I've been back in the Casa de Theurer since August, and did okay for the first few months. Of course, we had our little annoyances as we readjusted to life as it had been four years earlier, but for the most part I was content at home. Looking back, I realize that the 5-day/week commute to Lawrence for class and work, as well as a few hours of homework a night were huge contributors to my poor coping abilities. But ever since the homework ended, and I've had more face time to socialize with the 'rents, and I've started to make a little bit more money... the desire to escape has slowly but surely taken over my psyche, rendering me completely desperate for escape!
In case I've come to you lately with pleas to restore my sanity by getting me out of the house, I think you'll appreciate a little more explanation. So here it is, the
TOP 7 REASONS I NEED TO MOVE OUT OF MY PARENTS HOUSE (in no particular order)
7. My father has claimed authority over the one good TV in the house, therefore I have no access to cable television until after he goes to bed around 9/10 PM. Also, he controls the DVR, which means that the few shows I record to watch later, may or may not be cancelled if he decides that there is a particularly interesting PBS special or episode of Dog Whisperer he'd prefer to record over my show. Oh, and if the DVR seems to be getting too "full," in other words, over 30% full..... he will delete my shows! At least I have Hulu and Netflix, which is basically what I survive on, alone in my room for a few hours every night.
6. I wake up early every morning to my parents' dog, Pete, standing next to my bed, pacing back and forth, nails clicking on the floor, usually panting, for about 5/10 minutes because he is afraid to jump up on the bed. I feel sorry for the guy, he's getting arthritis, but seriously, dude, lay on the floor or go back downstairs. Oh, and if Mona wants to sleep in my bed with me, she has GOT to do something about the dog farts. WHOA.
5. Both of my parents are losing their hearing, and are unaware that setting the volume on the television to 70 makes life a little less enjoyable on the top floor of the house, where SOMEONE is usually trying to have some quiet time after work. As I write this I can hear every dirty innuendo of Charlie Sheen's on Two and a Half Men.
4. If I have to watch or listen to any more MetroSports, ESPN, or Deadliest Catch, I'm going to smother myself in honey and lay on an ant hill. Or cut the cable line that runs into our house, most likely falling to my death next to dad's giant, crucifix-shaped tomato garden in the backyard.
3. My dog is fat. She was not fat before we lived here. She gets more treats in a day than Lindsay Lohan gets lines of coke. When I buy light dog food for her, mom forgets about it, and gives her regular. OR, she spoons a little of the Alpo gravy ON TOP of the light, in essence doubling her caloric intake, because Miley Likes How It Tastes. What...? Oh yeah, and did I mention that we now buy Corn Flakes especially for the dogs? Mom puts it over their food with milk in the mornings. I have no joke for that.
2. I can't invite anyone over for dinner, drinks, date night, etc. You may or may not be surprised to learn that I like to entertain. I like to cook for people, I like to have movie and wine nights, and I'd like to spend a few more nights in with Miley instead of going elsewhere. I can't wait to be able to return some of the hospitality that has been shown to me lately.
And the number 1 reason I need to move out of my parents' house:
1. Dad thinks that you can put metal into the newer microwaves... It's only a matter of time before the house explodes.
Really, I love my parents, and I know others have a lot more to complain about, but it is time to cut the cord for good. Sayonara, moms and pops! See you when I stop by to drop your granddog off for weekend playdates!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
So many questions... (hypothetical, what ifs...)
Ever since I was a little kid I've always been pretty skeptical of established religion. I feel like I need to preface this post by telling you that, but no worries, I have no intentions of pushing any of my personal beliefs on to you. I've just always had a natural curiosity towards religion, and I feel that the questions running through my head tonight are the same ones I've had forever. I would definitely benefit from more education into religion and history, but I'd rank my knowledge up there with the average person, so don't judge this too harshly.
This turned out to be one of those unusual nights where your mind begins stirring with thoughts of a mystical or profound nature. Everyone has those moments of deep speculation, where you get a bit lost, and usually finish by wondering how the train of thought even began. They don't happen terribly often (unless you're a theologian or philosopher...), but every once in a while you just get stuck on certain questions.
I just finished watching the movie "The Invention of Lying," and *SPOILER ALERT* there is a scene in which Ricky Gervais' character comforts his dying mother by assuring her that there is everlasting joy in the afterlife. In a world where he is the only person capable of lying, he is soon after swarmed by people wanting to know more. He decides to run with it. Basically, he creates the concept of a "man in the sky," a joyful place and a horrible place in the afterlife (heaven and hell), the consequences of sin, and essentially lays the foundations of Christianity. And as he was whipping these "commandments" out to people, it struck me as remarkable how easily religion could have been created.
