Book Clubs and Dirty Feet

One activity that has recently made it to my calendar is a monthly book club with some girls from our church. I got an email towards the end of the summer from a friend who wanted to dig into the classics. Jane Austen, Hemingway, Steinbeck etc. We've plowed through two so far. This weekend we chatted about Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. INCREDIBLE book! I couldn't recommend it more. At its most basic level, the book is about what the world would look like if we no longer were able to or capable of exchanging ideas. It was brilliant.

I am excited to learn that classic novels are not lost on me. I always struggled with these in high school when classic books were required to make the grade. Now that we are reading for pleasure these great books take on a new form to me. I'll keep you updated on our progress. We're planning to read Moby Dick for the month of October.

I really want to digest something that came up in our discussions. You know how we girls can be. Start talking about a character in Jane Austen's Emma and suddenly you are discussing your Aunt's brother's wife and her strange allergy to chick peas. In that general pattern, we moved from the concept of book burning (a theme in Fahrenheit 451) to a friend's recent inability to discern what her response should be when she encounters the homeless in Galveston. I can't provide adequate statistics but there seems to be quite a large homeless population on the island. They often hang out on Broadway near the Salvation Army or by the local McDonald's hoping for someone with some extra change.

My friend expressed her frustration regarding a recent exchange with an area homeless man and wondered aloud to us how we would have responded, or really, how we are called to respond. Our scriptures mention the poor, the lost, the widows hundreds upon hundreds of times. If we were to tear through this book and cut out all the passages that relate to the world's "have nots" we would have a bible torn to shreds; clearly something very important would be missing.

While I know this intuitively, I must say that even as I discussed this with my friend I found myself completely understanding and emotionally tied into her story. She only had a few bucks in her pocket and this gentleman was asking her to supersize the meal that she was offering to purchase for him.

I've had a heart for the have-nots ever since I started my junior year of college. You ever heard of doctors in the ER who have a patient dying of heart failure? In a last ditch effort after all other efforts have failed, the doctor raises his arm and pounds his fist into the patients chest in an effort to shock that dying person back to life. At least I think this happens - if nothing else it makes for a wonderfully dramatic and heart wrenching addition to my favorite medical shows. Rest assured, I am on the edge of my couch shouting... LET HIM LIVE! as the doctor pounds away.

Regardless, as I think about my junior year in college I can only really think of this image. God shocked me back to life as I emerged out of painful experience and realized that I was not alone. Out of that shock came a release of all the things I ever thought were important and a movement into a warmth that was so different than I had ever experienced. Life suddenly became so much more pungent. Just remembering that time again makes me feel warm inside.

From this beautiful place came a response. Not only was I developing a deeper sense of gratitude but I was recognizing my former self in others lives. I emerged as a person who wanted to help heal the wounds that I saw in the world around me because in a very profound way, I felt healed. I quickly became interested in social justice as a means to respond. I soon found myself volunteering with the elderly, low income women, and eventually, working full time at Habitat for Humanity.

While this is lovely to think about and I have had some incredible experiences, there is always one place that is difficult for me to go. The homeless. I've walked into various shelters and handed out my share of sandwiches on city park benches. And it is always. really. hard. Its so hard to not want to give the sandwich and go. Its hard to not want to look beyond this dirty person with disheveled clothes and unpleasant smell and just get it over with. Its hard to listen to his or her ramblings and perceptions of the world and not want them to just take a shower, eat a hot meal and start fresh again tomorrow.

So as my friend spoke, I could identify in many ways with her concerns. And it frustrated me to know that our God calls us to love these people when I so often just don't want to. Yet we read that this is so critical to our understanding of the heart of God that he goes so far as to say that if I don't feed the hungry, clothe the naked or give a drink to the thirsty in my midst that I indeed do not know HIM. That very same God who threw his fist on my life and said

"WAKE UP!

I am here,

and I am glorious."

I came across this picture as I dug around the internet looking for some examples of those who serve the poorest of the poor. It was from an article covering a group of believers in Savannah GA who meet every week under a bridge and wash the feet of the local homeless. New socks, hair cuts, foot massages, once a week.

At first, I couldn't imagine it. Washing this foot? Can't I just stand far off and spray it down with a hose? This is not the image we get of Christ. He puts my foot right on his knee and washes all the grime off. He touches my calloused heels, he surely doesn't stand at a distance. I think with just a glimpse of this very picture I am understanding in a more profound way what sin truly looks like to our God. It is so humbling. And yet Christ takes our feet, dirty and smelly with sin, and washes us clean. He even gets under my toe nails where I thought I had things successfully concealed. This conversation and further thought kind of highlighted that again for me in a new and important way.

