7:31 a.m.
The skies are pretty overcast and threatening. I take it a bad omen. Decide to go to the committee anyway, though being struck by lightning may be the best part of the day.
7:57 a.m.
Tom and I head to Dunn Brothers to prepare for our committees. Head is hurting already. This may be due more to the Lift Bridge Farm Girl Saison than the stress of the day. I fear that may change. Take 2 Advils.
7:58 a.m.
Woman in a lilac-colored quilted dashiki in line behind me at Dunn Bros. She is a 50-something short white woman with mousy hair. I’m sure that our African advisory delegates are honored by her sartorial show of solidarity.
8:49 a.m.
Settle into the seat for a never-ending parade of various special-interest-type observers advocating for their favorite causes. Many many people speak passionately about issues that once again, no one outside the denomination cares anything about. Intrigued by the man advocating that the Yankees trade A-Rod to the Pirates, but assumed he wandered over from the Sports Talk Convention down the street.
9:47 a.m.
One woman (whom I previously wanted to hit with ThunderStix) starts using the old “my friend commissioner, I respectively disagree with your opinion.” with all of the sincerity she could fake. I believe I saw venom running down her chin at some point. She later attempted to negate another “friend commissioner’s” motion because it endangered the overture she was avidly supporting. The ThunderStix are ready.
10:13 a.m.
Headache persists and I down 3 more Advils. Pretty certain I feel a rapidly growing hole in my stomach. Or I got hold of some bad yogurt.
10:33 a.m.
Headache is gone in time to enjoy a lengthy discussion on the finer points of translating a sixteenth century German language document to English and should it first be translated to modern German then to English or straight from ancient German and why we need to re-translate it in the first place. I ask the Special Committee on Translation if they know what “schwarzwalder kirschtorte” means, and if anyone has proofread the document for correct usage of umlauts. Found that Special Committees on Translations have little to no sense of humor.
10:49 a.m.
Discussion of the word “grabber” takes a lot longer than it should. I really wish that were a joke.
11:55 a.m.
Vote on retranslating the Heidelberg Catechism passes 51-4-0. I am 1 of the 4, but there may be a recount as the Russian judge has apparently bribed the French judge during the preliminary hearing.
1:36 p.m.
Process starts all over again with another committee explaining their work on the Belhar Confession and why we need to add it to the Book of Confessions. While I appreciated the enthusiasm of one of the members, I didn’t agree that we should add it because “it’s like, totally the most awesome confession EVER!”
2;20 p.m.
Parliamentary procedures become so bogged down with motions, amendments, amendments to amendments, and substitute motions that the Stated Clerk of GA is called in. He performs a series of highly entertaining ventriloquism routines with his dummies “Knoxy” and “Zwingli” which distracts the commissioners long enough that they forget the earlier motions and start over again.
4:57 p.m.
We have been debating the amendments for three hours and are not even close to the original overture. In small groups I state my opposition to the passage of this motion. Apparently without realizing I sprouted an extra appendage and my skin turned plaid. It can be the only reason for the blank stares of incredulity.
6:16 p.m.
My quick dinner of an enormous Chipotle burrito has fallen through the Advil-created hole in my stomach.
7:09 p.m.
Debate continues, aided now by the financial advisor to the GA, who has been picking up empty soda cans from the convention floor in order to supplement the per capita budget.
8:39 p.m.
Fully 41 of the committee have now asked for procedures to be clarified. I must have missed that part of the briefing that if we get a 2/3 majority of participants to ask an obvious question we get free ice cream AND sprinkles.
9:19 p.m.
I begin to chew my nails just for sustenance.
9:45 p.m.
Belhar passes 43-11. At least the "againsts" hit double digits on this one. We are awarded some lovely parting gifts, including Rice-a-Roni (the San Francisco treat) and a gift certificate to the Spiegel Catalog (Chicago 60609).
10:05 p.m.
