Burky's Blog

Joys are our wings, sorrows our spurs.  --Jean Paul Richter

People who lack the strength to be themselves are always trying to tear down those who do.
Sent wirelessly

Why do you say things went wrong? Who are we to think how things should go? Let's say instead: things went differently than I expected.
Sent wirelessly

Before I forget, I better record this, that I got to 59,000 miles on
my car yesterday morning at 6 AM. I got my car with 11k miles in 2005.
Now, only 2+ years later, I gained almost 50,000 miles.

I don't feel like going to work this morning. "I owe, I owe, off to work I go!"

Man, I sure wish I would be carefree just for one day.

--
Omar Burkholder
1091 Martindale Road
Ephrata, PA 17522

Email: deafdemophile@gmail.com
Fax: 1-888-580-1767

Good morning, friends. It was 31F this morning when I looked at the
tempature. I recall yesterday I told my coworker that it was 23
degrees. He said it was 31 at his home when he left for work
yesterday.

Well after he said that I had second thoughts. I wasn't sure if I
remember correctly. Yet I know from past experiences that I often
remember subconsciously than consciously. In other words, even when I
went to verify if my memory was correct, I often find it to be so than
not. It is so often that I felt it is pointless to try correcting. Yet
my intuition beg me to correct myself again...and again...

I was glad for experience of going to rodeo in Harrisburg last
Saturday even if I would prefer staying home and relax. I even got to
see Charlene Zimmerman's brother, whom I haven't seen for a long time.
We found out that Shannon and his wife has left buggy Mennonite church
for Horning group. It has been like this for two months already. We
sure wonder why Charlene kept it from us. Perhaps it was because she
fear of us poking at her and wondering if she would be next. I think
in a way she would want to, but because she likes security of the
familiar, so she would rather stay. After all, she is a woman.

I even got to see Anita Martin, George Martin of Union County's
daughter. And her three friends. Seems like Union County Mennonites
are very friendly. At least all who I know.

I am on break. My back is bit tired from continuous hold when bending
over to touch up at work. Finally we are done with that project,
thankfully.

Well 10 minutes has been up hours ago and I'm working again. Right now
my work is fairly easy and I would have time to add to this update as
I work.

Last Saturday I found a way to synchronize Facebook notes to the blog.
So that means every time when I write updates like this, it will be
automatically added to Facebook. If only more people I know would have
Facebook! People like those of CDI. Even Joel used website for
public, he can easily add his journal there to his Facebook as well.
And also Jason and Beth add their blog to Facebook notes. Although I
understand the reason for Beth's blog on that website is that we can
donate money toward their hospital bills which would be bit impossible
on Facebook. Unless there is a way I don't know about.

I even downloaded Facebook into my blackberry. Its so nice. Now I can
update my status more often!

Right now I'm wondering if there is a way I can get events from
Facebook into my calendar. That way I can know more deaf events and
whatnot. As well as my Facebook friends.

It would be nice if MySpace calendar would be synchronized too, but
MySpace is more properitary (sp?) than Facebook which make it more
difficult to synchronize anything to it.

I understand if Joel didn't want Facebook because he is strong "C"
personality which would make Facebook seem pointless to him. I guess I
really like Facebook and my blog site is that I can write a letter
(email) as I always enjoy doing and keep a journal (blog) as I always
enjoy and do it all at one time! With Facebook, my friends can
subscribe to my notes so to read my notes in their emails if they want
to and unsubscribe whenever they don't want to. In other words, in
Facebook, my friends have more of a choice instead of cluttering up
their mailbox without much choice than deleting it.

Now I am confirmed Facebook addict, amen.

I'm looking forward to trip to Ohio this coming weekend. It would be
good to see my Texan sister again and travel with my favorite cousin
one more time. My sister are talking about two people that I'm
supposed to know that is attending Messiah Bible School. So I guess I
won't be in sea of complete strangers this weekend, thankfully. And
Janet made a suggestion to visit Rachel Raber too, so I will get to
see where she lives for the first time if we do go.

