People Everywhere

I have met somewhere around 40 people in the last two days. This is crazy. I see somebody and worry about whether or not I have already met them. But oh well, I'll just make a fool out of myself. I am pretty good at doing that anyway.

It's funny how we immediately have first impressions. Actually I shouldn't call them that. I should call it the first judging. I even try not to do it, but I do. I group people into groups before I even know them. Shame on me.

I shouldn't do that. People's quirks are not what define them. It's their heart.

I'm an otter

So I went to the movie by myself this past weekend. I went to see Lady in the Water. It was a very enjoyable movie. Different from M Night's normal movies, but still had the quality of story telling and character development. I have always enjoyed his movies and this was no different.

It was odd seeing a movie by myself. I had no one to talk with about the movie. I guess part of the oddness is because I am so social. I love being around people and thought it was odd to be all by myself. Even though during the movie was no problem, before and after, the silence is incredible.

I will just have to always catch a movie with other peeps. But do they have movies in Germany? :-) I'm flying tomorrow. Yippee.

The Doping Dope

The Tour de France ended recently. The winner was a Mr Floyd Landis. He is from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania which is near where I live. The news has been covering the story quite closely, including story of how wonderful a Mennonite boy he is. Interviews with his parents abound and it seems like there couldn't be a cleaner guy.

Until now. Today the news released that Landis failed a drug test during the Tour de France. More incredibly the stage after which he failed was the same one that he had the big comeback on. Evidently he needed a little help to do it. He has gone from hero to villain overnite. This is just a shame. Although sadly, not too surprising.

I'll be interested to see how the local news covers this one.

Divorce saddens me

I have recently interacted with a woman that commented that she is getting a divorce. She said it quite matter-of-factly and didn't seem to have any disappointment. This bothered me. It seems like things like this have just come to mean much less than they were intended to.

I am sure that marriage is hard, but I still think that marriage needs to become a more serious committment.

Another thing. Why are people so attached to money?

I'm am one...

This morning I stopped at a local coffeeshop on my way to work. I got myself an iced Americano which was very delicious. While at work another guy asked me if that was iced coffee that I had. I simply explained that it was actually iced espresso. Then he proceeded to asked me if I got it from McDonald's. My insides instantly started to shriek, I quickly explained that it was from a coffeeshop, all the while thinking, 'How could someone think I got coffee from McDonald's? Yuk!'

Yup, I'm a coffee snob

I hate goodbyes

Tonight I said the first of what are going to be a few very hard goodbyes. There are a few people that have been very near and dear to me over the past years. The people that I said goodbye to tonight I have know for the last 11 years and we have been around each other for the large part of that time starting with college.

They have always been there for me and I won't see them for the next two years. I didn't realize how much this would affect me. People that I have relied on will not be there for me to lean on. I will develop other relationships which I am sure will become very deep. But they can't replace 11 years of relationship or in the case of my family...a lifetime.

So I shall make through the goodbyes without too many tears.

It's a Name for a Girl

Grace, she takes the blame
She covers the shame, removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace, it's a name for a girl
It's also a thought that changed the world
And when she walks on the street you can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything...

...She's got the time to talk
She travels outside of karma
When she goes to work
You can hear her strings
Grace finds beauty in everything...

...What once was hurt; What once was friction; What left a mark
No longer stings; Because grace makes beauty out of ugly things
-U2

I have been amazed at grace lately. Especially the grace that I have been offered. I screw up so much and any normal human being would ditch me, but it hasn't happened. God just keeps offering me more and more grace. I keep falling into the same sin traps over and over and still more grace.

I hope that I can learn to treat others with more grace. Even if it is just a microscopic portion of the grace that I receive.

A Message in a Bottle

Have you ever noticed how unfulfilling communication can be when it isn't in person? I have noticed this recently. I have been trying to express certain emotions over email and it just isn't working. They can see my face or physical gestures and they can't hear my vocal inflections. Telephone is a little better because you can hear them, but it still isn't always accurate.

I guess this is why I love face to face interaction so much more. I can see them and read them. It is so much more informational and effective. I can show so much more through seeing you rather than typing an email to you.

So why do we like email and the such? Is it so we can hide our true selves easier? Hmmm.

Is it a wonder?

Recently I had the pleasure of procuring a new release by the band called Keane. Now you all know my love for Brit bands and this is one of them. So what do I think?

I like it. For those of you who don't know much about Keane, they don't have any guitars in their band. This could make for a boring album with much of the songs sounding the same, due to lack of instrumental variety. With excellent songwriting, they were able to avoid this on their first album although it did get a bit monotonous by the end.

Not with this album. They may not have guitars, but they have run keyboards and pianos through as many guitar effects pedals as you could think. This has created a very enjoyable sound. It has also given them a lot more variety on this album. They also seem to have more influence from the Radiohead sound this time around. All these things put together make for a good album. I don't think that the songwriting is as strong, but the melody writing is better and catchier.

I like the album and would encourage all of you to go enjoy it for yourselves as well.

Things that make you go...

• It's hot. Really hot (upper 90s and humid). And I don't really like heat. In fact, there isn't any other weather I like less than this. I would rather have anything before this. Obviously excluding natural disasters.
• Would you? I know someone who really wanted to do something. He didn't have a purpose behind it, except wanting to. This action of his caused others to be inconvenienced. He knew that others would be inconvenienced. He still did want he wanted without regard for others, only thinking of himself and what he wanted. Although I strive not to, I am sure that I have done things like this. Hopefully we all can continue to grow think less of ourselves and more of others.
• I saw Cars over the weekend. It was hilarious, pee-my-pants hilarious. Anyway, a very enjoyable movie which was definitely worth it.
• I also saw Pirates of the Caribbean 2. Good stuff. A middle movie to be sure, but it was still entertaining.

What Can Be Done?

What can be done
For the murderous race we’ve become
What have we done
Hands drip with fellow man’s blood
Why do you wait?
Come quickly Lord and change us!
Make us different, Make us different
Make us instruments of peace
to play at your door
No more murder.

Turn out hateful hearts toward love
Let Your mercy cover us
Give us humble hearts O God
The grace to love as you have loved

To love enemies
and our neighbors as you’ve said
What can be done?
What have we done?

Babies unborn silent screams
Electric chairs and M-sixteens
Our hurtful, hateful words,
Our jealousy, our selfish greed
Make us peacemakers, not murderers
Make us peacemakers, not murderers

What can be done? (Lay down your guns)
What have we done? (Lay down your words)
What can be done? (Lay down your thoughts)
What have we done? (Lift up your hearts)

Make us different, Make us different
-CD, BF, JB

Cacophony of Horrors

I don't know how many of you have been following the news recently, but there has been a lot going on the Middle East. First some guerrillas from Lebanon attacked Israeli soldiers and then Israel fought back by blowing up anything and everything and even hitting some Palestinian targets.

This is just such a mess. There is so much hatred and violence there. So much death. In many ways, it is heartbreaking. And nobody does anything. We just let them fight it out. The US has decided to side with Israel many of these times, and so we don't always think about the horrible things that the Israelis do to the Palestinians.

Both sides need to chill and people needs to stop taking ideological sides. Maybe then, everything will calm down and talking can happen. I don't know, it is just something that has really saddened me over the past couple of days.

How Little is the Little Book

Recently I have been reading a book entitled Pocket Guide to the Bible. So what did I think about it?

First off, Jason Boyett is a very funny writer. He throws in all kinds of quirky little comments to keep you off guard and chuckling. Now about the book. It starts off with a Biblicabulary before moving into a review of the cast of characters. I had a rough time with these couple chapters because the reading was very choppy. I couldn't get into a rhythm. After this, the book moves into a review of the Bible's storyline and then into a history of the Bible and its versions, ending with a bunch of lists. Once I got past the first couple chapters I started to really enjoy the book. It moved along well.

For a person who reads the Bible, there may not be a lot of new information here, which can contribute to it being a little less interesting. But besides that I enjoyed the read. The humor was the positive. The choppiness of the read was really the only negative. I wouldn't say that it was an awesome book, but it was decent. So if you want to read a book that contains the word bazongas, this is the one.

