Ladies... Its Not Our Fault!!!

Obama '08 - Vote For Hope from MC Yogi on Vimeo.

It is now official, the gymnastics portion of the games has come to a close. As it has been filled with the emotional ups and downs of the various routines, one major culprit involved has been the judges. It's no secret that this sport has a degree of subjection. That being said, if there was any opportunity for a "home cooking," China definitely provided it. The head-scratcher of the games is the fact that the judges for this particular event come from the collective countries of the world. So why China would grab their undivided attention is beyond me. I mean China's underage phenoms are pretty good, but their mistakes are pretty hard to miss.

In addition, whoever came up with the tie-break-backwards-scoring-method has to be the dumbest person in the world - or so freakin' smart that the average bear will still be scratching his head four years later in London.

unknown

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ~Hebrews 12:11

I’ve said it before and I still prescribe to it, at least from certain moments to others, it is the unknown that will make you wonder. Make you second guess. Make you start to ask questions you wouldn’t normally ask - or think of asking I suppose. I don’t know if its all that bad. Its just something that isn’t comfortable. I don’t know anyone who is at peace with the unknown. Personally, I’ve been known to embrace it; but does embracing the idea of the unknown really shaking its hand in acceptance and understanding? I think its more like climbing on a bull and holding on for all you have, hoping you can handle whatever comes your way.

I think thats where I am. I am holding on - not knowing what is about to happen, but I’ve got my hands wrapped in this rope of an experience and I’m hoping for greatness. I’m hoping for more than the eight seconds or fifteen minutes of fame. I’m going to continue to prepare and set myself up for success and wait for those answers to the questions that have somehow eluded me in the presence of the things I have yet to discover.

Who doesn't like Reunions?

no news?!

When the majority of news is bad news, I suppose this is a breath of fresh air.

Enjoy :)

The Bachelorette

So its been awhile since I've posted anything, but I have to tell you...

this season of the bachelorette has got me reeling! Really, I am stunned. As most of you know, I'm a sucker for these kind of shows. There is no honest way around it. I love a good love story. And this season, unlike the others (bachelor/bachelorette) has really drawn me in.

This particular bachelorette, DeAnna Papas, is focused and honest. Not to say that in past season the flower givers weren't, but this girl tells it like it is. If she's not feeling you, you're out. If you're not willing to put yourself out there, see-ya-later-sucker! The moment she knows, is the moment she says goodbye. One good example is when she sent both dudes home on a two-on-one date.

That being said, this season is heavy. She has narrowed it down to two fellows. One, a single dad, the other, the dark horse of the season, a-laid-back-lets-build-by-being-friends-first professional snowboarder. This week she sent "Mr. Perfect" home, and emotional doesn't quite cut it as a description. I'm not one who cares who she picks in the end, I'm curious, but it is not my decision to make... What is different about this one is that I'm vested. Completely and utterly invested in the outcome of this show and I really feel for all parties involved. I've found myself wiping my eyes and reaching for a box of tissues the last couple of weeks which, I admit, isn't out of the norm- except that it is the freakin' bachelorette! Of all shows, the bachelorette? Really? Really.

I know this show has its doubters. But I'm for it. Not because of the dramatic set-up situations. Or the one to twenty-five ratio. What I do like is the opportunity for greatness. And agree with it or not, This show sets the table for a great love story. Its not perfect, but it has worked in the past. Although, it has an entertainment factor, it is real. And what draws me in is that very specific potential for love. I'm a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, others have just plain labeled me as hopeful. And when all the stars have to aline to experience greatness in anything - this show helps to create that opportunity for two people.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

I have to send props to my friend Julie for introducing me. Wow! Check these videos out and tell me you're not impressed. I dare you! And while you're at it, might as well find out if they're playing anywhere near you. I know they will be in denver in July, and I'm doing whatever I can to try and get there to see them!! enjoy.

"Crazy"

Don’t wonder why people go crazy, wonder why they don’t.

