Thursday, March 23, 2006

Update 3/23

Hello –

I'm writing this update using the new voice activation software that we have-it's pretty cool.  Once you get the hang of how it’s used, it's actually pretty accurate.  Kari had a little trouble with setting it up this morning, but it was more a problem with the computer then with the software.  When I got home today, I worked on it a little bit and trained it to my voice.  I'm guessing that probably tomorrow you will see an update from Kari that she wrote using this new software.  Since we bought a mouse she could use, when there's a problem with the software she can just use the mouse to select what she wants.  If you had to rely solely on the software, it would take a long time, but purely for typing and text entry it is extremely fast.  I think once you get the hang of it, it would be faster than typing for anybody.

As far as how things are going for us, the things that Kari has written in the last two updates are true.  We are all very tired, but happy that things are going so well.  My groups at school are getting back on track and I'm excited to be taking my advanced band to a regional festival after they scored a superior at the district festival a week ago.  My other groups played well too, and I am very proud of them also. We had auditions today for octet, which is our select string group, and hopefully will be going to another festival with them in April as well.  I'm very busy at school, but I love my job and going back to work was the best thing for me as far as getting back to normal and getting out of the hospital mindset.  Anyways, more updates from Kari to follow.  We've gotten some new equipment and she wanted to share with you how we are using the donations that we have been given.  I'm not sure how many people are still reading this site, but we still covet your prayers and thank you for following our story.  When I get around to it I still need to call the reporter from the Press-Enterprise that did the article on us way back in August.  Anyways, got to go, talk to you all later.

Aaron.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Kari + Aaron, and all,

Moose Show, 2002, is now available in crude MP-3 format. Basically, meaning, even though my 21yr old daughter, named after Kari, has known how to work MP-3 files, I only learned in the last couple weeks.

I have a fast machine, and a DSL. Still, for 21 tracks, outgoing on the DSL, it probably takes 2-3 minutes per track... Still, something tells me that our friend, John Fusek, could give me some tips. The main issue is getting the files out of my machine and on to a server. I think I could address multiple email addresses on the same upload.

One other nice thing is that the original CD did not have the titles of the songs. I believe, as I have keystroked those, they will come through...

So, we may as well get some trials out there... Anyone interested in, and at first, it will be a few songs at a time, Moose 2002, email me at...

AgentEmerald007@aol.com

Love/Peace/Strength,

Charlie +

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Aaron and Kari, from the still snow encrusted UP! It is so good to hear how the technology that has befuddled so many of us "old" folks is helping to make your lives a litle easier. I remember when I was first asked to learn to use a computer and had visions of gremlins running around inside the "box" trying to make mistakes in my typing. I needed to know how it worked. Gary reminded me that I didn't know how my sewing machine worked yet that didn't
let me stop from using it. So, a bit like faith, I have dived in and become a regular user of the computer! Not sure how God works, but He surely does! I recall your visit on Larkin's day of celebration so many years ago. I wish that I would have had more opportunity to get to know you, Kari, but as Aaron loves you so much, you are surely one special woman. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers and would love to see you some day. Until then, keep those messages coming and I will share them with my little church here in the UP (20 members). Blessings and greetings to those who know the Barretts. (GREAT TO HEAR FROM JULIE PHEND!)
Kari and Aaron, you have become a communications link for many friends and loved ones.
Jan and Gary

Anonymous said...

Hey Aaron,
It was good to hear from you and
be filled in on what's ahappenin' at your school. Sounds like you are one busy guy- good thing you're still a youngster :-)
And how great that Kari is up and running on her
new software- I look forward to
hearing more from both of you!
You betcha we're still checking for updates and will continue to do so, as well as keeping you held closely in prayer.
Love & hugs,
KT

PS- it just occurred to me that people who read Charlie's posting are probably wondering what "Moose Show, 2002" is-
When we were so richly blessed to have Kari and Aaron with us at St. Charles FMC, Kari was our worship leader and Aaron a member of our worship team. One Sunday evening in 2002 we gave a praise concert at a local children's home called Mooseheart and a CD was made, affectionately titled "Moose Show, 2002" and treasured by us SCFMC'ers. What a joy it is to hear Kari's gorgeous voice singing, Aaron's cool trumpet and bass licks, the children chattering away- and as a special surprise at the very end, someone inserted a joke on the sly, told in a lovely "Chicawgoh" accent :-)

hmmmmm....wonder who could have done that?....

