Recovery discs for my Gateway PC have not arrived yet. It cannot even boot up right now. Something in it was totally destructive. The discs were only about $30, so it was a good first step to recovery. However, I think that realistically, I have about a 25% chance of recovering it at all, based on the level of damage. I'm not sure if its just the factory data or Windows too. I think I was able to create an image disc for Windows, so we shall see. . .
So, I'm stuck on my 5 year old laptop now (maybe 6 years old, I can't remember exactly when I bought it . . But I remember I bought it from Circuit City, so it's been awhile.). I took it to a coffee shop today and I got alot of Wrieframing done for my new app I'm designing.
I'm basing my app off a game that I played in Confirmation class taht was released on CD-ROM. The last version was released in 2007, and it is not very impressive, anymore. It runs through Internet Explorer and hardly worth the $20 I paid for it. All in all, it was not built by a graphic designer or anyone with an artistic mind.
So I'm redesigning it for iPad. The name was never trademarked, at least not the way that it's laidout now. So I'm pretty open to go with this. However, I have to think about distribution, as well. The program that I purchased was produced through our Synod's publishing house. If I sell mine on the Apple Store for a fraction of the cost, am I taking money away from my church-body? The fact that the program is mediocre is a mute point. Or should I try to sell it to the Publishing House? Or maybe there's another deal that I can/should make . . . I'm going to have to ask around, but I think that there is potential in this idea. One thing that I should consider too is that not every church in our synod owns an iPad. In fact, I will go out on a limb and say that less then 10% of our churches have one. On the other hand, the majority have computers. So I may develope this app (with over 1000 pages) and have no return for my time.
Any thoughts?
dthwriter1@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Twists and Turns
A quick blog update while I work on my homework:
So it appears that my program at MLC has been downgraded to the point where I do not qualify for any Federal Aid. As a result, I will also need to start paying back my student loans sooner than expected. And on top of my other financial obligations and expences, I still have good amount left on my car. So, I will not be going to MLC this year.
I am a little dissappointed that this happened all of a sudden and I was not aware of this before I moved. I was told the exact opposite of what is happening now. So, I guess I'll finish up with National University and take this year off from school. God will direct me in this time to understand where he is leading me.
But for now, it's homework time, then packing time. I will be leaving New Ulm on the 24th, which gives me a little over a week. My boss was really great about the situation, yet sad to lose me. Not exactly a good thing for my resume either. But I'll have a job with Applebee's in New Ulm, should I return next year.
God bless.
So it appears that my program at MLC has been downgraded to the point where I do not qualify for any Federal Aid. As a result, I will also need to start paying back my student loans sooner than expected. And on top of my other financial obligations and expences, I still have good amount left on my car. So, I will not be going to MLC this year.
I am a little dissappointed that this happened all of a sudden and I was not aware of this before I moved. I was told the exact opposite of what is happening now. So, I guess I'll finish up with National University and take this year off from school. God will direct me in this time to understand where he is leading me.
But for now, it's homework time, then packing time. I will be leaving New Ulm on the 24th, which gives me a little over a week. My boss was really great about the situation, yet sad to lose me. Not exactly a good thing for my resume either. But I'll have a job with Applebee's in New Ulm, should I return next year.
God bless.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Zinfandel Blues
Well, starting a new class this week with National University. This is my third to last class. I'll be glad when its done and I can say that I completed my Degree.
Nice long day today. It was really slow in the morning and afternoon at work. I only had two tables before I was cut. second shift today was spent as a host, so I probably made more money as a host than as a server. I have another double tomorrow and Sundays are normally good. The best part is, I can make the 8:00 am service at St. Paul's before starting my shift at 11. St. Paul's, by the way is my new church.
Anyway, I'm now at home drinking from a bottle of Dancing Bull red Zindandel wine. Its not very good, I'm sorry to say. . . but that's what I get for buying bottles of wine under $15. Sorry, but I cannot afford more. And I'm barely through one glass and I'm feeling a little tipsy. Maybe it was the Brewtus Micalob I had at Applebees after I got off. only $3:). I have some Muenster and Cheddar cheese here and crackers which tastes great with the wine. I might need to save the rest of the bottle for tomorrow night. It could be that I haven't been eating normal meals or drinking much water. The humidity is so high here, my body's having trouble transitioning. Several people say that this is abnormal humidity for MN. We'll see...