What's the Use in Worrying

Why do people worry? Why do I worry? I don't know. I realize that it is pretty pointless to worry and yet at times, I still do. We all have those things that we worry about. Some may be simple like whether or not something will happen. Other may be larger questions of life's goals, relationships, money.

There is always something that could be worried about, but is there ever something that should be worried about? I don't think that there is. Why? Mainly because it doesn't accomplish anything positive. All that it does is make us depressed and nervous and very likely have the same affect on those around us.

Life is gonna happen whether we want it to or not. The only thing that may change that is if we act. Worrying is not an action. Action is what creates things and opportunities.

Likes

I like hugs. I like to give hugs; I like to receive hugs. Hugs are a good thing. And although many people that know me may not guess it, I am a huggy person. They mean something to me.

I like women. It is especially nice when I get to interact with single women. It is just something that gets my blood flowing.

I like marriage. Especially when two friends of mine get married. They are good for each other and make an excellent couple. Congrats to them.

I like soccer. I like the World Cup. Good job and a clap of the hands to Italy for winning the tourney and being World Champions even with their home league in shambles due to a scandal.

I like music. It moves me. I can listen to a song and no matter who wrote it, I can be moved to worship by the music.

Do you pick your nose?

Do you ever wonder if you are annoying to people? Or what your annoying traits are? What about if you smell or have a disgusting habit? I have been noticing lately that there are so many things that we talk about with other people, but won't tell the person whom we are referring to.

Now I think that this comes from wanting to not hurt the person so we choose not to say anything. I know I figure many times that it isn't worth saying anything, because I should just deal with it. But in doing all of the honest, I am not being honest. And in not being honest, I am not doing the most that I can to promote a feeling of realness and openness to my friends. Then I wonder why they aren't always open with me.

Now should we go around telling everyone anything and everything that annoys us or that they do wrong? No, there is a line there, but a little more honesty probably wouldn't hurt anyone and may even improve each other.

So I wonder if I have annoying traits or disgusting habits that people don't tell me...Nah.

I Lied

A couple days back, I was leaving the mall. A car came up beside me and a guy asked me if I had money. He said that he was on empty and didn't have any cash. He could write me a check in exchange for the cash. After I listened and told him that I didn't have any cash on me. I did, though.

Why did I do this? He could have been giving me a line, yes, but does that matter? Can I not spare $5 out of my pocket to give to him and help him out? I would bet that he wasn't lying. I don't know why I did it and I knew it was wrong. Even if I didn't see the money again, I could have gladly given him a couple of bucks.

I have been noticing lately how many Americans are extremely attached to their money. Like it is their favorite child. I am disappointed at this mindset. Then I find out that I have the same mindset. Maybe one day I'll learn.

The 15th Wheel

Last night I was at a cookout with a bunch of my friends. These were the types of people that were there throughout the night. Three dating couples, one engaged couple, one married couple with two young girls and me. That just sucks. Don't get me wrong, I love to be around these people and I had fun, but still it can just be a bit hard sometime.

To be the only single adult there. Even if nothing is explicitly said, the facts are still there and the facts usually bother me when it comes to things like this. I would say that it is hard being around all that cheese, but it wouldn't be true or honest.

Where am I in this whole thing? This whole dating world. I am nowhere. I am in limbo land. Mainly because I am going to Germany in 4 weeks. But yet I have been in limbo land for the past several years and I have no excuse for that. Now I am not worried about this state that I am in. Most of the time, I greatly enjoy my singleness. But there are just those times that it just gets to me. The older I get, the less single people I am around. I will just have to get used to that fact.

The Choices We Make

All through life we have choices to make. Some are easy, some aren't, but most affect what and whom we become. I have been out of college for 7 years now. There have been many things that I have done from living in the DC area to working for the Navy to being a professional job seeker.
Why have I made the choices that I have made? It has not been for career. If I made choices for career, I would have been all about work and now be pulling in 6 digits a year. There are some people like that whom I work with. All they do is work and that work gives them a lot of money which they use to buy their pleasure.

I on the other hand have gone the opposite way. Every job that I haven't gotten since college, my salary has decreased. Pretty impressive, eh. But I have been incredibly involved in life. Whether it is friends or church or many other things, I greatly enjoy life and all the things it provides.

Is this better than the work way of obtaining pleasure? I don't know. For me...I think that it is. For others, it may not be, but this I know for sure. My choices define who I am and who I will become.

Interesting Picture

Let's Talk about Faith

Why do we expect others to act in ways that we don't act? I want people to treat me with a certain kindness and I don't always treat them with that same kindness. A double standard incriminating ourselves.

Or how about when we expect people to take risks (quitting a job, moving to a new area, etc.) or make decisions that we would never make. We don't have the stuff to make those decisions, but others should. How can I judge them for something I don't even have figured out? How can I judge, period.

I think that I need to start concerning myself with myself rather than with others.

Oh, Canada

I spent the last week in Winnipeg, Canada. It was a wonderfully enjoyable time. The weather was beautiful with highs around 75 and sunny skies all week. The mosquitoes were horrible and I wasn't even near water. It was nice to be away from work and it was the farthest that I have been outside of the good ole USA.

I love starting new relationships. Meeting people that you are around all of the time for an entire week. I got to know some people very well. These are people that could have a large impact on my life over the next couple of years. It is really nice to connect with people. As always in a group of 15 or so, there are always a small number of people that you just fit very well with.

Even though I have only known them for a week, I miss them. I didn't want to leave them when our time was up. Be thankful for the relationships that you have. Enjoy putting everything into and pulling everything out of them that you can. I have found that they really bless me.

Screeching Weasel

I have not been as joyous as I usually am over the past couple of days. I was trying to figure out why and could not point to anything specific to identify it. It's all in my head. Whether it's old problems that resurface every once in a while or it's struggles that rear there ugly head, it just seems that at random times these things strike me.

I was wondering why our heads get in our way sometimes. Even though nothing happens, we just start thinking of things. It must be the slightest of occurrences that remind us of the things we wish not to remind ourselves of.

Who knows, just thinking...

Anyway, I am doing fine and have an exciting week ahead. I am heading to Canada to get orientated on Germany. It is all next week so I don't expect to have access to this blog. See ya soon.

What Have We Become?

Innocent
Unscarred, Unhurt, Uncorrupted
Completely trusting and reliant
Still soft - not beaten by the cold, wind or rain
Completely comfortable in her own skin
Not picky or judgmental
Not afraid to express her true self even if it may not be popular

Guilty
We break, hurt, scar, offend
We don't trust, ask for help
We are unforgiving, picky and judgmental
We are scared of showing each other who we really are

Is there any of her left in us?

A-Grinning All Day

I found out the most wonderful news this morning. I have another niece. Autumn Faith was born at 12.30 am to my brother and sister-in-law. She is 7 lbs and 19 inches long.

If only I had a picture. Since I found out this morning, I have been grinning all day. It makes me very happy. Now I will have two nieces to have some fun with.

There is just something about the birth of a child that is just so wonderful. Something to celebrate and enjoy. So congrats to my bro and sis-in-law for the successful birthing of another baby.

Reflections of a Graduation Weekend

1. Congrats to my sister who graduated high school!!
2. This is where she is going next year
3. I like crab
4. Good graduation speeches make a point quickly without a lot of flair and fluff
5. It is nice to have a relaxing weekend where you can calm yourself
6. Ever notice how some people are extremely intimidating in their actions even if they don't mean it?
7. Luggage is useful when planning a trip
8. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a beautiful park
9. Alpengeist may be my favorite roller coaster ever
10. Williamsburg can be a bit rainy
11. The only good campsites around Williamsburg are KOAs
12. Lots of fun tripping with the sis to VA
13. I like WAWA
14. Mmm, hoagies
15. It's a shame when you don't feel well on your big day
16. Lochness Monster coaster is a sweet ride
17. I like Irish music
18. German women ain't too bad either :-)
19. I tried to teach my niece how to stick her tongue out, but she's not quite old enough for that one
20. The US is horrible this World Cup
21. 3-nil to the Czechs would not be a respectable score
22. Let's hope they can at least get one point this World Cup
23. Cheers!

It Has Started!!

