Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Today's Reflection

I read this tonight, from Amos, Chapter 3: 3-7

Do two walk together unless they have agreed?
Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey?
Does a young lion cry out from its den unless it has seized something?
Is a bird brought to earth by a snare when there is no lure for it?
Does a snare spring up from the ground without catching anything?
If the trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not be frightened?
If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord cause it?
Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets.

The clarity of this passage is inspiring. Frequently I lay awake at night, or stare off into the emptiness of the mid-day, questioning whether or not I am living out all I have been called to do, using all my gifts to the best of my ability.

This prophecy from Amos reminds me that the work we are called to do is always before us, even if we fail to recognize it in our humanity. The trappings of our lives are all-consuming, and unless we take heed of our surroundings. The prophets of God are everywhere, in friends, family, our jobs, the thousand decisions we make every day, if only we pay attention.

Are our minds attuned to minutia of life, or to the greater calling of using our gifts to the benefit of one another? We are all imperfect, but if we make the conscious choice to help others first, and fulfill our potential, we shall be truly happy.

Sweet!

LaFawnduh
You are LaFawnduh. Why are you so sweaty?

Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Exotic Dancer
You're Exotic Dancer Barbie. You have some moves,
and will do anything for a few bucks. Take it
off girl, but keep it PG-13 please.

If You Were A Barbie, Which Messed Up Version Would You Be?
brought to you by Quizilla
alt_tag
You chose blue-green eyes. You are a very happy, hyper person. You love to
laugh a lot with your friends, and you are loud
in large crowds. Most of the time you're
smiling, but inside, you have a slight low self
esteem, and you try to cover it up with
cheerfullness. You try to live life to the
fullest. You also believe in all the
supernatural things. Like in faeries, ghosts,
aliens, etc...You like to keep your options
open. You can sometimes be a bit bossy too,
when people don't always like the same things
you like. It makes you defensive.

The Eye color personality test
brought to you by Quizilla
The Colon
You scored 62% sanguine, 68% phlegmatic, 36% melancholy, and 38% choleric! You are the Colon. As you probably know, the Colon is a large segment of digestive tract involved in absorbing water.

You've been matched to this organ because you scored high on two axes: sanguine and phlegmatic. Traditionally, the sanguine humor was associated with the Liver and the phlegmatic humor was associated with the Lung. Personality characteristics include neither a tendency towards extroversion or introversion, but emotional stability, thoughtfulness, and an even temper.

My thoughts? I associated the Colon with these humors because of its stability. The Colon may not be the most glamorous organ in the body, but it's one you can rely on, and certainly one you need. Don't believe me? Try life without it!


edit: After taking this test, I got the Colon, so it is now officially the most awesome organ you can get. Disagree? Message me and we can come up with something else. So far, Integument (skin) is on the table.


My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 53% on sanguine free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 76% on phlegmatic free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 56% on melancholy free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 12% on choleric
Link: The What Organ Are You? Test written by lostspiral on OkCupid Free Online Dating
Fire
You are 55% Extroverted and 44% Chaotic

Virtue - Fire people exhibit righteousness. These people conform to the standard of moral law. They do what is right and are known for their sense of fair play. They are truthful,straight-forward, just, upright and virtuous in their dealings with other men.

Core - They demonstrate courage, fortitude, zeal and pugnacity. They have the mental and moral strength that enables them to venture into unknown waters and to persevere and withstand danger. They seldom show fear and are confident in their actions. They have mettle, resolution, and tenacity. They can face danger or difficulty without flinching or retreating. They will fight for their principles and have a stubborn persistence that is unwilling to recognize defeat. They have grit, back bone, guts, and are willing to keep fighting under all odds. They are aggressive and thrive on challenge.

Nature - Their essential characteristic qualities are liveliness, energy, ardor, enthusiasm, courage and action. They have a firm, courageous and assertive disposition which is their most characteristic qualitiy.

Drives - These people like to win or be the best in anything they pursue. Their aggressive nature makes them just one big ego. There is nothing more stimulating to them than to win, and there is nothing more depressing to their ego than to lose. They strive to be the center of attention and are at home when showing-off.

Vice - They are determined, spiteful and revengeful. When angered, they will go to almost any extreme necessary to get revenge, and that revenge will more often be at the moment of the anger. When they're mad they want everyone around them to be mad. They are spiteful and will deliberately and openly do things which irritate someone to the point of anger. They are very short-tempered and anger easily. They are straight-forward and have no reservations about hurting the feelings of others, and they are prone to inflict physical pain as well as mental pain. Just as the main virtue of this sign is being just and right, its main fault is deceit.




