Water sits
Thinking
In a cup.
Feeling the walls, the
Boundaries,
Tasting the air,
A true shape-shifter.
I tilt the cup,
It comes to greet me,
Sliding down my throat.
Cool, soft, light, I
Appreciate the friendship.
And the sustenance.
And some say:
It is "only" water.
Only water? I ask.
Then you have yet to meet it
On equal terms.
To know another, you must first
Know yourself, and what
You need.
Only water?
Yes, it is only water.
And being so,
Its value is infinite.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Healing the sick
You know what, I'm gonna throw something else out there. Why the heck doesn't G-d just heal the sick and be done with it?
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say this, but I'm tired of praying so hard for someone's health and well-being and nothing, the illness just keeps taking more and more of him. What the f*ck? It would be so easy for G-d to slow down its progress, do something, even just make breathing a little easier, life a little brighter. And I'm not even family, so if He doesn't want to listen to me, at least He could listen to the man's family. And no one even has to know it was G-d who helped, it could just be deemed a medical miracle or a minor improvement. Any improvement is better than nothing.
And I know prayer is not so much for G-d's benefit, but rather a kind of gift to help us improve our own characters and reason out our problems on our own...but why the heck can't it mean something more for once? How am I supposed to believe in a G-d that has intervened in past history, but who no longer cares enough to heal suffering people in the present, even just in small ways? In a G-d who doesn't prevent genocide, who allows the Holocaust, who allows Darfur, who allows massacres and meaningless destruction?
I know humans have free will, and thus the ability to choose good or bad and therefore control our own lives and actions (to some extent). And I do believe that bad events can result from bad human decisions or just from fate, chance, whatever you want to call it. There are indeed many things that we cannot explain and cannot understand -- the suffering of innocent victims is definitely one of these things. But I still do not understand why a compassionate G-d does not seem to listen to our most deeply felt prayers and supplications on behalf of others. How can He not feel? How can He not care? Or perhaps He does feel, but also feels powerless to intervene, but how then, can He be G-d, capable of anything? Or perhaps this is just an anomaly I will never understand, something completely beyond the realm of human comprehension. Perhaps this is so, but I'm not happy with that answer.
It is true that illness and natural disasters can unite us in ways nothing else can, and can emphasize quite clearly what's really important in life. But for what price? How many innocent lives are taken in the process? These things cannot be justified, just as I can find no human justification for G-d's apparent indifference to such matters. Then again, I am not G-d so I cannot know the why...but I'm still not happy about it.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say this, but I'm tired of praying so hard for someone's health and well-being and nothing, the illness just keeps taking more and more of him. What the f*ck? It would be so easy for G-d to slow down its progress, do something, even just make breathing a little easier, life a little brighter. And I'm not even family, so if He doesn't want to listen to me, at least He could listen to the man's family. And no one even has to know it was G-d who helped, it could just be deemed a medical miracle or a minor improvement. Any improvement is better than nothing.
And I know prayer is not so much for G-d's benefit, but rather a kind of gift to help us improve our own characters and reason out our problems on our own...but why the heck can't it mean something more for once? How am I supposed to believe in a G-d that has intervened in past history, but who no longer cares enough to heal suffering people in the present, even just in small ways? In a G-d who doesn't prevent genocide, who allows the Holocaust, who allows Darfur, who allows massacres and meaningless destruction?
I know humans have free will, and thus the ability to choose good or bad and therefore control our own lives and actions (to some extent). And I do believe that bad events can result from bad human decisions or just from fate, chance, whatever you want to call it. There are indeed many things that we cannot explain and cannot understand -- the suffering of innocent victims is definitely one of these things. But I still do not understand why a compassionate G-d does not seem to listen to our most deeply felt prayers and supplications on behalf of others. How can He not feel? How can He not care? Or perhaps He does feel, but also feels powerless to intervene, but how then, can He be G-d, capable of anything? Or perhaps this is just an anomaly I will never understand, something completely beyond the realm of human comprehension. Perhaps this is so, but I'm not happy with that answer.
It is true that illness and natural disasters can unite us in ways nothing else can, and can emphasize quite clearly what's really important in life. But for what price? How many innocent lives are taken in the process? These things cannot be justified, just as I can find no human justification for G-d's apparent indifference to such matters. Then again, I am not G-d so I cannot know the why...but I'm still not happy about it.