And I'm watching some of my favorite episodes of MASH. This is great. But one of the more "serious" episodes directed by Alan Alda requires Hawkeye to say goodbye to a someone that really meant a deal to him. It was hard. And I've suddenly realized how many people I've said goodbye to this year. I'd like to say that I will see them again over pxmas break. But with my father receiving a call to Arizona, I'm not sure yet where I will be spending Christmas.
Anyway, alcohol and depression go hand in hand so I think I will put the cork back in the bottle of wine and head to bed. I have a lot of great things to look forward to over the next few years. God has plans for me and my life, just like all of us.
Have a great night and I'll see you next time. . . Same bat time, same bat channel!
Nice long day today. It was really slow in the morning and afternoon at work. I only had two tables before I was cut. second shift today was spent as a host, so I probably made more money as a host than as a server. I have another double tomorrow and Sundays are normally good. The best part is, I can make the 8:00 am service at St. Paul's before starting my shift at 11. St. Paul's, by the way is my new church.
Anyway, I'm now at home drinking from a bottle of Dancing Bull red Zindandel wine. Its not very good, I'm sorry to say. . . but that's what I get for buying bottles of wine under $15. Sorry, but I cannot afford more. And I'm barely through one glass and I'm feeling a little tipsy. Maybe it was the Brewtus Micalob I had at Applebees after I got off. only $3:). I have some Muenster and Cheddar cheese here and crackers which tastes great with the wine. I might need to save the rest of the bottle for tomorrow night. It could be that I haven't been eating normal meals or drinking much water. The humidity is so high here, my body's having trouble transitioning. Several people say that this is abnormal humidity for MN. We'll see...
And I'm watching some of my favorite episodes of MASH. This is great. But one of the more "serious" episodes directed by Alan Alda requires Hawkeye to say goodbye to a someone that really meant a deal to him. It was hard. And I've suddenly realized how many people I've said goodbye to this year. I'd like to say that I will see them again over pxmas break. But with my father receiving a call to Arizona, I'm not sure yet where I will be spending Christmas.
Anyway, alcohol and depression go hand in hand so I think I will put the cork back in the bottle of wine and head to bed. I have a lot of great things to look forward to over the next few years. God has plans for me and my life, just like all of us.
Have a great night and I'll see you next time. . . Same bat time, same bat channel!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Cruise Control
You ever feel like your stuck on cruise control?
I remember the first time I engaged a cruise control on a car. It surprised me. I felt the pedal go down on its own and the engine purred consistantly until I turned it off. I'm not sure what I was expecting to feel, but not quite that.
And what's interesting is that when you put your car on cruise control you gain a little freedom, but you lose a little control.
It's a give and take.
With some cars, you can relax a little then, while still watching the road and being aware of others around you. But on my 3-day drive out here, there were times when I was not within a mile of another car. And so, for hours at a time, the cruise came on.
The problem with cruise control is that it can offer a false sense of freedom.
Thankfully, we got out here to MN without a hitch. But lately I've been thinking about the trip out here.
I'm very comfortable here in New Ulm. There are friendly people, a good environment, and its allowing me to get on my feet financially for the first time. But I need more to do. Its getting to be a little monotonous. Not the work or the people, mind you, but keeping busy.
I've been working on a few documents and I have reworked my website (http://www.danielthenning.com/). I think I may be on to something here. . . We'll see.
I like "getting into the groove" of things here, but very soon the cruise will have to come off. I'm starting school in a few weeks and I have no idea what pace I will be living at then. Well, I've juggled a full time job and school for a few years now. Not to mention ministry work and a few extras. I'm sure I can do it. I'll just have to find the balance between work, school, and everything else.
And while I'm at it, I need to make sure I'm keeping track of my surroundings, fatigue and cruise control can be a bad combination on the road.
And in life as well . . .
I remember the first time I engaged a cruise control on a car. It surprised me. I felt the pedal go down on its own and the engine purred consistantly until I turned it off. I'm not sure what I was expecting to feel, but not quite that.
And what's interesting is that when you put your car on cruise control you gain a little freedom, but you lose a little control.
It's a give and take.
With some cars, you can relax a little then, while still watching the road and being aware of others around you. But on my 3-day drive out here, there were times when I was not within a mile of another car. And so, for hours at a time, the cruise came on.
