My dog and I packed up July 8 and had a leisurely trip to Oakland. Kathleen helped me pack up my little red Yaris, a small Toyota that resembles a roller skate. My dog, Lady, and I had not taken a long road trip together before so I was looking for an adventure. The trip was easy and we stopped at lots of rest areas. I knew the weather was going to be hot so I put bottles half filled with water in the freezer. When I filled them up with water, they stayed cool and provided us with chilled drinks. Silly, but I’m always so proud of myself when a good idea actually works.
I did almost turn off on the exit labeled ‘Easy Street, Shamrock Road’ that’s just before Yreka. Someday I’ll have to take that exit and see where it leads! A number of large trucks had two arrow shaped bumper stickers on their rear panel. The one on the left read “Passing Side” with the arrow pointing to side one would pass and the one arrow was labeled “Suicide” with a letter pointing to the right. Say it aloud and you’ll figure it out.
My friends, Sharon and Monza, welcomed Lady and me with a handmade sign [very sweet] and they are providing me with lovely accommodations. I have a large bedroom—bigger than any at our home—with a study attached and a walk in closet. The queen size bed is comfortable and there are many windows. As soon as Susan shows me how to do it, I’ll post pictures. They have a big lovely stucco Craftsman style home in the Rockridge area of Oakland. On College Avenue at the end of the block, there must be 40 restaurants within walking distance interspersed with hair salons, bookstores, bakeries, and bead shops. These restaurants range from Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, which often has a line out the door, to Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, pasta, crepes, yuppie elegance, and a greasy spoon. I think I’ll try one a week during the fall and spring semesters.
Cold California
I was shocked to find the weather rather chilly. I took tank tops and short sleeve blouses only to freeze in them. I only had one long sleeve shirt, one sweater, and one sweatshirt. They all saw double duty. Mornings at Pacific Lutheran Theological School were overcast, often misty marine air, and about 65 degrees and sometimes in the 50s.. Not what I expected. Many afternoons were sunny and lovely but in the low 70s. From my perspective, 72 is an ideal temperature for a light jacket and not tank top weather. I’m taking warmer clothes with me when I return at the end of August.
Computer Challenges
Susan was still working on my computer when I left and she couldn’t send it to me until mid-July. I was without internet connection, e-mail, or the ability to work. Over my first weekend there, this was not a problem as I had plenty to occupy me just settling in. As Greek started I was captivated by the homework. Yet it was worrisome. I was stunned to find out that I am really dependent on the internet and my computer. I’ve joked that I could do just fine if you plunked me down in an English speaking town and I had hot running water and a way to make heat [for warmth and cooking food]. These seemed to be the bare essentials. I now have to add high-speed internet connection! I ended up going 30 days without access to my e-mail. I hated it. Lucky for me, Sharon had two people to recommend and they are working with Susan to create a VPN, which stands for virtual private network. This is a very secure remote access to our local intranet at the office. The VPN is not yet up and running. I think we should create a series of prayers for computer systems, computer wizards and the people that have to interface with them. Please hold my computer problems in your prayers.
Kamikaze Greek is a good description of the biblical Greek class. We were in class from 8.45 until 12.00 everyday with daily quizzes. The homework was thorough which is not exactly my favorite type of homework. It was hard. Very hard. Gary Pence, our professor, was supportive and encouraging but for some reason he couldn’t help me actually memorize the 40 forms of you, he, she, it, and I. I’m so glad that I took the summer class. If I had taken it during the year, I would have found other homework and studies to do and I would have never done the homework. It was the hardest class in my entire life! I did learn the basics of translation. I know how to use the tools available but I did not memorize well. I was sorry not to discover some hidden talent for language acquisition. And the class is over and I don’t think I have any more requirements in Greek. Maybe down the road I’ll be part of a group that would like to learn Greek for New Testament studies.
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