In addition to the reality of sin, I get this image of God full of joy when he finally removes the layers of dirt and grime and sees a beautiful newly manicured foot. All my efforts in the world will never remove injustice completely, nor should they. The injustices of the world are a God sized task. If I am focused on Christ however, my life in the world will be filled with compassion even for those with dirty feet, a smelly odor, or a perceived rude response to my offer of a hamburger. Whats more, I find that if I stop looking for a way out and actually speak authentically with the homeless that I meet I sometimes get a glimpse of God in them too. Not every time. But sometimes. And when it happens its usually quite profound. The faith of those with so little to their name is often a faith that can move mountains. I just have to be in their presence long enough to get a glimpse of it.

Off to the Races

G'day folks!

I am eagerly anticipating the close of this week as these two yankee texans have next week off of work without a thing planned. Wahoo! What shall we do with ourselves?

Here's one thing: Start looking at training plans for our first ever half marathon! How exciting :-) I know, I know - when I first revealed my List I was 100% sure to emphasize that marathons were not in my life plan. No mam. No Sir. This girl might have biked a couple thousand miles in a former lifetime but she has not and likely will not ever get the bug to run 26 miles in a row.

That said, a half marathon is certainly within reach. Even better yet, Sir Andrew, PhD, is game too.

We've been reading this book together over the past couple of weeks that I would love to recommend. We haven't finished it yet but we are already enjoying it. Its called "The Principle of the Path," By Andy Stanley. Now, if you are like me and read this title you will immediately be turned off. Read the back, and you might be turned off even more. The title sings too much of those cheesy self help books. Or, worse yet, one of those awful prosperity band wagons from a couple of years ago like "The Secret". You remember?

"The Secret to life is pure, unbridled optimism. Just say to yourself, there WILL be a parking space at the front of the mall, on a snowy day, 24 hours before Christmas day. Imagine it in your mind and consciously feel your car turning into the space directly in front of Macys. and Voila! it WILL happen"

Barf. I consider myself to be a relatively positive person, but even I know that the Secret to getting a good parking spot on Christmas eve lies only in parking my bum on the couch with a copy of Its a Wonderful Life and a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

For this particular book however, I did keep reading. I have alot of respect for Andy Stanley, the author, and just wanted to make sure he hadn't gone off the deep end. And, despite the title, he hasn't. The book is a walk through a principle that he has discovered as a minister over the past 20 something years. He suggests, that after years of hearing all too many tales of divorce, bankruptcy, broken friendships etc etc., that he has uncovered an underlying life principle that weaves its way through all of them. In fact, this principle, when properly leveraged, can lead us to be people who have wonderful marriages, pristine finances and a plethora of devoted friends.

His principle is this :

Direction, not intention, determines destination.

Think about it. You'll have to buy the book to learn more. Or, if you cozy on up to me I might just lend it to you when we finish. But consider this: People don't wake up one morning and say to themselves "I want to go into financial ruin today" Nor do they stand on the altar of their wedding day and say "I really want to screw this up." But, as we walk through life each day we take steps that lead us on a path. We snap at our spouse. We put it on the credit card even though we don't have the funds to pay it off. We continually ignore the phone call from a friend. add these activities up, day after day and year after year and that puts us on a path financially, relationally, etc. Conversely, if I save money each pay check, eat an apple each day instead of a bag of chips and take the time to call a relative I will likely be on a path in the right direction.
Its common sense, I know, but I never thought about it in this way. I don't intend to be 40 and unhealthy. But if I don't exercise, go for regular check ups, and eat more vegetables than I do chocolate cake, the doctors all guarantee us that I will most likely be seeing them more often than I would like to by the time I reach the big 4-0.

So, it seems we are taking this idea to heart. Its time to put on the running shoes. On November 20th (my 27th birthday, incidentally), Galveston will host its first annual running festival. Some friends have joined us and we are looking forward to getting healthier together. Stay tuned - we'll keep you updated on our progress!

new kicks :-)

Welcome to "Maison Beck"

Welcome to Galveston!

When you visit (Emphasis on "when," not "if"), you can take part in the following, authentically Texan activities!

Eat exorbidant amounts of Texan BBQ in inviting atmospheres
Deer head = WELCOME!

Take in a fiery red Texas sunset

Discover how local restaurants keep a beer cold in 80% humidity and 100 degree heat
Enter - the ziploc bag of ice? odd, but helpful!

Copious Refreshment

A comfy nights sleep

Undying affection

An authentic Texan Shower - complete with Texan flag

Help the Becks discover a few perks to living on an island, in Texas, in the summer heat - crashing the resorts!

Southern Entertainment: Gospel Brunch at the Houston House of Blues - GLORY! :-)

mmmm. Andy's BBQ'd ribs

And, most important, Good company!

Thanks to the Beck family and the Parker family for kicking off the mass exodus. Come one, come all. You might just find you want to stay for good :-)

$126.32

Phone Rings.

Kristin: "Hello?" (sounds of cranky baby in background. some strain in my sister's voice as she is likely balancing the phone in one ear while simultaneously changing a diaper, walking the dogs and emptying the dishwasher. at the same time. new mom= multitasker extraordinaire)

Courtney: "Kristin, I have the BEST news. GUESS WHAT!

