I try to lead a life of honesty ... I think that people sometimes veer from that path mainly to avoid certain small issues, but at other times they do it to hide inconvenient truths. I think more than anything else dishonesty has to be my biggest pet peeve.
I try and treat each and every person I meet with a few things ... a certain level of respect, some trust (if warranted), and above all else straight up 100 percent honesty. Unfortunately more and more I've come to realize that it's an idealistic view of the world, and of people. I know I've already said this before but ... my best attribute and biggest flaw are that I always try to see the "good" in people ... For the most part it serves me quite well, but I have to say it sometimes blinds me to the 1 or 2 percent of people that I meet who are incredibly dishonest, deceitful ... I guess there's a lesson in everything and meeting those kinds of people from time to time is just a simple reminder that "YES" these people actually exist and chances are that over the course of one's life you'll run into a few.
I guess the main thing to take away from this is that while "they" are out there ... it's important to remember that not everyone is like that. There are lots of decent people out there, and as long as you're as up front and as honest as possible, then the chances of meeting those "undesirables" is diminished.
Life lessons are sometimes hard, but they're honestly worth it.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Innocence of the Unknown
I was talking to a friend not too long ago, and they were relating to me how one of their daughters had recently had a severe bought of gastro or some other malady. The end result being that the poor little thing was now afraid to poo ... mainly because of the fear that it would be as painful as when she was sick ...
It's funny at first when you think about it ... I mean as you get older you learn that things have a cause and effect relationship that inevitably leads to an end result. Therefore it's not hard to imagine yourself avoiding the cause if the end result is negative, or at least understanding the "why" of certain things.
When you're so young though ... it must be terrifying. Without that understanding it becomes difficult and in this case frightening ... in the face of the unknown the innocent are always fearful. At some point the unknown becomes known, and cause and effect can take their rightful place as guides for the future.
Not only about poo ... but I do hope she poos soon ...
It's funny at first when you think about it ... I mean as you get older you learn that things have a cause and effect relationship that inevitably leads to an end result. Therefore it's not hard to imagine yourself avoiding the cause if the end result is negative, or at least understanding the "why" of certain things.
When you're so young though ... it must be terrifying. Without that understanding it becomes difficult and in this case frightening ... in the face of the unknown the innocent are always fearful. At some point the unknown becomes known, and cause and effect can take their rightful place as guides for the future.
Not only about poo ... but I do hope she poos soon ...
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Downtime
There is a lot to be said for sitting alone at home ... with a glass of wine, a good book, and some good friends on the stereo ...
The overall effect is one of calm, one of peace, and a general sigh of the soul that releases all the stress and worries of the day. With every sip and every note played, it's as though one more thing has been washed out of the system. It's something that I haven't done in a long ... long time ... and now that I sit here in silence with nothing but Otis breaking his heart, the warm tingle of the wine as it passes past my palette, and the peace and calm to consider all things great and small ...
I wonder why I don't do it more often. Why is there always such a rush to move things forward, go somewhere, get something done ... sometimes, maybe not all the time ... but sometimes a little procrastination and a little time to be with yourself is just what you need the most.
The overall effect is one of calm, one of peace, and a general sigh of the soul that releases all the stress and worries of the day. With every sip and every note played, it's as though one more thing has been washed out of the system. It's something that I haven't done in a long ... long time ... and now that I sit here in silence with nothing but Otis breaking his heart, the warm tingle of the wine as it passes past my palette, and the peace and calm to consider all things great and small ...
I wonder why I don't do it more often. Why is there always such a rush to move things forward, go somewhere, get something done ... sometimes, maybe not all the time ... but sometimes a little procrastination and a little time to be with yourself is just what you need the most.
Friday, February 02, 2007
R.U.C.K.U.S
ruck·us (rŭk'əs)
It's brewing, it's off on the horizon, but the winds of chaos and commotion are pushing clouds of joy and happiness this way ... and they're coming in a hurry.
So grab a hat and jump on board, there is plenty of room. For all of those reading this, today, tonight, this weekend ... this YEAR ... is the best time to create your own noisy disturbance or commotion of pure merriment ... why? ... because ... because there's no time like the present to push aside worries, stress and the monotony of the every day in exchange for that which inspires, surprises and warms the spirit.
SO BRING IT!!!
- commotion: the act of making a noisy disturbance
- a noisy commotion; fracas; rumpus
- A disturbance; a commotion
It's brewing, it's off on the horizon, but the winds of chaos and commotion are pushing clouds of joy and happiness this way ... and they're coming in a hurry.
So grab a hat and jump on board, there is plenty of room. For all of those reading this, today, tonight, this weekend ... this YEAR ... is the best time to create your own noisy disturbance or commotion of pure merriment ... why? ... because ... because there's no time like the present to push aside worries, stress and the monotony of the every day in exchange for that which inspires, surprises and warms the spirit.
