Unnecessary Lessons

Ok... so to turn the direction of this blog away from 'serious' topics like politics, I think we need a top ten. The other day, my friend Emily asked what kind of unnecessary lessons we would take if we were independently wealthy. As in if you had all the time and money in the world, what would you do with all that? I think this goes back to the question your career counselor in high school/college asked... What would you do if you had a million dollars? This question was made famous, in my mind, by the following exchange in Office Space.

Peter Gibbons: What would you do if you had a million dollars?
Lawrence: I'll tell you what I'd do, man: two chicks at the same time, man.
Peter-Man: That's it? If you had a million dollars, you'd do two chicks at the same time?
Lawrence: Damn straight. I always wanted to do that, man. And I think if I were a millionaire I could hook that up, too; 'cause chicks dig dudes with money.
Peter-Man: Well, not all chicks.
Lawrence: Well, the type of chicks that'd double up on a dude like me do.
Peter-Man: Good point.
Lawrence: Well, what about you now? what would you do?
Peter-Man: Besides two chicks at the same time?
Lawrence: Well, yeah.
Peter-Man: Nothing.
Lawrence: Nothing, huh?
Peter-Man: I would relax... I would sit on my ass all day... I would do nothing.
Lawrence: Well, you don't need a million dollars to do nothing, man. Take a look at my cousin: he's broke, don't do shit.

So instead of unnecessary lessons, Peter would do nothing. That all goes to introduce my Top 10 List of Unncessary Lessons to take, in no particular order:

1. Flower Arranging- the only course I would ever take from Mississippi State

2. Spanish - I would love to be totally and completely fluent. I would follow this by Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Arabic, and French.

3. Sailing - to be free to explore the Caribbean on my own, and be a part of the local yacht club

4. Photography - I like looking at great photographs, but am not patient enough to take one myself

5. Kiteboarding/Kitesurfing - I can wakeboard... why not do it without a boat?

6. Funk / Hip Hop - so that I can join a crew and compete on the streets

7. Cosmetology - I have a thing for makeup, even though it might not look like it. And I'd really like to become an expert hair teaser

8. Interior design - I cannot create a room... just copy another one I've seen

9. Sky diving - I've just always wanted to, preferably with a chute that works!

10. Wilderness survival - I am amazed by Bear Grylls. And should the commis attack, I'll be ready to beat them, just like in Red Dawn


This is wholly uninteresting, but I thought it was worth a little time. Should my career as a pharmacist fail or bore me, expect a new career in one of these (hopefully as a member of a crew!)

MM

Links

So post election I found a few links that follow up a few of my recent posts. One is a story by a Princeton historian who is looking at what Obama is up against in terms of being able to get things done. The second is about celebrities and their responses to Obama being elected. So glad to know that Lindsay Lohan approves of Obama. I can rest easy now.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/zelizer.new.president/index.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081105/ap_en_ce/election_celebrity_reaction

And by the way, Oprah annoys me. After the election she said, in reference to supporting Obama, that she looked at the Scripture Matthew 16:26- "What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" and thought "if I don't do this (support Obama) I will lose my soul". Urrggg.....

Thoughts from someone much wiser than I

I shamelessly copied this piece from a friend because I thought it was worth reading. It was written by a professor at Biola University in California. Regardless of who you voted for, it is a good perspective.


Morning in America

Wednesday the sun came up and I was happy. It is still morning in America. The candidate I voted for did not win, but I got to vote in a free and fair election. Power will be passed peacefully and the Constitution is intact.

We should never take that for granted.

The United States of America is still a marvelous place to live. People suffering in the Sudan would trade our worst day, economically speaking, for their best. Citizens in more prosperous China do not have the chance to throw the rascals out.

The sun is not setting on the American experiment. It is still rising, because there is still work to be done expanding the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to all citizens.

It is glorious that an African-American has been elected President of the United States. Slavery was the original sin of the Republic and racism remains the bitter experience of too many Americans. The election of Barack Obama will not end racism in the United States, but it is a positive, symbolic step forward.