The World Cup is upon us. The biggest sporting event in the world started just a bit ago. I love soccer and will enjoy catching some games over the next month. It will be fun and I shall root with passion. I will be rooting hard for the USA even though certain people almost always root against the USA.

I will also be pulling for the home country Germany. Either I will greatly enjoy myself watching some good ballwork and goal scoring. So who will win you ask? Here are my thoughts. I have narrowed it down to three teams: the Dutch, Holland or the Netherlands. Those are my picks. I think that there are a few teams that could do it though. Brazil is the favorite, but England, Argentina, Portugal and France all have a good shot. I just think with Holland's youth and skill, they will be able to pull off the run.

I also hope that the US is able to make it out of group play, although with their current form, team and group, that may not happen. Oh well, watch some soccer and root for a team because there are a billion people watching with you.

Great Expectations

After 3 days of being locked out of Blogger, it looks like it will finally let me post. Yippee.

Expectations: Why do we have them? Is there a purpose to them?

I have been thinking about expectations for the last while and wonder if they have anything positive in them. It seems like you build an expectation and then are let down or disappointed. Is there a good reason to create expectations? If we didn't create expectations, there wouldn't be a chance for disappointment.

Wouldn't it be better to just not have expectations? Think about it. You would always have your expectations exceeded because there are none. You couldn't be disappointed because you aren't expecting anything. Thoughts?

Reflections of a Pedestrian Weekend

1. Dunkin' Donuts coffee
2. X-men: The Last Stand was a good movie
3. It had lots of action and was afraid to twist the plot
4. I am glad that I can enjoy almost any movie; it makes movie-watching much easier and less critical
5. Unpack here, there and everywhere
6. Do you like beans?
7. It's hard to move when you aren't packed
8. Lapping the field except for one guy, oh yeah
9. Gummy bears stick to most anything
10. It hurts when my friends hurt
11. It was a nice and cool weekend
12. A documentary I would like to see
13. Surprises come from unexpected places
14. Grease is fun to watch
15. Nosepicker of the Year
16. Not sure why I was given that award by my church's youth pastor
17. Jon Miller and Joe Morgan are awesome
18. Rain threatens
19. I like going for walks in the rain...most people do not

Busy Bee

I tend to keep very busy. I always seem to be heading somewhere or doing something. Why? I am not sure of all the reasons, but one is that I genuinely like to be busy. I enjoy running everywhere and doing a bunch of things. It is very enjoyable to hang with many different types of people in many different places.

A less than visible reason for staying busy? It keeps me from being lonely. I have wanted to be in a relationship for a while, but it just hasn't happened. When life slows down, my mind gets some time to think. Then I start contemplating what I don't have and start to realize how much I miss female companionship. I don't have time to miss anything when I am busy. So what is the solution...

Well, the easy one now is to stay busy.

Why, Oh Why Do I?

Lately I have been noticing that I seem to make the same mistakes over and over again. This little bit is amazing to me. You would think that after I do something and it bites me, that I would learn and stop doing it. But no, the next time comes along and I make the same stupid mistake.

I am fairly certain that I am not the only one in this boat. Why do we do such things. Mistakes that are in no way beneficial to us and many times end up hurting us. I wish I could just learn after messing up once. That would be nice.

Man, I get on my nerves sometimes.

I never know what to say

The workplace has been a little changed today. One of the employees died unexpectedly over the weekend. Death is always so hard to deal with. It is so hard to comfort people.

Everything must change
There's a mirror showing me the ugly truth
These bones they ache with holy fire
But I've got nothing to give, just a life to live
If your world is without colour
I will carry you, if you carry me

Every little thing's gonna be alright
Every little thing's gonna be alright

There's no-one else to blame
I live my life between the fire and the flame
I've built my house where the ocean meets the land
It's time to live again, pull my dreams out of the sand
Let your world be full of colour
I will carry you, if you carry me

When it's all falling down on you
You're crying out but you're breaking in two
When it's all crashing down on you
When there's nothing you can do
There is someone who can carry you
-delirious

Reflections of a Sweltering Weekend

1. Why doesn't the US like soccer more?
2. It was stinking hot this weekend
3. I don't like to move
4. Part of that is not liking packing
5. It all somehow got done; not necessarily the best, but done
6. I like baseball even when my Orioles aren't doing the best
7. I like sleep
8. I don't like when I don't get much
9. Gifford Pinchot State park is nice
10. Even though I don't like moving, it went as well as it could have
11. I try to be a thankful person
12. Nothing like crashing
13. Fever Pitch has some really cheesy graphics in it
14. Reading and listening to music...doesn't get much better
15. Frontline was good
16. I was a mailman on Sunday
17. I like The Silver Diner
18. I don't like to clean
19. Not many cds at Circuit City for their $9.99 sale
20. Beuller, Beuller
21. Purveyor's Anonymous, a new group for people in over their heads

If you didn't know...

I have been talking about Germany for the past couple of months, but I don't know if I have stated specifically what I am doing. I applied to the Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany and was accepted to be a resident assistant there. I will live in a house with high school kids whose parents are missionaries. I will help them live life and grow in life, faith and maturity.

I am leaving for Germany at the beginning of August and going for 2 years. They are not paying me any salary so I have to raise my own support for this opportunity. If any of you are interested in supporting me, just go here and you can find all the information you need. My support letter is there with more information and the pledge form for support pledges is also there. Thanks.

I don't like Walmart

I currently trying to describe if the word 'hate' is too strong for how I feel about Walmart or just about right. Either way, I greatly despise Walmart. Many people ask, 'Why? How can you hate such a wonderful store?' It is easy I tell you, easy.

First off, let's just start with the basics. The aisles are too crowded, there are never enough cashiers and traffic around a Walmart is always horrible. These are the surface reasons why I don't like Walmart.

Why else you ask? I'll be glad to tell you. They kill Mom&Pop stores. They come in to an area and undercut the businesses with prices that aren't even possible for them to make a profit on. They cut some prices low to get you in the store and then you spend another $40 you weren't planning to. They treat their employees horribly, whether it be benefits or salary. They low-ball their suppliers too. If you want to carry something in a Walmart, you have to bend over and say, 'Thank you sir; may I have another?' They don't run by honest, ethical or moral business practices.

That's just the start of why I can't stand Walmart.

Do you like change?

I was talking with a group of guys on Sunday and 5 out of 6 of us were moving somewhere by August. Whether it was moving to a different house, or moving to a different state or different country, we were all moving. I was amazed at how much change was being experienced by just the few of us.

Some people like change, some people hate it. There are those that will be happy for the rest of their lives if they don't move or change their jobs again. There are others that want to try a new city or job every few years. Ritual, tradition, progression, invention. All different words that have to do with this thing called change.

Which is right? Is there a right? I don't think that either extreme is right, but I do think that we all need to be in the middle. Sometimes change is good, sometimes it isn't. I think that we need to be open to both sides of change. Whether it is going to a different country to make a difference there; or staying in the place you are so that you can continue to help the people that you are already affecting.

Unions

A local school district's teachers' union is striking right now. They have decided that 9% guaranteed pay raise of two years and paying a couple bucks a month for insurance is not enough. If only they knew what the real world had to deal with. People work for businesses and hope to get a raise and maybe even near 3% but nowhere near 5. And don't even mention the hundreds of dollars a month paying for their health insurance.

Nope, unions just go around being incredibly greedy and making unrealistic demands. The demands that the teachers are making, if accepted, will cause a raise in local taxes. That will make people really happy. I don't think that unions really serve any positive purpose anymore. When workers were treated horribly and not paid well, there was an issue, but no more. Now due to unions, a person can work in a car assembly plant as an assembly line worker and within 10 years be making 6 digits and not paying a dime for medical insurance. That is ridiculous.

So, DEATH TO UNIONS!!!

The List

1. It's always nice to see the fam
2. I never thought that there would be 5 different food options in 1 strip of a strip mall
3. Coldplay - Live 2003...good stuff
4. Where, oh where to buy a carry-on?
5. I don't like headaches
6. The start of the distribution occurred on Saturday
7. It stinks to watch a horse suffer an horrific injury during a race
8. I hope that Barbaro will be okay
9. Anyone want a couch
10. The DaVinci Code was okay
11. Tom Hanks was not
12. The book was more propagandist that the movie
13. What's a good German language learning book?
14. Open up the floodgates...oh crap
15. Baseball, Sundays, naps, ahhh
16. I stink at basketball, but I can make a layup
17. High school guys can be quite the pranksters
18. It's a date
19.