My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 74% on Extroverted free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 81% on Chaotic
Link: The Which Element Are You? Test written by daemongod81485 on OkCupid Free Online Dating

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Reflection and Random Photograph

Today's random photograph is: Shiloh at rest. Life can be so difficult at times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I read this the other day, in 1 Samuel, 19 - 21

As a result, all the people dreaded the Lord and Samuel. They said to Samuel, "Pray to the Lord your God for us, your servants, that we may not die for having added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king." "Do not fear," Samuel answered them. "It is true you have committed all this evil; still, you must not turn from the Lord, but must worship him with your whole heart. Do not turn to meaningless idols which can neither profit nor save; they are nothing."

I know the dread felt by the Israelites in this passage. All too often I choose paths of darkness, lonliness, anger, fear, pride, selfishness, and I turn to material goods, lust, greed, rationailzations, work, my idols for salvation - anything to keep me from examining my character.

Do you do this, too? When you stumble down rock-strewn paths, do you reach for everything else for support, instead of stopping to think why you chose the wrong path?

For me, faith in God straightens my path and makes clear the way, but perhaps for you it is time alone, or in nature. Maybe you write, or reflect in silence or over the daily newspaper.

Find that time - do what it takes to lay your character bare and straighten the path. Humility is our guide in difficult times - look for help in what we know to be true - not in fleeting and false idols!

Monday, August 29, 2005

Question 84

"Do you have a favorite author?  Who? Why?  Tell about a favorite book as a child, youth adult.

My all time favorite author..the person I could read forever, is probably David Eddings, a well known fantasy writer. When I was in middle school and early high school, my upbringing reflected a rather harsh hand by my parents. I needed a world of my own, of escape, where I freely roamed the land. Eddings gave me those worlds.

I'll never be able to thank him enough.

As a child, my fovorite books were Cars and Trucks (learned how to go potty reading that one!), the Chronicles of Narnia, story of The High King, and others of that ilk. Any world but the one I lived in suited me rightly.

Bio-Poem

*Name Deleted*
Angry Loving Lost Searching
Son of an unkown man and a covenanted woman
Who is searching for his past, living a lie, and alone in the deep shadows of the night. He is a lover of God, of himself, and what he hopes he will be.
The End, truth, and wasted futures create a restless soul that needs
love, unconditional forgiveness, and everlasting peace of mind.
He will give smiles, his heart, and his soul to those that take away his pain,
if only he can find real passion, courage, and morality in others.
He searches for this person, these people, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
*Name Deleted*

Journal Jar # 83

"What is the greatest lesson in life you find to be true?"

Tell the truth.

I find that there is no replacement for honesty. It is the foundation of all true, unconditional relationships. It is required for love - indeed, love demands it. As does compassion, sincerity, and humility.

Tell the truth. Lies are the product of fear and we need not be afraid.

The Friday Five - Late

After this entry by Amanda, I am compelled to place last week's Friday Five up this Monday - My apologies for slacking.

1. List five people and a song that reminds you of them or that you think best describes them (list the person's name, the song title, and the song's artist).

Jillian (wife) - Amazed - LoneStar
Christopher (brother) - Horseback Rider - Not From Georgia
Carolyn (mother) - tie - Don't Drink the Water - Dave Matthews Band & Until It Sleeps - Metallica
Charles (father) - Silver Thunderbird - Marc Cohn
Genevieve (grandmother) - Pantala Naga Pampa - Dave Matthews Band

2. What would your life's soundtrack be?

Tough one - My life's soundtrack...."The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel

3. Which would you prefer: to live somewhere that is hot or to live somewhere that is cold year-round? Why?

Cold - there is nothing like the feel of a cold wind in your lungs, and being under a warm blanket at night with cold air rushing in from a window.

4. Suppose you had twins, a boy and a girl. What names would you give and why?

Charles John Dittrich V (that's right, I'm IV), and Sarah Anne Dittrich

5. What's a quote/lyric that describes you right now?

"Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed."
Abraham Lincon --From the March 9, 1832 First Political Announcement

You know the drill - cut and paste and either answer in the comments below or in your own journal. If you answer in your own journal, place a link here so we can see your answers! Have a great day!

 

The Saturday Six

Yes, I know I didn't post the Friday Five. Such is life when you're trying to start a company, are over-worked, and have to travel to a city far far away:). I'll get to it this week! As for me, here are my answers to the Saturday Six:

1. What is your current desktop picture?  What made you select it?

A good question - It is a picture of Abraham Lincoln's front door to his house in Springfield. Lincoln is my idol and the man I wish to model my virtues and ideals after.

