The Cooper-Young Festival is a time for joy. A time for laughs, kicks, and giggles. Unfortunately for one woman at the festival, who may have endured an excessive amount of alcohol, took it upon herself to push her stroller. In the stroller her young two year old daughter rode down the road, along the sidewalk, and in the middle of the street! Her activity led to an angry audience who went about cursing and yelling at the lonesome lady. As I nervously watched this scene unfold I suppose I anticipated what would occur next.
The mother was stumbling, bumbling, and rumbling down the road when a car almost hit her and the baby. Therefore she smoothly and zealously moved onto the sidewalk, where like a true sidewalk, ended abruptly. The baby then, as I cringed, was immediately dropped on her face. The crowd behind me screamed. One obnoxious teen confronted the mother throwing a few indecent words her way. I refrained from cursing and said a little prayer under my breath. The crowd continued with cursing as they saw her and her child walk down the middle of the road and jump into a pickup truck with had a strong willed significant other at the wheel.
This event left me disappointed. As I finished walking to my car I could still hear the loud crying of small little girl. In fact, I almost felt like crying myself.
And like a productive multitask-er, the mother of the daughter talked on her cell phone during the entire process.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Map My Run
It is almost time. I glance outside my bedroom window into the darkness. The smell is awful as I timidly unlace my running. The last time I took of these shoes I failed to untie the overpriced footwear due to the one swift motion that occurred as I quickly through them off my feet. Then I uncomfortably maneuvered to my bathroom. Rule #1: Go to the bathroom before running. I look down at my cheap watch. It's 9: 05. Time for my run.
The feelings of relief have already begun. I am not at work. I am not studying for an exam. My feet are hitting the pavement along with the noises of car alarms, people yelling, and rap music from the car adjacent to me. This is definitely Memphis. A car slowly follows me as I head out of the apartment complex and onto my first road. Right turn. I am on my way. I start my watch it quickly begins 00:01, 00:02, 00:03, and so it goes. I do not know why I am timing this. Am I training for the Olympics or something? I guess it is habit.
I would like to say the air is fresh and cool across my face, but that would be a lie. The air is hot and sticks to me like glue. I have sweat forming across my forehead the second I move outside my apartment. This weather sucks, that is all I can say. Left turn down Park Ave. I am a little set back. A car honks. I hear someone shout, "Run, Forrest, Run." What a punk! I hate that movie (Forrest Gump). I can't think of anything less annoying to hear as I run. The street and car lights are comforting in the darkness. It's amazing to me how hot is can be in the south despite it being almost ten at night.
What is up with that? So I run.
The feelings of relief have already begun. I am not at work. I am not studying for an exam. My feet are hitting the pavement along with the noises of car alarms, people yelling, and rap music from the car adjacent to me. This is definitely Memphis. A car slowly follows me as I head out of the apartment complex and onto my first road. Right turn. I am on my way. I start my watch it quickly begins 00:01, 00:02, 00:03, and so it goes. I do not know why I am timing this. Am I training for the Olympics or something? I guess it is habit.
I would like to say the air is fresh and cool across my face, but that would be a lie. The air is hot and sticks to me like glue. I have sweat forming across my forehead the second I move outside my apartment. This weather sucks, that is all I can say. Left turn down Park Ave. I am a little set back. A car honks. I hear someone shout, "Run, Forrest, Run." What a punk! I hate that movie (Forrest Gump). I can't think of anything less annoying to hear as I run. The street and car lights are comforting in the darkness. It's amazing to me how hot is can be in the south despite it being almost ten at night.
What is up with that? So I run.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Memphis Blues
Well after another day of work and rain, I am dry and bored at my new apartment.
The common trend of being bored and being alone here in Memphis continues, as I type.
I am hoping that I can gain some insight tonight as I will start some new books and possibly watch a movie that I have never scene. A few of my friends have gone to Atlanta and my roommate Justin is dog sitting; also many of my friends are at camp this week. Therefore this leads me home alone.
I have to say that I enjoyed a 6 mile run in the rain today out at Shelby Farms. The run was wet, fast, and refreshing. I need to go out to that park more often. Shelby is probably my favorite park in the world right now, and I have been to some good park around the world, too. All and all it was a good day. I finished The Half-Blood Prince this morning and I began reading the 7th book of Harry Potter today at work. I have really enjoyed those books. Man, they are good.
I am not quite sure what makes me so lonely here in Memphis. I have a church. I have a job. I have friends. I have a degree to pursue. I guess it's just that I am never satisfied. I have close friends who are distance. I have tasks that seem above me. I have a passion that seems to be unused. Also of my friends is ignoring me and doesn't seem to mind me missing from his life.
That is a tough one to grasp.
Yet, I press on.
The common trend of being bored and being alone here in Memphis continues, as I type.
I am hoping that I can gain some insight tonight as I will start some new books and possibly watch a movie that I have never scene. A few of my friends have gone to Atlanta and my roommate Justin is dog sitting; also many of my friends are at camp this week. Therefore this leads me home alone.
