LJ
P.S. Does anyone besides me RSS this business? Or read it? I was hoping for Guyana pictures from Dad all over this place.
Laurel Ryan
13 years ago
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Christmas Vacay
Âllo, family! Just in case you didn't know, there's another silly song up on http://www.myspace.com/rbcinc for your listening displeasure. Also, I will indeed be coming home for Christmas. You can count on me buying a cheap ticket six months in advance. Booyah. See you on December 22nd.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Updates
Well, family, the Ryan children YouTube channel is up. RBCIncoporated now hosts the Love Love video and one of my own dancing movies (just because it looked so empty with only one video). As the song list increases, hopefully the video list will too. Please vote and comment on the RBC, Inc. channel's version of Love Love! Please! Also, as per Barron's suggestion, I thought it'd be fun to start our jargon dictionary. We use a lot of language that only we seem to understand. Why not list it? That it all.
LJ
LJ
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Christmas Video
Tis moi again. I've been wondering, who was videoing the Tribute to Grandma Christmas Eve Performances? Is there any way I could get my hands on it?
I've taken a poll with three classes of 8th graders and the results are in: I'm better than Godzilla. I'll give more details on the Japan blog later, but I thought you'd like to know.
I've taken a poll with three classes of 8th graders and the results are in: I'm better than Godzilla. I'll give more details on the Japan blog later, but I thought you'd like to know.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Some cheese with my whine
Alright, friends and family. It’s whine time. I hate to reboot the family blog with a session of complaint, but I can’t use Skype and the folks here don’t understand the situation, so I turn to you (like All41 and later, Christina Aguilera).
Here are some gems from Kyoto Assembly Church. Please feel free to tell me if my mild albeit mounting irritation is unreasonable. I was frustrated last Sunday, then wondered if the spirit of evil or the demons that one woman had said was entering the church had found its way into my soul. Or perhaps not. Honestly, there are only two main reasons why I get so irritated, so perhaps this will all fade away.
Firstly, I feel that the leaders in this church disregard my situation and personal life when asking for my commitment. Thanksgiving dinner, for example, turned into a nightmare. Not only was I asked to emcee, but to bring homemade pies (let’s remember that I had already told them that I had to make everything from scratch) and to come two hours early on a day when (as I had informed them) I had a prior commitment in the morning. Being an emcee for a bilingual crowd requires bilingualism or a pre-determined translator at the least. I had four different people translate for me before the night was through; we kept having to find someone else. It was incredibly stressful; I was given no clear direction as to the flow of the evening, and was asked during the event to fill roles of absent people. I pretty much ad libbed the whole night and never got a piece of my own pie.
There’s also the occasional leading of worship, which I was asked to do on my second Sunday. I have no idea how it’s organized, and was never told in the first place, and we rarely have opportunity to practice, but by golly we will make a joyful noise. I have sung back-up every time because usually I don’t know half the music. To add to that, as soon as they found out that I play piano they asked if I could start doing so for worship. I said no, I have no way to practice and I can’t sight-read. Then I mentioned wanting to purchase a keyboard in casual, after-service tea-time conversation. They asked again if I could play. I said no, that I couldn’t afford the keyboard yet, so I still couldn’t practice. Then I mentioned that I had tried to buy a keyboard, but USPS is a liar and won’t ship things its website says it can. They asked again if I could play. I said NO, I had no way to practice. I’m not telling them that I bought a keyboard on Monday.
And let us not forget Valentine’s Day. Oh, yes. On January 25th I was very, very busy. I got to church late and needed to leave immediately after. As in arrive at 5:10, leave at 6:15. But oh, the surprises that were in store for me. First the service ran ten minutes longer than usual. Then we had a full hour of silent prayer for various things, including when a woman spoke up about a concern that demons and a spirit of evil were infiltrating out midst, since someone broke her doll and wouldn’t pay her for it, and her Bible was either misplaced or stolen. The congregation was a little taken aback at that prayer concern, (as was I when the woman later gave me an awkward hug from behind and told the back of my neck all about it, asking me what I thought. I just patted the hands in their death-grip on my shoulders and said, “Well, that’s no good. I’ll pray for you”). I was about to head out when Haruka, the girl (I say that, but she’s in her early 30’s) who occasionally drives me to church and leads the worship, informed me that she had made me a cake. So I felt guilty, resolved to buy a prepackaged sandwich for lunch the next day and iron some dirty clothes (since I wouldn’t be home in time to finish my laundry or cook), and pretend to be surprised when they shut of the lights and sang to me.
Side note: the Japanese usually sing “Happy Birthday to You” to each other, not just when English-speakers are around. I found this surprising.