SO BRING IT!!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
happy days
Curveballs, screwballs, fastballs ... I'm on a bender, but this time it's happiness.
I guess it only ever takes a few moments of reflection to realize how the mundane is just that, and all the other events, occurrences, etc. are what's really important. It's been quite some time since I felt this ... free ... I'm not saying that ups and downs don't still occur, but I'm just saying that everything when taken in and evaluated comes up Aces!
It's definitely not the weather, it's definitely not work, or anything else ... I really can't put a finger on it, but whatever "IT" is, it feels fantastic. I guess that's all I needed ... a little time, a little perspective ... and some happy days.
Just thought I'd share that with whoever actually cares to listen ... I just like how it creeped up on me.
It slinks it's way toward you, until one day you it occurs to you that everything feels ... GREAT . You feel like anything can be accomplished, everything is within your reach, and karma is on your side.
I guess it only ever takes a few moments of reflection to realize how the mundane is just that, and all the other events, occurrences, etc. are what's really important. It's been quite some time since I felt this ... free ... I'm not saying that ups and downs don't still occur, but I'm just saying that everything when taken in and evaluated comes up Aces!
It's definitely not the weather, it's definitely not work, or anything else ... I really can't put a finger on it, but whatever "IT" is, it feels fantastic. I guess that's all I needed ... a little time, a little perspective ... and some happy days.
Just thought I'd share that with whoever actually cares to listen ... I just like how it creeped up on me.
It slinks it's way toward you, until one day you it occurs to you that everything feels ... GREAT . You feel like anything can be accomplished, everything is within your reach, and karma is on your side.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Teeter Totter
Like a thief you enter my mind ... slipping in through some window that was left open, a door that was ajar ...
When all seems safe, and there is nothing but peace and calm throughout the house, you make your entrance. Slipping past the security, bounding up the steps, and entering again to a place you once occupied. It's an intrusion ... it's unlawful entry ... it's not fair.
... and yet I let you. So the scales tip back and forth, like a swing swaying not knowing if it's up or down or up again. It's my fault for not locking up, for not taking the time to make sure that all the doors are bolted, windows are shut ... I guess I just like the breeze and fresh air to waft through. It keeps things fresh and open.
... and yet I let you ... so back and forth, to an fro, here and there ... and here again.
When all seems safe, and there is nothing but peace and calm throughout the house, you make your entrance. Slipping past the security, bounding up the steps, and entering again to a place you once occupied. It's an intrusion ... it's unlawful entry ... it's not fair.
... and yet I let you. So the scales tip back and forth, like a swing swaying not knowing if it's up or down or up again. It's my fault for not locking up, for not taking the time to make sure that all the doors are bolted, windows are shut ... I guess I just like the breeze and fresh air to waft through. It keeps things fresh and open.
... and yet I let you ... so back and forth, to an fro, here and there ... and here again.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Friends: Fairweather vs. True
Something just occurred to me ... and it was something that would pop in and out of my head now and then.
People who run at the first sight of trouble are not your friends. They are only there for the good times. They don't want to see or deal with the "you" that is down, depressed, sad, etc. Those aren't the qualities of a real friend.
Even when you just want people to leave you alone, the ones who pester you, who are always asking you how you are doing ... those are your true friends. They ask because they care ... they see you in pain, and by association because they are true friends ... they are in pain. It's selfish to think that you don't affect others.
These are the people that you can count on. They are the ones to celebrate in your joy, and to pick you up when you are down. They are the people you cherish and hold on to, otherwise you'll surround yourself with indifference.
So when you get back up ... and those other people come around ... you need to ask yourself "Where were they?" ... and if a hearty "F*ck YOU" were to escape your lips, I'm sure your TRUE friends would agree.
People who run at the first sight of trouble are not your friends. They are only there for the good times. They don't want to see or deal with the "you" that is down, depressed, sad, etc. Those aren't the qualities of a real friend.
Even when you just want people to leave you alone, the ones who pester you, who are always asking you how you are doing ... those are your true friends. They ask because they care ... they see you in pain, and by association because they are true friends ... they are in pain. It's selfish to think that you don't affect others.
These are the people that you can count on. They are the ones to celebrate in your joy, and to pick you up when you are down. They are the people you cherish and hold on to, otherwise you'll surround yourself with indifference.
So when you get back up ... and those other people come around ... you need to ask yourself "Where were they?" ... and if a hearty "F*ck YOU" were to escape your lips, I'm sure your TRUE friends would agree.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Last Act
For whatever reason I haven't listened ... Not when friends were telling me how screwed up the whole situation was, not when action after action hinted at something evil ... I kept pushing on with blind faith.
My biggest fault ... and it's something I really need to work on ... is that I only see the good in people. It's not always a problem, but in certain instances I let it mask the truth, and so I don't look past the shiny veneer of good to see the large dark ugly mass of bad lurking in the back.
