NFL coaches losing their teams.
The most powerful country in the world losing an Olympic bid.
The Kings are actually good in hockey! (wohoo!)
And, well, the Yanks are back in the World Series...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Short But Sweet
Ok, I'm not going to get into the specifics of this quite yet. I'll do it tomorrow, but there are some crazy things going on in the world of sports these days. Actually, I'll do it Wednesday; tomorrow's a special Lakers day!
NFL coaches losing their teams.
The most powerful country in the world losing an Olympic bid.
The Kings are actually good in hockey! (wohoo!)
And, well, the Yanks are back in the World Series...gag me now.
NFL coaches losing their teams.
The most powerful country in the world losing an Olympic bid.
The Kings are actually good in hockey! (wohoo!)
And, well, the Yanks are back in the World Series...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Vapid
I really can't think of a thing.
I could talk about how today I booked my flight home for Christmas and how excited I am to see my friends and family because it's been five months since I've seen them and will have been seven by then. I've missed them all.
I could talk about how I found a place to live in the city and that it might be small, but it seems just right for right now.
I could talk about the pitfalls of a long-distance relationship and how hard it is when you can't see the person you want to because you don't make enough at the moment for the airfare...how even the most patient people can lose it at times.
I could talk about how, for whatever reason, I'm having a hard time getting over my hesitance to get back into church and how my knowledge that I need to somehow doesn't correspond with action.
I could talk about plenty of things, obviously. But the ability to be creative with those things, at least right now, isn't happening. Just facts.
I could talk about how today I booked my flight home for Christmas and how excited I am to see my friends and family because it's been five months since I've seen them and will have been seven by then. I've missed them all.
I could talk about how I found a place to live in the city and that it might be small, but it seems just right for right now.
I could talk about the pitfalls of a long-distance relationship and how hard it is when you can't see the person you want to because you don't make enough at the moment for the airfare...how even the most patient people can lose it at times.
I could talk about how, for whatever reason, I'm having a hard time getting over my hesitance to get back into church and how my knowledge that I need to somehow doesn't correspond with action.
I could talk about plenty of things, obviously. But the ability to be creative with those things, at least right now, isn't happening. Just facts.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
On To The Next One
Fresh off the disappointment of something I choose not to mention, I've decided the best way to get over the bad feelings that have been left (for the second straight year) is to simply move on to the next thing on the list.
That's right, the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers begin their season in a few short days! I'd like to thank the Dodgers for allowing me to focus all my energy on them because they are my No. 1 sports team. Period. The end.
I was born just about a block away from what was then the Great Western Forum, then lived about 2 blocks away for the first few years of my life. I was hard-wired with purle and gold data. It's just part of who I am.
The one bad thing that I'll acknowledge is that sometimes I get into it a little too much. But any years I take off my life from feeing the tension are well worth it to celebrate title after title after title after title.
It's like eating a nice steak. Sometimes, even though you know it might clog the arteries, the taste is just too good to turn down. I can't wait to sink my teeth into this season.
That's right, the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers begin their season in a few short days! I'd like to thank the Dodgers for allowing me to focus all my energy on them because they are my No. 1 sports team. Period. The end.
I was born just about a block away from what was then the Great Western Forum, then lived about 2 blocks away for the first few years of my life. I was hard-wired with purle and gold data. It's just part of who I am.
The one bad thing that I'll acknowledge is that sometimes I get into it a little too much. But any years I take off my life from feeing the tension are well worth it to celebrate title after title after title after title.
It's like eating a nice steak. Sometimes, even though you know it might clog the arteries, the taste is just too good to turn down. I can't wait to sink my teeth into this season.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
The First Casualty
I've never had the most supple of skin. It gets dry about as fast as a water hole in the African savannah. But this, what's happening now, is ridiculous.
As you can see down below this post, I made a comment about how I'm not really ready for the winter yet. Let me be clear: November - February snow I'm ok with. I'm expecting that. I know where I live. October snow though? Nope, no thanks. Veto.
As it's been getting colder, I've noticed my skin has just not liked it very much. Already supa-dry, this doesn't usually happen until really late in the game.
Elbow's all itchy.
Face doesn't want to stay moisturized.
Lotion me up! I'm in need.
As you can see down below this post, I made a comment about how I'm not really ready for the winter yet. Let me be clear: November - February snow I'm ok with. I'm expecting that. I know where I live. October snow though? Nope, no thanks. Veto.
