Would you rather feel:
a) unloved and alone in the world?
or
b) inadequate and disrespected by everyone?
And why?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Weekend recap and other recent thoughts
A bunch of us bid farewell to Esther this past weekend, who's heading down to LA to getready for the wedding and marriage to Dr. Andy. Had a nice time reminiscing about various memories from the last couple of years. I was already missing Andy from my primary weekly community (even though his frequent visits the last few months mitigated that some), and now it'll be even more apparent that they're not around anymore. I'm still excited to see how God shapes their new life together in SoCal.
Also, I'll be spending a week with them (and Mike P) in Tokyo in about a week and a half. Looking forward to getting a glimpse of a new culture! I have an awful lot of background reading to do before then (hello, Wikipedia!) so I have some idea of what to look at. Can't rely just on the Simpsons for my education:
Remarkable happening: I ran my streak in Bang! games of dying first to 6 straight, complete with the unlikely hat trick of dying first 3 times in 2 games on Sunday (I got resurrected by a special card and promptly died again). Man, I stink.
Saturday night, Shally and I were generously given some tickets by Phoebe to a neighborhood concert at 1st Presbyterian Church in downtown San Jose, called "Downtown Sounds: Faith With a Beat." We got to hear some piano-based Gospel, some rap/hip-hop, and Stanfurd's a capella group Testimony. The latter was actually quite good - they took some well-known CCM songs such as "Shackles" by Mary Mary, "Liquid" by Jars, and even "The Papaya Song" and jazzed them up with the vocal arrangements and harmonies (including a beatbox rhythm performed by a girl - usually I've seen guys do the beatboxing). I actually ended up picking up their album - yes, yes, I gave money to Stanfurd. No big deal, right? S and I then hit up Cluck U's (University Chicken) afterward for a late night hot wing dinner. Tasty.
Speaking of Stanfurd, saw this written on ESPN this morning... harsh, but kinda funny:
Star Wars fan? Must-read article here on how some of the events in Episodes 4-6 need to be reinterpreted based on what we now know from the prequels. For example, the writer asserts that R2-D2 and Chewbacca are the Rebellion's top field agents and real "stars".
Also, I'll be spending a week with them (and Mike P) in Tokyo in about a week and a half. Looking forward to getting a glimpse of a new culture! I have an awful lot of background reading to do before then (hello, Wikipedia!) so I have some idea of what to look at. Can't rely just on the Simpsons for my education:
Remarkable happening: I ran my streak in Bang! games of dying first to 6 straight, complete with the unlikely hat trick of dying first 3 times in 2 games on Sunday (I got resurrected by a special card and promptly died again). Man, I stink.
Saturday night, Shally and I were generously given some tickets by Phoebe to a neighborhood concert at 1st Presbyterian Church in downtown San Jose, called "Downtown Sounds: Faith With a Beat." We got to hear some piano-based Gospel, some rap/hip-hop, and Stanfurd's a capella group Testimony. The latter was actually quite good - they took some well-known CCM songs such as "Shackles" by Mary Mary, "Liquid" by Jars, and even "The Papaya Song" and jazzed them up with the vocal arrangements and harmonies (including a beatbox rhythm performed by a girl - usually I've seen guys do the beatboxing). I actually ended up picking up their album - yes, yes, I gave money to Stanfurd. No big deal, right? S and I then hit up Cluck U's (University Chicken) afterward for a late night hot wing dinner. Tasty.
Speaking of Stanfurd, saw this written on ESPN this morning... harsh, but kinda funny:
Stanford upset No. 3 UCLA 75-68 last night in a victory that saw Cardinal fans rush out of the stands after the final buzzer as though Carrie Fisher suddenly appeared at midcourt in her Princess Leia costume. Then there was a lot of awkward nerd jumping and high-fiving. And then I presume the excited few who didn't succumb to asthma attacks or have their frail bodies trampled headed off to storm a comic book shop en masse.
Star Wars fan? Must-read article here on how some of the events in Episodes 4-6 need to be reinterpreted based on what we now know from the prequels. For example, the writer asserts that R2-D2 and Chewbacca are the Rebellion's top field agents and real "stars".
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Best Entertainment of 2006
Was going back through my music, film, and book journals for 2006... here are my lists for the my favorite new-to-me music, movies, and books from 2006. Criteria is that I have to have listened/watched/read it for the first time in 2006.
Favorite New Music
"Stereo: The Evolution of HipRockSoul", 4th Avenue Jones
Out-of-the-box listening for me, good mix of rap, hip-hop, and rock. My review is here.
"Drunkard's Prayer", Over the Rhine
Splendid fusing of jazz and folk with vulnerable lyrics about a couple rediscovering lost love for each other.
"Room Noises", Eisley
If you like dreamy, imaginative pop with tight harmonies and fanciful melodies a la some of Sixpence None the Richer's lighter fare, this is the album for you.
"The Everglow", Mae
Solid, melodic rock from end-to-end with a distinct keyboard element to kick it up a notch above the standard.
"Good Monsters", Jars of Clay
Latest album from my favorite band has probably vaulted itself into the top 3 of their overall work. Very cool to see them continuing to stretch and innovate musically, with elements of all the influences and previous experimentations showing up in almost every song.
"Kaleidoscope Superior", Earthsuit
Now that the band has split into Mute Math (who I want to check out) and Macrosick, this mix of electronic rock and rap reminds me of some of dc Talk's stuff and is solid from front to back.
Disappointed in...
"Nothing is Sound", Switchfoot - First half is excellent. Second half is unmemorable.
"Feels Like Home", Norah Jones - I'm a patient listener, but I just couldn't get into it.
