I have two new blogs that you should check out.
one is just a photo blog. pictures. art. whatever. I think it will be a lot of fun.
The other is one that I have wanted to do for a while. On there, I have been doing a few critiques of movies, books, art, film. You will enjoy that as well!
So check them out!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
what I've been looking at these days
I have been surfing around lately. Found some pretty awesome things. Like the reinvented TV dinner bowl.
Not to mention all of the stuff on This Site. The designer takes pieces of wood and just "knows" what they should be. the desk is amazing and so is the entertainment center. WOW!
And of course... forever ago I wanted to attace a knife to the spork idea. the all in one. Hello... it would be an amazing idea. Someone jumped on that idea before I ever did...
Plus... this ridiculously awesome responsive sculpture.
The Cloud - from mitmobileexperiencelab on Vimeo.
go to http://www.thecloud.ws and it will tell you all about it. I would love to travel to Florence and see it.
And finally... this song and music video. Actually LISTEN to the words. They are so amazing
The lyrics are here...
Hey There, how, how’s it going? Long time no see. I know I haven’t been around much lately But…it didn’t seem like you wanted me to be The last time I sent down a message you nailed it to the cross So I figured I’d just leave you to it, let you be your own boss But I’ve been keeping an eye on you, I have, and it’s amazing how you’ve grown. With your technological advances and the problems you’ve overthrown, And all the beautiful art you’ve created with such grace and such finesse, But I admit there are a few things I’m afraid have impressed me less. So I’m writing to apologize for all the horrors committed in my name, Although that was never what I intended, I feel I should take my share of the blame. All the good I tried to do was corrupted when all the religion got into full swing, What I thought were quite clear messages were taken to unusual extremes. My teachings taken out of context to meet the agendas of others, Interpretations taken to many different ways and hidden meanings discovered Religion became a tool, for the weak to control the strong With all these new morals and ethics, survival of the fittest was gone No longer could the biggest man simply take whatever he needed ‘cause damnation was the price if certain rules were not heeded Some of the deeds committed in my name just made me wonder were I went wrong. Back at the start when I created this, the foundation seemed so strong. See all the elements were already here, long before I began, I just kind of put it all together I didn’t really think out a long-term plan. I made the sun an appropriate distance and laid the stars across the sky So you could navigate the globe or simply watch the sun rise I covered the earth with plants and fruits, Some for sustenance and some for beauty I made the sun shine and the clouds rain so their maintenance wasn’t your duty I tried to give each creature its own attributes without making them enveloped I gave you all you all your own space to grow and in your own way space to develop I didn’t know such development would cause rifts and jealousy Cause you to war against each other and leave marks on this planet indelibly You see, I wasn’t really the creater, I was just the curator of nature I want to get something straight with homosexuals right now: I don’t hate ya I was a simple being that happened to be the first to wield such powers I just laid the ground, it was You that built the towers It was You that invented bombs, and the fear that comes with them And it was You that invented money, and the corrupt economic systems You invented terms like just-war and terms like friendly fire And it was You that didn’t know when to stop digging deeper, when to stop building higher It was You that exhausted the resources I carefully laid out on this earth, And it was You that even saw these problems coming but accredited them little worth It was You that used my teachings for your own personal gain And it was You that committed such tragedies, even though they were in my name So I apologize for any mistakes I made, and when my words misconstrued But this apology’s to mother nature, cause I created you
Ok... Guess that is about it
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Sunday, June 15, 2008
Currently...
I am watching Powder. An amazing movie. It didnt get very good reviews when it first came out. Not sure why, cause any movie with Sean Patrick Flanery and Jeff Goldblum is pure genious. Besides the fact that Jeremy has an outrageously high IQ, he has reached a level of humanity that is unbelievable. He hears peoples thoughts, and memories, and fears. He sees the fear and pure evil that exists among our society. There are only about three people who see him as a person. Everyone else seems to see him as a freak.
I'm not quite sure why I love this movie. The music is phenomenal. Jerry Goldsmith is phenomenal. His music is great. And i think if you just listened to the music, you could feel half of the emotions that happen. The music alone moves me to tears. But I think a lot of that is the pure and raw emotion that flows through my veins.
If any of you know me very well, you may know that I have struggled with the existence of a greater humankind. The idea that any human can make you feel the hatred among us is remarkable to me. I don't know. I will leave this rant with a final thought... or quote... from Jeff Goldblum.
I am watching Powder. An amazing movie. It didnt get very good reviews when it first came out. Not sure why, cause any movie with Sean Patrick Flanery and Jeff Goldblum is pure genious. Besides the fact that Jeremy has an outrageously high IQ, he has reached a level of humanity that is unbelievable. He hears peoples thoughts, and memories, and fears. He sees the fear and pure evil that exists among our society. There are only about three people who see him as a person. Everyone else seems to see him as a freak.
I'm not quite sure why I love this movie. The music is phenomenal. Jerry Goldsmith is phenomenal. His music is great. And i think if you just listened to the music, you could feel half of the emotions that happen. The music alone moves me to tears. But I think a lot of that is the pure and raw emotion that flows through my veins.
If any of you know me very well, you may know that I have struggled with the existence of a greater humankind. The idea that any human can make you feel the hatred among us is remarkable to me. I don't know. I will leave this rant with a final thought... or quote... from Jeff Goldblum.
Donald Ripley: It has become appallingly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity.
Powder: Albert Einstein.
Donald Ripley: When I look at you, I have hope that maybe one day our humanity will surpass our technology.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Heat wave
"If I blogged a lot," I told David, "I would totally write about the last thirty minutes." So i did.
David sent me on an expedition after work. Starbucks has these little coupons that entitle you to a free cold drink of any sort.So I set out to deliver them to the people and businesses around our store. I headed to Compass bank first. That is who we bank with, so i figured I would be nice and give the tellers a little present. After that, I decided to go to Goodyear. It is only a block away and they are really nice guys. Plus, mechanics LOVE frappuccinos.