2. A close friend who you consider to be up to date on fashion suggests that you should update your look and offers to pay for a session with an experienced hairstylist you've never dealt with before.  Knowing that it's free, would you go?

Absolutely. I'm a metro man and I would definately give it a shot. I love my stylist, Maria (she's awesome), but I'm not opposed to trying something new!

3. When you do look in a mirror, what is the first thing you usually look at?

My forehead - i hate my lines there and I get my brows waxed - always have to make sure they aren't in need!

4. Take this quiz:  Which Bugs Bunny character are you?

See below :)

5. What label seems to describe you the best as a whole?

Alone - far too alone - it's what I fear, it's what I fight, it's what I strive to avoid. I fear it, for it is too close to despair.

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #60 from Stacy: Is there a specific person that you credit with your successes? and HOW did they help you?

Father Philip DeChico, my parish priest. Three years ago he confronted me, told me that it was time to stop being a child, live my life according to my faith, learn my faith, have trust in myself, others, and God, because only then will I find happiness. He was right - i'm on that path, and it is the only path right for me.

Which Looney Toons Character are You?

Bugs Bunny!
You scored 42 Aggression, 57 Sophistication, and 71 Optimism! You have all the sophistication and charm one would expect from such a high-class hare. Very upbeat and generally laid-back, you are remarkably calm and peaceful even in the midst of the most stressful of situations. On those rare occasions that your anger is aroused, your retaliation usually results in embarrassing the aggressor and laying-bare how foolish he or she really is -- rather than doing any real harm. You likely have many friends and more than a few admirers and would make an excellent leader, if you had any interest in being one. But, being a leader would require hard work and attention to detail, both qualities you are lacking in. In fact, if you are not careful, your laid-back attitude will often lead you to drift through life completely oblivious to the changes happening around you. You also tend to have a horrible sense of direction.


My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 27% on Aggression free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 26% on Sophistication free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 53% on Optimism
Link: The Which Looney Tune Are You Test written by coolguy3000 on OkCupid Free Online Dating

Monday Morning Question

Monday Morning Question:

What are your plans for Labor Day?