Hopefully leaving any of my personal beliefs out of this, here are a few of the questions that I've been pondering for the last hour:
First- where was the proof? I think it would be impossible for any new major world religion to spring up today. The world is entirely too advanced in science and technology to "buy into" a new religion with our frantic need for solid evidence or proof. However, hundreds or thousands of years ago... how could you legitimately question it? How did the Greek and Romans KNOW that there were multiple gods? How does anyone KNOW that there is a God, Buddha, Allah? There just isn't any tangible proof. I'm not saying that miracles haven't happened, or that prophets didn't really experience something divine, but I'm just not sure I'm entirely comfortable taking someone else's word for it... I would be interested to read a bit more of Flavius Josephus, who wrote in 68 AD about Jesus from a historian's point of view. Now there is a piece of literature that could shed some more light on Christianity.
WHAT IF... some unusually creative person, perhaps even a delusional person, or perhaps even a chemically imbalanced person, just made it all up? Look at the profound creativity that human beings are capable of from art to music to story-telling. Some of the most influential and brilliant people in history were totally off their rocker. If you look at the tenets of major religions, for example the Bible or the Koran, how can you say that someone didn't just invent them? What if some Schizophrenic Greek imagined the gods on Mount Olympus and everyone bought it? I am by no means a history buff, so I don't know the actual stories behind their development, but I'd bet no one was there recording these processes as proof of their legitimacy for the next couple millennia. I just have to wonder why so many people believe what they're told. I've always had issues buying 100% into what I was told as a child.
What if the thousands of years of persecution, wars, and crusades had turned out differently? Would the major religions of the world be something else if armies of MEN had fought differently? Think about it, if one or two battles had gone differently in the Civil War, the United States might be two separate nations right now. If the Allied powers had been less successful, would Europe have eventually been dominated by a Nazi regime? These major events in the course of history were the results of human beings taking violent action for their beliefs. Obviously, in hindsight it is easy to see those specific examples as good conquering some "evil", but how can anyone say that a war fought solely on the basis of one person thinking their religion is truer than another turned out "right" or "wrong"?
I do think religion is an immensely important thing for a person. Now that could be a belief in one God, multiple gods, fate, supernaturalism, or just a sense of spirituality in the universe, either way if it brings people joy and inspires them to be good, happy people, then how can anyone say that is wrong? Adversely, if someone chooses not to decide between any of that, or refuses to believe in something, period, then that is probably the right thing for them. I am not going to tell someone one way or the other, because the bottom line is- no one can prove that what they believe is true. What you believe should be a gut feeling. You should be comfortable with it, and if you can find someone that appreciates or even shares your beliefs, that's great! But I draw the line at people in the 21st century who still find it necessary to impose their personal beliefs on others. We can't prove any of it, so the choice is up to the individual. Ask your own questions, and try to be satisfied with your own answers.
That's what I try to do.
This turned out to be one of those unusual nights where your mind begins stirring with thoughts of a mystical or profound nature. Everyone has those moments of deep speculation, where you get a bit lost, and usually finish by wondering how the train of thought even began. They don't happen terribly often (unless you're a theologian or philosopher...), but every once in a while you just get stuck on certain questions.
I just finished watching the movie "The Invention of Lying," and *SPOILER ALERT* there is a scene in which Ricky Gervais' character comforts his dying mother by assuring her that there is everlasting joy in the afterlife. In a world where he is the only person capable of lying, he is soon after swarmed by people wanting to know more. He decides to run with it. Basically, he creates the concept of a "man in the sky," a joyful place and a horrible place in the afterlife (heaven and hell), the consequences of sin, and essentially lays the foundations of Christianity. And as he was whipping these "commandments" out to people, it struck me as remarkable how easily religion could have been created.
Hopefully leaving any of my personal beliefs out of this, here are a few of the questions that I've been pondering for the last hour:
First- where was the proof? I think it would be impossible for any new major world religion to spring up today. The world is entirely too advanced in science and technology to "buy into" a new religion with our frantic need for solid evidence or proof. However, hundreds or thousands of years ago... how could you legitimately question it? How did the Greek and Romans KNOW that there were multiple gods? How does anyone KNOW that there is a God, Buddha, Allah? There just isn't any tangible proof. I'm not saying that miracles haven't happened, or that prophets didn't really experience something divine, but I'm just not sure I'm entirely comfortable taking someone else's word for it... I would be interested to read a bit more of Flavius Josephus, who wrote in 68 AD about Jesus from a historian's point of view. Now there is a piece of literature that could shed some more light on Christianity.