I walked in and the bell on the door startled me. I was in there last Friday, so i should have remembered, but it still took me off guard. I thought no one was in there until a man popped up from the computer. I explained that I work at the Starbucks right over here. We know how hot it is, and we just wanted to give you guys a way to take a cool break. He just looked at me. I explained it a little more then just said thanks and have a good day.
When I walked out, I just turned to the right. I didn't want to be one of those people that looks like they obviously have no idea where they are going. I decided I would just go with it. So I passed a few more out. Then, I was off to Makarios. As I headed that way, I walked by the 2020 building. We used to park there at night, so I wanted to kind of introduce myself.
When I walked up, I got a little nervous. The doors have a very thick reflection on them. I could see myself clearly, and as I approached the door I imagined 15 people on the other side watching me attempt to open a locked door. Luckily, it was unlocked. However, when I walked in, I didnt see anyone. There was a little bell on a counter with a note that said, "Ring for help. Thx Management." Who abbreviates "thanks" but not "management" is beyond me. So I "Dinged" it. It echoed across the glass that it sat next to and all the way through the office. I could hear a man talking, and after a minute or so, he popped his head out of another room.
He just stood there. He never asked me what I wanted. He never said "hello." He just stood there. It was so strange. His mouth hung open and his head leaned forward as if he was about to eat me. He had a sort of pouncing preparation stance. I explained the coupons to him the same way I did to the man at Goodyear. "Yuuh Huuuh," he said with awful smile. I am almost sure the look in my eyes screamed confusion and judgment. I went on to explain that between 4 and 6 this week and next week, we are having a "chill break" with samples of drinks and pastries and just a lot of fun. He said, "so these," holding up the paper i just gave him, "are coupons and these aren't?" I said, "Yeah these are kind of a little reminder slash invitation."
Then the weirdest thing happened. He started to smile and shake his head in agreement with me. I think he started to smile. I couldn't tell because I more focussed on the fact that his bottom lip was being sucked inside his mouth. The more he smiled, the more his head leaned forward, and the more his lip went INTO his mouth. I was afraid he was going to choke on it. I didn't want to be the one to call 9-1-1, so i said 'THX" and got out of there.
I wasn't sure how to process what had happened so I walked quickly to Makarios. I stopped walking so fast when I realized that it was 90 degrees and there was no breeze. The walk up the hill was awful. i walked in the restaurant though, and they were very appreciative. I headed to regions and they loved them. Up until then, I thought I was doing the explaining poorly.
As I walked down 20th, i decided to turn right. I had to avoid the construction in the street, and I also decided to check out that cat vet place behind our parking lot. So I walked over there.
I walked in and they kind of just looked at me. I was super nice. Totally on my A-game. I handed them a few cards and told them to come down there. They said thanks and then I made a boo-boo. There was a beautiful long-haired grey cat sitting on the counter. "You are a pretty cat," I said as I went to turn around. The voice coming from the floor chimed in telling me, "you can adopt him." I said, "oh no, my cat would hate me." She urged me and said, "Your cat will get used to it." I laughed with the fake laugh I make every effort not to use and said, "my cat hasn't really gotten used to the dog I got... in February. But if someone mentions, 'gosh i wish i had a cat.' I will send them over here."
I headed out the door with the upper hand and walked back to our store. i took out my phone and looked at the time. It had only been thirty minutes. I had encountered so many crazies in that short amount of time. I walked back in to our store and david convinced me to write about it. I really think the heat may be melting our brains. Cause when I got back to my car, the Starbucks cold cup I had left in there had shrunk. A lot.
David sent me on an expedition after work. Starbucks has these little coupons that entitle you to a free cold drink of any sort.So I set out to deliver them to the people and businesses around our store. I headed to Compass bank first. That is who we bank with, so i figured I would be nice and give the tellers a little present. After that, I decided to go to Goodyear. It is only a block away and they are really nice guys. Plus, mechanics LOVE frappuccinos.
I walked in and the bell on the door startled me. I was in there last Friday, so i should have remembered, but it still took me off guard. I thought no one was in there until a man popped up from the computer. I explained that I work at the Starbucks right over here. We know how hot it is, and we just wanted to give you guys a way to take a cool break. He just looked at me. I explained it a little more then just said thanks and have a good day.
When I walked out, I just turned to the right. I didn't want to be one of those people that looks like they obviously have no idea where they are going. I decided I would just go with it. So I passed a few more out. Then, I was off to Makarios. As I headed that way, I walked by the 2020 building. We used to park there at night, so I wanted to kind of introduce myself.
When I walked up, I got a little nervous. The doors have a very thick reflection on them. I could see myself clearly, and as I approached the door I imagined 15 people on the other side watching me attempt to open a locked door. Luckily, it was unlocked. However, when I walked in, I didnt see anyone. There was a little bell on a counter with a note that said, "Ring for help. Thx Management." Who abbreviates "thanks" but not "management" is beyond me. So I "Dinged" it. It echoed across the glass that it sat next to and all the way through the office. I could hear a man talking, and after a minute or so, he popped his head out of another room.
He just stood there. He never asked me what I wanted. He never said "hello." He just stood there. It was so strange. His mouth hung open and his head leaned forward as if he was about to eat me. He had a sort of pouncing preparation stance. I explained the coupons to him the same way I did to the man at Goodyear. "Yuuh Huuuh," he said with awful smile. I am almost sure the look in my eyes screamed confusion and judgment. I went on to explain that between 4 and 6 this week and next week, we are having a "chill break" with samples of drinks and pastries and just a lot of fun. He said, "so these," holding up the paper i just gave him, "are coupons and these aren't?" I said, "Yeah these are kind of a little reminder slash invitation."
