[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true”]End Of An Era[/custom_headline][text_output]Today marks the end if an era in my life (and Kat’s, too). For about two years now, we’ve been setting up for Torah Study at where we attend services. We’d get here around 9 AM (originally we started at 9:30 AM, but eventually needed to have more time available for making coffee, things like that.).
Today was the last day of that. We passed on the torch to another person, Tess, who’ll do a great job at it. This relieves of our Saturday morning duty entirely. The Shabbat is supposed to be a day of rest, and we should “do no regular work.” Now, we can fulfill that. For a while, I have every intent of sleeping in on Saturdays and make the most of some rest. 🙂
In November, I had retired from one of my other duties. Once every five weeks, I acted as an usher at synagogue. Ushers are a combination of door greeter and security. Technically, even when not taking your turn as an usher, there are still responsibilities. For instance, in case of fire, tornado, bomb threat, or even a gun man, our job is to make sure people are led to a safe location. The synagogue’s sanctuary is broken down into areas, and the ushers are spread out a bit so that in case of an emergency, we helped guide people to proper exits, etc.
Giving up ushering was a big deal for me. If I was on duty, I put on my suit (something rare for me), put on a smile, and greeted people at the door. I was “that guy” who told kids to walk when they ran in the foyer. I kept an eye on everything around me, right down to keeping a count in my head of how many kids were currently in the bathroom. Don’t get me wrong – it’s an easy job, really, and it’s something I did with joy, and a sense that I was contributing to the community.
Torah study was no different. It’s something I did that contributed, and it was a joy to do.
So, why quit doing it? A couple reasons. First, there’s my “calling”, First Geek Congregation (see the next section, beginning of a new era). Second, Torah study is good, but, eventually after three years of attending it, it becomes the same questions and and answers, except for some of the new people. A number of the new people are pretty tightly wound ultra conservatives.
And, there’s the changes in me. The more time I spend with scripture, the less conservative I am. I still consider myself a moderate, but, I have a harder time agreeing with the opinions of the world around me.
Is that the end of my involvement with synagogue? I doubt it, but, for a while, it’s time for a break, both to center myself, and to concentrate on the next thing.[/text_output][custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true”]Beginning Of A New Era[/custom_headline][text_output]
There’s a number of reasons for stepping out of my portion of the responsibilities at synagogue, but the main one of First Geek Congregation. Simply put, I’m starting a geek-centric congregation here in Wichita. It lacks a standard dogma, ignores existing tradition, and a lot of other things. You can look at the site for more information, as that’s not the point for this post 🙂
The problem is if I’m at the front door of synagogue, greeting people in my suit, I’m a representative of synagogue and it’s beliefs. However, if I say something that people at synagogue – and, most assuredly I will – then a conflict occurs. So, I wouldn’t feel free to say what I’m guided or say, or, I wouldn’t be comfortable holding the position at synagogue. So, I had to step down.
Soon, First Geek Congregation will start sometime in January. We’ll be at The Center of Wichita, which is going to be an interesting experience 🙂
[/text_output][custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true”]Week 1 Workout Photos (And it ain’t pretty)[/custom_headline][text_output]Allllrriighty then. Time for week one’s workout photos.
Jeez. I look like hell. I’d love to say that’s just a well developed beer belly, but, I don’t drink beer. I’d also love to say I’m pushing my gut out, but, I’m not. That’s me, relaxed.
Damn, I’ve really let myself go.
Well, that’s what this is here for: to remind me in 2 months why I’m doing it, and what’s changed. But, still… sheesh.
I’m also going to throw a contrast picture in there, from the last workout cycle. Yeah…. there’s a little work that needs to be done here. Fortunately, that first bit to at least cut a little of that stomach off doesn’t take a whole lot. But, after the first month, it starts slowing down.
Also, this weeks weigh in is 228 lbs.
[line][custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true”]Today’s Stats[/custom_headline][text_output]
- Workouts:  0 (dangit!)
- Cigarettes Smoked: 20
- Healthy Eating:  Skipped breakfast, decent lunch, healthy supper (made by Brian and Ching Brubaker 🙂
Projects Worked on:
- Worked on info for Residential Aliens Magazine / Fear And Trembling Magazine distribution
- (Still Un-named) Android / iOS app
- Jumpman Forever Ouya integration work
[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]