Elevator

Press for up and press for down

Move around this tower

Do you wonder what's outside,

Face the truth beyond this ride

The camera sees what it sees

Illusions cast false power

Will you move by my side

Eerily smile and try your best to hide

Dance with me, care not about everything

Elevator

Before it halts and you have to go or others come in

Elevator

Press for up and we'll not go down

Listen to machineries sound

Count the seconds, minutes, hours

It must come to an end, a sudden end

Swimming until we can't see land

I have learned through the years that anticipation is not half as exciting as the journey. While it is true that people exhibit different levels of excitement over something, still we all look forward to something—from Pacquiao fights and midnight snacks to new events and directions. We all look forward to something

Yesterday, I started to tread yet another path called grad school. A year-long preparation of prayers, motivation checking, papers and financial management preceded; and although there have been humps and unexpected bumps along the way, finally I am moving on. The desire to pursue graduate studies stemmed from the desire to advance myself academically and, to certain extents, professionally. I must confess that I did not enjoy for a bit my college life on account of myself being the youngest in the class, a prey to the pretentious and brain-washing ideologies of people with unresolved parental issues. So going back to school affords me another opportunity to amend my perception, to embrace character building, learning and challenges. I'm starting over.

My Poetry class got dissolved in the passing of Professor Dimalanta so I was forced to drop it and add Critical Thinking instead. A plethora of philosophical questions greeted me and my classmates.

So many questions. But the more answers I get, the less I know.

People my age often are plagued with situations requiring one to wait. Yoda said "Hard it is to wait. But wait you must see your way revealed."Indeed, slowing the fast is necessary.

Babling at 11:47

I need to learn different methods of cooking other than frying because at some point in my life I know I will be avoiding oil of any kind. Almost two years ago, I made a vow not to eat pork on account of it being unhealthy compared with other meats.

My diet right now, considering my limited budget, consists of canned goods, occasional fruits and oatmeal, and a lot of carbs. Very unhealthy and imbalanced, I know. But I will do amends with my diet soon.

I don't really know why I'm opening up to public concerning my diet. I guess my point is, I want to get better and live and excellent life, maximizing everything that has been entrusted to me. There's so much to explore, and at this point in my life, I have learned to make the most of everything, learn as much and have fun.

Interlude: Seasons and Reasons

I wanted to debunk the existence of writer's block.

I really do, hence another blog post. And blog about what is an interesting question. Actually, I haven't put much thought into it. But laying bare the current condition of my heart, I am so excited to enter yet another season of my life.

Recently, I got a word from UST grad school that I got accepted to the creative writing MA program. There may also be a major career and address change. I remember praying for these things way way back. My emotional disposition would swing from side to side of the pendulum, where I'd feel hopeful for a bit and hopeless when things do not go as planned. PJ Erpelo couldn't be more right in saying that God will ultimately give us the desires of our hearts His way though, not out own.

Past events made me feel like I was in a season of summer, when faith stretching normally happens (for more info on spiritual seasons check this site). It does feel like spring now, when everything's new and fresh and my prayers are being answered.

But blessings aren't as important as the lessons I was taught while in the season of waiting. We become fickle when we think that tangible blessings are all there is to our walk with God. I learned to hold on to and trust in Him more. I learned that Proverbs 3:5 (my life verse by the way), when applied, embodied and taken seriously entails being still before God, complete surrender, not rationalizing and questioning His will. I learned all the more that He has the final say in our plans.

I look forward to the season of fall, when harvest occurs, and winter, when resting and letting go is required. Every season is a season of prosperity and power and opportunity to grow in love with God.

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A thought about marriage has crossed my mind lately, not that I would like to get to soon. It's just that, many people I know-close friends and the likes-seem to be ready enough to be in a relationship. And I can't seem to get around to it, at least in this season. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there's a time and season for everything. I can't hide my strong desire for marriage someday but I am happy to be single when I can deal with issues that I need to deal with that I may be the man that I should be for that one woman God has destined me to be with. I am blessed to have parents who model my ideal kind of marriage and family. I am blessed to have a God who wants the best for me.

