Friday, September 30, 2005

The Friday Five and What do we wish to hear?

First, a disclaimer for this weekend:

I'll be away most of the weekend, so please do not expect posts until perhaps Monday. The Friday Five can be found below, and they are user submitted questions this week, but that user has requested to remain anonymous! Again, if you wish to submit questions for the Friday Five, please feel free to email me!

The Friday Five from Anonymous (btw, Anonymous, I do love your themes) :)

1.  When was the last time you went in for a checkup and did you follow the advice of the doctor?

Goodness, I can't remember the last time I went for a check-up. It was probably a few years ago, and he told me that my weight gain was unhealthy. I lost some weight, but not enough :).

2.  Do you know your cholesterol readings?

Nope, and frankly, I don't care!

3.  Do you know your family's medical history, i.e. strokes in the family, heart attacks, diabetes, etc?

Sadly, no. I'm adopted!

4.  When you were older and had a choice of either being physically healthy, but demented (Alzheimer's) or still had a good memory, but had poor physical health, which would you choose and why?

Memory - that is eternal, as are emotions, like love, and you can always live in a different time in your mind. The loss of one's mind is the loss of one's identity.

5.  Do you follow a healthy lifestyle; i.e. eat right, exercise daily, drink alcohol in moderation, don't smoke.

Yes....and no. Eat...ok, don't exercise, drink in moderation....most of the time (I'm close to quitting), and I do not smoke.

~~~

From Jeremiah, 26: 10-15

When the princes of Judah were informed of these things, they came up from the king's palace to the house of the Lord and held court at the New Gate of the house of the Lord. The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people, "This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears." Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people: "It was the Lord who sent me to prophesy against this house and city all that you have heard. Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the Lord your God, so that the Lord will repent of the evil with which he threatens you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you think good and right. But mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens. For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear.

In trying days, when harsh words meet our ears and lay our actions bare, our souls mirror our misdeeds. We try to hide them with consensus, compromise, and rational arguments. How futile. We cannot hide the lies that invade our lives and turn our hearts against one another.

Truth is a stark reality we too frequently hate to hear. Do we live in reality, or have we constructed falsehoods so complex the truth inspires anger, not love? Jeremiah spoke only truth. Our families, friends, co-workers, spouses and significant others have done the same for us, time and time again. Is their innocent blood on our hands? Have we chosen anger over love?

I hope that we find it in ourselves to honor love and cast down our pretenses and safeguards to accept truth, no matter how hard on the soul. When we face the truth, and embrace it with love, invariably we become like truth itself, a light, shining forth, illuminating the right way to live.

My Superhero Name

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Beta Speedster
Your Superpower is Near-death Experience
Your Weakness is Women
Your Weapon is Your Cosmic Bow
Your Mode of Transportation is Seahorse
What's your Superhero Name?

Poems

My apologies about the lack of reflections the past few days. I will do my best to post one later this morning. For now, I can offer two poems, both written in the last two days:

Untitled
There is no way to say
what should remain unsaid,
And in that quiet space,
Our souls become barren and dead.

Untitled
In the crystal shadows of melting ice
I see a life, like light, shining
forth in fine splendor.

It is the beginning of the end,
and felt, but barely, by those
staring deep into the ice.

The ice lies in its lucid brilliance,
hiding the evil and broken lives
its sweet chill creates.

So soft, the skin of those lies.
Pristine, shining, scented sweetness
of promised ice.

It does not feel, but hunts its prey,
fueled by the silent delight
of drowning in the ice.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

what does your birthday mean?

From Calm Cool Air:

 

Your Birthdate: January 12

Being born on the 12th day of the month (3 energy) is likely to add a good bit of vitality to your life.
The energy of 3 allows you bounce back rapidly from setbacks, physical or mental.
There is a restlessness in your nature, but you seem to be able to portray an easygoing, sometimes "couldn't care less" attitude.

You have a natural ability to express yourself in public, and you always make a very good impression.
Good with words, you excel in writing, speaking, and possibly singing.
You are energetic and always a good conversationalist.

You have a keen imagination, but you tend to scatter your energies and become involved with too may superficial matters.
Your mind is practical and rational despite this tendency to jump about.
You are affectionate and loving - but very sensitive.
You are subject to rapid ups and downs.
What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

What Courage is NOT about.

What this journal is not about:

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1019/1019_01.asp

Obviously, as a Roman Catholic this offends me more than it might others, but this sort of general intolerance is not the message of faith - love and forgiveness are universal languages, messages for all people of all denominations, and for those that do not believe in God, as well. Love and forgiveness are the keys to a better life, not intolerance and hatred like that site promotes.

Blogger's Questionaire

Bloggers' Questionaire - From Rach's Daily Life (check her out - she's made me king of blogs, so now she's queen)

1.)  How often do you blog?

Everyday. While I post many different subjects (memes, poems, etc), the primary purpose of my journal is to provide a spiritual reflection that is applicable to all people, regardless of faith or belief. I try to do that every day.

2.)  Whose blog do you visit the most?

Probably Amanda's, over ath HEY, I'M COUNTRY, as she posts so much my alerts are full of her :)

3.)  What blog makes you laugh?

Tough question - there are a lot of blogs out there that make me laugh, but a Jaime Chase has a blog which is just hilarious about the day to day life of her and her famliy.

4.)  What do you want to accomplish when you blog?

Just to provide a place for people to feel welcome and think about who and what they are; who and what they believe in, now and perhaps as they grow older.

5.)  Do you like comments or perfer not to get them?

I do like them, as it encourages me to continue writing.

Freedom

Freedom

Freedom is an illusion of the personal.
The personal choice, the personal belief, the personal desire.

Freedom is not about liberty,
or democray, or your Bill of Rights.

Freedom is to look for right and wrong
and live your life by its demands.

Not to judge.

Freedom acts as an example and is not ashamed
to live out its calling.

Freedom does not fear standing for justice
and moral right - moral law.

Freedom is cold. It is a surrendering of the soul
to the moral compass of another, far greater than you.

Freedom is service, fully given.

Linguist

Your Linguistic Profile:
55% General American English
25% Yankee
20% Dixie
0% Midwestern
0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?  

Well, it appears that my ten or so years in the mid-atlantic have begun to mellow my New England accent. Sad, really, as I'd much rather have that accent than fall prey to Dixie!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Tuesday Two

From Patrick's Place:

When you were in high school, if you could have picked any age to jump to and stay that age forever, which would you have picked and why?

I would have stayed right at 21. Legal enough to enjoy a calming beverage, I was in my peak physical shape - we're talking 155 lbs. of lean, mean, boxing machine - and I had the adoration of faculty and students alike. I was king of my castle and master of my universe. You can't go wrong with that.

Add twenty-five lbs, erase the six pack (oh, and I had one!), and put some lines on my forehead and here I am. I think rewinding the clock a bit might be a very good idea.

What are we worth...and the daily quote

From Psalm 49: 7-12