I have to say that I enjoyed a 6 mile run in the rain today out at Shelby Farms. The run was wet, fast, and refreshing. I need to go out to that park more often. Shelby is probably my favorite park in the world right now, and I have been to some good park around the world, too. All and all it was a good day. I finished The Half-Blood Prince this morning and I began reading the 7th book of Harry Potter today at work. I have really enjoyed those books. Man, they are good.
I am not quite sure what makes me so lonely here in Memphis. I have a church. I have a job. I have friends. I have a degree to pursue. I guess it's just that I am never satisfied. I have close friends who are distance. I have tasks that seem above me. I have a passion that seems to be unused. Also of my friends is ignoring me and doesn't seem to mind me missing from his life.
That is a tough one to grasp.
Yet, I press on.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Biker's Lament
I have to say I get pretty disappointed with the city I live in sometimes.
Sometimes I can on my bike and I give the sign to make a right turn and people ignore me completely. The drivers almost seem to enjoy the fact that I am on a slower machine than their arrogant selves. I really hate it! How do these people think? What motivates them to honk their horn at me? I am not quite sure. Maybe they hate me because they do not believe I should bike on "their" road. Maybe they hate me because I am slow. Perhaps they think I am ugly. Okay they probably do not think I am physical unattractive, but seriously what is going on with their lives? Do they get satisfaction at honking at bikers?
I really sense angry in Memphis. People here seem to really not care about the people they drive, eat, or sleep with. Now I have slighted in this view, but I really wish Memphis was a more friendly place to live. I often grow weary of poor attitudes when I travel around this town. Memphis seem to be a dark place.
Memphis needs some light. My experiences have made me bitter toward Memphis, yet they have motivated me to put more energy into making this city a better place. That is why I will continue to bike around here. That is why I will continue to visit new places and meet new people. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day when I bike.
Sometimes I can on my bike and I give the sign to make a right turn and people ignore me completely. The drivers almost seem to enjoy the fact that I am on a slower machine than their arrogant selves. I really hate it! How do these people think? What motivates them to honk their horn at me? I am not quite sure. Maybe they hate me because they do not believe I should bike on "their" road. Maybe they hate me because I am slow. Perhaps they think I am ugly. Okay they probably do not think I am physical unattractive, but seriously what is going on with their lives? Do they get satisfaction at honking at bikers?
I really sense angry in Memphis. People here seem to really not care about the people they drive, eat, or sleep with. Now I have slighted in this view, but I really wish Memphis was a more friendly place to live. I often grow weary of poor attitudes when I travel around this town. Memphis seem to be a dark place.
Memphis needs some light. My experiences have made me bitter toward Memphis, yet they have motivated me to put more energy into making this city a better place. That is why I will continue to bike around here. That is why I will continue to visit new places and meet new people. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day when I bike.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Friendships
Currently life has been turned upside.
At times in April I was never by myself. In May I spent a lot of time alone. Now the question is what will the month of June be like?
Usually I have been a person of extremes. I have been told many times that I am dramatic, emotional, and feminine. These statements were based off of my inability to hold by tears, sarcastic remarks, and emotional driven life choices. My character has been shaped by my friends and family mostly. I have the ability to connect with people because of my compassion, yet my compassion is my weakness and strength. This is tough for me to understand. I love people, yet I do not love myself. I have compassion for the hurting, but do not take care of my own pain. As I write this I can hear my drama.
I do not know what June will be like. My roommate has left and I will be living by myself for the first time in my life. I am not sure if this will be a good or bad test for me, but it will be a test that I want to take. It could be a great time of reconnecting with myself and my God. I pray that this is the truth.
Whatever you do? Wherever you are? Whoever you are?
Test yourself.
So today and tomorrow I urge you,
To Reflect,
To Hope,
To Be.
At times in April I was never by myself. In May I spent a lot of time alone. Now the question is what will the month of June be like?
Usually I have been a person of extremes. I have been told many times that I am dramatic, emotional, and feminine. These statements were based off of my inability to hold by tears, sarcastic remarks, and emotional driven life choices. My character has been shaped by my friends and family mostly. I have the ability to connect with people because of my compassion, yet my compassion is my weakness and strength. This is tough for me to understand. I love people, yet I do not love myself. I have compassion for the hurting, but do not take care of my own pain. As I write this I can hear my drama.
I do not know what June will be like. My roommate has left and I will be living by myself for the first time in my life. I am not sure if this will be a good or bad test for me, but it will be a test that I want to take. It could be a great time of reconnecting with myself and my God. I pray that this is the truth.
Whatever you do? Wherever you are? Whoever you are?
Test yourself.
So today and tomorrow I urge you,
To Reflect,
To Hope,
To Be.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Cuts
Recently I missed a step and collided with some pavement ground; which, if you have never experienced, hurts.
One of my friends immediately laughed. Another friend said, "Well that is a teachable moment." What is the proper reaction? I am not sure. I did laugh quite a bit, too. Each friend's reaction was appropriate. I definitely learned a lesson; pain teaches. As I observe my lacerations they remind me to be more careful when I walk, bike, and run. Yet, this is not merely a physical lesson.