Racing through life...or not?
Hey guys, I want to apologize if I sometimes come off as self-righteous, while the world and its evil forces conspire against me :) I don't want to be self-centered, but life is about striking a balance between caring for yourself and caring for others. Self-confidence is very important, and I need more of that, so sometimes I may over compensate and appear self-centered and I'm sorry. And you know, no one is perfect, nor should we be. Our faults and challenges are what make us human, and make us more than just animals. We can grow, not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and in many other ways as well. It is these challenges and our response to them that truly make up our life, so don't get discouraged if things get rough sometimes. Often, it is in the times of greatest struggle and hardship that we can determine who we really are...and it is in these times that we are given the greatest chance to change. How we respond and how (and if) we change are up to us.
And as long as you don't give up, you'll get there in the end. Life isn't a race, I mean, we don't even know where the finish line is. But that's good, cuz in not knowing, we can focus more on enjoying the now, taking time to realize what's really important. Even if it means slowing down, not worrying about how fast others are racing through life, and what they would do differently if they were us (which they are often more than happy to share with us ;). We must find our own rhythm, our own purpose, run our own race. Because in the end, everyone crosses the finish line alone, but those who run the best race have the most fans cheering for them. It's not the time you run that matters, it's what you DO with that time. :-)
And as long as you don't give up, you'll get there in the end. Life isn't a race, I mean, we don't even know where the finish line is. But that's good, cuz in not knowing, we can focus more on enjoying the now, taking time to realize what's really important. Even if it means slowing down, not worrying about how fast others are racing through life, and what they would do differently if they were us (which they are often more than happy to share with us ;). We must find our own rhythm, our own purpose, run our own race. Because in the end, everyone crosses the finish line alone, but those who run the best race have the most fans cheering for them. It's not the time you run that matters, it's what you DO with that time. :-)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Floor surfing!
Hey guys, I'm bored, wanna hear a story? So I'm walking into the mall, not paying much attention, and then I get the highlight of my entire week: FLOOR SURFING!!!!! Yes, it was wet outside, but did I have any idea that my shoes could invent an entire new sport all by themselves? No, and not knowing made it that much more fun. I stepped inside and whooosh, there I went gliding effortlessly across the tile floor while millions of shoppers stared in amazement and awe. Ok, maybe it wasn't quite like that, but it sure felt like it. Wasn't expecting it, but I went with it (and tried not to fall) and ended up with a huge smile on my face. It just goes to show that the little things can mean a lot, and your attitude means everything. Plus, the fact that I did in fact not fall probably helped a bit, but that's beside the point ;) Oh, and I highly recommend that everyone should have this experience at least once. You could even try my favorite variation: SOCK SURFING in the kitchen! Yes, I do this at least several times a week, and yes, it is awesome! Please try it, just once, just for me :-)
--Ahhh, I just realized that I didn't tell you guys how to sock surf. Just wear some socks (with other clothing too, if you want :) and run 1 - 2 steps, then sliiiiide! With your arms out, surfer-style. It feels great and makes dogs go crazy. Cats, however, might just sit there and lick themselves, but you know how cool it is so it matters not. And anyway, there's a reason dogs are your best friend, and cats have a large end. Sorry, couldn't resist!
--Ahhh, I just realized that I didn't tell you guys how to sock surf. Just wear some socks (with other clothing too, if you want :) and run 1 - 2 steps, then sliiiiide! With your arms out, surfer-style. It feels great and makes dogs go crazy. Cats, however, might just sit there and lick themselves, but you know how cool it is so it matters not. And anyway, there's a reason dogs are your best friend, and cats have a large end. Sorry, couldn't resist!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Ode to Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is my mother
Cuz it loves me in my tummy
And a little bit of honey
Makes the whole day turn out sunny.
--Ok, so it's not really an ode, but who cares! And no, I'm not crazy (all the time), it's just fun to be silly. I challenge all of you to sit down (or stand) and write four lines of whatever comes to mind. Rhymes are always good (but not necessary), and the sillier the better. Just see how you feel afterwards...better?!? Told you :-)
Cuz it loves me in my tummy
And a little bit of honey
Makes the whole day turn out sunny.
