Ignorant Historian

Return to Sender is actually my second Julia Alvarez title, as I had read A Time for Butterflies a few months ago for book club. I wasn’t too happy with A Time with Butterflies as I don’t like it when authors make something historical fictional…I want to know what is factual and what was imagined! I’m glad I didn’t allow that to keep me from listening to this book!

Return to Sender is the story of two preteens in Vermont, Tyler and Mari, who are thrown together in less-than-ideal circumstances. Tyler’s father has had an accident, and is no longer able to do to the hard physical labor that being a dairy farmer requires. The rest of the family isn’t able to keep up with the work, so the only options they have is to hire help or lose the farm.

Mari’s father and 2 uncles are the help that is hired.  They need any job they can get and are happy to help, given their background in farming in Mexico. Unforunately, Mari’s mother has been separated from their family, missing for 8 months since she visited her mother in Mexico. Mari and her family have no idea where she is or how to contact her, and are understandably worried as they know that she should have been back by now.

Return to Sender tells the story from the point of view of Tyler, with Mari’s letters and journal entries thrown in. I love how it shows a bit of what it’d be like to be on both sides of the issue of illegal immigration.

This is a great book to read with your middle schooler as a conversation starter on this topic, regardless of where you stand on the issue. It’s great strength–beyond being simply well-written–is that it puts human faces and emotions to a political discussion which so often become a screaming match.

Disclosure: I did receive a free audiobook of this title for review for AudioFile magazine, but no compensation for this review. I liked it so much that I wanted to offer a review of it on my blog as well!

I found this book when I was searching what ebooks my library had available.  I hadn’t even heard of it before, though it came out earlier this fall.  Since I enjoy memoirs and was curious about Condoleezza Rice’s background, so this was an easy choice for me.

I’m glad that they had it, as I really enjoyed it (obviously, as it made my top books of 2010 list).  Regardless of where you stand politically, I think you can still like this book…it is not a political memoir.  I think Rice intentionally framed it around her parents so she had an excuse to end before she joined George W. Bush’s staff (her father dies in 2000).

Rice grew up in the South, but her story of growing up black in the 60s South is not like anything I’ve read before.  While she definitely still had obstacles to overcome, her family was well enough off (and her parents made many sacrifices for her, their only child) that she had many more opportunities than you might expect.

If there was only one thing I learned about Rice, it’s that she is incredibly driven.  Her parents certainly pushed her early–even attempted getting her in first grade when she was 3 (she stubbornly refused to stay)–but they weren’t the only ones pushing her. Her family later moves to Denver so that she could continue to pursue figure skating year round (believe it or not, there were no skating rinks in Birmingham), though she herself admits she was not built for the jumps.  She also is an excellent pianist thanks to her drive (and presumably her natural talent as well).

Rice was chosen to be the provost of Standford University at the age of 38, becoming the youngest, first minority, and first woman to hold that position.  She does a good job of showing why she rose to the top so quickly, not because she toots her own horn, but because she clearly has a dynamic personality that accompanies her drive for excellence.

As a fellow single woman, I appreciate stories like this.  While she would have loved to have been married, she recognized that a husband is a prize for the worthy and that singlehood is better than marriage to the wrong person.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good memoir.

Continuing the birthday-eve tradition of 26 things and 25 things, here are 27 things that I’ve done at the age of 27:

1.  Saw Phantom of the Opera.

2.  Saw my baby brother marry the best woman for him.

3.  Was a bridesmaid (and a maid of honor) for the first time(s).

4.  Got buried in snow in North Carolina for the first time.

5.  Watched Gone with the Wind.

6.  Added a second tax site at work.

7.  Met a US congressman…who got voted out in the most recent election.

8.  Read several books that really influenced me.

9.  Started making serious progress on making my life better for creation.

10.  Saved a (very small) emergency savings, and kept it.

11.  Left apartment life behind (though I was sad to part ways with my roommate of 3 years).

12.  Grew my first vegetable garden with moderate success.

13.  Went on my first overnight work trip.

14.  Got my car wrecked by an anonymous drunk, angry driver.

15.  Went to kids’ camp for the first time as an adult and loved it.

16.  Have finished my 5th year at my job…by far the longest I’ve worked anywhere.

17.  Helped my roommate through the first homeowner’s crisis I’ve ever dealt with: the death of a water heater.

18.  Vlogged for the first time.

19.  Got my game on, competing with friends in a diet and exercise competition.  The first time was helpful, the second time, not so much.