A Code of Crap?

There has been a lot of controversy hovering over Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code. With the movie coming out, I decided to read it. So I borrowed it from one of my friends and started reading away.

So what did I think? Well first off, let me just tell you that I could not put the book down. It was exciting, enthralling and made you want to skip ahead to find out what happened. It is a very well written book and keep you on the edge of your seat.

What about the content? The stuff that the book gets into is really just a bunch of crap. He tries to pass it off as believable but really it doesn't have much of a chance. There is a point where conspiracy theories even in a work of fiction pass the realm of believability. This one crossed that line. At one point it feels like an agenda-ridden book for the deifying of the "sacred feminine."

The end left a bit to be desired. It takes you where you don't expect, but I just wasn't satisfied by the ending. It just seemed to die a bit at the end.

Anyway, it was a good read and extremely entertaining. Now about that movie...

Freedom

A few months ago, due to financial reasons, I had to give up my cable. I love cable for basically one reason, ESPN. I love sports and ESPN gives me more than enough coverage of anything I could ever hope for. So it was going to be hard to let it go, but I am very glad that I did.

I have SO much more time now. I don't just have the tv on to have it on. I can read, play my guitar, accomplish chores. It is so nice to not have the tv on all the time. I am definitely healthier for it. Now I am not one of those people that thinks tv is evil. I just have found that it has been better for me to watch less of it. Not none, just less.

A choice that I have not regretted one bit.

As an aside, I could have said that I gave up tv so that I would talk more with people, but I live alone. That would be a little freaky.

Whose will is whom's?

I have been thinking about something lately. How often do you hear the phrases: It's God's will, God wants me to do this, It's God's calling. I have to say that I hear it more than I would really like too. Why? You ask. Because I think it is overused and wrongly used.

Most of the times I here this comment, the person is just looking for some backing of what they WANT to do. So they say that God wants them to do it. They are using (and abusing) God's will to fit their own desires.

This has happened a couple of times recently. People have been wanting to do something for many months and then they tell me that they are going to do it. In doing so...and so their words carry more weight...they tell me that it is something God is leading them to do. What a bunch of bologna. Just admit that you were following your own desires and used the
God card' to give the desires more weight.

I would say that it is most abused in relationships. "God wants me to go out with this person.' God has put us together.' 'I need to do this in the relationship because God wants me to.' So we fall for somebody and no matter how bad the circumstances are or how strange our decision seems, we attach God's will to it rather than admitting that our own romantic feelings are what is actually driving the decision. By using God's will, we prevent serious questions from being asked by our friends and family and it makes us look good because it seems like we are obeying God.

So we use God to placate our wants and desires. That's dangerous turf that I am not sure I would want to venture on. The funny thing...I have done it before and it is wrong. So now I think very carefully and slowly before I attach God's name to a decision of mine.

It is up and running

Not all the bells and whistles are there yet, but my new website is up and running. This will give a running commentary on my life as it relates to my ministry opportunity at the Black Forest Academy in Germany. The website is http://mattingermany.blogspot.com. This blog is in no way going away. It will continue to bring you my strange opining as always.

Reflections of a Tempestuous Weekend

1. Coffee shops are the stuff
2. Is Chinese food really that good?
3. It is nice when you get a good amount of sleep over a weekend
4. Naps and reading while it's raining are nice
5. I love my mom
6. I am moving in two weeks and don't feel too stressed out because I have already started packing
7. I am an unorganized person
8. The Atlanta Bread Company has good soup and a good atmosphere
9. King Kong is a long movie
10. Anybody want a nice, big, soft couch?
11. Is there a point to fasting?
12. Major League Baseball used pink bats yesterday
13. I haven't swung a golf club in a long time
14. Yesterday I found out that I still stink
15. Joe Pesci is and will always be annoying
16. I have decided to read The DaVinci Code
17. It is pretty captivating
18. The weather was pretty rainy and dreary
19. We need the rain, but I don't like the drear
20. Congrats to Liverpool who won the FA Cup final
21. Do you have a stalker?

I Hate Migraines

Last night I had a killer one. Oh the pain. Something I never would wish on anyone, even my worst enemy. I still have a headache from it.

I am right in the midst of putting everything together in preparations of getting ready for Germany and starting to raise support. It is so exciting to have been accepted and have so many new things starting. I am actually in the process of starting a new blog that is specifically devoted to all things Germany. It will be exciting.

I don't like asking for money, but it is something that I am going to have to do. I am putting together a list of people to send my support letter to. Some of the people I know will not be able to give me to support, but that is fine. I still really want to send them the letter. Why? I want them to know what is going on in my life and this exciting time. I just want them to read it. If they decide to do nothing, fine, because it is wonderful just to share with them this thing.

What is Truth?

Today, I had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with my uncle. As tends to happen when we talk, we started to wax philosophical. The topic of truth came up. Now this is a question that I have already been pondering for the last few weeks. So here goes.

Ultimate absolute truth is created by God. God is an impossibility for us to fully and completely understand. Therefore, the truth of God is impossible for us to understand. We can catch glimpses of it and gain some insight into the truth, but ultimately we can never fully grasp it. Any time that we try to define truth, it falls under our own imperfect view.

Therefore what we deem as truth is not necessarily truth, it is our best approximation of truth. And by definition, if it is not completely void of falsehood, it cannot be considered truth. Now read me very carefully here, I do believe in absolute truth. I believe that the God of the universe has provided us this absolute truth. I am just not at all convinced that what we call truth is actually truth, but a murky interpretation of perfect truth.

Some people should not be allowed to procreate

Here is one of them.

Reflections of s Soundly Heard Weekend

1. Eating a meal of 5 or 6 different things from 5 or 6 different countries is strange
2. It is good to laugh
3. Been there, got the t-shirt
4. Sleeping in is wonderful
5. When the unorganized try to organize, it takes a while
6. Weekends are for doing stuff, weeks are for recovering
7. Some people are very skilled songwriters
8. When will it be done?
9. Sometimes people, just need to talk
10. I hope that the DaVinci Code is an interesting book
11. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone tells me something and then doesn't keep their word
12. I don't always keep my word
13. The touch of a woman is a wonderful thing
14. Soccer is fun even if you can't hit the goal
15. Anchorman is a funny movie
16. The new Hershey Chocolate World ride isn't all that I thought it would be, just some flair touches
17. My friends' happiness makes me happy
18. Do I have a personality?

Big Bunch of Bunk

There is a prevailing thought among people today. Especially, those church-type people. The idea that there is one person out there for each of us to marry. It is an idea that really irritates me, because I have never seen any plausible reason to believe. People just say that there is one and never offer any reason for that belief of their's.

Another problem is that it has really screwed up people, especially in the Christian world. The thought goes like this, "I don't have to look around or try to date anyone, because God will drop the person into my lap when the time is right." What a bunch of crap!

So you have all these people waiting around for "the one" and not dating anyone because they don't think the person is "the one." So we make the giant lists of qualities that the one will have and don't get to no anyone without those qualities that we think are so important. Maybe if we dated, we would find out of they are important qualities.

A friend of mine has said before that he thought he could marry pretty much anybody because marriage is so much about waking up every morning and decided to love and live with your spouse. I don't know if that ideal is right either, but it doesn't seem as screwed up as the idea of "the one."

Beauty and Pain

This spring has just been absolutely beautiful weather-wise. Consistent temperatures for the past month and a half or so in the 60s and low 70s and bright sunny skies. I just want to stay outside all the time.

I have been greatly enjoying this, but there has been a downside. We are getting much rain. In fact, combined with the stinky and dry winter we had, we haven't gotten much precipitation in a while. I can remember one good rain over the last two months. This makes for beautiful days but brings consequences with it of drought and water shortages and many other things.

