A Jedi Looks At 40

At 8:13 AM (9:13 AM CST), 9/15/2010, I turned forty years old. I don’t look any different. I don’t feel any different. But, somehow I am different. Life takes on a whole new perspective at 40. I always have said that I am shooting for at least 80 years of age before I kick off into the sweet by and by. Of course, I’m not sure I’ll make that goal. However, we all have to live like we might die any second and also like we will live to be venerable and most likely decrepit. I don’t write this today to get the obligatory “Happy birthday,” but I write it as a self reflection piece that I somehow finally feel qualified to make. I have learned a few things. I have so much left to learn. This writing does not proceed form arrogance. I only know a tiny bit more than an average 39 year old. It comes from simply being here on this God created world for this long. It comes from figuring out a few things about me. Some of what I have found out I really like. Some of it I don’t. Some of it still needs work. Here is what I have learned about myself both good and bad. Anyone else have a list like this?

• I love Hawaiian shirts- Too bad if you don’t.

• I love Tacos- I’m going to eat Tacos….period.

• No one is allowed to tread on my heart.

• I am hot natured to the point of being annoying. I must remember other folks aren’t.

• I forget to say hello to my neighbor.

• I am a geek/nerd/weirdo- I’m ok with that.

• I need Jesus to chisel away at my stupidity and my faults- This is going to hurt.

• I love science fiction. I think you are short-sighted if you don’t.

• I am a conservative in a liberal state. I have to deal with it.

• There are nice liberals.

• I must use my powers for good.

• I like being the center of attention. I must remember to not be self centered.

• My students like me and look up to me. This both scares me and makes me joyful.

• I am a Christian- BUT, I don’t act like it as much as I should.

• I have no tolerance for people who hurt others.

• I have no tolerance for people who make women cry.

• I use humor to communicate. I must never use it to aggravate.

• I am offended when people imply Star Wars is for kids.

• You can make almost anything evil…even Oreos.

• I hate watching sports. People think this is odd, but it is ok for me to not like sports.

• There is nothing wrong with liking purple!

• I’m straight, it’s great, get used to it!

• I understand colors better than my wife. I’m ok with this.

• I decorate better than my wife. This is ok too.

• I know nothing about a car and do not want to. This does not make me a sissy.

• Star Trek is good, but it promotes Socialism.

• I can cry like a girl if I want to.

• I like butterflies, birds, and flowers. You want to do something about it?

• Good is good. Bad is bad. There is no gray.

• Truth is not relative. There is one truth.

• “It is possible to make no mistakes and still lose.” -Picard

• “I fight authority, authority always wins.” –Mellencamp

• I do not want to get what I deserve.

• Rainbows are a symbol of God’s promise and NOTHING else.

• Rebel flags are not bad or racist unless you are a dimwit.

• People deserve to have my full attention.

• My accent is sexy.

• I have the smartest and best parents in the world.

• I am thankful to still have my parents at 40.

• I am in love with a super hot, fantastic woman that thinks I am a stud.

• I am not appreciative enough of my wife.

• I am not patient enough with my daughter.

• I am not loving enough to my step kids.

• I am annoyed too easily.

• Making love is not showing love. (But it can be.)

• I obsess on things I could give up.

• I don’t give enough.

• I have the best friends that God could possibly have given me.

• Sometimes “shooting the bird” is an affectionate way to say, “hello.”

• Saying bad words in front of people makes you look like an idiot.

• Never drink when you are sad.

• Never eat when you are sad.

• Moderation is the key to many doors.

• “You only live once, but if you live right, once is enough.” -Poster I saw once

• People matter, things don’t.

• “It’s all for the burning.” –Great Grandma Ludie

• I am important.

• You are important.

• Nothing is more valuable than my soul.

• Pride is stupidity given a voice.

• If it looks like a tater, and smells like a tater….it’s a tater.

• Nothing matches a baby’s smile.

• I am NOT my job.

• The Great I AM will show me who I am.

• I need to shut up more.