My answer: Well, my wife Jillian and I have a tradition with another couple. Together, we spend the weekend at a camp named Bear Creek, which is in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. Basically, the guys fish and the women relax :). I'm determined to spend a good deal of time reading this weekend, actually! It's always much fun!

~~~~~~~~~
From Sometimes I Think

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Leader



What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Name

You entered: *Name Deleted*

There are 21 letters in your name.
Those 21 letters total to 109
There are 6 vowels and 15 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 1

The characteristics of #1 are: Initiating action, pioneering, leading, independent, attaining, individual.

The expression or destiny for #1:
A number 1 Expression denotes the skilled executive with keen administrative capabilities. You must develop the capacity to be a fine leader, sales executive, or promoter. You have the tools to become an original person with a creative approach to problem solving, and a penchant for initiating action. Someone may have to follow behind you to handle the details, but you know how to get things going and make things happen. You have a good mind and the ability to use it for your advancement. Because of these factors, you have much potential for achievement and financial rewards. Frequently, this expression belongs to one running a business or striving to achieve a level of accomplishment on ones talents and efforts. You have little need for much supervision, preferring to act on your own with little restraint. You are both ambitious and determined. Self-confident and self-reliant must be yours, as you develop a strong unyielding will and the courage of your convictions.

Although you fear loneliness, you want to be left alone. You fear routine and being in a rut. You often jump the gun because you are afraid of being left behind.

The negative attributes of the 1 Expression are egotism and a self-centered approach to life. This is an aggressive number and if it is over-emphasized it is very hard to live with. You do not have to be overly aggressive to fulfill your destiny. The 1 has a natural instinct to dominate and to be the boss; adhering to the concept of being number One. Again, you do not have to dominate and destroy in order to lead and manage.

Your Soul Urge number is: 6

A Soul Urge number of 6 means:
With a number 6 Soul Urge, you would like to be appreciated for your ability to handle responsibility. Your home and family are likely to be a strong focus for you, perhaps the strongest focus of your life. Friendship, love, and affection are high on your list of priorities for a happy life. You have a lot of diplomatic tendencies in your makeup, as you a able to rectify and balance situations with an innate skill. You like working with people rather than by yourself. It is extremely important for you to have harmony in your environment at all times.

The positive side of the 6 Soul Urge produces a huge capacity for responsibility; you are always there and ready to assume more than your share of the load. If you possess positive 6 Soul Urges and express them, you are known for your generosity, understanding and deep sympathetic attitude. Strong 6 energy is very giving of love, affection, and emotional support. You may have the inclination to teach or serve your community in other idealistic ways. You have natural abilities to help people. You are also likely to have artistic and creative leanings.

If you have an over-supply of 6 energy in your makeup, you may express some of the negative traits common to this number. With such a strong sympathetic attitude, it is easy to become too emotional. Sometimes the desires to render help can be over done, and it can become interfering and an attitude that is too protective, rather than helpful. The person with too much 6 energy often finds that people tend to take advantage of this very giving spirit. You may tend to repress your own needs so that you can cater to the demands from others. At times, there may be a tendency in this, for becoming over-loaded with such demands, and as a result become resentful.

Your Inner Dream number is: 7

An Inner Dream number of 7 means:
You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.

Birthdate

You were born on a Wednesday
under the astrological sign Capricorn.
Your Life path number is 1.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2443155.5.
The golden number for 1977 is 2.
The epact number for 1977 is 10.
The year 1977 was not a leap year.

As of 8/24/2005 3:04:26 PM CDT
You are 28 years old.
You are 343 months old.
You are 1,493 weeks old.
You are 10,451 days old.
You are 250,839 hours old.
You are 15,050,344 minutes old.
You are 903,020,666 seconds old.

There are 141 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 29 candles on it.

Those 29 candles produce 29 BTU's,
or 7,308 calories of heat (that's only 7.3080 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.31 US ounces of water with that many candles.  

Your birthstone is Garnet
The Mystical properties of Garnet

Garnet is used as a power stone
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewlers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Emerald, Rose Quartz

Your birth tree is
Elm Tree, the noble-mindedness

Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to a know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humour, practical.


There are 123 days till Christmas 2005!

The moon's phase on the day you were
born was in its last quarter.

Words

Words do not come so easy.

In patience, I will find peace.

In peace, I will remember faith.

In faith, I will find inspiration.

In inspiration, I will find words.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Celebratory Census (a day late!)

Here are the questions:

1. The first one involves what you'd call this set of questions. 
Here's a list...pick the one you like best and make it the title of
your entry when you answer these questions in your journal:

See above

2. Are there any certain AOL Journals that you can't do without?  List
a few of your favorites.

Hey, I'm Country

Rach's Daily Life

Looking Beyond the Cracked Window

A Fallen Angel Under a Dark Moon

Life of a Wolf

Adventures in Juggling

3. What is the best and worst things that happened during J-land year
2004-2005?

To be honest, I make it a point to stay OUT of conflict and the message boards. I read the journals I like, post comments, and respond to people that post on mine. I will publicize when I make a new post, sometimes, but I really don't know much of the drama - and that's a good thing, I think.

4. What changes would you most like to see made to AOL Journals during
the third year?

I would enjoy seeing and open Mood tab, tag boards, and voice entry for those of us without AOLbyPhone :)

5. Has one of your favorite reads disappeared?  Who would you most like
to see return to AOL J-land during the third year?

Hrm...Rachel doesn't post as much as she used to - and that's sad.

6. What's the silliest/stupidest/most embarrassing mistake you've ever
blogged and overlooked?

Well, to be honest...I flirt too much and that makes some people angry...like my wife!

7. What's the newest journal you've discovered that you've put into
your daily rotation? 
(Not necessarily the newest to J-land, but the newest to you.)

Hmmm...I'd have to say Patrick's Place!

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Anger

Anger

In hazy days I lean upon my staff,
rancid breath heavy with sweat and tensioned fury,

Red feelings behind my eyes, and I see her bloodied before me.
I see her sweet white neck, ready to break, bitten, mauled from her head.

Feel the warmness bathing me.
I slather myself in her life.
Its pulse lights up my heart.

My hands, hands grasping for her head. I will destroy it, rip it, push it, sqeeze it, eat it, feel it - her skull, break.

She is mine; eaten, she is nothing.
She lays dead even before I began.

I see the future. I know her taste. She is sweet,
like warm honey. She is my feasting blood. She heals me and sets me free.

She is anger. She is power. She is defined, precise, unleashed. She is uncontrollable rage. She beats fists of hated arms and salavates over your dread corpse.

There is no end to anger. I love it. I need it. Her breath is mine and I give her life.

A Day Late, But Never a Dollar Short - The Friday Five

Well, folks...a day late, but here nonetheless:

1. What if any instrument do you play?

I don't play one, at the moment, but I did play the violin when I was younger, for seven or eight years. Beethoven killed me and I hung the thing up!

2. If you could choose to play an instrument what would it be?

Now? Piano, perhaps. Or maybe viola. There is something both classical and passionate about both instruments that resonates in my soul.

3. If you were in a band, what would your band’s name be?

The Ragin' Abes!   Abe Lincoln is, after all, my idol :)

4. What type of music would your band play?

You know, I've thought about this, and although I don't often listen to it, I think bluegrass would be just a thrill to play.

5. Would you continue to be good for years to come, or would you and your band end up in Branson playing for bus loads of elderly?

I think if it got to the point where playing wasn't fun anymore, or we had trouble filling the coffers, we'd simply retire. Better to go out on top than washed-up!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All you have to do to play is answer these below in the comments, or do so in your journal and post a link to it in the comments below. First to answer gets pimped next week. P.S. there was no FF last week, so nobody get's pimped :)

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Perfidy

I failed, yesterday, to finish everything on my 'to do' list. I am not upset about that, rather I am somewhat smugly pleased with myself for looking at the clock last night at 8:00, after the event I worked, and saying, "Not tonight. Tonight, I am relaxing." I answered a few emails, took a few deep breaths, slowed myself down, played some Railroad Tycoon Deluxe (yeah, retro!) and had a quiet evening. And this morning, it is nine a.m., and I have yet to open my planner.

Mind you, this rebellion will sorely hurt when I realize all I SHOULD have done during those hours.

Here's to impromptu procrastination! CHEERS!