How many beautiful things have a dark side to them. This is one example of countless numbers. What about people? How many people do we know who seem to have everything, but are trapped in some horrible addiction? Or some horrible pain from their past? I guess appearances are not always what they seem. There is a beauty and darkness to everyone, it's just a matter of whether it's hidden or not.

A Contest?

Okay everyone, I need your help. I am trying to fly from Harrisburg, PA(MDT) to Winnipeg, Manitoba(YWG) on June 19th and come back on June 25th. I need to be there for dinner on the 19th and can't leave before lunch on the 25th.

I have actually never bought a plane ticket. I would like to do this the cheapest way possible. I am looking for any ideas from anyone. Or if you find great deals, just let me know where to go. Any help would be wonderful.

Reflections of a Jazz-filled Weekend

1. Why do women always try to fix men?
2. I saw five jazz groups over the weekend
3. Messiah jazz concert(three jazz groups) was good, not great
4. I do not like Meineke
5. I may never visit one again
6. They screwed up and blamed it on me after causing me a big headache
7. Chelsea won the Premier League by beating Manchester United
8. Wayne Rooney broke his foot and is out for the World Cup, not good for England
9. The West Shore Farmer's Market is your standard farmer's market with lots of fresh stuff
10. Minor League soccer matches should not be expensive
11. It was a beautiful weekend weather-wise
12. City Island in Harrisburg, PA is a nice place
13. Harrisburg also has a nice downtown
14. I heard some really good jazz at a hotel bar
15. I don't really like smoke
16. Cafe Fresco in Harrisburg is quite the swank place
17. What is jazz?
18. When women try to help men understand women(hopeless), men don't need to be told what to do
19. Batting cages are fun
20. Nothing like trying to switchhit when you can't swing lefthanded
21. Even when something causes headaches, it is very rewarding when it comes off exceptionally well
22. To awake is human, to sleep is divine

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY SIS!!!

Things that irk me

There are a couple of things lately that have just really frustrated me. The first one is the IRS. I work as a self-employed consultant last year and found out that they really screw over self-employed people. They seem to have this joy in not telling you that you need to fill out any special forms and then when tax time comes around you find out that you owe a ton of money. Very annoying.

Number two is mechanics and inspections. Garages have this wonderful policy where you have to pay them the inspection price no matter if you pass or fail it. So once they have your car in the shop, they have you and your money captive so you can't leave. And they always find something wrong. I find it very hard to believe that there is always something wrong.

My car has a check engine light that likes to come on every once in a while when it rains hard and then go off in a week or two. Well it decided to visit me this past weekend and now it is going to cost me several hundred dollars to repair a problem that isn't really a problem and there is nothing that I can do about it. I am under the captivity of the garage.

The Days of our Lives

As many of you have picked up on now, I am going through a process right now that may result in me living in Germany for two years working with high school students. It is a chance that I am excited about and that is getting closer and closer to definitely happening.

The chance to live in Europe for two years while do something that I enjoy seems awesome. It could also temporarily solve my job issues. I would be able to have some free time and do many other things that I have yet to experience. Outside of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, I have never been out of the country. That could all change.

But there are some drawbacks. I have a family that I love very much and yet wouldn't get to see. My sister is just starting her post-high school phase of life and my brother is about to have a second kid. His first is 1.5 years old. I will miss their early years. And of course my parents.

I have a youth small group of sophomore guys that I have worked with for two years. I have leaders that I have gotten to know and really matter to me. They have helped me through some hard times and we have a lot of fun together.

I have friends that I won't get to see. Some that I have know for over a decade and some that I go to football games with. Ones that we've come to rely on each other for support.

There are other things that I would miss. It's a hard opportunity, but a great one. One that would fill me with new experience and change me completely. These are the days we'll remember.

Chornobyl aka Chernobyl

I don't know how many of you know this, but this is the 20th anniversary of the worst nuclear power disaster. At 1.23 this morning, reactor #4 exploded causing radiation to fly into the air and just about everywhere else it could go.

Here are some links with decent explanations and coverage of the disaster.

CNN article

Wikipedia

BBC News

A Life of Enjoyment

I had the opportunity to go to a pretty neat church on Sunday morning. It is up in Albany, New York and it is call the Terranova church. Very cool. It definitely had a modern, artsy feel to it. The worship was rocking, the atmosphere was cool. Just a really neat idea fleshed out. Too bad I don't live there.

I also went to a nice Harrisburg Senators game last evening. It was great. It was a beautiful spring evening and a great time to just chill and watch some ball. I just had a really relaxing time. So if you don't mind baseball, consider going to a minor league game. It's cheap, good and relaxing.

Musings on Death

I had the privilege of attending a memorial service this weekend. It took place in upstate New York and is not one of those events that I enjoy going to. But at the same time, I know the family pretty well and am good friends with a couple of them. It was amazing how much it meant to them, just that I was there. I didn't need to say anything or even do anything. Just be there to support them.

How many other times do our friends need us or just want us there with them through their struggles and we aren't? Either our schedule is too important and we don't feel like it. We figure that they'll be okay, but don't realize that they would much better with us there to support them.

As I was at this memorial service I was thinking about death and how it changes people that are affected by it. Some people get angry at the world, some depressed, some even feel liberated by it. Mostly negative things from the deaths of our loved ones. I was glad to see that the family was just as spunky as usual. The wife who had lost her husband was doing okay. She seemed somewhat happy and fun as usual. She hadn't been changed by that. That's not to say that this family wasn't hurt or affected by the death of their patriarch, just that it wasn't going to define them. To rule them.

Welcome to the Show

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a concert. Performing at this concert were Brennan Strawn, The Violet Burning, and Kevin Max. Brennan Strawn was a bit strange. His ideas were good, but his vocal meandering really pulled away from the show, not to mention his physical antics. After the first song, I wasn't minding it, but by the end I was ready for him to stop a while ago.

The Violet Burning were up next. They put on a solid rock show. They were tight and entertaining. The music was solid and the banter between the band and the crowd was funny. Musically they were very enjoyable and didn't play long enough.

Kevin Max was last. I was intrigued to hear what he was like since leaving DCTalk. Well, one thing is for sure, his ego has not sunk one bit. I am not even sure that his ego fit in the building last night. He acted like he should be the only thing anyone was paying attention to. When the crowd did not agree with him, he proceeded to bust on the crowd for the rest of the evening. Funny thing though was that he came back out for an encore that wasn't heartily requested by the crowd. Musically his band was solid and although I thought he tried to do too much vocally, the songs were solid and the band was tight.

Possibilities

Have you ever really wanted something? Done everything to get it. And sometimes we still don't know if it will work. I am in that situation right now. I have an opportunity that really excites me and I just hope that it works out, but I am not sure that it will. It is one of those last minute things where there doesn't seem to be enough time. Emails were flying everywhere today trying to figure out information. And a lot was figured out.

You ever wonder what references say about you. I always pick references that I think will speak good of me, but I never know for sure. I want them to be honest, but also speak well of me. Maybe I am just asking too much. I currently have to pick references that I hope will be kind and speak highly of me. It shall be tricky.

If you are probably confused right now and wondering what I am talking about. I have the chance to live in Germany for a couple years as an RA for high school students at Black Forest Academy. We shall see.

Hurt

So I just found out that a friend of mine's dad passed on to a brighter life. And you know what...It Sucks! It hurts and it's not even in my family. I just feel hurt for my friend. It has to just be awful for him. The pain and loss.

It's not fair, yet these things happen every day. To people that I don't know. I don't even bat an eye. Then it hits close and it's different. This ugly thing called cancer. So many medical advances and yet there still isn't much that we can do.

I just am at a loss right now. And the important thing is that I am there for my friend. I don't have advice, I don't know what to say. All I can do is be there. This is the only thing that is in my head right now.

Our God reigns...Forever His kingdom reigns!!

