No doubt politically aware Americans (and others, but we'll focus on what I know) have been silently watching Russia's military exercise into Georgia with some trepidation. Most Americans may be afraid that the recent drop in oil prices will become a faint dream, and again we'll be worrying about what to sacrifice to be able to pay to drive our cars. This is perfectly natural. That was even the first thought that popped into my mind. Here's why we should be afraid...
According to the article I posted yesterday, Georgia is one of the few former Soviet republics that has managed to consolidate it's democracy, while maintaining a decent (this is Eastern Europe we're talking about here) standard of living. Even with news reports this morning, analysts are wondering if this isn't a message to other fledglings democracies trying to break away from Mother Russia. Will the West be there when you really need them?
I hate to point it out, but there are some eerie historical parallels that, if you're paying attention, should make you scared. First of all Russia has been fomenting the ethnic unrest that has plagued South Ossentia (the region in dispute) for some time. Now ostensibly the fighting came a little too close to Russia for comfort and so, the larger country decided to go in and protect her borders. After that she just kept going taking half of the country. Can we say Czechoslovakia? I'm so glad the Mr. Putin has borrowed from Adolf Hitler's play book. At least now we can see the inklings of the monster he is. "Good Morning America" this morning played a distress call from a beleaguered Georgian president with American leanings. I can't help but wonder if there was a similar scene being played out more than 60 years ago as the Lincoln-loving President Benes was hoping to maintain his little democracy to the south of a mighty menace. The world did not worry then. Given the precedents that this appeasement policy set, the world is a little more vocal now. Actions however speak louder than words. And some actions, by this administration should be alarming.
While there has been recent turmoil in the US-Russo alliance as of late, they have not been over the fact the Mr. Putin has, in his term as President of all the Russias, curtailed civil liberties, shut down and silenced the voice of any liberal leanings in the press or strengthened Russia's Communist party; but rather over the fact that Russia and Iran are trading partners. Americans are also not worried about an opaque administration that has staged a pseudo-presidential election, reduced the power of the legislature and consolidated the authority of the Prime Minister. Like most European countries the Prime Minister is the mover and the shaker in Russia. Mr. Putin (after appointing his presidential successor) is now filling the post.
Post-9/11 in the U.S. we have seen an increasingly hawkish administration invade 2 countries under wobbly pretenses. And, however justified those invasions may have been on the heels of the worst terrorist attack this country has ever seen, they have become botched ideological wars, and what I see as a grab for overseas colonies.
Americans have also seen their civil liberties curtailed in the form of the Patriot Act. Like it or not, believe it or not, agree with it or not, you are being watched. Your cell phone calls are being monitored and recorded, and can be listened to on command. Your bank accounts are being watched (should you try to buy anthrax, or ammonium nitrate, or perhaps finance Hezbollah). And as a loyal American I do see the necessity to protect ourselves, and that these measures help us to do that.
As a loyal American, I must also be a little worried. Where does it end? What other corners of my life will the authorities want to see? What if I'm going on some other list for that purchase I made at the book store? Why has our president been less-than-forthcoming about his foreign policy or the fact that a reason was fabricated to go to war? Why are more Americans not concerned that we are not upset with Russia because of her neo-Communism but because they don't agree with us on Iran. It's like not being friends with Susie because she doesn't think that Rhoda is being a huge bitch...a little elementary don't you think? Incidentally we're pissed of at the Mexicans because they still talk to Cuba. And now, that we see signs of true 1930s totalitarianism, the only thing we can do is give a Chamberlain-esq "We will stand by our allies" response and hope that Putin, like Hitler, will be content to scare the little countries around him for a while...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
And so another week begins...
I didn't feel about writing about the news today, even though there is much to say, I just don't feel super knowledgeable about any one thing to really be able to talk on it, so I'm thinking we'll try a stream-of-conscienceousness thing (hey, it worked for Hemingway didn't it?).
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I slept last night, or that we have a slight break from the kind of heat that not only makes me want to rap and pillage, or that I have a 3 day week and a bit of a long weekend before school starts, but for a Monday I'm feeling really refreshed. It could also be that I got buck wild Friday and spent the rest of the weekend trying to recoup. My only complaint is this nagging restlessness that I can't seem to find much to do with. I should use it to finish ironing and cleaning my house, but what fun is that?