I should mention that the pastor had, before the benediction, announced the Valentine’s Single’s Party, happening on the 15th. I made a mental note to have a prior commitment, which I quite possibly had already. Immediately after realizing that I couldn’t jet home the pastor’s wife (who is also a pastor) asked me if I could attend the party. I gave a discouraging, “We’ll see. I have to check my schedule. February is really busy for me, so I don’t know.” She seemed taken aback, as though shocked that I do anything aside from work and go to church. Then her husband asked me the same question not ten minutes later (the ten minutes during which I was grabbed and neck-whispered to, then the cake was brought out). I gave him the same answer. Towards the end of the night, when I was really getting nervous about ever being able to go home, I was roped like a longhorn steer. I was sitting one chair away from the head of the table, at which sat the pastor and his wife, the pastor being farther from me.
The pastor’s wife suddenly said to me, “Laurel, my husband has something to ask you.”
Oh, no, I thought. “Sure!” I said.
The pastor got up from his chair, came around the end of the table, and sat next to me. I got nervous, working to keep a pleasantly expectant smile on my face.
“Laurel,” he said, looking straight into my eyes like a snake charming a mouse, “My wife and I would like you to emcee the single’s party.”
“Okay!” I said, wondering if my mouth had an off button.
“Can you do it?”
“Sure!” Where is that forsaken off button? “I mean, I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’ll let you know by email. I don’t think I have anything that night.” I prayed my schedule was full.
The Lord works few miracles for selfish people. My schedule that evening was wide open, though the prior and following Sundays are jam-packed. This time, at least, I was sent an itinerary for the evening. The Single’s Event requires nearly a full day’s commitment: I will leave Kameoka at 3 p.m. in order to arrive at church early and set up. I will stay for an hour of service; the pastor, however, said that he “hopes” the service only lasts an hour, but “we’ll see” considering that the two previous Sundays we’ve run 25 to 45 minutes past time. Then he laughed. Oh, hah hah. The hilarity of church services that run overtime when there is a two-hour Single’s Event waiting to happen. Hah. And then I will stay late to help clean up and acquiece to helping with whatever else the church folk weasel my way.
To add to this upcoming disaster, last Sunday I again arrived early at church with Haruka, prepared to sing my little heart out on songs I didn't know. I told her how busy my weekend had been, and how I still had so much to do. I had laundry to finish, a meal to put together, and a lesson to finish. My bus for the next day left at 7:23 a.m, so I had no time to dawdle and socialize. When the pastor's wife asked me prior to the service how my week had gone, I told her pretty much the same thing. I planned to stay for five minutes after the service to confirm with the pastor's wife about when I should show up this weekend or tell her when she could call me. Then I would catch the 6:40 train back (it takes 17 minutes to walk to the closest station). Or the 6:56 if I really must.
Lucky for me, the pastor asks if I have some time. "I know you have to leave soon," he says. I glance at the clock. If he can't talk immediately, the 6:56 it is. 7:09 train at the latest. "I have fifteen minutes," I respond. He says okay and then leaves. Then mouthy guy next to me starts talking, the kids and the mouthy guy eat all the refreshments before I can get to them, and my time is running out. Neither the pastor nor his wife are anywhere to be found. 7:09 train it is. The pastor sits down next to me twenty minutes after we originally spoke. "Sorry, I know your fifteen minutes are up."
ARGH. "Yeah," I say. There's a train at 7:27. I won't get to Kameoka until 8:15, unless Haruka leaves early this week and can take me home, or at least drive me to the station. The pastor sits down and talks to me for ten minutes about everything he already wrote in his email. No new information is communicated. I had my hand on my bag and was half out of my seat the whole time. Then his wife wanted to ask me about coming early to help. I said four o'clock, to email or call with any questions, and ran out the door because Haruka needed to talk with the senior pastor and his wife (Nihonjin desu). I saw the 7:27 train pull out as I ran up the stairs.
As I waited in the freezing cold for the 7:47 train I told myself, Now, Laurel, you may just be being nasty. Which is more important, supporting the house of the Lord, or your laundry? Then I figured that being prepared for my job preempted an event for anglophone singles, and I stayed upset. I hadn't cooled off much after 45 minutes on the train (can't catch a rapid from Tambaguchi near the church. All local, and we sit at Saga-Arashiyama for ten minutes waiting for the rapid from Kyoto station to pass us), and I hadn't eaten since 12:30. It was 8:35, I called Margaret to come and eat with me, and we went to a cheap restaurant so that neither of us would dirty dishes or cook. And then I complained to her. Big mistake, lesson learned—don't complain to non-Christians about issues with church. They just don't get it. Which is why I'm posting this here, where none of my blog readers or church folk know to look.