Each one of these steps brings us further to Dr. King’s dream of a society where men and women are judged on the content of their character and not on race.

President-elect Obama will soon be my head of state. I will pray for him daily and for his success. He is my president and it is my duty to do so.

In our system, President-elect Obama is also the head of government. In those terms, I am part of the loyal opposition. I will support President Obama when his policies are sound and give forceful reasons to oppose them if they lurch to the left. A loyal opposition is always hopeful that the Other Party will govern better than they have promised—the real world often tempers messianic dreams, but is ready to quip and quarrel if not.

The battle for the right to life for all God’s children will continue as will our defense of the family. We should ignore the temptation to read too much into elections. Pundits get paid to pontificate, yet they lack the anointing of pontiffs let alone of prophets.

Here is a rule of thumb: a party in charge during an economic meltdown and an unpopular war is finished. It is a sign of how center right the country really is, and the risk that the Democratic Party took in nominating Obama, that the race was as close as it was for so long. The banking crisis finished McCain.

Any analysis beyond that fact is speculation. The wave of anti-Republican sentiment during the “bail out” was so strong that any other tendencies are hard to separate or measure.

I will continue to support a small government just big enough to protect our fundamental rights, but today reminds me that most of life has nothing to do with government.

My family watched the returns with me. We mourned our defeat and then enjoyed time together. My classes in Torrey Honors at Biola will continue to explore the great texts of the West and my students will continue to argue well and press me to think harder about my ideas. My parish of Saint Michael will maintain the great tradition of the Western rite liturgy and we will not change our mind on the great moral issues with each passing poll.

Most of life is not government and most Americans put little trust in our “princes.”

“It is morning in America,” Reagan’s commercials famously ran… and for me it is still true. The land has not changed, our history is more glorious than not, and the election of the first African-American to the White House is good.

Besides, the imp and political junkie in me suggests, 2012 is not so far away…

http://www.johnmarkreynolds.com/

On the eve of a great election

So... its been a minute since I posted, however, tonight I have a few thoughts to get out there before the next President is elected. I'm not trying to change opinions... just throw out some ideas.

1. Why is it ok to spend so much money on campaigning?

I mean both parties throw around millions like it's no big deal. I understand the necessary cost of travel for the candidates, and know that advertising costs are astronomical, but really?? Spending this much on an election while acting empathetic to the economic situation seems a little two-faced to me, on both sides of the ticket. Isn't it a shame that if one of the candidates said, "I'm still in the race, but I'm giving the rest of my funds to charity," that candidate would lose due to lack of name recognition and advertising? I'm interested to see the final amount of cash spent on this election and compare it to the amount of our tax dollars used to "bail out" the economy.

2. Conspiracy theory

So... this is pretty out there. But pieces have been falling together in my mind on the candidacy of Barack Obama. First, I've always been suspicious of his quick rise to the spotlight. Then, I found out that a writer for the West Wing modeled the rise, campaign, and eventual presidency of Jimmy Smits after Barack Obama. Odd form of plagarism, huh? Anyway, now the audience of the West Wing is comfortable with this story line and will vote in a way comfortable to their subconscious. And... I have this wild idea that Warren Buffett, a supporter of Obama, somehow masterminded this economic crisis that the US is now facing. By doing this, the public will want a drastic change in economic policy, aka a switch in parties in the White House. Finally, with all due respect, the death of Obama's grandmother is very timely. Having lost a loved one this year, I am very sympathetic to the loss his family is suffering now. It just seems a little to perfect to me, just in time to win the sympathetic hearts of voters. I really wish she could have made it to see him win, if that is the outcome tomorrow. She would, no doubt, be very proud. So there it is... my lame attempt at a conspiracy to put Obama in the White House. Probably all false, however, if not... I'm accepting book deals.

3. Will more people vote in the general election tomorrow or for Dancing With the Stars tonight?

After all.... its so much easier to just text your vote in. And imagine... what if we were all given 9 votes for president, like on DWTS? PS... I hope that Warren Sapp wins!

Thats all for now! I'd like to hear your thoughts...

