Yeah, it's an interesting story about my laptop.
learning that I'm a tecchie, you might envision a guy who spends a lot on his toys. I guess I have. Just nowhere near what you'd have to normally.
but a lot is a lot. time, especially. I've learned that time is worth more than money.
anyway, I got a steal on my laptop. I found an apple at my shop-- laptopworld.com for 999. I talked them down to 750. sweet. tha was a year ago, while I was teaching french at the co-op.
It was a great deal. I bought the Laptop for 750, service for about 50, and a RAM upgrade to make it faster for about 100. 850 total.
I especially liked the service thing. They totally guarantee the whole thing, including the screen! Better deal than anywhere... I was really high on Laptopworld.com...
So, Poor Zakky's computer needed a hinge replaced. I naturally sent him to LaptopWorld.com. Who wouldn't.
two weeks.
no sweat.
at five weeks, they told us it would be done in a day or two--it was on the table...
at 8 weeks, they told us that it would not take much longer.
at 10 weeks, they told me that for 100 dollars, we could have it back with a partial fix, but still in two pieces.
otherwise, it would still cost 75 dollars.
then a hinge broke on my apple laptop. then the cdrom stopped working right. all this in addition to their refusal to repair a previous problem...
actually they didn't refuse. they asked me to please not insist that they fix it... sad...
soo. I broke down and brought my computer to them, pertheir request, for evaluation. The owner is in charge of it. Nobody else can tell me anything about it...
No calls back.
No information
no documentation
nothing...
3 weeks.
850 bucks... interesting.
It would have been better to pay a thousand at th apple store for a computer that wasn't five years old,
that wouldn't break as soon
with backing by a reputable company...
caveat emptor!
let the buyer beware...
well, that's that story.
now there's the whole questionof how to get refunded, or to get the repair done... Now that this is happening again, I see that LaptopWorld.com is a business in trouble.
Pray for me that I wouldn't shame our Lord in how I handle this.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Time on my Back
Had some major time on my back recently. You see, I got a little operation that starts with a "v", that men sometimes get when they are done having kids naturally, since there are so many kids needing adoption, and my wife has "extenuating circumstances" that endanger the whole process...
soo... this little elective surgery usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and is done "outpatient". That means it's done in an examination room, not an operating room. Cool.
Well, everything was ready for everything and everything, so there I was, and the doc is there and the nurse is there and everything is starting, and there's some mild pain, injections of novacaine, whatnot...
"no scalpel" is the new technique, you see... it's all about using sharp clamps, rather than fishing throug an incision, or something...
...aaaaanyway, there ended up being plenty of scalpel. The whole procedure, with all its painful squeezing, pulling, and clamping (whoops! they clamped something I'm keeping) lasted well over an hour.
Out in the waiting room, judy watched as the whole staff went from happy normal, to ominously silent. Word has spread that things weren't going well...
She took me home without a pain prescription, advice to ice, and th prediction that I'd be more sore than they had warned.
Within a few hours we were on the phone to another doctor, who prescribed a couple days worth of a pain killer.
I was mortally wounded. I was unable to walk for about 5 days. I walked, but I payed. On day 7 I had to fly to Denver. I paid for that. A small infection set in.
I called all my homies. they prayed, and the sitch got better almost immediately.
Today, It's over 2 weeks later and I'm still unable to run. No kidding. Amazing. I'm getting better a little each day. Amazing.
10-20 Minutes. wow.
There's a clue into my cyber absence.
soo... this little elective surgery usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and is done "outpatient". That means it's done in an examination room, not an operating room. Cool.
Well, everything was ready for everything and everything, so there I was, and the doc is there and the nurse is there and everything is starting, and there's some mild pain, injections of novacaine, whatnot...
"no scalpel" is the new technique, you see... it's all about using sharp clamps, rather than fishing throug an incision, or something...
...aaaaanyway, there ended up being plenty of scalpel. The whole procedure, with all its painful squeezing, pulling, and clamping (whoops! they clamped something I'm keeping) lasted well over an hour.
Out in the waiting room, judy watched as the whole staff went from happy normal, to ominously silent. Word has spread that things weren't going well...
She took me home without a pain prescription, advice to ice, and th prediction that I'd be more sore than they had warned.
Within a few hours we were on the phone to another doctor, who prescribed a couple days worth of a pain killer.
I was mortally wounded. I was unable to walk for about 5 days. I walked, but I payed. On day 7 I had to fly to Denver. I paid for that. A small infection set in.
I called all my homies. they prayed, and the sitch got better almost immediately.
Today, It's over 2 weeks later and I'm still unable to run. No kidding. Amazing. I'm getting better a little each day. Amazing.