Now, on to the second reason: the sermons. Let me assure you that the basic concepts are good, keeping to the Scripture and truths. They’re nothing too deep in nature. However, if you’re a pastor, I feel that the pastor might sit and meditate about his sermons, rather than doing any real research. It's kind of like how Grandma watches the news, then warns me not to get HIV, but doesn't know how it's transmitted. Here's what I mean:
During a sermon about the crucifixion the pastor talked about the earthquake that rent the curtain in twain. Let me briefly remind you that he was addressing a congregation that resided in Japan. He was talking about the awesome power of God, and asked us, "Have you ever been in a place that has been shaken?"
My jaw dropped. He couldn't be serious.
He continued, "Maybe in a place with loudspeakers, turned up so high…"
Really? Really? There have been three earthquakes large enough for the Average Joe or Rei to feel within the last six months (though I've been on trains during two of them). Loudspeakers?
Another time I have written in my notes, "Pastor J has some odd phrasing, like two-legged people being more blessed, in a way, than someone with only one leg." I'd like to ask a one-legged Christian if he or she feels the same. I have a feeling that that person would contest. Also in the same day of sermon notes is, "Pastor is not very good at telling jokes." Then next week is, "The Starfish Story? Are you kidding me? Come on."
This past Sunday the sermon was on Psalm 91, which Mom made us memorize in our childhood. I felt awesome when indeed I did not turn my Bible (or open the BibleReader on my iPod) to the verse, but instead recited it. Heck yeah. And then it began. I quote directly from my journal. If you don't know exactly what I'm referencing, please turn your Bibles to Psalm 91. Begin quote.
Verses 3-14: Comfort in God's presence
Deliverance. Does P. Joseph actually research his sermons, or just read the news and think? "Snare of the fowler" goes with "under his wings". We are like birds, not like people walking through bird traps. I wish my siblings were here. If I weren't sitting on the front row I would write a postcard. [stick figure of self with a manga angry mark instead of a stomach, with "Hungry!" written next to it and underlined three times] Also, the metaphors of wings and armor are separate. 'Wings are easily penetrated, so the truth is like armor.' Huh?
God takes care of those who do his will. Verses 9-13 are a picture of victory. I'm surprised that he didn't talk about how it seems that there were a lot of people stubbing their toes or a lot of poisonous snakes running around, with no way to kill them without stomping all over them.
End quote. Need further clarification? "He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler." Yes, a fowler is a hunter of birds. No, it does not seem that in those days that many fowlers and hunters had laid traps, and that it was very dangerous for people. No, they probably did not become trapped themselves, or fall into a pit made to capture animals. It's a metaphor. About how we are like helpless birds. How are birds trapped? I'll tell you. Snares and nets. I doubt people frequently wandered through the forest, then got their feet stuck in a snare, then couldn't figure out how to get their ankles free, wailing, "Why, God?" the whole time. These weren't bear traps, people. No one has to gnaw his own foot off to get out of a snare.
And on a mostly unrelated note, I also found this written:
Why doesn't praise and worship music rhyme anymore?
Here are some gems from Kyoto Assembly Church. Please feel free to tell me if my mild albeit mounting irritation is unreasonable. I was frustrated last Sunday, then wondered if the spirit of evil or the demons that one woman had said was entering the church had found its way into my soul. Or perhaps not. Honestly, there are only two main reasons why I get so irritated, so perhaps this will all fade away.
Firstly, I feel that the leaders in this church disregard my situation and personal life when asking for my commitment. Thanksgiving dinner, for example, turned into a nightmare. Not only was I asked to emcee, but to bring homemade pies (let’s remember that I had already told them that I had to make everything from scratch) and to come two hours early on a day when (as I had informed them) I had a prior commitment in the morning. Being an emcee for a bilingual crowd requires bilingualism or a pre-determined translator at the least. I had four different people translate for me before the night was through; we kept having to find someone else. It was incredibly stressful; I was given no clear direction as to the flow of the evening, and was asked during the event to fill roles of absent people. I pretty much ad libbed the whole night and never got a piece of my own pie.
There’s also the occasional leading of worship, which I was asked to do on my second Sunday. I have no idea how it’s organized, and was never told in the first place, and we rarely have opportunity to practice, but by golly we will make a joyful noise. I have sung back-up every time because usually I don’t know half the music. To add to that, as soon as they found out that I play piano they asked if I could start doing so for worship. I said no, I have no way to practice and I can’t sight-read. Then I mentioned wanting to purchase a keyboard in casual, after-service tea-time conversation. They asked again if I could play. I said no, that I couldn’t afford the keyboard yet, so I still couldn’t practice. Then I mentioned that I had tried to buy a keyboard, but USPS is a liar and won’t ship things its website says it can. They asked again if I could play. I said NO, I had no way to practice. I’m not telling them that I bought a keyboard on Monday.
