Thursday, March 24, 2005
Godfather training
I went to Godfather training this week along with my regular 80 hour week. I think it's important to make time for family - and not just because my nephew reads my blog. Godfather training was interesting. I got a sidways look from the priest when I told him I was not a practicing Catholic. Neph seemed dismayed a bit as well.
I asked what the role of a Godparent was. The priests response was something like - take care of the child in case something happens. I see it as something more. I feel some need to train the child up in the ways of Christianity. Certainly the parents will do this also, but I hope to be something like a spiritual guide in areas that she may not feel comfortable talking to her parents about.
I remember when I was growing up, I would sometimes seek out people in whom I had great respect to ask my questions that I didn't want to ask my parents. I appreciated being able to talk to a grownup who wasn't directly related to me.
Or, maybe I'll just be that wierd uncle/Godfather who tells dumb jokes and squeezes hands too tightly when handshaking. Yuck! I didn't like them either.
In other news, the person who normally manages our BlueGene is going to be on vacation. during his absense, the machine needs to be brought down and back up again. I wrote him a note: "Doug - I feel *REALLY* uncomfortable with bringing down the 13th most powerfu computer in the world without any training."
I asked what the role of a Godparent was. The priests response was something like - take care of the child in case something happens. I see it as something more. I feel some need to train the child up in the ways of Christianity. Certainly the parents will do this also, but I hope to be something like a spiritual guide in areas that she may not feel comfortable talking to her parents about.
I remember when I was growing up, I would sometimes seek out people in whom I had great respect to ask my questions that I didn't want to ask my parents. I appreciated being able to talk to a grownup who wasn't directly related to me.
Or, maybe I'll just be that wierd uncle/Godfather who tells dumb jokes and squeezes hands too tightly when handshaking. Yuck! I didn't like them either.
In other news, the person who normally manages our BlueGene is going to be on vacation. during his absense, the machine needs to be brought down and back up again. I wrote him a note: "Doug - I feel *REALLY* uncomfortable with bringing down the 13th most powerfu computer in the world without any training."
