I have never been a big fan of Mother Teresa. Before some of you get upset, hear me out. All of my life I have never known anything about mother Teresa other than she was supposedly a wonderful human being. Upon hearing these comments I then immediately went back to thinking about whatever I was or was not doing at the time. (Eating A Bagel, Writing My Memoir, Skin Grafting)
I believe it be due to proximity. I had never encountered this lady or anyone whom she had personal contact with. This coupled with the fact that most of her work was done in Calcutta meant that other than a brief reference from a teacher, I knew nothing of her.
My relationship with Mother Teresa was akin to my relationship to Larry Bird. I have heard from some people that there was a basketball player named Larry Bird. On top of this, I have heard that he was an amazing basketball player. However, I do not know anybody whom has been to a game that Bird played in. Nor have I ever watched a Celtics game in my entire life. I also don't think I was mentally stable enough at the age of seven to see one of his last games in 1992. Therefore, he is this distant figure, whom I personally know nothing about but have heard nothing but great things. Just like Mother Teresa.
(By the way, this may be my only sports reference that you will ever see in this blog and I'm sorry it wasn't more obscure for you avid sports fans. I know that Larry Bird is the go to guy for white losers like me, while names such as "Pistol" Pete Maravich and Bill Russell would have put a smile on the faces of those whom are probably too busy checking their fantasy sports teams rather than appreciating this blog.)
Anyway, Now that I have clearly established a strained relationship with Agnes(her first name), I have recently realized what an amazing woman that she was.
Aside from living on Time Magazine's list of 100 most influential people, her name is used in daily conversation as if it were synonymous with perfect. We have all heard sentences uttered such as, "Who do you think you are? Mother Teresa?" While her name is good for serving the purpose to make people feel bad for trying to do something nice for once in their lives, I have recently come to discover that what makes her beautiful is not her perfection, but how outspoken she was about her imperfection.
A while back, an article was written about her in the aforementioned Time Magazine. While this is one of her nearly hundred of appearances in this magazine, this was trumpeted as the defining moment in how the public should view her. Her diary that she requested to be burned after her death, was put in the church's hands and given over to the people. In in, she chronicled correspondence that she had with a particular individual in which she expressed that she had times in her life where she did not feel God's presence. She once wrote, “In my own soul, I feel the terrible pain of this loss. I feel that God does not want me, that God is not God and that he does not really exist.” (Religionnewsblog.com)
CNN also dedicated serious time to this discovery. They paraded this diary around as if it were proof that someone such as Mother Teresa was not perfect. This crisis in faith was now the definitive proof that a self proclaimed woman of God was not and could never be perfect.
I know that I am a little late on this train, but reading into the story more, I don't think I could ever be more encouraged than I am right now.
There was a woman, whom felt that God was calling her to live and feed the homeless in Calcutta. Not only did she do it, but she wasn't perfect. She had the same feelings that all of us have. Christians, Non Christians, Agnostics, Whomever. She questioned her very nature on this earth. She was not bestowed with supernatural gifts that made her impervious to pain. She hurt so bad that she constantly felt that this God who called her there may not have even existed.
To me, she is now finally someone I can tangibly empathize with. She won't be used in any of my sentences to ridicule someone for trying to live within the realm of unattainable perfection.
Does that mean that all of my bags are packed and I am ready to move to Calcutta tomorrow to carry on her work? No
Because as of now I am not as strong of a person as she was. But it is within my reach and anyone else's for that matter.
Anyone on this planet can make an immense difference and bring joy and love to those who seem so far from it. We may all need to grow a bit, but it is within our reach.
That is how I was encouraged by by Mother Teresa today.
I know it's like beating a dead horse, but she was a pretty amazing lady.
I do believe that God is there. That Jesus Christ died for our sins. That there is love in this world. That we can experience love on a daily basis, even when it seems like there is nothing there. I don't believe that all the time because sometimes I have bad days, but I try the best I can.
We just need to step outside of ourselves sometimes to feel it.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Being Difficult, Being 20: Part 1: You Cannot Always Get What You Want
College is done. It has been finished for some time. As I sit here now I currently hold a degree, yet I hold no clue as to what I am to be doing in the future.
I also know that as I sit here I am and desire to always be special, not your average run of the mill. I know that my last sentence is one that everyone on the planet says to themselves numerous times during their lives, even if it is subconsciously.
