Random Thoughts #2
-I think I'm going to start saying "the right-foot side," or maybe "the right-eye side" since it sounds kind of cooler. I mean, it's the same thing as "the right-hand side," right?
-I wouldn't want to be a pirate, For one thing, they have horrible health plans. You lose a leg, and they give you a stick. You lose a hand, and they give you hook. Scurvy isn't too awesome either. Then again, I also wouldn't want to be a pirate recruiter. "Yes sir, we offer our pirates only the finest eye patches. Feel how silky smooth that is? Just imagine that being tied to your heads 24/7! If you're going to lose an eye, you might as well do it with us!"
-I saw a poster at school the other day stating that if the members of a certain club would pay their $20 club dues, then they would use the money to provide free pizza at the meetings for everyone who paid. That's a pretty good deal, I think. Free pizza for just $20. Pizza ABSOLUTELY FREE for only $20 dollars! Suddenly, I'm not so sure about the meaning of the word "Free."
A Few Random Facts About Me
-I don't know where it tops out, but The governor on my car lets it go somewhere past 130 MPH, or, um, so I've been told... (cough, cough).
-As a kid, I once I developed an experiment to determine the truth about the tooth fairy. I was somewhat disappointed, but science won out. Maybe I should have submitted that for the first grade science fair...
-I used to be afraid of spiders, then I saw Arachnophobia, and it cured me.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
I'm back!
I just got back from a Thanksgiving trip with my family. I had a lot of fun, and it was nice to be together. We laughed a lot, we talked, revisited childhood memories, and stuffed ourselves (repeatedly). Of course, with any change of scenes, the opportunity to see things in a new light is presented. Consequently, I have been fueled with a number of new blog entries which you will probably be seeing in the near future. =)
Some time ago, the man my grandmother married (what does that make him? A step-grandfather, a grandfather in law, just some guy?) had a stroke. He recovered, but during his down-time he lost enough muscle that it made it difficult for him to walk. As a result, he ended up in a rest home where they could take better care of him. I went with my grandmother to pick him up and bring him back for Thanksgiving dinner. I have to admit, the sight was kind of sad.
The facilities where he was staying were very nice, and the nurses were friendly and caring. Still, it was full of people that spent each and every day (as far as I could tell) sleeping, eating, and watching TV. That was their life. If I had to endure that, I think I would go crazy. The thing that was truly sad about it, however, was that it was within their power and their control to live a more fulfilling life, they simply chose not to. Maybe it was a generational thing, or perhaps the desire to lay around watching TV comes more with age. At any rate, it made me realize the importance of people and of living a full life.
As I understand it, the man we went to pick up is incredibly well off. He had been able to accumulate millions in his career, and he could easily afford to hire personal assistants and to travel to the world. I suppose at this point in his life it may be overly physically taxing, and the interest may not exist, but it's still an opportunity lost. Many of the people there perhaps don't have that same opportunity, but therein lies a greater tragedy. They all have the option of loving and laughing. They could find a friend with whom they might share ideas, recount stories, and engage in enlightening conversations! I would much rather talk, laugh, and enjoy life than watch QVC or the golf channel. If there ever comes a day when I'm too old to move about or even take care of myself, I hope that I will still have an ounce of charm, a bit of whit, and the ability to love to and share a conversation with a friend. Even if that's all you can do, then you are still alive and making a difference.
That experience strengthened my understanding of the importance of people. Yes, of the importance of finding a good friend to spend each and every day with, but also just the importance of people in general. When we are old, we will probably end up doing the exact same things we do now, just without the going to work or school part. If we aren't interacting with people and sharing life now, then we probably won't when we are old either. So live life, love everyone, and never let a moment pass without finding cause to smile or brighten someone else's day!
Some time ago, the man my grandmother married (what does that make him? A step-grandfather, a grandfather in law, just some guy?) had a stroke. He recovered, but during his down-time he lost enough muscle that it made it difficult for him to walk. As a result, he ended up in a rest home where they could take better care of him. I went with my grandmother to pick him up and bring him back for Thanksgiving dinner. I have to admit, the sight was kind of sad.