Kristin: "Whats that?!" (more activity in the background...she must be planting a garden now while repairing the roof and updating her blog. I can only assume.)

Courtney: WE JUST GOT OUR ELECTRIC BILL!!!

Kristin: "honey. we need to have a talk."

__________________________________________

OK, so that was kind of an exaggeration. She wasn't planting the garden. She was just watering it. from the rooftop where she was updating her blo....I digress.

While the endless multitasking is somewhat exaggerated (though my sister rarely ceases to amaze me!), I can say that this is actually quite close to the exact conversation we had last Friday afternoon after work. Why, you might ask, was I so excited to get my electric bill? Time to peel back some layers here.

First, a look back on our first few months in Galveston. We rented a little place on Winnie Street. Perfect size for us if a little oddly laid out. The "master bedroom" was in the front of the house with a "study" adjoined to it. Our "guest area/multi purpose" space would be upstairs while our "pantry" was just out the backdoor of the kitchen in a covered screened in porch-like area.

Why all the quotes, you might ask? Well, within a couple of months we knew this place was not going to work so well. Without any storage (minus the sauna that was our pantry), the family room became a glorified bike rack, the study a room full of books and other trinkets that had no homes and the "guest room/multi purpose" room simply became our cat's island palace. And an island it was...regarless of the temperature outside, the upstairs was a holding space for any air that circulated through this poorly constructed home. Air conditioning? To the attic! Cool breeze from the open kitchen door? to the attic! Heat during an unseasonably cold January? to the attic? And the attic...while spacious and the perfect place for our would be guests - was not insulated. Nor was the rest of the house. Nor were the windows properly sealed.

December 30th, full of Christmas cheer, we got our first gift from this charming bungalow. 450 dollars worth of charm courtesy of Reliant Energy Company. Upon further exploration with our neighbors we discovered that, come summer, we could expect 600 or 700 dollars worth of cooling costs for this home if we were expecting to live in any comfort in the summer heat.

Thank heavens that Andy was quick to suggest a 6 month lease when we first signed up. Otherwise, the summer $600 would be ours to keep until this coming November!

New to the "grad student" budget as of last August, this process of learning to truly live with less has been a cool journey for us. Back in Baltimore, we lived comfortably as TINK's for our first year of marriage. TINK, if you are wondering, is that glorious stage of financial bliss - Two Incomes, No Kids. Knowing grad school was around the corner we lived with huge margins as we saved for this next stage in the journey while also enjoying a weekly night or two out to eat when we just didn't feel like cooking.

After a couple of months here with our income stretched thinner, we are starting to realize the value in making tradeoffs. Of course we made tradeoffs back east. But these are much different - My running shoes are torn to shreds but Andy needs some new slacks. The car needs new tires but we need to buy plane tickets home. These are things we didn't really think about with great depth a year ago because we had great margin and could dip into the pot with ease. Now, since we can't save with the speed with which we did 12 months ago, each purchase is more precious.

I'll buy those running shoes in a couple of months and be really thankful to have them! We went out for sushi recently and I wouldn't be exaggerating to say that, for me, each bite was more delicious because it was special, rather then routine.

For these reasons too, a $126 electric bill was also special. Now that we are more conscious of and committed to a budget, I think we celebrate these gifts like cheaper electric bills in bigger ways. I sent Andy a text message when we got the bill and he immediately called me at work to celebrate over the phone. I could hear him smiling on the other end as he said "You see! Things are going to be OK!"

I emphasized in bold above the value of a tradeoff. I think I am recognizing the richness of that phrase more and more. We live in a world that wants everything right now. I am victim of this often. I have very little self control at Target. Now when I do go to Target though, I enjoy my finds more than I did before because they are bought with a more precious resource. I realize more clearly now why we are called to give or tithe with consistency and regularity. It keeps us grounded and grateful. We've still got more practicing to do in this area. I don't know that we are there yet. But I think God is honoring our efforts and helping us to understand gratitude and discipline as we move along. Its a good feeling to be moving in the right direction.

"Wisdom has built her house;

she has hewn out its seven pillars.

She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

She has sent out her maids,

and she calls from the highest point of the city.

'Let all who are simple come in here!' she says,

to those who lack judgement.

Come, eat my food and drink the wine i have mixed.

Leave your simple ways and you will live;

walk in the way of understanding."

Proverbs 9: 1-6

Veggie Tales

Happy Monday all!

Tis the first day of the work week...bleh. The good news is that I have a mind full of potential blog material. I've been getting more and more connected to this world of blogs over the past couple of months. Several of our friends in Galveston keep blogs as they too have family and friends that are scattered around the states. Just last week I discovered three friends of mine who post with regularity.

I am also realizing that I tend to do rather long posts with out many pictures every couple of weeks. Some people post pics and just short updates. We'll see if I can mix it up over the coming months.

