(1) Strange: today is the first time I had a strong urge to watch a Schwartzenegger film. I like some of them and I have wanted to watch specific films, but not wanted to watch a Schwartz film like it's a genre -- like you might say about Bruce Willis or Will Smith, both of which I've experienced on occasion. (Sometimes I'm in a DiCaprio mood.)
(2) Fortuitous!: seeing "(1996) Eraser" on the TV Guide starting about 45 minutes after I had the above urge. :D I said, "Yes. Yes! YES," aloud to myself when I read it and silently thanked God. (I wasn't sure if I should thank Him but I actually think it's OK. I wanted to chill out tonight and specifically wanted to kickback with a flick. I wanted something I hadn't seen but I can't afford to rent today ...so this is nice. Also it actually looks pretty clean so far which makes me think I really can credit God.)
(3) Mystifying: I do think that at some point in my lifetime I will discharge a firearm (but I don't have too many ideas about the context).
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Mini-Series: Jesus in Real Life (2/3)
I was watching SpongeBob Squarepants the other week and SB and Patrick are hanging out doing their silly-ish things one day when a rando fish comes up in a regal-looking carriage, dressed in some swank butler-esque suit. Reading from a scroll and speaking with an English accent, he informs Patrick that he is descended of royalty and gives the starfish a crown, cape and scepter.
Patrick doesn't fully understand what this should mean to him (Patrick isn't very smart/competent/observant/consistent) but SpongeBob handily explains that kings get to do whatever they want. In no time SB is dressed as a page and giving examples of how Patrick could utilize his new-found position and power. Patrick eventually gets the hang of it and starts to enjoy exploiting the authority he seems to be entitled to.
But before the meat of the story got rolling, a bothersome question jumped into my mind when the posh messenger was unfurling his scroll. On telling Patrick he was a king, my immediate response was, "a king of where?" Then when Sbob is telling Patrick he can order any of the seapeople about, I am thinking, "Is he even king of this area?" They shouldn't have to bow to him unless he's king of Bikini Bottom.
Me, I don't submit to the crown in Brunei or the President of Germany or whoever else isn't in power in Canada/Ontario/Guelph (and maybe also the Queen of England?) -- unless I'm on their soil. It's funny to me how in one place Person X commands ultimate allegiance and obedience but in a different place maybe they might hold no authority whatsoever.
The moment after I questioned the plot in the cartoon, with mild annoyance, I registered the phrase "King of Kings" and was hushed in awe.
He's King over every king. His jurisdiction encompasses all of their jurisdictions. He says, "jump," and every ruler on Earth begs, "how high??"
KING OF KINGS. It means much to me now, with this understanding.
In the cartoon, all those fish-people could have said, "You have no power over me," [cf. Labyrinth (1986) haha] - and I wanted them to - because they weren't subjects of his kingdom. But WOW, the King of Kings. His kingdom is.....partout.
Patrick doesn't fully understand what this should mean to him (Patrick isn't very smart/competent/observant/consistent) but SpongeBob handily explains that kings get to do whatever they want. In no time SB is dressed as a page and giving examples of how Patrick could utilize his new-found position and power. Patrick eventually gets the hang of it and starts to enjoy exploiting the authority he seems to be entitled to.
But before the meat of the story got rolling, a bothersome question jumped into my mind when the posh messenger was unfurling his scroll. On telling Patrick he was a king, my immediate response was, "a king of where?" Then when Sbob is telling Patrick he can order any of the seapeople about, I am thinking, "Is he even king of this area?" They shouldn't have to bow to him unless he's king of Bikini Bottom.
Me, I don't submit to the crown in Brunei or the President of Germany or whoever else isn't in power in Canada/Ontario/Guelph (and maybe also the Queen of England?) -- unless I'm on their soil. It's funny to me how in one place Person X commands ultimate allegiance and obedience but in a different place maybe they might hold no authority whatsoever.
The moment after I questioned the plot in the cartoon, with mild annoyance, I registered the phrase "King of Kings" and was hushed in awe.
He's King over every king. His jurisdiction encompasses all of their jurisdictions. He says, "jump," and every ruler on Earth begs, "how high??"
KING OF KINGS. It means much to me now, with this understanding.
In the cartoon, all those fish-people could have said, "You have no power over me," [cf. Labyrinth (1986) haha] - and I wanted them to - because they weren't subjects of his kingdom. But WOW, the King of Kings. His kingdom is.....partout.