10-20 Minutes. wow.
There's a clue into my cyber absence.
Message to the World
This morning I'm sitting at the Sidewinder Cafe, typing out on this miniscule keypad, enjoying neigborhood conversations and NPR as a background.
The wireless here, and the purchase of a CF card and extra battery have enabled our communication via blog.
I'm pleased with the medium...
There's been a ton of activity in the 'hood this week. The weather has broken, so truancy and street crimes are rising...
Last night a man in a wheelchair was hit in a crossfire on Blue Rock Street in our neighborhood-- Northside.
I have hoped an prayed for that man, wondering if he is Chris Challis. Chris now lives as a neighbor to us, down the street. You may remember him from last winter, around November... that's fall. Yeah, Chris lived with us for two months last fall/early winter...
I remember how he had to go outside to smoke, and the house got sooooo cold every time because the handicapable door is right in the main dining room...
I remember how he would cook up those funny round ball-shaped hamburgers, covered with chili powder. they were great.
I remember our kitchen transformed into a candle factory.
I remember how the dishes were always clean, the kids were always laughing, and our house was joyful because Chris was shining in our home...
Now, Chris lives with tons of room mates down the street. He has turned us down on the offer of Christian fellowship. His room mates are really into drugs and he isn't inclined to compromise his bond with them... We still love Chris and are praying for love to rule us...
That's a story that's not over yet...
The wireless here, and the purchase of a CF card and extra battery have enabled our communication via blog.
I'm pleased with the medium...
There's been a ton of activity in the 'hood this week. The weather has broken, so truancy and street crimes are rising...
Last night a man in a wheelchair was hit in a crossfire on Blue Rock Street in our neighborhood-- Northside.
I have hoped an prayed for that man, wondering if he is Chris Challis. Chris now lives as a neighbor to us, down the street. You may remember him from last winter, around November... that's fall. Yeah, Chris lived with us for two months last fall/early winter...
I remember how he had to go outside to smoke, and the house got sooooo cold every time because the handicapable door is right in the main dining room...
I remember how he would cook up those funny round ball-shaped hamburgers, covered with chili powder. they were great.
I remember our kitchen transformed into a candle factory.
I remember how the dishes were always clean, the kids were always laughing, and our house was joyful because Chris was shining in our home...
Now, Chris lives with tons of room mates down the street. He has turned us down on the offer of Christian fellowship. His room mates are really into drugs and he isn't inclined to compromise his bond with them... We still love Chris and are praying for love to rule us...
That's a story that's not over yet...
Good Morning in April!
I don't care to think about how long it's been since I've blogged. I hope you're still out there.
Some of the things that have happened in the last month, from having my laptop break down to having a small surgery beocme a complicated week on my back, provide excuse material. I'm not interested in filling you in on all the gory details because, especially in the case of the small surgery story, they're gory.
I'm okay, though. And Im using an old Pocket PC with a portable keyboard instead of my laptop, which languishes in the repair shop at Laptopworld.com. It's interesting to note that my life is kind of okay without instant, daily access to the web. I can write in my book, or type thoughts out on this Pocket Pc. Heck, I even get to blog...
Well, thanks for reading. Thanks for keeping up with our life here In Northside.
Tonight, Tim's family is coming. That's Tim, my German son. It's wonderful to have them. They'll stay one night, then go on with Tim for about 4 days of touring somewhere...
They'll all be back soon for a few days of touring around Cincinnati. I'll show them the sights and views. It's great.
Some of the things that have happened in the last month, from having my laptop break down to having a small surgery beocme a complicated week on my back, provide excuse material. I'm not interested in filling you in on all the gory details because, especially in the case of the small surgery story, they're gory.
I'm okay, though. And Im using an old Pocket PC with a portable keyboard instead of my laptop, which languishes in the repair shop at Laptopworld.com. It's interesting to note that my life is kind of okay without instant, daily access to the web. I can write in my book, or type thoughts out on this Pocket Pc. Heck, I even get to blog...
Well, thanks for reading. Thanks for keeping up with our life here In Northside.
Tonight, Tim's family is coming. That's Tim, my German son. It's wonderful to have them. They'll stay one night, then go on with Tim for about 4 days of touring somewhere...
They'll all be back soon for a few days of touring around Cincinnati. I'll show them the sights and views. It's great.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Newsletter!!!!
Hey! Our guys, Smitty and Zach, have gotten a bunch of us together and produced a pretty nice newsletter! It's cool. I'm sending it out to people.
I like the newsletter because there are so many perspectives in it. I'll see if I can get some of its articles in here...