The problem with cruise control is that it can offer a false sense of freedom.
Thankfully, we got out here to MN without a hitch. But lately I've been thinking about the trip out here.
I'm very comfortable here in New Ulm. There are friendly people, a good environment, and its allowing me to get on my feet financially for the first time. But I need more to do. Its getting to be a little monotonous. Not the work or the people, mind you, but keeping busy.
I've been working on a few documents and I have reworked my website (http://www.danielthenning.com/). I think I may be on to something here. . . We'll see.
I like "getting into the groove" of things here, but very soon the cruise will have to come off. I'm starting school in a few weeks and I have no idea what pace I will be living at then. Well, I've juggled a full time job and school for a few years now. Not to mention ministry work and a few extras. I'm sure I can do it. I'll just have to find the balance between work, school, and everything else.
And while I'm at it, I need to make sure I'm keeping track of my surroundings, fatigue and cruise control can be a bad combination on the road.
And in life as well . . .
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Applebees
Well, my first three days of work are done. And I am pooped. I haven't run around like this in awhile. And the biggest thing going against me is the weather out here. It is super hot. Temperatures are well into the upper 90s and 100s. Not that that would be a problem, if I am indoors, but the humidity pushes it to 115 and at one point 118 yesterday with the heat index. And there is no way to combat that. Even if you are indoors, the energy required to keep a restaurant cool is impossible to generate. The front door opening every few minutes sees to that. Not to mention the grill in the back.
But my boss, Tyson, was great. He bought us Otterpops and Powerades. I have a great team that I am working with, which is a relief. I wasn't sure it woud be easy to go from a company like Chick-fil-A to anything equal in care, respect, and service. But Applebees seems to do just that. I am blessed to have this new job.
I'm picking up serving very well, too. I still get stuck on the menu from time to time, but that is to be expected, seeing how vast it is. But I'm noticing trends with some products, where others are virtually never ordered.
Well, I have a couple of days off, which is great. I will give my body a chance to hydrate some more. I'm working on another paper: "Church Branding 101: An Intro to Building Identity in your Church's Community." I'm going to shorten the title. I think its too long. I've read scholarly journals with titles twice as long, but for something like this . . . we'll see. So this is paper #3. I might as well write a book . . . Perhaps that is what I am building up to.
But my boss, Tyson, was great. He bought us Otterpops and Powerades. I have a great team that I am working with, which is a relief. I wasn't sure it woud be easy to go from a company like Chick-fil-A to anything equal in care, respect, and service. But Applebees seems to do just that. I am blessed to have this new job.
I'm picking up serving very well, too. I still get stuck on the menu from time to time, but that is to be expected, seeing how vast it is. But I'm noticing trends with some products, where others are virtually never ordered.
Well, I have a couple of days off, which is great. I will give my body a chance to hydrate some more. I'm working on another paper: "Church Branding 101: An Intro to Building Identity in your Church's Community." I'm going to shorten the title. I think its too long. I've read scholarly journals with titles twice as long, but for something like this . . . we'll see. So this is paper #3. I might as well write a book . . . Perhaps that is what I am building up to.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Ministry and Art
Well, I'm really getting settled in here. I got a job at Applebee's yesterday and I am reviewing the menu. Its raining here and is has been dark all day. I was trying to pass the time by doing some stuff on the computer and then I felt like it was getting close to dinner and possibly bed time. Its so dark and at noon today it lookes like it was 7 or 8. But then I looked at my computer clock and saw it was only 3 in the afternoon. Wow. I seriously could probably sleep right now, but then I'd be up at like 10.
So, I'm writing another blog.
I'm really starting to get into this Ministry and Art stuff. The more I work on it, the more I realize that we have a need for it in the Church today. Just to fill you in, I made a portfolio website that you can see here. Its nothing special yet, but I decided, when I was naming it, that I wanted to use two words that meant alot to me: "Ministry" and "artistry." And as the months went on since I launched it, those two concepts began to merge in my mind and I think I've come across some valuable theories in terms of Ministry, specifically Outreach.
I've written two papers that I plan to make available on my website. I may even post some excerpts here, if you are good. One of them is called: Get "plugged-In" to the 21st Century Church. The other is called: Six Myths to Personal Outreach.