So here's a quick word on vegetables. A few weeks ago I had a "life moment" as we got ready for bed. After finishing a weekend filled with copious amounts of barbecue, meaty Mexican food and cold cuts, I laid my head back on my pillow feeling as close to a candidate for a heart attack as I believe one can feel without actually having chest pains and shortness of breath. Ugh...you know the feeling. Fat and sweaty and disgusting. Kind of like a pig without the oink. I would venture to say that a deeper analysis of my consumption that weekend almost went to a spiritual level - living in America, gluttony is something I rarely consider - and yet, there it was, tapping on my conscience. Who'd have though a beef fajita could spur spiritual exploration? I suppose at this point I should consider nothing off the table.

So, with a great need to "confess" I stated my current state of meat overload and quickly got to the point with a hastily thrown out suggestion that we take a break from meat for a bit...breath held slightly, eyes peaking through squinted lids at my husband across the room. Keep in mind, while Andy and I have a super communicative relationship and are rarely embarrassed or disturbed to talk frankly with each other about whatever might be on our minds...I was talking to a true blue steak lovin', bbq masterin', "I don't care how much veggies you put on the pizza as long as it has pepperoni on it" husband. This man loves a nice roast beast.  To my great surprise, however, my suggestion was met with an enthusiastic.....

"SURE! that sounds great!"

Even as I write this, I don't know why his general optimism and continued willingness to try new things still continues to surprise me. There is rarely a challenge that he will not dive into with me. This. man. rocks!!

While I must say that vegetarian cooking is often a mystery to me, I decided to really dive. Tofu? I don't really get it but we're gonna give it a shot. Chick peas? I am doubtful of your value beyond a pleasant addition to my salad, but I will give you a second chance too.  With the help of my friend Jenny and her fabulous supply of cook books we went to town last week and it was awesome. Thai Lettuce wraps, stuffed grilled peppers, "labor day spaghetti", and homemade egg rolls.

I must say, I feel fantastic! We've not quit cold turkey. oh, i like that. pun totally intended :-) I've never taken great issue with eating meat or not eating meat. If someone is kind enough to invite me to their home and they are serving meatloaf...well you better believe it...we are eating the meatloaf regardless of how far I go down veggie lane. But, the cool news is that I've become a more creative cook and I've got a ton of energy. A peek in the fridge last night even brought an exclamation from the house meatatarian - "Cool! you bought more tofu!" So, think about it readers. I can even send you some recipes. If you like to cook its a fun avenue to explore.

Summer Insanity

I can't believe its almost August! It feels like the summer is speeding through and I can't seem to catch up. On August 17th we will have officially been "Yankee Texans" for one full year. Well at least Andy will have. Stay tuned...I may have to post an interview with UTMB's latest and greatest PhD candidate for a "year in review".

As for our summer thus far, I must say it was nice to finally take a big breath this past weekend. We went out for sushi and a movie on Friday and I stayed in my pajamas until noon the next day. Awesome!

Here's some quick highlights of what we've been up to the past few weeks:

San Antonio!

Ever since my parents headed to San Antonio many years ago, I have had this city on my bucket list. It lived up to its full potential to be sure. While only there for an overnight, we were able to take in Texas' top two tourist attractions. The San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. The Riverwalk was absolutely gorgeous. I must say it exceeded my expectations. The river runs through the city at ground level and has become a wonderful venue for restaurants and even a waterside theater that hosts musicians and local theater groups. We were quite impressed that this tourist destination has been able to remain largely focused on quality over quantity. While it was crowded with people, there weren't your typical smattering of densely packed t-shirt and trinket shops. It did have an incredible collection of restaurants and bistros to choose from. I think I could spend a couple days there checking out the different places to eat. Since we were only staying one night, we splurged on a stay at a bed and breakfast on the river. It was great to be able to stroll alongside the water before our dinner reservation. We ate at a delicious restaurant called Boudro's that specialized in authentic Texan fare and made fresh guacamole right at our table. Delicious! 

The Alamo was equally interesting. I really enjoy learning about history and they've done a great job of explaining the story behind the Alamo while preserving both the building and artifacts from the battle. There's a billboard of sorts outside of the barracks that gives a thorough explanation of the history leading up to the battle and then the eventual process of Texas becoming a state. Until that day, I didn't know that Davy Crockett died at the Battle of the Alamo. I actually don't think I knew that much about him at all to be honest. I think I had an image of Johnny Appleseed with a 'coon skin hat on his head holding a rifle. hmmm, Davy Crockett planting apple trees in military dress...Am I completely out of the loop? I have a feeling that Texans learn this from the moment they are out of the womb.