~~~~~~~~~

I read this last night in Job, 21: 34

How then can you offer me vain comfort, while in your answers perfidy remains?

What strong words from Job. I envision him near anger, frustrated, hands in the air and cheeks flushed as he utters this last sentence of his sixth argument. I know how he feels, don't you? When you make a statement that you know is true, when you know that you are innocent of wrong doing, and your friends, in an attempt to comfort you, lie! Their dishonesty is clear in their words, their body language, and their tone of voice.

Sometimes, we are guilty before even tried. This passage reminds me to be strong and have faith, because those who are dishonest, disloyal, obstinate, and manipulative will someday meet another with the same traits, only greater - and they will know what it means to suffer as a result of one's behavior.

Do not misjudge me - I do not wish for people to suffer, but instead I take faith in being strong, resolute, and refusing to respond in kind to those that mistreat me, so that their sins do not become mine. We know that what we reap is what we sow. Those that are evil and abusive will face the consequences of their actions, in fairness, at some point in their life - and then, in faith - we must remain supportive and helpful...a true challenge. However it happens to them, whether you believe in a punishing God, karma, or the simplest ideas of Natural Law, the real test of our sincerity is helping those that have hurt us - refusing to let those that have been disloyal drive us away into hiding, under a cloak of fear and pain.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Story and Reflection

Good morning, everyone. I apologize for having been absent from posting for so long. Let me give you the rundown, in very brief statements:

- the first week of August I was somewhat present, though in and out on vacation days

- the 5, 6, 7, I was on a golfing vacation with some buddies of mine

- the 8, 9, I was sick from heat exhaustion/stroke from being in the sun for 12 hours a day, three straight days (be nice, I'm a pasty white kid)

- I had Wednesday and Friday off that week, and helped a friend move and pack Friday and Saturday

- Sunday, I answered the 200 + emails in my AOL account

- I have been planning for a large event here at the College next Thursday and Friday which has required me to work from 8:30 in the a.m. to 11 p.m. pretty much all week. My prayer life = down. Journaling = down. Comment response = done. Social life = down. It's not been a fun time.

- My parents have made three attempts to contact me in August. Each triggers more depression, anxiety and fear. Thanks, Mom!

