Andrea Wilson Woods' Blog

Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares

I love the Depeche Mode song Personal Jesus. No matter what your religious beliefs are or are not, I think we all need someone who cares, someone who’s there. However, when we choose to reach out and touch faith, our choice(s) should remain private.
Unfortunately, some organizations violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which “prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their religion in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment.” Last week, I experienced a blatant example of this type of abuse, and I feel it necessary to share it with my readers.

Since I recently started applying for jobs, I am always browsing various sites such as Monster, CareerBuilder, Mediabistro, etc. At Indeed, I found a listing for a writer/editor in Azusa, California. When I clicked on the post, I was directed to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.* When I saw that the job was at Azusa Pacific University (APU), I wasn’t worried because the school has a fine reputation, it is less than 30 miles from our house, and I cannot afford to be too picky. Moreover, I have years of experience working for universities. I clicked the “Apply Online” button and spent the next 20 minutes creating a profile, uploading my resume, correcting the errors, and finally submitting for the job. When I was finished, I was sent to APU’s Office of Human Resources and that’s when things got interesting.

Apparently, I wasn’t done yet. I needed to download the APU Staff Application, fill it out, and fax all requested materials to HR. Great. Easily another 20 minutes. I sighed as I clicked on the pdf file. I grumbled when I opened it. I gasped when I scanned it. There on page 3 … Christian Faith … Briefly relate your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What the hell? Thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me, I scrolled down … Statement of Faith? My favorite line was, “We believe that there is one God, creator of heaven and earth, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” How is this legal?

In American History classes, we learn about concepts such as freedom of religion and the separation of church and state; the ideas seem easy to implement. What our teachers don’t tell us is that the reality is much more complex, and it became a national disaster when President Bush established the Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives in 2001. By allowing religious organizations to compete for federal grants and contracts, the wall between church and state has crumbled, and in its debris we have seen our tax dollars supporting discrimination based on your own personal Jesus.

I am not saying that churches cannot create good social programs; however, our government should allow us to donate directly to those programs. While the faith-based initiative may be well intended, it has devastating consequences. I am thoroughly qualified for the writing position at APU, but I won’t even be considered because I refuse to fill out the religious portion of the application. What if you are religious, but not a Christian? Can you imagine what APU would think if a Muslim, Buddhist, or Jew applied? They wouldn’t recycle the paper application; they would shred it.

Out of curiosity, I started digging into APU’s financial records. On their FY 2010 taxes, they state their mission as, “An evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourage development of a Christian perspective of truth and life.”

Since they are a university, they have to complete a “Schedule E Schools” form. In this section, APU claims that they are “in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 … [it] does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.” Even though Title VII protects religion, APU does not list it. At least they are honest about their discriminatory practices. Non-Christians need not apply. By the way, APU received over a million dollars in government grants last year.

Lest you think that President Obama has corrected the situation, he has not. Last November, he signed an executive order that “makes improvements” but still allows federal funds (i.e., our tax dollars) to go toward faith-based organizations. The executive order does not end funding for groups who discriminate in their hiring.

As for the writing position at APU, I may have lost an opportunity, but I have gained insight into the way they operate, and there is no way I could work there. To be fair, APU is a private university upholding a specific mission; if the school did not accept any government funding then I would not condemn them. But when they accept our tax dollars to further their agenda, they should do the Christian thing and accept all viable candidates for job openings.

As for my own personal [relationship with] Jesus [Christ] … it’s none of your damn business.

AWW — XoXo

*APU has also listed this position under Christian Career Center, Higher Ed Jobs, and Southern California HERC.

Posted under General & Politics | 1 Comment »

I am sitting in a bar in Mammoth Lakes, California, during one of the busiest times of the year—President’s Day weekend. As I listen to the inane chatter of intoxicated birthday girls, inebriated ski bunnies, slick man whores, and a staff who can’t wait for this night to be over, I don’t feel like part of this crowd, but I am here, ordering a drink just like the person next to me. Yet, this post-skiing-drinking tradition is not my typical scene. I would much rather be back at the condo watching the Olympics with my husband. Perhaps I would enjoy this situation more if I were falling down drunk with the rest of the clientele. Instead, I sit here writing in my notebook enduring curious stares and quizzical looks. It feels like junior high all over again—eating lunch in the cafeteria, wondering how kids my age can spend so much time talking about themselves.

Don’t misunderstand; I don’t feel sorry for myself. I could try, but I don’t want to because I am bored. Later, my husband will be upset that I didn’t make more of an effort to talk to “our friends.” However, with my new “No longer faking it” creed, I refuse to pretend that I like hanging out in a bar in a strange town with people whom I deem as acquaintances. I should add that I haven’t slept well in weeks, and that all I fantasize about lately is eight hours of uninterrupted, non-medicated sleep. I send my drink back not only because it is too strong and the vodka is terrible, but also because the alcohol will make a good night’s rest more difficult because it induces vivid dreams.