The Alamo

Austin

Both San Antonio and Austin have been two cities that I've wanted to visit. Interestingly enough, it was a visit from family that brought us to the capital city. Andy's brothers are talented volleyball players and came to Austin for this years volleyball championships. They spent a week in town playing teams from all over the country. We were so stoked to learn that the tournament would be so close. We were able to spend Saturday and Sunday with the guys and watch David's team start off their tournament play. Volleyball is really fun to watch because its so fast! I was quite impressed. We got to get the full volleyball experience. Cheering, dodging stray balls, snapping pictures. All this was followed by eating massive quantities of Mexican food at 10:30 at night when it was all over.  Yum! Despite a knee injury for John, it seems the guys had a great time playing ball for the week long tournament. Both teams did very well.

David Beck in action.

John, David and Dad Beck jumped in the car and headed to Galveston to round out their trip to TX. It was so exciting to have company and we enjoyed showing the guys around. I think my favorite part was walking on the beach Saturday night. We brought the dog with us and had a good time walking off the fajitas Andy had made for dinner. Coming back with sand all over our feet and a movie under our arms was the perfect way to end the day. For a hot second, I was on vacation, and loving it :-).

goofing around at the beach.

Throw in a couple trips home for graduations and weddings and that's been our summer. There's lots of fun coming up. Andy's best friend Rob has just taken a job at Sam Houston State. He now has his own room at our house (the guest room really, however we affectionately call it "Rob's room") and will be a consistent presence for sure. We'll have another visit from great friends back east and then a week off to enjoy some peace and quiet away from work and school before the fall semester begins. Stay cool, summer is half way through!

I wasn't Born in Texas but I got here as Fast as I Could...

OK, so if you read my title you are probably thinking that I have gone off the deep end. And perhaps I have! This is a common phrase on bumper stickers and from the mouths of Texan transplants. It cracks me up and for the first time in this past month I am sensing mini moments in my days where I make two concurrent recognitions: 1. I live on an island in Texas. 2. ...and I am kind of starting to like it.

There is something charming about Texas and this historic island. For example:

1. This weekend I had an opportunity to head to the beach with Kyla, Alan and their two daughters Ava and Micah. Andy was back home for the weekend with family and I found myself reaching out to some newly found friends at our church to see what adventures we could get into. Kyla mentioned the annual sand castle competition at East Beach and I was more than happy to join her and her gorgeous family. The most endearing part about it was not so much the sand castles but getting to know Kyla!

Her Dad is a cotton farmer in west Texas near Lubbock. She was raised on a farm and is quick to suggest that Galveston "is not Texas." In "Texas" people honk their horns at passing cars only to say "hi" not to acknowledge her "I was taught to drive in the middle of a pasture where the closest thing to a roadway line is a field of cotton" driving skills. Her brothers all wear cowboy hats and jeans and an overheard phone call with her sister is punctuated regularly by the most beautiful southern "ya'll" i have heard yet!

2. Bootstraps. No east coasters...I do not have plan on joining the Republican party anytime soon. BUT, I love the perspective that living in Texas is giving me. Even just 45 minutes outside of urban Houston, the overwhelming sentiment in Galveston is "pick yourself up by your bootstraps, be an entrepreneur and work your everlasting tail off!" In many ways it reminds me of my trek across the country in 2005 when I developed such a new outlook on the United Sates and a love for our country and the people who make it tick. There is this very tangible spirit here that is really rooted in the American ideal of scrapping together what you can to make a better life for your family.

I do not wish to push some of the blatant ignorance I have seen exposed under the rug. Working for the housing authority, I am seeing and hearing ALOT of false impressions of how impoverished families and communities function. That sadeens me very deeply. It is something I contemplate regularly and push back on in conversation with my neighbors and friends regularly.

At the same time, my new friends are opening up a window into my political views that help me to internalize the other side of the scale. I have been tempted, more often than ever before, to head out to Walmart and grab an American flag. In fact, come July 4th, I will surely have to make this happen! In other countries, you are often a success or failure based on the family you are born into. We are not perfect, but I am proud to know that hard work can in so many ways dictate your success in life's endeavors here in the United States.

3. Porch sitting, mosquito swatting, sweaty, swealtering Texas. So...my tone could change in August. It is only June and the heat has only just begun. BUT, with the help of a new historic rental home, Andy and I are learning the pure joy of a post work cocktail before firing up the grill. At some point soon I will surely share the incredible grace behind our recent move across the street. I think I am still processing the gift and cannot yet put everything into words. More to come there...

In our first week at a new house, we have already felt a new sense of peace coming over us. Or is it the effect of the vodka? Ha! Our very best southern friends from back north, the Parkers, introduced us to the joy of an evening cocktail while back in Baltimore. Far from a daily occurrence, we are finding that from time to time we need to forget the evening trip to the gym, turn off the computers and head outside with a nice cold refreshment. There is an incredible beach breeze on this side of the street that we didn't know existed until we moved. The owners left two white rocking chairs on the front porch and we are now prone to lingering in the shade watching the palm trees in the breeze. I know, totally gross. Who watches palm trees?

