Inspiration

As some might know, I am an interesting guy. I like normality. I love to eat at "safe" restaurants. By "safe" I mean places I've been to before multiple times. Places that I am accustomed to. I enjoy staying near my home, hanging out with friends and going to a nice quiet workplace. Interesting enough, my family on the other hand are the complete opposite. They strive for the challenge, they love the (dangerous) restaurants, meaning the chow cart on International Blvd., or the awesome Mexican dive right down the street from the Prinz' old place that has the most amazing carne asada burritos minus the Sour Cream. What I am trying to tell you is that I am a bit afraid of trying new things in life. I am somewhat scared to think that this is what my life has become the last 6 months. I am at a point where I need to pursue new things every day and it is freaking me out beyond measure. I am sorry if you have seen a change in my attitudes, behaviors, overall charisma since December 25th, but I feel it is for the better. ROLLER COASTER is a better way to put my horrid life for the past two years. To make a long story short, I am inspired by every one around me these days. The Teachers around me, the Chefs at my work, and everyone of my friends near and far! This past week I started painting. I am not that good at this hobby, I just thought that I would start doing it since it seemed like a great "out" if I ever needed that space. The first painting I am working on is labeled "Mere Christianity" It's a reminder for someone in my life that is a solid rock in my Christianity and has been for a while. In time I'll put them up, but for now here is a peek at two that I have already finished.

In Transition

Made my Week

I had an Amazing 10 minute meal Monday night that was so awesome words can't describe it. So I'll let you put two and two together using the pictures. It was kind of an unplanned dinner; just a stop in deal, but I'm so happy that I made the trek. Organic brown rice with chopped up asparagus complemented with some shredded Parmesan cheese. An added bonus was the addition of Tempura chicken sauteed in a skillet (I was awarded the big pieces because the smaller ones taste better). To top it off, a chilled Pacifico to go with great conversation on the steps. It's great to have awesome friends to bide the time with.

From the Inside

I enjoy talking about friends and family
I enjoy writing about the people that make my life full
I reflect on issues that are making me work forward
I talk about what matters most to me
Suffering does that.

It Compels us to eliminate the Unnecessary, the Trivial, the Superficial

there is greatness in me.
Courage. Desire. Integrity.
Virtue. Compassion.
Dignity.
Loyalty. Love.
it's in there-
somewhere.
And sometimes
it takes Suffering
to get at it.
Trust me.....
It's in there.

I feel like creating today.......

1333

Emily Dickinson


A little madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King,
But God be with the Clown —
Who ponders this tremendous scene —
This whole Experiment of Green —
As if it were his own!

Hands Down. my niece is the coolest!

Being Diabetic is not very fun sometimes.

Diabetes affects millions of people throughout the world, and is on the increase. Estimates put the global population affected at 171 million in 2000, rising to an estimated 366 million by 2030. That’s a lot of people, but still a minority (albeit a significant one) of the total population. For this reason the world can still exploit the needs of diabetics, or ignore their needs should their market be directed at non-diabetics. Thus, diabetic supplies such as blood testing strips, insulin, needles, pumps and all the other sundry necessities can be charged out at premium prices with a small cartel of companies holding a nice and comfortable hold on life-preserving essentials.

Similarly, the food industry in particular are able to market highly processed, unhealthy foods packed with sugar, fat and salt at the majority of people with little obligation for the probable health problems and cost to society that ensue. This majority are also encouraged to participate in leisure activities that make few demands on their cardio-vascular health, leading to an ever-increasing tendency to obesity and heart disease.

But what if everyone had diabetes? Everyone would have to start taking care of themselves, or suffer the awful consequences. People could still choose unhealthy lifestyles, of course, but only in the full knowledge that it would almost inevitably lead to loss of sight, limbs or kidney function. Governments would have to take action immediately to prevent the healthcare services being overwhelmed. Diabetes consumables would become cheaper. Research into cures or treatments would be funded by all, not via charities that have to plead to a self-interested minority – everyone would have a personal interest in a successful breakthrough!

I am hoping for the day that a breakthrough is revealed sooner than later.