MM

More on Religion/ Politics

Last week Mary Margaret and I became captivated by a documentary on LBJ on the E-TV, one of the few channels we get with our new digital converter. It was the only thing on at the hours we usually watch TV, but as time moved to the 9 o'clock hour and time for CSI, we could not pull away from the show. It described Johnson's ascension to the presidency. I think I was captivated because my knowledge of Johnson and feelings about his presidency are that of a poor leader who accomplished little beyond the Civil Rights Act, which appear to be more for his own political clout, at least in his eyes. Interestingly enough, the documentary painted the feelings of the nation at the time of Johnson's election. He was highly poplar, seeking to beat out Republican opponent Goldwater by a large majority. The country appeared to be optimistic and Johnson was elected by a large majority. Now it is interesting to me how much the country was buying into Johnson's "Great Society" and his plans for the future of the nation. But as I reflected more on the difference in the mood of the country in the mid-60's and the incongruence with what I know as Johnson's legacy, I began to realize how most anything I've read or watched on a president, there appears to be some feeling or thought that as he was leaving office, he didn't get it done. The it being some idea, some plan, that the president wanted to do or have done, but somehow failed. Come to think of it, I have seen a great deal of most presidents painted as a failure to one degree or another. Now you might be wondering how this relates to religion. Well, I suggest that it has something to do with my last post and the idea that politicians are idols. We as a country look to each president to be a savior, to rid our society of the evils and injustices. However, we come to realize that after four or eight years, that the idol elected has let us down. Why? Well I simply suggest that they are idols, human idols and they cannot and do not solve the problems, hence a tone of "he didn't get it done." We continue to look for a problem solver when there is no understanding of the problem. The problem is our sin and the solution is the Savior, Christ. The nation, for the most part, enters each election optimistic, only to come out cynical, hence we tend to flip flop parties every 4 or 8 years, at least presidentially, thinking obviously that the party that has been in control can't do it and the other can. I expect Obama to get elected. I also expect in 4 or 8 years, we will crucify him. Why? Because his "change" is unrealistic, and so are our expectations of him. The same is true for McCain. Perhaps Obama seems so unscathed, such a nice, pretty idol, because he has little history working against him. I say this not because it eludes to some ability to be president, but more to make a case that in a sense, ignorance or the inexperience is bliss. The history of his inability is not as long as McCain's, hence the look of a much "prettier" idol. All this to say, lets not vote hoping to be fulfilled by a man who is suffering from the same state we all are, a sinner.

Political Blog????

Hmmm... So I had no intentions of this becoming a political blog, but perhaps I can direct this post to reflect more of the title my wife chose, one which I must and do agree, is a good one. So today I was listening to Les Newsom's RUF Ole Miss podcast, discussing the Fall of man and what it looks like in today's world, something Les is a master at doing. As he discussed the implications for men, it meant that our work would not be easy. That life would bring frustration and at times, would never be enough. Men will try to get more and have more, to find satisfaction, and it will never be enough. And for women, childbirth, as well as rearing, will be hard. This appears as women not only have difficulty in the birth of a child, but attempt to find security in "keeping the family unit together"- enmeshment as we MFTs like to call it. Les suggests, and I agree, that mothers go on living and making idols of their children, the lives they wish they could have again. So how does this relate to politics? Well, as I was reading some stories on Yahoo, I noticed a story discussing what "celebs" (ugh....that term makes me sick) endorsed what candidates. My question is "why do we care?" Well, it's simple. Idols. Politicians are idols as are celebrities. Celebrities take on rolls that inspire, that for men, show the man who does it all and has it all, and for the woman, the same. Hence, some have begun to actually hold these people in high esteem. Therefore, some care that Matt Damon supports Obama, or that whoever from that "show" the Hills supports John McCain. Then, somehow vicariously, those who idolize these celebrities then feel some sense of sameness, but with who? Perhaps a fictional character. Nonetheless, by supporting who their idol supports, there exists a feeling of rightness and fulfillment. America, WAKE UP! Just because someone is on TV doesn't mean they know anything about real life and politics. They are idols because they live in world that is fantasy, and so why don't we question their connectedness to real issues? Therefore, I suggest the best story, and perhaps with the best hero, is that of the Bible. I believe this is the best way, the way that taps into the reality of who we are in the world. However, the real question I pose is "do we make our political decisions based on a famous person's endorsement, or on our values?" Anyway, I hope this makes sense. I am le tired. PEace