The facilities where he was staying were very nice, and the nurses were friendly and caring. Still, it was full of people that spent each and every day (as far as I could tell) sleeping, eating, and watching TV. That was their life. If I had to endure that, I think I would go crazy. The thing that was truly sad about it, however, was that it was within their power and their control to live a more fulfilling life, they simply chose not to. Maybe it was a generational thing, or perhaps the desire to lay around watching TV comes more with age. At any rate, it made me realize the importance of people and of living a full life.
As I understand it, the man we went to pick up is incredibly well off. He had been able to accumulate millions in his career, and he could easily afford to hire personal assistants and to travel to the world. I suppose at this point in his life it may be overly physically taxing, and the interest may not exist, but it's still an opportunity lost. Many of the people there perhaps don't have that same opportunity, but therein lies a greater tragedy. They all have the option of loving and laughing. They could find a friend with whom they might share ideas, recount stories, and engage in enlightening conversations! I would much rather talk, laugh, and enjoy life than watch QVC or the golf channel. If there ever comes a day when I'm too old to move about or even take care of myself, I hope that I will still have an ounce of charm, a bit of whit, and the ability to love to and share a conversation with a friend. Even if that's all you can do, then you are still alive and making a difference.
That experience strengthened my understanding of the importance of people. Yes, of the importance of finding a good friend to spend each and every day with, but also just the importance of people in general. When we are old, we will probably end up doing the exact same things we do now, just without the going to work or school part. If we aren't interacting with people and sharing life now, then we probably won't when we are old either. So live life, love everyone, and never let a moment pass without finding cause to smile or brighten someone else's day!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My bed.
My Bed:
A poem written by my semi-conscious mind to the beating of my alarm clock.
I give my warm sheets a final hug.
We are always too long apart, and never long enough together.
Waiting to be bathed in moonlight again,
We share one last embrace.
Knowing we shall be reunited on the morrow,
Parting tis such sweet sorrow.
A poem written by my semi-conscious mind to the beating of my alarm clock.
I give my warm sheets a final hug.
We are always too long apart, and never long enough together.
Waiting to be bathed in moonlight again,
We share one last embrace.
Knowing we shall be reunited on the morrow,
Parting tis such sweet sorrow.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Likes and dislikes
I just went running.
I don't like when someone's already on the treadmill and I have to wait. Especially when they are just walking the entire time.
I love it when the Indian girl on the treadmill forgets that I'm there and starts singing her Indian rock out loud.
I don't like when the treadmill smells like curry...
I like how the heartbeat monitor always seems to know my heartbeat, even before I ever touch the sensor.
I don't think the heartbeat monitor is working correctly...
I love listening to Greek music while I run. It's like 80's music, but cool.
I don't like when sweat gets in my eye and the salt burns.
I like it when I beat my previous run by several minutes.
I don't like how I still have to stop and catch my breath every mile.
I love it when I go outside in the cool air and I'm steaming everywhere.
I don't like when someone's already on the treadmill and I have to wait. Especially when they are just walking the entire time.
I love it when the Indian girl on the treadmill forgets that I'm there and starts singing her Indian rock out loud.
I don't like when the treadmill smells like curry...
I like how the heartbeat monitor always seems to know my heartbeat, even before I ever touch the sensor.
I don't think the heartbeat monitor is working correctly...
I love listening to Greek music while I run. It's like 80's music, but cool.
I don't like when sweat gets in my eye and the salt burns.
I like it when I beat my previous run by several minutes.
I don't like how I still have to stop and catch my breath every mile.
I love it when I go outside in the cool air and I'm steaming everywhere.
Ho ho ho?
It's happening again and I don't like it. In fact, I hate it. I just saw another Christmas commercial as I was walking past the family room, and it makes me glad that I don't watch tv. The theme of the commercial? "What I want for Christmas." Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I love the holidays, the food, the music, my family, giving gifts, and so forth, but I hate the commercial aspect that has been dumped upon us. Notice that I mentioned giving gifts and not receiving gifts. Sure, it's nice to get a gift from a friend, or to see a sign of someone's love or affection, but it's not about getting gifts, it's about giving to others and serving. Several years ago my family stopped exchanging gifts. We may give each other a small trinket or something, but we no longer buy each other large presents. Instead, we all go shopping together and use the money that we would have spent on each other and buy gifts for the less fortunate, for the poor, and the homeless. I find it to be much more rewarding, and I love the tradition.