Here's the thought: Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson did give us a poignant tearjerker flick about what to do before you die. I kind of tweaked the list and made it, "things to do before I settle down." Here's some:

1. Publish a book and win the Children's story category of the Palanca Awards and be one of this country's distinguished contemporary writers/documentarist in the level of Lourd de Veyra, Maria Soliven-Blanco and Howie Severino.
2. Write/work for/in Disney.
3. Tour all or most of Southeast Asia.
4. Climb Mt. Kinabalu in Malaysia.
5. Finish my MA.
6. Climb Mt. Pulag for the second and third time.
7. Relearn Cebuano.
8. Learn to cook European (northern, that is) cuisine.
9. Meet Nick Hornby, Sir Paul Mcartney, Joshua Harris, Elisabeth Elliot, Grant Morrison, Ben Gibbard, Ra Ra Riot and Rush and tell them how huge they are an influence to me.
10. Go solo in Sweden.

October Tradition (part 1)

Turning 24 recently made me realize that there are so few things that get me really excited. When one embraces adulthood, one finds himself reluctantly thrust into the proverbial rat race. No wonder why so many young professional get tired easily. My loving dad sort of warned me about being jaded as one ages. When I was younger he advised me to go on a trip at least once a year.

Following his advice, I resigned from my first corporate job in 2008, joined a group of mountaineers and climbed Mt. Pulag and traipsed the pebbled beaches of Pagudpod. In 2009, I enjoyed the beaches of Batangas and the breathtaking landscapes of Tagaytay with my dearest friends.

Ever the pattern seeker, I noticed that all these escapades happened in the month of October.

This year, I went on yet another October trip in Cebu and Bohol. From here on, I vow to travel in October of every year, and so I dub this trip 'October Tradition,' now on its third year.

First Stop

Manila holds so much of my stressors-traffic, schedules, work. Twenty-four hours before leaving, I went to UST to submit my gradschool application, went through a job interview and packed. My typical day comprises a hectic day at work and other engagements. So imagine my joy at the fact that in a few hours I would be on a plane to another place.

I did not sleep, literally, as I had to pack and cram every traveling needs into my back pack. After a hearty very late dinner, I rushed to the airport only to find out that my flight via PAL got delayed for an hour. It was okay though as I found myself chatting up foreigners and being entertained by a game of women basketball players.

I sat by the window in the hopes of getting a good view. The plane's wing was in the way, much to my disappointment. So I decided to nap. I woke up with a pack of energy bar and greaseless peanuts on the empty seat before me.

The atmosphere outside Mactan Airport was a little deceiving. By which, I mean it almost has no traces of urbanity in it. Then I took few steps, asked a couple of guards the way to Colon, referred to a cab with a fixed rate of 395php, then it finally hit me that I landed in a city similar to Manila only cleaner. I successfully avoided taking a cab and ended riding a jeep to pier four. I haven't been in Cebu in a long time, estimate 20 years, and I forgot Cebuano the moment I started learning Pangasinense so I somehow felt alienated when being answered in Cebuano by the locals. It's unnerving and exciting at the same time.

But that's the point of adventure.

On Board Supercat

Thankfully, a lady who speaks tagalog quite fairly helped me get to Pier 4 in which the Supercat going to Bohol was docked. I was welcomed by Eka and Arun, with whom I toured the island.

I couldn't help but notice a slew of Asians inside.

Supercat did get us to Bohol on time. The fare was reasonable at 800php round trip (i advise you to take advantage of the promo). While inside, a huge flat screen TV provided entertainment partly eliminating the almost 2-hour boredom. We were also treated to a scenic view of the Island of Cebu and Bohol.

Arrest My Heart, Bohol

Down in the docks of Supercat, our tourguide greeted us with a warm Boholano welcome. Kuya (I forgot his name) was born and raised in Bohol and he pretty much know the history of the province.

As he toured us around historical landmarks in a Toyota Vios, we couldn't help but be amazed at rich the history of the province is .

Launching one dreamy indeterminate hum

If you're new to the indie popscene here in Manila, Your Imaginary Friends may not ring a bell. But you get to be a fan once you hear their sound, which is a cross between The Smiths and The Pixies amplified by the Gibbard-esque lyrical genius of Vocalist Ahmad Tanji.

Hailing from Bicol and taking 4 years to make, Your Imaginary Friends is composed of Ahmad Tanji on guitars and vocals, Khalid Tanji on guitars, Em Aquino on bass, and Eric Po on drums. Their ep, which is whimsically titled "One Dreamy Indeterminate Hum," is set to be launched on September 17, 2010 at The Ayala Museum at 7pm, with the single "Oh Liza." To know more about the event, click here.

To listen to the single, click here.

