So, in case you couldn’t tell, I’m not easily motivated to write blog posts. That is, until you sit me down and ask me to write something much more difficult, like an article tracing why human dignity often trumps human autonomy as seen through the history of European law and why this is relevant to the euthanasia debate. Yes, I suddenly feel very motivated to write a blog post. I almost feel motivated to dust and polish the leaves on my houseplants. It’s not that the topic is so very difficult–I think I’m just struggling with some good old-fashioned writer’s block, so what better way to open it up than writing (something else)?
Since it’s been a while, I’ll just give a little update on what’s going on in our day-to-day lives.
Christopher is, of course, busy with work on his dissertation which is coming along slowly but surely. If you have any questions about divine kingship in Ezekiel, he’s your man! He also spends several hours a week working on various projects for the Scottish Council for Human Bioethics as well as preaching periodically at church.
My first priority and greatest source of fun throughout the day is a funny, little, nearly-toddling, nearly-one-year-old who requires not a little of my attention and guidance. Alternately, I occupy myself with various odd-jobs: most significantly, editing/writing for Harper Collins and for the last several months, writing press articles for the above mentioned bioethics council (no, I’m not writing that article for my own amusement).
Julian will celebrate his first birthday in two weeks. He enjoys “reading” books, going for walks and swinging at the park. (Sounds kind of like a personals ad, doesn’t it?)
Like most people, we are all desperately anxious to see winter melt into spring. As our previous posts indicate, this has been a particularly cold, snowy winter for Scotland and we can’t wait for the luxury spring will afford of more opportunities out-of-doors, and hopefully, more interesting things to blog about. 🙂 Until then, happy February, everyone.
bits 'n bobs 
When I started reading this post, I just assumed it must have been Chris writing it. Then I saw that you referred to Chris in the third person. So I started over. And then I just assumed that Chris must have taken up the strange habit of writing in the third person like some people do (for reasons I shall never understand) in their Christmas letters.
But then I saw the “I” further down and realized I was wrong.
You’re writing an article on the ethical and legal history of euthanasia in Europe?? I can see why leaf-dusting might sound rather appealing by comparison. But I must say that I am very impressed. Since when have you been a writer/editor/journalist? Nifty!
Wow! I am not even sure that Covenant High School would have prepared you properly for this article. If they did, it is just like getting on a bicycle after having fallen off (several times) and suddenly it all comes back to you. You will do just fine.
On a more serious note, welcome back to the blogging world, good to know all three of you are still occupied in Scotland.
Hi Christopher and Jackie! I miss you! Been thinking of you a lot recently. Probably because I know Julian is about to have his first birthday and I’m getting close to having our first little boy! I also thought it was Christopher writing at first, and thought, “How does that tie in with Ezekiel?” Glad you’re getting a little (extra) work in Jackie. I know a toddler keeps you busy. Is Julian walking? I don’t know if you’d recognize Sophia – she’s changed that much in six months! But the big news is last week she pretty much potty-trained herself! She actually was for a month in Aug-Sept, but then stopped and I didn’t fight it or push it. Well, I decided I wanted her trained by Mar 6 (brother-in-law’s wedding in Yakima) so we started again last week and she’s only had one accident in oh, about 11 days! I’m so glad I waited! Not a lot else going on – just playing the waiting game counting weeks – 9 more to go! (He’s way bigger than Sophia so far, and way, way more active!)
Winter blah’s or not, this was a bright, warm post. Thank you, Jackie!
Hi Bechtels, and happy birthday to Julian (a little late!)
How about a birthday post with some pictures of cake all over his ears, eyes, and up his nose? Bon courage on your articles, Jack. I was reading an old journal entry from our time in Paris when we hiked up to Monmartre in the heavily falling snow. I said that we were all carried along by Jackie’s will power. Boy was that true!
Love you.