Foregoing beer, enjoy a couple glasses of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey. I buy the entire bottle and place in my bag with the laptop. It won’t do much for the hole in my stomach, but at some point I am not going to care so much.
Other notes:
-Today was easily the most stressful, disappointing, and depressing day of the week, And its only Monday. I plan writing a more serious wrap up at the end of the week, so I’ll save my thoughts from today til then.
-I know that a Scots pub would be more appropriate, but I am enjoying “The Local” Irish pub.
-May try “Caribou Coffee” tomorrow for a change of pace. And if I can wake up after the whiskey. Which would no doubt be tasty in the coffee, too.
-Please never doubt that we have a wonderful church at Grace Presbyterian. We have issues here and there but we are SOOOOOO blessed in SOOOOOO many ways, Never take it for granted. Never cease prayers of thanksgiving.
-Please continue to pray for me, Mike, Tom, our fellow commissioners and delegates and the denomination. Prayer is desperately needed and desired.
Showing posts with label PC(USA). Show all posts
Showing posts with label PC(USA). Show all posts
Monday, July 5, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
7:45 a.m.
Slept a little later than intended. These pillows may be some minor work of Satan.
8:12 a.m.
Roommate and I head to the convention center for the morning orientation sessions. No time for breakfast, but there is a Dunn Brothers Coffee right in the middle of the convention center. I take it as affirmation that God is present with us.
8:30 a.m.
Sitting in an overview of my subcommittee’s issues, dealing with Theological Issues and Institutions. These are billed as “Conversations,” but the speakers are obviously biased toward the issues they are presenting. Feel a little intimidated because most conversations I am involved in deal with episodes of Seinfeld and other such deep issues.
9:12 a.m.
Have already had a good long taste of discussions of race relations and gender neutral languages as it applies to the Book of Confessions in our constitution. It is the first HOUR of the first day.
9:13 a.m.
The professor speaking claims that students are so turned off by the use of masculine pronouns in speaking of God and Christ that they are distracted from learning about the theology behind the confessions. I’m going to use that as an excuse the nest time I don’t want to do a project at work. “I would have completed the brochure, but I was way too conflicted by the biased language used in it.”
9:38 a.m.
Female pastor from Baltimore is very concerned that the Belhar Confession under consideration for inclusion in the Book of Confessions is NOT gender neutral. Has two follow-up questions regarding same.
9:48 a.m.
Black speaker is really quite concerned that we include this new confession so that we can proclaim to the world that we think racism is bad. I seriously doubt that the world is paying any attention to us.
10:00 a.m.
Another odd fashion observation--a woman walks by in a black and white snake print sheath dress and lavender sequined platform heels. I was going to tell her that this wasn’t that kind of convention, but I noted that she was wearing a lanyard and carrying a PC(USA) totebag, so I held my tongue. Made a mental note to get one of those totebags.
10:19 a.m.
First headache has set in. I return to the hotel to down some Advil. I have a feeling I will be keeping a running tab on the amount of Advil downed this week. If my liver fails, can I get the PC(USA) to reimburse the medical expenses?
10:42 a.m.
Nice long break til lunch.
1:30 p.m.
Find my seat in the hall for the opening worship service. Mike Fry and I had decided earlier to wear Hawaiian shirts every day. So I surprised him by wearing a black and white snake print sheath dress and lavender heels. Kidding! The heels were black. Who wears lavender heels?
1:44 p.m.
Opening prayer includes a petition to “Mother God” to nurture us. Kinda wish that were a joke.
2;13 p.m.
Business meeting begins. We get to vote with cool little electronic tabulators, I get carried away pushing buttons and shout “What is the Magna Carta! I’ll take English History for $500, Alex.” Embarrassing, especially since the moderator’s name is Bruce.
2:48 p.m.
In test voting to see if we can figure out how to use the electronic tabulators, we find that the majority of commissioners are between 40 and 65 and up and 83% Caucasian. Shocking.
3:30ish p.m.