--Ok, so it's not really an ode, but who cares! And no, I'm not crazy (all the time), it's just fun to be silly. I challenge all of you to sit down (or stand) and write four lines of whatever comes to mind. Rhymes are always good (but not necessary), and the sillier the better. Just see how you feel afterwards...better?!? Told you :-)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A tale of a tough world
I wake up
Thank G-d
Jump into the world.
Sometimes
I admit
The world seems too much
Or my head too small
Too fragile
Too painful.
It aches, it burns,
Tears rising,
Sorrow
So deep
It’s almost existential.
I opened my heart
For you
You were there...
Where did you go?
Why?
But you’re still in my heart
Sometimes that’s not enough
But there you’ll stay.
Some day I’ll tell you
What you mean to me
Hiding nothing.
You think I have already --
No. But I will
Someday.
When life gives lemons,
Make lemonade, they say.
I’ll make sparkling grape juice
And say Kiddush!
Why not?
Life is what we believe it to be,
And this we can control.
And when the going gets tough,
I think of you
And of my hero –
My only true hero.
Not in my family,
But many miles away.
Fighting,
Loving,
Demanding each breath
Letting his soul fly
Even if his body cannot.
This is inspiration
This gives me strength,
For often my body can fly,
While my soul cannot.
And I pray for him
Beg for him
Cry for him
But I fear I cannot help him
Not in the way I wish.
But I can still try...
And G-d and I argue about this all the time.
However, heroes are never forgotten.
This is their most beautiful legacy.
Thank G-d
Jump into the world.
Sometimes
I admit
The world seems too much
Or my head too small
Too fragile
Too painful.
It aches, it burns,
Tears rising,
Sorrow
So deep
It’s almost existential.
I opened my heart
For you
You were there...
Where did you go?
Why?
But you’re still in my heart
Sometimes that’s not enough
But there you’ll stay.
Some day I’ll tell you
What you mean to me
Hiding nothing.
You think I have already --
No. But I will
Someday.
When life gives lemons,
Make lemonade, they say.
I’ll make sparkling grape juice
And say Kiddush!
Why not?
Life is what we believe it to be,
And this we can control.
And when the going gets tough,
I think of you
And of my hero –
My only true hero.
Not in my family,
But many miles away.
Fighting,
Loving,
Demanding each breath
Letting his soul fly
Even if his body cannot.
This is inspiration
This gives me strength,
For often my body can fly,
While my soul cannot.
And I pray for him
Beg for him
Cry for him
But I fear I cannot help him
Not in the way I wish.
But I can still try...
And G-d and I argue about this all the time.
However, heroes are never forgotten.
This is their most beautiful legacy.
Why do bad things happen? (for a hero of mine, whether or not he knows it)
Bad things sometimes happen
And we know not the reason.
Was it me,
Was it you,
Or perhaps the will of G-d?
No.
The world was built on good,
And thus bad was created,
Unavoidably,
In that eternal instant.
Not as an afterthought,
But as an inescapable consequence.
For good, as G-d, can only be fully defined
By what it is not.
Free will can result in
Bad choices and bad happenings.
So can fate.
There is no reason, no
Answer, no human explanation for
Such inescapable suffering.
No wrong was committed.
No message was intended.
Sometimes bad things just are.
But this is how true heroes are born.
Not as a test, or a necessary
Consequence of tragic fate,
But rather as a result of the
True beauty, courage, and
Power of one human soul.
Choosing hope.
And goodness.
Even in the face of tragedy.
And we know not the reason.
Was it me,
Was it you,
Or perhaps the will of G-d?
No.
The world was built on good,
And thus bad was created,
Unavoidably,
In that eternal instant.
Not as an afterthought,
But as an inescapable consequence.
For good, as G-d, can only be fully defined
By what it is not.
Free will can result in
Bad choices and bad happenings.
So can fate.
There is no reason, no
Answer, no human explanation for
Such inescapable suffering.
No wrong was committed.
No message was intended.
Sometimes bad things just are.
But this is how true heroes are born.