When I fall it hurts. Sin hurts. Cuts hurt. Blood symbolizes when a vessel is broken. Sin is symbolized by broken relationships. I have taken my falls of late, mostly spiritual ones. I have seen relationships break like glass. It has made me question what sins have occurred? I know I have sins in my life that have hurt relationships.
After I picked myself off the concrete pavement I cleaned myself up. I used soap, water, and bandages. When I sin I also must cleanse myself in confession and change in actions. This has been a trying practice, but a worthy one.
Time heals. My body will heal in time and hopefully my friendships will heal in time.
One of my friends immediately laughed. Another friend said, "Well that is a teachable moment." What is the proper reaction? I am not sure. I did laugh quite a bit, too. Each friend's reaction was appropriate. I definitely learned a lesson; pain teaches. As I observe my lacerations they remind me to be more careful when I walk, bike, and run. Yet, this is not merely a physical lesson.
When I fall it hurts. Sin hurts. Cuts hurt. Blood symbolizes when a vessel is broken. Sin is symbolized by broken relationships. I have taken my falls of late, mostly spiritual ones. I have seen relationships break like glass. It has made me question what sins have occurred? I know I have sins in my life that have hurt relationships.
After I picked myself off the concrete pavement I cleaned myself up. I used soap, water, and bandages. When I sin I also must cleanse myself in confession and change in actions. This has been a trying practice, but a worthy one.
Time heals. My body will heal in time and hopefully my friendships will heal in time.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Favre to Vikings?
"There is no way I will ever come back again," Brett Favre said in an interview on Feb. 13 2009.
Summer time means Favre drama.
The latest report by ESPN states that later this week Brett Favre will meet privately with the Vikings head coach Brad Childress to discuss the possibility of Brett playing for Minnesota in the 2009 season. The two will most likely decide how much participation with be required of Favre in the mini-camps, the status of his hurting throwing arm, how much longer Favre will play in the NFL, and the Brett's motives for returning for another fair well campaign.
Depressed. Angry. Skeptical.
I hate the Vikings and have for years. They are my least favorite team in sports. Forget the Bears, Cowboys, Yankees, and Cubs dynasties I hate the Vikings far worse. Randy Moss once mooned the Packer fans in a playoff game at Lambeau Field. Darren Sharper and Ryan Longwell both play for the hated Vikings. Now Favre going to Minnesota? I am sick.
For some one as loved as Favre he may now go down as the one of the most hated Packers of all time. He certainly will be helping his stats if he goes to Minnesota but apparently loyalty and honestly are not as important to Favre as to me.
Yet, on the flip side I look at the Minnesota team and they will be incredible with Favre and Peterson in the backfield. Plus Favre knows the whole division. Plus the NFC is weak and his chance to going to the Super Bowl is high. In addition, Favre has never had the best running back in league or even close and now he could have that in Peterson. He will also be playing in a dome so the bad weather will not be as big of a factor. Also Vikings have no super bowls victories. Favre could be a huge icon and idol in Minnesota and Wisconsin, only it may take a few years until Wisconsin takes him back.
Overall I do not have much respect for him as a person for his lack of honesty, but I understand he loves football, he wants revenge on the Packers organization, and he wants to win another Super Bowl.
Summer time means Favre drama.
The latest report by ESPN states that later this week Brett Favre will meet privately with the Vikings head coach Brad Childress to discuss the possibility of Brett playing for Minnesota in the 2009 season. The two will most likely decide how much participation with be required of Favre in the mini-camps, the status of his hurting throwing arm, how much longer Favre will play in the NFL, and the Brett's motives for returning for another fair well campaign.
Depressed. Angry. Skeptical.
I hate the Vikings and have for years. They are my least favorite team in sports. Forget the Bears, Cowboys, Yankees, and Cubs dynasties I hate the Vikings far worse. Randy Moss once mooned the Packer fans in a playoff game at Lambeau Field. Darren Sharper and Ryan Longwell both play for the hated Vikings. Now Favre going to Minnesota? I am sick.
For some one as loved as Favre he may now go down as the one of the most hated Packers of all time. He certainly will be helping his stats if he goes to Minnesota but apparently loyalty and honestly are not as important to Favre as to me.
Yet, on the flip side I look at the Minnesota team and they will be incredible with Favre and Peterson in the backfield. Plus Favre knows the whole division. Plus the NFC is weak and his chance to going to the Super Bowl is high. In addition, Favre has never had the best running back in league or even close and now he could have that in Peterson. He will also be playing in a dome so the bad weather will not be as big of a factor. Also Vikings have no super bowls victories. Favre could be a huge icon and idol in Minnesota and Wisconsin, only it may take a few years until Wisconsin takes him back.
Overall I do not have much respect for him as a person for his lack of honesty, but I understand he loves football, he wants revenge on the Packers organization, and he wants to win another Super Bowl.
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