Yes, it's true, I like to listen to soundtracks. Now, I will say this, there is a bit of a stipulation that follows that statement, I like soundtracks that, A) pull on an emotional string, or B) qualify as to what I would call as Epic, or C) strike me as inspiring. Traditionally speaking, most of what I would listen to, soundtrack wise, would qualify under all three categories. Let me give you a few examples.
The theme from the movie The Da Vinci Code, Chevaliers de Sangreal is one of those songs that, for a lack of better assessment, manages to pull my spirit in a number of ways. Another good example of this can be found in the movie Gladiator, Now We Are Free which also fills my mind with a sense of otherworldly-ness. For me, music is a focal point to the center of my being, able to tap into my emotional side like almost nothing else in the world. Something about it draws my attention to a focal point, so sharp, that it could pierce the strongest elements in the universe, but remain as open and welcome as the warmest embrace. Inside of these soundtracks, I find solace from the problems the world may throw in my path. As I listen to them, I can escape into another world, another place. They clear my mind, they bring me peace, and fill my soul with something words could never describe.
Now, another side of the reason why I listen to soundtracks has to do with the excitement that follows them. Some of the themes inspire, others move, and a few others, well, they heighten my senses to a keen edge, that makes my mind shudder with enlightenment. I find myself smiling for no reason while listening to them, feel a tear come to my eye without any prompt, or feel as though I've been spoken to from some other place in the universe. I can't say why that is. In all honesty, even if I could, I don't know that I'd want to know why or how this happens. I think that it would detract from its power.
So, to finish this thought, I'll say that, to me, soundtracks are a wonderful thing. They really are. I couldn't imagine life without them, as - I apologize about the existential thought here - I believe we all have soundtracks to our lives. Sometimes we're willing to tap into them, sometimes just let them play, but I believe that we've all got them. So, buried deep inside of me, playing softly at times, louder at others, is a soundtrack that I call the theme to my life. As I listen to the soundtracks created by others, I can't help but wonder if what they've written has, somehow, tapped into that inner music, and allowed it, for a few minutes, to surface. I may be nuts, but I'll take being nuts. It makes me happy. Cheers!
A few more tracks that work in my world:
Braveheart, Main Theme
Pirates of the Caribbean, Theme Compilation <-- Live
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Overture
Lord of the Rings, Concerning Hobbits
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Grounding Effect
Every now and again you have one of those moments that really brings you down to point zero in your life...I had one of those moments today. It's Saturday, the weather is grey, cloudy, rainy, and windy, not to mention sticky. My wife and I realize that, at 8:45ish this morning, we were going to need to do something to entertain ourselves and our two children - one of which is just a few days over 8 months, the other a few months away from hitting 4. The baby we really weren't worried about, but our eldest, that's another story.
Normally on days like this, as they fall against a weekend, we pack up the Santa Fe, and head towards a destination just to get out of the house and have something to do while the weather continues on its horrendous plan of trying to ruin family time on the weekend. However, today's a little different. We're really not in a place, monetarily, to do such things, but, out of curiosity of his thoughts, we asked our eldest what he wanted to do today...he said go to the bookstore. Now, what you have to know is that, by bookstore, he meant Barnes and Noble, which is located about an hour from here. It's one of our typical go-to spots during these weather events, and he likes to play with the Thomas the Train Engine table they have set up there. In addition to Thomas, he always gets a treat when he goes, because it's kind of a "treat-like" day for the family. So, when he said that he wanted to go to the bookstore, we had to tell him that we couldn't. He asked why. So, we told him that we didn't have the money to go to the bookstore today. He looked at us kind of wearily, and promptly followed our statement with, "I'll get you money..."
We watched as our son took off down the hallway, and came back with a small, red-canvis like bag I have him a while ago, which holds 7 tokens that we got from House on the Rock a few years ago. He hands the bag over to my wife, and follows it with, "can we go to the bookstore?"
Our son, with no idea of what money really is, offered to give us his treasure of "money" in hopes that he could help us all go to the bookstore. It was at this moment I had one of "those moments" where you really can feel your heart-strings get yanked in all kinds of ways left-of-center. I hate telling our kids no for things that I really wish I could give them. Especially when that something really doesn't cost that much. But, when you're in a position where every penny counts, you can't always make those things happen. Even if they're not that expensive. So, there we were, our son giving us his money, trying to help out mom and dad, and we still had to say that we couldn't. He didn't seem to phased by this, but I can tell you that I was being torn up on the inside.