I've said it before, but I'm totally surprised by the people that come and go in and out of your life. It's kind of like the tide. One minute you might get this awesome shell, and then out that wave goes and in comes some sea weed. Then who knows. Point being that I have a few friends that really have been taking care of me lately. I'll hardly ever admit to it, but sometimes I do need someone to carry a little weight for me, and for a while there it was really stacking up.
I think the best friendships are the unexpected ones. You know, like that hidden present on Christmas morning. The one that you find hidden at the back of the tree that you definately didn't put on your list (and for real, when I make a list, or really any sort of delcaration, I expect it to be followed. I know what I want) that ends up being your favorite thing. Soon no matter how much you didn't want it to begin with, you'd be damned to throw it out. I have one friend, in particular right now, who fits that. And whether we're sitting watching tv with a bottle of wine, going to brunch or they're watching me throw dollar bills at some drag queen, I'm pretty thankful to have them.
I guess what I'm trying to say (not totally successfully) is that you can't forget the small things. There might be some huge things in my life I'd like to change right now or as Dora would like to say "Whatever I'm unsatisfied with." No lie, that list is extensive. Probably always will be. I have come to accept the fact that I will always want to have things be better, have something to conquer or do, be reaching for that unattainable perfection. I guess what Buddah would call Nirvana. My own shallow, baby pool Nirvana, but Nirvana nonetheless. But the little things, like that person who smiles at you, or that friend who laughs with you or even the time you picked to go to the grocery store can be just as important as the steps you actively take. More often that not it's not so much what I do, as what is done for me.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I slept last night, or that we have a slight break from the kind of heat that not only makes me want to rap and pillage, or that I have a 3 day week and a bit of a long weekend before school starts, but for a Monday I'm feeling really refreshed. It could also be that I got buck wild Friday and spent the rest of the weekend trying to recoup. My only complaint is this nagging restlessness that I can't seem to find much to do with. I should use it to finish ironing and cleaning my house, but what fun is that?
I've said it before, but I'm totally surprised by the people that come and go in and out of your life. It's kind of like the tide. One minute you might get this awesome shell, and then out that wave goes and in comes some sea weed. Then who knows. Point being that I have a few friends that really have been taking care of me lately. I'll hardly ever admit to it, but sometimes I do need someone to carry a little weight for me, and for a while there it was really stacking up.
I think the best friendships are the unexpected ones. You know, like that hidden present on Christmas morning. The one that you find hidden at the back of the tree that you definately didn't put on your list (and for real, when I make a list, or really any sort of delcaration, I expect it to be followed. I know what I want) that ends up being your favorite thing. Soon no matter how much you didn't want it to begin with, you'd be damned to throw it out. I have one friend, in particular right now, who fits that. And whether we're sitting watching tv with a bottle of wine, going to brunch or they're watching me throw dollar bills at some drag queen, I'm pretty thankful to have them.
I guess what I'm trying to say (not totally successfully) is that you can't forget the small things. There might be some huge things in my life I'd like to change right now or as Dora would like to say "Whatever I'm unsatisfied with." No lie, that list is extensive. Probably always will be. I have come to accept the fact that I will always want to have things be better, have something to conquer or do, be reaching for that unattainable perfection. I guess what Buddah would call Nirvana. My own shallow, baby pool Nirvana, but Nirvana nonetheless. But the little things, like that person who smiles at you, or that friend who laughs with you or even the time you picked to go to the grocery store can be just as important as the steps you actively take. More often that not it's not so much what I do, as what is done for me.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Eating this Up...
I know, without one shred of doubt that I'm probably going to hell. It's not that I don't believe in God or know that I have many blessings, it's just a general premonition I have. Rightly or wrongly that's how I feel. On top of that, the fact that most religious organizations tend to ostracize and vilify homosexuals makes me extremely wary of organized religion. Especially the showy, mega-church, 700 Club kind. It seems like the new Golden Boy for this brand of God-loving is Joel Osteen. You know the young guy from Houston who looks a lot like John-Boy Walton.
I'm going to preface this. These are my opinions and I am in no way perfect. But, it seems that Mrs. Joel Osteen (aka Victoria) the "co-pastor" of Lakewood Church is being sued by a stewardess from Continental Airlines for throwing a hissy fit on a flight from Houston to Colorado in 2005.
According to one report Miz Osteen asked several stewardesses to clean a spot off of her First Class seat (I'd imagine sometime around or before take of from Houston). After she was passed off to several other stewards, she decided she'd follow one of them to the cockpit. While attempting to do her best impression of one of the 9/11 hijackers in an attempt for someone to clean a spot on her sat, she brushed past the Plaintiff Sharon Brown, elbowing her breast and pushing her against a bathroom door. Miz Osteen was the fined $3000 by the FAA and kindly asked to get her spoiled ass off the plane. Coincidentally because Miz Osteen doesn't realize patience is a virtue (extolled in the Bible, remember this pastor lady) she then delayed the other travelers on the flight 2.5 hours.