20.  Switched from teaching Sunday school to kindergarteners to helping with the 5th and 6th grade class.

21.  Had my first solo vacation and loved it.

22.  Voted for my first Democrats.

23.  Helped with the first ever Readathon for Hunger.

24.  Wrote a novel.

25.  Decorated my first full-sized Christmas tree not in my parents’ home.

26.  Read 164 books.

27.  Traveled to Atlanta, Wichita, Myrtle Beach, Norman, Charlotte, Roanoke, Denison (Texas, 2x), Kansas City, small town Kansas, and the middle of nowhere.

I can’t believe it’s Election Day again.  It feels like it was just Election Day 2008…am I the only one who thinks that?

I actually haven’t been following politics as closely as I used to.  It seems like it’s all the same old debates, and no one in politics really seems to see things like I see them.  That’s okay…just means that I have to spend a lot of time researching, thinking, and praying over whom to vote for.

Regardless, I’ll be voting today.  If you’re a US citizen 18 and older, you better be too (unless, of course, you voted early).  No one can speak for you like you can speak for yourself, so don’t remain silent.

I may not be very patriotic, but voting is one of my favorite parts of being an American.

Photo by Jessica Whittle Photography

Though I’ve read very little by Meghan McCain before, I knew I wanted to read her book from the first time I heard of it.  Why?  Because she is a fresh voice, not toeing the party line.

Actually, today she is still making headlines as a “rebel.”   So what if she chose to take a break from publicizing her book?

Sadly, she also gets flack for her weight.  Seriously?  Aren’t we past judging others based on how they look? (Don’t answer that…I know that we’re not.)

Dirty Sexy Politics is Meghan’s story of working on her father’s 2008 campaign for almost 2 years.  She had just graduated from college when she joined, and this was very much a coming-of-age time for her.  She learns a lot…often the hard way.

I’m no longer a Republican because I no longer feel like that party (or any other out there) represents my views.  Meghan has just as many problems with the current state of the Republican party, but she’s trying to change it from within it, which I can respect.

That said, we don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue.  But I do believe that we’d have a great discussion if we sat down to talk.  I watched a book talk she did a few weeks ago that was aired on C-SPAN.  She’s a great writer, but doesn’t come off as articulate and intelligent  in person.  Neither do I.

Politics needs more people like Meghan.  Our generation needs to speak up, not just to vote for the cool candidate, but to share our views on the issues.  This country is broken and it needs us if it’s ever going to be fixed.

I found the book interesting and hard to put down, but perhaps there’s not enough here to make it recommendable.  If it sounds interesting, though, pick it up!

Oh, and I LOVE the back cover (photo on right)…she’s definitely gotten hosed by those in AND out of the Republican party!

“You could always count on Mrs. Mohler to keep the gossip flowing, using church words to make it okay.” – Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth, p. 139

“Faith is a lack of contentment with what I am, but a sense of satisfaction with what God has given me of himself in Jesus.” - Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer, p. 146

“For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” – Galatians 6:1, NASU

about the Republican Party, but sadly, it describes a lot of churches, too: ”You have to look one way, think one way, and act one way.  Wear the uniform!  Embrace groupthink!  And for goodness’ sake, no strangers allowed!…The doors and windows aren’t just shut.  The curtains are drawn.” - Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain, p. 8

“There is little need for large churches stuffed with satisfied audiences.  There is a great need for a movement of disciples going into the overlooked places of the world to see and serve the kingdom of God.” - Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer, p. 101

“They killed anyone who stood in their way.  They burned our house down and called it a mistake.  They weren’t in their own country so they didn’t have to answer to anyone.” - In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez, p. 57

“Jesus’ assignment to the apostles was not to get people to respond to an altar call but to make disciples of all nations.” - Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer, p. 99

“But lately, in the Republican Party, anybody with a new idea is labeled ‘progressive,’ that dirty word, or just ignored.  I can’t think of a greater turn-off.  Why would a vibrant young person, full of energy and passion and lots of creativity, be interested in the Republican Party if new ideas and fresh starts aren’t welcome?” - Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain, p. 38