Crazy has a tendency to have a bad rap. Its connotation leads one to think poor of someone or something. But you know what? I want crazy. I want to experience it in all facets of my life. I want to be the fool. I want to be so fricken enthusiastic about what I’m doing and who I’m doing it with that the only way to describe the moment would be with the words like: silly, absurd, ridiculous, preposterous, cockamamie, passionate, keen, enamored, infatuated, smitten, devoted, fanatical, wild, mad, and… hog wild.

My thing is: I think its somewhere out there looking for me. When in fact it could be right here. Waiting for life to lift me up will keep me where I am; I think it might be time to show this world what it is that I’ve been waiting on…

Anyone feel like joining me?

Welcome Back

I like George. Its true. I like George. I don't know why specifically. Maybe its because he reminds me of a friend, or maybe it's because he's relatable. Maybe I like George because he doesn't hide, is honest, and vulnerable. Then again, maybe it's because he's a character in one of the coolest TV shows ever. But for whatever the reason... George is my guy.

As most of you know, Grey's is back. For the last five months, its been on vacation. That amount of time allows for separation. It's just enough time where you still think about it, but also long enough to forget how good it is. Somehow, you get the impression that your life, in whatever capacity it held, is okay... and in some ways better without it. But then the writer's come back to work, and the show is again on the air, and all those feelings come rushing back.

I know what you're thinking... you're like: is this guy for real? Does he realize he's talking about a TV show? Does he realize it's not real? Yes... yes... and yes. I draw the picture only to illustrate the value other people have in our lives. Whether an old friend, a lost love, a family member who's been away... I think we experience those same emotions when it comes to our own lives.

What is unique about TV is that we interact with these characters. We involve them in our daily conversations. We make time for them, we add them to our schedule, we throw parties in their honor. We have reason's to build our real life relationships because of our fictional bond with our favorite television show or character.

But for the moment, humor me... because this is what my horoscope said today :)

Someone sweet from your past might pop back into your life again soon, either in person or over the internet. Greet them with open arms or an enthusiastic reply. They were very important to you once, and they could be again. The two of you have a lot to catch up on, and their news might shock you in the most delightful way. You might have thought you had no more room in your life for more friends -- but this person isn't new, so integrate them back into things!

big pimpin'

This has got to be a factor on why I like the acoustic guitar.

91 and Counting

Okay, my disclaimer first for all those out there reading. I'm not looking, not interested, and not found wanting... but this is entertaining.

In the last few days dating back to Thursday, my Yahoo personal page has got I-kid-U-not: 91 hits. I've had my yahoo personal page for probably two years. I'm a casual user who doesn't do much with it. In fact, I haven't tried to use it as a way to meet someone in about 6-7 months. Its become something of a curiosity. I log in to see who's checking me out. And in the span of two years, I think I've had a total of maybe ninety people check out my profile. and no more than seven in a given week. I think seven is good. Until now...

Well the stars must be in line, or something crazy because since thursday (I have to say it again) 91 clicks to my page and somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 messages in my inbox...

Now don't let the numbers confuse you. The odds are definitely good... but the goods are a bit odd.

so far some of the latest headlines are:

minnesota nice

- someone forgot to tell her MN nice, really isn't that nice!

looking for a guy like U

- U don't know me yet.

looking for someone special

cool... but seen this one like a dozen times.

(reads a book in waiting room) 'sigh'

- what book is so exciting that a: you sigh, and b: you put it in your headline... definitely not warranting any attention.

looking for love in all the wrong places

- is that something you want to advertise?

beautiful girl waiting for commitment

- thats like showing up for a blind date with a promise ring.

this is the best one today:

willing to lie about how we met

--like it, because I understand how meeting someone online may be taboo... but really?!? :)

Okay, so mine (no parachutes or safety nets here) isn't the best. But I stayed away from the: Hi-nice-guy-looking-for-my-number-one-special-are-you-out-there-one-more-click-type-of-girl. I mean really. If you want to meet, either get a glamour shot, b/c most of them need one, or find something that peaks interest. Most don't... go figure. I think I'm going to change my next tagline to: "if you don't want my worst, you don't deserve my best" May not be the best one but its definitely better than:

Last item on the clearance rack?

