, but for the most part pulling things out of my brain and onto paper or here is proving difficult. I’m not sure why, other then that I’ve been so focused on trying to get all these papers finished and all the books read that actually taking time to think through something that resonates with me just isn’t happening.
There was a report from the Episcopal News Service yesterday concerning the proposed move of the headquarters to General, which would mean major reconstruction of several buildings. The report said that those committees at the headquarters have recommended the move not happen. The plan would be a financial boon for the seminary, but would certainly change the character of this place. I wonder what will happen now. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Dean resigned in the near future. He has put so many of his eggs in that basket that I don’t know whether he will be able to reorient himself and envision a new course for the seminary. He has plans for the future, but without the financial bailout, I don’t know whether finances will permit the new plans – both academic and bricks-n-mortar. I just hope things are maintained for the next three years – well really 5 years. That would give me a couple years after school to secure a job, etc., before the reputation begins to fail. Frankly, I don’t know how an institution of higher education of this size survives, especially in such an expensive location like New York City, but I’m glad it has (and will!).
comments? e-mail me

Sitting here, finishing my music paper and watching out the window every now and then, I am amazed that there are not a whole lot more accidents around here! These people are crazy – not like the aggessive drives of Europe, but these people are just stupid!
comments? e-mail me

Everything is coming down to the wire. Four more days of classes and my first term is finished! What is left? Intro. to Spiritual Direction – 10-15 page paper covering group spiritual direction, with copious citations, including outside readings. The outside readings are not going to happen – there just isn’t enough time, plus this class isn’t worth the effort, frankly. It has been a big disappointment. Old Testament – two more review papers, which means I have to read additional outside books and review them; final exam. I could also exegete a passage. Not too much for of O.T. New Testament – if my stage three exegesis is sufficient, I’m finished with N.T.! Tutorial Seminar – I think I am finished with this class, also. I just have to check and make sure nothing more is required. This class has really been nothing more then a glorified new student orientation course, although good things have come from it. Music – term project write-up; written and oral final exams. Can’t really say much about this class. At times, it has seemed like a waste of time, but learning to sing the services has been very helpful, and his stories are often amusing. He is an interesting guy.
Okay, so it is cold and sunny today in New York City. It doesn’t help that my windows are incredibly drafty! Great windows, though, and a great view!
comments? e-mail me

Bishop Williams (retiring Bishop Suffragan) was here yesterday and took Deon, Lisa, and I out for dinner. It was, of course, his last episcopal visit of checking up on seminarians. Great meal – can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but it is French located on 8th between 20th and 19th. Good food – way too much food! I’m sad to see him go. He has been my oversight for this whole process and I have grown to greatly respect him. The man has been through a whole lot of things – he was denied permission by his Bishop in a New England state when he first approached him for approval to seek ordination because the Bishop didn’t think a black man could be employed. Even with the Episcopal Church’s long-standing policy and practice for ordaining black people in this country, even in New England, the Bishop wouldn’t approve him. Yet, despite the bigotry and probably because of it, he is highly effective and sensitive to issues of justice and has an understanding of doubt that is wonderful.
Ashton is off to St. Martin with his mother and John. A yearly trek for him, but this time with John. They’ve been trying to do this for 15 years now, since they became friends in high school. He is so thrilled! I’m thrilled for him! I can’t wait until he gets back! 🙂
Only one more week of classes. Reading week. Finals week, and then I’m through until the end of January. This semester has flown by, and I can hardly believe I’ve been here this long. And, what changes!
comments? e-mail me