“In the last century, evangelical Christians parted ways with Christians in mainline churches, in part over suspicions about ‘the social gospel.’  Evangelicals came off sounding as if helping people was borderline unbiblical.” - Mere Christianity by Michael Spencer, p. 203

“The country people around the farm say that until the nail is hit, it doesn’t believe in the hammer.” – In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez, p. 20

“If a church isn’t supporting and growing disciples, isn’t crossing cultures with the gospel, and isn’t encouraging and producing Jesus-followers, I believe you’re entitled to look for a different form of community that is doing these things.” – Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer, p. 212

I’ve been thinking for a while about my step back from party politics.  I think that giving up their heart to the Republican Party en masse was one major downfall of the older generation of Evangelical Christianity.

While I do believe that our spiritual views should influence how we vote and what political candidates we support, I think we’re foolish if we think any party (unless it’s explicitly based on the Bible…then maybe) is going to have the same beliefs and priorities that we do.

I know I’m not the only one who has recognized this, and I’m glad that more and more people in my generation are picking up on this.  I can’t wait until we can say together, “We are followers of Christ, not of the Republican Party.  We are not them.”

I don’t intend to bash the GOP (they’re not better or worse than the Democrats), but there is a reason why politics get a bad name.  And by saying that to be a Christian is to be a Republican, we’re dragging Christ’s name through the mud, too.

While I’d love us to get beyond the 2-party system, I’m not a fool.  It’s almost as old as our country.  We love to fall into an “us” vs. “them” mindset.  But that doesn’t mean that I have to identify with either party.  Instead, I want to evaluate each candidate individually.  I’ll never fill in the “vote straight Democrat” or “vote straight Republican” bubbles…even if all of my candidates I’m choosing to vote for are of the same party.

So why I think that we’re on the right path by separating ourselves from the Republican Party, I know that there must be something else that my generation of Christians is missing.  Each generation in the past had a flaw so obvious to other generations but that they were blind to.

What is ours?  Could it be our greediness in holding on to our great wealth?  Could it be our reliance on programs?  Could it be the idea that we can be followers of Christ apart from being a part of His body?

Whatever our blind spot is, the thought that we have one (and that I, individually, do too) humbles me.  May we always be teachable.

If you don’t like something in the American culture at large, is it okay to say it? Fight it? Encourage lawmakers to restrict it?

If the issue is the treatment of animals, the emission of greenhouse gases, or the enforcement of immigration laws, the answer seems to be yes.

But what if the issue is moral? Limiting pornography distribution, the defense of the traditional family, or the ending of legal abortion?

The answer seems to be no.

I know we Americans pride ourselves on our freedom.  I’m thankful to live here, truly.  But when did our inalienable rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” come to mean “you mind your own business and I do whatever I very well please” ?

I’m okay if that “whatever” is just a difference of opinion.  Or just stupid.  But when it is something harmful to others or trashes and distorts one of God’s good gifts, a line has been crossed.

Civil discussion encouraged.

Photo by Beverly & Pack

What are there only 435 of in this whole country? (answer after the break)

I love wearing heels. Tax season, however, doesn’t love heels.  While I do spend a significant portion of my day behind a desk, slumped over a keyboard, I also get up frequently to give a new client paperwork to fill out, answer a question, check a volunteer’s work, shred something, file something else, get an envelope…you get the picture.

During tax season (especially February and April), I’m always doing 3 things at once.  Or more.  With only three days left of tax season, you know things are crazy.

But today, I’m wearing heels.  The reason lies in the answer to that first question (bonus points to anyone who figured out the riddle before reading on).

So, what are there only 435 of in this whole country?

Representatives.

As in The House of Representatives.

And one of those Representatives is visiting our small little site (need I remind you that it’s my site…as in I run it?) on this very day (and no, he doesn’t even happen to be my Representative, thanks to the screwy district lines).

So, on top of my usual busy tax day at our outlying site, I am spending the first few hours of my day in my office schmoozing up Congressmen Bob Etheridge, anyone he happens to bring with him (do they have an entourage? maybe not…but if he was a Senator?), several members of the IRS, some other colleagues, whatever media we can attract, as well as a handful of tax clients (which could be a handful in themselves).

That’s a lot of people to have in our little 4-room office.

I don’t really know what to expect.  I’m not to be the main act, but I’m definitely supposed to be the puppet-master.  Not sure how I’m going to pull all those strings.  If you think about it, pray for me between 9:30 and 10:30 Eastern!  I’ll update you all once I get some down time (ha ha!).