Know more about the band, click here.

Hello September

My love affair with my iCal had temporarily been halted by real-life schedules that needed tending to, explaining a long blogging gap. But tending to schedules is a weak excuse, may I say, compared with committing to priorities, and so I have accomplished my "learn to say no"goal in August and Im saying hello to September.

We're not quite there yet, but "ber"months connote holidays, at least in the Philippine context. And it is during these months when people in my circle (myself included) get swamped with work and whatnot. Nevertheless, I look forward to the following weeks and the coming of the last quarter. I have mentioned previously in my facebook account of the events that will happen this month:

Sep 10-Grace's arrival from Canada

Sep 11-OneVoice magazine meeting, 3pm

Sep 11-Citipointe concert, 7pm

Sep 17-Your Imaginary Friend's EP launch, 7 pm

Sep 18-Dad's tentative trip back home

Sep 29-I will stop counting my age

Schedule is not really the issue as much as making priorities. I have come to understand recently that God is training me to know my priorities and be wise enough to focus, through recent seemingly mundane events in my life. There are so many things I would like to get off my head and heart, but I guess for now this will do.

May God bless you and your plans, and may you let His plans in your life prevail.

Of chess, wars and $50M

An interesting question that was asked of me over Skype at work recently, "what will you do if, right now, somebody gives you $50m?" Not that I don't think about it at times, but I didn't have any sensible answer at that moment, except to thank the philanthropist. The question went on to gather a thread of answers mostly hinged on materialism. One said, she'd buy a car, another said she'd stay in a hotel, leave her current job and be elsewhere.

I read on, and I still couldn't give an answer in the veins of what they were peddling. If I were asked that same question 7 years ago I would have answered the same thing-get an imac, buy the complete Peanuts collection, quit school and travel. As I look back now, I cringed at how short my perspective was then. I valued the here and now so much and did not account the future.

Fast forward to the present day, when so much has already changed, I came across this study about lottery winners and instant millionaires, who squandered their riches almost as instantly as they won it. T. Harv Eker on lottery winners in his Money Blue Print program said "Research has shown again and again that regardless of the size of their winnings, most lottery winners eventually return to their original financial state, the amount they can comfortably handle." One might wonder why this is so, Eker explained that the financial blueprint of these instant millionaires are skewed, focusing on what they can consume rather than what they can invest into. They have started with something big that they couldn't handle.

This reminds me of a verse in the bible that says "Whoever is faithful in small things, shall be faithful in large ones...(Luke 16:10 NLT)." It dawned on me how we focus so much on the here and now, on the material things we want to acquire and amass that we just live mediocre lives and hand-to-mouth existence. In other words, our perspective are so skewed and short. Don't get me wrong, though, I have nothing against the here and now, but if that is all we are living and hoping for then no wonder why we buy the lie that we don't have sufficient reason to be faithful and persevere for the great things that God will entrust to us.

If we were entrusted with great things without being faithful to small ones, it will be the death of us, we will dry up and burn out. God is more concerned about our characters than what he wants us to do or have. Rightly so, because if he were to send us to make disciples of all nations without us being discipled first, or blesses us a big business without having the developed character and wisdom to run it, what glory would it give him?

A world war II story tells us of the allies coordinated a massive build-up of troops and supplies to support a large-scale invasion of Normandy, a small region in France. It was so small that the Germans never though it would not be conquered. But as history shows, the invasion of Normandy led to the restoration of the French Republic, and a significant turning point in the war.

Start small, dream, think, and learn big. The point being is that we have to have a larger and longer perspective and be faithful in small things. Life, after all, is like a chess game, where we have so many moves but we can only dispense them one at a time. And it pays to be 10 moves ahead. It pays to know what the goals and priorities are.

Hello Mellow

(A Haiku)

The colors from a distance
You are my gold, white and blue
I will be telling you

An Assertion

The pen, states the popular adage in the 1800s, is mightier than a sword. We can hardly count the number of people who started wars, mended relationships, acquired properties and changed the world through writing. In the words of American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, writing is a political instrument, a way to describe and control your circumstances.

The reason why I write, however, is a matter of passion, a thrill in seeking for my purpose. This became known to me when I was younger-that my God-given purpose was to write. Despite my adviser in highschool journalism opening my awareness to the fact that there is not much money in writing, passion boils like an acid burning on a metal surface. And when ideas start to mushroom in my head, it is probably time to de-clutter.