Then the weirdest thing happened. He started to smile and shake his head in agreement with me. I think he started to smile. I couldn't tell because I more focussed on the fact that his bottom lip was being sucked inside his mouth. The more he smiled, the more his head leaned forward, and the more his lip went INTO his mouth. I was afraid he was going to choke on it. I didn't want to be the one to call 9-1-1, so i said 'THX" and got out of there.
I wasn't sure how to process what had happened so I walked quickly to Makarios. I stopped walking so fast when I realized that it was 90 degrees and there was no breeze. The walk up the hill was awful. i walked in the restaurant though, and they were very appreciative. I headed to regions and they loved them. Up until then, I thought I was doing the explaining poorly.
As I walked down 20th, i decided to turn right. I had to avoid the construction in the street, and I also decided to check out that cat vet place behind our parking lot. So I walked over there.
I walked in and they kind of just looked at me. I was super nice. Totally on my A-game. I handed them a few cards and told them to come down there. They said thanks and then I made a boo-boo. There was a beautiful long-haired grey cat sitting on the counter. "You are a pretty cat," I said as I went to turn around. The voice coming from the floor chimed in telling me, "you can adopt him." I said, "oh no, my cat would hate me." She urged me and said, "Your cat will get used to it." I laughed with the fake laugh I make every effort not to use and said, "my cat hasn't really gotten used to the dog I got... in February. But if someone mentions, 'gosh i wish i had a cat.' I will send them over here."
I headed out the door with the upper hand and walked back to our store. i took out my phone and looked at the time. It had only been thirty minutes. I had encountered so many crazies in that short amount of time. I walked back in to our store and david convinced me to write about it. I really think the heat may be melting our brains. Cause when I got back to my car, the Starbucks cold cup I had left in there had shrunk. A lot.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I get to take a Vacation
I get to leave for a little while. And I am incredibly excited. I love Birmingham, but lately I have kind of felt like my days were running together. Everything was the same. I love the people, I love the city, I love my job. But I need to leave and know why I want to come back.
I am leaving On June 20th to head to Atlanta. From there, I am leaving with the church youth group to go on a Mission Trip to Spencer, Tennessee. We are going to do all sorts of service projects around that town. I will get back on June 30th. Words cannot tell you how motivated and enthralled I am.
_______________________________
I am giving up my car completely. Besides the fact that it emits awful pollution in to the air, I just spent $60 on gas. I cannot do this. I cannot afford to drive. It is just sad.
I am leaving On June 20th to head to Atlanta. From there, I am leaving with the church youth group to go on a Mission Trip to Spencer, Tennessee. We are going to do all sorts of service projects around that town. I will get back on June 30th. Words cannot tell you how motivated and enthralled I am.
_______________________________
I am giving up my car completely. Besides the fact that it emits awful pollution in to the air, I just spent $60 on gas. I cannot do this. I cannot afford to drive. It is just sad.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
content
I haven't written in a long time. I think i find myself needing to write when I am upset. But lately, I have been very happy. There are times when i find myself kind of sad and alone, but that is rare, and who doesn't feel that way. I have come to terms with relationships and experiences and my faith. In fact, I think I have grown a lot.
In news...
Nykki and Jonathan got married. It was such a pretty wedding. I am super happy for them. I really like weddings, but they always make me just want to get married. I think I don't until I see the happiness that exists between two people. I see how God has molded two people as individuals and then brought them together. It was such a delight.
The pre-events were a lot of fun too. Lingerie shower. Rehearsal. Dinner. Night before. I am just super happy for them.
My Birthday is coming up. It is on Saturday. I don't know how excited I am. I have never really had an amazing birthday. And I think I am at that age where awesome birthdays don't happen anymore. Last year I had dinner with friends, but a lot of people were not there. Then there was a surprise party that wasn't really a surprise. And I kind of felt silly last year. It seemed like more people were excited about Lee than anything else. We ended up playing the iPod game. On top of that, my grandmother was really sick. This year, I think I am going to play it all nonchalant. Although, in the back of my head, I kind of just want to walk in to a room somewhere and there be a whole lot of people wishing me happy birthday.
My Parents are coming tomorrow. This... I am truly excited about! I love my parents. They get me. When I look at my parents, I see myself. I see how much they have molded me. My parents have taught me so much about who I am. I know I say this a lot, but I just keep noticing it. The way my parents taught me to be independent. The way they taught me to think for myself. My love of literature. My love for theater, and movies, and art. The way I don't throw anything away. The way I am kind of anal about my wallet.
My other thoughts... I have a few hopes and dreams. I really want to fly somewhere. In fact, I am off saturday, sunday and monday, and a part of me just wants to hop on a plane and go somewhere. There is a $400 nonstop flight to chicago. it leaves saturday and gets back monday morning. who is down? Or maybe a sweet road trip. I may just drive and peace out. i just want a vacation. I like being off of work. But I want to get out and have a break. Not just a break from work. I don't know. I need a few rejuvenation days. Or just an awesome weekend. Full of ridiculously fun stuff. Maybe I will go get a tattoo. I kind of want this tree on my back with a verse from 1 John in it. Doubtful.
In news...
Nykki and Jonathan got married. It was such a pretty wedding. I am super happy for them. I really like weddings, but they always make me just want to get married. I think I don't until I see the happiness that exists between two people. I see how God has molded two people as individuals and then brought them together. It was such a delight.
The pre-events were a lot of fun too. Lingerie shower. Rehearsal. Dinner. Night before. I am just super happy for them.
My Birthday is coming up. It is on Saturday. I don't know how excited I am. I have never really had an amazing birthday. And I think I am at that age where awesome birthdays don't happen anymore. Last year I had dinner with friends, but a lot of people were not there. Then there was a surprise party that wasn't really a surprise. And I kind of felt silly last year. It seemed like more people were excited about Lee than anything else. We ended up playing the iPod game. On top of that, my grandmother was really sick. This year, I think I am going to play it all nonchalant. Although, in the back of my head, I kind of just want to walk in to a room somewhere and there be a whole lot of people wishing me happy birthday.