A man is relating the finer points of GA financial and budget implications in regards to the differences that may be incurred with passage of new proposals and whether they will be debited to the mission or per capita budget numbers. I begin to read the ingredient list on my Nature Valley Sweet -N- Salty Granola Bar and contemplate what “reduced minerals” are. I then contemplate whether I can commit hari kari with a ball point pen. Or a granola bar.
Sometime after that p.m.
We are dismissed. Free dinner at the exhibition hall. 1756 hungry Presbyterians line up for a free buffet served on just three tables. Mike and I take the light rail system to the back of line which begins somewhere near Mall of America.
7:00 p.m.
The next session begins. This is where we elect a new moderator by the process of asking all of the declared candidates to give speeches, write position papers and answer questions from the floor, carefully consider their qualifications and then vote for the one who will support eliminating the fidelity and chastity paragraph.
8:47 p.m.
The swimsuit competition is underway. The pastor from Nevada has surprisingly shapely legs.
9:18 p.m.
After one of the candidates called Presbyterians the most well-educated denomination, re-votes were called for because many of the commissioners couldn’t figure out how to use the electronic voting machines.
9:38 p.m.
Candidates were all very well-spoken and stated their positions very succinctly. I believe that the elder from Florida lost a few votes after trying to sway the Youth Advisory Delegates by declaring he would hire Ke$ha to perform at a “Totally kick ass ordination ceremony.”
9:47 p.m.
After four rounds, Elder Cynthia Bolbach is elected. She had a few funny comments during her speeches when she wasn’t advocating the adoption of the new Form of Government, which she helped develop. She was also the only candidate who didn’t affirm the covenant of marriage as between one man and one woman. So no surprise that she was elected. What was surprising was when she gave a shout out to Tupac and gave “mad props to God.”
Other notes:
-Final tally after 4 rounds was:
Bolbach 51%
Leeth 23%
Belle 8%
Lauterer 8%
Nielsen 6%
Kim 4%
“Doing the Dishes” 3% (I believe this was a glitch because one of the commissioners was playing “Family Feud” online.)
-Though he apparently supports Presbyterian Coalition, I thought that Eric Neilsen advocated many, if not all of the same positions we do at Grace Presbyterian, especially in regards to making the church relevant in our communities in order to reach people for Christ.
-I was pretty impressed with most of the other candidates. I will say that I voted for Julia Leeth, as she was the most conservative choice, and really reasoned out her answers to the published moderator questions. I will keep her assessments of the Belhar Confession and Heidelberg translations close by for the committee work which begins tomorrow.
-If I heard the word “diversity” once, I heard it 873 times. Again, it is only the first day.
-Our worship band at Grace is SOOOO good. I know, its an exhibition not a competition. But they are really really good.
Slept a little later than intended. These pillows may be some minor work of Satan.
8:12 a.m.
Roommate and I head to the convention center for the morning orientation sessions. No time for breakfast, but there is a Dunn Brothers Coffee right in the middle of the convention center. I take it as affirmation that God is present with us.
8:30 a.m.
Sitting in an overview of my subcommittee’s issues, dealing with Theological Issues and Institutions. These are billed as “Conversations,” but the speakers are obviously biased toward the issues they are presenting. Feel a little intimidated because most conversations I am involved in deal with episodes of Seinfeld and other such deep issues.
9:12 a.m.
Have already had a good long taste of discussions of race relations and gender neutral languages as it applies to the Book of Confessions in our constitution. It is the first HOUR of the first day.
9:13 a.m.
The professor speaking claims that students are so turned off by the use of masculine pronouns in speaking of God and Christ that they are distracted from learning about the theology behind the confessions. I’m going to use that as an excuse the nest time I don’t want to do a project at work. “I would have completed the brochure, but I was way too conflicted by the biased language used in it.”
9:38 a.m.
Female pastor from Baltimore is very concerned that the Belhar Confession under consideration for inclusion in the Book of Confessions is NOT gender neutral. Has two follow-up questions regarding same.