It's in these moments that you realize how truly blessed you are with some of the smaller things in life. My wife and I may not be in a position to give our children everything we want to give them right now, but, we have children that would give us their treasure, in hopes of helping out mom and dad - even in the form of seven House on the Rock tokens. It makes you realize that sometimes the best things in life, come from the smallest of reactions and situations. We may not have gone to the bookstore today, but today, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend the day with our kids, who love us with no regard to anything other than we're mom and dad. To that end, I'd happily take seven tokens over any paycheck, because money couldn't buy what those tokens paid for. Cheers.
Normally on days like this, as they fall against a weekend, we pack up the Santa Fe, and head towards a destination just to get out of the house and have something to do while the weather continues on its horrendous plan of trying to ruin family time on the weekend. However, today's a little different. We're really not in a place, monetarily, to do such things, but, out of curiosity of his thoughts, we asked our eldest what he wanted to do today...he said go to the bookstore. Now, what you have to know is that, by bookstore, he meant Barnes and Noble, which is located about an hour from here. It's one of our typical go-to spots during these weather events, and he likes to play with the Thomas the Train Engine table they have set up there. In addition to Thomas, he always gets a treat when he goes, because it's kind of a "treat-like" day for the family. So, when he said that he wanted to go to the bookstore, we had to tell him that we couldn't. He asked why. So, we told him that we didn't have the money to go to the bookstore today. He looked at us kind of wearily, and promptly followed our statement with, "I'll get you money..."
We watched as our son took off down the hallway, and came back with a small, red-canvis like bag I have him a while ago, which holds 7 tokens that we got from House on the Rock a few years ago. He hands the bag over to my wife, and follows it with, "can we go to the bookstore?"
Our son, with no idea of what money really is, offered to give us his treasure of "money" in hopes that he could help us all go to the bookstore. It was at this moment I had one of "those moments" where you really can feel your heart-strings get yanked in all kinds of ways left-of-center. I hate telling our kids no for things that I really wish I could give them. Especially when that something really doesn't cost that much. But, when you're in a position where every penny counts, you can't always make those things happen. Even if they're not that expensive. So, there we were, our son giving us his money, trying to help out mom and dad, and we still had to say that we couldn't. He didn't seem to phased by this, but I can tell you that I was being torn up on the inside.
It's in these moments that you realize how truly blessed you are with some of the smaller things in life. My wife and I may not be in a position to give our children everything we want to give them right now, but, we have children that would give us their treasure, in hopes of helping out mom and dad - even in the form of seven House on the Rock tokens. It makes you realize that sometimes the best things in life, come from the smallest of reactions and situations. We may not have gone to the bookstore today, but today, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend the day with our kids, who love us with no regard to anything other than we're mom and dad. To that end, I'd happily take seven tokens over any paycheck, because money couldn't buy what those tokens paid for. Cheers.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Educated Idiots
When doing a search or inventory of one's life, you come across a few truisms that seem to be reflective of not only yourself, but an established public group pertaining lots of individuals as well. Now, the title of this article may seem derogatory, but really, it's not. Let me explain.
I'm what I would call an Educated Idiot. The rationale behind that theory is simple. I'm educated - scholastic and work-force - yet I'm unable to get a job as a dock worker, loading and unloading boxes, due to my background. How this works is really rather simple if you think about it. I've gained a formal education in English creative writing and literature, studied the sciences, mathematics, engineering, physics, and will be finishing up my Mater of Arts in English in a few years. My working background has held titles such as "Design Engineering Lead" and "Purchasing/Acquisitions Manger & Special Projects Coordinator". What that equates out to is, someone who should be "worth" a lot of money in the job market.
So, as of the moment, I'm job hunting due to not having a job. I go to apply at a business who is looking for a non-management position such as dock worker, telecommunications, receptionist, etc., and the first thing these potential employers see when they get my resume is, "over qualified". That's right, over qualified. Who'd have thought that one could reach a point where they would be over qualified to work at a position? I didn't until I got to that point. The next side of the coin is my education. Their second thought is, "over educated". Now, this is where I can start to get a little cranky. Let me rant to explain.