Reflections of a Tenebraic Weekend

1. Under the blood red sky
2. Certain scenes are just chilling to the bones
3. A sound system needs to breathe every once in a while
4. 8am to 11.39pm is a long day
5. Wawa is better than Sheetz
6. I missed the best chocolate milk I have ever had
7. Isn't there something odd about an Amish dude buying chew?
8. Sometimes guys can be talked into work for the dumbest thing
9. The weather was beautiful this weekend
10. I like games
11. The Orioles are over .500
12. Even when you are concentrating on technical things, you can be affected
13. I got all dressed up in a suit for my momma
14. It is nice to see family
15. I like food
16. I had ice cream twice over the weekend; that's almost a quarter of my yearly intake
17. Is there a difference between prophecy and a word from God?
18. Churches need to be places of do's, not of don'ts
19. I hope that my blog isn't depressing
20. Leftovers from big meals are wonderful
21. For the first time ever, I turned in my taxes on the last day possible
22. Some U2 covers are just truly not good
23. I was called an ignorant imbecilic idiot (I think that is redundant)
24. Happy Easter Monday!

Questions

We all know those people. The ones that always have the right answers. The ones that never have any doubt. They don't react positively when you are struggling with your faith and your beliefs. They always give the Sunday school answer. Are they the ones to aspire to be like?

I don't think so. I think that it is not only good to question what you believe, but required. When we ask questions, it makes us look for answers. We dig deep to find out why we believe what we believe and if we should believe. Without asking these questions, our faith would just be a very shallow thing. If we don't question, we are most likely just living by a set of rules that we lived under as a child.

I always want to question, because to question is to grow. I recently heard Donald Miller talk about this same subject. I agree with his conclusion. People that don't question need to grow up and mature. They are just going along as a child and refuse to grow up.

Do you question or just blindly accept? I urge you to question.

Dancing the night away

This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing the movie Take the Lead. I enjoyed the movie and thought it was quite well done even with Antonio Banderas. When the movie was over, this question was asked, 'Did that put you in the mood to go dance?' I don't think that I actually answered the question then, but I have thought about it.

I enjoy dancing. I did swing for three years while attending college. I have gone dancing a couple of times since college, but not very often. Why? I like to dance with a partner. I got used to this in college and just don't like dancing with a bunch of different girls. I like to get to know one person and being very used to where each of us is going.

I also find dancing to be romantic. It's one thing to just dance with people, but I think that it is something so much more to dance with someone of the significant other type. There is just a specialness about it.

So yeah, I was in the mood to dance, but...

Reflections of a Paper Clip Weekend

1. I drove the ghetto mini-van
2. It's noob not newb, oops
3. I love the movie Gladiator
4. Spending a day and night with a bunch of high school guys is a bit interesting
5. Germany
6. It was frickin' cold on Saturday, a balmy 35
7. I saw rain, sleet and snow all at the same time
8. I really really hate cold showers
9. Why must churches perpetuate the myth of "The ONE" for single people?
10. Take the Lead is a good movie
11. Ultimate frisbee vs Football...
12. Messiah College's concert choir is very good...they were better when I was in it ;-P
13. Is it wise?
14. Burgers and dogs on the grill, not much better
15. Paintball and face shots go together
16. Boxers...
17. 'Holy is the Lord' by Chris Tomlin should not be done choral style
18. Why are musicians such egomaniacs?
19. I helped destroy 3 dvd players yesterday...oops
20. I like doubles volleyball
21. Why is Boiling Springs, PA historic?
22. Kandern, Germany

Proud of ya, sis

Last night I had the chance to see Little Shop of Horrors. It has been a Broadway musical for a while and my sister's high school decided to do it. My sister was one of the Do-wop girls. They did a good job with it. I enjoyed it and even laughed a couple of time. Also the musical is a lot darker than the movie.

A while ago, I had the chance to see my sister again in her high school's all-chicky a capella group. They also did a very good job with all of them having songs and solos. Here's to my sis who has become music singing extraordinaire. Keep doing it and doing it well. You're good with boat loads of talent.

Live in the Moment

A lady named Maggie Dixon was the head coach of the Army women's basketball team. She had worked in the DePaul University women's program for a few years working her way up the ladder. She was offered the Army head coaching job shortly before the season started. For a program that never does anything and is usually bad, she took them to win their conference championship and make the NCAA tournament.

A couple of days ago she collapsed and last night she passed away. She had a heart arrhythmia episode. Oh and I did I mention...she was 28. My age. Wow. There was no warning and no idea that she might have this issue. Just bam, and she was gone.

Here are some well-written articles about this: first, second. There is pain and questioning in their words. I don't have any answers either. I don't understand. This stuff just...well...happens. It sucks.

One of my Favorite Writers

Last night I had the privilege of hearing Donald Miller speak. I thought that he may lecture or talk about a couple points, but he choose rather to do a couple book readings. First he read an article called Tolkien was no hobbit. He took some questions and then read the first chapter of his new book To Own a Dragon.

His delivery in speech is much like his books. Very unassuming, humorous yet thoughtful. He shared many different thoughts while reading, before and after reading. Things that I am still pondering.

One of them was this. Poverty is mentioned in the Bible over 200 times. Homosexuality is mentioned twice(this can be debated due to some inferences, but still not close to 200). I don't believe that we can ignore what the Bible says on anything even once, but what an indictment on the American church. We are very passionate and hear a lot about homosexuality, but rarely poverty.

MySpace Music day

Here is some music to check out. Some are friends, some are places, some are bands I have been referred to.

Athlete
Andy Zipf
Will Pavone
Stephanie Cuomo
Need to Breathe
Bernard

Frontline
The Gathering

Going to hear Donald Miller tonight and am looking forward to it. I also saw some snow on the ground this morning. That was an April surprise.

America's Favorite Pastime?

Baseball's opening day was yesterday and for the 6th straight year the Baltimore Orioles won their opening game. If this follows through the season, this is not a good sign. They haven't had a winning season for 9 years. That's a long time. Since I don't have much hope for them to do anything, I hope that we see someone different in the playoffs and World Series. That's my hope.


Something to think about...
...i stretch out my hands to you; my soul longs for you, as a parched land. answer me quickly, o lord, my spirit fails; do not hide your face from me, or i will become like those who go down to the grave...

Just Not a Talent

News Flash...

I am not good at foosball. I have tried and I usually get my butt handed to me. I even have a person that loves to remind me how horrible I am. And I am pretty bad.

Elsewhere, ever notice how a conversation with a friend can just lift some spirits? I had a person whom was very honest with me today, yet at the same time, caring. It was refreshing and needed. It truly put me in a better mood.

The Final Four has truly been bad with none of the games even close. The championship game is currently a 20 point game. A shame after a great tourney.

Reflections of a Crappy Weekend

This weekend was bad. I don't have a lot of good to say, but rather than just say a bunch of negative things, I'll try to highlight the positive.

1. Cate Blanchett is a good actor
2. I like the youth group at my church
3. The youth leaders really care for each other
4. They really make an effort to ask how I am doing and not forget
5. The differences between men and women are fun
6. Laughter is healthy, I don't do it enough
7. I really consider RE to be a mentor of mine
8. Panels for embarrassing questions are something else

Clarity Sake

I do not in any way want to promote or suggest the use of a banned substance like marijuana. It was just a simple thought as to whether the things we find repulsive are repulsive because they have been portrayed that way or that they are actually horrible.

Odd Question

If it was and has always been legal...

Would you try pot? Why or Why not?

Odd Question

If it was and has always been legal...

Would you try pot?

Almost Forgot

Happy Birthday to my mom who turns...oops, not supposed to reveal that type of information about women.

The Infirmity of a Socialite

I love people. I love to be around people. I love to talk to people. On the other hand, I don't like to be alone. I don't like quiet. Many people are not socialites, including most of my friends. This creates an interesting phenomenon.

I am always calling people to do something or to talk. They could care less if they are doing something with someone. They are just as happy, by themselves, at home. I am not happy by myself at home. So they don't call me. Since I am the one that wants to do something, I usually have to do what they want and hope it is something that I want to do so that I can avoid staying home. If they don't want to do something, they just will enjoy hanging alone and respectfully decline an invitation.

Sometimes I get stubborn and sick of making the contact. When this happens, people don't contact me because they are perfectly content and just don't think about it. This always blows up in my face because I end up miserable since I can't handle being by myself.

So this is my problem. Nobody does anything wrong(maybe I do), it is just the difference between types of people. Maybe I just need to find more friends. Or learn to deal with being alone.

Well, there you go. A glimpse of me. This has been a sharing moment brought to you by the Matt Foundation.