Favorite Movies/TV shows
"Firefly" (TV) - I agree with Andy that it may have been more interesting if it had remained as dark as the first few episodes, but all in all quite entertaining.
"Iron Monkey" - Blatant martial arts fun
"The Departed" - Jack Nicholson stole the show. And at a glance, I sometimes forget how to distinguish between Matt Damon and Marky Mark.
"Casino Royale" - Who's going to be the next fictional icon to have a "_____ Begins" movie? Admittedly they've been doing a pretty good job with this trend.
"Little Miss Sunshine" - Surprisingly fun movie with a heart and a message. I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would, and now it's getting some buzz as the front-runner for the Best Picture Oscar!
"An Inconvenient Truth" - Any truth you didn't know before is bound to be inconvenient. Have another post in mind on this topic upcoming.
"March of the Penguins" - As Shally mentioned, Al Gore should have put penguins in his documentary about the environment. Because everyone loves penguins. Truth be told though, we watched a PBS special on "The Penguins of the Antarctic" not long before this documentary and the PBS one may have been better.
Favorite new movie/TV of the year: "Casino Royale"
Continuing TV fandoms:"24", "Lost", "Simpsons", "Whose Line Is It Anyway" (where'd it go?)
However, Lost needs to step up its game to keep my interest after this season. Oh, who am I kidding... I stuck with Alias till the bitter end. I don't know how to quit shows effectively.
Will eventually check out: Heroes. Probably won't have time to check out something else like Prison Break, since NBA hoops takes up TV time too, and it's always good to get away from the TV.
Favorite Books
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
Found this one quite amusing, but haven't been able to wrap my mind around the next few in the Ultimate collection Mike P lent me.
For Men Only, Jeff and Shaunti Feldham
Nice starter book for this male Neanderthal to begin to try to understand women. I am now maybe 0.5% of the way there.
Favorite New Music
"Stereo: The Evolution of HipRockSoul", 4th Avenue Jones
Out-of-the-box listening for me, good mix of rap, hip-hop, and rock. My review is here.
"Drunkard's Prayer", Over the Rhine
Splendid fusing of jazz and folk with vulnerable lyrics about a couple rediscovering lost love for each other.
"Room Noises", Eisley
If you like dreamy, imaginative pop with tight harmonies and fanciful melodies a la some of Sixpence None the Richer's lighter fare, this is the album for you.
"The Everglow", Mae
Solid, melodic rock from end-to-end with a distinct keyboard element to kick it up a notch above the standard.
"Good Monsters", Jars of Clay
Latest album from my favorite band has probably vaulted itself into the top 3 of their overall work. Very cool to see them continuing to stretch and innovate musically, with elements of all the influences and previous experimentations showing up in almost every song.
"Kaleidoscope Superior", Earthsuit
Now that the band has split into Mute Math (who I want to check out) and Macrosick, this mix of electronic rock and rap reminds me of some of dc Talk's stuff and is solid from front to back.
Disappointed in...
"Nothing is Sound", Switchfoot - First half is excellent. Second half is unmemorable.
"Feels Like Home", Norah Jones - I'm a patient listener, but I just couldn't get into it.
Favorite Movies/TV shows
"Firefly" (TV) - I agree with Andy that it may have been more interesting if it had remained as dark as the first few episodes, but all in all quite entertaining.
"Iron Monkey" - Blatant martial arts fun
"The Departed" - Jack Nicholson stole the show. And at a glance, I sometimes forget how to distinguish between Matt Damon and Marky Mark.
"Casino Royale" - Who's going to be the next fictional icon to have a "_____ Begins" movie? Admittedly they've been doing a pretty good job with this trend.
"Little Miss Sunshine" - Surprisingly fun movie with a heart and a message. I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would, and now it's getting some buzz as the front-runner for the Best Picture Oscar!
"An Inconvenient Truth" - Any truth you didn't know before is bound to be inconvenient. Have another post in mind on this topic upcoming.
"March of the Penguins" - As Shally mentioned, Al Gore should have put penguins in his documentary about the environment. Because everyone loves penguins. Truth be told though, we watched a PBS special on "The Penguins of the Antarctic" not long before this documentary and the PBS one may have been better.
Favorite new movie/TV of the year: "Casino Royale"
Continuing TV fandoms:"24", "Lost", "Simpsons", "Whose Line Is It Anyway" (where'd it go?)
However, Lost needs to step up its game to keep my interest after this season. Oh, who am I kidding... I stuck with Alias till the bitter end. I don't know how to quit shows effectively.
Will eventually check out: Heroes. Probably won't have time to check out something else like Prison Break, since NBA hoops takes up TV time too, and it's always good to get away from the TV.
Favorite Books
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
Found this one quite amusing, but haven't been able to wrap my mind around the next few in the Ultimate collection Mike P lent me.
For Men Only, Jeff and Shaunti Feldham
Nice starter book for this male Neanderthal to begin to try to understand women. I am now maybe 0.5% of the way there.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Be nice to me....
I donated blood today!
If you're able-bodied, I'd encourage you to head to Stanfurd, Red Cross, or any of the other blood donation sites and make an appointment to donate. Can't synthesize blood, and your body will replenish it, so why not help some people out?
Also, if you're like me and you need some more incentive, going on Mondays to Stanfurd will net you two AMC silver ticket vouchers (can be used on any movie out for 10 days or more) and a mail-in voucher for a free Warriors ticket.
I'll admit, it was a little weird when they laid the tube across my arm and I found myself thinking, "Hm, that's nice and warm... oh wait, that's my blood - Bob juice, if you will - being collected in that rocking contraption holding my blood bag." But overall, it's a satisfying experience.