Last evening I had quite an embarrassing experience. I was letting the
water run so I can do dishwashing. And I ran off completely forgot
about water, thus flooding the kitchen floor and leaking the basement
ceiling. I felt so bad about but I didn't know what else to do other
than pray and hope that there won't be any brown spots in ceiling
eventually. I thought it is really interesting how things are
happening. VideoPhone didn't work too well lately so I'm calling in a
technican, then my computer slow down to a crawl because of some
spyware.

Now this morning I had an idea to system restore my computer and now
it seems to be working fine. The basement ceiling didn't bear any
marks yet, and I suspect it won't, thankfully. Now VP? That's yet to
be seen.

Is God trying to tell me something?

Until next time.

--
Omar Burkholder
1091 Martindale Road
Ephrata, PA 17522

Email: deafdemophile@gmail.com
Fax: 1-888-580-1767

ASL social last night was awesome. There are good many people there,
and I got to meet a lady, I forget her name, that already went on deaf
cruise last October. So I fired her many questions about that, as you
know I want to experience it. Now I got informations for different
resources, and I want to check around first. I do know I want to find
out more about deaf cruise before the offer of $50 for reserving will
end with this month.

Tonight, the rodeo was so much fun. We enjoy the show very well;
Charlene Zimmerman and her friends were with us. We even met few deaf
people from other counties. I am glad that I even went.

I already have 4 tickets to Bus Stop. Mark and Lori will be with me
and my Brooklyn friend, Louie that day, so I guess we will see you
there. I hope that February 8 that you wish to go ice-skating would
be cold enough to freeze the ice. I would enjoy that too.

Sorry I delayed my respond. I got your email when Jay and I were
almost home from Farm Show, and I thought I would answer your email by
computer, so I waited. When I got to my computer, I got hooked
looking at Facebook and few other things.

I deleted your name from my E-newsletter list, because you are my
friend on Facebook, and I figured you would read my notes. I just
found out this morning that I can download my blog into Facebook
notes. Because I have been emailing into my blog, so downloading my
blog into Facebook note would be automatic every time when I email to
E-newsletter my updates.

I did try doing same thing for MySpace, but it looks like it don't
really offer that feature.

So see you at Bus Stop. That same day is when my cousin's wedding
which I am not going or even invited, and also when Charlene Zimmerman
will start for Mexico and her sister Lisa will return home from
Mississippi relief work.

Courage isn't having the strength to go on....
It's going on when you haven't got the strength
Courage isn't just going where the light is...
It's following through the dark valleys.
Courage isn't being so big that you're not afraid....
   It's trying when you are afraid.
Courage isn't accepting yourself
  When you get a pat on the back...
It's accepting yourself when friends
  Seems to turn away>
Courage isn't something that comes easily...
  It's motivation without inspiration,
             Courage is...
Standing with God in the midst of opposition,
  Without feeling very courageous.

--
Omar Burkholder
1091 Martindale Road
Ephrata, PA 17522

Email:  deafdemophile@gmail.com
Fax:     1-888-580-1767

It is January 10 today, believe it or not.  Only ten short days ago, we were introduced into a new year and a new start. 

Today is Bethany Gehman's birthday.  Two days ago, it was my cousin, Doreen Byers, birthday.  Funny how it was that I would think of people right on their birthdays, but I didn't get around sending cards or something to make them realize that?  Well, I am not about to do anything for Bethany other than sending her well wishers on her MySpace.  But Doreen?  A cousin is a cousin, and family matters....

The last two weeks of December is really busy time for me.  I feel like I have no time for myself, and thankfully, January mercifully shows up.  But I am glad I did have time on Christmas Eve to send Christmas greetings to all of my contacts.  Then next day three replies to that email, and I realize that I can see names of all I send to!  I was so embarrassed and felt bad about it, so I wrote another email of apology.  I wasn't thinking to be sure if I clicked on "BCC" not "CC".  Bummer.  Then that day a lady must found out and decided to send to every email I send to an email.  I was so furious at her, but of course, it is mostly my fault.  My impulsive nature certainly didn't take my life kindly at times.

I did send her an email, scolding her for what she have done.  But the damage has been done, despite of my warning in that third email, Paul Hoover went on and bought her a plane ticket so she can come and visit him.  What I would like to know if he did send her money or did he just buy airplane ticket with her name on it?  I didn't think to ask at time, but it bother me if he get suckered.  What if she would never show up, using his money for her own purposes?

