A lot of people have died recently. Quite sad.
Mitch Hedberg died, a funny comedian. "Rice is great when you're really hungry and want 2000 of something."
Johnnie Cochran died. I never had much admiration for the man so to speak, but he was a brilliant lawyer, and I respected him.
Terri Schiavo died -- I'm just thankful she was finally able to go peacefully. What was none of the public's business in the first place turned into a media charade with a disgusting interference from congress, and majority leader tom delay. My only opinion on the matter was that keeping the woman alive via a feeding tube wasn't right -- she was not aware who the people around her were, and we, by keeping her alive, are playing God.
And unfortunatley, Pope John Paul II died after a period in his life that lasted too long -- where pain, discomfort, and Parkinson's disease made living difficult. He was a great man of God, and I'm sure he's at peace now.
He was the first Pope to cross the river and attend the main Synogague of Rome -- preaching brotherhood between Christians and Jews, and recognizing the hardships Jews have faced over time living in so-called Christian countries.
He helped end the last stands of Communism, and heavily influenced the Polish solidarity movement, another blow to communism. He was committed to giving others faith and hope -- committed to a campaign for human rights. Catholic or not, he was one of the finest leaders the Church has seen.
I'm curious as to the next Pope's choosing for a name -- I'd personally like to see a return to Victor, the last name of one of the three African Popes in the church's history. That is, if Arinze from Nigeria is chosen. It's probably going to be some Italian (not that there's anything wrong with that).
I've been praying lately for a lot of things -- for direction mostly. A rather subtle change from my lack of prayer and Christian state of mind over the last month or so. Although others will disagree, I personally believe I'm at a point where I need to start figuring things out for myself -- what I want in life, and what I need to do to get there. Becoming employed this summer is a good step, and it's one I'll hopefully meet with all the applications I've filled out for places (GameStop, Nighthawk, Walden Golf Club, CVS).
"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us." - Hebrews 12:1
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Back at college now, too. The flight was bumpy and I sat next to someone smelly. I lugged my luggage around, got back and had lunch, took a 3 hour nap, had a light dinner with friends, and played in a $10 game where I played awesome, but mis-read someone at the final table, got knocked out, and took 5th out of 15 players or so.
Illinois lost the tournament, so Dan wins the "office pool" we did. Good for him. Still an incredible season.
Classes start again tomorrow. I REALLY don't want to get up for any of them.
:/