As it's been getting colder, I've noticed my skin has just not liked it very much. Already supa-dry, this doesn't usually happen until really late in the game.
Elbow's all itchy.
Face doesn't want to stay moisturized.
Lotion me up! I'm in need.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
An excerpt
My eyelids burned even before I opened them. The sunlight pierced through as I squinted them open. I didn't want to wake up. I knew nothing had changed from the night before, when I'd spent to much time thinking about the way things should have been. I was tired of thinking about it, tired of trying without getting any results for my efforts, tired of my laboring without any fruit sprouting. I'd felt defeat before, but never like this...and every time I staggered to my feet, something else would take my breath. Like trying to stay upright on a floor full of ball bearings, I awoke uneasy, hesitant and unwilling to move.
I turned my head to look at the clock, the alarm of which had been going off for some 10 minutes before my brain decided to acknowledge it and wake me up. I stared at the colon until the numbers blurred and lay there motionless. After a few minutes, I pulled the dirty blanket off me, sat up for a second and walked to the bathroom to shower. Whether I liked it or not, it was time for another day.
I turned my head to look at the clock, the alarm of which had been going off for some 10 minutes before my brain decided to acknowledge it and wake me up. I stared at the colon until the numbers blurred and lay there motionless. After a few minutes, I pulled the dirty blanket off me, sat up for a second and walked to the bathroom to shower. Whether I liked it or not, it was time for another day.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Cold Snap
It looms over my head, like some dissonant, ominous music in a horror film. I know I'm OK now, but in the future? Hmm...
When I moved to the Midwest, I knew at some point there would be something I've never experienced for any long period of time. You know, bitter, numbing cold. I thought about it, and wasn't too afraid of it, but now that it's almost here, I'm not so sure what's to come.
People keep just assuming it's going to be some tragic experience for me, the Cali kid, but I'm not sure. I mean, it's just a little cold...and snow...and ice...and snow...and cold...and...ummm...what else?
So yea, as I make my way through this winter, I ask for any handy tips or anything that might help me deal with the cold weather and driving in it. And not losing any appendages in it. I like my appendages. They suit me just fine.
When I moved to the Midwest, I knew at some point there would be something I've never experienced for any long period of time. You know, bitter, numbing cold. I thought about it, and wasn't too afraid of it, but now that it's almost here, I'm not so sure what's to come.
People keep just assuming it's going to be some tragic experience for me, the Cali kid, but I'm not sure. I mean, it's just a little cold...and snow...and ice...and snow...and cold...and...ummm...what else?
So yea, as I make my way through this winter, I ask for any handy tips or anything that might help me deal with the cold weather and driving in it. And not losing any appendages in it. I like my appendages. They suit me just fine.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friends
I'm the kind of guy that likes to be inclusive. I'll intentionally gravitate toward those who are less fortunate or something. I don't like the idea of people feeling like outcasts.
So, when one of my best friends Ryan started dating the woman who eventually became his wife, the last thing I wanted her to feel like was the fourth wheel to our group of friends. We have a very strong friendship that has left others feeling ostracized at times. I knew how much he liked her and I didn't want her to feel like she couldn't hang out with us.
In those efforts, I found out that she's a pretty cool person. Not only that, but she cares about some pretty cool things, like human rights and non-violent resistance and, you know, treating people like equals.
Anyway, her blog is pretty cool and I value her friendship so I just thought I'd say so.
So, when one of my best friends Ryan started dating the woman who eventually became his wife, the last thing I wanted her to feel like was the fourth wheel to our group of friends. We have a very strong friendship that has left others feeling ostracized at times. I knew how much he liked her and I didn't want her to feel like she couldn't hang out with us.
In those efforts, I found out that she's a pretty cool person. Not only that, but she cares about some pretty cool things, like human rights and non-violent resistance and, you know, treating people like equals.
Anyway, her blog is pretty cool and I value her friendship so I just thought I'd say so.
My Heartbeat
To say I love music would be some sort of travesty of an understatement.
There's something about hearing the perfect song for your mood that just can't be put into words. Melody and metaphor combining into some divine amalgam that lifts your soul to another plane. If sunsets are one of the greatest examples that the Lord exists -- and I believe they are -- then music is one of the greatest examples that He creates amazing things through us. The blessing of talent manifests itself in many ways and for those who make music, I am very thankful.
