….with a little help from my friends

I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing with this part of my life. I enjoy writing and need to keep doing this. I worked for a local magazine for awhile and that was nice because I went back to my roots as a journalist. It was a lot of work and fun. The magazine mostly focused on human interest stories and it was really great to learn more about the area in which I am living. Ultimately, it didn’t work out.

I love theology, and even went to Eden Seminary in St. Louis. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but little did I know that congregational ministry (working in a church) would be so demanding, and not in a good way. I had one job placement that I took because I was afraid of not finding a job. That was the wrong reason to say yes to a job, but found myself in that abusive, co-dependent relationship that are all too common. The second placement, was a lot better, but ultimately they needed a different minister for the direction in which they are going. That was really difficult to walk away from, but it was the right decision for me. Congregational ministry, even with a congregation I loved, was unhealthy for me, but that is a story for another day.

I’ve tossed around the idea of chaplaincy, ultimately something that would be in a hospital because I actually like hospitals (as long as I’m not the one staying in one) but that means more school and I don’t want to put more time and money into my education for which I’m already in debt. After that training, I would have to be accepted into a residency program. I think that has possibilities.

I would like to tie together theology and contemporary issues, because it seems that the only theological voices that are heard, are from a place of anger and hurting others. To me, if you’re using a bible, or other holy texts as weapon, it’s being used incorrectly. Yes, that’s a part of my personal beliefs, but it’s there, nonetheless.

I also want to write a book. I have a great idea that combines Vikings, ER nurses and roller derby. HOW MUCH FUN COULD THAT BE?! I’d like to flush that out some more and always try to do NaNoWriMo, and Camp NaNo for this book, and I never write more than a few notes or paragraphs before I quit.

With the help of a friend, we’re going to try and be accountability partners…kinda like the ones you want to for going to that place called…a gym? I think that is what that mythical place is called. He also has a blog: nickclaussen.com and he is very funny, and smart and you should read him if you’re not already! My hubs hopes to write more too. His wrtiting can be found at queerderbytaco.com where you’ll find a potpourri of topics.

So, I hope that this moves me to writing more regularly.