Writing Wednesday: More dissertation thoughts

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The difference between my degree program (DPA – Doctor of Public Administration) and a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science) is that the DPA is practitioner-oriented. That’s a fancy way of saying that what I’m learning is supposed to be applicable in real life. It’s not just about theory and history; it’s about putting what we’re learning into practice.

Many people who earn a DPA work in the public sector (ie, government jobs) or in a private sector role that relates to the public sector (ie, nonprofit organizations, thinktanks, higher education administration, policy analysis, etc.). Some go into academia as faculty members, although the Ph.D. is still preferred over the DPA in some circles. (Don’t get me started on the cliques in academia!) The policy analysis function is something that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, particularly as it relates to my dissertation topic.

I’m waiting for feedback from my adviser, because this is new territory for me, and I want to be sure that I trek forward in the right direction. I’m wondering if I can write my dissertation as a policy recommendation to the Joint Economic Committee. Instead of just exploring the potential ramifications of virtual economies (taxation, in particular), I’m thinking of writing it as a plan of action–something they might actually use in developing a formal position on the topic.

The art of arm-twisting

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Arm-twisting, persuasive argument, manipulation … call it what you will, but I got my way, and that’s all that matters! 😉

When I first broached the topic of Halloween costumes, all five of the boys wanted to be Mario. Then, the little two decided that they wanted to be Koopa Troopa turtles. I have basic sewing skills, but certainly not to the level of DIYing five costumes! All I could see were dollar signs.

(Halloween isn’t a holiday that we typically celebrate in full-force, anyway. It’s like the tooth fairy to me — it’s fun and they get treats from it, but we don’t make a big deal about it. We can go into an elaborate spiritual warfare discussion when they get a bit older. I don’t allow them to dress in scary costumes, anyway.)

*~*~ Then, I had an idea! ~*~*

I proposed my brilliant plan to the older two, knowing that if I got them on board, then convincing the little three would be a cinch. I suggested that they go as a rock band. We can find some old t-shirts, bandanas and jeans (either our own or some cheap ones from Goodwill – along with some second-hand vests and bling), and they get to RIP UP the shirts & jeans. I will buy some colored hair spray and let them spike their hair crazy. We have some toy instruments that they can carry for props. They were gung-ho as soon as I said, “You get to rip up the clothes.” The little three were sold when I said, “You can have crazy hair.” If they’re really adventuresome, I’ll even let them wear black eye make-up.

Who knew it would be so easy? 😉  Not only are they going to have fun trick-or-treating, but getting ready will be a fun activity to do together.

The only down side? They want me to dress up as a rocker, too!! LOL … we’ll see about that.

Monday Musings: Mind-reader

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Mind-reader I’m not.
Heck, half the time I don’t know
what’s on my own heart.

Does that make sense? Not knowing what’s on your own heart, that is. Have you ever had so many things pressing in on you at once that you don’t even really know where to begin to think it through, much less pray about it? That’s where I’m at right now.

A new type of relationship (Prayer devotional for the week of Oct. 9)

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This week’s devotional topic is a stretch for me to write for several reasons, not the least of which is that I am not a husband. How can I begin to write with authority about men? When I did a word search for “husband” on BibleGateway.com, I came across a passage in Numbers 5 about how to test allegations of adultery that reminded me more of the Bene Gesserit “Water of Life” test in Dune than something that we would actually implement in this day and age. Now, don’t take that to mean that I find the Old Testament irrelevant, because I don’t—it is just challenging to me sometimes to understand how to apply timeless Biblical principles in a culturally meaningful way.

One thing we need to remember when we read the Old Testament is the different sort of relationship that God had with his people before Jesus walked the Earth. From the edict in the Garden of Eden not to eat from one particular tree to the 10 Commandments issued to Moses to the litany of dos and don’ts by the prophets, the Old Testament is very rule-oriented. God had a covenant (an agreement, a promise) with his people and gave them chance after chance to obey, but they consistently disobeyed. (That part still sounds familiar today, doesn’t it?)

In Jeremiah 3, for example, God describes the people’s idolatry as a form of adultery. Ah, so the Old Testament isn’t just about rule-following, but the Lord is trying to make a connection between how we treat each other and how we relate to him. His desire for his people was so intimately personal that when the people strayed, God felt deceived. The rules were set into place so that the people would recognize their sin and turn to God.

The book of Hebrews in the New Testament refers to Jesus as the go-between of a new covenant—a new type of relationship—with the Lord. The law that used to bind and condemn us was fulfilled in Christ (John 3:17, Romans 8: 1-4). How wonderful it is that we no longer have a merely rule-based bond with God, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, we can know God lovingly, as we would nurture an intimate relationship with a spouse. Let’s focus on getting to know him better during our prayer time this week.

Foodie Friday: Harvest soup

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I had some leftover chicken that I had smoked and was in the mood for chicken noodle soup, so this is the result: Harvest soup!

Recipe:

Harvest soup

1 small or medium spaghetti squash
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
~6 oz cooked chicken, shredded (I used leftover smoked chicken, but rotisserie chicken would also be yummy)
salt & pepper, to taste
Cholula hot sauce (or Tabasco, or pepper sauce)

Cut spaghetti squash in half (a cleaver works well) and place cut-side-down in a microwave safe casserole dish. Add about 1/2″ water and cover with wax paper or plastic wrap. Cook for 10-12  min, or until squash “noodles” pull off easily with fork. While squash is cooking in the microwave, add chicken and onion soup mix to 4 cups of water; heat to low boil on stove. Add squash to chicken soup and turn to low/med heat to simmer. Add salt, pepper and Cholula sauce, to taste. (I used about 6-7 shakes of pepper sauce.)

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. This recipe makes a rather thick soup; if you prefer soupier soup, add chicken broth and adjust seasonings, as you prefer. Enjoy!