A Myriad of Jumbly-Nothings

On this, MLK Day, I am reflecting on his quote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  Americans love their wars.  I don’t simply mean, either, the kind fought with guns and soldiers, though they certainly are included.  In America, we find it reassuring to know who our enemies are, and when we know we declare war.  How many wars are we fighting?  The war in Afganistan.  The war on drugs.  The war on poverty.  The war on crime.  The war in Iraq.  The war on Christmas.  Etc etc.  The Christian population is almost more guilty in helping to perpetuate this metaphor.  And every time a war is fought, it simply intensifies the hate against the enemy.  How many veterans of wars do we know that still refer to the people in derogatory terms?  How many prejudices have been created and justified because they looked like a people we generically vilified?  How many times have fellow citizens been dismissed or abused because they were different or “not as good” as the rest of us?

I can’t help but wonder, though, when was the last time we identified an enemy and thought, How can I love him more?  After all, Jesus called us to love our enemies.  Being the wise man he was, he knew that love changes hearts, not hate.  Years later, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke the same message.  Love appeals to the human conscience.  It isn’t long before people recognize that you aren’t just loving your friends and protecting your own interests.  It becomes hard to defend violent and aggressive actions against people who love you no matter what.  It is hard to desire to persecute people who are feeding, helping, working besides your friends and family.  So why is it so difficult to choose this course of action?  Why does it seem like the only two options are fighting or giving up?

Yesterday in church I learned of a beautiful story of nonviolent protest.  Shortly after Pontius Pilate became governor of Judea, he decided to to ingratiate himself with Rome by hanging giant pictures of Caesar Tiberius on a tower that overlooked the temple in Jerusalem.  Knowing the people would not be pleased having to worship their God under giant portraits of Rome’s god, Caesar, he had them hung at night while the people were sleeping.  The next day when the people saw this, they were outraged.  Thousands of them marched right to Pilate’s palace and protested.  Pilate ordered his guards to conceal their weapons and come with him to the courtyard where he would announce his verdict regarding the portraits.  So Pilate goes out to the protesters and says that the portraits would remain, and if they didn’t like it, they could die.  By this point the guards had surrounded the crowd and drew their weapons.  So what did the people do?  Did they fight or give up and go home?  Neither.  Every person lay face down on the ground baring their necks, and they declared they would except death willingly rather than worship under Ceasar’s picture.  Pilate was so moved by their unwavering devotion to their God that he let the people go and took down the pictures.

This story begs the question, The Kingdom or Caesar?  Do we choose to do things God’s way, or the way of the status quo?  Do we let the government decide for us?  Or do we let the God who decides which governments rule decide?

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.  I choose the Kingdom.

Tags: caesar, martin luther king, nonviolent protest, the kingdom, war

Holy cow, it is 20-freaking-12.  Weren’t we supposed to be living on mars and wearing clothes made out of tin-foil by now?  Or something like that?  I’m pretty sure that is how these things work.  ANYWAY, as it is a new year, I’m full of resolution fever.  My biggest, most consuming resolutions right now are becoming vegan, and trying to get in shape (boring!).  I’m also making an effort to go to church every week, and so far a less successful effort to read my Bible every day.  But, as I am learning, resolutions are not about starting off perfect, they are about working on achieving the goals you set for yourself.

So, I am vegan now.  I am on day 6.  My decision to give up all animal products has been, I believe, coming for a long time.  I’ve gone vegetarian so many times that the transition to vegan was incredibly smooth.  I have decided on this lifestyle for several reasons: It aligns well with my spiritual beliefs of compassion and nonviolence, it is healthiest, it is sustainable and environmentally sound, and it is a protest against the meat industry’s treatment of animals.  I am very excited to see where this lifestyle takes me!  For now, I’m just focusing on nailing the dietary part of vegan life, and later I’ll worry about textiles and whatnot.

In addition to eating healthy, I’m hoping to get fit!  The Sister and I have a lot of races we want to finish this year, including a half-marathon and Tough Mudder.  I’ve never been a runner, but there is no time like the present!  My restaurant is also holding a Biggest Loser competition to see who can reduce their body fat percentage the most.  It’s a $20 buy-in.  Talk about motivation!  I could use a competition win after losing last-minute so horribly in fantasy football.