In fact, you can use it to combat today, Monday Jan 22, which is considered the most depressing day of the year. Why? After a few weeks into the new year, it's a Monday, you're tired, your resolutions are starting to fail, you're realizing that all the holiday food binging is hanging around your waist/thighs, and you receive the Christmas credit card bills in the mail.
Saturday afternoon, I went for a short run (no more than 1.5 miles). While my stamina seemed to handle it okay, I could tell that running much farther than that would put a fair amount of pain in my right knee. I'm trying to make time to do more cardio work this year, so I'll have to figure out a regular routine to get onto an exercise bike more often. Maybe I'll hit up Play It Again Sports or something to see if they have a decent one for cheap...
On Saturday night, Shally, Chris, Dr. Andy, and Esther were over to watch the new-look Warriors take on Lebron and the Cavs. We recorded the game onto DVD and simultaneously watched, so that we had the ability to pause, rewind, slow-motion, and fast-forward - mini-Tivo style. It was a lot of fun for Chris and me to explain to the other folks, who aren't really into basketball, some of the nuances of team play on both offense and defense by showing plays again in slow motion. We used our fingers as telestrators to describe the pick and roll, the timing of a pass on a fast break, back cuts, and everything else. I'm finding that I greatly enjoy explaining things I know well to people interested in knowing the subject.
In a tit-for-tat move, since Shally watched the game on Saturday, last night we watched "Pretty Woman." 'Twas actually pretty good. Saw lots of familiar faces besides the stars too, like Jason Alexander/George Constanza (Phil Stuckey), Hank Azaria/scientist guy on "Friends"/Simpsons voice (detective at the beginning), and I think the guy who played Mr. Heckles from Friends was briefly on as the landlord at the beginning.
I'm getting back into playing guitar after a long absence where I was more interested in picking up different instruments like percussion and bass. I think listening to Shane Barnard and David Crowder re-awakened an interest in learning some new songs and guitar licks, which is also re-awakening the question of whether to get a new guitar.
Thing is, I've learned one thing about myself - one of my values is simplicity, and so I dislike waste and like using things until they wear out. This has implications for the way I use money - I am very careful with almost any purchase, reading lots of reviews and sometimes agonizing over buying since I know I intend to keep it for its entire lifespan. Also, I have aversions to upgrading when the existing item still works decently well. I don't think the "buy quick, sell quick" mentality of eBay and Craigslist has seeped into me yet. So, I'm not sure whether I'll be seriously looking into a new guitar... but I guess we'll see.
If you're able-bodied, I'd encourage you to head to Stanfurd, Red Cross, or any of the other blood donation sites and make an appointment to donate. Can't synthesize blood, and your body will replenish it, so why not help some people out?
Also, if you're like me and you need some more incentive, going on Mondays to Stanfurd will net you two AMC silver ticket vouchers (can be used on any movie out for 10 days or more) and a mail-in voucher for a free Warriors ticket.
I'll admit, it was a little weird when they laid the tube across my arm and I found myself thinking, "Hm, that's nice and warm... oh wait, that's my blood - Bob juice, if you will - being collected in that rocking contraption holding my blood bag." But overall, it's a satisfying experience.
In fact, you can use it to combat today, Monday Jan 22, which is considered the most depressing day of the year. Why? After a few weeks into the new year, it's a Monday, you're tired, your resolutions are starting to fail, you're realizing that all the holiday food binging is hanging around your waist/thighs, and you receive the Christmas credit card bills in the mail.
Saturday afternoon, I went for a short run (no more than 1.5 miles). While my stamina seemed to handle it okay, I could tell that running much farther than that would put a fair amount of pain in my right knee. I'm trying to make time to do more cardio work this year, so I'll have to figure out a regular routine to get onto an exercise bike more often. Maybe I'll hit up Play It Again Sports or something to see if they have a decent one for cheap...
On Saturday night, Shally, Chris, Dr. Andy, and Esther were over to watch the new-look Warriors take on Lebron and the Cavs. We recorded the game onto DVD and simultaneously watched, so that we had the ability to pause, rewind, slow-motion, and fast-forward - mini-Tivo style. It was a lot of fun for Chris and me to explain to the other folks, who aren't really into basketball, some of the nuances of team play on both offense and defense by showing plays again in slow motion. We used our fingers as telestrators to describe the pick and roll, the timing of a pass on a fast break, back cuts, and everything else. I'm finding that I greatly enjoy explaining things I know well to people interested in knowing the subject.
In a tit-for-tat move, since Shally watched the game on Saturday, last night we watched "Pretty Woman." 'Twas actually pretty good. Saw lots of familiar faces besides the stars too, like Jason Alexander/George Constanza (Phil Stuckey), Hank Azaria/scientist guy on "Friends"/Simpsons voice (detective at the beginning), and I think the guy who played Mr. Heckles from Friends was briefly on as the landlord at the beginning.
I'm getting back into playing guitar after a long absence where I was more interested in picking up different instruments like percussion and bass. I think listening to Shane Barnard and David Crowder re-awakened an interest in learning some new songs and guitar licks, which is also re-awakening the question of whether to get a new guitar.
Thing is, I've learned one thing about myself - one of my values is simplicity, and so I dislike waste and like using things until they wear out. This has implications for the way I use money - I am very careful with almost any purchase, reading lots of reviews and sometimes agonizing over buying since I know I intend to keep it for its entire lifespan. Also, I have aversions to upgrading when the existing item still works decently well. I don't think the "buy quick, sell quick" mentality of eBay and Craigslist has seeped into me yet. So, I'm not sure whether I'll be seriously looking into a new guitar... but I guess we'll see.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Recent highlights
What's been going on the last month or so? A brief recap of some of the highlights (and one lowlight)...