At any rate, I'll try to stay on top of this, because it helps me, and I miss my friends in J-land.

~~~~~~~~~~

I read this in Psalms last night:

Psalms 30: 6
For divine anger lasts but a moment; divine favor lasts a lifetime. At dusk weeping comes for the night; but at dawn there is rejoicing.

After this rough week, the tough last few weeks of being on the road, ill and vacationing - which never seems to relax you as much as returning stresses you - I felt the hours of my day fill with darkness and weeping. I lost prayer, time with friends, and my own patience and focus. I failed to be deliberate and cautious in my decisions. I fell prey to harried mindsets and intolerable snapping. Irritable. Glowering.

But, at dawn there is rejoicing. A friend, a passage, a letter, card, email, a phone message - there is always a dawn in them that can lift the haze of depression long enough for us to find our path again, so that our values are refreshed and remembered, our behaviors aligned with right and wrong, and with that harmony comes true rejoicing.

Maybe that dawn is God for you. It is for me, in the form of friends, family, and the small events of a day that call out, "Here I am, Lord - your servant is listening." Maybe for you that dawn is a moment's reflection at sunrise or sunset, or a glass of Spanish red wine at the end of a long day when the children have been put to bed. Whatever it is, find that dawn, know it, cultivate it, make time for it, appreciate it, and let it rejoice in your soul, for then the darkness is lifted and we find ourselves basking in true happiness.

Sunday, August 14, 2005

The Saturday Six

1. A reader to "Men's Journal" recently wrote about technological innovations, stating that there isn't any gadget he couldn't live without:  "To see how vital technology is, spend a few days in the backcountry without your phone, pager, PDA, laptop, cappuccino machine, or MP3 player.  You'll emerge cleansed and refreshed."  Could you go a whole week really roughing it with no modern conveniences?  Would you want to?

Absolutely. I've done it a number of times, both in the 'real world' and when camping or hiking. It is SO exhilerating. Of course, when you go a week without posting like I did, you have 288 or so alerts to catch up on it can be a bit of a pain. But still...it is very much worth the effort. If you can trust yourself to do it!

2. What is the most you've ever paid for a:
    A) Shirt - probably 40 bucks
    B) Pair of Shoes - Over 120
    C) CD or Album - I think 35 bucks? it was a combo set
    D) DVD - Can't be more than 20, right?
    E) Book - Hrm. Textbooks in college were fierce..some like ninety bucks!
    F) Vacation - Easily $3500.00. I'm married, don't forget

3. Looking back at the answers to#2, which one was the most foolish?

Definately the shirt. I can look fashionalbe for far less- you have to love T.J. Maxx!!!

4. Take this quiz:   Which snack food are you?Ooooo healthy! You're an apple!
What Snack Food are You?

brought to you by Quizilla

5. There are three wells:  Love, Beauty and Creativity.  If you could only drink from one of them, which would you choose and why?

Love - it is the answer to all problems. It solves every argument, heals every wound, and is the lifeblood of all else. It is the beginning and the end. Love is all we need.

6. If you were another person, do you think you would be friends with the person you know as yourself?

Maybe - if I weren't so loud and obnoxious half the time.

More tests and Quizzes

All these are courtesy of Angelia Rain, a very insightful journalist!
406,590 descendants
- you're more genetically fit than 57% of the current population - 406,590. Nice. You're no Mongol warlord, but to have that many copies of your genetic code running around 800 years from now is pretty impressive.

You're not at the top of the scoring spectrum, but, honestly, when you consider that the cheaters, swindlers, and football players of this world are statistically best-equipped to create children, scoring in the middle is something to be proud of. You have the right mixture of attributes. As you'll see below, some of your lines will die out, but your genetic material will thrive here on earth for a long time to come.

A close friend of mine created a program to generate family trees for this test. It's based on your unique answers. We accounted for sterility, birth rates, death rates, disease, drug abuse, nitwitism, and accidents and came up with this, for you. Note that you'll have significant offspring with two separate partners; the second of your genetic lines is slighly faded to make the chart easier to read. The second line could represent either a second marriage or an affair:


My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:

free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 99% on fitnessfactor

Link: The Genghis Khan Genetic Fitness Test written by gwendolynbooks on OkCupid Free Online Dating

 


TABLE cellPadding=20 align=center> The Prioress
You scored 21% Cardinal, 58% Monk, 55% Lady, and 48% Knight! You are a moral person and are also highly intellectual. You like your solitude but are also kind and helpful to those around you. Guided by a belief in the goodness of mankind you will likely be christened a saint after your life is over.

You scored high as both the Lady and the Monk. You can try again to get a more precise description of either the Monk or the lady, or you can be happy that you're an individual.




My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 13% on Cardinal free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 85% on Monk free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 91% on Lady free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 50% on Knight
Link: The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test written by KnightlyKnave on Ok Cupid
The Human Napkin
You are 59% Bootlicker, 41% Toe-Stepper, and 19% Obnoxious Anti-Snob! Servile. Pandering. Obsequious. You exist to ride coattails. Astounding vice-presidential material. "Don't worry, Mr. Sergman! My Oxford shirt will absorb that spilt coffee before it reaches your executive-tier stationery!"


My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 99% on Upward free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 99% on Downward free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 99% on Reverse
Link: The Snobbery Test written by fnordite on OkCupid Free Online Dating

Saturday Six Catch up - Episode 59

1. Besides your parents or siblings, what family member do you most resemble?

A tough one for me to answer:) I'm adopted, so I'm not really sure, and as long as we're being honest, my mother had me as the result of an affair, so I really have no idea!

2. Check out this
interesting website:  Is your hometown newspaper featured?  What is the top headline of that paper or the one closest to you?

Well, the Hartford Courant is the closest to where I am originally from, which is New Milford, CT. Today, the headline is about pensions being mired in politics. How sad. Do you ever think about the thousands of people that worked for companies like Enron that had their lives ruined because of corporate fraud. More upsetting to me is that politicians have provided only limited assistance to those that have lost everything. Whatever happened to personal responsibility?

3. If you knew it was completely tame and there was no danger, what zoo animal would you most like to pet or come into physical contact with?

Cheetah! This will sound silly, but in fourth grade I wrote a story about how a Cheetah got it's spots, and that's always stuck with me - so a Cheetah it is!

4. Take this
quiz:  How weird are you?
                               You Are 30% Weird
Not enough to scare other people... But sometimes you scare yourself. How Weird Are You?


5. Which of the following causes more stress in your life:  your spouse, your kids, your boss, your co-workers, your friends, your parents or other relatives?

My parents and family. There is no doubt.

6. You find an old lamp containing a genie:  the genie decides to give you a single improvement for yourself, mind or body.  It must be something to improve within you and no one else.  What would you ask the genie to fix?

My ability to sin - how much happier and full of love would I be if I did not sin?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Play the Saturday Six at Patrick's

Books! Tag!

Well, my first post in a while. I was tagged by Laura, over at Adventure's in Juggling, and I am, of course, obligated to reply ;). But seriously, here's the plan. I'm going to catch up on all my comments, entries due to people (such as the Friday Five, Saturday Six, etc) and then I'll give you an update about my goings on as I've been AWOL for about a week now! So, to BOOKS!