I was told when I was young that a Bachelors Degree would take you places. A good job, good career, good money...the fabled silver lining. It didn't really matter what field it was in, just so long as you had one. Then, as I got closer to that day where I could embark on that magical journey, I was told that it did matter what you wanted to get your degree in - mainly, math, science, or math and science. I guess there was Computer Technology too, but let's not worry about that. So I start looking around, trying to figure out what I want to do, and come across some job boards. Figured I would take a look at them for twists 'n giggles, and saw a theme surrounding the postings: "No Experience Necessary, Bachelor's Degree Required!" So now my thoughts go back to, it doesn't matter what it's in, just so long as you have it. Now, let me fill you in on something. By this time in my life, I'd already entered and left a program in Pre-Medicine and Business Administration. Both of which I started off of the premise of "this is what I need to take/do to be successful" which was, and I can tell you from experience, NOT THE RIGHT MINDSET FOR SUCCESS. After much deliberation and news about a child heading into the newly formed lives of my wife and I, I decided to listen to the "no experience necessary, bachelors degree required" crap, and go back to school - that was a success, but a story for later.
During all of this time, I'd been able to manage to snag a few positions that led me to the afore mentioned job position titles, get things wrapped up with my education, and find myself sitting here at the computer writing this blog post. What can I tell you about it all? I can tell you that I'm unemployed, educated, work-experienced, and job hunting. I've found that I've managed to work myself into a spot. And it makes me cranky. But, albeit, a good cranky, kind-of. I'm in a spot because I'm at a point where things need to progress, but the very nature of the things I've accomplished to help me progress are the things that are keeping me from progressing. Better said, what I've done to un-hinder my life is the very thing that's hindering my life...talk about a paradox!
So I'm an Educated Idiot! And, if any of you out there have found yourself in a position like this, then I'd consider you one too. But unlike some of the other situations we're faced with in life, I've chosen to embrace this inner educated idiot, and stand tall in the face of adversity! Would you like to know why? In the face of all thats happening and all that has happened, I've been able to say that what I've done has made me who I am, and that, despite my current situation, I wouldn't change it for the world. We are not what life wants us to be, but what we make of ourselves in this life. Sure, I may have gotten myself into a jam with being overly knowledgeable in too many areas to get an entry level job. I may not have the proper credentials to get myself into a "really good job", but at least I can say that I'm happy with my accomplishments, and most of all, proud of the work I've accomplished to get to this point. I'm proud to say that I'm an Educated Idiot, because I've earned the right to proclaim that position to the world. Today, that's all I can ask for. Who knows? Tomorrow I may get that "one phone call" or that "one email or letter" which'll change everything. Maybe not. But today, in this moment, I'm thankful for where I've gotten. Cheers!
I'm what I would call an Educated Idiot. The rationale behind that theory is simple. I'm educated - scholastic and work-force - yet I'm unable to get a job as a dock worker, loading and unloading boxes, due to my background. How this works is really rather simple if you think about it. I've gained a formal education in English creative writing and literature, studied the sciences, mathematics, engineering, physics, and will be finishing up my Mater of Arts in English in a few years. My working background has held titles such as "Design Engineering Lead" and "Purchasing/Acquisitions Manger & Special Projects Coordinator". What that equates out to is, someone who should be "worth" a lot of money in the job market.
So, as of the moment, I'm job hunting due to not having a job. I go to apply at a business who is looking for a non-management position such as dock worker, telecommunications, receptionist, etc., and the first thing these potential employers see when they get my resume is, "over qualified". That's right, over qualified. Who'd have thought that one could reach a point where they would be over qualified to work at a position? I didn't until I got to that point. The next side of the coin is my education. Their second thought is, "over educated". Now, this is where I can start to get a little cranky. Let me rant to explain.
I was told when I was young that a Bachelors Degree would take you places. A good job, good career, good money...the fabled silver lining. It didn't really matter what field it was in, just so long as you had one. Then, as I got closer to that day where I could embark on that magical journey, I was told that it did matter what you wanted to get your degree in - mainly, math, science, or math and science. I guess there was Computer Technology too, but let's not worry about that. So I start looking around, trying to figure out what I want to do, and come across some job boards. Figured I would take a look at them for twists 'n giggles, and saw a theme surrounding the postings: "No Experience Necessary, Bachelor's Degree Required!" So now my thoughts go back to, it doesn't matter what it's in, just so long as you have it. Now, let me fill you in on something. By this time in my life, I'd already entered and left a program in Pre-Medicine and Business Administration. Both of which I started off of the premise of "this is what I need to take/do to be successful" which was, and I can tell you from experience, NOT THE RIGHT MINDSET FOR SUCCESS. After much deliberation and news about a child heading into the newly formed lives of my wife and I, I decided to listen to the "no experience necessary, bachelors degree required" crap, and go back to school - that was a success, but a story for later.