Those who trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches? One cannot redeem oneself, pay to God a ransom. Too high the price to redeem a life; one would never have enough to stay alive forever and never see the pit. Anyone can see that the wisest die, the fool and the senseless pass away too, and must leave their wealth to others. Tombs are their homes forever, their dwellings through all generations, though they gave their names to their lands.

I refuse to look at this passage as a damnation of those that put the accumulation of material wealth before all else in life. Instead, I see it as an affirmation of how much we are worth as individuals. Nothing - no amount of gold, silver, jewels, or relics - could ever equal the worth of our life. We are that precious. We are that loved.

No amount of dollars or pouds, yen or rubles, will ever equal what we are worth. We are sacred. Our bodies and lives are unique and irreplaceable. We are original works of art. We ought to love one another in that way, with that passion. Love has no limits and it is the only currency that holds everlasting value.

What is the worth of one person? Endless, unconditional love - and that cannot be bought.

Quote of the day, from Quote A Day:

If we sit down now we may get run over later.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Kisser!

From the usual suspects!

 

lip kiss
kiss on the lips - you're sweet and simple but
quite daring. you move for the kill confidently
knowing the other person wants the same thing.

What Sign of Affection Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

What book of the Bible are You?

Again, from Rach :):

 

You Are Romans
You are Romans.

Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

What kind of vehicle are you?

Got this from Amanda, who got it from Rach:

 

You are a Voltswagon Beetle. You are fun to be
around and love girly things! lol. You are
always the center of attention wherever you go.
Some people are threatened by you, but you
don't pay attention to them. Anyway, have
fun... lol.

What Kind Of Vehicle Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Don't fire me up!

From Rach's Daily Life (check her out, she's awesome!):

How Hostile are You ?

It seems that your cynicism level(i.e. "mistrusting attitude") toward people's motives is quite high. You tend to be "constantly on guard" against others' misbehavior. Why don't you give more faith in people and you will find that this would be much more happier! Your anger level is probably quite high. When faced with life's frustrations, you tend to respond with anger, irritation or annoyance. Please take it easy. Try to practise some relaxation exercises. You are not aggressive. You maintain a harmonious relationship with people.

Ignore me :)

No Need to Click Here - I'm just claiming my feed at Feedster feedster:1f3944254871896a214d9f0a7b58eb90

Remember that big shindig I had to work?

Here's me at that fancy event I had to work :)

Monday, September 26, 2005

Random Photo

It's been a while, so here's your latest random photo. How can you not dig Harry Potter?

Quote of the Day - Monday, September 26, 2005

From Quote a Day:

Character is made by what you stand for; reputation, by what you fall for.

Robert Quillen

Justice

From 2 Samuel, 1: 14-16

David said to him, "How is it that you were not afraid to put forth your hand to desecrate the Lord's anointed? [King Saul]" David then called one of the attendants and said to him, "Come, strike him down"; and the youth struck him a mortal blow. Meanwhile David said to him, "You are responsible for your own death, for you testified against yourself when you said, "I dispatched the Lord's anointed."

How often do we ignore the repercussions of our behavior? How frequently do we attempt to evade responsibility for our own mistakes or faults?

How many lies do we tell in order to make ourselves feel better about the way we behave - to hide from justice?

Like it or not, we are responsible for our actions. When we gossip, lies spread and people slandered. When we lie, others hurt and we hide in fear. Our failures, mistakes, and sins have consequences we must experience and acknowledge openly. We must claim responsibility for our misdeeds.

When we lash out at another, in any way, we not only hurt him or her, but we isolate ourselves from the community that makes us happy and complete. And, if we attempt to rationalize our misdeeds because of general displeasure for someone or something, we fall victim to pride and selfishness.

We are not called to pride and selfishness! We know right from wrong, and regardless of our faith or our beliefs about God, we must live a healthy communal life where we are responsible for our behaviors. We can choose to do so, or we can choose to hide. I believe in responsibility. I believe in justice - not fear.

Spiderman, Spiderman

From Amanda, over at Hey, I'm Country

Spiderman
Congratulations! You scored a super 58%! You're hotter than, well, hot-cakes! You've got a fan base bigger than Pam & Tommy, and to tell the truth, you actually don't mind the super-hero gig. Most of the time, anyway. Everyone seems to love their fun, friendly and courageous hero as you swoop in to save the day, time and time again! Unfortunately, swooping and day-saving doesn't help pay the rent, and you're not exactly the "hero-for-hire" type either. Hey, at least you can play down the whole life saving, self sacrificing gig with some neat lil' punchlines and remarks! Juggling both egos becomes a strain at times and whilst you want to help everyone, you're also in search of "me time", often finding yourself having to make constant personal sacrifices in order to protect those around you. Don't fret though! At the end of the day you'll find yourself with the support from either those you rescue or perhaps a close friend or loved one who'll get you by, reminding you of how cool you look in spandex.


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 35% on Heropoints
Link: The Which SUPER HERO are you Test written by crayzee69 on Ok Cupid

The Space Between

The Space Between - Dave Matthews Band

You cannot quit me so quickly
Is no hope in you for me
No corner you could squeeze me
But I’ve got all the time for you love

The space between
The tears we cry is the laughter that keeps us coming back for more
The space between
The wicked lies we tell to keep us safe from the pain

Will I hold you again

These fickle fuddled words confuse me
Like will it rain today
We waste the hours with talking talking
These twisted games we’re playing

We’re strange allies
With warring hearts
What a wild eyed beast you be

The space between
The wicked lies we tell that hope to keep us safe from the pain

Look at us spinning out in the madness of a rollercoaster
You know you went off like the devil in the church
In the middle of a crowded room
All we can do my love
Is hope we don’t take this ship down

The space between
Where you smile and hide
That’s where you’ll find me if I get to go

The space between
The bullets in our fire fight
Is where I’ll be hiding waiting for you
The rain that falls
Splashed in your heart
Ran like sadness down the window into your room

The space between
Our wicked lies is
The hope to keep safe from pain

Take my hand
Cause we’re walking out of here
Right out of here
Is all we need dear

The space between
What’s wrong and right
Is where you’ll find me hiding
Waiting for you

The space between
Your heart and mind
Is the space we’ll fill with time

The space between
The tears we cry is the laughter keeps us coming back for more
The space between
Our wicked lies where we hope to keep safe from pain

The space between
The space between

Monday Morning Question

Monday Morning Question, from Sometimes, I think:

Actually, this is three quick questions.  I am going to ask you to take a little psychological test.  Answer this either in your journal or in the comments section below.  Then come back to my journal on Weds. and I will tell you how to interpret your results.

1.  What is your favorite animal?  Name three adjectives to describe this animal.

Horse. Graceful, majestic, poetic

2.  What is your favorite color?  Name three adjectives to describe this color.

Blue. Rich, deep, vibrant

3.  What three things things come to mind when you think of the word white?

sweetness, fulfilling, gorgeous

Sunday, September 25, 2005

A Candlelight Vigil for Promise

Picture from Hometown

Do you Journal Jar? If you do, go here.

Whether you know her or not, she could use your prayers.

From Exodus, 17: 4 - 8

So Moses cried out to the Lord, "What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!" The Lord answered Moses, "Go over there in front of the people, along with some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the river. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink." This Moses did, in the presence of the elders ofr Israel. The place was called Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled ther eand tested the Lord, saying, "Is the Lord in our midst or not?"