It seems to me that we all desire to live better than those around us because the best way to know your worth is by comparing yourself to your peers. In turn, that desire causes us to do crazy things to set ourselves apart. i.e: go to college, write a book, start a blog, and so on.
Cause when we go to college and make plans for our future, or finally put that pen to paper, it reassures us that we will not go unnoticed. We will not rot behind a desk at a company that cares nothing for me. I will not watch my passion for life dwindle. I will not, I will not, I will not...
I want to be noticed, and it has never been more apparent until I graduated from college. Cause after college what do you do? You get a job, just like everyone else and you rot away.
I have honestly had two thoughts that have run through my head ever since I graduated.
1) I need to get back into college
2) I should write a book
When your growing up it is easy to set yourself apart from the rest. Hence why there are clicks. Your are athletic or your into music and art. While you have have a small group of cronies whom have the same interests as you, your still unique. Your an amazing athlete with so much promise, or you like magic trading cards and listening to black metal while the adults around you feel that you are going through, "a bit of a phase."
Once college hits, you carry that promise with you. College sparks all kinds of interests and experimentation. You find yourself picketing for minority rights out in front of your college bookstore or taking a class on things that you never imagined one could study. You are just...you.
Yet, when you finally exit your college years. Things get a bit tricky. This is the time when your "supposed" to get a job. This "job" thing is the very same thing that your parents have. Not only your parents, but those kids whom you went to high school with that you felt never measured up to their "true potential." To most people in their early 20's, a job means that you suit up and sell out.
However, if you truly wish to circumvent this seemingly tragic ending. There are steps you can take and they are two-fold.
1) Go Back To College
2) Write a Book
Looking at option one is indeed a daunting task. Not only does your sense of accomplishment for having getting your BA go down the drain since their are new goals ahead of you, but it is also a really hard task getting into graduate school. Especially in this economy.
So if your like me, you are currently looking at option two.
However, in my next installment I will look at how this isn't an easy option either.
I also know that as I sit here I am and desire to always be special, not your average run of the mill. I know that my last sentence is one that everyone on the planet says to themselves numerous times during their lives, even if it is subconsciously.
It seems to me that we all desire to live better than those around us because the best way to know your worth is by comparing yourself to your peers. In turn, that desire causes us to do crazy things to set ourselves apart. i.e: go to college, write a book, start a blog, and so on.
Cause when we go to college and make plans for our future, or finally put that pen to paper, it reassures us that we will not go unnoticed. We will not rot behind a desk at a company that cares nothing for me. I will not watch my passion for life dwindle. I will not, I will not, I will not...
I want to be noticed, and it has never been more apparent until I graduated from college. Cause after college what do you do? You get a job, just like everyone else and you rot away.
I have honestly had two thoughts that have run through my head ever since I graduated.
1) I need to get back into college
2) I should write a book
When your growing up it is easy to set yourself apart from the rest. Hence why there are clicks. Your are athletic or your into music and art. While you have have a small group of cronies whom have the same interests as you, your still unique. Your an amazing athlete with so much promise, or you like magic trading cards and listening to black metal while the adults around you feel that you are going through, "a bit of a phase."
Once college hits, you carry that promise with you. College sparks all kinds of interests and experimentation. You find yourself picketing for minority rights out in front of your college bookstore or taking a class on things that you never imagined one could study. You are just...you.
Yet, when you finally exit your college years. Things get a bit tricky. This is the time when your "supposed" to get a job. This "job" thing is the very same thing that your parents have. Not only your parents, but those kids whom you went to high school with that you felt never measured up to their "true potential." To most people in their early 20's, a job means that you suit up and sell out.
However, if you truly wish to circumvent this seemingly tragic ending. There are steps you can take and they are two-fold.
1) Go Back To College
2) Write a Book
Looking at option one is indeed a daunting task. Not only does your sense of accomplishment for having getting your BA go down the drain since their are new goals ahead of you, but it is also a really hard task getting into graduate school. Especially in this economy.
So if your like me, you are currently looking at option two.
However, in my next installment I will look at how this isn't an easy option either.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
We Will Overcome!
Recently, I have just been really annoyed by all the hatred that is being spit by anyone who claims to be interested in politics.
Check out some of these soundbites I have recently heard from random bystanders in the past couple of days.
"Obama is change, he is love, and you republicans can go eat a horse and fall in a toilet!"
Or
"Tradition is best! It is what makes this country what it is! I hate everything and everyone that doesn't line up with my view."