Finally, we leave the bar, and I look forward to whatever Olympic coverage is still airing on NBC. Despite my rant, I have fun skiing in Mammoth, and thanks to my husband, I have been many times now. So in my humble beginner-intermediate skier* opinion, here is the best of what Mammoth has to offer:

Best Ski Lift: Chair 12

Base elev. 9,042′
Top elev. 9,707′
Rise 665′
Length 2,851′

With many simple, groomed, intermediate runs, I am a huge fan of the double Chair 12. According to my research, it is a good place to learn about powder skiing, and in my experience, you can avoid crowds, too, because fewer people ski the back side of the mountain. Chair 12 takes you to chairs 13 and 14, which also have intermediate runs. If I am tired, I stick to Lower Road Runner, which is fairly flat, but narrow in many spots so I can practice my turns. If I feel more ambitious, I will ski White Bark Ridge or Secret Spot. My goal is to eventually ski all of the blue runs at Chair 12 even the steep ones (e.g., New Critters) that scare me.

Best Ski Shop: Footloose Sports
With their famous “Try Before You Buy” policy, Footloose makes it easy to find the perfect pair of skis and boots. We had rented equipment from them in the past, but in December, my husband decided it was time that I had my own skis and boots so I demoed a new set each day. Chris, one of their boot experts, recognized that my wide feet could only fit into two kinds of boots. When I complained that the pair we were about to buy still felt too tight, his alternate suggestion turned out to be the right fit. Julia recommended different skis for me to try based on my height and my expertise. In the end, I came home with electric blue Head skis and smoky grey Tecnica boots.

Best Accommodations: Edelweiss Lodge
With its Swiss chalet exterior and personable caretakers Keith and Marta, Edelweiss feels like home. A gift basket in every room invites guests to partake in Marta’s famous chocolate chip cookies, and pets are always welcome. We have taken our English Mastiff there, and the owners didn’t even blink at Winston’s size. In fact, they gave him his own gift basket complete with homemade dog treats. The only unfortunate experience we have ever had is that during our last visit, I contracted hot tub rash; it was the first time we have ever used their hot tub facility. However, we plan to return to Edelweiss considering that Keith and Marta have offered us a two nights’ free stay for what I now call “The Incident”; we just won’t ever use their hot tub again.

Best Dinner: Mogul Restaurant
We went to this restaurant with ten other people, and everyone was happy with their meal. Whether you desire steak, chicken, pork, lamb, fish, or seafood, I guarantee The Mogul will have a dinner that will fill your stomach and ignite your taste buds as you savor their sauces. They have a “Lite Dinner” selection for those patrons who want to save room for dessert, and their wine list not only contains a decent selection, but the prices are reasonable, too—especially for a restaurant. While the salad bar is average, their entrees are not. I recommend the Mogul Chicken: a double boneless breast marinated in red wine, honey, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and spices. The menu states it is “grilled to perfection”—considering how moist, succulent, and delicious my chicken was, I completely agree.

Best Happy Hour: Austria Hof Lodge
According to its website, the Austria Hof restaurant is Mammoth’s only “truly authentic German” cuisine. I don’t know about the main dining room, but the bar downstairs is a divine happy hour experience. With tasteful martinis and many German beers on tap served by a friendly staff (ask for Sean the bartender), the drinking is elevated to new heights with their delicious appetizer menu. My favorite was their baked brie on crostini accompanied by grapes and apple slices; it was like tasting a piece of heaven. And unlike the bar  that I discussed in the opening of this blog, the Austria Hof Happy Hour has a touch of class. I think it’s the food. You have to be at least partially sober to appreciate it.

Best Breakfast: The Stove
“County cookin’ since 1970″ is what the sign outside The Stove says, and I believe it. The Stove is so popular that locals eat there, they don’t have to advertise much, and they don’t even need a website. As long as you can put aside any thoughts of keeping your cholesterol in check and be patient regarding the 20-minute or longer wait, you will be able to enjoy the huge helpings, pleasant service (the same Sean from Austria Hof served us here, too!), and typical eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and hashed browns breakfast. Of course, they have other items such as French toast and omelettes, but I stick to the basics at The Stove. My only complaint is that their biscuits could use more lard, but at least they are not as dry as most non-Southern biscuits. After all, we Southerners are biscuit experts!

Best Bakery: Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ
With locations in Bishop and Mammoth, you have two opportunities to visit Schat’s Bakkery, home of the original sheepherder bread. This European-style bakery has everything from bread to pastries to cookies to candy. My husband and I often buy olive or raisin bread depending on our mood, and we always indulge in some cookies. The mail-order catalog is only a partial list of the many goodies this establishment has to offer. If you are anywhere within a 50-mile radius, Schat’s is worth the stop. I recommend the Bishop location because it is much larger, and therefore has a more diverse selection.

Best Coffee: Looney Bean
I imagine Looney Bean is what Starbucks was once upon a time: a small coffee chain with great brews and a distinct personality combined with a touch of hometown charm that makes each location unique. While their pastries lack taste altogether (much like Starbucks), Looney Bean is the place to buy and drink coffee in Mammoth. They provide free Wi-Fi and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for their customers. I especially like their support of local artists as well as their helpful—but not hyper—staff. With two locations in California (Mammoth and Bishop), and one location in Oregon, Colorado, and Mexico, Looney Bean is easier to find than Schat’s, but still inaccessible for most people. However, you can experience their coffee by joining Club Looney Bean, but if you are in Mammoth, stop by for a cup of java. You’ll like the taste of Looney!