And let us not forget Valentine’s Day. Oh, yes. On January 25th I was very, very busy. I got to church late and needed to leave immediately after. As in arrive at 5:10, leave at 6:15. But oh, the surprises that were in store for me. First the service ran ten minutes longer than usual. Then we had a full hour of silent prayer for various things, including when a woman spoke up about a concern that demons and a spirit of evil were infiltrating out midst, since someone broke her doll and wouldn’t pay her for it, and her Bible was either misplaced or stolen. The congregation was a little taken aback at that prayer concern, (as was I when the woman later gave me an awkward hug from behind and told the back of my neck all about it, asking me what I thought. I just patted the hands in their death-grip on my shoulders and said, “Well, that’s no good. I’ll pray for you”). I was about to head out when Haruka, the girl (I say that, but she’s in her early 30’s) who occasionally drives me to church and leads the worship, informed me that she had made me a cake. So I felt guilty, resolved to buy a prepackaged sandwich for lunch the next day and iron some dirty clothes (since I wouldn’t be home in time to finish my laundry or cook), and pretend to be surprised when they shut of the lights and sang to me.
Side note: the Japanese usually sing “Happy Birthday to You” to each other, not just when English-speakers are around. I found this surprising.
I should mention that the pastor had, before the benediction, announced the Valentine’s Single’s Party, happening on the 15th. I made a mental note to have a prior commitment, which I quite possibly had already. Immediately after realizing that I couldn’t jet home the pastor’s wife (who is also a pastor) asked me if I could attend the party. I gave a discouraging, “We’ll see. I have to check my schedule. February is really busy for me, so I don’t know.” She seemed taken aback, as though shocked that I do anything aside from work and go to church. Then her husband asked me the same question not ten minutes later (the ten minutes during which I was grabbed and neck-whispered to, then the cake was brought out). I gave him the same answer. Towards the end of the night, when I was really getting nervous about ever being able to go home, I was roped like a longhorn steer. I was sitting one chair away from the head of the table, at which sat the pastor and his wife, the pastor being farther from me.
The pastor’s wife suddenly said to me, “Laurel, my husband has something to ask you.”
Oh, no, I thought. “Sure!” I said.
The pastor got up from his chair, came around the end of the table, and sat next to me. I got nervous, working to keep a pleasantly expectant smile on my face.
“Laurel,” he said, looking straight into my eyes like a snake charming a mouse, “My wife and I would like you to emcee the single’s party.”
“Okay!” I said, wondering if my mouth had an off button.
“Can you do it?”
“Sure!” Where is that forsaken off button? “I mean, I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’ll let you know by email. I don’t think I have anything that night.” I prayed my schedule was full.
The Lord works few miracles for selfish people. My schedule that evening was wide open, though the prior and following Sundays are jam-packed. This time, at least, I was sent an itinerary for the evening. The Single’s Event requires nearly a full day’s commitment: I will leave Kameoka at 3 p.m. in order to arrive at church early and set up. I will stay for an hour of service; the pastor, however, said that he “hopes” the service only lasts an hour, but “we’ll see” considering that the two previous Sundays we’ve run 25 to 45 minutes past time. Then he laughed. Oh, hah hah. The hilarity of church services that run overtime when there is a two-hour Single’s Event waiting to happen. Hah. And then I will stay late to help clean up and acquiece to helping with whatever else the church folk weasel my way.
To add to this upcoming disaster, last Sunday I again arrived early at church with Haruka, prepared to sing my little heart out on songs I didn't know. I told her how busy my weekend had been, and how I still had so much to do. I had laundry to finish, a meal to put together, and a lesson to finish. My bus for the next day left at 7:23 a.m, so I had no time to dawdle and socialize. When the pastor's wife asked me prior to the service how my week had gone, I told her pretty much the same thing. I planned to stay for five minutes after the service to confirm with the pastor's wife about when I should show up this weekend or tell her when she could call me. Then I would catch the 6:40 train back (it takes 17 minutes to walk to the closest station). Or the 6:56 if I really must.
Lucky for me, the pastor asks if I have some time. "I know you have to leave soon," he says. I glance at the clock. If he can't talk immediately, the 6:56 it is. 7:09 train at the latest. "I have fifteen minutes," I respond. He says okay and then leaves. Then mouthy guy next to me starts talking, the kids and the mouthy guy eat all the refreshments before I can get to them, and my time is running out. Neither the pastor nor his wife are anywhere to be found. 7:09 train it is. The pastor sits down next to me twenty minutes after we originally spoke. "Sorry, I know your fifteen minutes are up."
ARGH. "Yeah," I say. There's a train at 7:27. I won't get to Kameoka until 8:15, unless Haruka leaves early this week and can take me home, or at least drive me to the station. The pastor sits down and talks to me for ten minutes about everything he already wrote in his email. No new information is communicated. I had my hand on my bag and was half out of my seat the whole time. Then his wife wanted to ask me about coming early to help. I said four o'clock, to email or call with any questions, and ran out the door because Haruka needed to talk with the senior pastor and his wife (Nihonjin desu). I saw the 7:27 train pull out as I ran up the stairs.
