A couple of links
Monday, 21 June 2010I’ll just dispense with the traditional “Man, been so long since I’ve blogged!” bit, if that’s OK with you, handful of readers. I want to post links to a couple of pieces I’ve written, to make sure my mom sees them:
First, I not only wrote the cover story for the latest issue of Isthmus, but am actually on the cover. Mrs. Josh says the picture doesn’t look like me, but that’s neither here nor there—what’s really important is that my friend and mentee KaAndrae looks good (and he does!). The story is about what it’s been like to mentor a 12-year-old young man for the past 10 months. And I’ll give away the answer now—it’s been deeply rewarding—but you should read the article anyway; I must say, I’m awfully happy with it. You might also consider becoming a mentor! If you’re in the Madison area, you could contact the program I work through at Madison-area Urban Ministry. If you live somewhere else, you can find a mentoring program in your area.
I’ve also still been blog-blog-blogging away through science fiction’s Hugo Award–winning novels at io9. This past weekend, I wrote about Larry Niven’s Ringworld and how, while it shares some striking similarities with Lost, there’s a defining thematic difference between the two stories.
Josh, fabulous article and what a lovely experience! I’m on the other end, looking for a (professional) mentor myself, and hadn’t thought about getting involved on the other end of things just yet. Sounds like you are having a fine time with your mentee.
@Carrie: Thank you! Yes, we have a blast. Presumably, when you find a professional mentor, you guys will not go to see Avatar together.
Oh, probably not – once was enough for me. But it sounds like you have a fine ol’ time together. I think I am too old and stick-in-the-mud to be a fun mentor.
Good story, good son. You’ll be richer for the experience, trust me. It’s like our hosting Ivan in 2004. The relationship continues and just gets better. Your mentee sounds like a really neat young boy. We’ll look forward to meeting him! BTW did I ever tell you I was a Big Sister before having you? Hope your experience teaches you better parenting skills than mine did!
@Mom: Oh, your parenting was fine. I mean, a lot of kids grow up scared of dark, confined spaces full of rats, but I’ve never had to worry about that.
That’s because they weren’t rats, they were tarantulas, GIANT tarantulas, Josh.
You’ll not make fun of me for saying I cried at the “rest of our lives” part, right? Not that you need to hear it from me (since you get paid to write, and all), but that’s some damn fine writing. You should change the Ms in your last name to Ns.
@Nard: I get a little teary-eyed at that part. But no, I’m still going to make fun of you.
(THANK YOU. I’m also going to change the “Josh” in my first name to “Amanda.”)