It is my life metronome, my heartbeat.
Here's just one of the thousands of examples I could think of that moves me like no other:
Gustav Holst, Jupiter from The Planets
There's something about hearing the perfect song for your mood that just can't be put into words. Melody and metaphor combining into some divine amalgam that lifts your soul to another plane. If sunsets are one of the greatest examples that the Lord exists -- and I believe they are -- then music is one of the greatest examples that He creates amazing things through us. The blessing of talent manifests itself in many ways and for those who make music, I am very thankful.
It is my life metronome, my heartbeat.
Here's just one of the thousands of examples I could think of that moves me like no other:
Gustav Holst, Jupiter from The Planets
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I have learned in my 27-and-however-many-tenths I've lived in my life that no matter how strong my will, if am mindful of His will, His always wins out.
No doubt it took me a while to figure that out -- I'm sorta stubborn -- but one I did, I was liberated.
That's why, in the midst of any uncertainty, I know His will will win out and it will wind up better than I could ever imagine.
Praise be to Him.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Narcissism Incarnate
Tonight, the man, the myth, the legend, Brett Favre is playing against his old team, the Green Bay Packers.
Now I'm going to just assume that you all know the story of Mr. Favre -- at least the most recent story of him, anyway -- so I won't get into all that. I just wanted to talk, for a moment, about what it is that makes a man do what Favre did to three professional football teams for three consecutive summers. I'd like, for a bit, to talk about what it is inside of a very select few people who are so wrapped up in themselves that they don't appear to consider how it affects those around them.
It is the case of the supreme narcissist.
It is the case of a man, who has enjoyed immense success in his younger days and therefore believes in his mind that he can do anything, no matter how old.
It's the case that allows Brett Favre to waffle back and forth during the past three summers while the teams for which he's played are forced to sit back and wait for his decision. First, it happened with the Packers...and they decided it was time for him to go because he'd waffled a little the two previous years and they were sick of it.
So, instead of retiring with dignity as a Packers legend, he was traded to the New York Jets, where he splashed onto the scene with plenty of big wins. Eventually, though, his age caught up with him and he tore his bicep. He tried to play through it and ruined the Jets' playoff chances, as they lost the final four games of the season.
This year, he decided to play for the Vikings...after deciding he would stay retired...after deciding he might want to keep playing...after deciding he would stay retired. I have no problem with him wanting to play or thinking he's still got it. My problem with the absolute arrogance of a man who thinks he can dangle multi-million dollar companies based upon his whims. No player is bigger than the sport, but time and time (and time) again, Favre has proven that he'll be damned if he isn't going to try.
People lost their jobs because of him and his waffling ways. He remains indifferent. Earlier this year in an interview for one of the Sunday pre-game shows, he said, "Well, it's my life, so I don't really care what people's opinion is of it."
Well, Brett, when someone gets cut because you decided at the last possible moment that you wanted to play this season despite the fact that you didn't train at all during the offseason, then maybe you should care.
Because, whether he likes it or not, his actions affect others and until realizes that, he'll continue to be categorized as narcissism incarnate.
Now I'm going to just assume that you all know the story of Mr. Favre -- at least the most recent story of him, anyway -- so I won't get into all that. I just wanted to talk, for a moment, about what it is that makes a man do what Favre did to three professional football teams for three consecutive summers. I'd like, for a bit, to talk about what it is inside of a very select few people who are so wrapped up in themselves that they don't appear to consider how it affects those around them.
It is the case of the supreme narcissist.
It is the case of a man, who has enjoyed immense success in his younger days and therefore believes in his mind that he can do anything, no matter how old.
It's the case that allows Brett Favre to waffle back and forth during the past three summers while the teams for which he's played are forced to sit back and wait for his decision. First, it happened with the Packers...and they decided it was time for him to go because he'd waffled a little the two previous years and they were sick of it.
So, instead of retiring with dignity as a Packers legend, he was traded to the New York Jets, where he splashed onto the scene with plenty of big wins. Eventually, though, his age caught up with him and he tore his bicep. He tried to play through it and ruined the Jets' playoff chances, as they lost the final four games of the season.