(1) I had a crappy sleep last night and I feel like I should mention it because crappy sleeps are extremely rare for me and I don't think that's something most people can boast.
Yes, it seemed to be a combo of not being tired enough (that's also rare these days but I did sleep ten hours the night before), being in a bed that was a mite too short, being unsure of whether I was too cold or too hot, and keeping too much on my mind as I was trying to doze.
(2) Someone called me "a star" today in a way I haven't heard in a long time. It was peculiar and seemed out of character from this person. I donno what to make of it but I do understand it was a compliment.
(3) It bothers me that I feel behind on my blog...and it bothers me more that I can't find the notes I made for posts I wanted to write.
Yes, it seemed to be a combo of not being tired enough (that's also rare these days but I did sleep ten hours the night before), being in a bed that was a mite too short, being unsure of whether I was too cold or too hot, and keeping too much on my mind as I was trying to doze.
(2) Someone called me "a star" today in a way I haven't heard in a long time. It was peculiar and seemed out of character from this person. I donno what to make of it but I do understand it was a compliment.
(3) It bothers me that I feel behind on my blog...and it bothers me more that I can't find the notes I made for posts I wanted to write.
Sunday, 18 July 2010
pruning is a good thing (I wish I remembered that)
I want to throw out the papers that have been sitting on my windowsill for months. The one in front of me now is dated 12th April. That makes it more than three months old. (If you didn't read the date, the yellowed front would probably give the age away.)
Anyways, upon second reading of the article I'd wanted to save, I've decided that there's just one line worth preserving. And it's going to be posted right here.
April twelfth started the second week of the regular season in the MLB so this article was talking about bets, projections & prospect for various teams around the league. It featured the Blue Jays but also mentioned other teams that seem to have been sold short (or sold out) by the prophecies forced on them.
Woolsey writes, "With higher expectations sometimes come elevated pressures and resultant explosions.
"Already this season, Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has confronted his critics saying: 'If you don't want to watch the way I'm managing, it's easy -- be a Cub fan or talk about something else.' And, this: 'This is my seventh year here, and I'm here for a reason. I'm not here because I'm Kenny's friend (GM Kenny Williams) or Jerry's buddy (chairman Jerry Reinsdorf). I'm here because I think I know what I'm doing.'"
I really like this. I think it's important for people who are being unfairly criticized or heckled to defend themselves. Yes, people in that position tend to ignore most of what's thrown at them and I think that's good, in an effort to preserve sanity. But this was a good retort. I like it. "No one asked you (random fan) to watch the game or to evaluate my performance." That's not to say that pro sports don't like or need fans but it is to say that if you choose to be a fan of a particular franchise, you're also consenting to take it the way it is.
Yep, we can hope for better, and we can cheer players to exceed expectations or escape slumps. But to lash out at players, coaches, admin as if they owe you something or have failed you personally it's no good.
I'm thinking this is a bit like marriage...when you pledge to take the other in sickness & health, for better or for worse. It's so easy to commit to both sides of that coin on your glowing matrimonous day, but when Year Four of Leukemia hits maybe you forget your promise to be just as faithful.
Christians like to talk about how God "takes us as we are", how He doesn't expect us to change and be perfect before we can meet with Him or be accepted by Him (and, of course, that the Holy Spirit changes us and continually perfects us AFTER we have met Him) and we try to act the same toward other people, i.e. loving them unconditionally.
When you show affection or care for the whole person, not just the likeable or lovable sections, it means much. It means much to know your failures and shortcomings can't take you out of your loved one's good books. AND it provides encouragement to the one who's fledgling to actually work it out (instead of feeling worse, feeling abandoned, etc.).
So, the moral of the story is, be nice to people.
Woolsey, Garth. "Can Blue Jays top a humble 68 wins?" The Toronto Star. 12 Apr. 2010: S2. Print.
Anyways, upon second reading of the article I'd wanted to save, I've decided that there's just one line worth preserving. And it's going to be posted right here.
April twelfth started the second week of the regular season in the MLB so this article was talking about bets, projections & prospect for various teams around the league. It featured the Blue Jays but also mentioned other teams that seem to have been sold short (or sold out) by the prophecies forced on them.
Woolsey writes, "With higher expectations sometimes come elevated pressures and resultant explosions.