~~~~~~~~~~

1. Number of books I own: Good Golly, I have absolutely no idea how many books I own. I own enough to require an actual library in my house, if I were to put them all on shelves, how's that? And, as all good book readers, I have a host of books that I have been unable to pick up, let alone finish!

2. Last book I read: Gettysburg, by Trudeau. It's a newer summary on the battle, and very well written. It's so good, it's actually in the bathroom's magazine rack for a second go around.

3. Five Books That Mean A Lot to Me:

  1. Crime and Punishment: This is a book that first captured me in high school, but it has stayed with me because I feel we all suffer from split worlds, personalities, and we all struggle with the evil inside our hearts. This book is a reminder to me of how destructive that battle can be, if you are careless.
  2. The Holy Bible: I am not putting this in here to look good, or to prostelitize, but to confirm its presence in my life. I'm currently making my first effort to read it through, by tackling a small portion each day, then reflecting about it in my handwritten journal. It helps give me focus and assists me in my prayer life, which are two important ways to keep my life well-grounded. 
  3. Christian Prayer: This is the book I use to pray the Litrugy of the Hours. It is my daily companion and it, through its seven prayers each day, is my surest way of thinking about God throughout my day.
  4. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:  This sounds silly, but the strange and twisted travels of Arthur Dent remind me of my own journey through life. My copy is ragged, dog-eared, and actually missing a page or so...but I wouldn't have it any other way because it has taught me one thing: Don't Panic.
  5. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: This is the first morality tale I read as a child, and since then I have enjoyed so many: books by LLoyd Alexander, David Eddings, and others, but always, my heart goes out to this classic tale.

Now I get to pass this on...

I choose to tag:

Amanda, as she's got diverse tastes

Rachel, a young woman who forges her way in difficult times

Bring it on, ladies!

Friday, August 5, 2005

How evil are you?

From Patrick's Place!

 


How evil are you?

The Friday Five!

Good morning! Here are this week's Friday Five! Last week's first response came from firestormkids, and you can read here at: http://journals.aol.com/firestormkids04/FromHeretoThere. She's a fantastic woman, who, with her husband has spent many years in Mexico as a missionary. She is currently raising one child, but has a much, much larger family than that. She's cool, calm, reflective, and not afraid to tell you what she thinks. She's a bit of blue sky in a stormy world. Check her out!

As for new readers and old, here's the drill: Answer the five questions below in the comments or in your own journal (which means you  have to link the post back here), and if you are the first to reply, I will highlight your journal next week.