Welp folks, that’s what I’m up to.  School starts up again soon, and I’m antsy to get it underway.  I ended my first semester back will almost straight A’s, and I’m hoping this semester will be no different.  (I’m studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics btw.  I don’t think I’ve mentioned it in this blog.)  I feel like I’m going to be in school forever.   For. Ev. Er.  BUT, that is a-okay.  Right.  I’m off to church.  Latres!

Tags: life, new years, resolutions

I want to begin with another apology for my long absence, but I feel like I’m gonna be starting all my posts that way since I clearly have lost my ability to write consistently.  So let this be my last and all encompassing apology.  I am sorry.  I hope whoever may still read this will come back from time to time and not give up on me all together.

It’s a particularly gloomy night in Denver, all cold and damp.  I’m drinking tea and listening to music that transports me to the days when I used to blog daily, so I thought I’d do the moment justice by actually writing.  What music am I listening to?  Panda Bear.  If you don’t know them, look them up.  They’re, admittedly, not for everyone, but if they happen to be for you, you’ll be ecstatic that you found them.

Life has been…life like?  Some ups, some downs, lots of frustrations, lots of crazy, lots of dreaming, lots of hope.  I recently moved to a new apartment building, and so far it’s pretty cozy here.  Part of the cozy is probably all the boxes that still clutter most of the place, but that’s sometimes how it goes.  My bedroom is all set up, and since that is generally where I hideaway when I’m home, it is really the only room besides the kitchen that I need to be organized right away.  I love my little have, all the walls lined with stacks of books because I’m too poor or cheap or lazy to buy bookshelves.  I have my yoga mat and weights set out on the floor, and a stack of movies by my t.v. on the dresser across from my bed.  It’s a decent little set up, and, at the very least, it’s comforting as a bedroom no doubt should be.

I want to keep writing.  I want to write pages and pages.  Unfortunately, I’m plum tuckered out, and I need to wake up early enough to work out before heading to the restaurant for another day in paradise. Heh. But, my little darlings, if this itch to write sticks with me through the night, I’m sure I’ll have another crack at not sucking at updating tomorrow.  Good night!

Tags: apologies, misc., updates

No, I’m not crazy.  Mondays just happen to be my Sunday.  And Sunday is my Saturday.  Welcome to the service industry!  So in true Sunday fashion I started my day with brunch.  Brunch is the best meal.   Always.  Today’s brunch was brought to me by Snooze A.M. Eatery, which if you live in Denver, I highly recommend.  Of course if you live in Denver, you’ve probably already been to Snooze.  So there you go.  To make my brunching experience even better, I got to break bread with Mary, ex-greeter extraordinaire!  I haven’t seen her since she quit the restaurant biz, and it was more than delightful to see her and catch up.  She is well, as I would expect her to be.  We made plans to try and learn to knit and take a zumba class and drink her homemade sangria.  And speaking of sangria, for any of you Denverites looking for a stellar place with the best sangria you will EVER drink, not to mention the tapas of the gods, please check out Ondos in Cherry Creek.  It will be your new favorite spot, guaranteed.  ANYways, I have today off, brunch is over, what shall I do?

Music!!  Yes, of course a day off wouldn’t be complete without checking out new music.  Three bands with new albums that I’m going to be listening to today are:

The Smith Westerns

Destroyer

No Joy

They’ve all been given good reviews, so I hope not to be disappointed in any of them.

That’s all for me.  I need to give these songs my attention.  I hope everyone has a Monday that doesn’t suck.