"Already this season, Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has confronted his critics saying: 'If you don't want to watch the way I'm managing, it's easy -- be a Cub fan or talk about something else.' And, this: 'This is my seventh year here, and I'm here for a reason. I'm not here because I'm Kenny's friend (GM Kenny Williams) or Jerry's buddy (chairman Jerry Reinsdorf). I'm here because I think I know what I'm doing.'"
I really like this. I think it's important for people who are being unfairly criticized or heckled to defend themselves. Yes, people in that position tend to ignore most of what's thrown at them and I think that's good, in an effort to preserve sanity. But this was a good retort. I like it. "No one asked you (random fan) to watch the game or to evaluate my performance." That's not to say that pro sports don't like or need fans but it is to say that if you choose to be a fan of a particular franchise, you're also consenting to take it the way it is.
Yep, we can hope for better, and we can cheer players to exceed expectations or escape slumps. But to lash out at players, coaches, admin as if they owe you something or have failed you personally it's no good.
I'm thinking this is a bit like marriage...when you pledge to take the other in sickness & health, for better or for worse. It's so easy to commit to both sides of that coin on your glowing matrimonous day, but when Year Four of Leukemia hits maybe you forget your promise to be just as faithful.
Christians like to talk about how God "takes us as we are", how He doesn't expect us to change and be perfect before we can meet with Him or be accepted by Him (and, of course, that the Holy Spirit changes us and continually perfects us AFTER we have met Him) and we try to act the same toward other people, i.e. loving them unconditionally.
When you show affection or care for the whole person, not just the likeable or lovable sections, it means much. It means much to know your failures and shortcomings can't take you out of your loved one's good books. AND it provides encouragement to the one who's fledgling to actually work it out (instead of feeling worse, feeling abandoned, etc.).
So, the moral of the story is, be nice to people.
Woolsey, Garth. "Can Blue Jays top a humble 68 wins?" The Toronto Star. 12 Apr. 2010: S2. Print.
Monday, 12 July 2010
triet X
Today: first day I patronize the cafe part of "With the Grain" bakery in Guelph. I liked it. I would not want to go on a rainy Saturday afternoon because if it were crowded (as it has been every other time I've been there to pick up baked goods) I wouldn't enjoy myself. (I don't mind crowded eateries in general but this one wouldn't have the best ventilation and the tables aren't overly roomy.) The drink I had was muy tasty. I think I'd go there with friends visiting the city or just for a break from my regular haunts.
Lately: I don't wanna go to sleep and I hate getting up. What does that mean?*
Early July: first time I put on Christmas music in 2010.
*I think it means I'm tired and not handling it well.
Lately: I don't wanna go to sleep and I hate getting up. What does that mean?*
Early July: first time I put on Christmas music in 2010.
*I think it means I'm tired and not handling it well.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
One of the things I like about writing is that it monopolizes my attention. I mean, I don't feel the need to be "doing something else" as I seem to with almost every other activity. (Even when I'm sleeping, it's great if I'm also doing laundry or charging a phone.) Sigh.
But in writing, I don't stray; it's like a complete activity. Same with playing the piano, I guess.
But in writing, I don't stray; it's like a complete activity. Same with playing the piano, I guess.
Monday, 5 July 2010
The Week of Firsts
I have been collecting these items for a while, some on paper, some in my head and I'm afraid I've really lost all the ones in my head. I hope I can make a good collection out of this.
1) Monday: first time I went to a tailor. I found a pair of trousers that were just doing it but they were too loose at the hips. All my What Not to Wear training came back to me and I was reminded that very few people can wear clothes "off the rack" and that tailoring is a fantastic secret weapon. Oh boy, am I am happy with the decision and the finished product. $8.40 aint bad neither.
2) Tuesday: first time I heard a host on Entertainment Television say of a recently engaged celebrity couple, "it's the first marriage for both of them." [I really do want to be clear that I do not watch this show on my own time, but that the tele was on in a customer's house while I was working and half-listening.] I couldn't believe it. In a certain way I consider it similar to a prenup. It just makes me sad, is all.
3) Saturday: first time I wore a tank-top in public. (I was going to be sunning for several hours inside a car so I thought I should give my upper arms a chance to tan so I could stop looking like a farmer.)
4) Saturday: first time I lost my appetite because of what I saw during a baseball game. The Yankees scored eleven runs in one inning, loading the bases twice. It's those slim odds that you never expect to come up. The Yankees have a tendency to be merciless when they're given room. I involuntarily gasped sharply when the left fielder (who I have yelled about before, needing to stay at shortstop and leave LF to Lewis, Lind & Snider) cowered from a fly ball that should have ended the inning but allowed three runs to come in on the triple.
