Religion (Again)

Why is it so difficult for someone who is deep into religion to accept other people's opinions and move on with their life?  I was taught at a young age to never debate religion or politics.  I understand why but sometimes I'm teased to the point of argument!  So, this is my point!

I'm 44 years old and I've done my time (religious time!)  I was an alter boy for 5 years of my life and I know the Catholic masses backwards and forwards, inside and out, up and down.  I've learned that going to mass on Sunday, to me, is a waste of time.  How is repeating the same thing over and over again praising our Lord?

To add to my religious background, I went to catholic school for 8 years.  Of course, back then, they were deep into religious studies.  If you weren't Catholic, you weren't allowed to go to school there.  We had nuns, friars, Brothers and priests.  If you look at my first grade class picture, you can see what I was talking about.

Anyway, I, as an individual, have come to a place in my heart where only God dwells in.  A place where pure loves resides and the knowledge of truth is always is the air.  I know my bible and can defend myself, if need be, with it.  I don't push my beliefs on others because, in following the golden rule, I don't want it done to me.  I'm NOT embarrassed of my Lord.  If people want to hear it from me, they will ask.

If you want to debate religion with me, don't get upset if I make a point that you don't agree with but is true.  Everyone has their own relationship with God.  Some are closer than others but it's not your job to bring them to where you are at.  The bible says that our body is a temple.  Okay, so when I pray to God and speak to him daily, I am in church.  My church. 

Some of you on facebook, have read my prayers and know that I am sincere.  I pray for all to see and appreciate the fact that you can comment or not.  Accept or accept not.  But I'm pretty sure that God doesn't want you to praise him and not be happy about it!  If I'm happier praising and loving him my way and showing the world that I'm not such a bad guy, then let me be. 

There is no wrong way to interpret the bible.  Each, as an individual, can do it on their own.  We may not see things equally but the word is still there.  And the word is Love.  Besides, the bible does teach us NOT to interpret it anyway.  Look, I may be venting a little, but you want a debate, I am glad to comply, the only difference is I'm doing it with an open mind, can you?

Master

Living in this world brings obstacles and pleasures.  It brings the ends of both spectrum's.  Good and bad.  Happy and sad.  Love and hate.  How we live in this world is a testament of our upbringing and value system. 

To live in a manner in which you're comfortable requires a person mastering what they love most and accomplishing their individual goals.  I believe I have mastered how to treat people so I can be treated the same way.  I have mastered a value system which allows me to stand my ground while being open to other opinions and ideas.

I have mastered how to write, express, and show feelings without compromising my manhood.  I admit that I have not mastered my piano and believe that its a life long journey in doing so.  Having said that I want to show appreciation to those that have mastered thier individual talents and goals.  Kudos.

I am presently mastering fatherhood but that too will be a life long journey.  I guess I haven't mastered friendship due to the number of friends I have lost throughout the years.  Especially friends that i called brothers but I believe it was meant to be.  Our time has ended.  I know I have said it before but I want to make clear that I love all the people that call themselves my friends/family.

I may live for myself, or more so for my kids,  but when the shit hits the fan, I am there for you.  Please believe that.  I can't hold grudges unless the crime against me is that powerful.    Can time heal? Yes. Will I make the first move to connect? No.  Sorry.  Anyway.  Just wanted to vent a little!!!!

An afternoon at the movies

Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot believe the amount of money I dropped today taking my children to see Kung fu Panda 2 in 3D!  I had to blog because I needed a way to vent!!!  $32.00 for admission and $47.00 for snacks.

And it wasn't a lot of snacks either! Nachos, popcorn a slushie and mini franks!   What the hell is going on with the movie industry.  I remember going to Essex street theatre and paying $3.00.  I now know why people are buying the bootleg versions.  It's only $5.00 and you can eat whatever you want in the comfort of your own home.

Even better, times square may have been cheesy and dirty but where else could you have gone to see a Bruce Lee marathon for $3.00?  The floors are sticky and most of the seats didn't work but you see a great movie and when you're finished, you get to go outside and take a Polaroid in front of one of those cheesy pictures drawn on a blanket, in graffiti no less!

I'm happy to take my kids to the movies but there has to be a way to enjoy one movie without losing an arm and leg.  50c to play Galaxia.  C'mon people!  I think they we should form some sort of boycott.   Tell you something else.  There is no movie worth seeing at the theatre anymore.  At least I know it'll come on HBO or cable within 6 months of it's out of the theatre.

I'm just saying.  The food was not worth a penny but I assure you.  It's not happening again.  It's upsetting that my children will have to wait or go with someone else, but I have to stand on principal!

My Character

Last night, I was feeling kind of low.  Maybe a little relapse into some depression.  Anyway, A friend of mine asked me to call her and we had a great conversation.  Finally, an adult conversation about life and its situations.  She helped me feel better.  I guess that's what friends are for!