I have no idea where to begin with this. For one, I'm sure that Miz Osteen is perfectly capable of handling that spot by herself. Unless she's a paraplegic, but since I've seen pictures of her walking into court unassisted I'm doubtful. Also, was she not aware of the other 50 or more passengers boarding the plane? Has she not flown before so that she's unaware of how much the flight attendants are trying to take care of right before the plane takes off? Could she not have waited? Not to mention: Is this the type of behavior you would expect from someone who tells people how to live their lives? Is she setting a good example for her children, much less the 30,000 plus people who watch her on TV?
Now don't misunderstand. I get that Miz Osteen is human, and that as such, we all make mistakes. I make them daily. All the time. And I have, on more than one occasion, acted like a raving, spoiled bitch in public. But I'm not telling folks how to live or counseling them on the Word of Our Lord. This isn't the behavior you'd expect out of an adult, much less again, a pastor's wife. A really famous one. The new Mrs. Billy Graham. Get the picture? How is it that you've built an empire out of being righteous, but instead, because of the power and status that you've gained you're acting like the spoiled, rich, Houston socialite you've become?
I get so tired of being condemned for something that I cannot help, or even things that I can, only to find out that you're just as much a sinner as me. I'd also like to know if nothing is sacred anymore? This brand of pop Christianity has dangerous consequences. Not only can it be extremely off-putting but I question the sincerity of some one's beliefs when they're flashing them on screens and book covers. Didn't Jesus try to stamp out the money lenders? I'm not saying don't talk about what you believe, I just wonder if this is the most dignified way to behave when you're trying to spread the word of God.
I also think Tele-evangelism is a crock. Look at all of the corruption. Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggert, God knows who else. Should you be taking private money for what you believe? Where does the line come in? Wouldn't the money Victoria Osteen spent on several first class tickets have been put to better use going to charity? Would that not give her ultimately more credibility as a woman of God whose only goal in life is to spread His love? Bottom line: I know no one is perfect, least of all me, but this is where I think the secular and the divine collide and one of them usually has already gotten stomped on...
But it gets better. Sharon Brown, the poor helpless stewardess is suing for damages to the figure of 10% of Victoria Osteen's worth. "According to court documents, Brown claims that she suffers from anxiety and hemorrhoids because of the incident involving Victoria Osteen and said her faith was affected. She is also suing Victoria Osteen for medical expenses for counseling."
Now I get the anxiety. Somewhat. No one deserves to be treated that way, or abused while doing their job. But maybe the stewardesses on that flight were less than courteous. I know I think of most of the stewardesses I encounter are one step up from bitchy prostitutes who've outgrown their utility. But then, I haven't flown Continental in years. But seriously? 10% of The Osteens means you just don't want to work. How much counseling do you need? It's not like she was wearing a burqa screaming that it was Allah's will do blow up the plane. Not to mention that I've done some research, and unless Ms. Brown shit her pants from her encounter with Miz Osteen and lost her asshole, I'm not sure how the hemorrhoids could be damaged. Did she go into premature labor? Those are the causes of hemorrhoids. Stress to your asshole or diarrhea, not being pushed into a door. That leads me to believe that Miz Sharon Brown might just need to get off her ass, get back onto a plane and do her thing.
The case is now in front of a Houston jury. Pray God it can only get better :).
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Osteens-Wife-Lawsuit.html
I'm going to preface this. These are my opinions and I am in no way perfect. But, it seems that Mrs. Joel Osteen (aka Victoria) the "co-pastor" of Lakewood Church is being sued by a stewardess from Continental Airlines for throwing a hissy fit on a flight from Houston to Colorado in 2005.
According to one report Miz Osteen asked several stewardesses to clean a spot off of her First Class seat (I'd imagine sometime around or before take of from Houston). After she was passed off to several other stewards, she decided she'd follow one of them to the cockpit. While attempting to do her best impression of one of the 9/11 hijackers in an attempt for someone to clean a spot on her sat, she brushed past the Plaintiff Sharon Brown, elbowing her breast and pushing her against a bathroom door. Miz Osteen was the fined $3000 by the FAA and kindly asked to get her spoiled ass off the plane. Coincidentally because Miz Osteen doesn't realize patience is a virtue (extolled in the Bible, remember this pastor lady) she then delayed the other travelers on the flight 2.5 hours.