Updated:

Congressman here and gone.  Media here and gone.  IRS here and gone.  It went well…only briefly talked to Congressman Etheridge, but enjoyed chatting it up with volunteers, tax clients, and IRS higher ups.  Was told that I have a very welcoming and reassuring personality…that’s a first.  The important thing is that it’s over…3 more days!

I know, I know, two posts today!  I’m thinking if I post again today, you’ll let me off the hook for Monday, right?  It IS a holiday, even if it’s one that I have no idea what it means!  Really, though, this is a current issue, and not one that everyone cares about.  If you don’t, skip it, and enjoy some football down below!

If you follow politics (or listen to any of a number of talk show hosts), you probably have heard the controversy of Obama’s speech tomorrow to school children.  To be honest, I’m quite surprised at the outrage over this matter.

This is what the White House is saying about it:

“The President has spoken often about the responsibility parents have for their children and their education, but in this message he’ll urge students to take personal responsibility for their own education, to set goals, and to not only stay in school but make the most of it.”

While a speech admonishing parents that it is their responsibility to educate their children is probably more in order, I think this is something that children and teens in particular need to hear.  From what we know thus far, I don’t see/hear anything political about it (though a transcript will be released Monday, and I might join the detractors then based on what I read).

My surprise really comes from the response’s quickness to jump on this as a problem.  I see nothing inherently wrong with the president addressing an encouraging, challenging message to students.  He’s not doing it behind parents’ backs…he’s releasing a transcript prior to so that parents can choose to talk to their children about it or have them exempted from the speech.  He appears not to be foisting his partisan agenda on the students, unless challenging oneself and taking advantage of educational opportunities is considered a political viewpoint.

On this issue, Vicki and I had a bit of a Twitter discussion, as followed.  I’m sorry if at times it’s not quite sequential as most conversations of this sort often aren’t.  In the interest of full disclosure, Vicki and I share many of the same political view points.

Ronnica: Yeah, Rep. want more dropouts. (?) RT @La_Shawn Hadn’t realized Obama’s gov’t school speech was so controversial…http://tinyurl.com/mn436y

Vicki: Concerned parents don’t want more drop outs. We don’t want the invasiveness of Socialism either, that’s why he scares us.

Ronnica: I agree with concerns about prez, but not this address yet. Once we see the transcript Monday, then we can judge.

Ronnica: Basically, I don’t think Obama is the enemy. *shock*

Vicki: Why would that be a shock?

Ronnica: It just seems that so much of what comes out of other conservatives mouths is vilification of those who they don’t agree with.

Vicki: You’re right but why is that not acceptible if what we have found out seems villainous to us? When can we speak our minds without reproof? We’re no louder or more obnoxious than those on the left vilifying what they don’t agree with.

Ronnica: I have no problem w/ppl saying, well, anything. I just think that the enemy is Satan and sin (and Dems aren’t the only sinners).

Vicki: To me his ideals go against my ideas of Christianity, of life, of liberty and of pursuit of happiness. I will speak against that.

Ronnica: I just find it surprising that some conservatives don’t even want their children to hear Obama, period.

Ronnica: Totally, I will/do, too. But I don’t disagree with everything he says, and he’s still the president, regardless.

Ronnica: And I guess I get more frustrated with ppl on “my” side acting like this than those I disagree with.

Vicki: I will let my daughter here him when I am there to guide and “interpret”. Kids @ school don’t have that. And it’s more than that. It’s a political/social message saying we understand where you’re coming from and we’re not going to sit idly by. (sorry for spelling errors, I’m dealing w/ many things…kids…at once) :)

Ronnica: That’s def. a big plus w/homeschooling (parents need to be more involved in their child’s ed when it’s not the prez speaking).

Ronnica: LOL kids: isn’t that what this is about? I’ll have more to say when transcript is released. Might blog this conv, if that’s ok.

Vicki: Yes, he’s the president and we are to respect that office, but I’m fine with being angry and honest. And protective.

Vicki: I know this is God’s will. My hope is that it’s bringing us closer to His Kingdom.

So, what do you think?  If you’re a parent, will you let your children watch this broadcast?  Are you going to read the transcript and then decide?  Will you discuss this with your children/youth?