I just think it's sad that Christmas has somehow changed, and now it's all about two things for most people: 1) What I want for Christmas, and 2) the importance of believing in a fictional character. All the new Christmas specials seem to be about getting presents, or BELIEEEEVING in Santa! You must BELIEEEEEEEEVE!!! It's lametacular.
I guess I can understand how a holiday based on Christ's birth could have morphed into a celebration of peace on Earth and goodwill towards men (though I don't necessarily support it 100%) since it all goes back to love, of which Christ was the perfect example, but how do you make the jump to a celebration of worldly possessions and human greed?
Μπερδέυομαι...
I just think it's sad that Christmas has somehow changed, and now it's all about two things for most people: 1) What I want for Christmas, and 2) the importance of believing in a fictional character. All the new Christmas specials seem to be about getting presents, or BELIEEEEVING in Santa! You must BELIEEEEEEEEVE!!! It's lametacular.
I guess I can understand how a holiday based on Christ's birth could have morphed into a celebration of peace on Earth and goodwill towards men (though I don't necessarily support it 100%) since it all goes back to love, of which Christ was the perfect example, but how do you make the jump to a celebration of worldly possessions and human greed?
Μπερδέυομαι...
COME ON!!! (thanks, Gob)
So it looks like the Actor's Guild may be striking soon. I'm kind of surprised that it didn't happen sooner. Quite frankly, I don't know how George Clooney gets by on his modest budget. Actors have it tough, and they probably have more expenses than we realize. I mean, private jets aren't cheap. Not only that, but they put in a lot of hours. Busy actors may work as many as six months out of the year, and when they aren't working, they are perfecting their tans, maintaining their abs, and making sure that their vacation homes are being taken care of. I think you will agree that they deserve better.
OK... Maybe it's not that simple, but actors are living their dreams, and even if they aren't successful they knew the odds and the risks before they started. Still, there are a lot of highly successful and extremely well-paid actors. In a time of economic crisis, should they really be demanding more? Maybe they should look outwards and think "how can I help these workers and my devoted fans?" Striking isn't only about the actors and our entertainment, it is also bad for the economy. In the recent writer's strike, it cost the L.A. economy about $2.5 billion, not to mention the impact it had on the rest of the country/world. For all we know, the writer's strike may be partially responsible for the current economic situation. On top of that, suddenly everyone involved in the production process will find themselves out of a job. They have families! They have bills! They have loans!
Maybe they should go to their room to think about what they have done. You know, one of their massive rooms on their private island with the nice view of the... ok, never mind. Maybe they should sit in my room for awhile and think about what they have done!
OK... Maybe it's not that simple, but actors are living their dreams, and even if they aren't successful they knew the odds and the risks before they started. Still, there are a lot of highly successful and extremely well-paid actors. In a time of economic crisis, should they really be demanding more? Maybe they should look outwards and think "how can I help these workers and my devoted fans?" Striking isn't only about the actors and our entertainment, it is also bad for the economy. In the recent writer's strike, it cost the L.A. economy about $2.5 billion, not to mention the impact it had on the rest of the country/world. For all we know, the writer's strike may be partially responsible for the current economic situation. On top of that, suddenly everyone involved in the production process will find themselves out of a job. They have families! They have bills! They have loans!
Maybe they should go to their room to think about what they have done. You know, one of their massive rooms on their private island with the nice view of the... ok, never mind. Maybe they should sit in my room for awhile and think about what they have done!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I just don't know anymore
I'm being overcome with the realization that I don't really know where I stand right now. I've been staring at my homework for well over an hour (it was originally due on Wednesday) and I'm pretty sure that my brain has decided that the semester is over, yet I keep telling myself to keep going. But it's more than that. I feel like I could swing either way in a number of decisions. For example, as I was walking to my room and considering writing a blog entry (instead of doing my homework), I managed to smash my fingers in the door. The result was about 15 seconds of clenched teethed and agony followed by laughter. Should I really be laughing about something like smashing my fingers in the door? Also, a friend of mine has given the sleeping artist inside of me a nudge, and I don't know if I should let that artist wake up or not. I have a history of excelling in artistic pursuits, but I've never really applied myself. Teachers were amazed at my artistic writing at an early age, high school art projects left instructors baffled, and recent exploration into a new instrument leaves me wondering if I have a natural talent for music. I mean, I can whistle pretty good too. ;)
I like where I am, but I don't always see it leading where I believe I need to be. Should I cast off my past and get a clean start, or should I use what I have as a springboard to find my place? Should I strengthen friendships, or be grateful for what I learned and search for new relationships? I'm happy, but at times discontent.