I move my bowels into the toilet bowl. I think it is fitting that i expel my ideas into writing. My journalism adviser may have been right, passionate writers don't really get much out of writing, except maybe when one sells out and writes for publicity. To date, I am far from selling out. I choose to chase after my purpose not money, and I let money chase me as I choose not to chase after it.

Apparently, when the pen kisses the surface of a paper and moves into the direction to form words, communication happens and it is irreversible. There's no turning back, and if there were, the bible would not have been written, the civil rights, Ann Frank's diary, Plato's The Republic and countless other books that changed the world, would have never been published.

Such writings might have met oppositions and criticisms, but it is undeniable that they shaped cultures, realities and imaginations. Writing is such a powerful and wonderful vocation in changing the world.

And I want to change the world.

I am a writer and my pen is my weapon of choice. I can set and affect change. I am a writer and my idiosyncrasies may manifest, but through which I can be effective. I am a writer, and writing is more than a hobby but a responsibility.

clouds

Parting through the bluest sky

I name the clouds after you
Cellophane traipses concretes

I reach out, or I try
Then you reached first
Rubber soles trudge along

Might someone be behind you
Is He behind me too?
Crooked thoughts straightening

Splitting atoms and molecules
He made me after Him
Love has found what sin has lost.

It's about time that we turn off the radio

What better way to spend a warm night than to marinate on the couch watching the game 6 of the NBA finals? It's rhetorical. Actually, I know the worst way to spend the night and that is listening to papa dan or papa jack downplay relationship and give absurd and ungodly pieces of advise to impressionable and naive minds.

That's when you know it's time to turn off the radio. Anyway, let me point you, dear reader, to podcasts that will change your heart, your life and how you view things. Visit http://kt.org, htt://victoryfort.org, http://everynation.com.

Good night and may God bless you better than your heart's desires.

I invented you, and I will destroy you

...or what is up lately.

The incoming administration promises hope, to the extent of even intending to invalidate all, if not most of PGMA's midnight appointment. And who can blame them. With a "kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap" marquee, they'll be sure to be expected to live up to what they promised during their campaign.

In regards to the aforementioned, some bigshots are expected to leave their post on June 30: The current president for instance; PAGCOR chairman efraim genuino; and my brother who currently works at a local fast food chain. May God direct you where he wants you to go.

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If I were 15 and partying a lot, then Los Campesinos! is for me. But then, I'm 23 and embracing adulthood so any appreciation for Los Campesinos! is just on a level where I get amused by juvenile issues. Then again, I find this band promising. With a sound that will get you dancing and nodding along to, Friday nights partying will be livelier than ever. I recommend Death to Los Campesinos and A Heat Rash in the Shape of the Show-Me State.

And there's always The Postmarks, an indie pop from Florida, who recently released Memoirs at the End of the Worl. Perfect for late nights relaxation. And i'm beating myself up for not being eloquent enought in describing this record. Go check it out. I recommend My Lucky Charm.

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A philstar feature reads, US man went on solo mission to kill bin Laden. I'd like to see him succeed.

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I'm looking forward to September because i will turn 24, Big Bang Theory and Chuck star new season, Your Imaginary Friends releases EP. And it's the last quarter!

Have a bleesed week everyone

And, as intended, God gets the glory

You might be wondering what is keeping me busy lately. Aside from work, ive many things in hand. Yes, i've outdone myself. Somehow it's not a good thing as sacrifices have to be made: sleep, social life and healthy lifestyle. Speaking of sacrifice, here's an article by yours truly, publishes in the philstar on June 8, 2010.