I like the newsletter because there are so many perspectives in it. I'll see if I can get some of its articles in here...
More thoughts on Jubilee
Jubilee has been on our minds in the chase house community. Weve been at table scheming how to live out the reality that Jesus is the Jubilee, incarnate.
If you are unfamiliar with the Jubilee, throw down a good thorough search of the Old Testament. It's there to show you How God wanted his post empire (post-egypt) children to live.
The Jubilee included the freeing of slaves, canceling of debts, and restoration a all lands to their assigned families.
In our meeting the other week, we brought up the concept of the interest free loans tha Jesus told us we ought to be giving. I was delighted to hear that a local christian group is doing that very thing. I mean, who would do tha? Interest free? Awesome. What a testimony to the truth that we really believe in Jesus. Let's "all the more" that one, everyone!
Anyway, this question gets raised about the cancelation of debts and interest free loaning. I was postulating that Christian churches should get busy about the relief of the people's debts. I was saying that it is imperative that we remove the blockage that is hindering mission among the young disciples around us.
For example:
one couple inour goup represents 80,000 dollars in debt! Why? School. Plain and simple.
Another young missionary with us has 30,000... school again... school
school
school
school
school
and what is being done with all the schooling?
well, some good stuff, but overall, it woul dhave been greater for these youngsters to have spent time in international mission, or in service in america, somewhere, or in work in the workforce... but instead, they get put in four year college, and they emerge with tons of debt... and a degree in communications or PR or, french...
this is a limited medium, and I have limited time... I'm not trying to shame the GREAT intentions of parents who urge their kids to go to college. Thank God for the love of parents that has spurred them o urge us to go to shcool... thank s to our parents, too. Love ya mom and dad.
I'm just remarking about the idea that now, the church is ina bind. Workers to the field--godly disciples who are worthy of their keep-- are hindered by causes that simple obedience to th eteaching of Jesus could solve. dissolve.
soo... the question about loans, debt relief, and whatnot was... WHAT IF A PERSON IS IN DEBT BECAUSE OF THEIR OWN FOLLY? WHERE DOES PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY COME IN?
great question:
In the meeting, I pulled out 1 Timothy 5 and discussed that there are leadership issues at work there. Godly overseers are to administrate which people get what kind of hlep... help...
But later, I was ruminating on the Jubilee--our example. You know what? Here's a dangerous beauty: ALL debts were canceled for citizens.
ALL citizen slaves were freed...
ALL lands were returned to the inheritors...
Within the Community of Israel, relief was unconditional--everyone got relief. No exceptions.
From the fool to the sage, everything got set straight. everything for everyone.
There were no exceptions. All citizens.
How does this inorm our administration of love within the body?
Are citizens possibly an image for baptized disciples? OOPS! did we go and baptize a whole lotta people who aren't disciples? OOPS! did we go and let the church become a den of snakes and wolves in sheeps clothings because we were afraid that we'd lose the building? or our staff positions? or our influence?
and now we can't live jubilee because things are so messed up?
Well, let's table together and work it out! all together. because Jubilee is for Jesus, for us, for the world to see.
JN 17.
again, limited medium, limited time. some statements are weak, unexpanded... so try to complete them in the comments. do you hear what I
m scratching at, here?
If you are unfamiliar with the Jubilee, throw down a good thorough search of the Old Testament. It's there to show you How God wanted his post empire (post-egypt) children to live.
The Jubilee included the freeing of slaves, canceling of debts, and restoration a all lands to their assigned families.
In our meeting the other week, we brought up the concept of the interest free loans tha Jesus told us we ought to be giving. I was delighted to hear that a local christian group is doing that very thing. I mean, who would do tha? Interest free? Awesome. What a testimony to the truth that we really believe in Jesus. Let's "all the more" that one, everyone!
Anyway, this question gets raised about the cancelation of debts and interest free loaning. I was postulating that Christian churches should get busy about the relief of the people's debts. I was saying that it is imperative that we remove the blockage that is hindering mission among the young disciples around us.
For example:
one couple inour goup represents 80,000 dollars in debt! Why? School. Plain and simple.
Another young missionary with us has 30,000... school again... school
school
school
school
school
and what is being done with all the schooling?
well, some good stuff, but overall, it woul dhave been greater for these youngsters to have spent time in international mission, or in service in america, somewhere, or in work in the workforce... but instead, they get put in four year college, and they emerge with tons of debt... and a degree in communications or PR or, french...
this is a limited medium, and I have limited time... I'm not trying to shame the GREAT intentions of parents who urge their kids to go to college. Thank God for the love of parents that has spurred them o urge us to go to shcool... thank s to our parents, too. Love ya mom and dad.