Tags: brunch, music

I really hate January.  And February.   I think I’m starting to figure out why New Years always depresses me.  It is because I know I’m about to have at least two months of bullshit to deal with.  These months are never good to me.  It is a pity too ’cause I have Things To Do.  Things that don’t often get done because I’m too busy figurin’ and dealin’ and what-have-youin’.  I was considering moving to San Francisco.  I still think I’d like living there.  However, before I go there, or anywhere, I need to start my Things To Do.  I need to be doing.  It is important to me.  January is going to be over in less than two weeks (thank God) and I really don’t want to wait another entire month before I feel Right As Rain or In Top Form or Not Crazy In General, which is what I would probably do if I were just going to run away to a city where nobody knows me.  So this post here, this me stating my resolve to do.  To get done.  And to not let the worst two months of the year slow me down as they are already doing rather well.  Sanity be damned, I’m going to Make Something Happen.

Tags: moving forward, planning, resolving

There is something to be said for drinking alone.  I’m just going to put this out there.  Everyone says it’s a sign of alcoholism or the deeply troubled, but I think it’s just the sign of someone who wants to have their own time without dealing with other drunks.  And I think that’s fair.  In the comfort of your home you get to choose the music, the activity, the shows, the whatever.  I can dance and sketch and blog and not feel pressured to act crazy or uncrazy or flirty or inspired, and I sure as hell don’t have to worry about making outrageous claims (Mark, I can totally weld you that lamp in a week.  Seriously.  And I can make those rings spin, not fixed like on this lamp.)  I think we should celebrate the times we become solitary drunks in the safety of the humble abodes we cultivate for ourselves.  We should take pride in the lives we made that we don’t have to share with anyone, and we should raise our glasses, bottles, flasks, what-have-you in honor of all we are, in our skivvies, unashamed and unrestrained.  It’s beautiful.  It’s personal.  It’s fun.

This is my opinion.  And, as with all my opinions, I am right.  Make. A. Note.  Then pour a libation and go to town.  You’ve earned it.

Tags: drinking

Welp, it’s January 2011, the time for resolutions and weight loss and healthier living.  So, since I am such a kind, caring soul who wants to help everybody meet their goals, I’m gonna share some of the things I used in 2010 that I love that and recommend to all of you.

1. Neti Pot.  If you suffer from allergies or sinus infections or even just the occasional cold, I recommend getting one.  It’s feels like you inhaled salt water up your nose while you use it because you are, in fact, pouring salt water into your nose, but afterwards you can breathe and your face/nose isn’t sore from the congestion.  It’s miraculous.

2. Kombucha.  This fermented ice tea drink is like the elixir of life.  No joke.  It has been proved to help prevent/heal everything from arthritis to cancer.  The taste might take a moment to get used to, but I rather enjoy the flavor and the fizz.  I especially recommend this to all you carbonated soda addicts as a healthier alternative.  It doesn’t have caffeine, but it also doesn’t slowly poison you.  So there you go.

3. Whole Foods Complete Body Cleanse.  This is a simple 14 day cleanse that flushes out your system, and a couple pounds too.  It comes with three supplements you take morning and night that rid you of toxins that clog you up and keep you down.  And you don’t have to go on any wonky diet or starve yourself.  Though, I do recommend trying to eat healthier while you’re on it just so you feel even better when it’s over and are inspired to try and prolong your good-for-you lifestyle.  It’s an idea.

4. Yoga mat.  Okay, you don’t really need a mat, but yoga is a great idea.  I have no natural strength or flexibility in my poor, broken body, but after two classes I was sold on yoga.  It makes you feel so good that you want to do right by your body.  And if you can’t afford classes, you can find lots of routines online to do in the comfort of your home.  It lengthens you and strengthens you.  Do it. Now.

Okay, so there’s my starter-kit recommendations to get you off on the right track in the new year.  I’m gonna get on track with all them too, so we can all be rockstar superheros this year!  Shazaam!

Tags: health, ideas, resolutions

Man, it’s been awhile.  In case you forgot what I look like, here is a fairly recent picture:

I’m the one with the wrapping bow on my head.

I apologize to everyone for my long absence. I’m sure you’ve all been wandering about, simply beside yourselves, witless and miserable.  But it is going to be okay because I have returned in all my glory!  I’m not sure how to restart this after such a long hiatus, so I’m just going to post my list of top albums from 2010, and hope it holds you over while I re-figure this whole blogging thing out again.  Hopefully it will be like riding a bicycle.  Or perhaps more aptly, for me, like drinking.  Preferably gin.  Don’t know why I ever drank anything else.  *hiccup*  ANYways, here’s my list (as posted on facebook).  And my love.