My Parents are coming tomorrow. This... I am truly excited about! I love my parents. They get me. When I look at my parents, I see myself. I see how much they have molded me. My parents have taught me so much about who I am. I know I say this a lot, but I just keep noticing it. The way my parents taught me to be independent. The way they taught me to think for myself. My love of literature. My love for theater, and movies, and art. The way I don't throw anything away. The way I am kind of anal about my wallet.
My other thoughts... I have a few hopes and dreams. I really want to fly somewhere. In fact, I am off saturday, sunday and monday, and a part of me just wants to hop on a plane and go somewhere. There is a $400 nonstop flight to chicago. it leaves saturday and gets back monday morning. who is down? Or maybe a sweet road trip. I may just drive and peace out. i just want a vacation. I like being off of work. But I want to get out and have a break. Not just a break from work. I don't know. I need a few rejuvenation days. Or just an awesome weekend. Full of ridiculously fun stuff. Maybe I will go get a tattoo. I kind of want this tree on my back with a verse from 1 John in it. Doubtful.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Grounded in...
I pinky promise this blog is not directed towards anyone, even though several of you are going to feel that I am talking about you.
I've been dealing with a lot of personal issues lately. I talked to my parents about it a lot today. What I realized was that it isn't the fact that people talk behind my back that bothers me. As someone mentioned before, a lot of people do it. I think it is the fact that for a year or so, I have felt judged. Judged by my friends. By friends that act like my friend to my face. Some of them take words that define me and use them in a negative connotation to tear me down. That is what is offensive.
For the past year or so, I have seen people that "love me" and "love other people" tell me that they don't accept some things about me. That hurts. But rather than just letting it go, I find out from other people. This is what hurts. This is what tears me away from Christianity. It has taken me a while to realize all of this. Until I stopped to think, "I am not a fundamentalist Christian." That is where we differ. While our views on who wrote the Bible, the fact that the Bible stays the same but society changes, woman in the church, and homosexuality may be different from each other, one thing should be grounded. LOVE.
Christianity was about love. That is all. We are called to love people. We are called to accept people. We are called to serve and help people. Everything else can move. But the Bible will no longer be a tool of helpfulness if it is being used to condemn and hate. Off my high horse.
I've been dealing with a lot of personal issues lately. I talked to my parents about it a lot today. What I realized was that it isn't the fact that people talk behind my back that bothers me. As someone mentioned before, a lot of people do it. I think it is the fact that for a year or so, I have felt judged. Judged by my friends. By friends that act like my friend to my face. Some of them take words that define me and use them in a negative connotation to tear me down. That is what is offensive.
For the past year or so, I have seen people that "love me" and "love other people" tell me that they don't accept some things about me. That hurts. But rather than just letting it go, I find out from other people. This is what hurts. This is what tears me away from Christianity. It has taken me a while to realize all of this. Until I stopped to think, "I am not a fundamentalist Christian." That is where we differ. While our views on who wrote the Bible, the fact that the Bible stays the same but society changes, woman in the church, and homosexuality may be different from each other, one thing should be grounded. LOVE.
Christianity was about love. That is all. We are called to love people. We are called to accept people. We are called to serve and help people. Everything else can move. But the Bible will no longer be a tool of helpfulness if it is being used to condemn and hate. Off my high horse.
______________________________
I am about to start volunteering at the Birmingham Crisis Center. I have felt this strong calling to do so. I am really excited about this. I think a lot of people in society feel a sense of lonesomeness and I really want to show them they aren't alone. I hope everything works out for the best.
______________________________
I dont have much else to say, except that I should probably sleep. I have to work in the morning.
I dont have much else to say, except that I should probably sleep. I have to work in the morning.
Friday, April 4, 2008
New glasses!
I got my new glasses today. I look like a doof in this picture, but thats ok. I really like them. I cannot take very good pictures of myself. haha. The more I look at this picture, the more i detest it. I love these glasses though. i don't think I realized how much I couldn't see. My prescription has changed a lot. You forget, even only after a few days, what you used to be able to see. Trees look so nice now.
Friday is totally free today!
I am going to see a dollar movie tonight. One of my favorite activities. I plan on smuggling lots of candy in. One of my OTHER favorite activities. hee hee.
I found out someone was talking about me, my political views, and my general relationships with people in a sort of negative way. It was slightly alarming.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Dog Park.
I haven't posted these yet.
Just thought I would throw a couple out there.
Just thought I would throw a couple out there.
I am going to make some small wallet type thing for my Starbucks Passport and green apron cards. I need to design it though. I am really excited though. I think it is gonna be super cute. i will post pictures when I am finished.
I want to ramble on and on about some things about work. A part of me just needs someone to listen. I dont want advice. I just want to complain. haha.
My creative juices have been brewing lately. I think it may be a mixture of the Spring air and just bottled up energy. I havent had any form of a creative outlet. I am about to start planting vegetables. We have lettuce, squash, zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, and some herbs. I am so excited. I am about to start turning the ground behind the fence behind the house. I think it will be a great place for a little vegetable garden. I am really excited.
I also have a lot of energy to paint. I have been wanting to make this collaged face. I also really want to finish the face on my wall. It has no continuity. My next off day, which at this point seems slightly non existent, will consist of these things. I need some alone time. Only, unlike last Sunday, I want it to be productive. Last Sunday, I watched several lifetime movies, cried, and ate junk food. It was lovely. But now I need a different form of therapy.
Thats all for now.
I will leave you with this...