Why am I writing this? Mainly because it recently dawned on me that this person is not who they say they are ... not who they believe they are. My part in the whole drama was letting myself believe the lies they said ... letting myself be taken in by the show and the character they were portraying. In the end the wall cracked and I was finally able to see past everything ... to stare at the darkness hidden in that person and I now realize that I should never ever want to associate myself with someone ... or something like that.
It's hard to come to terms with the fact that there are truly terrible, horrible human beings out there. I don't know if they realize it but they are walking contradictions. How can you consider yourself to be respectful or respectable when you're actions indicate otherwise?
The tough part is knowing that they can seduce you with their lies ... with their act ... and blind you to the truth.
My biggest fault ... and it's something I really need to work on ... is that I only see the good in people. It's not always a problem, but in certain instances I let it mask the truth, and so I don't look past the shiny veneer of good to see the large dark ugly mass of bad lurking in the back.
Why am I writing this? Mainly because it recently dawned on me that this person is not who they say they are ... not who they believe they are. My part in the whole drama was letting myself believe the lies they said ... letting myself be taken in by the show and the character they were portraying. In the end the wall cracked and I was finally able to see past everything ... to stare at the darkness hidden in that person and I now realize that I should never ever want to associate myself with someone ... or something like that.
It's hard to come to terms with the fact that there are truly terrible, horrible human beings out there. I don't know if they realize it but they are walking contradictions. How can you consider yourself to be respectful or respectable when you're actions indicate otherwise?
The tough part is knowing that they can seduce you with their lies ... with their act ... and blind you to the truth.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Escape
Just a few quick questions and hopefully I'll keep this short ... although I've said that before.
Why is it that we turn to alcohol, drugs, etc. to escape our problems? Where is the benefit in that? How are we really helping ourselves? I can speak from personal experience in saying that it doesn't really benefit anyone ... especially not ourselves.
I guess running from problems defeats the purpose. Problems exist because it's a situation that requires thought to formulate some solution ... drinking, etc. just leads to a momentary numbness that doesn't allow you to come up with any solution. It does provide you with that escape ... that numbness that allows you to believe you're existing without having to deal with ... anything. In reality though you can't be numb all the time. It's just not possible. Your body rebels for a reason. Comfortably numb doesn't exist and for those who believe they have found it are simply in a state of denial. What kind of life do you live when you're numb all the time? How can you not feel ... how can you deny yourself the basic necessities of being human ... emotion and thought ...
There is no escape from life ... sh*t just happens ... it's how you deal with it that tells the world just what kind of person you are ... there is no escape.
Why is it that we turn to alcohol, drugs, etc. to escape our problems? Where is the benefit in that? How are we really helping ourselves? I can speak from personal experience in saying that it doesn't really benefit anyone ... especially not ourselves.
I guess running from problems defeats the purpose. Problems exist because it's a situation that requires thought to formulate some solution ... drinking, etc. just leads to a momentary numbness that doesn't allow you to come up with any solution. It does provide you with that escape ... that numbness that allows you to believe you're existing without having to deal with ... anything. In reality though you can't be numb all the time. It's just not possible. Your body rebels for a reason. Comfortably numb doesn't exist and for those who believe they have found it are simply in a state of denial. What kind of life do you live when you're numb all the time? How can you not feel ... how can you deny yourself the basic necessities of being human ... emotion and thought ...
There is no escape from life ... sh*t just happens ... it's how you deal with it that tells the world just what kind of person you are ... there is no escape.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Mean People Suck
It's something that everyone knows, you see it on bumper stickers, tshirts, coffee mugs ... so it's definitely not news to anyone. The problem is when you let them affect you ...
I don't know ... I guess I've come to the realization that I have a tendency to see the good in people. It's not always a fault ... sometimes it's a good thing, because I believe everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt. People deserve second and third chances. You never know what they're going through ... but ... sometimes people really are ... I don't know, sometimes that's as good as it gets. Sometimes people don't deserve another chance, because they haven't sorted out their own issues and until they do, they can't be counted on. You can't think that they will have the decency to at least treat you like a human being. Sometimes people really are untrustworthy, dishonest, deceitful ... and you just have to accept that. It's the sad reality of life.
My tendency to see the good is what allows people to walk all over me, and disrespect me. I guess I'm just too damn "nice".
I don't know ... I guess I've come to the realization that I have a tendency to see the good in people. It's not always a fault ... sometimes it's a good thing, because I believe everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt. People deserve second and third chances. You never know what they're going through ... but ... sometimes people really are ... I don't know, sometimes that's as good as it gets. Sometimes people don't deserve another chance, because they haven't sorted out their own issues and until they do, they can't be counted on. You can't think that they will have the decency to at least treat you like a human being. Sometimes people really are untrustworthy, dishonest, deceitful ... and you just have to accept that. It's the sad reality of life.
My tendency to see the good is what allows people to walk all over me, and disrespect me. I guess I'm just too damn "nice".
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