As I waited in the freezing cold for the 7:47 train I told myself, Now, Laurel, you may just be being nasty. Which is more important, supporting the house of the Lord, or your laundry? Then I figured that being prepared for my job preempted an event for anglophone singles, and I stayed upset. I hadn't cooled off much after 45 minutes on the train (can't catch a rapid from Tambaguchi near the church. All local, and we sit at Saga-Arashiyama for ten minutes waiting for the rapid from Kyoto station to pass us), and I hadn't eaten since 12:30. It was 8:35, I called Margaret to come and eat with me, and we went to a cheap restaurant so that neither of us would dirty dishes or cook. And then I complained to her. Big mistake, lesson learned—don't complain to non-Christians about issues with church. They just don't get it. Which is why I'm posting this here, where none of my blog readers or church folk know to look.
Now, on to the second reason: the sermons. Let me assure you that the basic concepts are good, keeping to the Scripture and truths. They’re nothing too deep in nature. However, if you’re a pastor, I feel that the pastor might sit and meditate about his sermons, rather than doing any real research. It's kind of like how Grandma watches the news, then warns me not to get HIV, but doesn't know how it's transmitted. Here's what I mean:
During a sermon about the crucifixion the pastor talked about the earthquake that rent the curtain in twain. Let me briefly remind you that he was addressing a congregation that resided in Japan. He was talking about the awesome power of God, and asked us, "Have you ever been in a place that has been shaken?"
My jaw dropped. He couldn't be serious.
He continued, "Maybe in a place with loudspeakers, turned up so high…"
Really? Really? There have been three earthquakes large enough for the Average Joe or Rei to feel within the last six months (though I've been on trains during two of them). Loudspeakers?
Another time I have written in my notes, "Pastor J has some odd phrasing, like two-legged people being more blessed, in a way, than someone with only one leg." I'd like to ask a one-legged Christian if he or she feels the same. I have a feeling that that person would contest. Also in the same day of sermon notes is, "Pastor is not very good at telling jokes." Then next week is, "The Starfish Story? Are you kidding me? Come on."
This past Sunday the sermon was on Psalm 91, which Mom made us memorize in our childhood. I felt awesome when indeed I did not turn my Bible (or open the BibleReader on my iPod) to the verse, but instead recited it. Heck yeah. And then it began. I quote directly from my journal. If you don't know exactly what I'm referencing, please turn your Bibles to Psalm 91. Begin quote.
Verses 3-14: Comfort in God's presence
Deliverance. Does P. Joseph actually research his sermons, or just read the news and think? "Snare of the fowler" goes with "under his wings". We are like birds, not like people walking through bird traps. I wish my siblings were here. If I weren't sitting on the front row I would write a postcard. [stick figure of self with a manga angry mark instead of a stomach, with "Hungry!" written next to it and underlined three times] Also, the metaphors of wings and armor are separate. 'Wings are easily penetrated, so the truth is like armor.' Huh?
God takes care of those who do his will. Verses 9-13 are a picture of victory. I'm surprised that he didn't talk about how it seems that there were a lot of people stubbing their toes or a lot of poisonous snakes running around, with no way to kill them without stomping all over them.
End quote. Need further clarification? "He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler." Yes, a fowler is a hunter of birds. No, it does not seem that in those days that many fowlers and hunters had laid traps, and that it was very dangerous for people. No, they probably did not become trapped themselves, or fall into a pit made to capture animals. It's a metaphor. About how we are like helpless birds. How are birds trapped? I'll tell you. Snares and nets. I doubt people frequently wandered through the forest, then got their feet stuck in a snare, then couldn't figure out how to get their ankles free, wailing, "Why, God?" the whole time. These weren't bear traps, people. No one has to gnaw his own foot off to get out of a snare.
And on a mostly unrelated note, I also found this written:
Why doesn't praise and worship music rhyme anymore?
Here I am
By the blood of the Lamb
My soul is stripped bare
(Then, in tiny letters:) To my underwear
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure I made that up. Dad, Barron, Shara, any of you want to put that to music?
By the blood of the Lamb
My soul is stripped bare
(Then, in tiny letters:) To my underwear
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure I made that up. Dad, Barron, Shara, any of you want to put that to music?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Blogging and Security
Wuzzup, Fam? This is Michaelito.
Alright, I mentioned to mom the other day that I wasn't too keen on sharing a whole lot of personal information regarding our family with the world. I took a look at their security features and was somewhat disappointed. We can lock it down, but as with any security measure, it usually makes things a bit more cumbersome. This is certainly the case with the options I'm seeing available right now. Invitees can view using a month-long guest account (Permanent guest account available? Doesn't look like it.), or the blog can be made to where only the blog authors can see it. Of course, Google account holders can be given access as well. It's at least currently set to not be indexed by search engines, which helps.