I'm just remarking about the idea that now, the church is ina bind. Workers to the field--godly disciples who are worthy of their keep-- are hindered by causes that simple obedience to th eteaching of Jesus could solve. dissolve.
soo... the question about loans, debt relief, and whatnot was... WHAT IF A PERSON IS IN DEBT BECAUSE OF THEIR OWN FOLLY? WHERE DOES PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY COME IN?
great question:
In the meeting, I pulled out 1 Timothy 5 and discussed that there are leadership issues at work there. Godly overseers are to administrate which people get what kind of hlep... help...
But later, I was ruminating on the Jubilee--our example. You know what? Here's a dangerous beauty: ALL debts were canceled for citizens.
ALL citizen slaves were freed...
ALL lands were returned to the inheritors...
Within the Community of Israel, relief was unconditional--everyone got relief. No exceptions.
From the fool to the sage, everything got set straight. everything for everyone.
There were no exceptions. All citizens.
How does this inorm our administration of love within the body?
Are citizens possibly an image for baptized disciples? OOPS! did we go and baptize a whole lotta people who aren't disciples? OOPS! did we go and let the church become a den of snakes and wolves in sheeps clothings because we were afraid that we'd lose the building? or our staff positions? or our influence?
and now we can't live jubilee because things are so messed up?
Well, let's table together and work it out! all together. because Jubilee is for Jesus, for us, for the world to see.
JN 17.
again, limited medium, limited time. some statements are weak, unexpanded... so try to complete them in the comments. do you hear what I
m scratching at, here?
For What Its Worth
I'm so happy to be back on the blog after a long hiatus. You see, I have lost the normal use of my portable computer. I'm blogging this out at the Sidewinder from my PDA--a fairly ancient iPAQ Pocket PC. iT'S A neat trick, with a little folding keyboard and tiny, tiny keys...
Well, John and Prari are married and honeymooning in WV. The wedding was really fun. They told me ot make it fun, so I started out with "Maahwedge...Maahwedge ids wha bhings ufs twogedbvah twodaay... aaand whuv! Tvhruuh Whuv!"
--
From the Princess Bride Movie... It was really fun to preside with Adam Waters of the Orchard, over that wedding.
I'm really liking this church. In this experience of church,there's such an emphasis on truth, scripture, prayer, healing... all the main things occupy center space. It's church as it ought to be.
As a leaderservant in the church of Jesus--the bride of Christ-- the body of christ, which is in the world but not of it-- the pillar and foundation of the truth-- the proclaimer of God's manifold wisdom to the rulers of the heavenly realms--
...let me try again--as a brother in the Lord whose life is consumed in the work of the Gospel, whose earthly substance is occupied in the work of teaching and preaching the Truth about Jesus from the Scriptures, and from the leading of the Spirit...
I have to say how great it is to be a part of this local experience of church. In our meetings, the Word goes out clearly, and there's a wonderful give and take and sharing in spiritual gifts. It really builds us up. I mean, I'm the "pastor", and I'm getting so much out of sharing in this mutual encouragement.
Then, during the week, there's prayer with each other, and a constant, godly scheming in prayer and counsel together about how to more fully serve Christ in His kingdom, while we sojourn this temporal empire...
Well, John and Prari are married and honeymooning in WV. The wedding was really fun. They told me ot make it fun, so I started out with "Maahwedge...Maahwedge ids wha bhings ufs twogedbvah twodaay... aaand whuv! Tvhruuh Whuv!"
--
From the Princess Bride Movie... It was really fun to preside with Adam Waters of the Orchard, over that wedding.
I'm really liking this church. In this experience of church,there's such an emphasis on truth, scripture, prayer, healing... all the main things occupy center space. It's church as it ought to be.
As a leaderservant in the church of Jesus--the bride of Christ-- the body of christ, which is in the world but not of it-- the pillar and foundation of the truth-- the proclaimer of God's manifold wisdom to the rulers of the heavenly realms--
...let me try again--as a brother in the Lord whose life is consumed in the work of the Gospel, whose earthly substance is occupied in the work of teaching and preaching the Truth about Jesus from the Scriptures, and from the leading of the Spirit...
I have to say how great it is to be a part of this local experience of church. In our meetings, the Word goes out clearly, and there's a wonderful give and take and sharing in spiritual gifts. It really builds us up. I mean, I'm the "pastor", and I'm getting so much out of sharing in this mutual encouragement.
Then, during the week, there's prayer with each other, and a constant, godly scheming in prayer and counsel together about how to more fully serve Christ in His kingdom, while we sojourn this temporal empire...
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