I have no idea where to begin with this. For one, I'm sure that Miz Osteen is perfectly capable of handling that spot by herself. Unless she's a paraplegic, but since I've seen pictures of her walking into court unassisted I'm doubtful. Also, was she not aware of the other 50 or more passengers boarding the plane? Has she not flown before so that she's unaware of how much the flight attendants are trying to take care of right before the plane takes off? Could she not have waited? Not to mention: Is this the type of behavior you would expect from someone who tells people how to live their lives? Is she setting a good example for her children, much less the 30,000 plus people who watch her on TV?
Now don't misunderstand. I get that Miz Osteen is human, and that as such, we all make mistakes. I make them daily. All the time. And I have, on more than one occasion, acted like a raving, spoiled bitch in public. But I'm not telling folks how to live or counseling them on the Word of Our Lord. This isn't the behavior you'd expect out of an adult, much less again, a pastor's wife. A really famous one. The new Mrs. Billy Graham. Get the picture? How is it that you've built an empire out of being righteous, but instead, because of the power and status that you've gained you're acting like the spoiled, rich, Houston socialite you've become?
I get so tired of being condemned for something that I cannot help, or even things that I can, only to find out that you're just as much a sinner as me. I'd also like to know if nothing is sacred anymore? This brand of pop Christianity has dangerous consequences. Not only can it be extremely off-putting but I question the sincerity of some one's beliefs when they're flashing them on screens and book covers. Didn't Jesus try to stamp out the money lenders? I'm not saying don't talk about what you believe, I just wonder if this is the most dignified way to behave when you're trying to spread the word of God.
I also think Tele-evangelism is a crock. Look at all of the corruption. Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggert, God knows who else. Should you be taking private money for what you believe? Where does the line come in? Wouldn't the money Victoria Osteen spent on several first class tickets have been put to better use going to charity? Would that not give her ultimately more credibility as a woman of God whose only goal in life is to spread His love? Bottom line: I know no one is perfect, least of all me, but this is where I think the secular and the divine collide and one of them usually has already gotten stomped on...
But it gets better. Sharon Brown, the poor helpless stewardess is suing for damages to the figure of 10% of Victoria Osteen's worth. "According to court documents, Brown claims that she suffers from anxiety and hemorrhoids because of the incident involving Victoria Osteen and said her faith was affected. She is also suing Victoria Osteen for medical expenses for counseling."
Now I get the anxiety. Somewhat. No one deserves to be treated that way, or abused while doing their job. But maybe the stewardesses on that flight were less than courteous. I know I think of most of the stewardesses I encounter are one step up from bitchy prostitutes who've outgrown their utility. But then, I haven't flown Continental in years. But seriously? 10% of The Osteens means you just don't want to work. How much counseling do you need? It's not like she was wearing a burqa screaming that it was Allah's will do blow up the plane. Not to mention that I've done some research, and unless Ms. Brown shit her pants from her encounter with Miz Osteen and lost her asshole, I'm not sure how the hemorrhoids could be damaged. Did she go into premature labor? Those are the causes of hemorrhoids. Stress to your asshole or diarrhea, not being pushed into a door. That leads me to believe that Miz Sharon Brown might just need to get off her ass, get back onto a plane and do her thing.
The case is now in front of a Houston jury. Pray God it can only get better :).
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Osteens-Wife-Lawsuit.html
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tapped out
That one Advil PM I took last night is still with me this morning. Almost 4 hours after I woke up, and more than 12 hours after I took it. OK, seriously? My mother says that my body has always been more (overly?) responsive to stimulants and more importantly depressants. "Why honey, if you were being especially grumpy and I needed to get stuff done, I'd just give you a little Tri-a-menic, and I'd have a good 3 hours." Umm, I think folks have been borrowing from Mom's playbook and taken it too far. But I get it. I have to say this must be true. The past few times I've taken anything I wake up feeling like aliens must have sedated me while performing some type of radical experiment on me. But, since I woke up with both testicles this morning, I think it's just the Advil.
I haven't been sleeping well lately. If you read yesterday, there was actual proof. I rambled like the fool I am. But what really bugs me, besides just being exhausted, is that I can't quite put my finger on what's causing my insomnia. Or worse than that, I know deep down what the deal is and refuse to admit it. I have no problem with confrontation. I usually don't mind admitting to my faults or confronting unpleasant things about myself. The problem is never the confrontation. The problem I have with any obstacle is feeling licked. And be it the fact that I feel like the same old things keep popping up or the fact that I feel like the subject in a weird sleep deprivation experiment, today, I just feel licked.