Should I do my homework or waste time? Should I grit and bare some pain, or should I laugh at it? Should I focus more on my textbooks and education, or freedom and art? Should I choose a feeling of accomplishment, or a sense of expression? I'm not 100% sure right now. I can't help but feel that there must be a healthy balance somewhere, but I almost think I need a new source of inspiration to encourage me to try hard enough to fit everything in.
I like where I am, but I don't always see it leading where I believe I need to be. Should I cast off my past and get a clean start, or should I use what I have as a springboard to find my place? Should I strengthen friendships, or be grateful for what I learned and search for new relationships? I'm happy, but at times discontent.
Should I do my homework or waste time? Should I grit and bare some pain, or should I laugh at it? Should I focus more on my textbooks and education, or freedom and art? Should I choose a feeling of accomplishment, or a sense of expression? I'm not 100% sure right now. I can't help but feel that there must be a healthy balance somewhere, but I almost think I need a new source of inspiration to encourage me to try hard enough to fit everything in.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The spice of life
Ok, I'm going to make a statement here: Variety is not the spice of life anymore than variety is the spice of food. The spice of food is salt, pepper, cinnamon, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic, etc. Without some variety the food starts to taste a little bland after awhile, but that doesn't make variety the spice. I think the spice of life is friendship, adventure, excitement, love, etc. Despite having a brilliant spread of spices, I can't help myself from occasionally craving something from the love area. A real, romantic relationship with an amazing person would be great, but I would even enjoy a break up I think. It may not seem very pleasant to most people, but I think it would at least be refreshing and provide some stronger spice than my diet of life is accustomed to. Life is sweet, and I love it. There are a few spices that are much more bitter than I would care for, but I wouldn't mind a new love to season my course.
Friday, November 14, 2008
When?
Ask some teenagers and they may tell you "in college." Ask most university students and they will respond "after graduation." Ask the career man or woman and he or she will tell you "after retirement." Ask the retired couple, and they just don't know. When do you start living life? When should you begin pursuing your dreams?
The way I see it, there are really two options: now, or never. Life is too short to postpone exploring this world of possibilities. I think the concept is very beautiful. You can spend your entire life learning and trying new things and you will never run out of places to visit or things to experience. You can tour a foreign country, learn a new art form, or even discover something unknown to mankind! Of course, I think we also tend to overlook the amazing things that are closest to us. The important thing is not letting yourself get stuck in a rut in life. It's OK to have a couple of "someday"s in reserve, but we need to be fulfilling dreams today too!
I would love to plan a weekly adventure where we can all go out and experience a local phenomenon or mark something off our list of things we've always wanted to do. Leave me a comment and let me know what’s on your list of things to do!
The way I see it, there are really two options: now, or never. Life is too short to postpone exploring this world of possibilities. I think the concept is very beautiful. You can spend your entire life learning and trying new things and you will never run out of places to visit or things to experience. You can tour a foreign country, learn a new art form, or even discover something unknown to mankind! Of course, I think we also tend to overlook the amazing things that are closest to us. The important thing is not letting yourself get stuck in a rut in life. It's OK to have a couple of "someday"s in reserve, but we need to be fulfilling dreams today too!
I would love to plan a weekly adventure where we can all go out and experience a local phenomenon or mark something off our list of things we've always wanted to do. Leave me a comment and let me know what’s on your list of things to do!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Random Thoughts
Random thought #1
I was reading in Ether this morning, when I came across chapter 2, verse 8 (which is talking about the Americas):
"And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them."
My thoughts? "Oh crap."
Get ready America! It's coming!
Random thought #2
Corn on the cob was probably invented by a lazy chef.