While from a textual standpoint the answer to the Israelites question is clear, the greater moral question is obediance to authority. Religious or not, we have the obligation to obey authority, if that authority's power is justly and righteously employed. If that power is misused or abused, we have a moral obligation to choose what is right by Natural Law, regardless of who or what that authority is or represents.

This concept makes no exception for our faith backgrounds, our beliefs or decision to not believe, because we all have a calling to obey authority. All too frequently we put ourselves before others, thinking our own authority is wise enough, strong enough, righteous enough, for any situation. How foolish! How little do we each really know? Are we like the Israelites who look at all God has done for them and still put him to the test? Are we so wise and arrogant to think that we have all the answers?

If we put ourselves first because we are 'rational' people capapble of thought and reasoning, we play a dangerous game - we risk disobeying moral authority. Does moral authority exists? Yes, contrary to what some might say - moral authority is based on natural law - and in that there is a fundamental right and wrong. We are called to obey that authority, our conscience drives us to follow that authority. Though our lifestyles and faiths might employ that law differently, the concept is undeniably true.

Spend just a minute in silence thinking about natural law - our entire country is founded on the principal of this natural, moral, law, and to disobey authority, when it is moral, is to be criminal. We are smarter than that, wiser than that, braver than that! We have no need to test authority that is righteous! True courage is the ability to set aside selfish wants and desires to follow real moral authority. The conquering of self, the denial of self for the sake of natural law and moral authority is real courage.Whom do you follow?

Kisser :)

You're a Romantic Kisser

For you, kissing is all about feeling the romance
You love to kiss under the stars or by the sea
The perfect kiss involves the perfect mood
It's pretty common for kisses to sweep you off your feet
What Kind of Kisser Are You?

Quote of the Day

From Quote a Day:

Wisdom is child of pain, and born with many a tear.

Aeschylus (525 - 456 B.C.

The Sunday Seven

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Of the movies in your current DVD or VHS collection, name seven (in no particular order) that you have watched enough times to make your friends suspect that there might be something wrong with you but that you can't imagine not watching again.

Well, let's see.

1. Ocean's Eleven
2. Bourne Identity
3. The Godfather (I & II)
4. Harry Potter (take your pick)
5. Lord of the Rings (take your pick)
6. Rounders
7. Pride and Prejudice (the TV Series - man is that good!)

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Love

From 1 Corinthians, 16: 13-14

Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love.

Daily readers know that I am Catholic, but also that this journal promotes tolerance of all faiths and those who do not believe. Accordingly, these verses resonate within me their absolute truth. Our actions must be guided by love. Moral neccessity demands that all others receive our love.

Our world needs this. We need this. Imagine your life if love motivated your every action. Would it be different? Mine would be transformed into resplendent joy. Faith and creed are merely ways to express love, but it is a fundamental emotion to human existence. Without it, we wither and die on the vine. With it we are shining beacons of hope and peace for others.

Love.

Embrace it and let it move your spirit, your soul, your character. Let it define you. Let it guide you. Let it become you.

Saturday Six

1. Of the following, which one best describes you at your worst?  (You can't select "None of the above!")
    a. One who doesn't finish what he/she starts
    b. One who talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk
    c. One who always finds the worst in a situation
    d. One who generally knows what's right but does what's wrong

D. My faith gives me a moral compass by which to live - I too frequently choose another path.

2. Not counting shows like Saturday morning cartoons designed specifically for kids, what single show that you grew up watching religiously is now the one you most hate to sit through?

I HATE America's Funniest Videos. Alright, hate is too strong a word, but I despise  Bob Saget with the white hot intensity of a thousand burning suns. Does that surprise you? See my answer to number one!

3. Have you ever been so angry with a company that you swore you'd never do business with them again?  If so, did you keep that promise?

You know, I've thought about this all day, and I can't say that I have!

4. Take this quiz:  Are you psychic?

You Are 90% Psychic You are so very psychic. But you already predicted that, didn't you? You have "the gift" - and you use it daily to connect with others. You're very tapped into the world around you... Just make sure to use your powers for good! Are You Psychic?  

5. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #68 from Lily: What's the longest you've talked on the phone in a single phone call, and who were you talking to?

I am going to have to go with one of my high school girlfriends. We probably pulled a good six or seven hour session on a school night.

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #69 from Betty:   (She recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas!)  How do you feel about gambling?

A vice, but like all things, in moderation it can be enjoyed without difficulty or hurt.

Quote of the Day

From Quote a Day:

Anything worth saying can be said well in one or two succinct sentences.

M. Scott Peck

 

Friday, September 23, 2005

Sabbath

From Jeremiah, 17: 21-23

Thus says the Lord: As you love your lives, take care not to carry burdens on the sabbath day, to bring them in through the gates of Jerusalem. Bring no burden from your homes on the sabbath. Do no work whatever, but keep holy the sabbbath, as I commanded your fathers, though they did not listen or give ear, but stiffened their necks so as not to hear or take correction.

I love the Sabbath. It is not about church, or Eucharist, or obligations, it's about golf, the Sunday Funnies, reading the Post all day, drinking tea while watching a movie, a game of whiffle ball, baking brownies, knitting, playing with your cats or dogs. It's about sunshine and clouds and warm breezes, daisies and daffodils and roses. It's about rest, peace of mind, and relaxation.

In a greater sense, this is not just a day for Christians - it is a day for all people! We all need a Sabbath day! Our lives are a maelstrom of tasks and appointments, calenders and meetings. We lose track of time, eat alone, forget to call friends, hardly write real letters anymore, and feel obligated to do more than the guy in the next cubicle.

What foolishness! Why do we give up our lives this way? From a religious standpoint, does God need a Sabbath? Of course not! He's God! Eternal! No beginning and no end - time is a human concept. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. We are told to rest because we cannot be whole when we lead such fragmented lives.

Whatever your faith, beliefs about God, or even if you are an athiest, the lesson holds true - we are never complete unless we make time for ourselves. We need the courage to be free of time and find ourselves. Make that time this weekend and eveery weekend.

Quote of the Day

From Quote of the Day:

Be resolute, fear no sacrifice and surmount every difficulty to win victory.

Mao Tse-Tung

The Friday Five

Lest you all thought I forgot:

1. Do you have a dream you will always strive to achieve until your dying day?

I do, and that is to start my own company, or to become involved in something similar to an educational professional development school.

2. Do you believe in fate or free will, or something else?

Free will - Absolutely.

3. Marilyn Monroe. Conspiracy or tragic accident?

Please - absolutely an accident. I wouldn't even call it tragic. That makes her depression and self-hatred glamor-tied, not sad.

4. Favourite childhood sweets/candy?

I don't know what they are called, but you find them in the grocery store. They are white with bits of cadied fruit in them. Man, I loved those!

5. Favourite cocktail (alcoholic or virgin) and it's ingredients?

Vodka and Cranberry, also known as a Cape Codder. I prefer Level or Grey Goose Vodka, but I won't turn down Ketel One if somebody makes it that way. Best way to make it: Pack your glass with ice, 2/3 vodka, 1/3 cranberry. Delicious!