It was horrifying. I understand that the sun was bright and in his eyes but the sun was bright the whole game and in other fielders' eyes and THAT'SPARTOFBASEBALLGETSOMESUNGLASSES. I couldn't believe it. Wasn't even shielding with this glove...it was so routine...so easy. I daresay I could have made that catch.
5) Saturday: first time I ever drove a two-door.
6) Saturday: first time I drove to Windsor on my own. It turned out to be a pseudo-road-trip which was thoroughly enjoyable. (I must say "psuedo" cos I'm pretty sure legit road trips are undertaken with friends.) I stocked up on CDs - taking nineteen discs and making it through twelve - packed some meals and got on the road about fifteen minutes sooner than I thought I would. Total mileage upon return of the rental: 828km.
7) Saturday: first time I ever changed clothes in a car -- and I did it twice!
8) Saturday: first time attending a Catholic wedding.
9) Saturday: first time I cried while driving. Strange experience..and made me appreciate what the MTO has put in their handbook about not driving when you're upset. I like to think people can control their emotions and to a large extent we can but...why take chances?
10) Sunday: first time a sibling spoke frankly and open-heart-ly to me about their significant other. I struggled to suppress my shock, for the first few minutes and then did my best to listen hard. It was an experience.
11) I love my family.
(Barbeque on Sunday...which had all eight sibs together for the first time since Christmas.)
12) Sunday: first swim of the summer. :) :)
I'm sure there's more but I'm blanking at the mo.
1) Monday: first time I went to a tailor. I found a pair of trousers that were just doing it but they were too loose at the hips. All my What Not to Wear training came back to me and I was reminded that very few people can wear clothes "off the rack" and that tailoring is a fantastic secret weapon. Oh boy, am I am happy with the decision and the finished product. $8.40 aint bad neither.
2) Tuesday: first time I heard a host on Entertainment Television say of a recently engaged celebrity couple, "it's the first marriage for both of them." [I really do want to be clear that I do not watch this show on my own time, but that the tele was on in a customer's house while I was working and half-listening.] I couldn't believe it. In a certain way I consider it similar to a prenup. It just makes me sad, is all.
3) Saturday: first time I wore a tank-top in public. (I was going to be sunning for several hours inside a car so I thought I should give my upper arms a chance to tan so I could stop looking like a farmer.)
4) Saturday: first time I lost my appetite because of what I saw during a baseball game. The Yankees scored eleven runs in one inning, loading the bases twice. It's those slim odds that you never expect to come up. The Yankees have a tendency to be merciless when they're given room. I involuntarily gasped sharply when the left fielder (who I have yelled about before, needing to stay at shortstop and leave LF to Lewis, Lind & Snider) cowered from a fly ball that should have ended the inning but allowed three runs to come in on the triple.
It was horrifying. I understand that the sun was bright and in his eyes but the sun was bright the whole game and in other fielders' eyes and THAT'SPARTOFBASEBALLGETSOMESUNGLASSES. I couldn't believe it. Wasn't even shielding with this glove...it was so routine...so easy. I daresay I could have made that catch.
5) Saturday: first time I ever drove a two-door.
6) Saturday: first time I drove to Windsor on my own. It turned out to be a pseudo-road-trip which was thoroughly enjoyable. (I must say "psuedo" cos I'm pretty sure legit road trips are undertaken with friends.) I stocked up on CDs - taking nineteen discs and making it through twelve - packed some meals and got on the road about fifteen minutes sooner than I thought I would. Total mileage upon return of the rental: 828km.
7) Saturday: first time I ever changed clothes in a car -- and I did it twice!
8) Saturday: first time attending a Catholic wedding.
9) Saturday: first time I cried while driving. Strange experience..and made me appreciate what the MTO has put in their handbook about not driving when you're upset. I like to think people can control their emotions and to a large extent we can but...why take chances?
10) Sunday: first time a sibling spoke frankly and open-heart-ly to me about their significant other. I struggled to suppress my shock, for the first few minutes and then did my best to listen hard. It was an experience.
11) I love my family.
(Barbeque on Sunday...which had all eight sibs together for the first time since Christmas.)
12) Sunday: first swim of the summer. :) :)
I'm sure there's more but I'm blanking at the mo.
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