Looks like our best option would be to "continue as guest." However, it looks like the invitation is very likely to expire after a month or so. For now I'll leave the blog public. I'm addicted to RSS feeds at the moment. =) Maybe I can find a way to use it with the increased security. I'm using FeedDemon, and it's nice since it syncs up on both my laptop and desktop using an account on their server. Apparently it's as good, if not better in many respects compared to Bloglines or even Google Reader. I'm always going from one machine to another, so I wanted my feeds saved to a centralized server. It would be nice if it would do the same for all my bookmarks, too! I'd like to feel comfortable posting my Xmas wishlist here, but I'm more likely to e-mail it.
P.S.: in case you're wondering how I'm making these sweet screenshots, I'm using a program called Jing. It's pretty slick. When it asks for an e-mail address and other garbage, just put in bogus info. and you'll be good. It's Mac and PC compatible. And above all, it's free!
Alright, I mentioned to mom the other day that I wasn't too keen on sharing a whole lot of personal information regarding our family with the world. I took a look at their security features and was somewhat disappointed. We can lock it down, but as with any security measure, it usually makes things a bit more cumbersome. This is certainly the case with the options I'm seeing available right now. Invitees can view using a month-long guest account (Permanent guest account available? Doesn't look like it.), or the blog can be made to where only the blog authors can see it. Of course, Google account holders can be given access as well. It's at least currently set to not be indexed by search engines, which helps.
Looks like our best option would be to "continue as guest." However, it looks like the invitation is very likely to expire after a month or so. For now I'll leave the blog public. I'm addicted to RSS feeds at the moment. =) Maybe I can find a way to use it with the increased security. I'm using FeedDemon, and it's nice since it syncs up on both my laptop and desktop using an account on their server. Apparently it's as good, if not better in many respects compared to Bloglines or even Google Reader. I'm always going from one machine to another, so I wanted my feeds saved to a centralized server. It would be nice if it would do the same for all my bookmarks, too! I'd like to feel comfortable posting my Xmas wishlist here, but I'm more likely to e-mail it.
P.S.: in case you're wondering how I'm making these sweet screenshots, I'm using a program called Jing. It's pretty slick. When it asks for an e-mail address and other garbage, just put in bogus info. and you'll be good. It's Mac and PC compatible. And above all, it's free!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
MBD in DC
The clouds were crying that cold December night. It was Tuesday, and it was dark. I rushed home, frenzied. Walk quickly, I thought. I was to pick up two of my roommates and head into the night to the other side of town. Across the district we crawled, the bright red eyes of the vehicle-demons splotchy in my windshield. There were hundreds of them there. No, thousands. At a snail's pace we crawled, changing lanes at the drop of a hat, yet never seeming to go very far. Finally, we arrived at the Rock n Roll Hotel. The rain still came down in cacophonous sheets of wetness and chill. The street was lined with cars, cooling off in the ebony end of day. I slowly drove past the doors of the hotel. James! There he was, entering the building. We called his name, he looked up. He presented me with a piece of paper designed to keep my ticket-free while we remained at the hotel.
Okay, I can't keep this up. Here's how it happened, people. Kristen, Bridget and I came in on the last of Shara's sound check. We chatted it up, hugged it out, and decided to meet up at the coffee shop next door so K, B and I could get dinner. Shara met up with us at the coffee shop. We talked, we laughed, we caught up. Then we went back to the venue and hung out in the green room with the other band members. It was such fun! We told stories, we shared greasy bar food. The show started a bit late, and every minute of it was gold. Clare & The Reasons are divine. I'm listening to their CD The Movie right now. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Shara and I danced in the audience as they played "Rodi." Then Shara came out and put on a show to impress the dullest of the attendees. We danced, we swayed, we cheered. She trilled, jived, and serenaded. Glorious. My roommates were quite impressed. James did an excellent job manning the CD/goodies table. Then he did an excellent job in the final number of the set when the puppet show took place. Amazing. It brought a tear to my eye. Good song. Great show.
So then we hugged it out, said "See you in a couple weeks" and walked into the night again to return to 925. We all loved every minute of it. (Oh, by the way I didn't end the night ticket free. Don't worry, I'm contesting it.)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
My Brightest Diamond-Washington, D.C.
Well, Gilliburger, you'll have to give us a blog re: the show tonight and your take on the musical event.
Lovin' ya
AK
Lovin' ya
AK
Christmas family photo
Hi Everyone,
One of our varied plans for the family holiday gathering is a family photo with Grandma at a location TBA. We are requesting that everyone's attire be blue jeans with a black top and/or a red top, if black is not in your wardrobe. This will be a "casual" photo, first one in a long time with Granny, our 98 year old.