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Clouds in my coffee
I got new glasses. My others broke this morning. This picture is kind of small, but they are red and fade to a violet. I like them a lot.http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/index2.htm
http://www.laeyeworks.com/catalogFrames/frame.php?m=PERCY&c=METAL
It was pretty tragic. Joon had chewed on them before. Last Friday, I called Schaefer and set up an appointment for Thursday. I called today to see if they could bump that up at all. So I went in today to get tested and get new glasses. I had to live blind for about a week. yaaaay.
There is also a shooting pain in my back. I like to think it has something to do with the pain in Marty's back. Sympathy pains maybe. Who knows.
So with that, stress, glasses and other things, I had an awful hour this morning.
But my mom came in to town. Marty, Andrew and I hung out. We shopped, ate ice cream, and went to dinner. Then mom and I went to see Spamalot. HILARIOUS. I have not laughed that much in ages.On other notes, I saw "For the Bible Tells Me So" not long ago. It was a phenomenal film. I wish everyone would see it. It made me laugh and it made me cry. To think there are people so cold hearted like this. I would rather not get in to the debate, but I will say this. We are called to love people. And for us to hate each other for things like this - wrong. I talked to both of my parents about the matter. I told my mom that I know she would love me unconditionally no matter what. I asked her, "How could a parent just STOP Loving their child?" She seemed baffled as well. Watch the trailer for the movie. It is slightly alarming. While I find myself fairly well educated on the fact, I found myself being so much MORE educated. I am not going to preach. I really just want people to watch this movie.
"There's nothing wrong with a fifth grade understanding of God... if you're in fifth grade."
"Fear does terrible things to a society."
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Sunday, March 30, 2008
Alabama Power Update.
I got a letter from Alabama Power yesterday.
Things have been resolved.
From April 2005 to March 2008, I have been paying the bill for the downstairs apartment. That has totaled $5223.66
I should been paying $3083.76
Alabama Power is cutting me a check for $2139.76
I am smiling pretty big right now.
I think I am most excited because it means that my power bill is less than normal. AND... it means my conservation efforts are working.
In other news, I have been sitting on the couch watching movies most of the day. Someone like you, In Her Shoes, Mr. Hollands Opus. I have no shame. I have needed this. Joon and Max and I are just hanging out. I am quite content.
Things have been resolved.
From April 2005 to March 2008, I have been paying the bill for the downstairs apartment. That has totaled $5223.66
I should been paying $3083.76
Alabama Power is cutting me a check for $2139.76
I am smiling pretty big right now.
I think I am most excited because it means that my power bill is less than normal. AND... it means my conservation efforts are working.
In other news, I have been sitting on the couch watching movies most of the day. Someone like you, In Her Shoes, Mr. Hollands Opus. I have no shame. I have needed this. Joon and Max and I are just hanging out. I am quite content.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Today is a new day!
I had an awful day yesterday. Seriously. On top of working yesterday from 7am to 10:30 pm, (minus a brief 11-1 period) yesterday was just kind of miserable. I felt like some people treated me poorly. I felt like some people walked all over me. I felt like I wasn't respected. And... at 12 yesterday afternoon, our power was shut off.
I thought I was going crazy. I kept checking to make sure I paid the bill. I kept checking to make sure it went through. I called Alabama Power and reported it. No one ever called me back. I had since assumed it had been resolved.
Well, after my long day at work, I came home and found my apartment black. There is usually a small glow through the house from tiny lights. The small green lights from a computer. The light from a clock. The glow from the tiny lights on the tv. The tiny microwave lights. Nothing. None of that was on. It was awful. While I wasn't exactly filled with exorbitant amounts of energy, I couldnt go straight to bed. I told someone one day I could live like a farmer. I could get up when the sun came up and go to sleep when the sun went down. Hardly!
I took Joon on a long walk. I had my iPod singing in my ear. And Joon and I went off. As I was coming back up, I had that overwhelming since of sadness. I lit some candles, and I crouched in the corner of my apartment to try and get online with AP again. I was sitting in bed... in the dork. I wanted to read. I wanted to have some sort of light. I flipped out on the phone with Andrew. People lived without power before, but not at 12 at night. Finally someone called me.
I wont go in to detail, but basically, my downstairs neighbors forgot to pay a bill. They were supposed to have their power cut off. Andy called when he found a notice on the door. He told them his power was still on and he had this awful feeling that ours was cut off instead.
Well, in the process of everything getting back on, we discovered that the meters were switched. THAT explains why mine was cut rather than his. Do you know what else this means. It means that for THREE YEARS, I have been paying the wrong bill. It means that for three years, when I was turning off lights, installing solar lights, opening windows instead of using the AC, turning things off night, and just all around conserving, I wasn't getting anything out of it. It means that When there were four boys living underneath me, I was paying their bill. it means that when they didn't have gas, and they were heating their apartment will the OVEN (which runs off electricity) I was paying for it. When they were leaving their lights on... I was paying for it.
Alabama Power claims they are going to do some sort of credit, but honestly, what can they do?
I am so furious.
I thought I was going crazy. I kept checking to make sure I paid the bill. I kept checking to make sure it went through. I called Alabama Power and reported it. No one ever called me back. I had since assumed it had been resolved.
Well, after my long day at work, I came home and found my apartment black. There is usually a small glow through the house from tiny lights. The small green lights from a computer. The light from a clock. The glow from the tiny lights on the tv. The tiny microwave lights. Nothing. None of that was on. It was awful. While I wasn't exactly filled with exorbitant amounts of energy, I couldnt go straight to bed. I told someone one day I could live like a farmer. I could get up when the sun came up and go to sleep when the sun went down. Hardly!
I took Joon on a long walk. I had my iPod singing in my ear. And Joon and I went off. As I was coming back up, I had that overwhelming since of sadness. I lit some candles, and I crouched in the corner of my apartment to try and get online with AP again. I was sitting in bed... in the dork. I wanted to read. I wanted to have some sort of light. I flipped out on the phone with Andrew. People lived without power before, but not at 12 at night. Finally someone called me.
