tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377980222024-03-18T23:18:59.746-04:00Someone Like Me TooThere is nothing you could ever do to make God love you less.
Nothing.
Nothing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-72507689017455829162010-11-27T18:03:00.002-05:002010-11-27T18:17:15.448-05:00Love's Final Victory<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">If supreme power lies on the side of supreme love, then </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">none of us</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> [my emphasis], whether Christian, Muslim, or atheist, need fear that the One who loved us into existence in the first place might wantonly abandon us in the end. Nor need we worry that an honest mistake in theology will somehow jeopardize our future. For if a perfectly loving Creator does exist, then he knows us from the inside out far better than we know ourselves; he appreciates the ambiguities, the confusions, and the perplexities we face far better than we do; and he understands the historical and cultural factors that shape our beliefs far better than any historian does. Such a Creator--so loving, intimate, and wise--would know how to work with us in infinitely complex ways, how to shatter our illusions and transform our thinking when necessary, and how best to reveal himself to us in the end. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For though our present choices cannot alter our final destiny, they most assuredly can affect our chances for happiness in the present and in the near term future; and though our glorious inheritance cannot elude us forever, it most assuredly can elude us for a lifetime, or perhaps even several lifetimes. So our choices do have very real consequences in our lives; indeed, these consequences are one of the means by which God will transform us in the end and thereby secure our final destiny. When we finally weary of our own selfishness, petty jealousies, and lust for power; when we learn at last, perhaps through bitter experience, that these lead only to ruin and cannot bring enduring happiness, that nothing short of union with God and reconciliation with others will satisfy our deepest yearnings; when we discover that the Hound of Heaven has finally closed off every alternative to such a u<span style="font-family: times new roman;">nion, we shall then, each of us, finally embrace the destiny that is ours.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Thomas Talbott, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">The Inescapable Love of God </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(Universal Publishers: USA, 1999), p. 218.</span> <br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;"></span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-70912196469840809602010-06-18T22:58:00.004-04:002010-06-18T23:27:37.659-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc-C5gjlqke3i8GjPAfHDSO3H08smcYveMN8yeiWtZXXeWRF26mZTNyRqg2VSpq4oDhSwUvceX9W5ifDyjjvr80pOTRtyPCtFkj5fCxyIM6TrYAtA_d1_5ZBqQDpPm31HB7etOQ/s1600/the+commitment.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484320831598458738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc-C5gjlqke3i8GjPAfHDSO3H08smcYveMN8yeiWtZXXeWRF26mZTNyRqg2VSpq4oDhSwUvceX9W5ifDyjjvr80pOTRtyPCtFkj5fCxyIM6TrYAtA_d1_5ZBqQDpPm31HB7etOQ/s320/the+commitment.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I just finished reading <em>The Commitment</em> by Dan Savage. It's a humorous memoir that chronicles Dan and his partner Terry's decision to marry, or not to marry, taking into account the strong opinions of their six year-old son, D.J.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've thought about gay marriage quite a bit recently because it's in the news and because <a href="http://www.hrc.org/index.htm">Joe Solmonese </a>frequents my inbox with persuasive emails about how I should be a better gay. I have always considered myself to be a traditional gay man. That is, I envisioned myself falling in love with the man of my dreams, getting married, and then adopting 2-4 children. I believe that we deserve equal rights, including the right to marry. Anything less is injustice. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But Savage makes this point:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"We also weren't sure we were prepared to sacrifice the one thing gay relationships have always had over straight relationships: their quiet dignity. Straight couples that want their relationships to be taken seriously have always had to jump through the marital hoop, but not gay couples...Unlike heterosexuals, we had to do the hard work of building a life together in order to be taken seriously, something we did without any legal entanglements or incentives...when our relationships were taken seriously it was by virtue of their <em>duration..."</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>I had never thought about the issue this way before. Savage is right. There is a quiet dignity about lasting same-sex relationships. That is evident in the couples I know from church and elsewhere. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm pretty sure I still want to be married someday (and not some dumbed-down version, like civil unions). But I'm only pretty sure. I'm not certain. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-22460177433283831412010-06-17T13:26:00.002-04:002010-06-17T14:04:13.901-04:00Familiar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_zeAsaVvzCFhtglTSWWmQ-rOKhBHpx9Rrmn9vt7aaprmtWFl9olSuvklnfu1sVZQH3JmDr6H8VthBxg5dbXF4_hQOOQUhkhcCnrUMI5e2pKtQX7NXHLnJ6MsTzu00KI16YGN6g/s1600/insomnia2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483804876294680098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_zeAsaVvzCFhtglTSWWmQ-rOKhBHpx9Rrmn9vt7aaprmtWFl9olSuvklnfu1sVZQH3JmDr6H8VthBxg5dbXF4_hQOOQUhkhcCnrUMI5e2pKtQX7NXHLnJ6MsTzu00KI16YGN6g/s320/insomnia2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>About a month ago, I started working the night shift in the ICU. I did nights in New York, but started working days when I moved to Austin. A change in jobs was necessary, so I left my 8a-4:30p, M-F job and got this new gig in ICU. The job is busy/stress-filled if anything, but that's another post for another time. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Switching to the night shift has brought back a flood of old patterns. It takes me right back to living in New York and working my nights in ICU there. You see, working the night shift wreaks havoc on the sleep-wake cycle. Even on my nights off, my sleep schedule is messed up and so I'm up most of the night, wishing I was asleep like Abel and the dogs. I've taken to sleeping by myself so my tossing and turning and book-light won't disturb the rest of the house. Laying alone in my bed, staring at the ceiling, I feel exactly like I used to in New York. It's eerily familiar.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When I was living in Queens, on nights that I couldn't sleep I would read or watch TV til about 5am, then walk to the diner near my house and enjoy breakfast with the construction workers and delivery drivers. The diner was teeming with life at 5am.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So this morning, I decided to re-instate my diner tradition. I made the fifteen minute drive (not fifteen minute walk) to the <a href="http://24diner.com/public/pdf/food-menu.pdf">24 diner </a>in search of waffles and eggs and a cup of decaf. To my surprise, there was one other person in the diner. One! And he was a (gay!) student who was immersed in his omelette and textbooks. Not hardly the construction worker-type I anticipated </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The upside of being awake all night, if there is one, is that I have more time to read, contemplate, and reminisce. And time to think about blogging again. Here's to all of that, and to finding a prescription for Ambien. </div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-41320275745730311902010-01-01T18:45:00.002-05:002010-01-01T18:51:13.670-05:00A Franciscan Benediction<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>May God bless you with discomfort</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>So that you may live deep within your heart.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>May God bless you with anger</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>May God bless you with tears</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>To turn their pain into joy.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>And may God bless you with enough foolishness</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>To believe that you can make a difference in the world,</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>So that you can do what others claim cannot be done</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>Amen.</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-39951283763272155362009-11-03T23:09:00.003-05:002009-11-03T23:35:55.060-05:00Thoughts on God(s)I've been thinking a lot lately about the enormity of the universe. I mean, one<em> million</em> Earths could fit inside the sun. One million! That's how small we are. Earth lies 91.4 million miles from the sun. Think on that. The planets are tens of millions of miles apart from each other. And that's just our known solar system. Who knows what else is out there in the universe? There's got to be other stuff; other life.<br /><br />I think that when we were taught that God is the God of the universe, they were actually meaning he was the God of Earth. Right? All we learn about the existence of God is from the Bible, written by human beings, who lived on Earth. And they didn't live here all that long ago, considering how long Earth has been around. The story of Jesus is compelling. But again, it's the story of a man, who lived on Earth. Nowhere else. And this guy Jesus is God's only son? His only progeny? That seems unlikely if God is so big and is god of the entire universe.<br /><br />If there are other forms of (intelligent) life somewhere in the cosmos, who is the god of them? Is it our God? And what about their salvation? Could our God have other sons (or daughters) who are tied up in the salvation of other intelligent life? Or are their other gods who are omnipresent over other parts of the solar system?<br /><br />What I'm saying is that it's not all as simple as I've been lead to believe. I say my prayers, but I confess when I say them that I don't know where God is and if he is only the god of Earth or the whole universe or what?<br /><br />I hear people say that God knows no bounds and is everywhere and isn't confined to time and space. I guess. I've never doubted how <em>big</em> God is until recently. Is it possible that the whole universe is too big, too immense, for just one god? I'm wondering...<br /><br />Going on, what is heaven? And who is it for? For human beings on planet Earth? Or for all forms of intelligent life (capable of reason) who inherit salvation? Or is it something mentioned in the Bible, a human book of faith, to give us hope for something after we die?<br /><br />I don't know, folks. I just don't know. I'll still keep saying prayers and going to church on occassion, but I've got some serious questions. Let me know if you've got answers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-44570086831480061342009-06-14T22:57:00.002-04:002009-06-14T23:04:24.711-04:00UBC<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Since I've moved to Austin, when I make it to church, I go to </span><a href="http://www.ubcaustin.org/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">University Baptist Church</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">. It's a lovely, open and affirming community of faith. A couple of weeks ago, Abel, Casey, Michael and me were fortunate to attend an interfaith pride service at UBC. I intended to blog about it, but Casey is more eloquent than I, so I encourage you to read her </span><a href="http://kcworkersoftheworld.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">post</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> about the service. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-47499730997634422802009-01-22T14:36:00.007-05:002009-02-10T09:43:34.481-05:00Dear New York,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJADlQ9rIhwbbtDAmv5h-mP4VgO6IAYNQEqcdGKRMRjrkMAouIDH2oIRhPHJf6MCQDpX1i85VtSB8AlJAo5jUlUsxhlqk30a2c4D42oahgoZzEdbF7CzKYaI7vXZPtVKCfBR4bQ/s1600-h/farewell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300942402462694258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJADlQ9rIhwbbtDAmv5h-mP4VgO6IAYNQEqcdGKRMRjrkMAouIDH2oIRhPHJf6MCQDpX1i85VtSB8AlJAo5jUlUsxhlqk30a2c4D42oahgoZzEdbF7CzKYaI7vXZPtVKCfBR4bQ/s200/farewell.