- went through a very frustrating time at work with a release that just wouldn't complete (cf. my Murphy's Law theory on releases and the followup). It was scheduled to complete in mid-December well before the holidays so that we'd have some time to relax. It didn't actually go out until last Thursday, and each time we thought everything was wrapped up, I had to go and found another showstopper bug literally the night before we were going to post the software. Granted it's a far better thing to find big problems in-house before they go to customers, and now that it's out I'm no longer tense and frustrated all the time, but overall my holidays weren't super merry.
- Christmas weekend, Shally and I went to visit Bethlehem A.D., which was an exhibit put on by a local church where they transformed the whole block into a simulation of Israel at the time of Jesus' birth. There were guys in centurion outfits, togas, and even a shepherd with a real sheep. The line was too long to get in, so we ended up watching the telecast from the sanctuary, and had some of the best authentic tacos at Tacos El Grullense, a stand next to the church - might have been even better than Mi Pueblo. However, we also purchased the pictured hot chocolate, which led to some of it sloshing out and burning her while she was carrying it - and then me stumbling on some uneven pavement and turning my ankle. Grr...
- ice skating for the first time since probably college
- bro came back from law school, so we took a family trip to Reno/Tahoe for just a day on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Stuffed ourselves silly at the buffet at Harrah's... kind of amusing that on Christmas weekend, 80% of the people in Reno are Asian. Guess us Asians have no problems ditching the American family ideal of kids waking up at home under the Christmas tree... no, give us fresh powder and slot machines!
- rather than skiing for a day/afternoon, we ended up trying something new:
'Twas quite fun waiting for the rest of the line to get a ways ahead, then gunning the snowmobile and executing a jump off of a hill.
- Andy's bachelor party... were we too nice? Hm...
- New Year's - the Wii is really transforming gaming culture. Nintendo really has some kind of cultural/sociological revolution going on when the Wii is being monopolized by a bunch of previously non-video-game playing girls.
- More gaming: Gears of War shows up (courtesy of Chris... surprisingly fun, it's not really a first-person shooter, but rather a combination of Resident Evil 4, Halo, and Time Crisis. Sneaking from cover to cover, not having to worry about health packs... well-designed, fun game. Next improvement is to allow for more than 2-player co-op gaming... having an 8-man squad running through a campaign would be a blast.
- went through a very frustrating time at work with a release that just wouldn't complete (cf. my Murphy's Law theory on releases and the followup). It was scheduled to complete in mid-December well before the holidays so that we'd have some time to relax. It didn't actually go out until last Thursday, and each time we thought everything was wrapped up, I had to go and found another showstopper bug literally the night before we were going to post the software. Granted it's a far better thing to find big problems in-house before they go to customers, and now that it's out I'm no longer tense and frustrated all the time, but overall my holidays weren't super merry.
- Christmas weekend, Shally and I went to visit Bethlehem A.D., which was an exhibit put on by a local church where they transformed the whole block into a simulation of Israel at the time of Jesus' birth. There were guys in centurion outfits, togas, and even a shepherd with a real sheep. The line was too long to get in, so we ended up watching the telecast from the sanctuary, and had some of the best authentic tacos at Tacos El Grullense, a stand next to the church - might have been even better than Mi Pueblo. However, we also purchased the pictured hot chocolate, which led to some of it sloshing out and burning her while she was carrying it - and then me stumbling on some uneven pavement and turning my ankle. Grr...- ice skating for the first time since probably college
- bro came back from law school, so we took a family trip to Reno/Tahoe for just a day on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Stuffed ourselves silly at the buffet at Harrah's... kind of amusing that on Christmas weekend, 80% of the people in Reno are Asian. Guess us Asians have no problems ditching the American family ideal of kids waking up at home under the Christmas tree... no, give us fresh powder and slot machines!
- rather than skiing for a day/afternoon, we ended up trying something new:
'Twas quite fun waiting for the rest of the line to get a ways ahead, then gunning the snowmobile and executing a jump off of a hill.
- Andy's bachelor party... were we too nice? Hm...
- New Year's - the Wii is really transforming gaming culture. Nintendo really has some kind of cultural/sociological revolution going on when the Wii is being monopolized by a bunch of previously non-video-game playing girls.
- More gaming: Gears of War shows up (courtesy of Chris... surprisingly fun, it's not really a first-person shooter, but rather a combination of Resident Evil 4, Halo, and Time Crisis. Sneaking from cover to cover, not having to worry about health packs... well-designed, fun game. Next improvement is to allow for more than 2-player co-op gaming... having an 8-man squad running through a campaign would be a blast.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Thoughts on the Warriors trade
I'm writing up a recap post on the highlights from the last few weeks, but I had to stop and chime in on some big sports-related news of the day (the non-sports folks can now go to your regularly-scheduled programming).
From the Associated Press announcement:
As a long-time (and long-suffering) Warriors fan, I'd have to say I'm quite happy with being able to package both Murphy's and Dunleavy's albatross contracts and ship them out in one fell swoop. The fact that the team was able to pick up some useful pieces in Harrington (new PF), Jackson (backup 2/3) and Sarunas (competent backup 1 for oft-injured Baron) is gravy. Plus, the incoming guys' contracts are less burdensome and long. Jackson brings a history of legal trouble, but he's not really needed, I guess... and I still remember him winning a title with/for the Spurs in 2003.
Ike has the potential to be quite good down the road, but he wasn't getting much playing time for Nellie. He has an excellent skill set and will probably do well in Indy's deliberate system. He' the one most likely to continue the legendary Warriors curse of former players becoming stars.