WHAT IF... some unusually creative person, perhaps even a delusional person, or perhaps even a chemically imbalanced person, just made it all up? Look at the profound creativity that human beings are capable of from art to music to story-telling. Some of the most influential and brilliant people in history were totally off their rocker. If you look at the tenets of major religions, for example the Bible or the Koran, how can you say that someone didn't just invent them? What if some Schizophrenic Greek imagined the gods on Mount Olympus and everyone bought it? I am by no means a history buff, so I don't know the actual stories behind their development, but I'd bet no one was there recording these processes as proof of their legitimacy for the next couple millennia. I just have to wonder why so many people believe what they're told. I've always had issues buying 100% into what I was told as a child.
What if the thousands of years of persecution, wars, and crusades had turned out differently? Would the major religions of the world be something else if armies of MEN had fought differently? Think about it, if one or two battles had gone differently in the Civil War, the United States might be two separate nations right now. If the Allied powers had been less successful, would Europe have eventually been dominated by a Nazi regime? These major events in the course of history were the results of human beings taking violent action for their beliefs. Obviously, in hindsight it is easy to see those specific examples as good conquering some "evil", but how can anyone say that a war fought solely on the basis of one person thinking their religion is truer than another turned out "right" or "wrong"?
I do think religion is an immensely important thing for a person. Now that could be a belief in one God, multiple gods, fate, supernaturalism, or just a sense of spirituality in the universe, either way if it brings people joy and inspires them to be good, happy people, then how can anyone say that is wrong? Adversely, if someone chooses not to decide between any of that, or refuses to believe in something, period, then that is probably the right thing for them. I am not going to tell someone one way or the other, because the bottom line is- no one can prove that what they believe is true. What you believe should be a gut feeling. You should be comfortable with it, and if you can find someone that appreciates or even shares your beliefs, that's great! But I draw the line at people in the 21st century who still find it necessary to impose their personal beliefs on others. We can't prove any of it, so the choice is up to the individual. Ask your own questions, and try to be satisfied with your own answers.
That's what I try to do.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Love an animal, they'll love you back
So I just read an update from the KC Humane Society's Facebook page, and am amazed once again at the inhumanity that exists in the world. Tomorrow at 5 PM, a dog named Gilmore will be going home with his new family, after spending the first 7 years of his life on a 6-foot long chain. How do you describe crying out of anger and happiness at the same time? It's the most frustrating feeling.
How is it possible that there are still people in the world who could exhibit horrific cruelty to an animal, and feel no remorse? I understand that to many people a dog is a dog, a cat is a cat, and that animals are just there as pets, not as family members. I understand that they may not let their pets sleep on the bed. They may not give them toys and treats. They may not even play with them. I don't agree with these people, but I can't fault them for cruelty. If giving the bare minimum to an animal still means that they are fed, medicated, and able to live an adequate life, I can't make enough of an argument to say that their owner doesn't deserve them.
However-
It absolutely blows my mind to see, hear about, or read about the blatant neglect and cruelty suffered by pets in the United States. I have one thing to say about that: IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT AN ANIMAL, GIVE THEM TO SOMEONE WHO WILL. And it's not only the fault of the bastards who are being cruel, it's the fault of the neighbors/friends/strangers walking by who fail to take action against it. If you see a dog constantly chained in a back-yard with no water in July, if you see a skinny dog who is itchy and has matted fur, if you hear kittens under your neighbors porch, CALL THE HUMANE SOCIETY. Just because someone isn't taking responsibility for their own pets, doesn't mean you can't act like a human being and pick up the phone. It doesn't mean their pets will be taken away, it just means that a professional will inform them of how to provide adequate care.
The only explanation I can come up with for people that chain their animals, or don't feed them, or flat out beat them, is that they get some sort of sick pleasure from it. If you can look at an animal who is obviously suffering and feel no sympathy, then you must be feeling some kind of twisted satisfaction. I don't think anyone could be apathetic towards that. And based on the thousands of incidents of animal cruelty in the US each year, I don't even want to think about how many sick people there are out there.