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Dear New York, </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">As I prepare to leave ye for the Lone Star State, an expression of my gratitude is in order. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">When I arrived in a Penske moving truck some six and a half years ago, you welcomed me, as you welcome every other twenty-something who wants a piece of the NYC life. My time with you has been valuable. I will leave your five boroughs a changed man. Thank you...</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for showing me that diversity is essential. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for toughening my skin. I curse more than I used to.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for teaching me a new meaning of the word "fresh". I am fresh.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for showing me that people of God do not look a particular way or seek you in a particular place.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for providing an atmosphere where I can understand who I wholly am.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for introducing me to learned, compassionate friends.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for CCfB (see previous two thank yous).</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Manhattan Church.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Praise Team.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for your nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who have shown me how to care for the sick.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Calvary.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Bellevue.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for 24-hour bodegas.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Nectar Coffe Shop.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Paul, Casey, Caleb, Jeremy, Shaun, Seth, LeRoy, Jeff, and Tulio who provided companionship as roommates and taught me things about life.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Chelsea. Next to Disneyworld, it's the happiest place on Earth.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Brooklyn, and then Queens.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for weekend trips.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for the Chrysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for the good people at Dunkin' Donuts on 28th and 3rd.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for oxtail, spinach pie, perogies, and Brooklyn Lager, which I had never tried before we met.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thank you for Broadway.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">To the people who I have known and loved here, I hope to see you down the road. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">To my family who I have been away from for the last seven years, I'm coming home. See you soon for dinner.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Love,</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Nate</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-3687788124616370882008-12-15T08:42:00.004-05:002008-12-15T13:25:29.163-05:00Homeward Bound<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASX12foVNNt53bXyB8ZbcwvQz1fc-Nx2QoKpFMxOftZJGiYqm50ipuz271e3HieUIQMhRwpu9gPT0OcGiIunceQrOkrwaMe6nb8vP2JEpKEOOQ9tlEO356BTFYl1jAgGWBiG6Ig/s1600-h/Austin+skyline.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280014260329227410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASX12foVNNt53bXyB8ZbcwvQz1fc-Nx2QoKpFMxOftZJGiYqm50ipuz271e3HieUIQMhRwpu9gPT0OcGiIunceQrOkrwaMe6nb8vP2JEpKEOOQ9tlEO356BTFYl1jAgGWBiG6Ig/s320/Austin+skyline.jpg" border="0" /></a> After six plus years of living and loving New York, I'm going home.<br /><br /><br />It hasn't really set in yet, at least not consistently. It hits me at strange intervals and I find myself with tears in my eyes while reading the NYC Subway map or walking through my neighborhood to the grocery store. Leaving Austin to move to New York was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I would be naive to think that it won't be just as hard to leave New York.<br /><br /><br />Things I'm excited about? I'm excited about working as a nurse in Texas...I've never done that before. I'll see what the culture of caring is like outside New York. I'm excited about living in South Austin again. I'm excited about eating Texas BBQ whenever I want (Pok-e-Jo's!). I'm excited about seeing my family once a week instead of twice a year. I'm excited that Abel and I will be in the same place and not a plane ride apart.<br /><br /><br />I'm supposed to start work in Austin the beginning of March, so that puts me leaving New York sometime mid-February. I know it's going to be an emotionally-charged next couple of months. I hope it flies by because I'm ready to be in Austin <em>now</em>. I also hope that it goes by slow enough for me to reminisce and appreciate the things I love about New York. Counting the days...<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-88036104975894058752008-12-15T08:34:00.002-05:002008-12-15T08:42:29.249-05:00The Case for Gay MarriageProps to <em>Newsweek</em> for running this cover story, "<a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653">Our Mutual Joy</a>", in their most recent issue. This article explores the religious case <em>for</em> gay marriage. It's worth reading. <br /><br />I adhere to a gospel of inclusion, to the belief that God is a God of love, justice, and mercy, that <em>all </em>are welcome at the Lord's table. Gay marriage just makes sense.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-50945892868531037312008-10-15T11:34:00.006-04:002008-10-15T11:56:49.746-04:00Blog Action Day 2008 - Poverty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnpa80yHybatG-E5o11gn69FIqJX9wbYAH_LJzKAcKZsToZbsXrZs8nmTdGQIAfA_SMFsWyK4eP4FuMVWwK-9KI7cWGL0LwGT9DiQKCc8EfwNhBmPUW_T5rhe8e59zm1jEaZh1A/s1600-h/Blog+Action+Day.