Murphy I loathe... he started out as a bargain of a starting-quality mid-first round PF, but earned my enmity by stat hogging rebounds, not boxing out so teammates could rebound, getting stuffed repeatedly at the rim due to a lack of athleticism, holding the ball for too long, avoiding help defense like the plague... SO glad to be rid of that guy. Not worried at all about generating regrets down the line.
Dunleavy has been an inconsistent player and a consistent disappointment. Decent skill set, decent size, but just not very much impact. He'll probably end up being a very good player, but his confidence was shot here.
New lineup:
PG Baron, SG Monta, SF Jackson, PF Harrington, C Biedrins, while waiting for Pietrus and JRich to get healthy again. Exciting times
From the Associated Press announcement:
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers traded Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for forwards Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy as part of an eight-player deal designed to shake up two struggling teams.
The Pacers also sent guard Sarunas Jasikevicius and forward Josh Powell to the Warriors, who gave up forward Ike Diogu and guard Keith McLeod.
As a long-time (and long-suffering) Warriors fan, I'd have to say I'm quite happy with being able to package both Murphy's and Dunleavy's albatross contracts and ship them out in one fell swoop. The fact that the team was able to pick up some useful pieces in Harrington (new PF), Jackson (backup 2/3) and Sarunas (competent backup 1 for oft-injured Baron) is gravy. Plus, the incoming guys' contracts are less burdensome and long. Jackson brings a history of legal trouble, but he's not really needed, I guess... and I still remember him winning a title with/for the Spurs in 2003.
Ike has the potential to be quite good down the road, but he wasn't getting much playing time for Nellie. He has an excellent skill set and will probably do well in Indy's deliberate system. He' the one most likely to continue the legendary Warriors curse of former players becoming stars.
Murphy I loathe... he started out as a bargain of a starting-quality mid-first round PF, but earned my enmity by stat hogging rebounds, not boxing out so teammates could rebound, getting stuffed repeatedly at the rim due to a lack of athleticism, holding the ball for too long, avoiding help defense like the plague... SO glad to be rid of that guy. Not worried at all about generating regrets down the line.
Dunleavy has been an inconsistent player and a consistent disappointment. Decent skill set, decent size, but just not very much impact. He'll probably end up being a very good player, but his confidence was shot here.
New lineup:
PG Baron, SG Monta, SF Jackson, PF Harrington, C Biedrins, while waiting for Pietrus and JRich to get healthy again. Exciting times
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Dreams
I flipped through the stapled stacks of papers, slowly at first, then faster and faster. A grin grew on my face as I saw numerous top-notch scores circled atop various people's exams. The final exam had been rather easy, after all. I saw my name at the top of the page, and pulled out my exam. My good mood disappeared and my face fell as I saw the large "D-" circled in red smack dab in the middle, and I felt helpless.
Have you ever had a dream like this before? I've had variations on this almost all my life... the real thing a few times, too, in a few EE classes at Cal (I wasn't cut out to handle circuits at all). I've also had recurring dreams of being chased by guys with guns, and sometimes by raptors. Check out the HowStuffWorks article on dreams for some additional info on common types of dreams and their interpretations, such as:
In addition, I think I've had some "premonition dreams" where I dreamed something completely mundane, like a conversation among friends, but then at some point in the future it actually happens. Like, I'll be in a group discussion, and all of a sudden I'll get a sense of deja vu, and just know who is going to be the next person to talk and what they're gonna say. Unfortunately, it's always been about boring stuff.
I've also had my share of "hero dreams", like infiltrating the hotel in the original Die Hard movie to save hostages. Unfortunately, most of my hero dreams end with me dying... maybe I have some kind of martyr complex.
Have you ever had a dream like this before? I've had variations on this almost all my life... the real thing a few times, too, in a few EE classes at Cal (I wasn't cut out to handle circuits at all). I've also had recurring dreams of being chased by guys with guns, and sometimes by raptors. Check out the HowStuffWorks article on dreams for some additional info on common types of dreams and their interpretations, such as:
Being naked in public - had this
Most of us have had the dream at some point that we're at school, work or some social event, and we suddenly realize we forgot to put on clothes! Experts say this means:
o We're trying to hide something (and without clothes we have a hard time doing that).
o We're not prepared for something, like a presentation or test (and now everyone is going to know -- we're exposed!).
If we're naked but no one notices, then the interpretation is that whatever we're afraid of is unfounded. If we don't care that we're naked, the interpretation is that we're comfortable with who we are.
Falling - had this
You're falling, falling, falling... and then you wake up. This is a very common dream and is said to symbolize insecurities and anxiety. Something in your life is essentially out of control and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Another interpretation is that you have a sense of failure about something. Maybe you're not doing well in school or at work and are afraid you're going to be fired or expelled. Again, you feel that you can't control the situation.
Being chased - yup, this too
The ever-popular chase dream can be extremely frightening. What it usually symbolizes is that you're running away from your problems. What that problem is depends on who is chasing you. It may be a problem at work, or it may be something about yourself that you know is destructive. For example, you may be drinking too much, and your dream may be telling you that your drinking is becoming a real problem.
Taking an exam (or forgetting that you have one) - dreamed this one most recently
This is another very common dream. You suddenly realize you are supposed to be taking an exam at that very moment. You might be running through the hallways and can't find the classroom. This type of dream can have several variations that have similar meanings. (Maybe your pen won't write, so you can't finish writing your answers.) What experts say this may mean is that you're being scrutinized about something or feel you're being tested -- maybe you're facing a challenge you don't think you're up to. You don't feel prepared or able to hold up to the scrutiny. It may also mean there is something you've neglected that you know needs your attention.