If you can't adopt more pets, or can't afford to have one, at least do something to help. Go walk a dog at the Humane Society. Donate old sheets, blankets, even office supplies to your local shelter. If anything, just be aware of what's going on with the animals in your neighborhood. We can help ourselves, those animals can't.
How is it possible that there are still people in the world who could exhibit horrific cruelty to an animal, and feel no remorse? I understand that to many people a dog is a dog, a cat is a cat, and that animals are just there as pets, not as family members. I understand that they may not let their pets sleep on the bed. They may not give them toys and treats. They may not even play with them. I don't agree with these people, but I can't fault them for cruelty. If giving the bare minimum to an animal still means that they are fed, medicated, and able to live an adequate life, I can't make enough of an argument to say that their owner doesn't deserve them.
However-
It absolutely blows my mind to see, hear about, or read about the blatant neglect and cruelty suffered by pets in the United States. I have one thing to say about that: IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT AN ANIMAL, GIVE THEM TO SOMEONE WHO WILL. And it's not only the fault of the bastards who are being cruel, it's the fault of the neighbors/friends/strangers walking by who fail to take action against it. If you see a dog constantly chained in a back-yard with no water in July, if you see a skinny dog who is itchy and has matted fur, if you hear kittens under your neighbors porch, CALL THE HUMANE SOCIETY. Just because someone isn't taking responsibility for their own pets, doesn't mean you can't act like a human being and pick up the phone. It doesn't mean their pets will be taken away, it just means that a professional will inform them of how to provide adequate care.
The only explanation I can come up with for people that chain their animals, or don't feed them, or flat out beat them, is that they get some sort of sick pleasure from it. If you can look at an animal who is obviously suffering and feel no sympathy, then you must be feeling some kind of twisted satisfaction. I don't think anyone could be apathetic towards that. And based on the thousands of incidents of animal cruelty in the US each year, I don't even want to think about how many sick people there are out there.
If you can't adopt more pets, or can't afford to have one, at least do something to help. Go walk a dog at the Humane Society. Donate old sheets, blankets, even office supplies to your local shelter. If anything, just be aware of what's going on with the animals in your neighborhood. We can help ourselves, those animals can't.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
It is your birthday.
I hope my fellow Office-lovers caught the reference above...
So today I turned the big 2-3. Nearly a quarter of a century old! 7 years away from 30! Old enough to drink, not old enough to rent a car! Any way you put it, today is my 23rd birthday.
The day started out wonderfully, I woke up extra early to send a bon voyage text message, then managed to get in a few more hours of ZZZs before I had to get up for work. Despite going to bed before 11 PM last night (a very rare occurance), I could not get myself motivated to actually get up at my 9 AM alarm, and pressed snooze till 10:15, when I absolutely had to get up. The day got off to a bit of a rough start...
I've gotten into the habit of leaving my clock radio on as I get ready in the mornings, and lately I've been on a bit of an NPR kick. The Walt Bodein show plays from 10-11 when I'm getting ready, and it's usually pretty entertaining! Well, today the main topic of discussion just happened to be: (duh duh duuuuh) suicide! How to prevent it, how to cope with it, and various statistics. Needless to say, I took it as a bad omen for the rest of the day. While hurrying about to get dressed and hair dried, I got a nice, albeit, awkward phone call from an ex wishing me happy birthday. I realize that I do have some difficulty forming complex sentences before noon, so I'll take the blame on that awkwardness. As I got downstairs, expecting to find the usual birthday card from my mother on the kitchen table, I was disappointed to see no cards or presents, but shook it off anyway and was determined to be in a good mood!
So I managed to get out the door, fully dressed, hair dried, makeup on, feeling great! During the drive I started to contemplate what kind of goodies I'd like to pick up for work, debating between cookies or bagels, when I get my first birthday surprise. As I was in the right lane on K-10, a guy in a crappy brown acura pulled up beside me, honked his horn to get my attention, and in the few seconds I look over managed to drawn my attention downward where he was blatantly pleasuring himself at 70 MPH. Absolutely disgusted, I looked away, but not before noticing the empty child's car-seat in the back of his car. Awesome.
When I got to Lawrence I picked up some bagels and my favorite garden veggie shmear, and spent the afternoon reading the 18th century French equivalent to a daytime soap opera, otherwise known as Fantômas. Overall, a boring, dreary day at work, but interrupted by a few pleasant text messages. Unfortunately, I could not get the image of my freeway flasher out of my head. So I headed home feeling somewhat dejected, hoping, but doubting, that I could be cheered up at dinner with my parents.