~~~~

To keep this Meme more in line with Patrick's Saturday Six (nothing like a little J-Land continuity), I am now accepting reader's questions. Feel free to submit! I'll happily use your questions!

Tagged

1.) Go into your archive.

2.) Find the 23rd post.

3.) Find the 5th sentence of that post.

4.) Post text of sentence with these instructions.

5.) Tag 5 other people to do the same.

 

"Hi everyone - I apologize for a lack of posts and the Friday Five, but I will get them up ASAP. I'm at a conference and in the middle of a meeting! Hang in there and I will post comments to my usual reads as soon as I can! Love to everyone!
Charley"

As for my victims:

1. Patrick

2. Amanda

3. Angelia

4. Kristy

5. Lisa

VIVI

It's here. Find out what it is and get involved.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Two reflections

Two reflections today, as it's been some time since I've written. I read the following verses in Job, 31: 3-8 and 24-28:

Is it not calamity for the unrighteous, and woe for evildoers? Does he not see my ways, and number all my steps? Let God weigh me in the scales of justice; thus will he know my innnocence! If I have walked in falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; If my steps have turned out of the way, and my heart has followed my eyes, or any stain clings to my hands, then may I sow, but another eat of it, or may my planting be rooted up!

and

Had i put my trust in gold or called fine gold my security; Or had I rejoiced that my wealth was great, or that my hand had acquired abundance - had i looked upon the sun as it shone, or the moon in the splendor of its progress, And had my heart been secretly enticed to waft them a kiss with my hand; this too would be a crime for condemnation; for I should have denied God above.

The first passage is calls us to be accountable for our actions; that we be judged accordingly by what we do and treated in kind. Far too frequently our pride leads us to shirk our responsibilities and sidestep what we indeed should reap fairly. In the aftermath of Katrina we see even those most powerful in the land slinging blame as if it were of no consequence, and the lives of the deceased devalued from those afraid of their responsibility. This passage is so striking because in an era of moral subjectivity Job's words carry more weight - If we have done wrong, so be it, let us be dealt with accordingly.Whether Buddhist, Muslim, or Christian we should have courage to stand up for our behavior.

The second passage shames me fiercly. I have so frequently put my hopes in material wealth, in the pursuit of goods, items, people. I covet. My heart has been secretly enticed and too often given over to those elements that betray my values. Job knows that in so doing, he should have denied God. For me, as a Catholic, I do the same, but the lesson is true for all of us - when we let material possesions dominate our lives, we willingly give up our values and beliefs for temperary pleasures. We deserve better of ourselves.

Weekend assignment #78

Weekend Assignment #78: You are preparing to evacuate your house due to an upcoming threat. You have already packed up all your essential items, people and pets. You have room for three non-essential items. What are they?

1. My Bible - I've written in it over the years and I would hate to lose those reflections

2. My cell phone - reach out and touch someone!

3. My rosary - prayer is a constant ally.

What kind of blogger am I?

You Are a Pundit Blogger!


Your blog is smart, insightful, and always a quality read. Truly appreciated by many, surpassed by only a few. What kind of blogger are you?

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

How am I seen?

Slow and Steady Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy.

They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder.

It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment.

They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.
How Do People See You?

Monday, September 19, 2005

'T be One Long Weekend

't be one long weekend. As some o' ye know, I work in Development as a fundraiser, an' this past weekend Gettysburg celebrated Homecomin'. That means I had a high end donor bonanza Friday night fer hours upon hours, followed by a social at a local establishment wi' o'er one bucketfull o' loaded t' th' gunwhales rowdy swabbies an' grog prices far too high fer me. Saturday included lunch schmoozin', football game, more reception work, more donor minglin', an' finally a trip homeport. On Sunday 't be all I could do t' pretty much lay me hade on th' bunk. Nay fun, folks, nay fun. I wanted this entry t' be longer, but I’m so tired, I be havin' t' leave 't at this: Do nay let yer work take o'er yer life

Pirate Name

Avast ye land lubbers! As it is international pirate day, I've gone and found my own pirate name: "Scurv-aceous" Wally Dregg. Find your pirate name here. Look for my long post to be in pirate lingo later today!

Monday Morning Question

If you were to write a book, on what would it be?

I am of two minds regarding this question. The first is a study of Lincoln and his depiction in cartoons and art during and after the Civil War. The second is simply a volume of poetry. Sadly, I believe that would have to be a self-published work!