Not as a test, or a necessary
Consequence of tragic fate,
But rather as a result of the
True beauty, courage, and
Power of one human soul.
Choosing hope.
And goodness.
Even in the face of tragedy.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A Starbucks Story
Haha, this is completely random but since I can't tell you guys about it in person, I'm gonna write it down here. And hey, random stuff is the coolest, right? ;)
-------
~ 4 PM at Starbucks
So, I'm waiting at the Starbucks counter and the barista calls out 'Triple Shot Americano'. Here's what ensues:
Me: (thinking to myself) Oh, poor fool who ordered that. They're gonna be going crazy...I hope they don't drink it too fast.
--[a few seconds later]: (thinking) "Uh oh, I ordered an Americano...that's an Americano,...but I only wanted 2 shots."
[meanwhile the drink sits there, looking intimidating]
Friendly Girl Next to Me: [soft chuckle]
I look over to see her glancing at the drink, then at her boyfriend, then at me...with sympathy in her eyes.
Me: Oh no! Is that an Americano?
Friendly Girl: Yes, and it's not mine. (smiling)
Me: Oh NO! I only ordered 2 shots, I'll have to talk to them.
[the drink still sits there, G-d, has it GROWN???]
Me: Excuse me, is this a triple shot Americano?
Barista: Yes.
Me: Umm, well, I only wanted one extra shot. (note: this is the first time I've ever wanted an extra shot...and it might be the last ;)
Barista: It comes with two*, so that IS one extra shot. Three shots.
Me: Oh, oh...oh...ok. (thinking to myself: "Oh Dear G-d!" and then "This is gonna be Funn!")
*[Side note: Tall Americanos have never come with 2 shots before, I think this one did that just to spite me...]
Me: (to Friendly Girl) Oh gosh... (eyeing cup warily)
Friendly Girl: (laughs) You're gonna be BOUNCING for DAYS!
Me: This better last me for days!...You guys wanna share, I'll ask for an extra cup?
Friendly Girl (and her boyfriend, by default): No thanks, have FUN!
Me: Thanks, I will!
I gingerly pick up the cup of power amidst friendly laughs and many sympathetic and admiring stares.
And SCENE! (true story, by the way)
And an early Gud Shabbes and Happy Weekend to everybody. Watch out for that Starbucks coffee :)
-------
~ 4 PM at Starbucks
So, I'm waiting at the Starbucks counter and the barista calls out 'Triple Shot Americano'. Here's what ensues:
Me: (thinking to myself) Oh, poor fool who ordered that. They're gonna be going crazy...I hope they don't drink it too fast.
--[a few seconds later]: (thinking) "Uh oh, I ordered an Americano...that's an Americano,...but I only wanted 2 shots."
[meanwhile the drink sits there, looking intimidating]
Friendly Girl Next to Me: [soft chuckle]
I look over to see her glancing at the drink, then at her boyfriend, then at me...with sympathy in her eyes.
Me: Oh no! Is that an Americano?
Friendly Girl: Yes, and it's not mine. (smiling)
Me: Oh NO! I only ordered 2 shots, I'll have to talk to them.
[the drink still sits there, G-d, has it GROWN???]
Me: Excuse me, is this a triple shot Americano?
Barista: Yes.
Me: Umm, well, I only wanted one extra shot. (note: this is the first time I've ever wanted an extra shot...and it might be the last ;)
Barista: It comes with two*, so that IS one extra shot. Three shots.
Me: Oh, oh...oh...ok. (thinking to myself: "Oh Dear G-d!" and then "This is gonna be Funn!")
*[Side note: Tall Americanos have never come with 2 shots before, I think this one did that just to spite me...]
Me: (to Friendly Girl) Oh gosh... (eyeing cup warily)
Friendly Girl: (laughs) You're gonna be BOUNCING for DAYS!
Me: This better last me for days!...You guys wanna share, I'll ask for an extra cup?
Friendly Girl (and her boyfriend, by default): No thanks, have FUN!
Me: Thanks, I will!
I gingerly pick up the cup of power amidst friendly laughs and many sympathetic and admiring stares.
And SCENE! (true story, by the way)
And an early Gud Shabbes and Happy Weekend to everybody. Watch out for that Starbucks coffee :)
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