Hmm... what's new in my life? Well, I'm selfish. But wait, that isn't new. I'm odd. Oh! You knew that already, too? ok...
I, uh, got my picture taken today for the school yearbook. It was my "senior picture," which really means nothing special as far as quality goes, other than the fact that my imperfections will be magnified in a larger, special "senior edition" yearbook format. No, senior pictures here in college aren't as cool as high school's. I remember getting all gussied up for my big-shot high school senior photos, fussing over my appearance, trying in vain to capture the "look" that all of my classmates would gaze at and remember me by. Ha! Yeah... right. Luckily, bad senior pictures could always be doctored up with a charming, life-affirming message written on the back with a ball-point pen:
Dear (long forgotten lab partner):
Can you believe we're graduating? YIKES!
You're such a great friend. I know you'll go far in life. Keep in touch!
(heart) ya,
Katie
Yeah, it's lame. But just look at those insipid yearbook generalities-- it's a step up, at least:
Katie,
You're such a cool person, have a great summer. Call me!
Later,
Strange kid who you never really talked to
Anyway, back to these senior pictures. I think I am getting less photogenic with age. Something about cameras these days keep showing me as a pasty, round-faced grinner with squinty, assymetrical eyes. Must be these new-fangled digital cameras? ...Oh, if only! Or perhaps God is just helping me in the humility process, starting first with my appearance.
Part II
ADHD: Chronic or Contagious? Cause I think I've caught the bug!
In all seriousness, I'm realizing just how much I assault my senses everyday with the onslaught of information. I have many things to thank for this. For instance, a simple hotmail check becomes a segue into curiously peering at "Worst Celeb fashion pics" and "Best styles for fall!" As IF Paris Hilton's hair extensions or Renee Zellweger's razor sharp shoulder blades will improve my quality of life. There's also the constant stream of music in my mind--I rarely need a CD player (unless I need to block out distractions. Over and over, some random song always seems to be on repeat (what's playing in my head right now? "Potato's in the Paddy Wagon" from A Mighty Wind... I don't even know the real lyrics!). I even have a gift for getting songs stuck in other people's heads. So watch out, I've yet to test my abilities over the internet. I guess you're safe if you haven't seen the movie. Oh, if only my heart were half as consumed and saturated with prayer...!
Television--the devil's box--does great harm, especially to children. For this reason it must be taken out of the house. --Elder Iakovos
If you're like me, sensory overload seems inescapable and somewhat inevitable considering our bountiful surroundings. I just thank God that none of my roommates watch TV, save the occasional weekend treat of a video. Just visiting home and seeing the slop on prime time is enough to make me want to take a sledgehammer to the screen. However, I do work in a library where I'm surrounded by thousands of books and magazines that tempt my attention span. Call it idle curiosity, call it booklust-- the fact is that even literature, the "wholesome" alternative to television, can be quite distracting and conflicting with my everyday thoughts. At least, that's how it is for me.
"Chase away the bad thoughts and fantasies that the devil presents. Don't even notice them." --Elder Iakovos
As much as technology has enhanced our everyday routine, it's the soul which rarely benefits. I've found that the only way you can feign sanity in this media-frenzied culture is by casting aside the soul altogether, which really isn't a healthy alternative, spiritually speaking. But alas... I'm using technology to communicate my thoughts to you, wherever you may be, whoever you may be. So I too stand guilty of "adding to the noise."
2 comments:
Great updates. I like the two about the Devil box and thoughts. Also way to use "slop" :P Makes me proud.
Job
Are these from Elder Iakovos of Evia (who was at St. David's Monatery)? They are awesome quotations. Really, really consider not even having a TV (or doing what Fr. T and Pres. do... keeping it up in a closet). We have a TV but no cable and can only get clear reception with an antenna (we have an antenna that only comes out for "important" things like Packers games, the Olympics, and the debates). I think, though, we (meaning Paul and I), sometimes kid ourselves into believing that because we don't watch cable or syndicated TV that we are keeping that garbage away from us. But, alas, we go through phases with renting movies and they can be as bad if not worse than watching primetime tv.
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