Flying - not so much
Many flying dreams are the result of lucid dreaming. Not all flying dreams are, however. Typically, dreaming that you are flying means you are on top of things. You are in control of the things that matter to you. Or, maybe you've just gained a new perspective on things. It may also mean you are strong willed and feel like no one and nothing can defeat you. If you are having problems maintaining your flight, someone or something may be standing in the way of you having control. If you are afraid while flying, you may have challenges that you don't feel up to.
Running, but going nowhere - rarely, but sounds familiar
This theme can also be part of the chasing dream. You're trying to run, but either your legs won't move or you simply aren't going anywhere -- as if you were on a treadmill. According to some, this dream means you have too much on your plate. You're trying to do too many things at once and can't catch up or ever get ahead.
Your teeth falling out - nope, don't think I had this one
Many people have dreams that they lose all of their teeth. In this dream, they may feel something strange in their mouth and then spit teeth into their hand, eventually losing all of their teeth. According to some, our teeth are related to our sense of power and our ability to communicate. Losing our teeth not only makes us embarrassed by our appearance, which hinders our communications, but it also lessens our power because we may not speak our minds. It's also associated with feelings about our appearance.
In addition, I think I've had some "premonition dreams" where I dreamed something completely mundane, like a conversation among friends, but then at some point in the future it actually happens. Like, I'll be in a group discussion, and all of a sudden I'll get a sense of deja vu, and just know who is going to be the next person to talk and what they're gonna say. Unfortunately, it's always been about boring stuff.
I've also had my share of "hero dreams", like infiltrating the hotel in the original Die Hard movie to save hostages. Unfortunately, most of my hero dreams end with me dying... maybe I have some kind of martyr complex.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Significance
I'm not a particularly emotional person... I rarely tear up and I don't think I've full-on cried since over 5 years ago. But I think there was something about watching the end of Andre Agassi's tennis career in the following video that got to me and me choke up just a little bit (note that I still didn't cry!):
Back in high school when I was still playing tennis, Agassi was known as the "rebel punk" player, who eventually grew up into perhaps the most well-respected elder statesmen of his generation. He's won Grand Slam titles, he's dated Brooke Shields, and he's had a kid with Steffi Graf, perhaps the preeminent women's player of our time as well.
What I think gets me about this video is seeing the way one man's lifelong dedication and effort in perfecting his craft was appreciated by every fan who knew that they were seeing a once-in-a-lifetime individual. He grew up on stage, with everyone watching, and received a lengthy salute as a reward.
I think there's something inside every person who desires to know that they mean something to people. Most people want to be significant. Not everyone will get a standing ovation from thousands of people... but we ought to be able to make some kind of difference.
Back in high school when I was still playing tennis, Agassi was known as the "rebel punk" player, who eventually grew up into perhaps the most well-respected elder statesmen of his generation. He's won Grand Slam titles, he's dated Brooke Shields, and he's had a kid with Steffi Graf, perhaps the preeminent women's player of our time as well.
What I think gets me about this video is seeing the way one man's lifelong dedication and effort in perfecting his craft was appreciated by every fan who knew that they were seeing a once-in-a-lifetime individual. He grew up on stage, with everyone watching, and received a lengthy salute as a reward.
I think there's something inside every person who desires to know that they mean something to people. Most people want to be significant. Not everyone will get a standing ovation from thousands of people... but we ought to be able to make some kind of difference.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
2007 Film Journal
Updated 2008/01/05
Recent films
"Stranger Than Fiction" (2007/12/25, DVD)
"Fearless" (2007/12/24, DVD)
"Blood Diamond" (2007/12/23, DVD)
"Knocked Up" (2007/12/19, DVD)
"Amazing Grace" (2007/12/15, DVD)
"No Country For Old Men" (2007/11/29, theater)
"Ratatouille" (2007/11/17, DVD)
"Transformers" (2007/10/21, DVD)
"Evan Almighty" (2007/10/11, DVD)
"Over the Hedge" (2007/09/13, DVD)
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007/08/28, theater)
"The Simpsons Movie" (2007/08/08, theater)
"Ratatouille" (2007/07/17, theater)
"Invincible" (2007/07/11, DVD)
"Transformers" (2007/07/08, theater)
"Ocean's 13" (2007/06/23, theater)
"Dreamgirls" (2007/06/20, DVD)
"Happy Feet" (2007/05/31, DVD)
"Men in Tights" (2007/05/06, DVD)
"Spiderman 3" (2007/05/05, theater)
"Serenity" (2007/04/28, DVD)
"Napoleon Dynamite" (2007/04/21, DVD)
"Talladega Nights" (2007/04/08, DVD)
"300" (2007/03/10, theater)
"Corpse Bride" (2007/03/01, DVD)
"The Prestige" (2007/02/17, plane)