Looking forward to lots of good times with all!
KR and SB
P.S. Gillian, please convey this message to your cousin this evening. I'm not sure she is able to access the family blog on the road. Thanks.
One of our varied plans for the family holiday gathering is a family photo with Grandma at a location TBA. We are requesting that everyone's attire be blue jeans with a black top and/or a red top, if black is not in your wardrobe. This will be a "casual" photo, first one in a long time with Granny, our 98 year old.
Looking forward to lots of good times with all!
KR and SB
P.S. Gillian, please convey this message to your cousin this evening. I'm not sure she is able to access the family blog on the road. Thanks.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Grandma's birthday
Sis and I are asking that family members prepare for a birthday party/gift for Grandma on Christmas evening. The thought is to share a song, skit, something funny, dance, whatever you would like to do for Grandma as a "gift" for her birthday. As you all know, she will be most pleased to be entertained by her children and grandchildren.
Per Sis, the Ryan's will sing, "Mary had a Baby Boy" and a duet will be sung by S&K. Beyond that, the program is yours. Thanks for your thoughtful consideration in advance.
Love,
AK
Per Sis, the Ryan's will sing, "Mary had a Baby Boy" and a duet will be sung by S&K. Beyond that, the program is yours. Thanks for your thoughtful consideration in advance.
Love,
AK
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Christmas Wish Lists
Hey Ryans,
Thanks for all the helpful ideas for Christmas. We can count on you to get it together. Reading your blogs sure makes me homesick. It's been too long since we had a chat and hung out.
Wish I could add two photos on the blog. Haven't figured that out, that is if it is possible.
Happy Thanksgiving! You will be sorely missed in Texas!
Love,
AK
Thanks for all the helpful ideas for Christmas. We can count on you to get it together. Reading your blogs sure makes me homesick. It's been too long since we had a chat and hung out.
Wish I could add two photos on the blog. Haven't figured that out, that is if it is possible.
Happy Thanksgiving! You will be sorely missed in Texas!
Love,
AK
Fine, I'll Do One Too
All right peeps, I can get some ole Christmas list action happening too. Mine is pretty simple, partly because Banana Republic and Gap won't let peeps create wish lists. I know, I'm being boring by my own standards, but so it goes. I'll deal with it.
-Amazon.com gift certificate or item from bman647@hotmail.com's wish list (feel free to buy the used stuff)
-Banana Republic gift certificate
-DW Smart Practice Go Anywhere Practice Kit
That's honestly all I'm coming up with right now. Further updates as conditions warrant.
-Amazon.com gift certificate or item from bman647@hotmail.com's wish list (feel free to buy the used stuff)
-Banana Republic gift certificate
-DW Smart Practice Go Anywhere Practice Kit
That's honestly all I'm coming up with right now. Further updates as conditions warrant.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Gillian's List
Okay, so posting my list here denies you the great pleasure of seeing the clipart I had on my Word document, but I figure it's pretty easy to just scroll through lists on the blog. I have your convenience in mind, my friends. Here's my working list. It looks short, but I didn't include the 60+ items I have on my Amazon.com wish list :-D. You'll see!
- Gift certificates to clothing stores: Ann Taylor (Loft), Macy's, New York & Co., Off Broadway Shoes, Gap
- Mac compatible webcam with mic
- Movies & Music – visit amazon.com for my full wish list (search under my name or my email, gryan23@hotmail.com)...FYI, I listed most of the classical CD’s because I like the composer/work, so those can come in any edition by any artist :)
- Book of violin orchestra audition materials
- Video rocker/gaming chair [because my computer sits on a coffee table :) ]
- Stationery
- iTunes gift card
- Money for travel
- OU Sooner shirt! (Long sleeve, short sleeve, hoodie, you name it!)
- Scarf
- Fun socks (toe socks not appreciated)
- Something pretty you made me by hand
- Sports armband for 3rd generation iPod nano
- Gift certificates in general to my favie places:
Target
Barnes & Noble - Something cool from Japan
This list is in no particular order. Feel free to deviate and surprise me. :) Lovezies!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Laurel's List
Here's the deal, family. This Christmas I will attempt to travel light and pack little. So my list, though understandably boooring, is all I can afford to carry around with me post gift-giving. Sorry, Barron.
- iWork ’08
- iTunes gift card
- Express gift card
- Amazon gift card
- Bakers gift card
- Baby Phat gift card (I like the sneakers and they ship internationally. That’s it, I promise!)
- Any gift card that I can use online, especially to companies that ship across oceans. Does Ebay have gift cards? Does USPS?
- Yen, I guess. Still saving for that keyboard.