I never understood the southern draw that Darren and Heather love so much. The heat and southern slowness sounded repulsive to my east coast, fast paced, air condidtioned brain. I typically defer to room temperature glass of wine over an ice cold cocktail. People change though...don't they? :-)

So thats the update for June. I've been here about 6 months and I am having these wonderful glimmers that suggest we can really make some awesome memories here. A year ago I was stunned to think we would be moving to "the republic." Now I am learning the truths and the lies behind the stereotypes and am having a great time figuring out what Texas actually looks and feels like to me.

Life's a Beach!

Happy Monday folks. It is BEAUTIFUL out and I am anxious to soak it all up before the humidity comes and zaps the living life out of us. I am afraid, very afraid. I hate hot weather with a passion and I fear I am powerless to stop the swealtering blanket of humidity that is undoubtedly gathering force for the next several months. I have already purchased some new shorts - a few pair that are sweat wicking. I am also considering an "all naked, all the time" policy at our home at around the July and August time frame. Hey, if everyones naked, whats the big deal?!

That said, its not swealtering yet and I am enjoying every stinking minute of it. I think this weekend was my first moment of pure joy to realize that - we live at the beach! HELLOOO! is that not the coolest thing ever?! We had planned on Sunday after church to head onto the mainland and grab some lunch. maybe do some putzing around the city. Andy popped out on the Sea Wall in our subaru for a little scenic drive before we jumped on I-45 and well...our minds were changed. There were some awesome waves (rare for the gulf), the water was pristine and there wasn't a cloud in sight!

I loved coming back home feeling slightly worn from a day out in the sun. Salty and suncreeny skin went so well with an afternoon snack. I decided in my mind, though I'd been somewhat dreading heading back to work Monday mornings, that I would consider this ordinary sunday an extraordinary vacation day! With that framework, well, Sunday was a blessed and restful day in the sun, sand and water.

Side note: there also were no signs of oil, oily birds or oil booms out there this weekend. If I am going to keep this as a historical database of our time in Texas then it is worth it to note that the states to our east are currently experiencing coastal emergencies due to an oil rig explosion just south of Louisiana. Currently, Texan coastal dwellers are safe though projections to the fishing industry are proving mighty frightening. We must all keep coastal fisherman, their families and wildlife in our prayers as this oil spill is proving to be a nightmare.

What would Nellie do?

Good evening folks. Its raining tonight and our plans to head to campus to watch an outdoor screening of the Blindside were foiled! Bummer. We will just have to rent it when it comes out on DVD.

I went on a run last Sunday with Nellie and thought to myself: "I wonder what Galveston is like to our animals?". It was a beautiful afternoon and we were on our usual course. Nellie, our pitbull/greyhound mix, was a gift from my cousins before we left for Texas. She has been such a joy to us. Shes full of energy (sometimes too much!) and is a great Galveston dog. Shes short haired, so shes a good fit for all the hot weather. and she LOVES to run on the beach. We take her down atleast once a week and she goes nuts. Digging holes, running after other pups and enjoying some freedom off the leash. Her only hesitancy is around the water. She's not a fan of getting wet. Our first effort to give her a bath ended up with us on the floor covered in soap and her zipping around the house trying to stay out of our reach. We have since invested in a hose for outdoor washdowns. :-)

Both the cat and the dog have been on the island for 3 straight months. We head to the mainland from time to time for shopping or some treks into the city. But these two have hunkered down "island style" big time. I am learning the best routes for evening walks. There are so many dogs in this town!!! I often head towards campus and have found that Market street is "dog walkers hell." There are about 5 houses in a row just before the library that each have dogs. The minute Nellie graces them with her presence it is a slobber fest of smelling and barking and attempts to nip at each other through the fences. And then theres always the lovely chihuahua at the end. Barking her head off even after we round the corner out of sight. No more Market street for Nellie. I have little doubt that the scene from the road of us trying to just make it alive down to the end of the block is a sight to behold!



Harley the cat seems to like the island too. She has the rule of the attic and spends most of her days hiding amongst our unpacked boxes and guest area. The dog won't go up there and taunt her if we don't accompany her so the cat really has a palatial space up there. From time to time she graces us with her presence (she's such a CAT!). She's also gotten quite sneaky and has managed to crawl out of the house on a couple of nice days when we had our back door open. She's a smart kitten though...she knows where her next meal is coming from and makes it back within a couple of hours.



Alls quiet on the island front as of late. I am looking forward to a visit back home over Easter. Unfortunately Andy cannot join as he doesn't have class off. It will be a nice break for me though - theres a little guy back east that has started crawling. I've got to see it with my own eyes! :-)

Just call me Scout

Happy February 27th! What a beautiful day here in Galveston. After an unseasonably cold winter - or so we are told - Galveston seems to be warming up. Andy is at a conference all day today presenting some work. I'm kind of bummed he is missing this beautiful sunny day, but Nellie and I are making the best of it - we took a nice walk to the beach and Nell had a blast. She LOVES the sand. Its really hilarious to watch. She starts digging a hole and then jumps up to run in big track like circles. Shes certainly got greyhound in her.