Time for a post

So we started this blog but we rarely post. The debate is tomorrow night and it appears to be full steam ahead. I often cringe now at the thought of politics. Why might you ask? Well, I was once heavily involved, working for campaigns and being a member of student government. However, after some time, I became quite disenfranchised with the entire process. Why? Well mainly because I saw little being done by politicians on either side other than working towards the next election. That aside, many follow the media blindly, reading what they want to read, hearing what they want to hear. It disturbs me greatly to watch as people walk blindly with hands on the shoulders of the media giants. I'll admit, the media is a powerful force and it cannot be done away with, nor should it. However, I believe it is important to look critically at what we are fed. I will watch the debate and I encourage others to do so as well. Take the time to form your own opinion. Do your country a favor and turn off the tube for the spin time following the debate, or take in the comments critically. On another note, I am not exactly fired up about either candidate. Do I think John McCain will continue the policies of George Bush? No. Does that make him a good choice? No. Do I think Obama will change current policy? Yes. Does that make him a good choice? No. I think overall I'm more disillusioned and disappointed that I have to pick one of the two, realistically. As crazy as it sounds, I kinda agree with Jesse "the Body" Ventura, that there should be a vote for no one, expressing that one chooses to go to the polls and participate in the system, but does not believe either candidate is a good choice. It is a sad day to me when many begin to evaluate their vote, or the small percentage of "undecided" folk out there, from the "lesser of two evils" perspective. More thoughts to come....

July 4th Weekend

We enjoyed a great weekend of relaxing, wakeboarding, and eating with my family at Greer's Ferry Lake! This weekend has been anticipated by all for two years thanks to Tyler. Soon after he proposed at this same lake in 2006, Tyler realized that two years from then, the 4th would be on a Friday. This would make it "the best 4th ever"! And I'm pretty sure it was.

The rain Thursday night and Friday morning gave all of us some much needed rest. However, once the storm broke on Friday, we rushed to the boat to get on the water. Due to all the flooding this spring, the water at Greer's Ferry was really high. Like so high it covered the parking lot. In order to get to the boat, we waited on a ferry to the dock, and then were on our way.

The lake surprisingly calm, so everyone got to enjoy some unexpected wakeboarding....

As usual, Tyler got most improved. He has the uncanny ability to get better by not wakeboarding!

I got to tear it up, and after awhile was back to my old self. Somehow I actually didn't bust it while doing this (Hyperlite, I'm accepting endorsements...)





Dad wakeboards once or twice a summer- it keeps him young!

Scott, as always did amazing.

Here's a video to prove he landed that!
Hyperlite... he really is accepting endorsements!

Michelle did great wakeboarding too! She's always so smiley!

Mom enjoyed an adventure in the newest addition to the fleet... the USS Minnow!

But I am le tired....

So this is my first post on the blog. I'm not really sure what I think about this blog thing. As for right now, it's been a hot and long day, combined with my tiredness, which means I'm being quite strange right now. However, this weekend seems to be the cause of my le tiredness. We went to The Lake, yes, I make it a proper name, but it is for Greers Ferry Lake, in the Heber Springs, Arkansas area. We had some great food, watched some fireworks, which were really blocked from our vision by a think cloud of smoke (perhaps an omen for the US). So I'm too tired to keep writing, but I've gotten the ball rolling.

Here we go!

Ever since I finished my fifth year of pharmacy school, I've been saying I'm going to start a blog.... well here it is! You can expect little snippets of our adventures as newlyweds, which tend to consist mostly of delicious (?) food, deep thoughts, awkward situations, and road trips. It may not be too exciting, but hopefully it will at least be entertaining. The name comes from the wisdom of Jonathan Edwards...

"Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected."

Enjoy!

MM (and Tyler too!)