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257409912299838018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnpa80yHybatG-E5o11gn69FIqJX9wbYAH_LJzKAcKZsToZbsXrZs8nmTdGQIAfA_SMFsWyK4eP4FuMVWwK-9KI7cWGL0LwGT9DiQKCc8EfwNhBmPUW_T5rhe8e59zm1jEaZh1A/s320/Blog+Action+Day.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today, October 15, is Blog Action Day. Check out the </span><a href="http://blogactionday.org/home"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">website</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It's easy to become overwhelmed by poverty. Am I doing enough? Can we even make a difference?</span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I used to think it was important to give money to anyone who asked for it on the streets. Sadly, people who pull out their wallets on the street are easy targets of crime. I no longer advocate giving to panhandlers. It's dangerous. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So, how to make a difference? Get involved with something that matters to <em>you</em>. What is important to you when you think about getting people out of poverty? Is it clean water? Housing the homeless? Educational supplies for impoverished children? Supporting a local orphanage? </span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There are countless, reputable organizations out there who target each of these specific needs. Pick one that speaks to you and offer them your support. If we each make a difference in a small way, together we will make a difference in a BIG way. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Here are a couple of suggestions:</span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.aplv.org/en"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Agua Para La Vida (Water for Life)</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www2.children.org/en/us/Pages/Home.aspx?sid=2F68E082-9C8D-44B7-81F6-4F11945585D1"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Children International</span></a></li></ul><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-24504321781661079722008-09-04T10:24:00.002-04:002008-09-04T10:48:52.679-04:00The Fam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfvjVaecZel5XzdwZchb_O0wpQXCi7xskJsEckgtCLlVqROrB7Ic2sHaQiBZ_B4F1D4c2nxP6qEz7ay2z8Wo9d5UN5g1uK7WGE-V1VmnLDK0TODR25bZ9xyAXQ08Aj7fAMbgYnQ/s1600-h/IMG_2097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242178129129871458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfvjVaecZel5XzdwZchb_O0wpQXCi7xskJsEckgtCLlVqROrB7Ic2sHaQiBZ_B4F1D4c2nxP6qEz7ay2z8Wo9d5UN5g1uK7WGE-V1VmnLDK0TODR25bZ9xyAXQ08Aj7fAMbgYnQ/s320/IMG_2097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I spent this past weekend in southwestern Oklahoma at the <a href="http://www.quartzmountainresort.com/">Quartz Mountain Resort </a>(yes, resort, not reservation). It was a Jones family reunion which doubled as a surprise birthday gift for my Grammy who turned 75. She had absolutely no idea. We all arrived over the course of a couple of days. Each new carload of people that drove in was a complete surprise to her. The expression on her face and the tears in her eyes were priceless.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We were twenty-four in all. This weekend marked the first time that we have ever <em>all</em> been together. Usually someone can't make a reunion or holiday for whatever reason. But this time, everybody showed. My older brother, Josh, even flew in from Mexico City and then flew out from the reunion to Dubai. But he made it, which I know wasn't easy.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The weekend was filled with babies smiling and kids playing and laughter and love and lots of fried food. It was perfect. I have to confess that, sometimes, I get in a New York state of mind and show up at family gatherings a little defensive. I was worried that such things would get in the way of this trip and was, admittedly, a bit apprehensive about going.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">All of that evaporated the minute I put my arms around my family. There truly is nothing in the world as special as the bond of family, whatever form it takes. The picture attached to this post (with my newest nephew, <a href="http://jonesfamilyatx.blogspot.com/">Holt</a>) epitomizes the joy and the peace that filled our reunion weekend. Oh, and did I mention we had t-shirts made? Yep, we're <em>that</em> family now. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Joneses, you all are simply the best. You have all my love, all the time.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-3084790146267807242008-08-15T10:32:00.008-04:002008-08-15T15:55:10.766-04:00I Want To Be A Gymnast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77n3lJw-xBfjdk9eifdwiZzS16Oy1e2iUMVXKVwfSm-_0jfJwKnhrFJyLy9SZQPVyCLesh-exGR8KoHlMYL1BfNZEfymBVjoYQ370KiZ2L1ma2DoBBzac_ozIdH6w_JWqd1hazA/s1600-h/Beijing+gymnastics+logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234763350845019474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77n3lJw-xBfjdk9eifdwiZzS16Oy1e2iUMVXKVwfSm-_0jfJwKnhrFJyLy9SZQPVyCLesh-exGR8KoHlMYL1BfNZEfymBVjoYQ370KiZ2L1ma2DoBBzac_ozIdH6w_JWqd1hazA/s400/Beijing+gymnastics+logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#3333ff;">It's no secret that the Olympics inspire me. Watching the athletes compete makes me hungry to take care of my body and stay in shape. During the Athens 2004 Games, I was moved to take up swimming. Goggles? Check. Swim cap? Check. Affordable membership to someplace with a pool? Forget about it. My dream was short-lived. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">I decided that, after watching the Men's Gymnastics competition in these Beijing 2008 Games, that I would look into some gymnastics classes for adult beginners. Surely NYC, if anywhere, would have something like this. After all, it <em>is</em> the place where dreams come true. </span><a href="http://www.chelseapiers.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Chelsea Piers</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> offers just the course I was looking for. Last night, I went with my buddy, Will, to this gymnastics class and it was awesome! </span></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;">Understand, I have NO gymnastics experience. Didn't matter here, though. We learned forward handsprings, back handsprings, jumping forward rolls, and some other stuff, too. It's the ideal place to learn because the whole place is padded and you just practice again and again and again without worry of hurting yourself (too) badly. I managed to sprain my thumb early on, but I persevered through the pain and finished the night strong. If only Bela Karolyi had been there to carry me off the mat.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;">The other cool thing is that, in this same gymnastics room, is all of the Olympic apparatuses. There were guys there who were practicing on the high bar and still rings. These fellas look like Olympic hopefuls. It was amazing to watch them practice. Who knows, maybe we'll see them in the 2012 games?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#3333ff;">If you're inspired by the Olympics like I am, ride the inspiration and go pursue your athletic dreams. I'll never be Olympian, but at least I can say I gave gymnastics a try. No regrets.</span></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-80725121215740984892008-08-12T09:56:00.006-04:002008-08-12T14:20:21.702-04:00Beijing 2008 Olympic Games<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1AmHWVQU5Yugl1LSj-DzjbCps4nQCMvWzUiD1Q53h4L3-DzoTGJY9PbidzWllrKBxCe69rHBYU721lFVa5JfeqNBr8pcC_8kOQ9dFd6HgehZV_qR57TnQy2-5ZotjWOjICttiQ/s1600-h/Beijing-Olympic-2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233696630619860514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" height="225" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1AmHWVQU5Yugl1LSj-DzjbCps4nQCMvWzUiD1Q53h4L3-DzoTGJY9PbidzWllrKBxCe69rHBYU721lFVa5JfeqNBr8pcC_8kOQ9dFd6HgehZV_qR57TnQy2-5ZotjWOjICttiQ/s200/Beijing-Olympic-2008.jpg" width="179" border="0" /></a> <div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I love the Olympics. Love, love, love them. The pomp and ceremony is unparalleled: trumpet fanfares, waving flags, matching uniforms, global community. It brings tears to my eyes every time. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">My all-time favorite Olympic sport to watch is the Men's Gymnastics. More specifically, the still rings. The </span></span><a href="http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/Story.aspx?tabid=218&prog=m"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#3333ff;">Maltese cross</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ff0000;">, where the athlete holds himself in a straight position, parallel to the ground, blows my mind. You can actually see their muscles quivering to maintain the body in perfect form. The way that these guys (and all the other athletes gathered in Beijing) train and discipline their bodies is noth</span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ing short of amazing. That's the only word I can find for it: amazing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Did you see the men's gymnastics team finals last night?<a href="http://www.nbcolympics.com/gymnastics/photos/galleryid=199877.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;"> Team USA</span> </a>pulled off an upset by clenching the bronze medal. More impressive, though, was Team China's performance. Their coach said that if his team comes home with less than 5 gold medals, he will deem it an unsuccessful Olympics. Oh, gosh. That's intense. I'm glad they won.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /></span><a href="http://ccfb.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#3333ff;">Joe</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, an avid Olympics fan, blogged recently "What one thing do you wish you could excel at that you don’t already?" For me, it would be gymnastics. I would love to have that much control over mind and body. And would love to look that good in navy blue and red spandex.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Another one of the reasons I love the Olympics is for the music. It's quite majestic. If you're interested, most of what you hear on NBC intros and outros can be found on <em>John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra:</em> <em>Summon the Heroes </em>album, originally composed for the Atlanta 1996 Games, available on iTunes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">And now, to capture the Olympic Spirit, I leave you the lyrics to the Olympic Hymn:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">Olympian flame immortal<br />Whose beacon lights our way<br />Emblaze our hearts with the fires of hope<br />On this momentous day<br /><br />As now we come across the world<br />To share these Games of old<br />Let all the flags of every land<br />In brotherhood unfold<br /><br />Sing out each nation, voices strong<br />Rise up in harmony<br />All hail our brave Olympians<br />With strains of victory<br /><br />Olympic light burn on and on<br />O'er seas and mountains and plains<br />Unite, inspire, bring honor<br />To these ascending games<br />May valor reign victorious<br />Along the path of golden way<br /><br />As tomorrow's new champions now come forth<br />Rising to the fervent spirit of the game<br />Let splendour pervade each noble deed<br />Crowned with glory and fame<br /><br />And let fraternity and fellowship<br />Surround the soul of every nation<br /><br />Oh flame, eternal in your firmament so bright<br />Illuminate us with your everlasting light<br />That grace and beauty and magnificence<br /><br />Shine like the sun<br />Blazing above<br />Bestow on us your honor, truth and love</span> </em><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em></em></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-21396568814207301612008-08-09T13:46:00.003-04:002008-08-09T13:51:23.662-04:00Makes Me Laugh Out Loud<a href="http://tenreasonsitwouldruletodateaunicorn.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">10 Reasons It Would Rule To Date A Unicorn</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><a href="http://mingle2.com/blog/view/dating-tyrannosaurus"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">9 Reasons Not To Date A Tyrannosaurus Rex</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Thanks, M.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-3992771315825723882008-08-01T14:03:00.003-04:002008-08-01T14:08:04.110-04:00I'm done<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I'm done catering to people's comfort levels. I'm done squashing my own self in the name of respect for others' opinions. I'm done with euphemisms. I'm done keeping my mouth shut. I'm done.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-44696273581442043412008-07-28T09:12:00.002-04:002008-07-28T09:27:49.637-04:00Little House on the Prairie, the musical!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcs9CJb3mYYYPDXQRKE1QFLFAl4G1-GqkIPl_ScQaIJED3ypsvULzqPkJO4ky6P4Vq2t6OTJei3dUOjg85qqKdhQI53qrvDOKKmGHLKsHZBUMwU2WHQQFV068d-yeiOAGEr3g8g/s1600-h/Little+House+on+the+Prairie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228055738221980322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcs9CJb3mYYYPDXQRKE1QFLFAl4G1-GqkIPl_ScQaIJED3ypsvULzqPkJO4ky6P4Vq2t6OTJei3dUOjg85qqKdhQI53qrvDOKKmGHLKsHZBUMwU2WHQQFV068d-yeiOAGEr3g8g/s320/Little+House+on+the+Prairie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today's </span><a href="http://theater.nytimes.com/pages/theater/index.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">New York Times</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> tells me that <em>Little House on the Prairie</em> has been staged as a musical! What could be better than combining the American homestead, prairie life, blindness, and musical theatre?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001271/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Melissa Gilbert</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> (who played Laura in the TV series) is playing Ma in the stage production. Awesome. The show opened this weekend in Minneapolis with obvious hopes of making it to Broadway. I guarantee that Casey and I will be there with open arms to welcome the show to NYC. We have many fond memories of <em>LHOTP</em> and it's one of our favorite reminiscences. To see the show become a musical is somewhat of a dream come true. If the show does make it to Broadway, I only hope that we can attend the performance dressed as our favorite character. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-87623516763642699002008-07-25T11:21:00.003-04:002008-07-25T11:42:45.021-04:00The Performance of a Lifetime<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOSGAkYhU71SEIVBssoXt46vAs31g9Q6a6Uc8kDWfx_4_YNxeRzHOP0azokKvZCQ2tnFfCgmmJl285-GDYQT92tbs_MgOH9W9uE6Yi19_ITs619eSWFy6wYOQEsOv9oHkP04Utw/s1600-h/gypsy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226977137554321394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOSGAkYhU71SEIVBssoXt46vAs31g9Q6a6Uc8kDWfx_4_YNxeRzHOP0azokKvZCQ2tnFfCgmmJl285-GDYQT92tbs_MgOH9W9uE6Yi19_ITs619eSWFy6wYOQEsOv9oHkP04Utw/s320/gypsy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Last night, I went to see <em>Gypsy</em> starring </span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Patti LuPone</span></strong>. Patti LuPone, people! Holy cow! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The show was beyond incredible. It was, honestly, the greatest theatre performance I've ever witnessed. This woman commanded such a presence from the moment she walked on stage. I mean, she is <strong>Patti LuPone</strong>. Her voice was throaty, bold, and experienced. When she threw her arms up in the air and belted out "Everything's Coming Up Roses", I said to myself </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"Don't ever forget this moment." I may have had tears in my eyes. Shhh.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">If you care about the theatre at all, you must go see <em>Gypsy</em> while Ms. LuPone is playing Rose. It will be the performance of a lifetime and worth every single penny. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-52295428296606686502008-07-16T17:29:00.003-04:002008-07-16T18:06:30.712-04:00Sex And The City<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5MuK6s7iZh53qdzKSp892O0UkyXRTi24ly93iIeUtKEFwAO0QdRCNtDo6iMO3ctBiJZpBm_VBzf21IJGHJNWyU_tsiboJ51BR_Jo-ljdwV1d7SBEV4JlvDpx9JnnO83I0mJsTg/s1600-h/2008_sex_and_the_city_poster_001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223736481582509826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5MuK6s7iZh53qdzKSp892O0UkyXRTi24ly93iIeUtKEFwAO0QdRCNtDo6iMO3ctBiJZpBm_VBzf21IJGHJNWyU_tsiboJ51BR_Jo-ljdwV1d7SBEV4JlvDpx9JnnO83I0mJsTg/s400/2008_sex_and_the_city_poster_001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I've seen Sex And The City twice now and can't seem to get it out of my head. The movie, the soundtrack, everything is surprisingly captivating. Understand, I have no special connection to the girls or the HBO series. I've seen the series intermittently in syndication and it's good, to be sure. It's fun, a little bit shallow, and really glamorizes NYC. But I wasn't particularly excited about the movie coming out. I went to see it on a whim. </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The movie, though, is about real New York. It's about people trying their best at relationships and failing, and trying again. It's about making huge mistakes. It's about forgiveness (cue the song). It's about never being alone in the world. It's about loving your loyals without condition. And, hopefully, it's about falling in love someday, despite the odds. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There's this powerful scene where Carrie shows up at Miranda's door, unannounced, on New Year's Eve. Miranda opens the door, Carrie hugs her and says, <em>"You're not alone."</em> That's it. Simple as that. You're not alone. </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is one of my mantras. It's important that you say to people you love, as often as you tell them you love them, to tell them "You're not alone."</span> </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-623768829808035722008-06-10T09:42:00.004-04:002008-06-10T10:35:23.694-04:00Terminology<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPnBvffYuYpu__WSfR2aGeog0fopxyC27K9oZbn6XMyE6uG8ajmX1ulmdu4hw3Q7AFoN_J3cAZC5QSgeI-9SwRzNeXHcyjaJmhwCxMT_Sswkfot7F2eJYJt-qQwE-3QFEqxsSwA/s1600-h/bromance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210257219210378338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPnBvffYuYpu__WSfR2aGeog0fopxyC27K9oZbn6XMyE6uG8ajmX1ulmdu4hw3Q7AFoN_J3cAZC5QSgeI-9SwRzNeXHcyjaJmhwCxMT_Sswkfot7F2eJYJt-qQwE-3QFEqxsSwA/s200/bromance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We've all heard of gaydar, yes? It's the keen perception that allows one to judge whether another is gay or straight, based on appearance. The last few months, it seems my gaydar is broken. Maybe I'm getting older and losing touch with the new class of gays. Or maybe, it's because the line is becoming increasing blurred between heterosexual and homosexual dudes. Here's some new terminology that I've recently become familiar with, courtesy of <a href="http://men.style.com/details/">Details</a>, that will keep you in-the-know, and the categories clear:<br /><br /><strong>Bromance</strong> - a reciprocated mancrush between two heterosexual guys; term made famous by the movie <em><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/superbad/">Superbad</a></em>; when you say to your best friend, "I'm not gay dude. But if I was, you'd be the one"; famous bromances include Matt Damon & Ben Affleck, Geeorge Clooney & Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey & Lance Armstrong </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Stray</strong> - a heterosexual guy who is consistently mistaken as gay; blame it on the appearance, the mannerisms, the speech, whatever else; the stray guy is 100% straight, no doubt about it (not to be confused with guys on the downlow, who call themselves straight but actually sleep with other dudes); famous strays include Ryan Seacrest and Kenny Chesney </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><strong>Straymance </strong>- my own term; the requited mancrush between a straight dude and a gay dude; a purely platonic relationship; the inter-sexual version of the bromance</div><div><br />Who knew there were new categories emerging to make the once-unmistakable now very-mistakable? Eh, I guess you live and learn. And there's probably some lesson to be learned here about stereotyping, but I'll let you (and me) read between the lines to figure it out.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-36226457424159103792008-05-30T07:07:00.003-04:002008-05-30T07:40:32.151-04:00Thou Art The Potter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HIFVeP-_fnUPL4jzs8pii8uO5i-rXuFPp707OFuPMCeZmvbcXljL57VhEdmbhAgoRAhuTN6Q1c-SvKUuhgYv6ynyP523rzQkhl7lxHuGz8shdrCjLiFLqK_zkgoSolJ1523n3Q/s1600-h/clay+figure.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206133194636344034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HIFVeP-_fnUPL4jzs8pii8uO5i-rXuFPp707OFuPMCeZmvbcXljL57VhEdmbhAgoRAhuTN6Q1c-SvKUuhgYv6ynyP523rzQkhl7lxHuGz8shdrCjLiFLqK_zkgoSolJ1523n3Q/s200/clay+figure.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I've been up all night, so this post is composed as I'm feeling tired and probably a little bit vulnerable. But I've been thinking a lot about God tonight.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">When I pray, there's a difference between "going before the Father" with routine prayer and "<em>really</em> going before the Father", exposed, vulnerable, pissed off, hollowed out, etc. In other words, though my heart is always in it, some prayer time is more poignant than others. The poignant ones take many forms: There's the prayer when I feel rotten because of sin and I come crawling on my knees. There's the one where I feel disconnected from God and come asking for renewal. There's the one where I'm angry and the prayer involves more harsh words than kind ones. There's the one where I'm overwhelmed and seek peace. But none of those really describe how I'm feeling right now. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">You know how clay (or Play-Doh) gets those little cracks in it if it has been left out for too long? That's how I'm feeling. Still pliable, but with little cracks in me that need to me kneaded and smoothed out. I want to feel the hands of God physically working me over. Not in a forgiving way, but rather in a nurturing way. You ever feel like you need God to make himself known in the physical, tangible sense? </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><a href="http://reallivepreacher.com/">Real Live Preacher</a> makes the comment that he occasionally sneaks into churches and takes naps in the pews because he likes the feeling that God is watching over him. That's what I want right now. I want to walk into an empty cathedral and lay down in the back pew and just go to sleep. For hours and hours. And wake up and feel sore because God's hands have been at work.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Like so many <a href="http://ccfb.wordpress.com/">others</a>, I'm spent. Life is a little bit hard right now. I'm nearing a breaking point. Lend me your hands, God. I'm the clay (or blue Play-Doh). Have Thine Own Way.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-89780524750217451592008-05-27T08:26:00.004-04:002008-05-27T12:33:16.159-04:00Hill Country BBQ<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEbYWEG1oS1M4PNPnGGc2pPGDrIIj_uurOWDJX4RfMIVRVzoNssuXMaStG5ve_Q5nDLqd7ySw3UnNTEoilgid-iObu8QvjCWcloSOIhULh5BO7DZkQXlk9tYu0CxxnU-QUvDXCw/s1600-h/hillcountry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205039700257749714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEbYWEG1oS1M4PNPnGGc2pPGDrIIj_uurOWDJX4RfMIVRVzoNssuXMaStG5ve_Q5nDLqd7ySw3UnNTEoilgid-iObu8QvjCWcloSOIhULh5BO7DZkQXlk9tYu0CxxnU-QUvDXCw/s200/hillcountry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yesterday, being Memorial Day, necessitated a menu of red meat and beer. It's the way that we Texans honor the fallen. Normally, I'd fix the burgers or meat myself, but since I'm studying again these days, I opted to have someone else do the cooking. So, Casey and I went to check out this new restaurant that has opened called </span><a href="http://www.hillcountryny.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Hill Country</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Hill Country is modeled after the famous </span><a href="http://i.pbase.com/g6/61/449461/2/70698913.IlmfM4nM.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Kreuz Market</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> in Lockhart, Texas. For the men in my family, Kreuz is somewhat of a sanctuary. Imagine my excitement to find a BBQ place, another Kreuz Market, in New York City!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now, imagine my disappointment. This place was WAY overpriced. Two beef ribs and 4 small slices of brisket cost me $17.50. No lie. Didn't include side dishes nor beverages. They do their service counter-style, where you take your tray from counter to counter, and ask the pitmaster or side-dish-master (?) for what you want. Everything is served on butcher paper, like BBQ should be, but the nostalgia did not make up for the tough texture and overly sweet (read: bad) BBQ sauce served with the meat.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The decor is grossly "Texas-centric". It tries too hard. The waitresses were even wearing cowboy boots. Yep, that's right. You know, because everyone in Texas wear cowboy boots. (I love mine, but not for waiting tables.)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The only saving grace for this place was the Blue Bell Ice Cream and Lone Star Beer. Thankfully, those things are made somewhere else and shipped to NYC, so they offered the same taste and satisfaction I remember from my days in Austin. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Fellow Texans, don't waste your time or your money on this place. If you want some BBQ, let's get together sometime soon and do it up right ourselves. I'll cook the meat, somebody else bring the sides, and I promise, no one will wear cowboy boots.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-27023710007641979022008-05-20T00:49:00.003-04:002008-05-20T00:55:19.654-04:00MCAT update<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">I got my MCAT scores back recently and they are not as competitive as I want them to be. So, I'm going to re-take the exam on June 13. Interestingly enough, I am not upset as I had imagined myself in this situation. On the contrary, it's a matter of "If I need to take the test again in order to be a more competitive applicant, so be it. I have to do what I have to do."</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Thanks for support and well-wishes. Keep you all posted.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-64769550590825436952008-05-13T22:07:00.003-04:002008-05-13T22:44:59.612-04:00Home Improvement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzBYTsTfOvDfJGrtDsVnCXGPP31wd7q2DXYbgHl8-9eBiBU8gBHccrpP8YwLnNPj0bxnaLKEWUlISaVN4mNaOE1oUakeO1UWmMc8nSJXPenpG3oekLqmWfC_VLpHeOwXesqmEpw/s1600-h/IMG_2061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200052482257099122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzBYTsTfOvDfJGrtDsVnCXGPP31wd7q2DXYbgHl8-9eBiBU8gBHccrpP8YwLnNPj0bxnaLKEWUlISaVN4mNaOE1oUakeO1UWmMc8nSJXPenpG3oekLqmWfC_VLpHeOwXesqmEpw/s200/IMG_2061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I<span style="font-size:85%;"> have successfully completed my first home-improvement project. I installed four bookshelves on my bedroom walls. It's been a week-long process involving many trips to Home Depot , countless conversations with <a href="http://jonesfamilyatx.blogspot.com/">Matthew</a>, and a few new tools. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">I called my sister-in-law today from Home Depot as I was looking for some drill bits I had forgotten. Lovingly/sarcastically, she said "What a surprise... A Jones man starting out to do a project without all of the proper equipment." What can I say, it's genetic. And, I didn't mind perusing the aisles once again. It's a little bit therapeutic.</span></p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-85511233756486699682008-05-07T17:24:00.002-04:002008-05-07T17:26:59.097-04:00Myanmar Relief<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">OEM (Office of Emergency Management) urges those who wish to help those affected by the cyclone in Myanmar to make cash donations. A list of organizations collecting donations can be found at Network for Good (</span><a href="http://www.networkforgood.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">http://www.networkforgood.org</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">). Please consider making a donation.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37798022.post-25641203843848636182008-04-19T15:20:00.006-04:002008-04-26T11:01:08.108-04:00Catching Up<span style="font-family:times new roman;">I survived the MCAT yesterday. It was a hard test, to be sure. I expected as much, though, and am really glad it's over. The actual test-taking experience was not nearly as brutal as the studying and preparation. I should have my results in the next 30 days or so.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">**************************</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Have you heard of <a href="http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/index.php/international/us">Leona Lewis</a>? This girl is awesome. She won the UK's version of <em>American Idol. </em>Her debut album, <em>Spirit</em>, is incredible. Check it out and see what you think. I doubt you'll be disappointed.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">**************************</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">These are the days I love New York and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The last few days have seen temps in the mid-70s, bright blue cloudless skies, and tons of sunshine. I didn't wear my winter coat for the first time this week. New Yorkers are waking from our long winter nap, and we're hitting the streets in droves. Literally, people stop on the sidewalk and just stare into the sunlight. I was all over mid-town yesterday just walking and walking and loving being outside. I spent a couple of hours meandering through Central Park around dusk yesterday evening. NYC is truly a place unlike any other.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">**************************</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Wilber's show, <em>Swing</em>, opened last week in Beach Haven, NJ, but I haven't been down to see it yet on account of studying. So, Casey and I are headed down to the Jersey Shore this afternoon in our rented Volvo S40 to go see the show and lend some support to Wilber.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">**************************</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2