- Nothing that will add weight to my luggage (except for enough Kraft Mac and Cheese to last until the Rapture. And that, I can ship to Kameoka. Family size, baby!)
- Hurgs and keeses
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Christmas for Grandma
Okay, here's what we're talking about...anyone that wants to go in with us, we are planning to give her one of those picture frame techno things so U. Keith can download pictures for her. She'll be able to view pictures of her family ALL day long. It will be greatest toy in the world for a 98-year-old. If you want to contribute, just send whatever you want. No amount is too small. It will be from all of the Ryght Bunch!
Cheers!
ak
P.S. I'm ready for the Christmas lists to be posted!
Cheers!
ak
P.S. I'm ready for the Christmas lists to be posted!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Christmas Lists
So who's started his/her Christmas wish list? Cut to me, raising my hand in my cubicle. Yes, it happened. I just updated my list and it is near perfection. I've done a couple versions with amateur (read: disgusting) graphics that I will distribute as soon as requested. But I would dearly love to know what everyone else wants. I realize this is all dependent on where we're spending the holidays, but it's good to be prepared, people! Cheers.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Getting Hairy
Hellow, Fambly!
Leaving the States:http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011022&l=c3239&id=124900154
I'm sitting here at 7:33 in the a.m, waiting for my toast. The weather here is actually autumnal. It's genuine and no joke. There was a week of transition time, when I thought, it's not as hot as it was last week. Huh. Now I'm wearing sweaters and wooly socks (Thanks, Aunt Karin and Uncle Keith. The wooly bit is largely your doing). How's fall in your part of the country?
I'm going to attempt using my oven-thing to bake cookies. I stupidly told the man who gave me an aikido uniform (or, ninja pajamas, as I like to call them) that I owed him some cookies. I do, because he saved me about 70 bucks. His response, however, was, "When?" Then he laughed, and labeled himself as impossible, but I know he wants them cookies. I don't know how to bake over here! I can't even read the label for flour! The butter is all fake! What have I done?
Also, here are the facebook albums that you might not have seen:
Kameoka: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011024&l=23595&id=124900154
The Monkey Park:http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011026&l=c7ccd&id=124900154
Love you all!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Great Family Photos
Hello Family,
I finally took a few minutes to view the wonderful photos Michael sent last week. (I don't have time to enjoy things like this at the office.) Well, I laughed almost as hard just looking at the photos as we did when we were playing games. By the way, was this over New Year's 2008? Such fun times together!
Thank you, Michael, for these great family photos. Any time we need a good laugh, we can view them again. In the future, just try to get me in more flattering poses, okay? And maybe this year I'll be a few pounds lighter!!!
"Sis"
I finally took a few minutes to view the wonderful photos Michael sent last week. (I don't have time to enjoy things like this at the office.) Well, I laughed almost as hard just looking at the photos as we did when we were playing games. By the way, was this over New Year's 2008? Such fun times together!
Thank you, Michael, for these great family photos. Any time we need a good laugh, we can view them again. In the future, just try to get me in more flattering poses, okay? And maybe this year I'll be a few pounds lighter!!!
"Sis"
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
First Orchestra Rehearsal
Hello, family!
I had my first orchestra rehearsal last night and it went swimmingly. I even welcomed the inevitable pain my bowing arm felt after playing such repetitive brush strokes as the 2nd violin part often provides. We just had string rehearsal last night and we went over the Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise. I believe that's what it's called. Nice piece. LONG.
It was so much fun to be back in the habit! I am sitting at the back of the second section, just where I like :). I would say this orchestra is comparable to the Signature Symphony. Of course, that assessment is a little premature since I haven't even heard the full ensemble yet. Soon, good people! So I'm back. Weee!
Also, on an unrelated note, I would like everyone to know that I have heard of a Caribbean restaurant in the District that serves mainly Trinidadian cuisine. Islander Caribbean restaurant or something. Anyway, when you're visiting let me know if you want to go! I haven't tried it, but I've heard good things. I'm out.
I had my first orchestra rehearsal last night and it went swimmingly. I even welcomed the inevitable pain my bowing arm felt after playing such repetitive brush strokes as the 2nd violin part often provides. We just had string rehearsal last night and we went over the Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise. I believe that's what it's called. Nice piece. LONG.
It was so much fun to be back in the habit! I am sitting at the back of the second section, just where I like :). I would say this orchestra is comparable to the Signature Symphony. Of course, that assessment is a little premature since I haven't even heard the full ensemble yet. Soon, good people! So I'm back. Weee!
Also, on an unrelated note, I would like everyone to know that I have heard of a Caribbean restaurant in the District that serves mainly Trinidadian cuisine. Islander Caribbean restaurant or something. Anyway, when you're visiting let me know if you want to go! I haven't tried it, but I've heard good things. I'm out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