Trip to Texas went well.  Just say it went just as I thought it would.  I did felt bit of excitement for it on my last day at work in 2007, but I have been cautious for a long time that I would be bored--at least a bit.  But thankfully it is all over, and I am glad for the experience.

Of course, I would admit that if Grandpap is not with us, the trip would have went a little better; although he didn't do anything worthy of our malice.  It is just that his age slows us down and I did feel that we made a stop way too often.  But it is not my place to fret as it is their planning all along.  It is Susan that beg me to tag along.  Later when she told me that she knew another person is coming to surprise her, she thought it would be a lady....she hoped it was Janet.  Oh I would love to have Janet along!  She would certainly made the trip much more interesting.  But I understand she didn't want to get into our family's way, in case if we ever get into a spat.

Well, back to Texan trip's story. I will try to think.  We did arrived Kemp, Texas, in mid-afternoon.  It was good to see Susan.  It was good to be in other state.

Sunday morning we went to her church.  I am glad she found a place where she can truly be happy.  She felt belonged.  I am sure there are low days, just like everyone else, but the point is she found her niche in life...that's all it matters.  I am so glad for her, although I know Mama sometimes miss Susan's presence at home.  Maybe by now Mama get used to the way things are now.  I don't know.  Gray Prairie Mennonite Church is part of Eastern group, and that's where Susan is a member and a schoolteacher in Special Ed.  The people there are friendly and affable. 

We went to Mark Boll's for lunch that day.  It was okay, but I felt left or feel funny out in men's group; and then my sister try to participate me in young children's play.  Pictionary and Actionary are fun games, but I do wish for more players.  I was so glad to be home that evening as well.  Then we went to church for singing.  No familiar faces who I would like to meet.  I am glad we stayed at the house part of the church, so I can walked right over to where we stayed and curled up on sofa with a good book.

I got The Stonewycke Trilogy book for my birthday, and never get around finishing it.  Finally, because in Texas, I am away from my computer and hubbub of ado at home, I need a way to kill time.  Thankfully that book is very interesting that I got really involved in that book.

Monday morning, as early as 5 AM, had us on road to Galverston.  That island/peninsula off of Texas coastline gave us a nice view of the Gulf.  I have seen Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, so now I got to see the Gulf.  But they are basically all the same...I went to the beach!  It was deliciously warm that day, for that we are thankful.  But I had all long-sleeved shirt with me, so I was rather hot that day.  Even if Susan and I went wading in the water, it about froze our feet.  Cold feet didn't help much to lower the feel of heat.  Later that day we went to the ferry.  It was my first clear memory of riding a ferry.  Sure I ride the ferry in Belize and I rode on ferry over Michigan Lake when I was a tiny tot, but this is my first ferry ride when I am old enough to remember every fine detail of the experience-- in America!  I did see a fin of a dolphin in the wild, but my mom and sisters got to see three.  Sounds like Joel Reed's experience.  We did enjoy browsing through off-shore oil rig museum, but my family surely like to rush through it.  I like to take time and absorb the facts and try to understand how oil well out in the ocean would work, but I have to keep up with my family or they would drive off without me.

Since we got up so early that day, we were really tired that evening when we got home.  But because it is New Year's Eve, I was determined to watch the fireworks as Susan say.  And because I am in Texas, my sisters are determined to keep me company.  So three of us stayed up until midnight.  We only stay around for 15 minutes.  We were so glad to be sleeping soundly from 12:15 AM until dawn.

New Year's Day.  I was surprised to find there are places that are open.  At first we talked of going to Sixth Floor Museum, which remembers when John Kennedy got shot, but we found out that Half-Price Bookstore is open that day.  And also Papa missed the exit.  So we went to Half-Price Bookstore, and I tell you, it is a bookworm's paradise.  I bought quite a few, especially Who Do You Think You Are...Anyway?  I start reading that book in van, and I am captivated.  I have always have some curiosity in psychology, but reading secular psychology is enough to make anyone run for fresh air.  Now that book and I also got volume collection of Tim LaHaye's books, I sure would be captivated for awhile...and I will learn to understand people more.