Has Prayer Become an Excuse

Many things happen at church, but one thing that you can guarantee is someone saying to someone else, "I'll pray for you." Now this is a good thing that has shown benefits, but I have a question. Has it become an excuse? Has it become a guilt free release from responsibility?

There are many things that are beyond everyone's control, but there are things that happen that other people can help with: Sell a house, give financial advice, help with a job search, etc. People have problems every day that can be solved by the help of others. This should be one of the great advantages of a church community, but is it?

I don't think so. I think people have stopped wanting to put the effort in of assisting another person. They just say "I'll pray for you" and go on with their lives, glad that they don't have to act. Prayer has become an excuse for no action. Churches need to be places of action. We need to be doing concrete things to help each other. Is prayer a good thing? Yes, but not the only thing.

It is time to act.

Reflections of a Boring Weekend

1. Right in the middle of March Madness...Woohoo!
2. Congrats to the Lady Terps on advancing
3. Heroes of Might and Magic can be addicting
4. Reading is good for the brain
5. I don't like being alone
6. A clean stage is a nice stage
7. Low stress rehearsals are nice
8. I hate not being able to fall asleep
9. Billy Packer is a moron
10. Why are humans so selfish?
11. The offertory on Sunday was a good song
12. Help is always nice
13. I hope that I can get a ticket to see Donald Miller
14. I don't know if I live in a "place of grace"
15. England's daylight savings time started this weekend
16. It's funny when people with no game talk trash
17. Is it wise?
18. The Hotel Rwanda dvd had a commentary from the guy that the story was about, taking you through the movie
19. Very very fascinating.

Competition and Caring

Last night I was watching some of the NCAA basketball tournament. The game had just finished and it was a rough ending with many surprises and an amazing comeback. I personally was hoping that Gonzaga would pull it off and beat UCLA, but alas they choked the game away.

So after the final buzzer sounded, there in the middle of the floor was a player from the losing team face down on the court sobbing. On the other side of the court was the winning team celebrating their comeback and win. One of the players from the winning team saw the Gonzaga player and felt bad enough for him, that he left his celebrating teammates to go over and pick up his opponent.

Even though their teams had spent two hours battling each other, this was about one human seeing another's pain and going to try to help. See even good things can happen in sports.

Oh, and Duke lost.

Why do we take action here but not there?

I recently watched Hotel Rwanda. It takes place in Rwanda in 1994. There was a minority tribe in control and another tribe killed the president and then started a mass genocide. Around 1 million people were killed. It is a very good movie, but not an easy movie. A powerful movie, but a dark and horrible film.

The interesting thing about the movie is how eye opening it was about the west's treatment of the situation. Europe and the US basically just turned their backs on the situation. Mass genocide is happening and the peacekeepers we have in there, we pull out. I was all for going into Iraq and getting Saddam out of power, but then these situations come up in Africa and we just ignore them. That's not right.

Anyway, the movie is a movie of hope also. How people do more than they think they would when facing horrific circumstances. It's a movie that I think everyone should see. Although they could have made the movie graphically violent, they did not. It has a PG-13 rating and although a couple of scenes are shocking, overall it resists going graphic.

This happened over ten years ago, but that doesn't mean that things like this aren't still going on in Africa. Now we have places like Sudan, and many other African countries where atrocities are occurring. You can find information here and here.

Happy Birthday

It's a birthday day today. I just used three 'day's in one sentence. This is also my third post of the day. Don't be freaked out, they're short.

Anyway, it's my dad's birthday today and I hope that he has a happy birthday.

Happy Birthday to you
You live in a zoo...oh wait, that's not the right version

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear dad
Happy Birthday to you!!

You may actually laugh out loud

Google Idol

If only...

...I was this honest and humble with myself and others about my faith

ANDREW DENTON As a man of faith, when you look at Africa, what's your concept of a working God?

BONO Look on the God thing I have to be really careful because I'm not a very good advertisement and so I don't want to sit there and say, "I'm a man of faith," Yes, I am, I just can't. I recently read in one of St Paul's letters where it describes all of the fruits of the spirit, and I had none of them.

ANDREW DENTON You fulfil a Christian ideal.

BONO No, I don't think so. All the commandments I've broken and the ones I haven't I've probably wanted to...

Read the whole interview here.

Reflections of a 48 Hour Weekend

1. I love college basketball
2. Upsets are wonderful, like a 14 seed over a 3
3. 16 over a 1 has never happened, but it almost did
4. Free food is good.
5. Girl scout cookies are a rip off
6. Perkasie is a funny town name
7. Congrats to my friends who adopted a baby and are expecting another one
8. Salsa con queso is wonderful stuff
9. I like kids
10. Have you ever tried to out-"why" a kid?
11. I don't think it's possible
12. Constantine is an intriguing movie
13. I witnessed a marriage proposal in Sunday school
14. To JS and JT, congrats
15. Judge not
16. If you don't have money, don't walk through a mall
17. Loud music is good music
18. They made me turn it down
19. Free food always tastes better
20. Cracker Barrel's portions are getting smaller
21. I don't like McDonald's
22. Go Villanova!

Epiphanies

As I was sitting talking with my grandmother yesterday, I realized something. We aren't that different. She was talking about her girls that she does stuff with. I have my boys that I do stuff with. She was talking about places that she would like to go and see. I have places in the world that I would like to see. She plays computer games. Well, let's not go there.

I was just surprised that even though we have many many years between us, not much changes. How we express things changes, some of the hobbies change, but our hopes and dreams and fond memories are very comparative. So here's to my grandmother who would like to see Alaska and maybe someday make it up to Nova Scotia.

And completely unrelated to that...have you ever had somebody ask to pray for you and then pray. And when they do it, they lay hands on you. That is just something completely special and, for a moment and maybe even a little while makes you feel better.

The Madness of March

It's starting. One of my favorite times of year. Why I love college basketball so much. 64 teams down to one for the national championship. Upsets, favorites, 5/12s, and so much more. I have even posted my bracket. I'll most likely be wring, but it is fun any way. If you like the sport, enjoy the next couple of weeks. I am even posting this at the start of the first game.

The Holiday Season

I don't know how many of you know, but there are three very important holidays all around this period and I thought that I would make sure you knew about them.

First we have Pi Day. Yesterday was March 14 and as many of you know the number pi is 3.14... Although it has past, some may wonder how to celebrate Pi Day. Well with the excellent research of fellow geek/nerd lindy gal, here is how to celebrate.

Secondly are the Ides of March, March 15. Ah, it's always nice to celebrate the assassination of a Roman caesar. So treat today very carefully.

Thirdly, but not lastly is St. Patrick's Day, March 17. It is a lovely day for the patron saint of Ireland to be celebrated. Everything becomes green(Chicago river, beer) and many jollies are enjoyed. It also was vital in assisting Ferris Bueller with his day off.

Reflections of a West Virginian Weekend

1. Here is where we went
2. Adz - an axlike tool with a curved blade at right angles to the handle, used for shaping wood
3. Qat - a shrub cultivated in the Middle East and Africa for its leaves and buds that are the source of an habituating stimulant when chewed or used as a tea
4. Re - in reference to; in the case of; concerning (not just a prefix but also a preposition)
5. Deer near roads is cause for concern
6. It was warm
7. Grilled ham and cheese is good stuff
8. 4ish hour hike is long
9. A 3200 foot high overlook is beautiful
10. My muscles hurt, I am so out of shape
11. West Virginia smells
12. The West Virginian mountains are beautiful
13. Velvet Elvis is a thought-provoking book
14. Cabins in the woods are nice
15. I like fireplaces
16. I can be a real jerk sometimes
17. I didn't want to come back to reality
18. The March madness bracket is a bunch of bull
19. Maryland deserved to be in over some of the other teams
20. Go Villanova!
21. Stale chips aren't very good
22. Buy one Get one free is a great grocery store deal
23. Chief Purveyor of Women
24. Newbie, Newb-zoid, Newb-a-saurus
25. We need to be there for our friends
26. I don't feel very funny right now
27. What a wreck
28. Rocks go a lot further when you throw them off of 100 foot cliffs

Spotlight!