I know this is silly. Stupid in fact, given my life and what I was dealing with last year at this time, my outlook is completely different. I've already survived the hard stuff. I also hate this because I'm feeling sorry for myself, really this whole blog thing is pretty self-indulgent and I can't stand that. Everyone has problems. Mine are pretty mild compared. My rational self tells me that. I have it great. Good job, great friends, decent looks. I can be charming and witty and funny and I can kick some ass to. What more could you want?
It could be too that I am ready to go back to school, meet me kids, get back into my routine, and at the same time I like not having a ton of responsibility. I want a little more time to not care. It's like warm air and cold air and I'm stuck in the storm.
We'll see. It's Wed. the week is all downhill from here. Then I'm taking a few days off next week and getting ready to take on the world for the next 9 mos. And that, boys and girls, is all I've got.
I haven't been sleeping well lately. If you read yesterday, there was actual proof. I rambled like the fool I am. But what really bugs me, besides just being exhausted, is that I can't quite put my finger on what's causing my insomnia. Or worse than that, I know deep down what the deal is and refuse to admit it. I have no problem with confrontation. I usually don't mind admitting to my faults or confronting unpleasant things about myself. The problem is never the confrontation. The problem I have with any obstacle is feeling licked. And be it the fact that I feel like the same old things keep popping up or the fact that I feel like the subject in a weird sleep deprivation experiment, today, I just feel licked.
I know this is silly. Stupid in fact, given my life and what I was dealing with last year at this time, my outlook is completely different. I've already survived the hard stuff. I also hate this because I'm feeling sorry for myself, really this whole blog thing is pretty self-indulgent and I can't stand that. Everyone has problems. Mine are pretty mild compared. My rational self tells me that. I have it great. Good job, great friends, decent looks. I can be charming and witty and funny and I can kick some ass to. What more could you want?
It could be too that I am ready to go back to school, meet me kids, get back into my routine, and at the same time I like not having a ton of responsibility. I want a little more time to not care. It's like warm air and cold air and I'm stuck in the storm.
We'll see. It's Wed. the week is all downhill from here. Then I'm taking a few days off next week and getting ready to take on the world for the next 9 mos. And that, boys and girls, is all I've got.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Run Down
I pride myself on being an elementary insomniac. I don't mean that I stay up for days and days on end, but I usually average five to six hours of sleep a night (7 hours is absolutely luxurious, 8 hours means I'm ill). A normal person gets 8. Somehow being able to function on less than what a normal person gets makes me above-average, this kind of superhuman. I think we're conditioned to think this is the way it should be. You hear of FDR and Churchill and Lyndon Johnson all sleeping only a few hours a night and then making world-altering decisions before sunrise. Great leadership must have to do with lack of sleep. Being someone, doing something, making your impact would mean that you must also be able to run on nothing.
Having experienced this myself in college and now in my career life. This is somewhat true. However, I'm willing to bet that just like myself, these men had shoulder pain, a true need for caffine, a naseous feeling and were generally raving pricks because all they wanted to do was fall asleep. I mean what else are you going to do at 4 a.m. when you can't sleep? That's right, pace your office or apt or God knows what else and think. I'd imagine too much thinking, thoughts churning, bumping and rolling inside a brain, unable to stop have a good deal to do with not being able to sleep.
In any case, I'm making no sense today because I can't think. After 2 nights of under, under-average sleep (I'm talking maybe 10 hrs in the past 2 days) I'm ready to call it quits. I can't think, can't focus and really don't have much witty to say. So, if you read this regularly, I'm sorry. If this is your first reading, come back tomorrow. Tonite I intend to clean my entire apt, go to the store and be in bed no later than 10 p.m. Maybe it's not about how much you can go without that makes you great, but knowing when to slow down and breathe.
Having experienced this myself in college and now in my career life. This is somewhat true. However, I'm willing to bet that just like myself, these men had shoulder pain, a true need for caffine, a naseous feeling and were generally raving pricks because all they wanted to do was fall asleep. I mean what else are you going to do at 4 a.m. when you can't sleep? That's right, pace your office or apt or God knows what else and think. I'd imagine too much thinking, thoughts churning, bumping and rolling inside a brain, unable to stop have a good deal to do with not being able to sleep.
