The Onion

If you don't read it, you should. They have some of the most talented writers of satire I have ever come across. Here's a recent editorial that had me in stitches (warning, it contains "foul" language, so if that offends you, don't click the link). The best part about the humor is that, as funny as it is, it is often insightful social commentary. I have a link to the site on the right side of my page. I don't think you'll regret a trip there.

Comments welcome

I've had a few comments here on the blog, but I would like to see more. In my mind, this blog (or any other, really) is not just an outlet for my thoughts, but a chance to enter into a dialog with the people reading it. So, please leave your comments and check back because I may very well respond to them.

Early morning musings on pain

It's about 1:45 in the morning. I'm sitting in a parking garage at work babysitting stuff for a garage sale tomorrow. Security isn't my regular job anymore, but I still pick up the occasional relief shift because I need the money and it can be fun.

Speaking of fun, I got tased last weekend. I picked up a couple of shifts and since our department carries tasers now, I wanted to be certified to carry. So, I rode the lightning. It was certainly the longest, most painful five seconds of my life. It felt like a ton of bricks slammed into me. I swear, if someone points a taser at me now, I'm putting my hands up and cooperating. It was amazing how quickly the pain passed, though. For a second or two after the taser finished its cycle, I still felt it, but then it was gone. I jumped up and was good to go. Now I get to carry one and share the love if someone doesn't want to play nice with others.

Nightwish

Since I first discovered the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish last year, they have become one of my favorite bands. Their blend of heavy metal and orchestral elements makes for an incredibly rich sound and the lyrics are poetic and personal. I sound like I should be writing ad-copy for them or something. Anyway, they are awesome.

The first single, Eva, from their new album was just released a week ago. They've got a new lead singer since firing the previous one for becoming a diva too focused on herself. I was nervous that whoever it was would not capture the spirit or passion that Tarja had. I worry no more. Annette Olzon, the new lead singer, has a beautiful voice and fit perfectly into the band (at least for this song). I have faith that their upcoming album will be just as awe-inspiring as the rest.

Is it September, yet?

Nose to the grindstone

I forgot I had another class, Introduction to the Bible, starting this week until I got an email today reminding me about it. I just reviewed the syllabus and it is going to keep me very busy. It's only eight weeks and I have to write three 2-3 page papers and two 8-10 page papers. The only test is the final exam and consists of short essays. Of course, I also have my research writing class and anthropology class going on at the moment.

Free time. Who needs it?

Family's important, but...

My sister, Shawna, uttered that phrase sometime back. I don't remember the context, but it wasn't said in complete jest. It was comical to me at the time for the sitcom-like absurdity of it, but the more I've thought about it, the sadder the phrase has become and the more it has seemed to embody the relationships among my siblings.

I have four siblings, three sisters - Sharie, Sheena, and Shawna - and one brother - Shawn. Growing up we were close, not extremely so, but we got along. As we became teenagers, though, we began drifting apart. We became caught up in our own problems, our own lives. I was/am just as guilty as the rest. None of us, myself included, call each other or make an effort to see each other near as much as we should. We get birthday gifts for each other more because it is expected than because we get excited and care about giving gifts to each other. I would say that most of us have no idea of what is going on in each other's lives past the surface level of where we are working and who we are dating. I don't think we know how each other really feels or what each other's hopes and dreams are. I also think that my siblings are very unhappy and desperately trying to fix it, but unsure how.

It's sad. I want to fix it, but I'm not sure how or if I can. Future posts will go more indepth on my siblings and our relationships and what I think the problems are that need to be overcome before we can become a closer family.