Affirmation

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death. ~ Robert Fulghum

While in church yesterday, I had somewhat of a realization. I realized while singing, that I was not only in worship but in affirmation. (Some of you reading are thinking, “well...duh!” but I had never put it into that framework before.) An affirmation is an action or declaration a person may make in relation to conscience. Many of us daily will constantly make affirmations to ourself. Most of them are unconscious while some have purpose, either way they continue to affirm the things we believe - whether we want to or not.

Among other things, music does that for us. Affirms our beliefs, our ideas and our feelings on a certain topic. The reason certain lyrics speak to me in worship is the same reason others will be welcoming when I’m experiencing a broken heart. Think about it, if only for a moment, music is one of the few mediums that can change our mood in a matter of moments, regardless of our activity. Think about the music you listen to when you’re running, or doing something active, or when you’re trying to stay awake when you find yourself driving a car late at night. Now think about the music you listen too during dinner, or winding down, studying, reading, or perhaps when you’re sad or upset. The music will reaffirm a feeling we desire to feel. Now you’re thinking who wants to feel sad, why would we want to revisit that particular state of being? Maybe you’re recovering from some great love affair, maybe you’re remembering a lost friend or family member, maybe the song reminds you of an old pet. Listening to the song may bring some longing, but it also reaffirms that the time spent with that person was one worth remembering. A moment yesterday where time vested was worth the sadness you may be experiencing today.

So what does this mean for me? It means that I must create a thicker filter. Not to keep myself from experiencing sadness, but one that ensures growth, one that leads to positive experience. I’m not just referring to music and the songs I listen to, but also the environment I find myself spending my time. If our thoughts have an unconscious impact upon our lives, I want to ensure that mine will be productive and positive. Today I must take steps that will promote the growth God has in store for me.

just move

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Ghandi

Sometimes movies will move you... maybe that is where the word movie is derived from. Although it is most likely short for moving picture, I think it should be derived from the very word: move. To move is to change... something. From one place to another, from one state or point of view, an opinion, to take action, to stir up, develop, progress or depart from. But I think my favorite is: to provoke strong feeling. Movies can take you places you never thought possible. Sometimes its just for a moment, for the duration of the picture. Sometimes it lingers, sometimes it moves you to something greater. Sometimes the impact of a movie will spark change or feeling that prior lied dormant in the shadows of your soul.

We go to movies for entertainment, to escape reality, to dream, to experience something new, to live in another realm if only for a moment. But sometimes that moment escapes the theater and brings about a realization of a greater purpose in our own lives. If anyone asks me why I like the movies... this soon will become my standard response :)

So as you read this, you’re wondering what it is I watched to spark these words... I can’t say if it was a specific theatrical experience. But what I can say is, I dare you to dream. I challenge you to get outside and take the chances you will only find in shadows of your future self.

Truth

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. ~Galileo Galilei

Nothing goes unsaid more than the thoughts we carry around in hope that someday a right time might accompany them. While we sort through those very thoughts of what could be; while we look for answers to questions we have yet to ask; while we search the dark places of our soul, one thing always finds itself rising to the top.

We bend it and break it. Its hard, tough, and real. We hide from it, we fight and struggle with it. It is often inconvenient, unavoidable and constant. Its unshakeable presence proves those listening can barely hear its soft whisper, yet at the same time loud enough to make it absolutely impossible to ignore. There are few things in this world as constant and few things have more influence upon our lives.

There’s something about truth that makes it, well, the truth. Its continually tugging at your coat tales, a frequent reminder of its unwavering existence. We sit determined to understand its purpose. To know why, or how, or by what means. It lingers in our character, reveals itself to our darker side. It doesn’t matter how we may suppress or keep it hidden. The truth will surface. its quite remarkable, beautiful, and truly phenomenal. Regardless what we think we want, or convinced ourself of certain needs, the truth in our character becomes unfailing, and grows louder as time passes. Because of its nature, the harder we try to disregard, the louder and more obvious it becomes. We must remain honest with ourselves, in our character, who we are made to be, and what we are to become.