I wont go in to detail, but basically, my downstairs neighbors forgot to pay a bill. They were supposed to have their power cut off. Andy called when he found a notice on the door. He told them his power was still on and he had this awful feeling that ours was cut off instead.
Well, in the process of everything getting back on, we discovered that the meters were switched. THAT explains why mine was cut rather than his. Do you know what else this means. It means that for THREE YEARS, I have been paying the wrong bill. It means that for three years, when I was turning off lights, installing solar lights, opening windows instead of using the AC, turning things off night, and just all around conserving, I wasn't getting anything out of it. It means that When there were four boys living underneath me, I was paying their bill. it means that when they didn't have gas, and they were heating their apartment will the OVEN (which runs off electricity) I was paying for it. When they were leaving their lights on... I was paying for it.
Alabama Power claims they are going to do some sort of credit, but honestly, what can they do?
I am so furious.
Friday, February 29, 2008
My dream...
It is weird how the past week has led me to discover my actual dream.
Through the past week, I have been discussing with countless people about how the world has lost its love and compassion for people. We don't love people any more. We don't offer rides to our brothers and sisters. I will be honest, I didn't want to be part of Christianity anymore. I didn't want to associate myself with a religion that preaches about love but laughs at their neighbor. I didn't want to be a hypocrite. I didn't want people to think I was one of them. I, for a while, had lost all hope in humanity. Christianity, Christ, was about love. Christianity without love is just a theology study. A book club.
Last night, I went to the Tunnel of Oppression at UAB. If you went, I am so glad. If you didn't, I ask you to go next year. It was a phenomenal experience. I think a lot of us know what it is like to be made fun of.
The tunnel went through such groups as international students, poverty, disabilities, LGBT, STI's, addictions, racism, and a room of HOPE. All of these rooms put you in situations that kind of made you feel uncomfortable. They challenged everyone to reflect on their actions. While I cannot say I openly make fun of poor people or homosexuality, I can honestly say that I do not understand it.
So what did all of this, and the past week mean?
Well let me preface it with this. When I lived in Marietta, I used to volunteer at a place called MUST ministries. It was a place that brought in homeless people and gave them an actual place to stay. Sure, there were limited beds, but their goal was not to be a shelter. They wanted to pick people up and give them a means for climbing out of a hole.
When people get so low, they begin to beat themselves down. I want to work to open a place that does this. I want to bring people in and give them clean clothes, fresh meals, job skills, and help them find a job. There are a lot of shelters in Birmingham. And I think they are amazing. But the problem is that after one night, they are back on the street.
So this is my goal: To provide a place for people who need help and refuge.
But I need help. I need people. I need hearts. I need love. All of these politicians are talking about HOPE and CHANGE, but where is it?
So who wants to help me? Clothes? Fresh cooked meals? Beds? Sheets?
I am serious. I am about to email MUST and ask them how they got started. I will open this place. Maybe not in this year, but soon. Love is the only thing that will bring humanity up from out of the ground. Love is the only thing that will clean up a city. Hope is useless without love.
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. " - Ghandi
Through the past week, I have been discussing with countless people about how the world has lost its love and compassion for people. We don't love people any more. We don't offer rides to our brothers and sisters. I will be honest, I didn't want to be part of Christianity anymore. I didn't want to associate myself with a religion that preaches about love but laughs at their neighbor. I didn't want to be a hypocrite. I didn't want people to think I was one of them. I, for a while, had lost all hope in humanity. Christianity, Christ, was about love. Christianity without love is just a theology study. A book club.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:7-12)Yeah, we say we care for those who suffer, but do we know about the people suffering down the street from us. Do we understand the concept of homelessness? Do we understand what it is like to be unable to pay bills? How many of us have struggled to make ends meet? I don't. I haven't. I don't even get it. But I will tell you this: I live in the middle of downtown Birmingham. Poverty and homelessness exists not far from my house. I see it. But I fail to understand it. I fail to do anything about it.
Last night, I went to the Tunnel of Oppression at UAB. If you went, I am so glad. If you didn't, I ask you to go next year. It was a phenomenal experience. I think a lot of us know what it is like to be made fun of.
The tunnel went through such groups as international students, poverty, disabilities, LGBT, STI's, addictions, racism, and a room of HOPE. All of these rooms put you in situations that kind of made you feel uncomfortable. They challenged everyone to reflect on their actions. While I cannot say I openly make fun of poor people or homosexuality, I can honestly say that I do not understand it.
So what did all of this, and the past week mean?
Well let me preface it with this. When I lived in Marietta, I used to volunteer at a place called MUST ministries. It was a place that brought in homeless people and gave them an actual place to stay. Sure, there were limited beds, but their goal was not to be a shelter. They wanted to pick people up and give them a means for climbing out of a hole.
When people get so low, they begin to beat themselves down. I want to work to open a place that does this. I want to bring people in and give them clean clothes, fresh meals, job skills, and help them find a job. There are a lot of shelters in Birmingham. And I think they are amazing. But the problem is that after one night, they are back on the street.
So this is my goal: To provide a place for people who need help and refuge.
But I need help. I need people. I need hearts. I need love. All of these politicians are talking about HOPE and CHANGE, but where is it?
So who wants to help me? Clothes? Fresh cooked meals? Beds? Sheets?
I am serious. I am about to email MUST and ask them how they got started. I will open this place. Maybe not in this year, but soon. Love is the only thing that will bring humanity up from out of the ground. Love is the only thing that will clean up a city. Hope is useless without love.
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. " - Ghandi
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I am giving up TV for lent. For Many reasons.