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Movie Whore

(1)Rocky Horror Picture show
(2)Grease
(3)Pirates of the Caribbean
(4)Boondock Saints
(5)The Mexican
(6)Fight Club
(7)Starsky and Hutch
(8)Neverending Story
(9)Blazing Saddles
(10)Airplane
(11)The Princess Bride
()Young Frankenstien
(12)AnchorMan: The Legend of Ron Burgandy
(13)Napoleon Dynamite
()Saw
()White Noise
()White Oleander
()Anger Management
()50 First Dates
()Jason X
(14)Scream
(15)Scream 2
(16)Scream 3
(17)Scary Movie
()Scary Movie 2
()Scary Movie 3
(18)American Pie
(19)American Pie 2
()American Wedding
(20)Harry Potter
(21)Harry Potter 2
(22)Harry Potter 3
()Resident Evil I
()Resident Evil 2
(23)The Wedding Singer
()Little Black Book
()The Village
()Donnie Darko
()Lilo & Stitch
()Finding Nemo
()Finding Neverland
()13 Ghosts
()Signs
(24)The Grinch
(25)Chainsaw Massacre
()White Chicks
()Butterfly Effect
()Thirteen going on 30
()I, Robot
()Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
(26)Universal Soldier
()A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(27)Along Came Polly
(28)Deep impact
()KingPin
()Never Been Kissed
(29)Meet the Fockers
(30)Eight Crazy Nights
()A Cinderella Story
()The Terminal
()The Lizzie McGuire Movie
()Passport to Paris
(31)Dumb & Dumber
()Final Destination
()Final Destination 2
(32)Halloween
(33)The Ring
(34)The Ring 2
()Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
()Practical Magic
(35)Chicago
()Ghost Ship
()From Hell
()Hellboy
()Secret Window
()I Am Sam
(36)The Whole Nine Yards
()The Whole 10 yards
()The Day After Tomorrow
()Child's Play
()Childs Play 2
()Childs Play 3
()Bride of Chucky
()Ten Things I Hate About You
()Just Married
()Gothika
(37)Nightmare on Elm Street
(38)Sixteen Candles
()Coach Carter
(39)Bad Boys
()Bad Boys 2
()Joy Ride
(40)Seven
()28 Days Later
(41)Oceans Eleven
(42)Oceans Twelve
()Identity
()Lone Star
()Bedazzled
(43)Predator I
(44)Predator II
(45)Independence Day
(46)Cujo
(47)A Bronx Tale
()Darkness Falls
(48)Christine
(49)ET
(50)Children of the Corn
()My Boss' daughter
(51)Maid in Manhattan
()Frailty
()Best Bet
(52)How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
()She's All That
()Calendar Girls
(53)Sideways
()Mars Attacks
(54)Event Horizon
(55)Ever after
(56)Forrest Gump
()Big Trouble in Little China
(57)X-men
(58)X-2: X-Men United
()Jeepers Creppers
()Jeppers Creppers 2
(59)Catch me if you can
(60)The Others
()Freaky Friday
()Freaky Fridays(original)
()Reign of Fire
(61)Cruel Intentions
()Hot Chick
()Swim fan
()Miracle
(62)Old School
(63)Ray
()The Notebook
(64)K-Pax
(65)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(66)Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(67)Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
(68)A walk to remember
()Boogeyman
()Hitch
(69)The Fifth Element
(70)Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
(71)Star Wars Episode II: Attack of The Clones
(72)Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of The Sith
(73)Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
(74)Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
(75)Star Wars Episode VI: Return of The Jedi
()Troop BeverlyHills
()Swimming with Sharks
(76)Air Force one
()For Richer or for Poorer
(77)Trainspotting
()People Under the Stairs
()Blue Velvet
(78)Sound of Music
()Parent Trap (New)
()Parent Trap (Original)
(79)The Burbs   

(80)The Terminator
(81)Terminator 2:Judgement Day
(82)Terminator 3:Rise of the Machines
(83)Empire Records
(84)Tommy Boy
()Punk
(85)Meet Joe Black
()Deliver us from Eva
(86)Passion Of the Christ
()The Devils Rejects
(87)Charlie And the Chocolate Factory (New)
(88)Charlie And the Chocolate Factory(Original)
()Mean Girls
()Heathers
()8 Mile
()Spice World
(89)Super Troopers
(90)Shrek
(91)Shrek2
()Shark Tale
()The Life Of David Gale
()American History X
(92)The Breakfast Club
()Drop Dead Fred
()Sin City
(93)Beauty and the Beast
(94)Rambo
(95)Moulin Rouge
(96)Edward Scissorhands

I might have done this already but...

Have you...

1. Fallen for your neighbor?  yeah, when I was a frosh in high school.

2. Made out with just a friend?  Does spin the bottle count? 

3. Been rejected? Yes.

4. Been in love? Yes.

5. Used someone? I have.

6. Been used? I have.

7. Been Kissed? I have.

8. Done something you regret? Indeed.

 

Who was the last person...

9. You Sexually Touched? slapped my wife's hiney - does that count?

10. You talked to? Jillian

11. You hugged? Jillian

12. You instant messaged? Cassie

13. You kissed? Jillian

14. You had sex with? Jillian

15. You yelled at? Jillian

16. You laughed with? Jillian

17. Who broke your heart? Lord, really broke my heart? Probably my principal when I taught

18. Who told you they loved you? Jillian

Do you…
19. Color your hair? No

20. Have any Birthmarks?  Yes, several.

21. Have any piercings? No.

22. Have a 6 pack? I used to, does that count?

23. Own your own house? no

24. Own a nice car? 2000 Mustang - she's my baby...named Traveler

25. Speak any languages? English, a tad of German and a smattering of Russian

26. Cook your own Dinner? occoaisonally

27. Laze In The Bath Often? as I don't have a tub, no.

28. Know your height and weight? i do. 5'10, 178 lbs

 

Have you / Are you...