In these papers I have worked out some ideas that I have had in my mind for years, but was never able to find time to write them down. And in writing them I figured out quite a bit about my own personal style of ministry work that I hope to implement into my future.
But Ministry and Art go hand in hand when it comes to reaching out to the generations of today and the so-called "Generation Alpha" of tomorrow. Generation Alpha are those born from 2010 to ~2025. If cycles are really followed from one generation to the next then they are likely to be highly artistic and materialistic. They will be very smart thinkers and possibly revolutionists similar to those seen during the Renaissance. The future of the church will need to adapt to this new ideology. The best way is to make the church technologically advanced and highly artistic in the use of motion graphics and video.
To me, this makes perfect sense. Generation Z (1986-1999) grew up completely with wireless communications and computers. Most of us had a personal computer in the house and our own cell phone at some point of our minor years. We understand how they work and how to use them to communicate with the world. The church of tomorrow will need to be able to do this as well. My website's goal is to help ease that transition and inform how to make these changes to those otherwise inexperienced in this new time of Computer-Age Christianity.
It is interesting how much room we have to grow. We need to keep up with the changes of the world if we are to remain relevent to the souls of today. Personally, I cannot wait to get started. That's why I'm starting here. With a website.
So, I'm writing another blog.
I'm really starting to get into this Ministry and Art stuff. The more I work on it, the more I realize that we have a need for it in the Church today. Just to fill you in, I made a portfolio website that you can see here. Its nothing special yet, but I decided, when I was naming it, that I wanted to use two words that meant alot to me: "Ministry" and "artistry." And as the months went on since I launched it, those two concepts began to merge in my mind and I think I've come across some valuable theories in terms of Ministry, specifically Outreach.
I've written two papers that I plan to make available on my website. I may even post some excerpts here, if you are good. One of them is called: Get "plugged-In" to the 21st Century Church. The other is called: Six Myths to Personal Outreach.
In these papers I have worked out some ideas that I have had in my mind for years, but was never able to find time to write them down. And in writing them I figured out quite a bit about my own personal style of ministry work that I hope to implement into my future.
But Ministry and Art go hand in hand when it comes to reaching out to the generations of today and the so-called "Generation Alpha" of tomorrow. Generation Alpha are those born from 2010 to ~2025. If cycles are really followed from one generation to the next then they are likely to be highly artistic and materialistic. They will be very smart thinkers and possibly revolutionists similar to those seen during the Renaissance. The future of the church will need to adapt to this new ideology. The best way is to make the church technologically advanced and highly artistic in the use of motion graphics and video.
To me, this makes perfect sense. Generation Z (1986-1999) grew up completely with wireless communications and computers. Most of us had a personal computer in the house and our own cell phone at some point of our minor years. We understand how they work and how to use them to communicate with the world. The church of tomorrow will need to be able to do this as well. My website's goal is to help ease that transition and inform how to make these changes to those otherwise inexperienced in this new time of Computer-Age Christianity.
It is interesting how much room we have to grow. We need to keep up with the changes of the world if we are to remain relevent to the souls of today. Personally, I cannot wait to get started. That's why I'm starting here. With a website.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
New Horizons
I love coming up with titles for my blog that sound like titles to Star Trek episodes.
Anyway, I was asked to return for a follow-up interview tomorrow night for Applebee's. I am very optomistic, but not to the point where I want to risk looking like an ass in future blogs. But I was already offered a job elsewhere, but for now, I think that Applebee's is the better choice, but I'm open for both during the next two months and maybe longer if I can balance the school work load.
I am very pleased with how things are turning out so far. I am excited about the next few months and following years. Some things are a little different than I imagined they would be out here, but certainly not worse. God is good. He will not abandon his people.
Now, off to dinner at Perkins.
Anyway, I was asked to return for a follow-up interview tomorrow night for Applebee's. I am very optomistic, but not to the point where I want to risk looking like an ass in future blogs. But I was already offered a job elsewhere, but for now, I think that Applebee's is the better choice, but I'm open for both during the next two months and maybe longer if I can balance the school work load.
I am very pleased with how things are turning out so far. I am excited about the next few months and following years. Some things are a little different than I imagined they would be out here, but certainly not worse. God is good. He will not abandon his people.
Now, off to dinner at Perkins.
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