1. If you could invite five people to dinner from history, living or dead, who would they be?

I love these questions :). I'd have to go with: Gandhi, Lincoln, Buddha, Christ, and Frederick Douglass.

2. Why have you chosen these five individuals?

I would have chosen Gandhi, Buddha, and Christ to hear their discussions on faith and truth, and hear them attempt to come to some resolution about faith and God, about religion and our deep seeded need for spirituality. I would invite Lincoln and Frederick Douglass for two reasons - first, Lincoln is my idol (dorky, I know!) and second, Douglass was a man of great moral principle. I admire that so much, and I wish I had his zeal. I would like to have his passion and I would like to learn all I could from him.

3. What would you serve for dinner?

Oh man....well...beef is out because of Gandhi, and so's anything that breaks the Jewish law because of Christ. I think we'd have to go with Lobster? Or maybe a nice lemon pepper chicken with whole wheat rice, broccoli, and garlic?

4. What would you like to ask them?

See above :)

5. Do you think everybody seated at the table would get along? Why or why not?

I do - Christ, Buddha, and Gandhi all are passionate about non-violence. Frederick Douglass and Linocln met on several occasions and got along well enough. I don't see either of them picking a fight with the Son of God, the Buddha, or one of the greatest men in the twentieth century, do you?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have at it, and enjoy!

Thursday, August 4, 2005

I am

Last night I felt broken. I prayed that I might find some guidance, I prayed for wisdom. I prayed that I might be shown the right path to take, so that I could deal with my anxiety and depression in a healthy, positive way.

And today, God delivered. A tremendous session and something clicked...I will speak with my behavior, not words. I will set the tone of the relationship by my actions, not my statements. I need not waste words, when action speaks louder than them to begin with.

With that in mind, I read this last night in Isiah 46:

Hear me, O house of Jacob, all who remain of the house of Israel, my burden since your birth, whom I have carried from your infancy. Even to your old age I am the same, even when your hair is gray I will bear you; It is I who have done this, I who will continue, and I who will carry you to safety.

What a powerful message of hope and inspiration! I've read so many journals where people feel lost, hurt, dismayed, and even full of despair, but here, in this passage we see that we are never alone, never cast aside, and always cared for by God. I find three comforting messages in this text:
1. The trials of my life are given to me by God, who carries me.
2. As my life and my trials come to an end at their appointed time, God will continue, and
3. In his continuing, he will finally bring me to safety.

I know some of you that read my journal don't believe in God, and that's OK, because this message is one of hope! The message is so clear - stop trying to manage those difficulties in your life that you cannot control! It is impossible to to have everything in your life to your liking, and we are all guaranteed to suffer! We must realize that to escape the pain of that suffering we must let it go! We must choose not to suffer, and instead, turn to those that walk with us, look at them, admit our weaknesses and difficulties, and ask them to help us carry our burdens.

Only then can we find our way through life! God does this for me, maybe it's your spouse or boyfriend or girlfriend for you - but the point is, if we try to carry all our baggage we'll never make the plane! Instead of lifting off we'll be stuck on the ground, collapsed, surrounded by a pile of useless, painful luggage.

Who needs that? We are finite - our problems and sufferings are infinite - they will last until our days on earth are done,and perhaps even longer in the lives of those we touch, but in letting go and relying on others (God?) we can walk with head up and shoulders raised.

And that is a good way to spend any day.

Answer to #7 in the morning :)

 

My humor!

the Wit
(56% dark, 39% spontaneous, 33% vulgar) your humor style:
CLEAN | COMPLEX | DARK

You like things edgy, subtle, and smart. I guess that means you're probably an intellectual, but don't take that to mean pretentious. You realize 'dumb' can be witty--after all isn't that the Simpsons' philosophy?--but rudeness for its own sake, 'gross-out' humor and most other things found in a fraternity leave you totally flat.

I guess you just have a more cerebral approach than most. You have the perfect mindset for a joke writer or staff writer.

Your sense of humor takes the most thought to appreciate, but it's also the best, in my opinion.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Jon Stewart - Woody Allen - Ricky Gervais

AND FINALLY -- after you rate my test with a sweet, sweet '5' -- you must take this test next: The Genghis Khan Genetic Fitness Test. It's not mine, but it rocks.



My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 56% on dark free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 56% on spontaneous free online dating free online dating You scored higher than 68% on vulgar
Link: The 3 Variable Funny Test written by jason_bateman on Ok Cupid

 
CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »