First off, I'd like to say, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years everyone! I was going to try to come up with a Christmas themed blog, but I couldn't really think of anything!
Something did happen on Christmas Eve at work though that inspired me to write this blog. At this point I would like to say that by "crazy people" I don't mean people with mental illnesses, or chemical imbalance issues of any kind, because that is not a joking matter (and the PC police would for sure be after me!) But while I was at work, taking/preparing carryout orders, I got very flustered about a situation. Here's what happened...
Some older guy with dyed black hair came up to me and said that he had ordered two pumpkin supreme pies. I told him to hold on for just a few moments while I looked through the future orders report. While I was being extremely professional and said "hmm, looks like you're not on the future order reports.. let me check on the computer" he kept on repeating in a very harsh tone of voice "NO, NO NO! DONT TELL ME THAT! DONT TELL ME THAT! I ORDERED THOSE PIES THE OTHER DAY. I ORDERED THOSE PIES THE OTHER DAY! I ORDERED THOSE PIES THE OTHER DAY!
You get the picture
So, again, very professionally I said "I know sir, I understand. I'm so sorry. I dont know why you're not on here. Let me go ahead and ring you in those pies, I will talk to my KP person, and we'll get those pies out to you quickly okay?"
"THIS IS BULL S***! WHAT KIND OF OPERATION ARE YOU RUNNING HERE HUH? THIS IS BULL-S***!"
As soon as he exhausted himself from complaining the KP person quickly prepared his pies, and two minutes later I was bagging them up for him, while he was still complaining getting me all flustered.
Crazy People. I really don't understand them. First of all it's Christmas Eve, why not be more joyful? Secondly, if he would've just listened to me for a second instead of rant, he would've realized that we had his pies, it was just that the manager who took his order the previous night didn't enter his order in the computer, but just wrote it and put it in the office for future reference. Thirdly, I don't believe that pies is something to get that upset over, even if we did make a huge mistake. My friend worked at a call center for a couple of months, with customers calling in about TV problems. When I say "calling in" I mean "cussing out". And I've never seen my friend so upset and flustered in his life.
It's just food... It's just TV...
For everyone who works in a customer service role, I applaud you. They can suck the happiness right out of you. Even when you are being extremely professional, and doing everything you can, they don't return the favor by being resonable human beings. Please, send me your stories through Facebook or whatever, and we can vent together!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Power of Hugs
We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.
-Virginia Satir
I remember back in 2006, on the eve of "Move In Day" of my Freshman Year of college, I went to Dixie Chilli with my best friend, and my brother. My friend was going off to a different college the next day as well, so we weren't going to see each other for a couple of months. As we said our goodbyes, we stood there for a brief second, realizing that just a simple handshake, or a simple goodbye wasn't going to cut it. We had to do a classic man hug*. And just that one simple gesture described the impact of our friendship.
Before that I didn't really even discover a hug, with exceptions of course to my family. But during the course of college, almost after every semester, there was that week of finals where I'd say goodbye to my new friends. Sure, maybe I didn't hug all the Bobby Jones' who borrowed my notes to copy down for a midterm. But all those classmates-turned-friends who you have an instant connection with, surviving the course together, sometimes having to spend hours in the library for a project, or the accumulation of hours after class talking about how crazy the professor was. You just need to finish out that term with a simple hug.
Less is More
I think that this expression fits the bill when it comes to hugging. A simple hug tells the story of frienship, love, appreciation, affection, dependancy, and sometimes even vulnerability. As a Communication Studies major, my interest was learning about nonverbal communication, body language, and more specifically Haptics, the study of touch. I learned that an astounding 93% of our communication is nonverbal! But with all that being said, I still feel this power, and energy after a hug. I feel an increased sense of connection, and closeness, aside from the physical proximity.
There are, I believe, different types of hugging. There's that really soft, wimpy and polite type of hug, where you think to yourself Oh, they don't like being hugged. I'm invading their personal space. Of course with these hugs, it's alright and everything but you don't feel the power. I'm mainly talking about the real, sincere, firm hugs, in which you feel the connection, and very relationship between the person and yourself. I remember on one of those final exam weeks, I said goodbye to a friend in my class with a hug. In my mind's eye, I was just visualizing her giving me a polite hug. But she gave me a real hug, holding it in place for a few seconds. That made my whole week, and sometimes that's tough during finals week!
I want to finish off this blog by showing you this 'chart' for lack of a better term. These are the levels of touch, according to me. Now I also want to say at this point, I mainly have this in mind with flirting (a whole blog about flirting will come at a later date!), or male/female relationships for example, but this could also be for all you bro's out there. Don't fear the hug!
"Levels of Touch"
1. Point/Tap
2. Highfive, or knuckles
3. Hold Shoulder/Massage Shoulder, etc
4. Highfive Hug (prolonged highfives, where you interlock fingers/hold in place
5. Double Highfive Hug
6. One handed hug/side hug
7. Normal Hug (Polite, quicker, less of a hold)
8. Real Hug w/ hold
---
Unchartered Territory!
*Man Hug* (as defined by Eric) - You go for a normal handshake with your righthand, you proceed to shake hands while you reach back, and pat your friends back two times.
-Virginia Satir
I remember back in 2006, on the eve of "Move In Day" of my Freshman Year of college, I went to Dixie Chilli with my best friend, and my brother. My friend was going off to a different college the next day as well, so we weren't going to see each other for a couple of months. As we said our goodbyes, we stood there for a brief second, realizing that just a simple handshake, or a simple goodbye wasn't going to cut it. We had to do a classic man hug*. And just that one simple gesture described the impact of our friendship.
Before that I didn't really even discover a hug, with exceptions of course to my family. But during the course of college, almost after every semester, there was that week of finals where I'd say goodbye to my new friends. Sure, maybe I didn't hug all the Bobby Jones' who borrowed my notes to copy down for a midterm. But all those classmates-turned-friends who you have an instant connection with, surviving the course together, sometimes having to spend hours in the library for a project, or the accumulation of hours after class talking about how crazy the professor was. You just need to finish out that term with a simple hug.
Less is More
I think that this expression fits the bill when it comes to hugging. A simple hug tells the story of frienship, love, appreciation, affection, dependancy, and sometimes even vulnerability. As a Communication Studies major, my interest was learning about nonverbal communication, body language, and more specifically Haptics, the study of touch. I learned that an astounding 93% of our communication is nonverbal! But with all that being said, I still feel this power, and energy after a hug. I feel an increased sense of connection, and closeness, aside from the physical proximity.
There are, I believe, different types of hugging. There's that really soft, wimpy and polite type of hug, where you think to yourself Oh, they don't like being hugged. I'm invading their personal space. Of course with these hugs, it's alright and everything but you don't feel the power. I'm mainly talking about the real, sincere, firm hugs, in which you feel the connection, and very relationship between the person and yourself. I remember on one of those final exam weeks, I said goodbye to a friend in my class with a hug. In my mind's eye, I was just visualizing her giving me a polite hug. But she gave me a real hug, holding it in place for a few seconds. That made my whole week, and sometimes that's tough during finals week!
I want to finish off this blog by showing you this 'chart' for lack of a better term. These are the levels of touch, according to me. Now I also want to say at this point, I mainly have this in mind with flirting (a whole blog about flirting will come at a later date!), or male/female relationships for example, but this could also be for all you bro's out there. Don't fear the hug!
"Levels of Touch"
1. Point/Tap
2. Highfive, or knuckles
3. Hold Shoulder/Massage Shoulder, etc
4. Highfive Hug (prolonged highfives, where you interlock fingers/hold in place
5. Double Highfive Hug
6. One handed hug/side hug
7. Normal Hug (Polite, quicker, less of a hold)
8. Real Hug w/ hold
---
Unchartered Territory!
*Man Hug* (as defined by Eric) - You go for a normal handshake with your righthand, you proceed to shake hands while you reach back, and pat your friends back two times.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Self Help
Like most 22 year old guys, I went to the library the other week and looked around their "Self Help" section, in search for inspiration (okay, maybe I'm the only guy that would do such a thing!) I rented out two books: One being "the Unofficial Guide to Excel 2003". So far I figured out how to do alot of different things to help me out with the program. Hopefully by the time I'm done I could be "intermediate" with it. The second book I picked up there, had a lady on it with big white teeth with the title "Stand Up For Your Life". And so far it's really helping me out.
While I love the self help section, I also tend to be very skeptical. Some of the books I read over the years just weren't striking the chords, deep from within. They were just okay. Also one of the first thoughts that came across my mind when I picked this one up was, I bet this is very secular, which won't help me all too much.
On the contrary!
Cheryl Richardson, the author of this book "Stand Up for Your Life", uses phrases like "Divine Assignment" (aka your purpose in life), and improving your "spiritual development". While she doesnt come out and say that she's a christian, and preaches chapter by chapter, it's very clear.
The other reason why I love this book so much, is she calls it, and treats it like, a progam. There are multiple sections in a chapter, and each section I feel like she tells me to write something in my journal, or do something that day, or week. The hardest assignment she had me do was narrow down my four essential values, from a list of about 25. Not only did I refine them, and change them numerous times, but I also had to write 10 things I needed to change in my life to mirror my 4 essential values. Deep stuff! I couldn't even read on without first completing this task!
Hopefully near the end I will be able to unlock my hidden potential, build up my confidence, and courage, and just be a force to be reckoned with! I know that there's a better me out there, and with the power of God, I'm going to find him!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Crying
I remember when I was six years old, and I fell down to the hard sidewalk. My knee was gushing with blood, and I just starting bawling! It seems to me though that I fell alot when I was a kid. Especially during the terrible two's, you see those toddlers fall (actually sometimes it's quite funny), and they have this 3 second delayed reaction, and then they start crying.
When we get older, we don't cry during physical falls anymore, but we still cry during falls. When we get older, there are so many other things that make us emotional, and that we worry and stress over. For me, I bundle up my emotions inside, and sometimes this "grenade" that I create just goes off, and I loose it!
In the Bible it mentions how we should be like the children are. I think in a lot of ways we are children, especially in God's eyes. Whenever I cry, and sometimes even bawl, I often pray too, and those are the moments at times where I feel God's presence the most, and where I just feel the most vulnerable.
That's why I think in alot of ways a good cry is needed every now and then. It makes me feel like I'm more of a child, and makes me feel more dependent on my Father. And I think that's the way it should be.
Now, I have to admit at this point, I think I cry more than the average guy. But I don't care, I'm not going to hide under this "macho" shell or anything like alot of guys do. To end this blog, I would like to share with you a clip that made me cry uncontrollably. It's the last scene from the movie Rudy, where he finally gets a chance to play for Notre Dame, his dream. I think that everybody connects with an underdog story, and this is the best one out there. I guess I connected with it a little too much!
Enjoy! :)
When we get older, we don't cry during physical falls anymore, but we still cry during falls. When we get older, there are so many other things that make us emotional, and that we worry and stress over. For me, I bundle up my emotions inside, and sometimes this "grenade" that I create just goes off, and I loose it!
In the Bible it mentions how we should be like the children are. I think in a lot of ways we are children, especially in God's eyes. Whenever I cry, and sometimes even bawl, I often pray too, and those are the moments at times where I feel God's presence the most, and where I just feel the most vulnerable.
That's why I think in alot of ways a good cry is needed every now and then. It makes me feel like I'm more of a child, and makes me feel more dependent on my Father. And I think that's the way it should be.
Now, I have to admit at this point, I think I cry more than the average guy. But I don't care, I'm not going to hide under this "macho" shell or anything like alot of guys do. To end this blog, I would like to share with you a clip that made me cry uncontrollably. It's the last scene from the movie Rudy, where he finally gets a chance to play for Notre Dame, his dream. I think that everybody connects with an underdog story, and this is the best one out there. I guess I connected with it a little too much!
Enjoy! :)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
What Do They Got, That I Don't Got?
Some guys have all the luck
Some guys have all the pain
Some guys have all the breaks
Some guys do nothing but complain
-Rod Stewart
Throughout the last couple of years, I've constantly had these three goals in my head...
1) Independence
2) A Career
3) A Significant Other
Now, as I look around my peer groups, I realize all around me that alot of them have this. One friend has independence (aka bachelor pad), and a good career. Another friend not only has a signficant other, but he's on the cusp of getting married. I often tell my friends that their successes are my successes, and how I love watching them accomplish their goals and dreams. But sometimes, theres that question that always arises, "what do they got, that I dont got?"
This blog isnt going to be a laundry list of my complaints, and vendetta's against the lucky. In fact it's going to be about my candor and convictions. Tonight, I want to talk about one of, what I think, the worst feelings: Jealousy.
Jealousy doesnt allow me to share my friends successes. Instead it just allows me to wallow up in anger and loneliness. Sometimes (well, maybe even most of the time) I have jealousy as a default response. Let's say my friend gets in a relationship. Instead of my first reaction being joy, and happiness, wanting to wish my friend the best, theres that slight reaction of jealousy, and almost even anger. But anger at what? Myself? Society? or worse... God?
Jealousy is something that I need to get rid of to become more emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Again I feel as if its one of the worst feelings in the world, and its one of those sins that I have trouble with.
So instead of thinking, "well what do they got, that I dont got?" I just want to vanquish jealousy, and say "wow, im so glad they're doing well, and I'm so glad to share they're excitement! let's all go to Olive Garden! I'm buying!" :)
Some guys have all the pain
Some guys have all the breaks
Some guys do nothing but complain
-Rod Stewart
Throughout the last couple of years, I've constantly had these three goals in my head...
1) Independence
2) A Career
3) A Significant Other
Now, as I look around my peer groups, I realize all around me that alot of them have this. One friend has independence (aka bachelor pad), and a good career. Another friend not only has a signficant other, but he's on the cusp of getting married. I often tell my friends that their successes are my successes, and how I love watching them accomplish their goals and dreams. But sometimes, theres that question that always arises, "what do they got, that I dont got?"
This blog isnt going to be a laundry list of my complaints, and vendetta's against the lucky. In fact it's going to be about my candor and convictions. Tonight, I want to talk about one of, what I think, the worst feelings: Jealousy.
Jealousy doesnt allow me to share my friends successes. Instead it just allows me to wallow up in anger and loneliness. Sometimes (well, maybe even most of the time) I have jealousy as a default response. Let's say my friend gets in a relationship. Instead of my first reaction being joy, and happiness, wanting to wish my friend the best, theres that slight reaction of jealousy, and almost even anger. But anger at what? Myself? Society? or worse... God?
Jealousy is something that I need to get rid of to become more emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Again I feel as if its one of the worst feelings in the world, and its one of those sins that I have trouble with.
So instead of thinking, "well what do they got, that I dont got?" I just want to vanquish jealousy, and say "wow, im so glad they're doing well, and I'm so glad to share they're excitement! let's all go to Olive Garden! I'm buying!" :)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Prisoner of Hope
Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope;
even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
Zechariah 9:12
I often use a whole line of prison metaphors to sometimes describe my feelings. "I need to break free" "I feel like I'm in a prison", "Lord get me out of here!"
The thing is I do feel like a prisoner! A prisoner of worry, fear, and discouragement. I feel like I need to break free from it all, before I can realize my true potential. I feel like I have alot to offer, but I can't do anything because I'm in this prison.
Maybe I dont need to break free. Maybe I just need to become a prisoner of hope. I'd constantly look on the bright side, and I'd constantly have a smile on my face. "Eric, your car just broke down, why are you smiling??", "Eric you're working 50 hours a week, but you never complain or seem groggy!" I couldnt help it because I'd be a prisoner of hope.
I got this idea from the minister/author Joel Osteen, in his book It's Your Time. This book lifted me up, as every other sentence was inspiring! Another idea he was talking about was the fact that we are "closer than we think" to our goals and dreams. Even though things might seem tough now, that might mean we are even closer! He gave the example of a pregnancy, and how the first couple months arent too bad, but then it just keeps on getting worse. But then obviously things get dramatically better when you hold your child in the hospital for the first time.
I just thought I'd share this inspirational message, as it's been on my mind lately. Until next time... Keep on hoping and praying!
even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
Zechariah 9:12
I often use a whole line of prison metaphors to sometimes describe my feelings. "I need to break free" "I feel like I'm in a prison", "Lord get me out of here!"
The thing is I do feel like a prisoner! A prisoner of worry, fear, and discouragement. I feel like I need to break free from it all, before I can realize my true potential. I feel like I have alot to offer, but I can't do anything because I'm in this prison.
Maybe I dont need to break free. Maybe I just need to become a prisoner of hope. I'd constantly look on the bright side, and I'd constantly have a smile on my face. "Eric, your car just broke down, why are you smiling??", "Eric you're working 50 hours a week, but you never complain or seem groggy!" I couldnt help it because I'd be a prisoner of hope.
I got this idea from the minister/author Joel Osteen, in his book It's Your Time. This book lifted me up, as every other sentence was inspiring! Another idea he was talking about was the fact that we are "closer than we think" to our goals and dreams. Even though things might seem tough now, that might mean we are even closer! He gave the example of a pregnancy, and how the first couple months arent too bad, but then it just keeps on getting worse. But then obviously things get dramatically better when you hold your child in the hospital for the first time.
I just thought I'd share this inspirational message, as it's been on my mind lately. Until next time... Keep on hoping and praying!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Advice
Be quick to listen, slow to speak...
-James 1:19
Advice to me is like a double edged sword; it could really help you, encourage you, and build you up, or it can confuse you, and tear you down. Alot of my friends rag on me for not taking their advice. It's actually becoming more like a joke really, "oh, I dont know why I'm wasting my breath, I know you're not going to take it!" they all say.
Sometimes though, I dont even ask for it! I just need a listening ear. Take this example for instance...
I think listening is the best form of "advice" you can give someone. We really just need to talk our problems out for a couple of hours with someone else encouraging, presenting ideas, praying, and supporting. Maybe after a couple of hours, we would figure out the answer ourselves. Which leads me to the next point!
The best person that could give us advice, is ourselves. If you think about it our situation's are so unique and so personalized, that others might have a hard time to decipher the problem and relate to it. Sometimes when I ask for advice to friends, I feel like they are saying "oh thats easy Eric! It's like stealing candy from a baby! All you do is...." But they just have no idea! It would be so cool if I could discuss my problems with another version of myself. Possibly even my future self. Maybe he would have a monotone, and an annoying slight resemblence of Obama, but the difference would be he would be wiser.
-James 1:19
Advice to me is like a double edged sword; it could really help you, encourage you, and build you up, or it can confuse you, and tear you down. Alot of my friends rag on me for not taking their advice. It's actually becoming more like a joke really, "oh, I dont know why I'm wasting my breath, I know you're not going to take it!" they all say.
Sometimes though, I dont even ask for it! I just need a listening ear. Take this example for instance...
Me- "Hey guys, I'm really excited about my paper I'm writing for my english class. It's going to be a 10 page paper on the mythological, and religious aspects of star wars! Here's the thesis I came up with...."
Friend A - "Ahh man, that thesis is wrong! You should really focus more on..."
Me - "No I dont know, I think this could work. I was getting excited about it!"
Friend B - "No Eric, Friend A is right! That won't work!"
Friend A- "Yeah, you ask for our advice, and you don't take it!"Situations like this, their input is fine, but I wasn't asking for any advice! Alot of times, I think, people mistake "need a listening ear" for "need someone to sweep in and fix the situation!" Sometimes I go away from these 'therapy sessions' feeling more confused and frustrated, because the person would be opinionated, brash, or tell me something that is completely from left field!
I think listening is the best form of "advice" you can give someone. We really just need to talk our problems out for a couple of hours with someone else encouraging, presenting ideas, praying, and supporting. Maybe after a couple of hours, we would figure out the answer ourselves. Which leads me to the next point!
The best person that could give us advice, is ourselves. If you think about it our situation's are so unique and so personalized, that others might have a hard time to decipher the problem and relate to it. Sometimes when I ask for advice to friends, I feel like they are saying "oh thats easy Eric! It's like stealing candy from a baby! All you do is...." But they just have no idea! It would be so cool if I could discuss my problems with another version of myself. Possibly even my future self. Maybe he would have a monotone, and an annoying slight resemblence of Obama, but the difference would be he would be wiser.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Life Without Fear
Their eyes are red and mechanical,
their wings are propellers.
They creep and crawl like spiders,
they fly like japenese beetles.
I try to drink my coke,
I try to eat my potato salad.
But I can feel it buzzing around.
My stomach turns upside down.
This is a poem I JUST NOW made up for this blog about fear. What I'm referring to is my extreme phobia of wasps (throw in hornets, bees, and anything that looks like them as well) In fifth grade, Mrs. Stephenson made the comment on the first day of school "we have a wasp problem in this room, so thats why we have this spray right here" I didn't really think about it too much at the time, because all my nerves were focused on the first day. But I remember that spring, my desk was right infront of a window, with a wasp CONSTANTLY crawling around on it. It was awful. While everyone else was concentrating on their math problems, or learning about Francis Scott Key, I was too busy with my paranoia about the wasp behind me. Where was it? Was it getting closer? Was it going to fly on my papers and sting me? No. It was probably just going to sit there menacingly!
The truth is, fear runs my life. Benjamin Franklin said "There's nothing to fear, but fear itself" and he's right on the money. Fear traps me in the corner, and doesnt let me go. It robs me of my happiness. Fear of new challenges, and words like "fast paced, multi tasking" doesnt help when I apply for jobs. Fear of rejection, and fear of change helps me to become perpetually single. It even comes down to fear of wasps/bees/everything becomes a barrier for me when I think about being a father. I mean I dont wanna be a wimpy father!* Here's an example to describe what I'm talking about: My son and I are at the park, and I flip out because of a wasp flying by or something. My son would be like "Dad, what are you sooo afraid of??" as he proceeds to hit the wasp with his fisher price baseball bat, and stomp on it with his size 7 shoes. I mean that would be humiliating! (* see the blog "Manhood" for more on this topic!)
What if life was without fear? Wouldn't that be awesome? I would never have to worry about wasps or bees again. I'm with this small group at church, and we are studying Max Lucado's book "Fearless". And he poses this thought provoking reflection: imagine life without fear. What if our response to threats was faith not fear?
So I think there is something bigger at play here. What if all my fears, worries, insecurities, problems, etc has something to do with my relationship with God, and my lack of faith that He'll provide? That story when Jesus is sleeping on the boat, and his disciples are freaking out over a great storm is a perfect picture of this. Jesus wakes up and says, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Mat 8:26.
Seriously why am I so afraid? This is the crux of the matter I tell you, and this is one example, out of many why I'm not deserving of His grace. I also argue that worry and fear are twin brothers. I'm all worried now at this time because I'm just so confused about my future. "Oh you of little faith!" Jesus is saying to me.
I am constantly a work in progress. I really need to have some more faith!
their wings are propellers.
They creep and crawl like spiders,
they fly like japenese beetles.
I try to drink my coke,
I try to eat my potato salad.
But I can feel it buzzing around.
My stomach turns upside down.
This is a poem I JUST NOW made up for this blog about fear. What I'm referring to is my extreme phobia of wasps (throw in hornets, bees, and anything that looks like them as well) In fifth grade, Mrs. Stephenson made the comment on the first day of school "we have a wasp problem in this room, so thats why we have this spray right here" I didn't really think about it too much at the time, because all my nerves were focused on the first day. But I remember that spring, my desk was right infront of a window, with a wasp CONSTANTLY crawling around on it. It was awful. While everyone else was concentrating on their math problems, or learning about Francis Scott Key, I was too busy with my paranoia about the wasp behind me. Where was it? Was it getting closer? Was it going to fly on my papers and sting me? No. It was probably just going to sit there menacingly!
The truth is, fear runs my life. Benjamin Franklin said "There's nothing to fear, but fear itself" and he's right on the money. Fear traps me in the corner, and doesnt let me go. It robs me of my happiness. Fear of new challenges, and words like "fast paced, multi tasking" doesnt help when I apply for jobs. Fear of rejection, and fear of change helps me to become perpetually single. It even comes down to fear of wasps/bees/everything becomes a barrier for me when I think about being a father. I mean I dont wanna be a wimpy father!* Here's an example to describe what I'm talking about: My son and I are at the park, and I flip out because of a wasp flying by or something. My son would be like "Dad, what are you sooo afraid of??" as he proceeds to hit the wasp with his fisher price baseball bat, and stomp on it with his size 7 shoes. I mean that would be humiliating! (* see the blog "Manhood" for more on this topic!)
What if life was without fear? Wouldn't that be awesome? I would never have to worry about wasps or bees again. I'm with this small group at church, and we are studying Max Lucado's book "Fearless". And he poses this thought provoking reflection: imagine life without fear. What if our response to threats was faith not fear?
So I think there is something bigger at play here. What if all my fears, worries, insecurities, problems, etc has something to do with my relationship with God, and my lack of faith that He'll provide? That story when Jesus is sleeping on the boat, and his disciples are freaking out over a great storm is a perfect picture of this. Jesus wakes up and says, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Mat 8:26.
Seriously why am I so afraid? This is the crux of the matter I tell you, and this is one example, out of many why I'm not deserving of His grace. I also argue that worry and fear are twin brothers. I'm all worried now at this time because I'm just so confused about my future. "Oh you of little faith!" Jesus is saying to me.
I am constantly a work in progress. I really need to have some more faith!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Showers and Ice Cream
I was running with a friend the other week (btw, running with a friend is sooo much easier than by yourself!), and he was telling me that he was going to hop in the shower afterwards, before he went out again. I told him I was going to do the same. The crazy part was, I was actually really looking forward to simmering down in a nice hot shower after an intense run! There's something I find so therapeutic about it! If using water was free, I would take at least 3 a day!
What I told my buddy afterwards though was something like, "Yeah, the only two things I really need are showers and ice cream. Then I should be good to go!" We both kind of chuckled, but it really got me to thinking.
The larger point I'm trying to make though is, I'm a man of simple things. I consider eating food, especially ice cream, one of my hobbies. Pumpkin ice cream during the fall is even BETTER! I love going to starbucks and just take in all the ambience of smooth jazz, and murmurs of quiet conversation. I love when I cup my hands over my grande carmel apple spice (without the cardboard 'caution this beverage is hot' thing) and then after a moment touch my cheeks with my warm hands. I love having conversations with friends in which you can feel the bond. I love my solitary walks/bike rides in which I get to talk with God, and just enjoy my surroundings (sometimes I spontaneously decide to go on a nature trail, facing my fears against whatever lurks in the woods.. i.e. A BUCK with 12 point antlers!).
Sometimes I think our fast paced society can't enjoy the moment. They constantly have things going on, people to see, parties to go to. Don't even get me started on "Oh Eric, you have to drink and party to have a good time!" What's wrong with actually getting to know people who arent under the influence? What's wrong with just watching a really good movie with some close friends? Nothing.
I think Mr. Hyunh, a character from the best Nickelodian show of all time Hey Arnold, said it best (or sang it best). Remember the episode when he becomes a famous country music star? It was all about the simple things. ( sorry it's just an audio, but awesome nonetheless :) )
What I told my buddy afterwards though was something like, "Yeah, the only two things I really need are showers and ice cream. Then I should be good to go!" We both kind of chuckled, but it really got me to thinking.
The larger point I'm trying to make though is, I'm a man of simple things. I consider eating food, especially ice cream, one of my hobbies. Pumpkin ice cream during the fall is even BETTER! I love going to starbucks and just take in all the ambience of smooth jazz, and murmurs of quiet conversation. I love when I cup my hands over my grande carmel apple spice (without the cardboard 'caution this beverage is hot' thing) and then after a moment touch my cheeks with my warm hands. I love having conversations with friends in which you can feel the bond. I love my solitary walks/bike rides in which I get to talk with God, and just enjoy my surroundings (sometimes I spontaneously decide to go on a nature trail, facing my fears against whatever lurks in the woods.. i.e. A BUCK with 12 point antlers!).
Sometimes I think our fast paced society can't enjoy the moment. They constantly have things going on, people to see, parties to go to. Don't even get me started on "Oh Eric, you have to drink and party to have a good time!" What's wrong with actually getting to know people who arent under the influence? What's wrong with just watching a really good movie with some close friends? Nothing.
I think Mr. Hyunh, a character from the best Nickelodian show of all time Hey Arnold, said it best (or sang it best). Remember the episode when he becomes a famous country music star? It was all about the simple things. ( sorry it's just an audio, but awesome nonetheless :) )
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Manhood
"How many roads must a man walk down, before you call him a man?"
-Bob Dylan
It's funny how I've been minorly obsessed with this topic that is sooo ill defined. To make myself more clear, here is the "6 Steps of Manhood" I came up with for an Advanced Public Speaking course I took....
-Bob Dylan
It's funny how I've been minorly obsessed with this topic that is sooo ill defined. To make myself more clear, here is the "6 Steps of Manhood" I came up with for an Advanced Public Speaking course I took....
6 Steps of Manhood
Basic Car Maintenance (changing flat tire, etc)
Learning how to Grill
Dont know
Dont know
Dont know
Hanging Dry Wall
So according to this list, I'm not a man until I hang drywall! Ahh! That can't be the case. So what is it then? I guess one of the reasons I question my manhood is the amount of time I DONT spend shaving, how I secretly (or I guess, not so secretly) watch the bachelor/bachelorette, and how I have an extreme phobia of wasps (while REAL MEN crush them with their hands and throw the remains in the trash!).
But even when you talk about all those things, I could make the argument that I'm a man because I shot a 12 gauge shotgun right?
Overall though I think I continually think about this quest for manhood because deep down, I think it has to do with being a man of God, being a good father (with all the fruits of the spirit), and being a good husband. My father portrays this picture beautifully! If I ever become half the man he is then I would be a great man, great father, and great husband. Right now though, I'm so far from that. I'm not just talking about being soo far from marriage (never having a gf, yikes!), and having kids and what not, but I think I also need to gain the fruits of the spirit and be a true man of God.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Post Graduation Blues??
PLEASE tell me that I'm not the only one suffering from this phenomenon? We go to school all of our lives, and then we are kicked to this curb called 'the real world' where everyone has ties, and mean scowls!
So far my experiences don't even include interviews! I'm fresh out of college, and on the job hunt (with seemingly no end in sight!) I apply for stuff that requires experience (you need experience to get experience!) and then I go to all these job fairs, which I get scared when some salesman type guy with a pink tie approaches me. No thanks, I'll go to that booth where they have cool looking stress balls.
So I come to the conclusion that I suffer from "Post Graduation Blues". Imagine, if you will, this scene. The end of August comes, and a majority of my friends go back to school, while others go to their careers. I'm in this crazy limbo where I have NEITHER. It's actually more of a pseudo retirement life... While I go out of the house to grab a bite to eat, exercise, or go to my local library, I'm surrounded by seniors! I guess it doesn't help that the library is conveniently right by a nursing home BUT STILL.
As I'm on this job hunt, there are a few things that I'm trying to combat these blues: try new hobby's, have lunch with friends, and don't be way too obsessive about applying for jobs. As far as new hobby's go, I've been trying to run recently. Running is great. The only problem is I'm terrible at it! Do you run with just your toes, or do your heels touch too? IDK.
I think the best advice though comes from above. My mother gave me this card for graduation that said:
In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful, never-changing God in control
And then finally, this verse from Proverbs always makes me feel better:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5
Isn't that comforting! Why should I have blues after hearing that? In the grand scheme of things, thats really all the advice you need :)
So far my experiences don't even include interviews! I'm fresh out of college, and on the job hunt (with seemingly no end in sight!) I apply for stuff that requires experience (you need experience to get experience!) and then I go to all these job fairs, which I get scared when some salesman type guy with a pink tie approaches me. No thanks, I'll go to that booth where they have cool looking stress balls.
So I come to the conclusion that I suffer from "Post Graduation Blues". Imagine, if you will, this scene. The end of August comes, and a majority of my friends go back to school, while others go to their careers. I'm in this crazy limbo where I have NEITHER. It's actually more of a pseudo retirement life... While I go out of the house to grab a bite to eat, exercise, or go to my local library, I'm surrounded by seniors! I guess it doesn't help that the library is conveniently right by a nursing home BUT STILL.
As I'm on this job hunt, there are a few things that I'm trying to combat these blues: try new hobby's, have lunch with friends, and don't be way too obsessive about applying for jobs. As far as new hobby's go, I've been trying to run recently. Running is great. The only problem is I'm terrible at it! Do you run with just your toes, or do your heels touch too? IDK.
I think the best advice though comes from above. My mother gave me this card for graduation that said:
In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful, never-changing God in control
And then finally, this verse from Proverbs always makes me feel better:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5
Isn't that comforting! Why should I have blues after hearing that? In the grand scheme of things, thats really all the advice you need :)
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