I have become incredibly complacent. In life. In work. In friends. I hope to God, this nips it in the butt. I plan on being more proactive. I don't watch a terrible amount of tv, but I have found that I am highly unproductive and not very proactive. This season, I hope to be more so. After reading Tao of Pooh and the section on Bisy Backson, I realized this: I am not one to run around trying to save time. I keep myself busy so that I cannot reflect. This means I don't take much time to keep to myself. I don't take much time to give God. I fill my days with nonsense. The quiet and solitude is alarming and frightening. I cannot stand it.
With Lent, I want to be productive. The season is about giving up or starting up the things that may separate you from God. This is it. I need time and loneliness to just talk with God. I need time to myself to talk to, well, myself.
I have big plans for lent: recycling, a garden, composting, cleaning, reorganizing and alone time.
I challenge all of you to take a look at your life. What keeps you from growing closer to God? What keeps you from growing as an individual?
The answer to these two questions usually go together. And for me, I plan on fixing it for Lent.
God gives us the strength to do so. Give up what is hard. Start what is harder.
Motivational time:
"When we take the time to enjoy our surroundings and appreciate being alive, we find that we have no time to be Bisy Backson's anymore."
Basically, Christ went in to the wilderness after his Baptism. This is when he states that man cannot live in bread alone. Here is why he went in to the Wilderness. This is WHY we give things up for lent...
To be tempted - it seems strange. We pray, "lead us not into temptation" but Jesus knew that that his experience in the wilderness would result in a powerful encounter with the accuser. This is an important point that cannot be ignored. We need to prepare to face and be victorious over whatever would beset us at the end of our own time in the wilderness. Our weapons should be the same as those of our Lord: the Word of God, handled correctly.
To meet with the Father - there were far fewer distractions in the wilderness. It may be worth thinking about this the next time you find yourself metaphorically in the wilerness, stripped of distracting opportunities to minister, you can focus on what really matters.
To prepare for power - without the first two, there would be no point to this final entry. It is after Jesus' baptism and wilderness experience that we see Him exercising real power to turn the world around Him upside-down.
I have become incredibly complacent. In life. In work. In friends. I hope to God, this nips it in the butt. I plan on being more proactive. I don't watch a terrible amount of tv, but I have found that I am highly unproductive and not very proactive. This season, I hope to be more so. After reading Tao of Pooh and the section on Bisy Backson, I realized this: I am not one to run around trying to save time. I keep myself busy so that I cannot reflect. This means I don't take much time to keep to myself. I don't take much time to give God. I fill my days with nonsense. The quiet and solitude is alarming and frightening. I cannot stand it.
With Lent, I want to be productive. The season is about giving up or starting up the things that may separate you from God. This is it. I need time and loneliness to just talk with God. I need time to myself to talk to, well, myself.
I have big plans for lent: recycling, a garden, composting, cleaning, reorganizing and alone time.
I challenge all of you to take a look at your life. What keeps you from growing closer to God? What keeps you from growing as an individual?
The answer to these two questions usually go together. And for me, I plan on fixing it for Lent.
God gives us the strength to do so. Give up what is hard. Start what is harder.
Motivational time:
"When we take the time to enjoy our surroundings and appreciate being alive, we find that we have no time to be Bisy Backson's anymore."
Basically, Christ went in to the wilderness after his Baptism. This is when he states that man cannot live in bread alone. Here is why he went in to the Wilderness. This is WHY we give things up for lent...
To be tempted - it seems strange. We pray, "lead us not into temptation" but Jesus knew that that his experience in the wilderness would result in a powerful encounter with the accuser. This is an important point that cannot be ignored. We need to prepare to face and be victorious over whatever would beset us at the end of our own time in the wilderness. Our weapons should be the same as those of our Lord: the Word of God, handled correctly.
To meet with the Father - there were far fewer distractions in the wilderness. It may be worth thinking about this the next time you find yourself metaphorically in the wilerness, stripped of distracting opportunities to minister, you can focus on what really matters.
To prepare for power - without the first two, there would be no point to this final entry. It is after Jesus' baptism and wilderness experience that we see Him exercising real power to turn the world around Him upside-down.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I heart James Lipton
Ashley is oh so right. I love Inside the Actor's Studio. James Lipton's idea to use Bernard Pivot's Questionnaire is so wise. It is brilliant. It says a lot about people. So i took Ashley's advice and completed it for myself.
Hoorah.
- What is your favorite word? Phenomenal
- What is your least favorite word? Can't
- What turns you on? The idea of open minds. I love the picture of friends gathered around, discussing theories, love and life.Throw in some coffee or wine - magic.
- What turns you off? ignorance
- What sound or noise do you love? Laughter, Pure laughter
- What sound or noise do you hate? squeaks or irks from machines. the space heater in the living room makes a creaking noise when it turns all the way to the right. it drives me CRAZY!
- What is your favorite curse word? Piss. it makes me feel British. or Damn. I do like damn.
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I think I would like to be a teacher... Art or English. I would actually LOVE to work with Special Education Children
- What profession would you not like to do? I abhor the idea of being a telemarketer
- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "That was soooome ride. Huh?"
Hoorah.
It has been a while
Wow. So i haven't written in a while. But reading everyone else's blog made me want to write again. I continue to find myself highly introspective. I have been reading Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. It is a phenomenal book. I am thoroughly enjoying it.
I think it has taught me, so far, to stop and listen. It doesn't seem to be an actual theme in the book. I think primarily it is about taking things one step at a time. The father in the book constantly attempts to teach his son things: motorcycle maintenance, stories, theories. I find myself listening more because of this. Not just to my father. But to people. And the outside world. Even with it being so cold outside, I find myself standing outside and listening to the wind. I kind of wonder what it is saying.
It is funny, because I went to see August Rush at the dollar theater tonight. I loved it. The little boy, standing in the midst of New York City chaos, finds himself listening to all of the sounds that surround him. He hears it as music. I wonder if we all took the time to close our eyes and listen to the world around us, what would it say? Perhaps the song you hear is the same as someone else. I do think that nature and music call people and bring them together.