9:48 a.m.
Black speaker is really quite concerned that we include this new confession so that we can proclaim to the world that we think racism is bad. I seriously doubt that the world is paying any attention to us.
10:00 a.m.
Another odd fashion observation--a woman walks by in a black and white snake print sheath dress and lavender sequined platform heels. I was going to tell her that this wasn’t that kind of convention, but I noted that she was wearing a lanyard and carrying a PC(USA) totebag, so I held my tongue. Made a mental note to get one of those totebags.
10:19 a.m.
First headache has set in. I return to the hotel to down some Advil. I have a feeling I will be keeping a running tab on the amount of Advil downed this week. If my liver fails, can I get the PC(USA) to reimburse the medical expenses?
10:42 a.m.
Nice long break til lunch.
1:30 p.m.
Find my seat in the hall for the opening worship service. Mike Fry and I had decided earlier to wear Hawaiian shirts every day. So I surprised him by wearing a black and white snake print sheath dress and lavender heels. Kidding! The heels were black. Who wears lavender heels?
1:44 p.m.
Opening prayer includes a petition to “Mother God” to nurture us. Kinda wish that were a joke.
2;13 p.m.
Business meeting begins. We get to vote with cool little electronic tabulators, I get carried away pushing buttons and shout “What is the Magna Carta! I’ll take English History for $500, Alex.” Embarrassing, especially since the moderator’s name is Bruce.
2:48 p.m.
In test voting to see if we can figure out how to use the electronic tabulators, we find that the majority of commissioners are between 40 and 65 and up and 83% Caucasian. Shocking.
3:30ish p.m.
A man is relating the finer points of GA financial and budget implications in regards to the differences that may be incurred with passage of new proposals and whether they will be debited to the mission or per capita budget numbers. I begin to read the ingredient list on my Nature Valley Sweet -N- Salty Granola Bar and contemplate what “reduced minerals” are. I then contemplate whether I can commit hari kari with a ball point pen. Or a granola bar.
Sometime after that p.m.
We are dismissed. Free dinner at the exhibition hall. 1756 hungry Presbyterians line up for a free buffet served on just three tables. Mike and I take the light rail system to the back of line which begins somewhere near Mall of America.
7:00 p.m.
The next session begins. This is where we elect a new moderator by the process of asking all of the declared candidates to give speeches, write position papers and answer questions from the floor, carefully consider their qualifications and then vote for the one who will support eliminating the fidelity and chastity paragraph.
8:47 p.m.
The swimsuit competition is underway. The pastor from Nevada has surprisingly shapely legs.
9:18 p.m.
After one of the candidates called Presbyterians the most well-educated denomination, re-votes were called for because many of the commissioners couldn’t figure out how to use the electronic voting machines.
9:38 p.m.
Candidates were all very well-spoken and stated their positions very succinctly. I believe that the elder from Florida lost a few votes after trying to sway the Youth Advisory Delegates by declaring he would hire Ke$ha to perform at a “Totally kick ass ordination ceremony.”
9:47 p.m.
After four rounds, Elder Cynthia Bolbach is elected. She had a few funny comments during her speeches when she wasn’t advocating the adoption of the new Form of Government, which she helped develop. She was also the only candidate who didn’t affirm the covenant of marriage as between one man and one woman. So no surprise that she was elected. What was surprising was when she gave a shout out to Tupac and gave “mad props to God.”
Other notes:
-Final tally after 4 rounds was:
Bolbach 51%
Leeth 23%
Belle 8%
Lauterer 8%
Nielsen 6%
Kim 4%
“Doing the Dishes” 3% (I believe this was a glitch because one of the commissioners was playing “Family Feud” online.)
-Though he apparently supports Presbyterian Coalition, I thought that Eric Neilsen advocated many, if not all of the same positions we do at Grace Presbyterian, especially in regards to making the church relevant in our communities in order to reach people for Christ.