Sometimes you run across something that you here and it just resonates with you. That happened to me today. I got an email about a musical artist and went to his website to have a listen. There is some really good stuff. I wanted to share my pleasure with you. His name is Jon Bilbrough. He is a Brit (I know, I know) yet he is in the singer/songwriter form of so many small artists in the US.

So go here and listen to some of his stuff.

It's Over

Well, I am resigning to the fact that winter is over. Way over. Wait, did it ever start? This is the first of a string of days that may hit 60 or 70. No more winter left. This has been one of the worst winters that I can remember. We languished in the upper 40s and 50s in January. We had a total of three snowstorms, with the third not really deserving of being called a snowstorm.

So why has nature cursed us so? I don't know. All I know is that most of my friends and family are very happy that this winter was so lame. Well, here's to you schmucks.

Here's hoping for next year.

Not a good sports week

Well, this week was the final match of the Champions League quarterfinals. Three teams that I have an interest in, all were eliminated. First, Chelsea FC lost yesterday in what was a futile try. Today FC Bayern Munchen and Liverpool FC also were eliminated. A rough week to be sure especially for those football clubs and their supporters.

There's always next year.

An E-town that I like

Last night I had the chance to see Elizabethtown. And what can I say, but I greatly enjoyed this movie. When I saw the previews it interested me, but I wasn't sure. I didn't know if it would just turn into 'just another chick flick.' I was presently surprised at something that I never expected. The romantic part of the movie was used to aid the story and not the other way around. This was a great way do to it and ultimately a great decision.

The story is based around a guy(Orlando Bloom) that has to head to Kentucky where his father passed away to bring his body back to Oregon and his family. Susan Sarandon plays his mother and Judy Greer his sister. I got to say that the more I see Judy Greer in things, the more I like her. She has the fantastic comedic ability that I love. Anyway, back to the story. Bloom also had some incredibly bad things happen that have caused this trip to Kentucky to be much more of a journey.

This is a story about a journey of a character and how he's helped through it by a women. Sounds a lot like Garden State, huh? I would actually say that the film is similar to Garden State. That being said, it is very different. The soundtrack to this film is fantastic with bands like Ryan Adams and My Mourning Jacket among others contributing. It is amazing how a good choice of soundtrack can be used to really make a movie excel. This one did just that.

A charming, witty, quirky film. Definitely worth your time.

Another ridiculous mark against Christianity

Idiots.

Reflections of a Jekyll and Hyde Weekend

1. I love my family
2. I don't like the IRS
3. I like roasts
4. It was a bogus red card that was handed to Chelsea v Barca
5. It was a handball
6. It is always nice to talk to my family
7. I hate stress
8. I have been under stress for two years and it got worse on Saturday
9. I lost in Monopoly and Spades
10. My parents are wise
11. My sister doesn't like feet
12. Number 11 helped me with some major teasing
13. I hate being nauseous
14. Kingdom of Heaven is a good movie
15. Grocery shopping is a necessary
16. I hate it when I can't sleep
17. I lost in Scrabble too...to my sis who had a 51 point word
18. Many things I would like to say, but rover will yell at me
19. I can talk to my family for hours and not get bored
20. My family is so giving
21. I like Chinese food
22. Rum and coke with Ritz Bits
23. Last three cds listened to: Travis, Athlete, Beatles
24. I gave up most TV for Lent
25. Giving something up for Lent does not mean that I am trying to get to heaven by good works 26. Anyone know any funny, quirky, not-well-known movies?

Something needs to be done

I am as patriotic as the next guy, many people would probably say even more patriotic, but that doesn't mean that the US always is right. Something that they do has been bugging me for a while. That is Guantanamo Bay. This is the base where the US has held all of the people that have been deemed terrorists.

The US government doesn't let people in to inspect it, they won't release details about it. We have had the UN say that it needs to be closed and called it a human rights scandal. Amnesty International has said. "Guantanamo has become the gulag of our times, entrenching the notion that people can be detained without any recourse to the law. If Guantanamo evokes images of Soviet repression, ghost detainees or the incommunicado detention of unregistered detainees - bring back the practice of disappearances so popular with Latin American dictators in the past. According to US official sources there could be over 100 ghost detainees held by the US."

At one point the Red Cross was allowed to inspect it and in their report they talked of torture measures being used against the prisoners. "The construction of such a system, whose stated purpose is the production of intelligence, cannot be considered other than an intentional system of cruel, unusual and degrading treatment and a form of torture."

We, as the US, need to be better than this. If we play by their rules, we lose the high ground.

A Tale of Two Games

What's wrong with sports:

Read this. How selfish do you have to be to score 113 points in a game? So much for teamwork. At the same time, how is it sportsmanlike to outscore the other team by 105 points and still have starters in the game. It was just another example of greed and ego taking over a sporting event.

What's right with sports:

Read this. This kid was told that he was too small to play and he wasn't able to make the team in junior high. He loved the game so much that he asked to be the team's manager. So through junior and senior high, he helped however he could. It came down to the last home game of his senior season. The coach decided to suit him up to possibly play because of all his hard work. With four minutes left in the game, his coach put him in. He proceeded to score 20 points in the last four minutes including 6 three pointers. The crowd went wild and so did his teammates. For one moment of a night, a small, autistic senior was exalted by everyone including all the popular people. Talk about the least being the greatest.

It's Snowing Information

It snowed last night. I love snow and have barely seen it this season, but it was nice to see a bit even if it was a little bit. It started while I was watching the wonderful movie, Miracle. If any of you haven't seen it, go out and rent it. It is really well done and pretty stirring.

I know that I have said this before, but the wikipedia is awesome. It is so informative and helpful when trying to find information. It is easy to search on and the information is usually very accurate. In fact it is so cool that I am going to give it a place in this blog. Combine it with google and that would be an incredibly awesomely wonderfully lethal combination.

Reflections of a Sacred Weekend

1. Good show by the ex-Rainchildren
2. You can see snow at Ski Roundtop
3. It may be fake, but it is still snow
4. It is good to talk stuff out
5. My mind is swirling and affecting my sleep
6. It was nice being outside in the cold watching the skiers and tubers
7. Barne and Nobles has some nice informative books
8. It may happen
9. The Baden-Wurttemberg region seems like a nice region of Germany
10. 6.30 am is way too early to arise on a saturday
11. Gary Thomas is a good speaker
12. Velvet Elvis is a challenging read
13. A good sandwich is one of the great things of life
14. Why do some people deem it their right to complain about anything they don't like?
15. Arsenal lost...YEAH!!
16. Pink Glop
17. Dennis Miller is pretty funny, but he can get too political for me
18. Beetle Juice is not a very good movie
19. It may have been a waste of time to watch it
20. Naps are beautiful things
21. High school guys are a challenge
22. Congrats to Sweden on their Olympic hockey gold
23. I have this strange urge to watch Miracle
24. Lent starts on Wednesday
25. I enjoyed the Olympics
26. Sleep...sleep...sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

I Don't Know - Part 2

I'm 28 years old. I haven't had a permanent job in almost two years. I have had a few job searches. I don't even know what benefits are anymore although I do know what sports injuries are. I'm single with no prospects on the horizon.

I have no idea what to do with my life. I don't know where I am headed with my career. I would like to have a family one day and wouldn't mind owning a house someday. I'm lost. I have no idea where to start. I feel like I've been spun around and then told to go towards the goal. I can't see the goal and don't even know what it looks like as well as being dizzy trying to reach it. I am not sure what I am supposed to do next or where I am supposed to look. I have been looking for two years in some areas and that clearly hasn't worked so I need to look somewhere else.

Somehow I am still doing okay and every once in a while even have some fun. I guess I have to find myself before I start looking, but that really sounds like a cliche. I guess I just don't know. Maybe I don't know anything.

I Don't Know - Part 1

Sunshine, won't you be my mother
Sunshine, come and help me sing
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath

We are crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared little runaways
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine

Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?
Oh Lord, don't be far away away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way

Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared little runaways
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine

Yeah Yeah, shine on me

Crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain well
The shadow proves the sunshine
To scared little runaways
Hold fast to the break of day light were
The shadow proves the sunshine

Shine on me
-Switchfoot