I thought I'd check in and let you all know that I am still alive!
I've been very busy with finding a (second) job, working (and using every drop of creativity I have at work - I get to design fabric and bedrooms, it's an amazing freelance job), and catching up with friends I haven't seen since last June. I started reading the bible the other day and I'm not far enough along yet to make an actual post on that. I hopefully will be getting back into Paradise Lost sometime soon.
Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of doing what you really really want to? haha
ciao for now :)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
7 Quick Takes
1.
I'm home! Which means that I will begin to update again - soon, that is. I have to settle in and unpack 3 full suitcases of shhtufff and I have some work to do. But, I hope that by Monday things will pick back up around these parts.
2.
I may have actually passed my math class. We will see, it's on a weird curve. I'm still waiting for all my finals to get graded. It's nerve-racking
3.
I just read the book synopsis' for my Religion class, and they are AWESOME. I can't wait to start that class.
4.
Checked out my Bible and all those books too - everything is in tip top shape and I'm excited. I forgot what Bible paper feels like, so that threw me for a loop haha.
5.
Tv is killing me this week. The Supernatural finale made me cry and the Lost episode made me want to throw things. I don't know how that finale is going to play out, but you bet your life that I will watch the entire thing.
6.
Finally was able to give my mother her Mother's Day gift :)
7.
I love my dog.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Creationism
Not that long ago I was viewing a religion forum to gather information for another post topic (Religion and technology) when I came across an interesting thread. Among the debates about Protestantism vs. Catholicism, the rather interesting thread where Quakers answered questions about their church, and the occasional "Help, I used to be pagan, what do I do now?" posts, there was a tiny little gem stirring up so much controversy that ANOTHER thread had to be created to continue the conversation.
Well, two. The first : The earth is only 6,000 years old. The second : The Big Bang is a myth based on fallacies. We are going to be dealing with the first today; the second is just as big of a train wreck though (perhaps bigger).
Well, two. The first : The earth is only 6,000 years old. The second : The Big Bang is a myth based on fallacies. We are going to be dealing with the first today; the second is just as big of a train wreck though (perhaps bigger).
Friday, May 7, 2010
7 Quick Takes
Had my first exam today. It was art history. There were two architectural slides that I had no clue about. I think I did as well as I normally do though, which is good. This weekend I have to do some major chemistry and calculus studying (I'm hoping beyond hope that I will somehow be able to pass these two classes). I'm very confident with my abilities in Geology.
2.
Starting to pack today, too. Only 7 more days until I leave for home. I can not wait - I desperately need to get out of this place before I go crazy. I'm wondering if I should live out of a suitcase for the next week though. It seems like the practical idea. I'm having a hard time deciding on what clothes I should and should not bring back. Winter stuff - jacket and shoe wise - I know are staying. But what about long sleeve shirts? Hoodies? How many jeans? What if I pack something away only to end up needing it? Oh, decisions.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I've always had a special place in my heart for Hispanic holidays. I have had Spanish class since kindergarten (that's 12 years of Spanish!) and every year we would celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Three Kings, Dia de los Muertos, and Marde Gras. These holidays - they're so festive and fun, with beautiful dresses and dances, costumes, and delicious food.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday (just Puebla) which celebrates the Mexican army's amazing defeat of the French. They were huge underdogs at this battle (The battle of Puebla). First, they were outnumbered 2:1; second, they equipment they were using was subpar and could not compare to the weapons of France. Normally Cinco de Mayo is confused with Mexican Independence Day (September 16th).
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage (similar to St.Patrick's Day for the Irish) observed by all.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday (just Puebla) which celebrates the Mexican army's amazing defeat of the French. They were huge underdogs at this battle (The battle of Puebla). First, they were outnumbered 2:1; second, they equipment they were using was subpar and could not compare to the weapons of France. Normally Cinco de Mayo is confused with Mexican Independence Day (September 16th).
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage (similar to St.Patrick's Day for the Irish) observed by all.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
God in Everyday Life
I often ask myself "How do people find God in everyday life? Isn't it hard to keep that up all the time?"
So, I took some time to sit down and think about what makes me believe, even a tiny bit, that there is something greater out there.
I have often believed that people do not pay attention enough. We are always too wrapped up in our own thoughts and lives to notice the things around us. You know the saying, stop and smell the roses. But do people stroll leisurely through life like it's one giant garden? I wish I could do that. That's what makes me think that finding God in the beauty and simplicity of life is so hard. Maybe that's why it's so fulfilling, once you are able to do it.
I digress.
So, I took some time to sit down and think about what makes me believe, even a tiny bit, that there is something greater out there.