-I was pretty impressed with most of the other candidates. I will say that I voted for Julia Leeth, as she was the most conservative choice, and really reasoned out her answers to the published moderator questions. I will keep her assessments of the Belhar Confession and Heidelberg translations close by for the committee work which begins tomorrow.
-If I heard the word “diversity” once, I heard it 873 times. Again, it is only the first day.
-Our worship band at Grace is SOOOO good. I know, its an exhibition not a competition. But they are really really good.
Friday, July 2, 2010
My previously scheduled vacation has been interrupted so that I may bring you breaking news from Presbyterian General Assembly in Minneapolis Minnesota. So far, nothing outrageous to report. This is no doubt due to the fact that the assembly has not yet started. Even still, the following is a practice round of blogging.
2:35 p.m.
Arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Treated to my first full body scan. Later, I passed through security.
3:15 p.m.
Flight leaves for Minneapolis.
3:17 p.m.
I fall asleep, missing the beverage service.
4:38 p.m.
Baggage and I arrive in Minneapolis safely, despite the best efforts of the pilot who was seemingly trying to land the plane by simply cutting the engines on the decent to the runway and then trying to land on one wheel.
4:46 p.m.
Dozens of Hooters girls greet the GA Attendees at baggage claim. Wait, that was what I was dreaming on the plane,
4:46 p.m.
Dozens of Presbyterian volunteers in atrocious white aprons greet us at baggage claim and use colored ribbons to code our luggage according to hotel destination. My orange ribbon showed I was going to the Hooters Hotel. Wait, no, that’s more dream stuff. I have the Hilton ribbon. The volunteers shepherd us through the airport to a waiting motor coach which will whisk us to our destination.
4:58 p.m.
Buses arrive safely in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
4:59 p.m.
Buses turn around and head to downtown Minneapolis.
5:15 p.m.
Arrive at Hilton and wait in line at check-in desk.
5:17 p.m.
Talkative older woman cuts in from of the gentleman I was conversing with. Not just absentmindedly--she actually moved her bags and everything. Made a mental note to try to charge a Spectravision movie to her room.
5:20 p.m.
Room on the 22nd floor--got a little motion sick on the elevator ride. Apparently our airline pilot engineered them. Made a mental note to take Dramamine each morning.
5:21 p.m.
Have a pot-luck roommate who is not here. However, there are empty malt liquor bottles everywhere and 1972 Chevy Impala parked in the bathroom. I take it as a good omen.
5:45 p.m.
Unpack and check social media. Choose to ignore friend request from man I don’t know. Feel guilty for a second, hoping that he just wasn’t a lonely individual crying out for someone to care,
6:03 p.m.
Walk to Convention Center to register. There is a skyway from the hotel to the center. Minneapolis is famous for these skyways which criss cross the city. You never have to go outside or set foot on the street--which really helps when you want to avoid fresh air or any non-Presbyterians that might be wandering around.
6:10 p.m.
More hideous-apron-wearing volunteers give me my packet of information outlining all of the fun the week has in store. There is a great piece about all of the fun things to do in Minneapolis which you will not be able to partake in because you will be in the meetings outlined in the numerous other brochures provided.
6:18 p.m.
Notice that the meeting rooms are spread out through the Convention Center because--strangely enough--no one else is having a convention over the Fourth of July holiday. I return to the hotel.
6:21 p.m.
Notice a billboard across from the hotel sponsored by “Presbyterians4Peace.” Thought the “4” was a nice Prince-like touch, especially since we are in his hometown. Also made mental note to start “Presbyterians4randomviolenceandbloodshed” just for spite.
6:30 p.m.
Needed some hairspray and a goodly supply of Advil, and was pleasantly surprised to find a Target just a block away from the hotel. No skyway was available, so I took to the mean streets of the Mill City. Found out that Minneapolis is called "The Mill City" because "The Big Apple" was already being used.
6:41 p.m.