Random thought #3
I bet when I have kids that I can convince them that frozen corn dogs are a special treat, kind of like a corn dog and a popsicle in one.
3 Random facts about me:
-I have a habit of getting in cars with complete strangers
-I have four screws in my face
-As a child, I operated a successful door to door rock selling business. ;)
I was reading in Ether this morning, when I came across chapter 2, verse 8 (which is talking about the Americas):
"And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them."
My thoughts? "Oh crap."
Get ready America! It's coming!
Random thought #2
Corn on the cob was probably invented by a lazy chef.
Random thought #3
I bet when I have kids that I can convince them that frozen corn dogs are a special treat, kind of like a corn dog and a popsicle in one.
3 Random facts about me:
-I have a habit of getting in cars with complete strangers
-I have four screws in my face
-As a child, I operated a successful door to door rock selling business. ;)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Why not?
A conversation with a friend earlier today reminded me of a message that I sent to another friend last winter. A portion of the message is as follows:
Yep, it's been one of those weeks. I tore a big hole in my leather coat, I've had a ton of tests and homework that are draining my time, the furnace is broken so my apartment is freezing, and this evening my car died (poor Lexy), yet I can't stop smiling. Something must be wrong with me. I guess I could try seeing a doctor, but they would probably just refer me to a psycho ward. Then again, a room with padded walls could really be a lot of fun! Can you imagine the types of parties we could have there?
Obviously, I don't always find myself being so upbeat about my problems, but as a general rule, I prefer being happy, and so that's how I am. Some may think the logic doesn't work, I tend to think that the logic is just higher: don't feel like you think the world is making you, feel how you want to feel.
A lot of people think they will be happy when (insert situation here). They will be happy when they are done with school, when they are married, when they die and this life is over, whatever. They will feel happy eventually. I don't think it works like that. Your life will either always be lacking something, or you will be stagnating. You are always moving towards a goal, or you are stuck where you are. You don't want to be stuck. If you are then it's time to make a decision and start moving. If your life is lacking something, then be glad that you have some direction or goal. That's progression. I believe that even when your life is over, you will still be progressing and you will still have challenges. There is no end... ever.
So, what do you do? Do you keep looking forward to that mystical finish line where you will be rewarded with lasting happiness? I hope not, it doesn't exist. Instead, we have to find joy in the journey and in the now. If you aren't happy, then what's wrong? Look inside first, realize that you can be as happy as you choose, then realize that all of your problems are just steps to becoming a better person. You aren't running into problems, you are delivering solutions. There will always be another challenge of some form, we just have to learn to enjoy it.
Am I oversimplifying this? Probably. Perhaps I just disassociate my circumstances and my attitude. It's not always that easy. Some problems are out of our hands, but they are part of life. I hope those challenges never come (they will. I guarantee it, but I can hope). When they do I will struggle, I will cry, and I will need the help of some good friends. In the meantime, I just have to make the best of what I have.
Yep, it's been one of those weeks. I tore a big hole in my leather coat, I've had a ton of tests and homework that are draining my time, the furnace is broken so my apartment is freezing, and this evening my car died (poor Lexy), yet I can't stop smiling. Something must be wrong with me. I guess I could try seeing a doctor, but they would probably just refer me to a psycho ward. Then again, a room with padded walls could really be a lot of fun! Can you imagine the types of parties we could have there?
Obviously, I don't always find myself being so upbeat about my problems, but as a general rule, I prefer being happy, and so that's how I am. Some may think the logic doesn't work, I tend to think that the logic is just higher: don't feel like you think the world is making you, feel how you want to feel.
A lot of people think they will be happy when (insert situation here). They will be happy when they are done with school, when they are married, when they die and this life is over, whatever. They will feel happy eventually. I don't think it works like that. Your life will either always be lacking something, or you will be stagnating. You are always moving towards a goal, or you are stuck where you are. You don't want to be stuck. If you are then it's time to make a decision and start moving. If your life is lacking something, then be glad that you have some direction or goal. That's progression. I believe that even when your life is over, you will still be progressing and you will still have challenges. There is no end... ever.