Anonymous said...

Hey Aaron,
It was good to hear from you and
be filled in on what's ahappenin' at your school. Sounds like you are one busy guy- good thing you're still a youngster :-)
And how great that Kari is up and running on her
new software- I look forward to
hearing more from both of you!
You betcha we're still checking for updates and will continue to do so, as well as keeping you held closely in prayer.
Love & hugs,
KT

PS- it just occurred to me that people who read Charlie's posting are probably wondering what "Moose Show, 2002" is-
When we were so richly blessed to have Kari and Aaron with us at St. Charles FMC, Kari was our worship leader and Aaron a member of our worship team. One Sunday evening in 2002 we gave a praise concert at a local children's home called Mooseheart and a CD was made, affectionately titled "Moose Show, 2002" and treasured by us SCFMC'ers. What a joy it is to hear Kari's gorgeous voice singing, Aaron's cool trumpet and bass licks, the children chattering away- and as a special surprise at the very end, someone inserted a joke on the sly, told in a lovely "Chicawgoh" accent :-)

hmmmmm....wonder who could have done that?....

Anonymous said...

Hi again,

So glad to see your updates! You two are an amazing encouragement.

Thanks for explaining the Moose Show! :) My step-father-in-law grew up at Mooseheart. That's awesome!

Lots of love,
Alicia

Anonymous said...

Kari and Aaron...

So glad to read this post, it's amazing how technology allows us to do new stuff, but it's also so taxing...to spend 2 hours typing with your mouth....wow, you are one determined person. Thinking and praying for you guys.

Glad to read the progress, and i wish i could help fix all of your computers.

later...john

Anonymous said...

Hey Aaron,
Of course you have mastered the new technology - there is no one better. I still haven't retrieved my photos from my last visit with you at Craig ( we are so technology challenged).
I am so glad your classes are going so well; I know how much you love those kids.
We all watch for our "Kari updates" and pray for continued healing and rest for you.
Love,
Jan Yessa

Anonymous said...

It is so good to finally "hear your voice." We are so grateful that you're home and that Aaron is back at school. It's been a very scary few months for all of us who care for both of you so much. And yes, we continued to log on to this web site every week or so just to see if there might be some news. You two have a loyal following of us fans out there and we are always hoping and praying that you'll continue to make progress. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kari (and Aaron)...

It's Abbey (Johnson) Gropp from the good ol' Greenville College days. I just wanted to let you know that Jon and I have been and will continue to be thinking of you and praying for you both, as we have been since the beginning. (Interestingly, we actually were praying for you before we even knew it was you... our Sunday School class in Pomoma was praying for "this couple who work at a church in Redlands" that someone in our class grew up in. We later found out through APU that it was you, and you've not been far from our hearts since then.) Anyway, I've really appreciated the updates, check your site regularly, and finally decided to break out of my internet shyness and let you know.

Truly, thank you for sharing...
Abbey

Anonymous said...

Kari,
This is Susan, typing from Pam's house in Minneapolis!! Happy birthday from both of us. We are going to be at the Prairie Home Companion show tomorrow night. Listen in, because we're going to try to have a greeting prepared for Garrison Kielor to read to you. The show is on National Public Radio, 5:00 CENTRAL time (is that 3:00 your time?) The greeting are read during the intermission, which is just before 6:00 p.m CENTRAL time. Anyway, try to listen in or have someone tape it for you.
I hope your birthday is awesome. Talk to you soon!
Susan

Anonymous said...

Kari -
Just a clarification. . . we will be at the Praire Home Companion Show on Saturday, April 1st (no foolin'!) Hope you can listen.
Susan and Pam

Anonymous said...

Kari and Aaron,

Where are you guys? Janeen and I have been trying to reach you! Give us a call!

Halee