gary

looks and credibility

it's weird how physical attributes - looks - gives instant credibility
though we know nothing of the person, who he/she is, what he/she likes to
do, or what he/she values in life. i find that i am product of this culture
that indirectly discriminates, placing great initial value, at least
projecting healthiness, onto to people who are merely more attractive.
isn't that sad? but yet aren't we all sad in that sense? may the Lord
grants us eyes to see past the superifically things, and treat everybody the
same, regardless of what they look like. it's not to say we don't exercise
wisdom, by being cautious with those who look suspicious. but it means, at least
within the same social setting, we should try to treat everybody in that circle equally.

gear

I wish I were a dog

I want to be dog. Sounds rather strange and random I know. I was observing my uncle's (he lives upstairs from me) dog, and noticed that Mac has a good life. He has a refreshingly simple outlook in life. He doesn't think or questions his decisions. There isn't much calculations or processing that goes on in his head. He does what he feels, or is conditioned to do. Plus, he doesn't care what other dogs or people think. It doesn't mean he has free reign in life. He definitely adheres to rules, but he probably doesn't understand or care to understand the reasoning behind them. He simply obeys, trusting that a "no" or a "bad" corresponds to a behavior that shouldn't be repeated. It also doesn't mean he's selfish, for he does show affection with no strings attached. He'll come up to you, prop his front paws on your knee, and just stare at you. If you give him your hand, he'll lick it. What a life? I tell you, dogs have it good. Sometimes thinking and processing complicates life.

Mac just takes it easy everyday. He slowly walks up and down the hallway, without a worry in the world. When he itches, he scratches. When he is curious, he'll investigated; move things out of the way and sniff away. When he's hungry, he'll either walks over to the dog bowl, or plant himself in front of you. Who could resist a cutie like him? The bangs over his large "Oddie" eyes, the panting tongue sticking out to the side, and moist button nose makes him irresistible. When he runs across an attractive female dog, he'll chase her. He doesn't consider the different approaches, asking himself what works the best. All he knows it that she makes his tail waggle; thus, he pursues. I tell you. That's the life.

What am I getting at? Something about dogs reminds me of what really matters in life, what we strive for, but have lost. It makes me think about garden, when Adam and Eve lived simple lives. They trusted, not judging or even questioning, God, and enjoy the things He gave them. They did what was natural. When they were hungry, they ate. When they were sleepy, they slept. Yet they didn't lived without boundaries. Before the fall, they didn't disobey. They had no desire to disobey. What came natural was simply following and obeying God. With the fall, the introduction of sin into the human makeup, our decisions have become more complicated. Obedience seems to be so counter-natural. It is always coupled with tensions; a choosing that is not easy. Yes, we are impaired, confused - for we sought to understand good and evil. In that doing so, what is good is unclear to us now.

Just do what you feel. Darn! We can't do that anymore. For what is natural, for the most part is probably bad. Natural for us is being lost. Natural for us is being confused. Natural for us is hostility toward God. Natural for us is sin. Man, I can't wait till this nature is once again dog-like. Though we haven't arrived, at least we now have claims to somewhat being dog-like. But ours claims are still in the future. It is then will we become fullyl dog-like, when He comes again...something to look forward to. Yep, I wish I were a.. ..god..no..no...stop confusing me...I wish I were.a dog!

Alright, I don't know how I go into this. I was just going to write about my dog. I guess it verifies that I think way too much, how so undog-like.