29. Stolen anything? yes.

30. Smoked? No.

31. Taken drugs? Not officially :).

32. Obsessive? Sure.

33. Compulsive? Definitely.

34. Obsessive compulsive? Depends.

35. Panic? not in the true sense of the word, but anxiety attacks have happend.

36. Anxiety? yes, clinically, sadly

37. Depressed? clinically, sadly.

38. Control Freak? more like manipulative.

39. Obsessed with hate? No


Questions

41. If you could be anywhere, where would you be? Rome

42. Can you do anything freakish with your body? Yes.

43. What feature do you find most attractive on girls? hair.

44. Would you vote for a woman candidate for president? Yes.

45. Would you marry for money? No

46. Have you had braces? for too long

47. Do you like a girl to wear lip gloss? chap stick, if the situation requires it

48. Do you sing in the shower? indeed - hum as well

49. When was the last time you had a hickey? Ages ago

50. Could you live without a computer? yes

51. Do you use AOL, MSN, Yahoo? AOL

52. If so, how many people are on your list? too freakin many.

53. If you could live in any past, where would it be? Jerusalem, 30-33 AD

54. Do you wear white socks? only with sneakers

55. Do you wear shoes? i do

56. What is your favorite fruit? Raspberries or blueberries

57. Do you eat wheat bread or white? Wheat

58. What is your favorite place to visit? any good restaurant.

59. Favorite DVD? The Legend of Bagger Vance.

60. Do you kiss on the first date? Yes.

61. Are you gutsy? I used to box. Guys in the navy. Does that make me gutsy or stupid?

62. Do you dream in color or black and white? Color, sadly.

63. What are you wearing right now? Blue cargo shorts, white polot

64. Do you eat a lot of fruit? eh

65. Do you have any dimples? Yes.

66. Do you remember being born? no.

67. Why do you take surveys? i like to share.

68. Do you drink alcohol? I'm trying to quit, actually.

69. Did you like high school? It was passable.

70. What is the best accent? Russian

71. Who do you want to kiss? Angelina Jolie's lips :)

72. Do you like sunrises or sunsets the most? Sunsets - no place like Gettysburg

73. Do you want to live to be 100? I want to live only as long as I am supposed to.

74. Are Big Boobs important to you?  No, a butt is better :)

75. Do you or have you played with a Ouija board? Yes.

76. Are you loyal? Not as much as I should be, as it is a trait I admire

77. Are you tolerant of other people’s beliefs?  Somewhat - tolerant of beliefs, not of rationalization

78. When you watch movies, do you like the lights on or off? Off.

79. Do you like your nose? It's not the worst thing on me

80. Do you think you can draw well? NO

81. At what age did you find out that Santa Clause wasn't real? I don't remember. Before middle school, at least

82. How many pairs of shoes do have in your closet? Six

83. Do you like to wear the same shoes everyday? Depends on the outfit

84. Do you write poetry? Now and then

85. Snore? when sick

86. Do you sleep more on your back, front, or sides? Front or sides.

87. Do you like Cats/Dogs? Cats.

88. Do you lick stamps? Yes.
89. Do you use an electric can opener? No, I have the turny kind.

90. Have you ridden in a hot air balloon? No, I don’t think I want to.

The Saturday Six

1. When is the last time you took a vacation and went basically nowhere?  Was it as relaxing as previous vacations where you have actually planned a trip?

I truthfully cannot remember the last time I did this. Does job transition over the summer count? I've taken a spotty vacation day here or there, but never anything that one might consider a true vacation. How sad is that? My job has taken over too much of me, I fear.

2. Take this
quiz:  Which historical lunatic are you?

I'm Charles the Mad. Sclooop.
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.

3. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #64 from Jaymi:   What is your favorite book from childhood and why?

Well, I remember my first book, Cars and Trucks, with great fondness. Still, I feel my favorite book of all time, from childhood, was the Chronicles of Narnia. They introduced me into a wonderful world of fantasy and morality. They led me to other great works, like Lloyd Alexander's Black Cauldron books. My love of the genre continues today.

4. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #65 from
Hannah:  What book character do you most identify with and why?

Raskolnikov, from Crime and Punishment. My life now is like his - split and confused, tortured andwary. It has been that way for many years.

5. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #66 from
Holly:  What do you think is an appropriate gift to a party?  What do you consider a quality Christmas gift from an acquaintance to a party or get together, a friend, and a GREAT friend?

Appropriate gift to a party: bottle of wine. Quality Christmas gift from an acquaintance to a party: ornament, a friend: item of shared significance, a GREAT friend: Something that is almost sacrificial in its love.

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #67 from
Judi:  If you had to make a choice for the rest of your life between food and sex, which would you choose, provided the following conditions: If you chose sex, you would never feel hungry, but just wouldn't be able to enjoy a nice meal or the tastes of good food or drink; if you chose food, you would no longer have the physical intimacy and pleasure, but you still wouldn't feel deprived of it.  In other words, whichever one you choose to give up will be a series of pleasures you'll never be able to experience firsthand again.

If I never hunger, or I never crave sex, there is no reason to choose, correct? One would assume that the desired pleasure could be obtained as much as possible, and therefore compensate for the lost sensations.

The Sunday Seven

Pardon me for being absent yet again on a weekend - a detailed post to follow catching up on comments, and meme's. As I'm working top down in my inbox, we'll see the Sunday Seven first!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
You will be locked in a tape vault for six months and you can only have seven choices of television programs to watch.  Name the seven shows -- present or past -- that you'd want to make sure were accessible by your remote control.   Don't worry about listing them in any particular order...just pick seven you wouldn't want to be without for six months.

1. Dukes of Hazzard
2. Seinfeld
3. Cheers
4. Mash
5. X-Files
6. Millenium
7. West Wing

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

What key are you?

From TimelessCalligraphyStudio:

handcuff key
You're the key to handcuffs. You set people free,
or maybe lock them up. You can be sought,
fought over, and valued. Be careful who you let
use you; you can be an instrument of justice or
injustice depending on your choice.

What sort of key are you and what do you unlock?
brought to you by Quizilla

Settle

Settle

In tepid days of bleak mediocrity,
I settle.

In half-truths, false circumstances and lies,
I settle.

In the hatred of my parents and the isolation of all,
I settle.

I settle.

For fruitless searches into self-identity;
useless, I settle.

For mind numbing gray depression;
sadly, I settle.

For fear of failure and being alone;
anxiously, I settle.

I settle for what I am and what I am not. I am a man of little courage. I am a man of pride.

Kill me now

I am in a horrid webinar.

Save me.

Question 91 - Journal Jar

What did you look like as a child?

How 'child' are we going here? Because if we go all the way back I was a blond haired blue eyed baby, so cute you would have wanted to steal me.

Then, somewhere about that time that you realize friends can't be friends if they don't wear the right clothes, my hair when brown and my eyes went true hazel.

Then, I woke up one morning when I was 16 and my hair went curly and my eyes became either: green, blue, or brown, depending on mood and clothing.

As for the rest of me, when I was a kid, my ears grew so fast on windy days I would lift off the ground. I hated them so much my Father told me that if I taped them to the side of my head they would stay that way. Thank goodness I tried his advice on a Saturday. My arms and legs were so long, and they were so hairy (even at like age 6!) my dad used to call me Monk (short for monkey). That lasted until 11 or 12, I think, and then the rest of me got hairy too.

Oh, and when I was little, so was my dinky.

I had braces for six years, from six grade to 11th. Lord did that suck. Keep in mind this is before we had those see through clear braces - you know the kind that make you look like you don't have them? Nope, not me! I was picking up Soviet era radio stations!

And lets not forget the glasses. Sweet. Tortoise shell glasses with lenses so think that you couldn't actually see my eyes when you looked at me. Once again, my Father added insult to injury by making me wear those horrific rubber things on them when I played sports so they wouldn't fall off. Good Lord - how is one supposed to look hot for the ladies when you have a rubber band around your head? Bless the person that invented contacts - I got them in seventh grade and never looked back.

Flattering enough for you? I'll add this picture of me (it's actually two years old) to make you all feel sorry for me. It was taken on Chrsitmas morning and if you look hard enough you can see my cat Ulysses napping with me, my fantastic slippers, lovely new winter hat, and kick-butt Gryffindor scarf. I am the ultimate of cool.

The Charley Quiz

Don't delay - take the Charley Quiz!

I made a Quiz for you! Take my Quiz! and then Check out the Scoreboard!

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Chart

From Rachel, over at Rach's Daily Life (fabulous read, by the way - if you're not a regular visitor!)

Regular readers of this rather pretentious journal know that I make an effort to be ecumencial and not shove my faith down your throats - that's not my place, but in sharing my life, I do try and share my faith as it is important to me....but I try to do so in a universal way.