"Pretty Woman" (2007/01/21, DVD)
"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (2007/01/07, DVD)
2006 Film Journal
Recent films
"Stranger Than Fiction" (2007/12/25, DVD)
"Fearless" (2007/12/24, DVD)
"Blood Diamond" (2007/12/23, DVD)
"Knocked Up" (2007/12/19, DVD)
"Amazing Grace" (2007/12/15, DVD)
"No Country For Old Men" (2007/11/29, theater)
"Ratatouille" (2007/11/17, DVD)
"Transformers" (2007/10/21, DVD)
"Evan Almighty" (2007/10/11, DVD)
"Over the Hedge" (2007/09/13, DVD)
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007/08/28, theater)
"The Simpsons Movie" (2007/08/08, theater)
"Ratatouille" (2007/07/17, theater)
"Invincible" (2007/07/11, DVD)
"Transformers" (2007/07/08, theater)
"Ocean's 13" (2007/06/23, theater)
"Dreamgirls" (2007/06/20, DVD)
"Happy Feet" (2007/05/31, DVD)
"Men in Tights" (2007/05/06, DVD)
"Spiderman 3" (2007/05/05, theater)
"Serenity" (2007/04/28, DVD)
"Napoleon Dynamite" (2007/04/21, DVD)
"Talladega Nights" (2007/04/08, DVD)
"300" (2007/03/10, theater)
"Corpse Bride" (2007/03/01, DVD)
"The Prestige" (2007/02/17, plane)
"Pretty Woman" (2007/01/21, DVD)
"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (2007/01/07, DVD)
2006 Film Journal
2007 Book Journal
Updated 2008/01/05
Recent books read
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas Kempis - suspended
The Teeth of the Tiger, Tom Clancy
Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
Authentic Christianity, Ray Stedman
Now Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham & Donald Clifton
Leading Congregational Change, Jim Herrington
Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley
Executive Orders, Tom Clancy
Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Watterson
The Hard Way, Lee Child
The Giver, Lois Lowry
Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book, Bill Watterson
The Persuader, Lee Child
Running Blind, Lee Child
Tripwire, Lee Child
Red Rabbit, Tom Clancy
The Trojan Odyssey, Clive Cussler
The Bear and the Dragon, Tom Clancy
Now I Can Die In Peace, Bill Simmons
The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel
Practicing God's Presence, Brother Lawrence
Recent books re-read
Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons, Bill Watterson
Debt of Honor, Tom Clancy
Scientific Progress Goes "Boink", Bill Watterson
The Cardinal of the Kremlin, Tom Clancy
Patriot Games, Tom Clancy
The Fifth Profession, David Morrell
Tales of the New Republic, various authors
Tales of the Bounty Hunters, various authors
Tales of the Empire, various authors
Tales of the Mos Eisley Cantina, various authors
2006 Book Journal
Recent books read
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas Kempis - suspended
The Teeth of the Tiger, Tom Clancy
Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
Authentic Christianity, Ray Stedman
Now Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham & Donald Clifton
Leading Congregational Change, Jim Herrington
Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley
Executive Orders, Tom Clancy
Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Watterson
The Hard Way, Lee Child
The Giver, Lois Lowry
Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book, Bill Watterson
The Persuader, Lee Child
Running Blind, Lee Child
Tripwire, Lee Child
Red Rabbit, Tom Clancy
The Trojan Odyssey, Clive Cussler
The Bear and the Dragon, Tom Clancy
Now I Can Die In Peace, Bill Simmons
The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel
Practicing God's Presence, Brother Lawrence
Recent books re-read
Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons, Bill Watterson
Debt of Honor, Tom Clancy
Scientific Progress Goes "Boink", Bill Watterson
The Cardinal of the Kremlin, Tom Clancy
Patriot Games, Tom Clancy
The Fifth Profession, David Morrell
Tales of the New Republic, various authors
Tales of the Bounty Hunters, various authors
Tales of the Empire, various authors
Tales of the Mos Eisley Cantina, various authors
2006 Book Journal
2007 Music Journal
Updated 2008/01/05
Recent albums
"Facing Future", Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (2007/12/26)
"Colorblind", Robert Randolph (2007/12/07)
"Real", Jake Smith (2007/11/29)
"Better Questions", Todd Agnew (2007/11/21)
"Love and Thunder", Andrew Peterson (2007/11/16)
"Take 6", Take 6 (2007/11/12)
"Divine Discontent", Sixpence None The Richer (2007/11/08)
"The Eleventh Hour", Jars of Clay (2007/11/04)
"A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band", Rich Mullins (2007/10/30)
"Why Should The Fire Die", Nickel Creek (2007/10/25)
"Rodrigo y Gabriela", Rodrigo y Gabriela (2007/10/18)
"Divine Invitation", Something Like Silas (2007/10/12)
"The Evolution of HipRockSoul", 4th Avenue Jones (2007/10/08)
"Nothing Is Sound", Switchfoot (2007/10/04)
"All Right Here", Sara Groves (2007/10/01)
"Lay It Down", Jennifer Knapp (2007/09/27)
"Songs 2", RIch Mullins (2007/09/20)
"Long Line of Leavers", Caedmon's Call (2007/09/13)
"Cities", Anberlin (2007/09/07)
"Oh! Gravity", Switchfoot (2007/08/27)
"Recollection", Nichole Nordeman (2007/08/14)
"Glo", Delirious (2007/08/02)
"Mute Math", Mute Math (2007/07/29)
"Room Noises", Eisley (2007/07/25)
"The Everglow", Mae (2007/07/19)
"40 Acres", Caedmon's Call (2007/07/17)
"Who We Are Instead", Jars of Clay (2007/07/01)
"Achtung Baby", U2 (2007/06/24)
"Beautiful Lumps of Coal", Plumb (2007/06/22)
"Divine Discontent", Sixpence None The Richer (2007/06/20)