Well, this week was an interesting turning point for me in Galveston. I haven't really talked much about the political scene here in this island community. As most people know, Galveston was hit by an incredible hurricane in September of 2008. Hurricanes are not foreign to Gulf Coast dwellers and very much a part of life. Evacuations are semi regular - many folk have told me about their treks out of town in the past for different storms as they make their way into the Gulf. We are incredible greatful to Sam Houston State University for giving our good friend Rob Cramer a job next year, just two hours north of where we are now. Rob is now officially our "evacuation buddy" should the need arise. Better get a nice big apartment buddy!

Storms with incredible "hurricane Ike-like" damage only seem to happen every 100 years. While hurricane Ike was only a class 2 or 3 hurricane in size and wind force, the storm surge or resulting flooding onto the island produced the damage equivalent to a class 5 storm. Many families and business owners lost their homes and stores. It is not uncommon to learn that friends spent 7, 8, 9 months in a hotel before their houses were restored enough to move back home. Many businesses and residents have not moved back yet and this has a terrible effect on the economy as it moves in fits and starts back to life again.

This is the background for my work at the Galveston housing authority. Prior to the storm, the housing authority provided affordable housing solutions for the island poor. A predominantly tourist economy, many island workers make their livelihood in the restaurants and hotels that dot the island. A waiter or waitress may only bring in $25 - 35,000 a year if she's lucky. For one person, this salary can be tolerable. But if a single mom has children to feed, she is in trouble if she can't find an affordable apartment.

When the storm came, the island's public housing had to be torn down as did many rentals that families lived in. Now the question turns to how the island might rebuild so that the lower, middle and upper class can live together to make this island flourish again.

I'll refrain from getting into the details of the arguments. Its surely been interesting to be a part of, to say the least. In many ways, I can understand the drama the island finds itself in. Government (tax payer) funds are at stake. Hurricane Ike spared no one. Rich and poor felt the pain and sadness of losing all they owned and also losing the community they had built. With so many choosing not to return or struggling to get back home, the community has suffered greatly and therefore tensions are high as the city determines how funds are dispersed and who gets what.

Thus, I found myself in cramped city hall quarters on Thursday night listening to 4 hours of public comment from folk on both sides of the debate regarding the island's public housing. My colleagues are feeling beat up. For over a year now, they have fought hard to represent those who are so often without a voice - the poor. In many ways, I felt like an outsider as I am new to the fight and so often do not know the history of what was and what has occurred since the storm.

I felt in the position of 10 year old Scout in Harper Lee's incredible book To Kill a Mockingbird which I just recently read. Scout is the young daughter of a southern white lawyer who defends a black man in the Alabama south. Its an incredible book that displays the intensity and rawness of emotion that erupts in a town over controversy.

There was a woman on Thursday night that really struck a chord in me. Apparently an advocate for affordable housing for some time now, this elderly woman of 96 years old walked up the podium with the help of a cane and noted her decades of struggle for equality. She likened the current arguments to the early days at UTMB when she and her friends fought for a nursing program for black women who wanted a chance at furthering their careers. She pointed at the 6 council persons and the mayor and stated emphatically that "the poor are our conscience" and shame on us if we do not allow for their prosperity in our society also. It was wonderful for me to see so many people walk to the podium and explain how public housing was a stepping stone for their families. Many had children who went on to college and had attained a measure of success for themselves as well.

GHA won a key vote Thursday night. We are to contract with an architect to draw up plans for council approval. The fight still looms large and while I my heart for the poor continues to beat loudly I do also hear the voices of those who don't want to return to the woes of the past. Because the poor live at the margins they are so often impacted and pulled in by detrimental societal forces. We may rebuild structures but we will fail miserably if we do not implement systems to build people too.

Personally, I want to continue to be shaped by those who are frustrated with what was so that we might not be content with doing what is easy. It is easy to build houses. it is much more difficult to change mindsets and to take on new skills - no one is exempt from the process of rebuilding oneself.

Home on the Range?

Good evening bloggers and blog readers. settling down here tonight amid a mountain of delicious delicacies sent by our Beck side of the family. If you are reading this Becks, the mint chocolate cookies are amazing! Great pick and thanks for sending the box o fun. Twas a lovely reminder of home and the people we love :-)

well, its high time I update my blog here though you cannot fault me for want to post rich and informative tales. I often think its time to post but realize there's more to the story that must be lived before I do so. and we've done a lot of living and learning "Texas style" since Christmas. where to begin...

January was more settling in at the new job and in our new neighborhood. We have a wonderful neighborhood here on Winnie Street and are so glad to be right in the middle of it.
We are surrounded by wonderful and very diverse folk! I love this aspect of Winnie Street and am so thankful that we are in such a great spot. It makes for great "porch sittin' banter" and neighborly friendship too. David and Dale are neighbors across the street who have been so kind to us. We had Christmas lunch with them and their family. I have never seen so much food in one sitting - and all of it was delicious!! Dale and I are going to have to have a "cook off" one of these days...I am sure of it. ;-) He is threatening gumbo - shall I come back at him with a maryland crab soup!?! we shall see what my culinary war chest can muster up.

