More from Dallas....

...even though I am too relaxed to really post anything important--I will attempt it:

Games, hot tub, the pool, eating too much, a ridiculously fun trip to Chuck E. Cheese (Where Q's daughter Julia has a job) and more eating....Today we will be joined by some additional members of Q's family (some of whom really bother me but I am a guest and will be polite--ugh) and then we begin the prep for tomorrow's insane New Year's Eve. I am actually going to be ready to return to my routine I believe! pax

Yummy Dallas

Ok....So my friends Q's brother-in-law has been staying with him and going to culinary school and we get to sample his assignments, right? We just had pork scallipini and gnocchi and this Italian gellato for dessert....OMG...great food. And we have done nothing but eat and swim all day. Such decadence! We are getting ready to go out for a midnight swim in the heated pool. Don't you all just hate me right now? I know I do! Peace.....Paul

Fun Christmas in Derby

Well..the annual gift exchange and food binge was held at my Mom's house in Derby on Saturday. The weather was awful trying to drive down there (think white-out) but was much worse on the trip back....anyway....safe at home and looking forward to the rest of my break.

In Memoriam-- Orin Shank

Orin Shank (48) died suddenly last week of a hidden heart ailment. He was sent off with a lovely service yesterday and leaves behind a large empty space in all of our hearts.

So I recall the lovely words of the Mancini family:

Sometimes, not often enough
We reflect upon the good things
And those thoughts often center around those we love.

And I think about the people
Who mean so much to me
And for so many years have made me, so very happy.

And I count the times I have forgotten to say:
Thank you. And just how much I love them

Busy week...then...ahhh

I have my consultant in town again as we continue building my Online division at WATC. I really enjoy when Amanda is here because a) I can see exactly where we are through her fresh eyes and b) I can see exactly what needs to be done for the same reason! Amanda leaves tomorrow and then my last day of work is Thursday. I am taking some time off to refresh and regroup after this exciting, busy and very productive fall semester. I am lucky to get to spend Christmas morning at my mom's house and then the entire New Year's holiday in Dallas...in the pool....the heated pool....ahhhhhhhhhhh

A Weekend of Music

Last night, at my third church concert of the day, I was chatting with Pastor Rob (he is the senior minister at Covenant Presbyterian Church where I sing when I am not at UCC (which is rare, but nice for me because I really like Rob's theology)....anyway, I mentioned to him how lucky I was to be able to sing an entire Sunday--and still have a voice at the end of it! It started at UCC, my home church, where we did some really lovely four-hand piano and choir pieces. Then I performed with Ron Daray and friends at Grace Presbyterian in his annual "Christmas Soiree". This was some of the finest singing I have been involved with for a long, long time. My usual church work is solid and part of worship, but singing with Ron and friends, because it is his hand-picked team, we get a rich, full sound. Anyway, if you missed it this year--you can catch another version next year because Ron just booked me for next December! LOL. Anyway, I finished out the day singing at Covenant and just really enjoyed all of the fun music and fellowship. It is nice to be a casual attender there, because I can objectively look at the service and the congregation and I must say--it's a strong congregation and an enjoyable (although long-ish for this quick Congregationalist) service. Carpe Diem!

I am re-printing my holiday greeting that I send out college-wide because some of it pertains to everyone in my life!

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM ONLINE LEARNING!


I figured, since you know—this is ONLINE LEARNING—that I could get away with an electronic holiday greeting—so here it is:


First, I can’t thank enough those of you who have supported me and my efforts this past semester:

The valiant instructors who came forward and showed their class and style in an online setting—there’d be no Online Learning without each of you!
The same instructors who diligently worked to get Online Learning up and running in time for a September 17th launch! I am still very proud of that one!
My WATC friends who have stayed by my side as I moved into my new roles here at WATC.
The new friends I have made on a new campus!
The old friends I miss (and still see often!)
The WATC leadership team that has placed such tremendous faith in me.
That same team for providing resources, direction and passion for my work.
Our talented students who have ventured into this brave new world of online instruction—and succeeded.
The Wichita community which has embraced Online Learning with excitement for what we’ve done and anticipation of what we’ve got coming.

To each of you I wish Happy Holidays and a very prosperous and joyful New Year!

Paul Jackson
Paul Jackson, Director

A Christmas Soiree'

For a number of years now I have been singing with Ron Daray and a host of folks to present a Christmas concert. Ron's musicality is top-notch (he's one of my favorites) and it is always a joy to sing with him and his various choirs and ensembles. Ron was unable to offer Wichita this Christmas concert last year due to a number of issues, but he's back this year and he has asked me to join the fun.

What: A Christmas Soiree--solos, duets, a terrific choir and brass quintet, also lots of fun congregational singing.
Where: Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 East Douglas, Wichita, KS
When: Sunday, December 16th at 4:00 PM

Come and partake of the season!