happy halloween!!

i know it's plastic, but i'm not sure if it's halloween mask or if it's just her face! regardless, it's enough to scare the kids!

the spirit is the same

recently, a co-worker asked me if i was a religious person. taken aback, i responded that i was spiritual. i'm not really sure what i meant by saying that, but i knew my views on religion have changed. i was raised catholic and went to catholic school for my elementary years. i was a faithful alter server and actually enjoyed going to church. when i was in high school, it was time for my confirmation, yet i found myself not attending the necessary classes and was never confirmed. i found myself starting to question principles of the catholic faith. however, while in college, i began attending the catholic church near campus. it was completely different than the church i grew up with. there was a lot of singing, often a small band, and the priest was enjoyable to listen to, and often humorous. perhaps it's because i found that church to be more liberal (if that's possible for a catholic church), but i found acceptance there.
when i moved to north carolina, my roommate and i would attend church, nearly every sunday. it was a massive church with the largest congregation in charlotte. it wasn't that i had changed and started believing those principles that i previously had disagreed with, but i was able to do my own thinking through the routine of the catholic mass. perhaps that's where i found my spirituality, rather than religion.

i've done a lot of thinking lately, and mostly because i feel that christianity is forced down our throats in this country. while our country does not have an official religion, i feel that many christians feel that their religion is superior to others throughout the world. sure, it is a majority in our country, but it is NOT the only religion.

recently i attended a concert, madonna's "sticky & sweet" tour, and surprisingly, found myself doing more thinking about christianity vs. other religions. and there it was, right in front of me, on the large lighted screens. during "like a prayer" the names of all higher beings that people throughout the world pray to were flashed on the screen: god, allah, etc. And then, "the lamps are all different, but the light is the same.." Religions all have different beliefs, traditions, and rituals, but ultimately, they all provide the same solace to those who pray - a belief in a higher being, a spirit.



while i am not sure how i feel towards organized religion has a whole, i have respect for those that feel deeply towards their religion. in my own way, i will continue to pray to a spirit that i hope will provide guidance, assistance, and expression of thoughts for myself, friends, and family.

electricity!

billy elliot is ready to open on broadway in NYC. i encourage everyone to go see the show if they ever have the opportunity! gary and i were fortunate enough to see it in london last year. it will give you chills and bring tears to your eyes! similar to the movie version, the musical comes to live with the soul-stirring music of elton john.

one of the themes of the movie rings true, "in everything you do, always be yourself"

all in a name

on the last leg of an exhausting day, a short, full flight was leading me to my hotel room in columbus. hurrying to get drink orders and to make sure they were all served, i was slightly bothered when the older gentleman towards the back ordered two drinks. but, with my big smile on my face, i was happy to pour him his orange juice AND water. (ok, you know there wasn't a big smile on my face, but at least i didn't roll my eyes!) after finishing up serving all the drinks in my section, i was making my way through, collecting trash. the two-drink man was talking to the passenger sitting next to him. he stopped me as i went through and told me that i did a fantastic job and he appreciated the service. i felt slightly guilty for my earlier frustration. he then told me that he wanted me to write my name down because he wanted to analyze my signature. he said he was a handwriting expert. i decided to pacify him and quickly, yet meticulously, wrote my name on his beverage napkin.



immediately, he told me what my handwriting said about me.

"there is definitely a creative and artistic side to you. you are caring and trustworthy. you are sensitive and can get upset easily. you don't understand women completely. you have been treated well. you are clearly a hard worker. you enjoy life, but ultimately, you need to learn to relax."

wow. i was shocked! this man just read me like an open book. as i was walking away, i couldn't believe that he just said so many things that describe me and my personality. i should have thanked him, as i'm sure he just saved me money on therapy.

how to "debate" like sarah palin

sadly, this is so true.
flowchart found here.