Having more time in the evenings lately I have been cooking up a storm. I just this evening learned how to cook with "fennel bulb" and leeks. We made a tasty Shrimp pot pie. It was amazing! Lots of shrimp and seafood on our plates lately. Theres a seafood market on 22nd and Harborside just a few blocks from our house. Fresh shrimp from the gulf at just 5 bucks a pound daily. AWESOME. I'll post some pics of Katie's market - the pelicans gather around the shop and the fisherman feed them fish scraps after they filet fish for you. So hilarious!




We hosted our first party which was a success in late January. We've had great fun bringing the art of sushi making to friends back home. I cannot start this without thanking my west coast cousin/sushi chef Silas Toms. A few years back he came east for a visit and taught us the whole shebang. Nori, Wasabi, ginger...and ever so crucial...how to buy fish that will not kill your friends. So far so good in that department. Not a single death so far on our watch!! :-)

We had about 15 folk over. Bring a drink to share and 10 bucks to cut the cost (party on a grad student budget = everyone chipping in!). I think everyone had a great time. Some chose to just eat while others took charge at the table rolling crazy concoctions. By the end of the night I was full and tired from a day of prep. It was great to host a party again too. I think those are genetics passed down from Mom's side of the family. Shes always a very gracious host and I am glad to have some of that spirit in me too. (emphasis on "some" - I have not yet cut out themed name cards nor have I set festive tables 2 days prior to a meal. That is a level I have not yet risen too! )

All this said, I feel like these last two weeks I have started to feel more at home. Work is picking up in a good way and I am starting to learn new things in the world of affordable housing - a passion of mine to be sure. More to come soon. Andy's birthday is coming up and we have taken the plunge into Texas style bbq. Found a great bargain on a grill this weekend and plan to christen it over the next few weeks. Any thoughts on a first recipe for the grill master?! Lots of love from the island tonight. -Court

Super Wal-Mart equals happiness

Well, we've made it! The great 100 days of separation are over and our united life in Galveston has officially begun as of Saturday November 29, 2009 at 1am. I mention the time as I do believe that is the most exhausting drive I have ever endeavored. Props to Andy who drove solo this past August - what a trek!

The good news is that we are here and safe with Dog and Cat in tow. We were unsure about the wisdom of toting Nellie and Harley along with us in the 24 hour car ride. These two are fair weather friends at best...Feline hissing is a common sound in our house as Harley attempts to show the 50 pound pit bull that she is, in fact, queen of the castle. We were pleasantly surprised to note that both pets are excellent travel companions with not a peep out of either until the last hour as Harley made sure to note that she was no longer enjoying her ride in her carrier. Can't blame her. We wanted to get out of our carrier too by that point :-).

Initial tears and anxieties that spawned as I realized "this is actually happening" have subsided quite a bit as I am starting to unpack boxes and set up the new place while Andy attends class during the day. I consider it a step in the right direction that I can now look at pictures of my nephew without welling up into tears. A funny happening that occurred from Saturday through Monday with incredible consistency.

The new place will work just fine. Pictures will be up soon. the place is actually quite cute and seems to fit our modest lifestyle. my motto : The less house you have the less you have to clean! so we'll stick to that until perhaps some day the world deems scientists and nonprofit managers worthy to be paid the big bucks. It will happen some day, I am sure.

OK, Texan lesson #1 - Texans love super-walmart and SO...DO...I!!! Sunday was our first full day in our new digs and I was craving normalcy. Several weeks shacking up with friends and family rather nomadically, followed by two days of non-stop driving left me seeking the comforts of home life, home cooked meals and a place that was not cluttered with my stuff in boxes. Thus, an afternoon trek to the store.

Andy got to work unpacking the kitchen and I set off to fill up the refrigerator and get other necessities. Speaking of which, I do believe that the flamingo shaped welcome sign, one that would fit perfectly on the front door of our bungalow and available at super walmart for only $9.99, is actually a necessity. I will have to remember this again on my next visit. My "food focus" temporarily distracted me from making this purchase and I regret that I was mistaken to not have taken this treasure home with me :-) more on my growing obsession with flamingos later at another time. Lets just say that I am more than excited that we are on an island where flamingos are even more a presence than back home in Hampden! (no Hon Bird yet though - there is still time!)

Needless to say, I navigated this football stadium-sized grocery store with ease. Glad to be alongside my new island neighbors and also extremely glad to find that shower curtains, pajama pants, Bicycles and a stouffers lasagna can all be bought in the same store!! you just never know when you might need to take a shower in your pajamas while riding your bike, now do you? Salute to you, Super Wal-Mart...its quite possible you will become a regular in my weekend repertoire.