I have often believed that people do not pay attention enough. We are always too wrapped up in our own thoughts and lives to notice the things around us. You know the saying, stop and smell the roses. But do people stroll leisurely through life like it's one giant garden? I wish I could do that. That's what makes me think that finding God in the beauty and simplicity of life is so hard. Maybe that's why it's so fulfilling, once you are able to do it.
I digress.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Spirituality type
Your Spirituality Type: PATH OF INTELLECT (Thomistic prayer)
About 12 percent of the population follows this path, using the syllogistic method of Saint Thomas Aquinas known as Scholastic prayer.
The main emphasis is on the orderly progression of thought from cause to effect. People of this prayer type prefer neat, orderly forms of the spiritual life, as opposed to the free-spirit, impulsive attitude of the Franciscan approach. Their spirituality is centered on the earnest pursuit of all the transcendental values: truth, goodness, beauty, unity, love, life, and spirit. Like Saint Teresa of Avila, they are willing to exert superhuman effort to achieve their goal.
Because of their disdain for second best, they seek total truth and authenticity in their lives and work hard to reach the whole truth about themselves, about God, and about sanctity. This intense pursuit of truth colors their whole spiritual life.
Books of prayer frequently call the Thomistic method of prayer 'discursive meditation.' In this type of prayer, one takes a virtue or fault or theological truth and studied it from every possible angle. Change of behavior is an essential part of this prayer--it doesn't stay at the intellectual level. There is generally a bias against this type of prayer today because it was so much in vogue before Vatican II.
The main emphasis is on the orderly progression of thought from cause to effect. People of this prayer type prefer neat, orderly forms of the spiritual life, as opposed to the free-spirit, impulsive attitude of the Franciscan approach. Their spirituality is centered on the earnest pursuit of all the transcendental values: truth, goodness, beauty, unity, love, life, and spirit. Like Saint Teresa of Avila, they are willing to exert superhuman effort to achieve their goal.
Because of their disdain for second best, they seek total truth and authenticity in their lives and work hard to reach the whole truth about themselves, about God, and about sanctity. This intense pursuit of truth colors their whole spiritual life.
Books of prayer frequently call the Thomistic method of prayer 'discursive meditation.' In this type of prayer, one takes a virtue or fault or theological truth and studied it from every possible angle. Change of behavior is an essential part of this prayer--it doesn't stay at the intellectual level. There is generally a bias against this type of prayer today because it was so much in vogue before Vatican II.
wow! spot on analysis, I think. I do, as I'm sure you've noticed, study everything an excessive amount. Find your type here:
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Finals Week
This time I have been dreading has come upon me fast. Finals week is only 7 days away, which means I have to take a little break from blogging and study! I have notes and reading to catch up, not to mention the mountains of neglected calculus homework and 6 chapters of a chemistry book that I need to study intensively.
I will, no doubt, still update. Perhaps every 3 days until I am back home, settled in, and (hopefully) have a summer job. I cannot say with certainty that any of those posts will be Paradise Lost, since that poem is a bit too in depth to be reading and analyzing during finals - but I will try. I'm also going to start listening to some religious podcasts, which should be interesting. I am looking forward to it!
Now, if you will excuse me - I have a paper cut from my Calculus textbook that needs tending. Wish me luck!
I will, no doubt, still update. Perhaps every 3 days until I am back home, settled in, and (hopefully) have a summer job. I cannot say with certainty that any of those posts will be Paradise Lost, since that poem is a bit too in depth to be reading and analyzing during finals - but I will try. I'm also going to start listening to some religious podcasts, which should be interesting. I am looking forward to it!
Now, if you will excuse me - I have a paper cut from my Calculus textbook that needs tending. Wish me luck!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Prayer
Is there a proper way to pray? Who do you pray to?
There is this girl, who I admittedly dislike a great amount, who practically sneered when discussing the topic of praying. She said that Catholics don't know how to pray correctly - they're too repetitive, saints don't exist, Mary shouldn't be worshiped (since when has that happened?), you shouldn't pray to dead people, etc etc. In fact, she didn't like anything about Catholics, from how they don't site passage or verse numbers to animosity towards the Pope, but that's an entirely different discussion.
There is this girl, who I admittedly dislike a great amount, who practically sneered when discussing the topic of praying. She said that Catholics don't know how to pray correctly - they're too repetitive, saints don't exist, Mary shouldn't be worshiped (since when has that happened?), you shouldn't pray to dead people, etc etc. In fact, she didn't like anything about Catholics, from how they don't site passage or verse numbers to animosity towards the Pope, but that's an entirely different discussion.
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