This year, he decided to play for the Vikings...after deciding he would stay retired...after deciding he might want to keep playing...after deciding he would stay retired. I have no problem with him wanting to play or thinking he's still got it. My problem with the absolute arrogance of a man who thinks he can dangle multi-million dollar companies based upon his whims. No player is bigger than the sport, but time and time (and time) again, Favre has proven that he'll be damned if he isn't going to try.
People lost their jobs because of him and his waffling ways. He remains indifferent. Earlier this year in an interview for one of the Sunday pre-game shows, he said, "Well, it's my life, so I don't really care what people's opinion is of it."
Well, Brett, when someone gets cut because you decided at the last possible moment that you wanted to play this season despite the fact that you didn't train at all during the offseason, then maybe you should care.
Because, whether he likes it or not, his actions affect others and until realizes that, he'll continue to be categorized as narcissism incarnate.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Haves and Have Nots
Let me preface this blog by stating that I definitely know I'm a blessed man. I am loved. I have life, a job and a roof over my head. I know how God has blessed me. I'm conscious of it.
I don't have much.
I live in a 97-year-old house with windows painted shut and a shower head that, before it was recently fixed, would pop off at a moment's notice while I cleaned myself.
I do not have enough money to travel to see my family nor my girlfriend, who lives in The District and would like to see me. Because of it, it's left me feeling like I perpetually come up short -- not necessarily the feeling you want to have in a burgeoning relationship.
But I do have a girlfriend who loves me and is willing to travel many miles just to see me, even though she already spends many days a month traveling. Maybe she's just dating me for the miles. ;o)
She is willing to come see me because she knows that, right now, I can't come see her.
And I thank her for that. I appreciate her for that. I am thankful because of that.
I don't have much.
I live in a 97-year-old house with windows painted shut and a shower head that, before it was recently fixed, would pop off at a moment's notice while I cleaned myself.
I do not have enough money to travel to see my family nor my girlfriend, who lives in The District and would like to see me. Because of it, it's left me feeling like I perpetually come up short -- not necessarily the feeling you want to have in a burgeoning relationship.
But I do have a girlfriend who loves me and is willing to travel many miles just to see me, even though she already spends many days a month traveling. Maybe she's just dating me for the miles. ;o)
She is willing to come see me because she knows that, right now, I can't come see her.
And I thank her for that. I appreciate her for that. I am thankful because of that.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Put Up or Shut Up
For a writer, words are our voice. More than merely the things we write, they are what we use to express our dreams, fears and hopes.
As much as they're an outlet, they can also be a trapping, for me especially. I tend to get lost in my words and sometimes use them as an alternative to acting.
It's time for that to change. My actions must speak louder than my words.
And that's all I have to say about that.
As much as they're an outlet, they can also be a trapping, for me especially. I tend to get lost in my words and sometimes use them as an alternative to acting.
It's time for that to change. My actions must speak louder than my words.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Block Is Hot
Recently, a teenager was beaten to death by a swarm of delinquents in Chicago, the area in which I currently live.
He was an honor student.
A video of the beating, in which the 15-year-old was punched repeatedly, kicked mercilously one he hit the ground, then hit with a 2x4 over hit back and head, has been making the rounds on the news channels. Jesse Jackson has arrived. Barack has voiced his opinion. I have not seen the video as a whole, just bits and pieces.
I can't stomach it.
I'm too horrified.
The thought that not one person in this mass of at least 50 teenage boys didn't come to his aid is what troubles me most...aside from the reality that he did nothing to provoke them.
How does NO ONE help?
How does NO ONE intervene?
Where is the conscience of today's youth?
And why is it more concerned with tight jeans and stupid dance moves than whether or not one of it's own is beaten in the street like some unwanted dog?
I am confused and dismayed for our future.
He was an honor student.
A video of the beating, in which the 15-year-old was punched repeatedly, kicked mercilously one he hit the ground, then hit with a 2x4 over hit back and head, has been making the rounds on the news channels. Jesse Jackson has arrived. Barack has voiced his opinion. I have not seen the video as a whole, just bits and pieces.
I can't stomach it.
I'm too horrified.
The thought that not one person in this mass of at least 50 teenage boys didn't come to his aid is what troubles me most...aside from the reality that he did nothing to provoke them.
How does NO ONE help?
How does NO ONE intervene?
Where is the conscience of today's youth?
And why is it more concerned with tight jeans and stupid dance moves than whether or not one of it's own is beaten in the street like some unwanted dog?
I am confused and dismayed for our future.
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