Last night I finally got that book read. 

After bookstore, we went to Dallas Zoo.  I enjoyed it, but was disappointed to find they close at 4 PM, leaving me not enough time to be thorough with that zoo.  We went home after that day, and enjoyed an evening meal with and at Dwight Eshbach's.  I even got to play Boggle after a long time of not playing it!

Thursday...It is a day after New Year's Day, and Susan's school opens.  It was interesting to hear from Mike Emery who had a devotional that morning at school.  We visit Susan's room much of the day, and then later Julia and I visited other rooms.  We had lunch with Clifford Stauffer's, and I was glad to have a ride back home to enjoy a good book for the rest of the day.  Thursday finds us visiting school again and eating lunch at Stephen Eshbach's.  I enjoy visiting Stephen Eshbach's greenhouse and shop.  He sure did a good job making caskets.  That evening is prayer meeting.  I was disappointed to find that they divide up into groups.  That means my interpreters will be with women, and I am stuck with men.  So I quietly left after the devotional and went over to the house where we stayed.

Friday morning, we left good and early and stopped at Kilgore Oil Museum.  I really like those kind of museums that have a life-like pictures or images of memorabilia.  There I get the picture of how stores used to look before there is Walmart and all.  Again, I felt rushed through, so it kind of confirms me that it is always best for me to travel at leisure and travel alone!  Seems like everyone like to rush through museums!  There at that museum gift shop, I got a pictorial book about Texas.  And in that book I found out that Texas comes from an Indian word, Tejas...which means friends!

Texas is really a friendly place.

We stopped at Mississippi welcome center and I got to see inside!  They sure have a room resembling a Victorian sitting room, and I had to take picture of it.  We finally arrived home by nightfall on Saturday, January 5.  I was glad to be over with that trip, and I am also glad for the experience.

Sunday morning I decided to hang around and go to Meadow View Mennonite Church where I grew up attending.  Russell Petre interpret for me; he sure forget some signs.  It was good to see familiar faces, but I didn't enjoy the gawkers.

Soon after lunch of oysters, I was so glad to be going home!

I arrived home around 4 that afternoon, just to find my friends playing Rook.  I knew I wouldn't be in for a recuperating evening, so I decided to stay home Monday even if I could go to work.  I stayed home all day Monday catching up with emails, and do this and that on Internet.  It feels so good to be back with my computer and surfing the Net.

Tuesday is my first day at work in 2008.  It feels good to be back to work, even if I don't really enjoy that work.  What I am relishing is the security of the familiar. 

Yesterday evening I finally completed Who Do You Think You Are...Anyway?  I really enjoy reading that book, and it makes me realize where my background and my personality had me the way I am today.  I really like that book.  Now I am not sure what next book to tackle.  I am thinking of another book....

Last evening I got talking with Susan on TDD.  And got to fax her a trial.  Now I have her fax number and TDD program back on my computer.

Tomorrow is Friday evening, the first ASL social in Lancaster for 2008.  Saturday evening, we are planning to go to rodeo in Harrisburg.  Oh that reminds me, I should tell Mylin Druist about that.  Susan told me about Julia is going to Messiah Bible School on January 19 weekend.  I thought it would be nice if Janet, Julia, and I can all carpool and visit Susan, one of the cooks there at that time.

January 26, my friend from New York City will be spending a weekend with me.  Also it would be when Bus Stop play will be.  I only got 4 tickets, and Mike, Lori, and Louie is going with me.  That is also the same weekend my cousin will be getting married, but I am not invited...nor am I interested in going. 

February 1 is when ASL social in Harrisburg....at least it should be.

What?!  I didn't realize that I am in for a busy month.  I thought I would have it relaxing as Leon, Amy, and Mike is off on their vacation.  Leon and Amy is traveling to Wisconsin, Illnois, and other states for one month vacation.  Mike Musser is going to Hawaii for one month too.  So things would be bit quieter without them, but I expect Paul would hang out with us on Sundays...and if Ricky Eberly shows up, surely there would be a game of Rook or two.

--
Omar Burkholder
1091 Martindale Road
Ephrata, PA 17522

Email:  deafdemophile@gmail.com
Fax:     1-888-580-1767