As usual, in a very friendly fashion, she explained that I can be very hard to deal with.  She states that I have a strong character and that I rarely can compromise with certain subjects/people.  I agreed with her to a certain extent.  I've always been very NON-confrontational, the problem is that when I'm right, I'm right! 

LOL.  I don't want to think of it as a bad thing but rather I feel that I can help others see where they are wrong.  I know that sometimes I don't see where I am wrong and that is a fault but when I realize it, I admit it and move on.

I think it serves me well as a self defense mechanism.  It allows me to deal with people that, well, just don't understand.  The people that know me know that I'm coming from a good place.  A place of honesty, love and trust.  I don't comment because I want to be an asshole but rather to make life a little more interesting. 

Honestly, sometimes i don't give a shit.  Some friends talk out of their asses and yet I compromise.  I guess I've valued my friendly relationships on a high level and those that don't value it that high, I wouldn't be able to call friends.

I enjoy a good debate every once in a while.  More often than not and I appreciate the fact that people don't take it personally and can move on.  You have, however, those that think you're a fucked up person simply because you don't agree with them.

Agreeing to disagree has become a habit of mine so that people don't go to bed angry.  I must admit, some of you guys are more hardheaded than me.  Remember, its an opinion.  There is no right or wrong, just the public view, as well as, your personal view.

I'm proud to have a strong character.  It allows me to have a certain type of friend around me.  If I ever get into another relationship, highly doubtful, but if I do, that person would get over me quickly.  Another flaw of mine.  Giving of myself 100% to the person that I love.

To those that I consider close friends and know me well.  Know that I love you guys and that I will be there when you need me.  To those that are somewhat my friends, (Friends by situation) I got love for you too.  Just not that much!  LOL.

Enjoy your day everyone!!!!!

Flatleaver

Today I want to ask, "What is a friend?"  Is there anyone that can answer that?  I have over 1000 FB friends but can I actually call any of them true friends?  No.  Its that simple.  A friend loves you unconditionally.  A friend listens as they feel your pain.  A friend agrees with you even tho you may be wrong.

A friend NEVER leaves you hanging when you make plans with them unless there is an absolute emergency.  A friend can offer an opinion but never judges you for yours.  I think these are perfect requirements for a friendship.  I'm not asking for much.

I think that my heart has been tortured to the point of no recovery and that has affected some of my acquantances relationships.  I love some of you guys but I don't trust anymore.  What happened?  Well, those that know me know what.  Anyway, I';m trying to move forward but some of my "friends" keep leaving me hanging.  Do you remember the term "Flatleaver"?  Well, they are still around.  lol

Better Education?

This morning I went to get breakfast at a local Dominican restaurant.  I know them well and I ask about the family.  The lady there tells me she sent her daughter to DR for school because she was always getting sick here in NY. 

I found that very curious.  I told her, "No offense, but aren't the schools here better than the ones in DR?"  Her response kind of threw me off.  She said that the schools in DR are much better than the ones here.  In fact, she actually looked agitated that I had the balls to say that!  LOL

I can only reference schools in Puerto Rico to the ones here.  I know that when students from PR come to NY to finish school, they are usually placed one grade back.  It may be a language thing but the schools in PR are primarily english now.  Yes, even in the mountain redneck areas!  LOL.

Maybe it's my American pride but I highly doubt that the schools are BETTER in DR than here.  I know many families that come to NY specifically for that.  It's not about money, I know that, I think it's just a long tradition of education and its practices.  Please, If you know differently, let me know.  I think, however, that I would have to see it for myself! 

Dickhead

As I waited for my daughter to come out of school today, I was talking to the crossing gueard on the corner.  We were having a nice conversation when the crossing gueard saw a handicapped lady in a wheelchair about to cross the street.  In her usual mode, she wuickly moved towards the sidewalk to ensure a safe crossing for the lady.

As the light turned in her favor, the crossing guard stopped the traffic from turning into her street so that the wheelchair can cross safely.  The car she stopped identified the handicapped lady and smiled.  She waited patiently for her to cross.  Behind her was a driver for "Lane Air conditioning".  He beeped the horn as if to be in a rush and startled the lady in the chair. 

To make matters worse, he was on the cell phone talking like if it was okay.  I understand being impatient but that was just rude.  He's lucking I wasn't in front of him, I would have gone LES on his ass.  How are you going to do that with markings all over your van signifying where you work?  Ignorant Motherfucker isn't he?

Anyway, I took down the information and when I went to check on the company, I found many Lane Air Conditioning companies.  i guess this is called a canundrum.  I know that he will sooner or later pay for what he does but I pray that he doesn't kill someone because he's in a rush to get lunch or something.  SMH