shades of it
I have to say I am disappointed. After a 14-year hiatus since the second edition, I ordered the third edition of my favorite airplane book online, eager to find all the latest aircraft lovingly sketched and described. But I opened it to find numerous typos, some aircraft conspicuously absent (homebuilts, anyone?), the drawing of the 787 showing the old configuration, some drawings not updated (the winglets on the A340, for one), and just a general lack of finesse as was the norm with the old drawings, whose proportions were carefully drafted and whose line weights were appealing. Oh well. I’m not out that much and it’s a good book, overall.
Had a lovely evening with Luke and Diane. We had sushi, went shoe shopping then returned to her house for Luke’s bedtime. Afterward Diane and I stayed up talking and listened to a lecture series on relationships built around principles outlined in the Song of Solomon. It’s quite good. That framework, into which are placed different events and activities, is becoming a very welcome routine of most weeknights. It’s inexpressible how wonderful it is to have a woman in my life who shares my values, assumptions and worldview and who runs alongside me, as it were, at the same speed toward a greater knowledge of Him and His Word.
It is looking increasingly likely that I will not be attending Piedmont Baptist College this fall. I have been hired permanently at my job and given a substantial raise, praise God, which obviates the need to take out loans to support my schooling (the major reason for my half-time status at the school was to allow me to receive Stafford Loans). I am very happy for this, since I have an almost physical reaction to the concept of going into debt.
I can take flight courses at the airport through MAI at the very slightly more expensive non-curricular rate, which actually ends up saving a considerable amount of money in the long run since the two credit hours of tuition for each flight course are not included. I ran some numbers on it Monday night and it looks very doable. Options abound, though, among them receiving instruction at Smith Reynolds airport in downtown Winston-Salem instead, taking flight courses at Piedmont-Triad International in Greensboro, or just going in with another flight student and buying my own small airplane outright, an avenue which has the potential to prove the most economical of all. Prayers very much appreciated.
That’s exciting man. Praise God about the job. This is exciting for you as you figure out the direction your life’s going to take now. It’s interesting that all three of us are at the brink of change. You now, Paul at the end of the summer, then me at the end of the year.
You should definitely make your decisions based on your thoughts and prayers and the thoughts and prayers of those closest to you (the one closest to you). Only you can see your life from the driver’s seat; everyone else is just looking in and we don’t see everything (maybe next to nothing). Don’t let what other people want you to do sway you. That’s something only you can decide.
Oh Dear! I am so sorry about the book! I know you were looking forward to that. hmm.
I, too, am overjoyed by your raise, quite an honor. So, so proud of you, honey. How amazing is it that NOT ONLY are you working within your degree (a rarity) of four years BUT you are ALREADY A PILOT–which I admire greatly. Again, do not ever forget that. You know that I am for you, whatever you decide. I know that you make decisions based on His will and no other. In time, everything will be clear and whether now or later every little detail will make sense and fit. You hear Him. I trust that.
Thanks D. I know…about the changes. We all have been changing in big ways. Think about where we all were three, two, even one year ago. We should get up, just the three of us, when we’re all in town again. We could go to that Applebee’s on Hillsborough again :)
Don’t let what other people want you to do sway you. That’s something only you can decide.
Absolutely. But if I make a decision that happens to coincide with what others might have wanted for me all along, it does not necessarily follow that that decision, or my influences in making it, must be viewed with suspicion :) We all of us will make our own decisions based on His influence first and foremost, and those who love us will be cheering us on all the way. I know you know that :)
Have fun working on the Dreamliner today!
It’s okay :) I’m still reading it, haha.
Thank you for trusting Him in me, sweetheart. I don’t take that lightly.
Will e-mail you shortly :)
I’m happy to hear all the good news (aside from the whole book thing). Have had you on my mind lately and just wanted to say hi. You sound very much at peace and very settled compared to other times in your life and it does me good to hear of it. Seems like you have lots of options…good options…not unsettling or mutually exclusive, life shattering options (there’s a difference ;).
I don’t know if you visit these parts much anymore, but if you do and have time, feel free to give me a ring. I’d like to say hi and perhaps swap a few stories of our respective recent histories.
Blessings on ya, Matt.
Hey John. Glad to hear you’re doing well. I keep tabs on you a little through the e-mail list and through the MSCCNC forums. Sounds like you’ve officially taken over Ashraf’s mantle as the track junkie :) That’s so cool. And I’m glad to hear Car Guys is thriving. I may have to drop in on you guys one Saturday. I haven’t been home in a while, at least not for any length of time, but I will soon.