So, what do you do? Do you keep looking forward to that mystical finish line where you will be rewarded with lasting happiness? I hope not, it doesn't exist. Instead, we have to find joy in the journey and in the now. If you aren't happy, then what's wrong? Look inside first, realize that you can be as happy as you choose, then realize that all of your problems are just steps to becoming a better person. You aren't running into problems, you are delivering solutions. There will always be another challenge of some form, we just have to learn to enjoy it.
Am I oversimplifying this? Probably. Perhaps I just disassociate my circumstances and my attitude. It's not always that easy. Some problems are out of our hands, but they are part of life. I hope those challenges never come (they will. I guarantee it, but I can hope). When they do I will struggle, I will cry, and I will need the help of some good friends. In the meantime, I just have to make the best of what I have.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
3 things I would change in the world
If I had to make a list of all the things I would change in the world and order it by significance, these three things probably wouldn't be in the top 10. Still, this blog is all about showing the world what is going on in my head, so here are three things from this past week that I would change if the opportunity was presented:
1) Restroom doors
Really now. No one wants to grab the handle that thousands of strangers have gripped immediately after using the restroom and not washing their hands. It's just gross. Yet, it seems like the doors on 95% of the bathrooms open inwards. Why do they do that? Is it really that much harder to install the door hinges on the other side so that you can push the door open with your foot?
2) Politicians should talk about what they represent.
Imagine this: I walk into a job interview wearing a freshly pressed suit. Every detail of my appearance is perfect, and my experience is ideal for the position. I sit down with the employer and we engage in a deep conversation in which my charisma and subject knowledge impress the interviewer. He or she then asks for a copy of my resume. I open my dark leather briefcase and pull out a sheet. I then hand the interviewer a picture of me with a flag waving in the background and large red print reading "Hire Me!" Ridiculous, eh? And yet, that is all we get from the people who are applying for this country's most important jobs. We don't even get the opportunity to interview the candidates, except with the presidential candidates who are forced into debates. Most of the politicians seem to avoid the issues altogether.
Let's see... should I vote for the man with a flag in the background, the man with a picture of the rocky mountains digitally added behind him, or that lady holding the smiling three-year old? Which poster do I trust? I'm pretty sure that all of the posters are biased based on their personal acquaintances with the candidates. In fact, I'm almost certain that none of the posters have given the subject any real thought. Some might argue that candidates don't need to emphasize their goals, experience, or ideals because this is Utah and everyone votes Republican anyway. Then again, maybe everyone votes for the same party each time BECAUSE no one talks about the issues. Let's just hope that the information age and the upcoming generations (that would be us) demand a solution.
3) Let's rethink social norms.
People everywhere seem to be bound by some set of unspoken rules. We are expected to conform to strange social expectations that conflict with the ideals of a perfect world. Have you ever stepped into an elevator or found yourself sitting next to someone in a waiting room for awhile, and not said a single word? Maybe you are waiting in line at the store or sitting next to a stranger on a long flight. Chances are you will pretend that they don't exist, and they will do the same. Why do you refuse to talk to them? Why do you only glance their way when you think they aren't looking? When your eyes meet, why do you both quickly turn away hoping that they didn't notice when you both know exactly what happened? Not only is it odd and completely void of logic, but you are missing out on the opportunity to make a new friend, meet someone interesting, or learn something that you might have never even considered.
Characters in movies and books seem to meet complete strangers and strike up excellent conversations all the time, and why not? Just the other day I ended up being alone for a couple of hours with someone I had just met. We had a great conversation and enjoyed one another's company. We even made some connections and found some similar interests. It was great! So why can't that be the case with everyone we meet? Why do we insist on playing games with relationships? Why can't we be honest and respectful of one another? Quite honestly, I would much rather have someone tell me how they feel (for better or worse) than to play games or pretend. I won't be rude or awkward. I'm an adult. If someone can approach a situation like an adult, then I can respond accordingly. There's no reason why two mature people need to hide their thoughts from each other. Tell it like it is, and deal with it in the best way possible.