Across the seas

By Glenn Pernes (philstar.com) Updated June 08, 2010 10:52 AM

In the Philippines, it is not uncommon for have one's parents to leave for abroad in search for greener pastures as our economic situation compels them to go so they can give their children the financial support they need. Like many Filipino youth, I am privileged to have a dad who works abroad to provide for us. My dad has been seafaring for over 25 years. He met my mother at a party in Hong Kong and started an astonishing love story that translated to 25 years of marriage, six children and several properties. My dad has always been a good provider, and we are privileged and fortunate as all our needs are met and we practically never experienced lack. But I didn't always consider myself that way. When I was growing up, I didn't have that kind of perspective. Though I took it upon myself, being the eldest, to shoulder the burden of becoming a role model to my siblings, I saw myself as the opposite of my dad and convinced myself that I was not his ideal son. This notion, as I realize now, probably stemmed from the fact that I never knew much of him. If I were to count the months we spent together I am sure it would not total to five years. What I saw more was our differences — he's athletic, well-traveled and mathematically inclined, while I am not half as strong as he is. It was hard to see my dad at home as a father more than a ship captain who treats everyone as one of his crew whom he can command and yell at. Needless to say, I was distantly apprehensive and ironically angry at him. Apprehensive, because I had witnessed more of him strict and quick to anger, the way he probably was on board his ship while giving commands to his subordinates, and angry because I knew in my heart I longed for a fatherly approval. Our imagination is replete with idealistic portrayals of what a father-and-son relationship should be, yet the reality is we are living in a fatherless age. It couldn't be truer in today's generation, especially with the fact that a huge number of fathers are abroad, away or just clueless on their role as the man. TV shows and literature oftentimes satirically portray a dysfunctional family with a nonchalant father. Nowadays, an absent father seems to be normal and many problems besieging the youth stem from having an unhealthy relationship and communication with their fathers. Or to quote Tyler Durden, a character from Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club: “We are a generation raised by women, and I wonder if it is another woman we need.” I firmly believe that masculinity can only be bestowed by masculinity, and many men make the mistake of searching for affirmation from other places, such as careers, hobbies and women, affirmation that only fathers, the supposed concrete model of manhood and masculine strength, can give. I was graduating from sixth grade and receiving a major award in oration when my dad was probably busy heading for Scandinavia. I was graduating from high school and I was receiving a major award being the regional coordinator of Junior Graft watch Unit when my dad was probably sailing off to the Pacific seas transporting Japanese vehicles to the US. I was in college as an awkward, confused, angry and insecure teenager, an easy prey for pseudo-masculine boys whose idea of manhood is getting wasted and treating ladies as objects, and the hopes to see him march with me on graduation day waned. More and more I wonder how my journey to adulthood had gone differently had my dad been there to guide me the way a father should. But we all have to make sacrifices. I can only imagine how hard it is for my Dad to make such sacrifice every time he boards his ship. For this reason, I strived to be a leader to my siblings; a role model of masculinity I desperately wished for, growing up. This realization did not come easily to me as it took a long time and an enormous amount of prayers for me to finally start seeing my dad in a new light. The starting point, for me, in understanding my father, was to know who God is. We sometimes unfairly equate God with our fathers, and when our fathers fail, we assume that their failures say a lot about God. The more I know who God is as the Bible says, the more I understand my dad. The more I understand the love God has for me, the more I am becoming able to love my dad. As I was cleaning my room, I found the expensive Tissot watch my dad bought me during one of his trips in the UK. Stashed and unmaintained, it brought to mind the scars he obtained while working long hours in the ship. He didn't want to talk much about work, but more likely he didn't want to talk about how painful it was across the seas and away from us. I cried with the revelation of how much my dad loves me no matter what I think about him, and how little I valued his efforts, and how selfish I was for letting my angst strain our relationship. We can't deny the truth that our fathers aren't perfect, yet they deserve appreciation and respect for the simple fact that they are our fathers. The sacrifices and the work they toil for us are already evidences of the lengths they would go for us, not to mention the distance, sadness and homesickness that they have to endure while alone overseas, the sweat, blood and tears they have shed to give us the proverbial bright future. My hat's off to my dad. Let it be known, that I appreciate him. Though I may not say it much, I love him as the hero he is to me.

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Happy Father's day to everyone.

To Mickey (not her real name)

(A Haiku)

A ordinary day will glow
You're still a flower that remains unspoiled
I can't be your hero.

And We're Part Of History

May, 10, 2010.

The longs lines leading to the precinct show hopeful Filipinos exercising their right to vote. Despite all rumors of a failure of elections, glitches and election-related violence, at last, all systems go for the first automated election in the country.

I, together with my mother and brother went to our respective precincts as early as 7 am. The comelec officers were just setting up the machines. It took us 3 hours to finally cast our votes. The process was efficient (though I have no basis as I say this, considering that this was my first time to vote).

A few hours later, results are being collated already that stunned the whole country and the politicians. With a new administration ushering in, we can only hope that all will go well.

A Post-Mother's Day Post

Without any shame, I claim myself to be a momma's boy. I say this because I love my mother so much and I practically lived my foundational years under her care. Needless to say, my dad, courtesy of his job abroad, is not always around. My mother has become my best friend, so to speak.