Or
"Friday the 13th is the worse horror film remake on the planet! Thank goodness everyone in the film died cause if I saw their nasty faces in anymore films, I think I would do myself in!"
While all of these quotes are false because I just made them up right now, and the third quote really doesn't fit into the whole argument at all, they represent this type of hate and anger that I am seeing everywhere I look.
I am really good at ignoring things and letting them build up inside me and although I hear stress isn't good for you per se, if your good at something, why quit?
However, I was perusing my locally owned organic bookstore, Borders, and I happen to come across the answer to mine and American's problems. In fact, this cure all is so effective that not only will I no longer have to deal with everyone else spitting hate everywhere, but I will no longer have to be a ticking time bomb of stress.
So, What is this answer to all the world's ills?
It is Chuck Norris's brand new book!
This is no joke, this is life changing.
Just check out the reviews on the amazon.com page. They are glowing.
This is the answer!
Post all of your thank you's in the replies.
Check out some of these soundbites I have recently heard from random bystanders in the past couple of days.
"Obama is change, he is love, and you republicans can go eat a horse and fall in a toilet!"
Or
"Tradition is best! It is what makes this country what it is! I hate everything and everyone that doesn't line up with my view."
Or
"Friday the 13th is the worse horror film remake on the planet! Thank goodness everyone in the film died cause if I saw their nasty faces in anymore films, I think I would do myself in!"
While all of these quotes are false because I just made them up right now, and the third quote really doesn't fit into the whole argument at all, they represent this type of hate and anger that I am seeing everywhere I look.
I am really good at ignoring things and letting them build up inside me and although I hear stress isn't good for you per se, if your good at something, why quit?
However, I was perusing my locally owned organic bookstore, Borders, and I happen to come across the answer to mine and American's problems. In fact, this cure all is so effective that not only will I no longer have to deal with everyone else spitting hate everywhere, but I will no longer have to be a ticking time bomb of stress.
So, What is this answer to all the world's ills?
It is Chuck Norris's brand new book!
This is no joke, this is life changing.
Just check out the reviews on the amazon.com page. They are glowing.
This is the answer!
Post all of your thank you's in the replies.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Books
I love books. They are one of the things that makes me feel alive. Television, while enjoyable, only truly succeeds in numbing me. That is not to take away from amazing television shows such as Ellen or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, they don't hold a candle to books.
As much as I like the challenge of taking on big books, I usually choose them because I have a really hard time enjoying small ones. Not only does it take me a hundred pages or so to truly become invested in a book, but I like to visit these characters on a daily basis.
I just finished Philip Norman's lengthy biography of John Lennon. Being a big Beatles fan, I already knew how John's life came to a tragic end. Yet, for the weeks that I was reading John's everyday life, I always knew that when I got home from work he would be there waiting for me. It is books like these that make me appreciate redundancy, because sometimes it is necessary in order to put of reaching the end.
Finally, when I did close the final page, it really broke my heart that not only was John murdered, but my journey with him ended on that last page. It really made me feel like I knew the guy. Whether or not he was actually how he was portrayed by the author doesn't matter. I just really appreciated hanging out with John for the last bit of my life.
All I know is that I like big books.
I hope this makes sense to somebody.
As much as I like the challenge of taking on big books, I usually choose them because I have a really hard time enjoying small ones. Not only does it take me a hundred pages or so to truly become invested in a book, but I like to visit these characters on a daily basis.
I just finished Philip Norman's lengthy biography of John Lennon. Being a big Beatles fan, I already knew how John's life came to a tragic end. Yet, for the weeks that I was reading John's everyday life, I always knew that when I got home from work he would be there waiting for me. It is books like these that make me appreciate redundancy, because sometimes it is necessary in order to put of reaching the end.
Finally, when I did close the final page, it really broke my heart that not only was John murdered, but my journey with him ended on that last page. It really made me feel like I knew the guy. Whether or not he was actually how he was portrayed by the author doesn't matter. I just really appreciated hanging out with John for the last bit of my life.
All I know is that I like big books.
I hope this makes sense to somebody.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Almond Joy
Almonds have always had a bad reputation. Sure everyone has heard in at least one conversation that, "You can live off of just six almonds a day, ya know." But in the end, nobody cares because nobody will try it. If you do find yourself in a situation where you barely have enough money to buy a single food item, I can almost guarantee you are not going to spring for the bag of almonds since they are like $43 a pound.
Anyway, Almonds, unless shaved on top of a salad, really are overlooked.
Until today.
