All these worlds are yours except...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Pleasant Surprise for a Card-Carrying Cynic
About 4 years ago a good friend of mine whom I'll call "T" (I have this habit of protecting identities when they don't have access to the material in which they are mentioned) asked me if I would be the Godfather of her two daughters. We certainly were very close and I wasn't surprised by the request however, it gave me pause. I'm not religious about anything and I felt that maybe I didn't meet the criteria.
First a little background: She, like me, was a native New Yorker and carried some of the cynicism you cultivate from running the streets and seeing the true nature of man on display but, she was always the kindest person you would ever want to meet. At that point we had known each other about 15 years and in all of our great conversations, we had never touched on God or religion. Eventually, I left for the midwest and she left for a dream detail with her employer in the Caribbean. The years passed and we maintained our friendship. Before long there was a wedding and then a daughter, then another.
And now I had a decision to make. For some, it's an easy one but, I wanted to take this seriously. Is there shame to be had for a non-believer to accept this responsibility? Would I feel like a fraud? Would I be making a mockery of this ceremony? It was probably all in my mind but a part of me felt it would be hypocritical for me to blindly accept. I'm no big fan of religion although I would probably be in big trouble if they organized one that centered on sleeping or food.
So, I asked her if I could think about it and a day or two later we discussed it again. For "T" it wasn't about the religious aspect but what I meant to her and the kids and that certainly put me at ease. She trusted me to give the girls guidance and protection when needed and that was enough for her. It was enough for me too. I should note that their father sets a good example for them. He's engaged in every aspect of their lives and works hard to provide for his family. My role is one on the periphery but you never know when you will be called into service.
We had a wonderful time at the Christening of their oldest daughter and a year and half later, we are at the Christening of their second daughter. I felt as though I should do something special for the girls that would fit in the moment so, I decided to purchase two very sturdy leather bound bibles: one black, one white. For each girl I handwrote a letter on the first blank page of each respective bible. I can't remember the exact words but I tried to convey how thankful we all were that they were in our lives and what the times were like. How much they reminded me of their mother at even such a young age. I wanted them to know that they could rely on me for anything, anytime, forever. It was incentive enough for me to live the right kind of life knowing that these young ladies could need me at any time. I took an oath and I had to be prepared for just such an occasion.
I had expected that the bibles would be kept in a safe place and possibly never used and that was ok. The family had about 5 bibles of various types in their household and could acquire a few more in their lifetime I suppose. However, yesterday I called "T" and she told me that the black bible (given to her oldest daughter) is missing. They haven't changed residences. I'm like, "Who would steal a bible?! And out of your house at that?". What she told me caught me off guard. The girls carried their bibles with them to church and to bible study every week. The oldest appears to have misplaced hers but they live on a island and its personalized so it can't be far. My hope is that it will turn up soon. If not, I will be more than happy to replace it with warm sentiments.
They carry their bibles with them every week. Who knew? The youngest can't even read yet. No sooner than they learn to read, they will read the words of promise and love that I tried to convey. A pleasant surprise indeed.
First a little background: She, like me, was a native New Yorker and carried some of the cynicism you cultivate from running the streets and seeing the true nature of man on display but, she was always the kindest person you would ever want to meet. At that point we had known each other about 15 years and in all of our great conversations, we had never touched on God or religion. Eventually, I left for the midwest and she left for a dream detail with her employer in the Caribbean. The years passed and we maintained our friendship. Before long there was a wedding and then a daughter, then another.
And now I had a decision to make. For some, it's an easy one but, I wanted to take this seriously. Is there shame to be had for a non-believer to accept this responsibility? Would I feel like a fraud? Would I be making a mockery of this ceremony? It was probably all in my mind but a part of me felt it would be hypocritical for me to blindly accept. I'm no big fan of religion although I would probably be in big trouble if they organized one that centered on sleeping or food.
So, I asked her if I could think about it and a day or two later we discussed it again. For "T" it wasn't about the religious aspect but what I meant to her and the kids and that certainly put me at ease. She trusted me to give the girls guidance and protection when needed and that was enough for her. It was enough for me too. I should note that their father sets a good example for them. He's engaged in every aspect of their lives and works hard to provide for his family. My role is one on the periphery but you never know when you will be called into service.
We had a wonderful time at the Christening of their oldest daughter and a year and half later, we are at the Christening of their second daughter. I felt as though I should do something special for the girls that would fit in the moment so, I decided to purchase two very sturdy leather bound bibles: one black, one white. For each girl I handwrote a letter on the first blank page of each respective bible. I can't remember the exact words but I tried to convey how thankful we all were that they were in our lives and what the times were like. How much they reminded me of their mother at even such a young age. I wanted them to know that they could rely on me for anything, anytime, forever. It was incentive enough for me to live the right kind of life knowing that these young ladies could need me at any time. I took an oath and I had to be prepared for just such an occasion.
I had expected that the bibles would be kept in a safe place and possibly never used and that was ok. The family had about 5 bibles of various types in their household and could acquire a few more in their lifetime I suppose. However, yesterday I called "T" and she told me that the black bible (given to her oldest daughter) is missing. They haven't changed residences. I'm like, "Who would steal a bible?! And out of your house at that?". What she told me caught me off guard. The girls carried their bibles with them to church and to bible study every week. The oldest appears to have misplaced hers but they live on a island and its personalized so it can't be far. My hope is that it will turn up soon. If not, I will be more than happy to replace it with warm sentiments.