During all of this time, I'd been able to manage to snag a few positions that led me to the afore mentioned job position titles, get things wrapped up with my education, and find myself sitting here at the computer writing this blog post. What can I tell you about it all? I can tell you that I'm unemployed, educated, work-experienced, and job hunting. I've found that I've managed to work myself into a spot. And it makes me cranky. But, albeit, a good cranky, kind-of. I'm in a spot because I'm at a point where things need to progress, but the very nature of the things I've accomplished to help me progress are the things that are keeping me from progressing. Better said, what I've done to un-hinder my life is the very thing that's hindering my life...talk about a paradox!
So I'm an Educated Idiot! And, if any of you out there have found yourself in a position like this, then I'd consider you one too. But unlike some of the other situations we're faced with in life, I've chosen to embrace this inner educated idiot, and stand tall in the face of adversity! Would you like to know why? In the face of all thats happening and all that has happened, I've been able to say that what I've done has made me who I am, and that, despite my current situation, I wouldn't change it for the world. We are not what life wants us to be, but what we make of ourselves in this life. Sure, I may have gotten myself into a jam with being overly knowledgeable in too many areas to get an entry level job. I may not have the proper credentials to get myself into a "really good job", but at least I can say that I'm happy with my accomplishments, and most of all, proud of the work I've accomplished to get to this point. I'm proud to say that I'm an Educated Idiot, because I've earned the right to proclaim that position to the world. Today, that's all I can ask for. Who knows? Tomorrow I may get that "one phone call" or that "one email or letter" which'll change everything. Maybe not. But today, in this moment, I'm thankful for where I've gotten. Cheers!
What this is about
So, I'm sitting here, wondering about all of the possibilities the world seems to hold, and wondering why it always seems that the silver lining, fabled in so many stories, is always so far out of reach. Then I got to considering the possibilities of why that is. The first thing that I came up with is that fables are just that, fables. So, if the silver lining that follows suit with the fable, were nothing more than a fable, than that could explain why it is that I'm always hovering around a black cloud of perpetual darkness where "lucky" is concerned. Then, I got to thinking about all of those people that seem to catch the breaks. You know who I'm talking about. That one guy, or girl, (man or woman if you prefer) who always seem to be at the right place at the right time...and that led me to believe that perhaps the silver lining wasn't necessarily a fable, but something that belonged to karma. From that point, I started to wonder what I did to crank the karma-gods off so much... To shorten this little rant up, I'll be honest with you. I still don't know what, or where that thought was going, other than a simple realization. I'm a guy that somehow always seems to be two seconds too late to catch the good breaks, and I always seem to be struggling to keep my lips above water. My next thought was that I'm willing to bet that I'm not alone in that thought.
Flying Bathtub...it seemed like a good title to describe how my life seems to go on occasion. Obtuse, cumbersome, not easy to direct, falls with a thud...sometimes rolls for a while depending on how it lands. I can't say where this blog is going to end up going; it may be to some new philosophical plane of existence, it could be my rambling a lot. Well, ranting. But you get the picture. All I can say is that it'll be a bumpy ride, but perhaps we can have a few laughs along the way. I can't promise you the moon, because, let's face it, the moon is half smooth and half covered in pot-holes big enough to park a house in, and who wants something that defective anyways? But together, perhaps, if we're lucky, we'll find that silver lining...that fabled silver lining, and maybe, if we're really lucky, find the right place at the right time. Cheers!
Flying Bathtub...it seemed like a good title to describe how my life seems to go on occasion. Obtuse, cumbersome, not easy to direct, falls with a thud...sometimes rolls for a while depending on how it lands. I can't say where this blog is going to end up going; it may be to some new philosophical plane of existence, it could be my rambling a lot. Well, ranting. But you get the picture. All I can say is that it'll be a bumpy ride, but perhaps we can have a few laughs along the way. I can't promise you the moon, because, let's face it, the moon is half smooth and half covered in pot-holes big enough to park a house in, and who wants something that defective anyways? But together, perhaps, if we're lucky, we'll find that silver lining...that fabled silver lining, and maybe, if we're really lucky, find the right place at the right time. Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)