No “Best of” review would be complete without at least one “Worst of” segment. Perhaps I shouldn’t, but here is my most humiliating and humbling experience at Mammoth:

Worst of Mammoth: Jim of the Mammoth Ski Patrol
What are you doing here? Why didn’t you ski down? Why can’t you walk up the road? Why are you alone?
Instead of “Are you okay?” I was grilled like a second-class citizen when Ski Patrol Jim discovered an exhausted me at the side of the mountain in December. I had gone down the wrong way (i.e., too steep), and I had tried to hike back up to where I needed to be. However, my thighs were burning, my chest was aching from pneumonia, and my head was spinning between actual sweating and nervous anticipation as I watched the sun descend on the horizon. I knew I had to get down the mountain, and I knew the easiest way was to ski down, not to walk back up to a flatter run. But I was too tired to struggle with the steep slopes.
Seeing the ski patrol was like an answer to the prayer that I forgot to say, but instead of feeling relieved, I felt stupid. After an initial burst of tears, I recovered enough dignity to say to Jim, “Why are you treating me this way? I thought you were supposed to be helpful.” Instead of answering my question, he diverted it by engaging in light chitchat. Although we were on civil terms by the time the other ski patrol arrived on the snowmobile to return me to the main lodge, I’ll never forget how Jim made me feel: like a moron. If there is a next time, I will either ski down or slide down on my ass, but I will not allow myself to be “rescued” again.

AWW — XoXo

*According to a Mammoth Ski Instructor, beginner-intermediate is an actual level. I was unable to take a beginner’s class because I am too intermediate, and I didn’t qualify for the intermediate class because I am too much of a beginner. Geesh!

Posted under Sports & Travel | 1 Comment »

I wanted to stay away from this topic; I really I did, but I cannot keep my mouth shut anymore. When the Miss California pageant directors held a press conference yesterday, I couldn’t believe the crap they were spewing. Considering these same people paid for Carrie Prejean’s breast implants prior to the Miss USA pageant “to put her in the best possible confidence” according to pageant co-director Keith Lewis, I find their credibility suspect. Did Carrie violate her contract? I honestly don’t know—that’s for her lawyer and Donald Trump to decide. (Mr. Trump will render a decision later today.) But let’s be honest. No one would care if she been “politically correct” on national television.

If you don’t know by now, Miss USA judge and well-known celebrity blogger Perez Hilton asked Miss California Carrie Prejean if she thought every state should legalize same-sex marriage. She responded honestly that while it was wonderful that Americans have choices, she personally believes that a marriage should be between a man and woman because that is how she was raised. The key points to remember are:

1. She specified she was stating her opinion, and
2. The first amendment of our constitution guarantees her that right.

Some people complain that as Miss California, Carrie has a responsibility to represent our state, and she shouldn’t have revealed her personal opinion. How quickly people forget. Carrie actually reflected the majority. Last November, Californians voted for Proposition 8—a ballot proposition that eliminated same-sex couples’ right to marry. Therefore, the argument that Carrie’s opinion doesn’t “represent” California is false.

I don’t agree with Carrie Prejean. I support gay marriage. I voted against Proposition 8. However, I cannot tolerate intolerance. Was Perez Hilton’s question unfair? Maybe. But you have to admire someone who stuck to her principles and possibly lost the chance to become Miss USA. Even if her answer had been different, Mr. Trump swears she wouldn’t have won anyway, but few people believe him.

We must keep Carrie Prejean as Miss California to show the other 49 states that we believe in free speech—especially when we don’t like what we hear.

AWW — XoXo

Posted under News & Politics | No Comments »

After reading in the magazine The Week how many Americans will start to feel the pains of the economy, my husband and I were soon bitten. First, one of my creditors lowered my credit limit. Their explanation was that I missed a payment. Well, I did miss a payment—six months ago—when an online transfer didn’t go through due to technical difficulties on their website. As a result, my payment was late, the one and only time this type of thing has ever happened with this particular creditor. Maybe I should mention the creditor in question is Washington Mutual, and they’re not doing too well these days.

The second ouch came when another creditor closed an old account that had a zero balance. Any credit expert will tell you it’s better to  keep an account open—even if you never use it—especially when it has a zero balance. Why? That account helps to lower your debt to credit limit ratio, an important factor in determining your credit score. So by closing my account, which was in good standing, that creditor effectively helped lower my credit rating. Are you sensing a pattern here?

Anyway, the third ouch was my husband’s retirement account statement. He expected a loss, but seeing 16 percent of his retirement gone in one quarter still felt like a punch in the stomach. Luckily, he’s not retiring any time soon.

I’m getting nervous. All of these events occurred within four weeks of each other. Recently, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stated he may ask the federal government for a loan because California cannot pay its bills. He’s encouraging California residents to buy state bonds, and I’m thinking 1) Why should we? and 2) With what money?

AWW — XoXo

P.S. I forgot to mention that California is on fire again. Sigh.

Posted under News & Politics | No Comments »