Today at my local New Leaf market that I will one day frequent on a regular basis, I came across a small pearl in one of the aisles.
That pearl, ta dah!, ALMOND MILK!
It is really milk that is made out of almonds.
I know they already did this with soy, but lets face it, soy sucks. It doesn't taste anything like milk and most people just order it at a coffee shop because it makes them sound sophisticated. I always see that look on people's faces when they are so surprised that I don't say, "What's your favorite Medium?" when they order their Soy Chai.
What an awful combination. Soy and Chai. Both suck, and surprisingly still don't taste good when put together.
Anyway, Almond Milk.
Actually tastes like Milk. Doesn't need to be refrigerated. Only 40 calories per 8 oz serving. Tastes great with cereal. Isn't soy. Does it get any better? Only if you have more than 1 carton of this manna.
Check it out, don't cheat yourself. Life can and will be good, with Almond Milk.
http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230_no_border/Blue-Diamond-Almond-Milk_071A71F1.jpg
Anyway, Almonds, unless shaved on top of a salad, really are overlooked.
Until today.
Today at my local New Leaf market that I will one day frequent on a regular basis, I came across a small pearl in one of the aisles.
That pearl, ta dah!, ALMOND MILK!
It is really milk that is made out of almonds.
I know they already did this with soy, but lets face it, soy sucks. It doesn't taste anything like milk and most people just order it at a coffee shop because it makes them sound sophisticated. I always see that look on people's faces when they are so surprised that I don't say, "What's your favorite Medium?" when they order their Soy Chai.
What an awful combination. Soy and Chai. Both suck, and surprisingly still don't taste good when put together.
Anyway, Almond Milk.
Actually tastes like Milk. Doesn't need to be refrigerated. Only 40 calories per 8 oz serving. Tastes great with cereal. Isn't soy. Does it get any better? Only if you have more than 1 carton of this manna.
Check it out, don't cheat yourself. Life can and will be good, with Almond Milk.
http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230_no_border/Blue-Diamond-Almond-Milk_071A71F1.jpg
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Dear Peets
Dear Peets Coffee,
Just because you play classical music in your shop, doesn't make you superior to other coffee shops. Just because you made it a pain in the butt to find seating and only have 3 or 4 little "cute" tables in there, doesn't make you superior to other coffee shops. Just because you hire mature individuals who look like they are "young at heart", doesn't make you superior to other coffee shops.
Your fantastic and aromatic coffee selection, does make you superior to other coffee shops.
Come on Peets, your not fooling anyone.
We know your great, but your a bit cocky.
Know your role,
Reid
Just because you play classical music in your shop, doesn't make you superior to other coffee shops. Just because you made it a pain in the butt to find seating and only have 3 or 4 little "cute" tables in there, doesn't make you superior to other coffee shops. Just because you hire mature individuals who look like they are "young at heart", doesn't make you superior to other coffee shops.
Your fantastic and aromatic coffee selection, does make you superior to other coffee shops.
Come on Peets, your not fooling anyone.
We know your great, but your a bit cocky.
Know your role,
Reid
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A Big Waste of Time
The other day when I was driving in my car(automobile), I realized something that I have always known, but never wanted to really deal with in my mind(brain).
Bicycle outfits are pointless and stupid.
I know, i'm being controversial right out of the gate, but seriously they really don't have a purpose in this world other than to make some people feel like they are something that they are not.
While driving in said automobile (car), I saw a man in jeans riding a road bike. Wait for it....
He was blazing past a group of people (humans) who were also road biking, but were covered from head to toe in "Cyclist Gear."
While some people (idiots) could make an argument that this garb is superior to other clothing one could wear while cycling, it's not.
In the end, the only people I see sporting this clothing are people who want to "feel" like a biker and are really not.
I'm at work, but I will get back to this topic soon.
I just wanted to feed my puppies
Bicycle outfits are pointless and stupid.
I know, i'm being controversial right out of the gate, but seriously they really don't have a purpose in this world other than to make some people feel like they are something that they are not.
While driving in said automobile (car), I saw a man in jeans riding a road bike. Wait for it....
He was blazing past a group of people (humans) who were also road biking, but were covered from head to toe in "Cyclist Gear."
While some people (idiots) could make an argument that this garb is superior to other clothing one could wear while cycling, it's not.
In the end, the only people I see sporting this clothing are people who want to "feel" like a biker and are really not.
I'm at work, but I will get back to this topic soon.
I just wanted to feed my puppies
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