Forgive me, but I am in a tight spot today, and this chart was something much needed this morning. In the hope that someone else might need it today, I post it here:

"HANDY LITTLE CHART
God has a positive answer:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

Monday, September 12, 2005

Man Bag

From Amanda, over at HEY, I'M COUNTRY:

What's in your purse, manbag or wallet right now?

Well, I have a man bag, and it's mostly empty at the moment, as I'm at work, but I'll give you the current contents:

caribeener with my keys on it
red pen
blue pen
pill case with: excedrin, advil, zoloft and klonopin
'pocket pal' planner for notes and black book sorts of things
A/C adapter for my laptop

On a daily/nightly routine, my man bag will also contain:

My Franklin Covey planner, otherwise known as my life, which includes all credit cards, cash, identification, checkbook, miscellaneous shopping cards, receipts two pens....you get the idea
My 'to do' folder (usually work only - I have so little a personal life that my personal 'to do' folder never seems to make it home)
my cellphone - old ghetto motorolla one
mouse
Christian Prayer
Bible

Pretty good man bag, eh? I prefer to call it a satchel :)

What Horror Movie are you?

From Patrick, at "Patrick's Place"

Take the quiz: "Which Horror Movie Are You?"

The Blair Witch Project
You feel lost, and like you have noone to talk to. You know there are people there, you know you can get help, but you are too fearful of the outside world to the point of letting noone in. You might have a couple of close friends, but you push them away because your own fears overtake all feelings and emotions you might have. You aren't worrying about a specific thing, just life in general.

The Saturday Six

1. You find out that you have to appear on a daytime talk show.  It doesn't matter whose show you choose, but you must appear on one.  Which show would you pick and why?

I have no choice? Oh good gracious...I don't even know what my options are anymore. I think I would go on Oprah - great audience and she might give me a new Pontiac. Plus, her questions are always giant softballs!

2. Have you ever joined an online dating or penpal site?  If so, have you kept in touch with anyone that you met there; if not, have you ever thought about joining up?

Did the penpal thing, got no responses, never wrote one :)

3. Who was the last person you promised you'd keep in touch with following a move or job change?  Have you kept in touch?

Probably Cassie Pickens, a friend of our families - and we have done very well keeping in touch. I think that's a very good thing, and it helps you define what's changed in your life, and what's changing!

4. Take this quiz:  What pizza best describes your personality?

Pepperoni Pizza Robust and dominant.
When you go for something, you go full force.
You tend to take control of situations easily.
And in return, you get a ton of respect.
What's Your Pizza Personality?



5. You're having dinner with friends at a restaurant.  Besides the company, what is the most important part of the meal:  the appetizer, the drinks, the salad, the entree, or the dessert?

dessert - by far - not even a question. Indulgences are that for a good reason :)

6. Have you ever submitted a Reader's Choice question to the "Saturday Six?"  If so, did the answers surprise you?  If not, why haven't you?

I have not, actually, but only because i haven't had time :(

Name Meaning

Charles

Strong, manly : Teutonic
 

Versatile, intelligent and artistically talented. You love to enjoy yourself and tend to experience a happy domestic life and material success. You have a methodical and thorough mind and are able to organise large projects easily. Charming and likeable and with more than your share of sex appeal you tend to find yourself in the spotlight and much admired by others. Life is more fun with you around.



What's your name mean?

Sunday Seven

As I was traveling - here is my answer to the Sunday Seven:

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
You have to be stuck on a deserted island with the seven castaways.  Who would you most like to have as your immediate neighbors?  Rank the seven castaways with one being the person you'd most like to have as a neighbor and seven being the person you'd least like to have nearby.

Alright - here we go:

1. Jesus - who wouldn't want a guy that could make seven loves of bread and a few fish last forever when you're stuck on a deserted island. Healing hands, healing robes, and water to wine - this guy is a triple threat!
2. I suppose I would want McGuiver - that dude could jury rig the Lord and I some mean tools, assuming divine will wasn't forthcoming on things like a boat, rocket launcher, or escape craft.
3. Charlie Chaplin - vaudeville every night!
4. Mr. T - in case any bad guys show up, that way I can pity da fool!
5. Bond, James Bond - only because I WISH I was as smooth as him.
6. I suppose the love of my life :)
7. Socrates - I have to keep my mind occupied somehow!!!

Monday Morning Question

What latest trend simply baffles you?

This is easy! Choking! College and high school students are frequently choking one another to the point of unconsciousness, to induce fainting, as a party trick. The only problem is, when the kids go and do it themselves at home, and nobody is there to catch them, down they fall and open goes their skull - all over Mom's linoleum.

CarnivAOL V

Morning, folks, more to come later, but check out this week's edition of CarnivAOL. Some very good bits of writing there!

Friday, September 9, 2005

The Friday Five

Well folks, they're up! You know the drill - answer below in the comments, or provide a direct link to your replies in your own journal! Thanks to Amanda for hosting the five last week during my absence! If you haven't been to her journal, give it a read - she's a blast, and a very good person. My replies will come up tonight or later today (business is killing me today!). I'll be out of town for the weekend, but I will make an effort to keep up!

) What was the first song you remember hearing and enjoying on the radio?

2) If you could only listen to five CDs for a year, which five would they be? (Boxed sets can count as one CD. Sigh.)

3) What was your favorite year, music-wise?

4) If you could witness one historical music event through all time, what would you pick, and why?

5) Do you have a song that never fails to cheer you up? What is it and why does it do that for you?

 

Knick Knack and Reflection

Friday is already upon us, and I feel that so much remains unfinished. Today, at least, I will have a slight respite from my stress as I will be departing work after lunch. Thankfully, I leave to visit Maria, my stylist. She'll perform her magic, and I will all of a sudden appear glamorous again. After a nice dinner with Jillian, I'll be heading to the train station in Harrisburg where I'll catch the train to Philadelphia to work on my consulting company for the weekend. I expect to be there until Sunday night, though perhaps I will leave a bit earlier.

During my time there I hope to complete the company's operating agreement, and the first two to three portions of its business plan. It is a tall order, but one I think reachable.

I found this last night in Jeremiah, 10: 24-25

See, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will command an account of all those circumcised in their flesh. Egypt and Judah, Edom and the Ammonites, Moab and the desert dwellers who shave their temples. For all these nations, like the whole house of Israel, are uncircumcised in heart.

I am shaken at my core, not because I am Catholic or happen to be circumcised, but because this message's moral is so clear - our outward appearences mean nothing if our hearts are corrupted and black.

How many times have we worn masks to keep our own comfort, or have we lied to save face? Do you, like me, consistently choose wrong over right, but then do whatever it takes to make right look wrong? I feel this message in my heart, not because I'm Christian but because it is a message for all people - who you are means nothing unless you express what truly lives in your heart. For all our laughter and smiles, if deceit lives in our heart then so we be.