Tags: epicness, music, returning

It’s funny the people you meet that are just great.  Just now, Pablo, the exterminator who comes by my house once a month was here, and he is so nice.  We talked about music.  He loves Santana and is going to see Eric Clapton tonight or soon?  Whenever he is playing, in any case.  He loved Toby and he’s just a good guy.  Seeing him definitely lifted my mood.

Right now I am listening to Gaslight Anthem and drawing a comic based on a Mark 6:30-52.  This is why I love Justin, my preacher at Praxis.  I am sure I’ve read the story from that passage numerous times, but he was the first to point out the humor of the passage.  It is the story of the disciples feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, and then how they go out in a boat and are overcome by a huge storm.  Jesus walks on water and they freak out until he gets into the boat, and when he does the storm dies and all is hunky-dory again.  After this the disciples are astounded.  Why?  Why are they astounded?  Please guess.  Was it Jesus walking on water?   Was it his causing the storm to cease?  Cause those things are crazy!! AND they JUST HAPPENED.  But no, the reason the disciples were astounded was because, “they did not understand about the loaves.”  HA!  Seriously?  I love it.  I think it’s absolutely comic-worthy.

Last night I saw Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s play at the Rhythm Room and it was a phenomenal performance.  On Sunday I saw Cloud Cult at the Rhythm Room and that was an amazing show as well.  I’ve been dying to see both those bands for AGES and now that I have, I want to see them again and again.  The Rhythm Room is an excellent venue too.  If I can swing the money for it, I’ll be headed there again on Tuesday to see The Thermals.  WOO!  After the show last night I swung by The Sail Inn to catch the end of The Sugar Thieves’ show and saw some friendly faces I had been missing.  It was certainly a good night.

If any of you have not watched 30 Rock, get on it!!  I pretty much spent the past 2 days watching it.  It is funny and smart and awesome.  Tina Fey is a genius.  And Alec Baldwin is perfect.  Such a good show.  My poor twitter feed has been exploding with quotes from the show, as has my facebook status.  I am not ashamed.  The show is absolutely quote-worthy.  I love it.  I’d say with all my heart, but as I learned last night, I can actually divy out bits of my heart to multiple things (thanks Ray, you’re a great teacher!) So I love it with part of my heart.  Most of the rest of my heart goes to Salinger.  I dare any of you to compete.

Alright, I’m off to doodle and read and drink coffee until work.  Peace!

Tags: bible, comics, happy people, music, tv

While reading The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne, I came across a quote that I strongly want to get tattooed on my body: "When I fed the poor, they called me a saint.  When I asked why people are hungry, they called me a communist." - Catholic bishop Dom Helder Camara

It is easy to be charitable, and it is good to be charitable.  It is good and noble to give and serve and help those who need it.  But it is only one step to try to allay the problems, and another to try and fix the problem all together.  You don’t have to be close and personal with the poor and hungry to give them money and food.  Once, though, you make relationships with these people, simply giving doesn’t seem to be enough.  Doing more than that generally requires asking hard questions and making sacrifices, two things that don’t settle well with most people.  This is so true, in fact, that people will insult and speak out against those who would ask and sacrifice.  I have never met or read about someone who spent their lives helping others and said it wasn’t fulfilling or worth it or rewarding; I have read about folks who had everything and were still empty and unhappy.  So, knowing this, why is it so hard to give of ourselves in the effort to help others?

I wish laziness, apathy, and selfishness weren’t such easy scapegoats ("Take my words with a boulder of salt, or blame it on your devil, always the scapegoat’s fault"-Cloud Cult).  Most people describe themselves with these words without feeling shameful or guilty or sad.  Sigh.  I don’t have answers and I don’t have solutions, I just know that it’s pretty messed up and I don’t like it.

That’s the end of my rant.  For now.

Tags: asking, doing, helping, problem solving, rich/poor dynamics, social justice