When I got home, my second birthday surprise was waiting for me. A lovely bouquet of spring flowers with a very sweet note had been sent to my house. Then, my mother presented me with a small box of gourmet chocolates and one of her signature, corny birthday cards. Within 5 minutes I had a smile on my face again! So I went to dinner with the 'rents and Katie/Steve-o, where I got my favorite grilled mahi tacos- yum! And when I got home, I got a great phone call from Amy, Katie, and Sam wishing me happy birthday. Tonight- a warm bed, some chocolates, and probably reruns of The Office on Netflix.
Needless to say, this was a day of ups and downs. But the thing that leaves me smiling at the end of it are the efforts made by my family and friends. The ones who really, truly love me. When I was convinced that the day was ruined, and my mood couldn't possibly be improved, a few people really swept in and proved me wrong. There also something to be said for all of the facebook wall posts which I've been reading since I got home. I know that it's a small effort, but it really does make me happy to know that I know so many great, friendly people. So, to anyone and everyone that made today great, THANK YOU! It meant a lot to me, and I hope that I can return the favor to some, if not all, of you someday!
So today I turned the big 2-3. Nearly a quarter of a century old! 7 years away from 30! Old enough to drink, not old enough to rent a car! Any way you put it, today is my 23rd birthday.
The day started out wonderfully, I woke up extra early to send a bon voyage text message, then managed to get in a few more hours of ZZZs before I had to get up for work. Despite going to bed before 11 PM last night (a very rare occurance), I could not get myself motivated to actually get up at my 9 AM alarm, and pressed snooze till 10:15, when I absolutely had to get up. The day got off to a bit of a rough start...
I've gotten into the habit of leaving my clock radio on as I get ready in the mornings, and lately I've been on a bit of an NPR kick. The Walt Bodein show plays from 10-11 when I'm getting ready, and it's usually pretty entertaining! Well, today the main topic of discussion just happened to be: (duh duh duuuuh) suicide! How to prevent it, how to cope with it, and various statistics. Needless to say, I took it as a bad omen for the rest of the day. While hurrying about to get dressed and hair dried, I got a nice, albeit, awkward phone call from an ex wishing me happy birthday. I realize that I do have some difficulty forming complex sentences before noon, so I'll take the blame on that awkwardness. As I got downstairs, expecting to find the usual birthday card from my mother on the kitchen table, I was disappointed to see no cards or presents, but shook it off anyway and was determined to be in a good mood!
So I managed to get out the door, fully dressed, hair dried, makeup on, feeling great! During the drive I started to contemplate what kind of goodies I'd like to pick up for work, debating between cookies or bagels, when I get my first birthday surprise. As I was in the right lane on K-10, a guy in a crappy brown acura pulled up beside me, honked his horn to get my attention, and in the few seconds I look over managed to drawn my attention downward where he was blatantly pleasuring himself at 70 MPH. Absolutely disgusted, I looked away, but not before noticing the empty child's car-seat in the back of his car. Awesome.
When I got to Lawrence I picked up some bagels and my favorite garden veggie shmear, and spent the afternoon reading the 18th century French equivalent to a daytime soap opera, otherwise known as Fantômas. Overall, a boring, dreary day at work, but interrupted by a few pleasant text messages. Unfortunately, I could not get the image of my freeway flasher out of my head. So I headed home feeling somewhat dejected, hoping, but doubting, that I could be cheered up at dinner with my parents.
When I got home, my second birthday surprise was waiting for me. A lovely bouquet of spring flowers with a very sweet note had been sent to my house. Then, my mother presented me with a small box of gourmet chocolates and one of her signature, corny birthday cards. Within 5 minutes I had a smile on my face again! So I went to dinner with the 'rents and Katie/Steve-o, where I got my favorite grilled mahi tacos- yum! And when I got home, I got a great phone call from Amy, Katie, and Sam wishing me happy birthday. Tonight- a warm bed, some chocolates, and probably reruns of The Office on Netflix.
Needless to say, this was a day of ups and downs. But the thing that leaves me smiling at the end of it are the efforts made by my family and friends. The ones who really, truly love me. When I was convinced that the day was ruined, and my mood couldn't possibly be improved, a few people really swept in and proved me wrong. There also something to be said for all of the facebook wall posts which I've been reading since I got home. I know that it's a small effort, but it really does make me happy to know that I know so many great, friendly people. So, to anyone and everyone that made today great, THANK YOU! It meant a lot to me, and I hope that I can return the favor to some, if not all, of you someday!
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