A 2-story downtown Target! Two floors of Target awesomeness taken to another level (pun intended) by the incredible shopping cart escalator in the middle of the store. AN ESCALATOR JUST FOR SHOPPING CARTS. I dropped my hand basket and got a cart just so I could use it, despite the fact I was getting just a couple items. I love America.
6:58 p.m.
Noted that in a week to be dominated by conversations about diversity, this Target was a glorious metaphor. Tatooed goth chicks, flamboyant gay couples, gangstas in ill-fitting pants, street people talking to themselves or others unseen, moms, professionals, and dozens of slack-jawed Presbyterians all mixing it up in front of the Cool Ranch Doritos display.
7:29 p.m.
Walked back to the hotel with my purchases. Noted that there was a Church of Scientology on the way in case the Presbyterians got to be too much and I needed to get in touch with my inner aliens.
8:00 p.m.
Dinner with an old friend who lives in the Minneapolis suburbs. Went to Famous Dave’s BBQ. He’s not a Presbyterian and thus found it hard to believe that I was here for 8 days of church committee meetings. This may be something that needs to change, as I’m fairly certain that he now has no interest in Presbyterianism. I certainly couldn’t blame him.
11:03 p.m.
Returned to the hotel and met my roommate. The malt liquor was gone, so I just played “dumb” and didn’t bring it up--I think he appreciated it.
11:27 p.m.
I think that I have the most comfortable pillows ever manufactured.
Other notes:
-Good job by the “decent and in order” people. The volunteers are everywhere and are very helpful and efficient. I’ve been making it a point to thank them.
-Minneapolis is a lovely town, The gorgeous weather helps no doubt, but the downtown and uptown sections are vibrant and fun.
-Always nice to see reunions of old friends, despite the fact that everyone inevitably says “How ARE you.” Not sure why that inflection is used.
-I think that it must be hard for Presbyterians to dress casually. I know they can do business dress just fine, but the Friday-Night-Going out on the Town outfits were somewhat lacking. I’m no stickler for fashion, but I really wanted to scream at some people “NO! Don’t wear that outside!” Also, the giant blue GA lanyards are NOT accessories and are not required to go to restaurants, clubs and bars.
-Summit Hefeweissen beer is very good.
-Real stuff starts tomorrow. I am doubting I will be able to get enough light-hearted stuff to duplicate this, but I am ever hopeful.
2:35 p.m.
Arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Treated to my first full body scan. Later, I passed through security.
3:15 p.m.
Flight leaves for Minneapolis.
3:17 p.m.
I fall asleep, missing the beverage service.
4:38 p.m.
Baggage and I arrive in Minneapolis safely, despite the best efforts of the pilot who was seemingly trying to land the plane by simply cutting the engines on the decent to the runway and then trying to land on one wheel.
4:46 p.m.
Dozens of Hooters girls greet the GA Attendees at baggage claim. Wait, that was what I was dreaming on the plane,
4:46 p.m.
Dozens of Presbyterian volunteers in atrocious white aprons greet us at baggage claim and use colored ribbons to code our luggage according to hotel destination. My orange ribbon showed I was going to the Hooters Hotel. Wait, no, that’s more dream stuff. I have the Hilton ribbon. The volunteers shepherd us through the airport to a waiting motor coach which will whisk us to our destination.
4:58 p.m.
Buses arrive safely in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
4:59 p.m.
Buses turn around and head to downtown Minneapolis.
5:15 p.m.
Arrive at Hilton and wait in line at check-in desk.
5:17 p.m.
Talkative older woman cuts in from of the gentleman I was conversing with. Not just absentmindedly--she actually moved her bags and everything. Made a mental note to try to charge a Spectravision movie to her room.
5:20 p.m.
Room on the 22nd floor--got a little motion sick on the elevator ride. Apparently our airline pilot engineered them. Made a mental note to take Dramamine each morning.
5:21 p.m.