In any case, I'm making no sense today because I can't think. After 2 nights of under, under-average sleep (I'm talking maybe 10 hrs in the past 2 days) I'm ready to call it quits. I can't think, can't focus and really don't have much witty to say. So, if you read this regularly, I'm sorry. If this is your first reading, come back tomorrow. Tonite I intend to clean my entire apt, go to the store and be in bed no later than 10 p.m. Maybe it's not about how much you can go without that makes you great, but knowing when to slow down and breathe.
Monday, August 4, 2008
In the Stars
The demise of my summer is rapidly approaching and in a matter of weeks (about 2 to be exact) I will have to stop pretending I'm in college again and go back to work. Instead of being receptionist Steven (Complete with phone, computer and the beginning stages of carpal tunnel) I will be Teacher Steven (complete with 30 kids, lesson plans, and stress). I will have to go to bed early, be on all day, and shape tomorrow. So what did I do last night? This bitch went out. Until 2:30, pretending to be 21 even when he knew damn well you don't recover the same way at 25.
This was not the remarkable part of my evening. No. The remarkable part was the palm reader. Now I'm pretty level headed but I do believe in psychics and on occasion have dreams only to experience deja vu later. Since this was something I've always wanted to do, I decided to give it a try. There were no pentagrams or skulls or chicken feathers. The only thing about this woman sitting on the corner of Throckmorton that was remotely stereotypical was that she smelled of patchouli.
I know, I know. I can hear you all shaking your heads now and telling me that she was a fake. Except, I didn't even talk for the first 10 minutes. I just put my hands out, palm up, and we didn't make eye contact until she was finished. She did not ask questions and the most vague thing she said was "someone". There was no "I see a man, or I'm getting a picture".
Some of what she said didn't surprise me. Some of what she told me, my friends have been telling me or will tell me from time to time. But I'd never met this woman before, she doesn't even know my name and I don't know hers. But strangely, I believe her. Maybe because I want to. She said some nice things. But she said some not so nice things for my friend. I could tell from our conversation that she also wouldn't have been shy giving me bad news. I'm not telling you to believe or disbelieve. I am sure that she could not be totally right on. She did not predict events. She did not tell me how I would die or when (other than the fact that I would have a long life). Here's what made me believe her. She told me about myself. Like I said before she told me things that only my closest friends would know, and she didn't know me from Adam.
What if, it all comes true. I'm not saying I woke up this morning and rushed out to greet today worshipping her feet or anything. She didn't even give me advice, that wasn't the point. I did it on a lark. But what she did give me was renewal. Today, if even just for today, she made me a little less cynical and a little more optimistic. I do not feel like I have to fight today. For me, today, I'd like to think she was that little voice from heaven telling me it will all be OK.
This was not the remarkable part of my evening. No. The remarkable part was the palm reader. Now I'm pretty level headed but I do believe in psychics and on occasion have dreams only to experience deja vu later. Since this was something I've always wanted to do, I decided to give it a try. There were no pentagrams or skulls or chicken feathers. The only thing about this woman sitting on the corner of Throckmorton that was remotely stereotypical was that she smelled of patchouli.
I know, I know. I can hear you all shaking your heads now and telling me that she was a fake. Except, I didn't even talk for the first 10 minutes. I just put my hands out, palm up, and we didn't make eye contact until she was finished. She did not ask questions and the most vague thing she said was "someone". There was no "I see a man, or I'm getting a picture".
Some of what she said didn't surprise me. Some of what she told me, my friends have been telling me or will tell me from time to time. But I'd never met this woman before, she doesn't even know my name and I don't know hers. But strangely, I believe her. Maybe because I want to. She said some nice things. But she said some not so nice things for my friend. I could tell from our conversation that she also wouldn't have been shy giving me bad news. I'm not telling you to believe or disbelieve. I am sure that she could not be totally right on. She did not predict events. She did not tell me how I would die or when (other than the fact that I would have a long life). Here's what made me believe her. She told me about myself. Like I said before she told me things that only my closest friends would know, and she didn't know me from Adam.
What if, it all comes true. I'm not saying I woke up this morning and rushed out to greet today worshipping her feet or anything. She didn't even give me advice, that wasn't the point. I did it on a lark. But what she did give me was renewal. Today, if even just for today, she made me a little less cynical and a little more optimistic. I do not feel like I have to fight today. For me, today, I'd like to think she was that little voice from heaven telling me it will all be OK.
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