They carry their bibles with them every week. Who knew? The youngest can't even read yet. No sooner than they learn to read, they will read the words of promise and love that I tried to convey. A pleasant surprise indeed.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Flying the Friendly Skies
This week, film director Kevin Smith was asked to de-plane a Southwest flight due to his size. The cabin crew made a determinaton that he needed two seats and since there were no side-by-side empty seats available he had no choice but to get off.
The policy of forcing larger people to purchase two seats due to their size is not a new one. Southwest has incorporated a "customer of size policy" for 25 years under the guise that it is a safety issue despite the fact that most airlines will give you a seat belt extender if you ask for one.
As someone who flies in the US roughly 46 weeks a year I can tell you that I barely fit in coach seating and I'm of average height and build. Airplane cabins appear to be getting smaller and smaller.
Now, some airlines are placing boxes under seats for wi-fi, safety equipment, and power recepticles. Along with increasing fees for checking luggage, this has caused a baggage nightmare on most flights. Even if you are the first person on the plane you only have a 50-50 chance of being able to fit your carry-on under the seat in front of you. If you are one of the last people to board then you face that dilemma combined with the lack of overhead space leaving you no choice but to check your carry-on luggage which may contain fragile items.
This of course always leads to a confrontation with the obnoxious, overzealous baggage-bin clod. You know, that guy who gets on late and thinks he's the alpha-traveler. He's gonna open the bin over his row, remove your bag and put his briefcase and blazer in then, take your bag and move it two rows down and cram it into an already-full bin. I loathe that guy. I wait until after we take off and I unpack his bin under the pretense that I was looking for my stuff and then I realize its not in there anymore. Oops. I'll just fold your blazer into an origami swan and jam it in-between this Samsonite and the bulkhead...
Ok, I don't really do that. If his luggage comes open when he removes it from the bin, that wasn't me either. ;-)
The policy of forcing larger people to purchase two seats due to their size is not a new one. Southwest has incorporated a "customer of size policy" for 25 years under the guise that it is a safety issue despite the fact that most airlines will give you a seat belt extender if you ask for one.
As someone who flies in the US roughly 46 weeks a year I can tell you that I barely fit in coach seating and I'm of average height and build. Airplane cabins appear to be getting smaller and smaller.
Now, some airlines are placing boxes under seats for wi-fi, safety equipment, and power recepticles. Along with increasing fees for checking luggage, this has caused a baggage nightmare on most flights. Even if you are the first person on the plane you only have a 50-50 chance of being able to fit your carry-on under the seat in front of you. If you are one of the last people to board then you face that dilemma combined with the lack of overhead space leaving you no choice but to check your carry-on luggage which may contain fragile items.
This of course always leads to a confrontation with the obnoxious, overzealous baggage-bin clod. You know, that guy who gets on late and thinks he's the alpha-traveler. He's gonna open the bin over his row, remove your bag and put his briefcase and blazer in then, take your bag and move it two rows down and cram it into an already-full bin. I loathe that guy. I wait until after we take off and I unpack his bin under the pretense that I was looking for my stuff and then I realize its not in there anymore. Oops. I'll just fold your blazer into an origami swan and jam it in-between this Samsonite and the bulkhead...
Ok, I don't really do that. If his luggage comes open when he removes it from the bin, that wasn't me either. ;-)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A good healthy dose of cynicism never hurt anybody. Right?
I acknowledge that I am cynical and sometimes it's funny and sometimes it's mildly annoying (this is a self-assessment). I'm trying hard not to be this way particularly in my blogs because I want to be clear and concise and not muddle the text with unnecessary emotional nuances but as I'm fond of saying, "I like to complain.".
Recently, Conan O'Brien talked about cynicism in his final monologue and I actually felt like he was talking directly to me. It was one of those "get out of my head" moments. Here's what he said:
"All I ask of you, especially young people...is one thing. Please don't be cynical," O'Brien said. "I hate cynicism -- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."
For a split-second I felt bad but then I came to my senses. It may be that Conan never mastered the Art of Cynicism. Or, maybe I should just stop watching TV.
My periodic lack of faith in humanity has produced some gems like...
On a more serious note, I find it tragicomical that there was an earthquake in Haiti and we pledged (and spent) millions to save the Haitians which is fine except the American military has laid waste to one of our own territories (Vieques) and we haven't done anything to help the US citizens who live there. The number of people with cancer on this small island off the coast of Puerto Rico is staggering and the "mainland" and mainstream has all but turned a blind eye. Anyone who cared left when the US Navy did. Read the story on CNN here.
I know, I know. So much injustice in the world. I definitely need to stop watching TV.
Recently, Conan O'Brien talked about cynicism in his final monologue and I actually felt like he was talking directly to me. It was one of those "get out of my head" moments. Here's what he said:
"All I ask of you, especially young people...is one thing. Please don't be cynical," O'Brien said. "I hate cynicism -- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."
For a split-second I felt bad but then I came to my senses. It may be that Conan never mastered the Art of Cynicism. Or, maybe I should just stop watching TV.
My periodic lack of faith in humanity has produced some gems like...
On a more serious note, I find it tragicomical that there was an earthquake in Haiti and we pledged (and spent) millions to save the Haitians which is fine except the American military has laid waste to one of our own territories (Vieques) and we haven't done anything to help the US citizens who live there. The number of people with cancer on this small island off the coast of Puerto Rico is staggering and the "mainland" and mainstream has all but turned a blind eye. Anyone who cared left when the US Navy did. Read the story on CNN here.
I know, I know. So much injustice in the world. I definitely need to stop watching TV.
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