"The Beautiful Letdown", Switchfoot (2007/06/18)
"Hymned", Bart Millard (2007/06/13)
"Caedmon's Call", Caedmon's Call (2007/06/06)
"Illuminate", David Crowder Band (2007/06/03)
"Good Monsters", Jars of Clay (2007/05/26)
"Accelerate", Testimony (2007/05/21)
"Lights of Madrid", Phil Keaggy (2007/05/17)
"Turn Around", Jonny Lang (2007/05/09)
"All Right Here", Sara Groves (2007/05/02)
"Wide-Eyed and Mystified", Downhere (2007/04/26)
"The Jesus Record", Rich Mullins (2007/04/18)
"Sixpence None the Richer", Sixpence None the Richer (2007/04/09)
"Come Now is the Time to Worship Disc 1", Various Artists (2007/04/06)
"I Could Sing of Your Love Forever Disc 2", Various Artists (2007/03/30)
"Abel Bedoya", Abel Bedoya (2007/03/22)
"Qosqomanta", Qosqomanta (2007/03/18)
"The Legend of Chin", Switchfoot (2007/03/15)
"Conspiracy No. 5", Third Day (2007/03/11)
"Unplugged", The Kry (2007/03/09)
"Upstairs", Shane and Shane (2007/03/03)
"The Best of U2: 1980-1990", U2 (2007/03/01)
"Jars of Clay", Jars of Clay (2007/02/27)
"This Side", Nickel Creek (2007/02/24)
"In Between Dreams", Jack Johnson (2007/02/21)
"The House Show", Derek Webb (2007/02/08)
"The Chess Hotel", The Elms (2007/02/05)
"Accelerate", Testimony A Capella (2007/01/28)
"Nothing Left To Lose", Mat Kearney (2007/01/25)
"Illuminate", David Crowder Band (2007/01/18)
"Psalms", Shane and Shane (2007/01/07)
"Divine Invitation", Something Like Silas (2007/01/01)
2006 Music Journal
Recent albums
"Facing Future", Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (2007/12/26)
"Colorblind", Robert Randolph (2007/12/07)
"Real", Jake Smith (2007/11/29)
"Better Questions", Todd Agnew (2007/11/21)
"Love and Thunder", Andrew Peterson (2007/11/16)
"Take 6", Take 6 (2007/11/12)
"Divine Discontent", Sixpence None The Richer (2007/11/08)
"The Eleventh Hour", Jars of Clay (2007/11/04)
"A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band", Rich Mullins (2007/10/30)
"Why Should The Fire Die", Nickel Creek (2007/10/25)
"Rodrigo y Gabriela", Rodrigo y Gabriela (2007/10/18)
"Divine Invitation", Something Like Silas (2007/10/12)
"The Evolution of HipRockSoul", 4th Avenue Jones (2007/10/08)
"Nothing Is Sound", Switchfoot (2007/10/04)
"All Right Here", Sara Groves (2007/10/01)
"Lay It Down", Jennifer Knapp (2007/09/27)
"Songs 2", RIch Mullins (2007/09/20)
"Long Line of Leavers", Caedmon's Call (2007/09/13)
"Cities", Anberlin (2007/09/07)
"Oh! Gravity", Switchfoot (2007/08/27)
"Recollection", Nichole Nordeman (2007/08/14)
"Glo", Delirious (2007/08/02)
"Mute Math", Mute Math (2007/07/29)
"Room Noises", Eisley (2007/07/25)
"The Everglow", Mae (2007/07/19)
"40 Acres", Caedmon's Call (2007/07/17)
"Who We Are Instead", Jars of Clay (2007/07/01)
"Achtung Baby", U2 (2007/06/24)
"Beautiful Lumps of Coal", Plumb (2007/06/22)
"Divine Discontent", Sixpence None The Richer (2007/06/20)
"The Beautiful Letdown", Switchfoot (2007/06/18)
"Hymned", Bart Millard (2007/06/13)
"Caedmon's Call", Caedmon's Call (2007/06/06)
"Illuminate", David Crowder Band (2007/06/03)
"Good Monsters", Jars of Clay (2007/05/26)
"Accelerate", Testimony (2007/05/21)
"Lights of Madrid", Phil Keaggy (2007/05/17)
"Turn Around", Jonny Lang (2007/05/09)
"All Right Here", Sara Groves (2007/05/02)
"Wide-Eyed and Mystified", Downhere (2007/04/26)
"The Jesus Record", Rich Mullins (2007/04/18)
"Sixpence None the Richer", Sixpence None the Richer (2007/04/09)
"Come Now is the Time to Worship Disc 1", Various Artists (2007/04/06)
"I Could Sing of Your Love Forever Disc 2", Various Artists (2007/03/30)
"Abel Bedoya", Abel Bedoya (2007/03/22)
"Qosqomanta", Qosqomanta (2007/03/18)
"The Legend of Chin", Switchfoot (2007/03/15)
"Conspiracy No. 5", Third Day (2007/03/11)
"Unplugged", The Kry (2007/03/09)
"Upstairs", Shane and Shane (2007/03/03)
"The Best of U2: 1980-1990", U2 (2007/03/01)
"Jars of Clay", Jars of Clay (2007/02/27)
"This Side", Nickel Creek (2007/02/24)
"In Between Dreams", Jack Johnson (2007/02/21)
"The House Show", Derek Webb (2007/02/08)
"The Chess Hotel", The Elms (2007/02/05)
"Accelerate", Testimony A Capella (2007/01/28)
"Nothing Left To Lose", Mat Kearney (2007/01/25)
"Illuminate", David Crowder Band (2007/01/18)
"Psalms", Shane and Shane (2007/01/07)
"Divine Invitation", Something Like Silas (2007/01/01)
2006 Music Journal
Pardon the mess...
With the new year, I made the update to blogger beta (now blogger standard!) and now I'm playing around with widgets. I miss some of the customizability of the old layout templates, but some of the new stuff works pretty well too. If I find that I don't like the new layouts much, I'll end up reverting back to the old one.
Monday, January 01, 2007
That's one way to kick off the new year
One of the first things I hear in 2007:
"Oh, that means you're 39 years old?"
Looks like I've still got it.
Happy New Year to all. Whoever and wherever you are, I pray blessings for you this year, and most of all, the ultimate and all-transcending blessing of knowing God through Jesus Christ more fully, whether you now know him or not.
"Oh, that means you're 39 years old?"
Looks like I've still got it.
Happy New Year to all. Whoever and wherever you are, I pray blessings for you this year, and most of all, the ultimate and all-transcending blessing of knowing God through Jesus Christ more fully, whether you now know him or not.
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