gear

holidays...03->04

Holidays...03-04
I’m pretty stoked that I finally got around to configuring my blog site, at least, in a very elementary form. I know I still need to add some color and images to liven it up a bit. I guess people will have to put up with pure, unfiltered content; full of grammatical errors and quirky thoughts. It sort of corresponds to my natural tendency to process my thoughts verbally. Yes, that has gotten me in trouble many of times.
This week and half was pretty eventful. After working frantically to tie up lose ends on the 23rd, I spent a simple, yet refreshing Christmas at my sister’s place in San Leandro. For the first time, we included my aunt on my dad’s side. She definitely added some fullness to the evening, along with my sister’s two dogs, which are treated like family members; they even received gifts. It worked out well since my oldest sister always enjoys hosting family get togethers. Along with my other sister, she cooked up a pretty scrumptious meal. My Dad, brother-law and I were free-loading all night, just eating, watching TV, eating, opening gifts, eating, watching a movie, eating, eating…..
I spent the weekend at a Young Life snow trip, which allowed me to better know the other counselors/volunteers, and the high school kids. It was pretty fun on Sunday, as I got a chance to ski/snowboard with the group. I spent the morning giving lessons to some kids and a couple of volunteers. After wearing this kid out in the afternoon, I went off by myself to tackle some blacks, just to get a little challenge and get my money’s worth. By 3:30, I was pretty much finished. It was too cold up in the mountain for me to continue. I got windburn because I didn’t have a mask or beanie.
Actually, I realize the accounts without thoughts make for a real boring blog. Hmm...like stories, I need to give meaning or significance to these events. Okay, I should try to include some thoughts. Bear with me, since I’m new to this blog thingy.
Going down to LA was very eventful, got to visit some friends and attend my first real New Year’s party. I usually just chill at home with my Dad, or go to a friend’s house. Though I still find that enjoyable, it was nice to leave the Bay Area, and try something new. The New Year’s party carried a retro-theme. Unbeknownst to me, retro didn’t mean old school. Darn, I was going to bust out my tapered jeans, peg them, and wear a button Henley. Hmm, I guess most of you guys don’t get it. Well, a couple years ago I wore tapered jeans and a button Henley. After seeking fashion tips from some girls, I discovered that I was out of touch; tapered jeans, though much more comfortable and manageable, had been replaced with baggy, wide-legged ones that drag on the floor. I was told to “Lose the Henley and the canvas shoes!” So my current understanding of retro is that it really connotes old school with an element of funkyness or coolness. Henleys and tapered jeans aren’t cool - they are retro and edgeless. Thanks to Greg and other various friends, I was able to acquire some edge by shopping at thrift and second-hand stores. It was dirt cheap.
Never a social butterfly and in some way, kind of introverted, I enjoyed the party. It was a good time to meet new folks, but an especially good time to catch up with folks who I haven’t seen for a while. Admittely, I did miss spending the time with my Dad though. I thought about him. I called shortly after the clock struck 12, and wish him a happy new year. I tell ya, I love talking to my Dad. He’s such a gentle and caring man. He’s also very simple about things. Somehow love shown in this simple and positively thoughtless form grips my heart, and that in itself is profound. Yep, talking my Dad is usually refreshing - it really brings things into perspective.
As for the other two evenings in LA, it was just good to explore and hang with different folks. Can you believe I didn’t get home until 3 AM every evening with exception of the first? Yeah baby, three nights of going out until 3 AM! Who says I can’t hang? The question should be asked of the one asking…can you hang?!
Seriously, I was pretty exhausted by the third night. This going to bed at 3 AM, and waking up at noon seems out of place for me. But again, I did enjoy hanging out with Greg and his friends. It’s funny how I may not enjoy the activities to the extent another person enjoys them, and if I were to do it with someone else or even myself, I would find them unbearable; but with the right company, the activities are overall pleasant. Though I became quiet after midnight and began falling asleep at house of pies, I still had a good time. It must be the company. That’s a compliment to you Greg…Alright, that was mushy enough, just injecting my thoughts to the events, which hopefully makes the read less unexciting. HaHa…
Alrighty, this is a very long first blog. I hardly never not journal this way. Like the double, triple negatives?
Oh yes, here are some hip hop slangs I learned from the trip. It reconnects me with my urban and checkered past (bad boy, bad boy,..whatcha going to do???… …. …):

Off the hizzle forshizzle
Po-po
Crib

peace out,

gear