Random Thoughts

When debating or discussing a topic, the goal isn't (or shouldn't be) to prove that you are right or wrong, especially since it's so unlikely that either side is going to change anyway. The goal is only for both parties to see and understand each other's side of the issue. If any fluctuations from original opinions do occur then it is just an added bonus.

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I have two speeds when getting ready in the morning (for work, church, etc)- slow and panic.

For some reason I always have this distorted view of how much time I have left to get ready. I look at the clock and say to myself "Oh, I still have twenty minutes. That's plenty of time to brush my teeth, shave, get dressed, pour my coffee, pluck my nose hairs, etc." Then at two minutes before I know I'm supposed to be out the door I am thinking "HOLY CRAP! I'M RUNNING LATE AGAIN! DAMNIT!" and running around like a madman.

Since I am aware of this retardation, you would think that I would simply correct for it and get on with my life. But while some days are better than others, it is for the most part a continuously reoccurring scenario.

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When observing someone doing something risky, there are two types of people:
1) Those that say "What an idiot! He could hurt himself and/or others."
2) Those that say "That's awesome! I want to try it!"

I am usually in the latter group.

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

Since moving to Northern California, I have had two kids, bought two houses, sold a car and a motorcycle, bought two other cars, and had two roommates. We have been visited by my mom and sister, both of whom are struggling financially and with my sister having two young children. We have also been visited by all of my wife's family, and her best friend too.

But in the almost four years that I have lived here, my younger brother Steven has never once taken the trip to visit us.

He's 25 years old, single, and has a steady job. He has been to Boston multiple times, to Italy, and even to nearby Las Vegas. And that's just what I can recall off the top of my head.

I've heard plenty of excuses, and not all of them are bad, but four years' worth?

Am I calling him out? You bet I am!

Meet Jeanette

Jeanette moved in as our roommate about a month and a half ago.

We met her through Craigslist.
She's friendly, considerate, and great with the kids.

Random Observations

There are two types of people when it comes to approaching a challenging new activity -
1) Those who say "I'm not good at this, so I don't want to do it anymore."
2) And those who say "I want to be good at this, so I'm going to continue to do it until I am."

I am in the latter group, and I think it's the minority of the two.

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A co-worker informed me today that he observed a new intern saying grace before eating lunch, so I may want to consider inviting him to join our prayer group (with co-workers) on Thursday mornings.

That got me thinking though - are there any other religions besides Christianity that says grace before eating a meal? If not, then observing someone saying grace in public before a meal could indeed be an easy observation to confirm that someone is a Christian and is probably passionate about their faith.

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I played my best basketball game ever on Tuesday. My defense is usually pretty decent, but whenever I took a shot, I just could not miss the basket. I scored more than half of my team's points that game. Hook shot, under the backboard layup, from the outside - all swish!

Of course, I was back to normal (not very good) in the very next game. But at least I got to taste what it felt like to be awesome. And I know the potential is there. Now if I could just duplicate that more often, or perhaps even consistently...

Memorial Day Hike

On Memorial Day, we went for a hike to a nearby lake. Since the path wasn't paved (otherwise it wouldn't really be a hike, would it?), it was a bit of a challenge with the double jogging stroller. Some of the trail was even meant for people to walk in single file, so I had to roll the front wheel of the jogger on the path, and let the two back wheels roll in the grass on either side of it.


We walked for a couple of miles total. While it was a bit bumpy for the kids (especially with all of the rocks), and a bit tiresome pushing them, we all survived and it felt good to enjoy the great outdoors.

Below is a cute video of the kids throwing rocks into the lake, where we stopped for lunch halfway.

WTF MTV?

I was flipping through the channels last night, looking for the WEC fights. I stopped at the MTV Movie Awards to have something entertaining to watch in the background while I searched through the digital cable schedule (the "Guide").

On the MTV awards stage, a dialogue was taking place between the presenters about weed, or "fake weed". Then they were even lighting up a "fake joint".

Now, I'm not a big fan of the war on drugs. In fact, I side more on the libertarian side of the issue (although not completely). But promoting it to kids as this big cool joke really pisses me off. What the hell were they thinking?

MTV steps down one more flight of stairs into the cellar of suckage. Play some damned music videos and STFU MTV!

Here's a news article about it.