Have a pot-luck roommate who is not here. However, there are empty malt liquor bottles everywhere and 1972 Chevy Impala parked in the bathroom. I take it as a good omen.
5:45 p.m.
Unpack and check social media. Choose to ignore friend request from man I don’t know. Feel guilty for a second, hoping that he just wasn’t a lonely individual crying out for someone to care,
6:03 p.m.
Walk to Convention Center to register. There is a skyway from the hotel to the center. Minneapolis is famous for these skyways which criss cross the city. You never have to go outside or set foot on the street--which really helps when you want to avoid fresh air or any non-Presbyterians that might be wandering around.
6:10 p.m.
More hideous-apron-wearing volunteers give me my packet of information outlining all of the fun the week has in store. There is a great piece about all of the fun things to do in Minneapolis which you will not be able to partake in because you will be in the meetings outlined in the numerous other brochures provided.
6:18 p.m.
Notice that the meeting rooms are spread out through the Convention Center because--strangely enough--no one else is having a convention over the Fourth of July holiday. I return to the hotel.
6:21 p.m.
Notice a billboard across from the hotel sponsored by “Presbyterians4Peace.” Thought the “4” was a nice Prince-like touch, especially since we are in his hometown. Also made mental note to start “Presbyterians4randomviolenceandbloodshed” just for spite.
6:30 p.m.
Needed some hairspray and a goodly supply of Advil, and was pleasantly surprised to find a Target just a block away from the hotel. No skyway was available, so I took to the mean streets of the Mill City. Found out that Minneapolis is called "The Mill City" because "The Big Apple" was already being used.
6:41 p.m.
A 2-story downtown Target! Two floors of Target awesomeness taken to another level (pun intended) by the incredible shopping cart escalator in the middle of the store. AN ESCALATOR JUST FOR SHOPPING CARTS. I dropped my hand basket and got a cart just so I could use it, despite the fact I was getting just a couple items. I love America.
6:58 p.m.
Noted that in a week to be dominated by conversations about diversity, this Target was a glorious metaphor. Tatooed goth chicks, flamboyant gay couples, gangstas in ill-fitting pants, street people talking to themselves or others unseen, moms, professionals, and dozens of slack-jawed Presbyterians all mixing it up in front of the Cool Ranch Doritos display.
7:29 p.m.
Walked back to the hotel with my purchases. Noted that there was a Church of Scientology on the way in case the Presbyterians got to be too much and I needed to get in touch with my inner aliens.
8:00 p.m.
Dinner with an old friend who lives in the Minneapolis suburbs. Went to Famous Dave’s BBQ. He’s not a Presbyterian and thus found it hard to believe that I was here for 8 days of church committee meetings. This may be something that needs to change, as I’m fairly certain that he now has no interest in Presbyterianism. I certainly couldn’t blame him.
11:03 p.m.
Returned to the hotel and met my roommate. The malt liquor was gone, so I just played “dumb” and didn’t bring it up--I think he appreciated it.
11:27 p.m.
I think that I have the most comfortable pillows ever manufactured.
Other notes:
-Good job by the “decent and in order” people. The volunteers are everywhere and are very helpful and efficient. I’ve been making it a point to thank them.
-Minneapolis is a lovely town, The gorgeous weather helps no doubt, but the downtown and uptown sections are vibrant and fun.
-Always nice to see reunions of old friends, despite the fact that everyone inevitably says “How ARE you.” Not sure why that inflection is used.
-I think that it must be hard for Presbyterians to dress casually. I know they can do business dress just fine, but the Friday-Night-Going out on the Town outfits were somewhat lacking. I’m no stickler for fashion, but I really wanted to scream at some people “NO! Don’t wear that outside!” Also, the giant blue GA lanyards are NOT accessories and are not required to go to restaurants, clubs and bars.
-Summit Hefeweissen beer is very good.
-Real stuff starts tomorrow. I am doubting I will be able to get enough light-hearted stuff to duplicate this, but I am ever hopeful.
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