The new V-Day-esque photo.

Although this was put on the website Winning at Every- thing.com, there is actually a story behind this, which many people have already heard.  But I like it, and feel compelled to repeat it here.  The couple in the photo did not intend to be in the middle of a riot.  But for various reasons, they were and when things started heating up, all they wanted was to go somewhere safe.  But the girl was knocked down when the riot police began sweeping through the crowds.  The guy followed her to the ground, and as the line of police moved away from her, he tried to comfort her.  It was a scary moment, and she was dazed, so he acted on impulse and kissed her, suddenly making worldwide headlines.

Ok, yeah, it is a little startling at first, seeing the girl's butt-side-cleavage.  But come on.  She just survived a riot.  Her state of undress could have been worse.  And how many boyfriends out there, seeing their girlfriends in a state of terror think, "Now would be a good time to make a move"?  But he made the move and he committed fully, and I think that is what captures people's attentions.  Here is a guy that knew what he wanted (his girlfriend to be "all better"), made a spur of the moment plan (even if it was a crappy one), and then did it without hesitation about whether it was the right plan or not (see the plan through, and if you fail, fail with confidence and with all your heart).

Guys, women don't care if you fail.  We care if you are too unsure of yourselves to even risk the failure.

Another blog about kids

As you know if you read this blog regularly, I don't care for kids.  Some are cute, a lot are just evidence of major parental failure, and/or condom failure.  There are a handful of kids whose parents totally rock at parenting, who I totally love.

But I was browsing blogs today and one of them caught my eye.  The gist of the blog was "Shut up, your kids are not THAT cute."  But there was some interesting information in the blog:

Statistics show that 90% of your kids are going to grow up to become just like everyone else - and five percent of them, will grow up to be less than everyone else. Average citizens performing average jobs, with an average income, average intelligence and average achievements. There's a one-in-two shot that they'll end up divorced, with two-point-three children, there's a one in seven chance they'll be unemployed, and there's a one in twelve chance that they'll be too poor to survive without government subsidies during most of their childbearing years.

Three percent of your kids are going to be pregnant before they're out of high school, twenty percent are going to fail miserably at managing their credit, and while twenty-two percent of your children will be able to name all five of the Simpsons, less than one tenth of a percent will be able to name the 5 freedoms given to them by the first amendment and less than one hundredth of a percent will make any significant contribution to anything worthwhile within the scope of human history.

People seem to forget that these kids grow up to be adults, and the national averages aren't exactly on the rise.

 

The statistics can sometimes be depressing, or overwhelming.  But instead of thinking, "Why bother bringing a kid into the world with all the trouble we have here?"  Why not see the statistics as a challenge?  They're right, parents naturally want their kids to be great because, after all, a kid is a genetic reflection of a parent.  But ok, so my kid might not be that great.  But I know I am great, and why shouldn't I challenge myself to be a better parent than most of the parents out there?  Assuming, of course, that I find someone I can love, who is worth the effort and scary cliff-jump that is a wedding and then work my courage up to start a family.  There are a lot of steps between here and kids, but it is comforting to know that if the oxytocin fails to make me think my kids are the best thing since the invention of fire, that at the very least, I will enjoy the challenge of beating the odds to make myself a better parent.

Well, this is awkward...

Today's sermon was about forgiveness.  I feel a sort of incongruousness (I tried to write incongruence but spell check doesn't think that is a word, which is ridiculous).  But anyway I feel weird because the tables are turned.  Most of the time you hear about people who want God to forgive them but then struggle to let go of the hard feelings in their heart when it comes to forgiving someone else.  For example, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

But I seem to be having no problems forgiving the people who have hurt me.  I am just struggling to ask God to forgive me.  Why?  I don't know.  I know I need God's grace, always, in my life.  But today I am sitting here talking to God and yet I can't seem to bring myself to partake in the communion elements sitting in front of me.

Isn't that what talking to God is about?  Communing with him?  Why can I talk with him, yet not take communion?

On a completely random side thought, isn't "awkward" an awkward word?

A letter to men everywhere.

Leopold helps walk the dog.

Dear Men:

Even if you are not in a relation- ship with a woman, you still have female friends.  If you want to be a true gentle- man, you will treat everyone with the same courtesy and respect.  Although you do not have to stand when a woman enters or leaves the room, as Hugh Jackman did playing Leopold (Kate and Leopold), you should still channel the respectful mentality presented in the movie.

Admit when you are wrong.  Notice small details about a woman, and if she is your significant other, notice sexy details.  Display altruism.  If you do good deeds, it will inspire those around you to do good deeds as well.  Share with others your five-year-goals.  You may not know how you want to get there, but affirming it out loud solidifies in their minds and yours that you want something enough to tell others what you want.  It will inspire you to chase your goals, and inspire them to cheer you on.  Put your family first.  They will appreciate the quality time you spend with them, and when they are gone, you'll have no regrets.  Don't dress like any main character in any Judd Apatow movie.  When you dress confidently, you feel confident.  When a woman is dressed sexy, she feels sexy.  When a kid is completely naked, he runs around feeling completely free.  The clothes determine how you present yourself.

If you do these things, I can't speak for all women, but I promise to notice.  I promise to pay a compliment where a compliment is due.  I promise to admire your good points and if you ask for help on your bad points, I will be there.

Thank you in advance for being a gentleman.  Chivalry is not dead, and I do want it in the world.  Any girl who doesn't want it in the world can go live somewhere else.  This is my land now.  In my land, people will be respectful and courteous to all.

Sincerely,
arwenundomiel9

Convo

Person one:  Well, I was thinking you would need a gasket for the oil pan, to keep it from leaking.
Person two:  [Technical mumbo jumbo that I wasn't listening to because on the word "gasket" my brain went elsewhere.]
Person one:  Oh that's true, I didn't think of that.
Me:  You know what I thought of?  "A tisket, a tasket, a green and yellow gasket."
Person two:  That's great.  You should go to engineering school.  You're a natural.  You'd fit right in.