It is not who you see me to be, but what I am that is most crucial to living a healthy and happy life - a message for all people, of whatever faith, that cannot be ignored! 

Thursday, September 8, 2005

Terribly British

My very British name is Clarence Watson.
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Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

My magical Potterized name is Harry.
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My Your patronus is: is Polar Bear.
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My SAPPHIRE is heavy sticky.
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My japanese name is 原 Hara (wilderness) 直樹 Naoki (straight tree).
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Wisdom

I stumbled accross this passage in Job 27: 12-28

But whence can wisdom be obtained, and where is the place of understanding? Man knows nothing to equal it, nor is it to be had in the land of the living. Solid gold cannot purchase it, nor can its price be paid with silver. It cannot be bought with gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx or the sapphire. Gold or crystal cannot equal it, nor can golden vessels reach its worth. Neither coral nor jasper should be thought of; it surpasses pearls and Arabian topaz. Whence then, comes wisdom, and where is the place of understanding? It is hid from the eyes of any beast; from the birds of the air it is concealed. The path to it no bird of prey knows, nor has the hawk's eye seen that path. The proud beasts have not trodden it, nor has the lion gone that way. The abyss declares, "It is not in me"; and the sea says, "I have it not." Abaddon and Death say, "Only by rumor have we heard of it."
God knows the way to it; it is he who is familiar with its place. For he beholds the ends of the earth and sees all that is under the heavens. He has weighed out the wind, and fixed the scope of the waters; When he made rules for the rain and a path for the thuderbolts, then he saw wisdom and appraised it, gave it its setting, knew it through and through. And to man he said: Behold, the fear of the Lord is wisdom; and avoiding evil is understanding.

This passage calls, directly, to all people, whether atheist, Muslim, Jew, or Christian. There is no greater gift or treasure in the world than wisdom - with it we discern right from wrong, good from bad and choose goodness over evil. The passage's point is clear - regardless of who we are, what we wish to be, or how much we have, we do not have true wisdom unless we center ourselves in awesome appreciation of that which is larger than ourselves - creation. We are a product of Creation, not it of us. In understanding that...in how a drop of rain acts as it runs down a single hair on our head...we gain the wisdom of where we belong in a picture far larger than we can possibly imagine. A canvas so vast that our place on it is but a stroke, but still crucial to the image in its whole. Doing good, finding our place is the result of humility, acceptance, honesty, and patience - I am not there, but I hope that by exercising those virtues, I might find just a bit of lightness in a dark universe.

Question 88....

88: Describe a typical day in junior high school

Easily done! I would awake at 5 a.m. to the sound of my father farting, pooping, and hacking up his lungs (chain smoker) in the bathroom - which was against the wall nearest my head.

I would try to go back to sleep until my mother would scream for me to get awake. It would be a mad scramble for the shower, my brother and I would eat breakfast as fast as we could, get ourselves packed up as best we could to avoid the wrath of my mother (if she were late - dad was gone by now), and try and sneak a video game in before she got down to do the laundry. Wait by the door until you heard the bus and then make a dash for the end of the driveway.

Once at at school, off to the locker, stare at the girls (but dare not talk to them!), and read that last chapter of A Midsummer Night's Dream, coast through English and Social Studies (cake!), watch Voyage of the Mimi in Earth Science, dread Math, suffer through German (auf Deutsch, bitte, auf Deutsch!), to violin lessons and then off to baseball practice.

Once home, fold the laundry, vacuum the house and prepare for mother's arrival - no dishes in the sink or else. Get your rear upstairs and be busy so she has less reason to go off the handle.

You may think I'm kidding - but that about sums up an average day. I wonder where I found the time to set those woods on fire with my best friend? :)

Tagged!

Well, I was tagged, so I have to play along, right?  

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die     
Plan a pilgrimage to Rome
Write a book of some kind
remove all of my debt
start my own business
Return to Russia
Own a house or apartment in London
Own a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T - black

7 Things I Can Do   
Wiggle my ears
hit a golf ball (moderately well)
with confiddence in public
ask people for money (my job, but I know lots of folks that can't do it!)
survive in the wilderness with only a pocketknife and maybe a poncho (yeah Eagle Scout!)
use my toes like fingers

7 Things I Can't Do 
write well
feel safe
go more than a day without shaving (I look like a bear)
stop worrying about everyone else's feelings
drive over a bridge or be up high without being afraid
eat peanut butter - it's disgusting!
roll my tongue up :)

7 Things That Attract Me To The Opposite Sex  
Eyes
hair
neck
sense of humor
compassion
a sense of self
confidence

7 Things I Say Most Often  
"...whatever"
"yeah, right"
"as you wish"
"and yet I am unmoved"
"relax"
"I'm done talking"
"absolutely"

7 Celebrity Crushes  (in no order)    
Angelina Jolie - quite possibly the most beautiful woman in the world. I already lust after her and she hasn't even met me yet!
Mariah Carey - call her a skank, a ho, whatever - she is one of the most ghetto fabulous women on earth. And she's got ALL that junk in the trunk. MMMMM good.
Laetitia Casta - Victoria's Secret - what else do you have to say?
Matt Damon - Yes, I know he's a man, but he's the closest thing to god on earth
Aishwarya Rai - Indian actress...and oh so wonderful
Charlize Theron - I loved her before she was big - go watch The Legend of Bagger Vance
Kate Beckinsale - something about all that hair.

Now, I tag: Kate


Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Who am I?

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books. The Birth Order Predictor

I made no secret

I read this last night in Psalm 40:

To do your will is my delight;
my God, your law is in my heart!
I annouced your deed to a great assembly;
I did not restrain my lips;
you, Lord, are my witness.
Your deed I did not hide within my heart;
your loyal deliverance I have proclaimed.
I made no secret of your enduring kindness
to a great assembly.

This passage strikes me, not in its call to Christians spreading God's Word, but in its application in the mundane tasks of our lives, those that are tiny, insignificant, routine, ritual, and perhaps done without conscious thought. These minute actions gather momentum and begin to define who we are.

We are known by our actions, not our thoughts, and as the uninspired tasks of life drive us forward, we must be vigilant and become the master of our circumstances, not the prisoner of their restrictions. Right and Wrong do exist. Life is not a series of pea-soup fog banks, but of our own making. There are two paths in every situation and we must not shy away from the difficult decisions of Right and Wrong by rationalizing ourselves into the safety of impenetrably gray middle ground.

The small decisions of our lives are the ones we must pay most attention to, the ones that dictate our character and the substance of our lives. Do we see with the clarity of this psalm, calling out Right, or do we huddle and hide in a world of misdirection?

 
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