So, what am I doing about this issue? It's something we each have to take on personally. I suppose the first thing we need to do is question everything. Is there a reason for what we are doing, or are we just following a poorly devised social tradition? If there's no reason for it and there's a better way, then we should go for it. I've also been focusing a lot on eye contact. Rather than walking down across campus trying to avoid eye contact, I have been making a point of staring directly into the eyes of everyone I pass. Some people fall back into their secluded world of inexplicable social expectations, but some people instead find interest, and perhaps comfort, in a passing smiling person who refuses to pretend he or she doesn't exist. Sometimes the people I cross paths with explode into a glowing smile. So, what's the harm in that? Lastly, just talk to people! Say hello, introduce yourself, or maybe share a compliment. We all live here together, let's act like it, eh!
1) Restroom doors
Really now. No one wants to grab the handle that thousands of strangers have gripped immediately after using the restroom and not washing their hands. It's just gross. Yet, it seems like the doors on 95% of the bathrooms open inwards. Why do they do that? Is it really that much harder to install the door hinges on the other side so that you can push the door open with your foot?
2) Politicians should talk about what they represent.
Imagine this: I walk into a job interview wearing a freshly pressed suit. Every detail of my appearance is perfect, and my experience is ideal for the position. I sit down with the employer and we engage in a deep conversation in which my charisma and subject knowledge impress the interviewer. He or she then asks for a copy of my resume. I open my dark leather briefcase and pull out a sheet. I then hand the interviewer a picture of me with a flag waving in the background and large red print reading "Hire Me!" Ridiculous, eh? And yet, that is all we get from the people who are applying for this country's most important jobs. We don't even get the opportunity to interview the candidates, except with the presidential candidates who are forced into debates. Most of the politicians seem to avoid the issues altogether.
Let's see... should I vote for the man with a flag in the background, the man with a picture of the rocky mountains digitally added behind him, or that lady holding the smiling three-year old? Which poster do I trust? I'm pretty sure that all of the posters are biased based on their personal acquaintances with the candidates. In fact, I'm almost certain that none of the posters have given the subject any real thought. Some might argue that candidates don't need to emphasize their goals, experience, or ideals because this is Utah and everyone votes Republican anyway. Then again, maybe everyone votes for the same party each time BECAUSE no one talks about the issues. Let's just hope that the information age and the upcoming generations (that would be us) demand a solution.
3) Let's rethink social norms.
People everywhere seem to be bound by some set of unspoken rules. We are expected to conform to strange social expectations that conflict with the ideals of a perfect world. Have you ever stepped into an elevator or found yourself sitting next to someone in a waiting room for awhile, and not said a single word? Maybe you are waiting in line at the store or sitting next to a stranger on a long flight. Chances are you will pretend that they don't exist, and they will do the same. Why do you refuse to talk to them? Why do you only glance their way when you think they aren't looking? When your eyes meet, why do you both quickly turn away hoping that they didn't notice when you both know exactly what happened? Not only is it odd and completely void of logic, but you are missing out on the opportunity to make a new friend, meet someone interesting, or learn something that you might have never even considered.
Characters in movies and books seem to meet complete strangers and strike up excellent conversations all the time, and why not? Just the other day I ended up being alone for a couple of hours with someone I had just met. We had a great conversation and enjoyed one another's company. We even made some connections and found some similar interests. It was great! So why can't that be the case with everyone we meet? Why do we insist on playing games with relationships? Why can't we be honest and respectful of one another? Quite honestly, I would much rather have someone tell me how they feel (for better or worse) than to play games or pretend. I won't be rude or awkward. I'm an adult. If someone can approach a situation like an adult, then I can respond accordingly. There's no reason why two mature people need to hide their thoughts from each other. Tell it like it is, and deal with it in the best way possible.
So, what am I doing about this issue? It's something we each have to take on personally. I suppose the first thing we need to do is question everything. Is there a reason for what we are doing, or are we just following a poorly devised social tradition? If there's no reason for it and there's a better way, then we should go for it. I've also been focusing a lot on eye contact. Rather than walking down across campus trying to avoid eye contact, I have been making a point of staring directly into the eyes of everyone I pass. Some people fall back into their secluded world of inexplicable social expectations, but some people instead find interest, and perhaps comfort, in a passing smiling person who refuses to pretend he or she doesn't exist. Sometimes the people I cross paths with explode into a glowing smile. So, what's the harm in that? Lastly, just talk to people! Say hello, introduce yourself, or maybe share a compliment. We all live here together, let's act like it, eh!
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