With all this being said, I have felt so spiritual lately. Not necessarily religious, but spiritual. Drew suggested I re-read Busy Backson in the Tao of Pooh. I actually found myself referencing it to Marty. I think he needed to hear it. I think I needed to hear it. I tell myself to listen more. And I know that I do, but I think it is important to remind myself. Between the Tao of Pooh, my current book, and some of my current beliefs, I have myself questioning other things. I find it actually hard to talk about. I have discussed it with a few people.
I think I am lacking a purpose in life. I may be searching for a meaning. I have a relationship with Christ. Even though at this moment I find myself distant from him. I had been looking in other things, not for answers, but satisfaction. I know the word of God is true and applicable. I don't think I can really explain this to anyone. Is it my job to go around saving people? Why do we even use the term save? Non-Christians hate us for that. That gives them the impression that they are doomed. Is it my job to make them believe. Or is it my job to know who Christ was and is and reflect is love on others? Is it my job to tell you're sinning? I think the more important thing is this: Christ led an amazing life. He taught great lessons. maybe we should focus on those.
I stopped going to church for a while. I could stand the hypocrisy anymore. I will say it. I couldn't stand having friends that talked about me behind my back. I didn't like having friends assume I was a bad Christian because of the people I associated with. I won't be a part of a religion like that. I won't do it. I can't.
The Bible teaches amazing lessons. Taoism teaches amazing lessons. I continue to have a personal relationship with God. He knows my hopes and fears. But as for now, I focus on peace and taking things one step at a time. I focus on conservation and the earth. Humanity and joy. Love. Isn't that what Christianity was founded on? Love. Isn't THAT the most prominent word in the Bible? But where is that in our hearts. The slander that exists amongst us disgusts me. The idea that non believers hate Christians because of their hypocrisy bothers me. I just don't like being a part of that. I attempt to be a voice and face of change. But talking about the very people you should be loving is truly awful. Forcing yourself to love them may be worse. Love is not something you cross off your To Do List. Love is a life style.
I finally said it. Maybe it just took some fingers to the keyboard to get it out. I discussed all of this with Andrew before. I just don't think God will hate me for this. I don't think God will disown me for wanting to find peace in my life. I don't think this will affect my faith in God. It is my faith in humanity that is suffering - not my faith in Him.
I went off on one long tangent, didn't I?
I mean, I could have continued about how people who claim to be earth loving, organic using, eco-friendly people aren't doing any good by consistently using bottled water. But that is an entirely different tangent for another day. Maybe tomorrow. haha.
I think it has taught me, so far, to stop and listen. It doesn't seem to be an actual theme in the book. I think primarily it is about taking things one step at a time. The father in the book constantly attempts to teach his son things: motorcycle maintenance, stories, theories. I find myself listening more because of this. Not just to my father. But to people. And the outside world. Even with it being so cold outside, I find myself standing outside and listening to the wind. I kind of wonder what it is saying.
It is funny, because I went to see August Rush at the dollar theater tonight. I loved it. The little boy, standing in the midst of New York City chaos, finds himself listening to all of the sounds that surround him. He hears it as music. I wonder if we all took the time to close our eyes and listen to the world around us, what would it say? Perhaps the song you hear is the same as someone else. I do think that nature and music call people and bring them together.
With all this being said, I have felt so spiritual lately. Not necessarily religious, but spiritual. Drew suggested I re-read Busy Backson in the Tao of Pooh. I actually found myself referencing it to Marty. I think he needed to hear it. I think I needed to hear it. I tell myself to listen more. And I know that I do, but I think it is important to remind myself. Between the Tao of Pooh, my current book, and some of my current beliefs, I have myself questioning other things. I find it actually hard to talk about. I have discussed it with a few people.
I think I am lacking a purpose in life. I may be searching for a meaning. I have a relationship with Christ. Even though at this moment I find myself distant from him. I had been looking in other things, not for answers, but satisfaction. I know the word of God is true and applicable. I don't think I can really explain this to anyone. Is it my job to go around saving people? Why do we even use the term save? Non-Christians hate us for that. That gives them the impression that they are doomed. Is it my job to make them believe. Or is it my job to know who Christ was and is and reflect is love on others? Is it my job to tell you're sinning? I think the more important thing is this: Christ led an amazing life. He taught great lessons. maybe we should focus on those.
I stopped going to church for a while. I could stand the hypocrisy anymore. I will say it. I couldn't stand having friends that talked about me behind my back. I didn't like having friends assume I was a bad Christian because of the people I associated with. I won't be a part of a religion like that. I won't do it. I can't.
The Bible teaches amazing lessons. Taoism teaches amazing lessons. I continue to have a personal relationship with God. He knows my hopes and fears. But as for now, I focus on peace and taking things one step at a time. I focus on conservation and the earth. Humanity and joy. Love. Isn't that what Christianity was founded on? Love. Isn't THAT the most prominent word in the Bible? But where is that in our hearts. The slander that exists amongst us disgusts me. The idea that non believers hate Christians because of their hypocrisy bothers me. I just don't like being a part of that. I attempt to be a voice and face of change. But talking about the very people you should be loving is truly awful. Forcing yourself to love them may be worse. Love is not something you cross off your To Do List. Love is a life style.
I finally said it. Maybe it just took some fingers to the keyboard to get it out. I discussed all of this with Andrew before. I just don't think God will hate me for this. I don't think God will disown me for wanting to find peace in my life. I don't think this will affect my faith in God. It is my faith in humanity that is suffering - not my faith in Him.
I went off on one long tangent, didn't I?
I mean, I could have continued about how people who claim to be earth loving, organic using, eco-friendly people aren't doing any good by consistently using bottled water. But that is an entirely different tangent for another day. Maybe tomorrow. haha.
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