I remember, as a teenager, I would seek advise from my mother regarding girls and adolescent troubles. In college, my mother helped my in my thesis after some group issues prompted me to go solo and work on my thesis during sembreak. Now that I'm a young professional and starting to embrace adulthood and the responsibilities that it entails, my mother is still there for me, despite everything, even the things that we would bicker over.

I can say that I'm blessed to have a mother who is not only caring and supportive but also understanding and strong. She has been responsible for shaping the values and morals that I stand for. It is true what she always tells me, that parenthood does not end after sending your kids to school.

Let me honor my mother by expressing here how much I am grateful for every sacrifices and tears shed for me and my siblings. Happy mother's day.

Snippets#4

A failed relationship, career and whatnot is a tragedy like a car crash. And yet one can hardly look away. If I may, without butchering the adjective beautiful, let me say that failures are beautiful tragedies we look back on to remind ourselves to be humble and take to heart the lessons emerging from such.

I say this out of a recent revelation that was brought to my attention. We may choose to try or we may try to choose. Either way seems the most sensible course of action. What is not an option is giving up. Imagine a striving swimmer with the goal of finishing first place in the olympics in mind. The easiest way to achieve the athlete's goal is to train hard. The hard way is if the athlete juts sits around not doing anything. We really have a perverted sense of easy and hard. I believe advertisement did a work on us. Fast food chains say they deliver food fast, but what if my primary need isn't speed? Convenience is overrated. Hard, if you think about it, considering the essence of the word, is easy.

Our hardship is probably a preparation for something great in our lives. How we respond to it is the issue. We may find the "easiest" way out or face it-all the pain and inconvenience. The good book has told us this principle in a form of a parable, its point being that those who are faithful in small things shall be entrusted great things.

The question is how will we respond?

Sentimenting

I may have been avoiding you intentionally, but i never stopped admiring you. In fact I admire you so much, I am honestly intimidated by you; I deem distance necessary to help me stay focus. Sorry maybe appropriate a word to tell you. And I am, I really am. You deserve a prince and I am nothing like it at the moment. It pains me not to tell you how I really feel for you, but I believe wisdom dictates that I should hold my tongue until I know in my heart that I have something to offer you. You are a super imposed memory in my mind. You are pristine.

Goodbye but goodnight my hetero-heroine.

Walking away

You stretch your arms and legs and brace yourself, your half naked self, for an impact. Tonight's not any other. Instead of wounding your journal with haiku and what came to pass during the day, or marinate in the couch in front of the idiot box, you decide the temptation's too much and you go out.

And finally, the inner peace you affectionately name serenity leads you by the pool. The pool, specialists say, is a haven for children with autism, after all one characteristic of such is having the propensity to play in the water. You were once afraid of the pool after a near-death incident you had two years back.

Then you stare at the pool as if staring at an old enemy. Then you take a leap and eventually you come out fine. If anything, you are reminded of the first time you drove a car. You held tight to the wheel, ten and two position as your dad told you, stepped onto the accelerator, you thought you were going to mess it up like you messed up so many events in your life. Then you were fine to the point where your dad handed you the key and let you drive the car for another mile, and another mile and you drove for hours on end.

A few more lapses and the indelible smell of chlorine finally make you decide to emerge from the water. You look around the area. People, mostly scantily clad girls, girls not even ladies, huddle around the corner. Some dive in, others seemingly trying to get your attention, others smoke like there's no tomorrow. Like any hot-blooded male you rest your eyes on them.

But you're a man, and manhood entails you to stand up above your natural male tendencies. Real masculinity, as you have learned, is having a character of a warrior-poet, after all, as men we are called to lead and serve and offer the women our strength, not draw our strength from them. You're doing a them a great disservice and you deceive yourself when give in to lust.

You decide to get out and walk away. You conclude that the city holds a lot of temptation. Then you guard you heart. Then you walk away. You walk away.

Ironing the Irony

This is officially my first post in a long while.

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In 1995 a young, seemingly troubled recording artist named Alanis Morissette came up with a single, that enjoyed a great deal of airplay, called Ironic. The song went on to be a hit despite the fact that it talked about nothing ironic. Listen and see if it would solicit the same reaction I had when I turned old enough to dissect and interpret poetry:

Alanis: An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day...
Isn't it ironic?

Me: That's not ironic, that's coincidental.

(more on this later)