• Instead of wondering if I can, I should wonder if I should.

• Reading makes me happy.

• I will never grow up fully.

• I’m not sure what I want to be when I do grow up.

• I have something to offer.

• You have something I need.

• I have something to teach.

• I have more to learn.

And with that my list isn’t done. It is still growing everyday. As I watch this day come to a close with a thankful heart for good times, good friends, and love that I frankly don’t deserve I will more than likely be more emotional than normal. Am I going to have a midlife crisis? No. I’m more likely to cause a crisis than to have one. But let me leave you with one last thing:

Thank all of you for sharing my life. You are the best people in the world.

Much Love,

Tom

The Depth of Otori Shigeru

For those who want to know more about Otori Shigeru, this is the book. As a prequel to the Otori books, it is as beautiful as all the rest and gives a character that is dearly loved more flesh and bone. Prequels are often not very well received and seem to never measure up to the original. This book is an exception. It is an outstanding tale of love and loss. It takes the reader to a world were fictional characters we really care about struggle with all manner of trouble. It is at once beautiful and tragic. It is a tale of beauty and deep feeling. I respect these characters like old friends and find myself clamoring for more. Yet, the book is so satisfying that when you finally put it down; it feels like a wonderful meal. However, the longing is still there.

Brilliant Brilliance

Somehow, Hearn, has finished the trilogy part of this wonderful story without missing a beat or disappointing the reader. So many "trilogies" fall short in later books. This one maintains the highest quality all the way to the end. The poetic quality of the writing will satisfy the most discerning critic, and the story is top notch. This series is likely one of the most enjoyable I have found in recent years. The world is so well developed that it feels completely real. The plot ends in an impressive display of prose that leaves you breathless. The characters are so richly developed that I feel like I know them personally and consider them friends. Once again the only criticism that I have is the slight references to homosexual behavior. It is handled with respect and without vulgarity, yet it seems completely out of place. Discerning parents may want to have a discussion about such issues with their children prior to letting them read the series. The series, as a whole, has several sexual references all of which are handled in a reasonable and respectful manner.

Grass For His Pillow

The second installment of the Otori clan story is no less satisfying than the first book. While I do prefer the first book, GRASS takes us deeper into the rich world Hearn has created. The language is wondrous and full of the same beauty that the first book had. These are quality pieces of literature. My preference for the first book is simply based on my bias for Takeo as a character. The second book, while furthering the story, delves more into the life of Kaede. I enjoy her as a character, but not as much at Takeo. The book is beautifully written and wondrous to experience. It does contain a few homosexual references that I did not expect. If I had a criticism it would be that the homosexual references seem out of place and pointless to the story. However, it is done in a tasteful and respectful manner. It just doesn't make sense to me and seems forced. Discerning parents may want to discuss this issue with their children before allowing them to read the series.

Unexpected Prose

Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1) by Lian Hearn is likely one of the best books I have read in recent memory. I can't begin to touch the power of what these pages contain. The story is excellent and full of intrigue. The characters are human beyond belief. They have the sorrows and the joys we all have. The Oriental culture is captured perfectly in a very respectful manner. The fantasy elements are believable and in no way have an absurd feeling. The reader is able to believe the events taking place on the page. These issues are great strengths of the book; however, the greatest trait of the novel is its prose. The descriptions in this story are so rich that they have to be described as almost poetic. Quite honesty, it is some of the most beautiful writing I have experienced in a long time. It is majestic in scope with a simple delivery. The achingly gorgeous writing is almost to the point of art. This book is a rare find and should be read by anyone who enjoys a good story, but it should be savored by those who love literature. This is one of the most stunning books that I have read in the last 20 years. It takes a lot to unseat a book in my top five list. This book has done just that. It sits on a throne of its own as a shining example of what fine literature can be. I am still reeling from the story and most of all the power of the prose. There is not one wasted word, nor is there a single description that does not take the reader's breath away. I will be reading this entire series and anything else I can get my hands on by Lian Hearn. I look forward to being spirited away to that ancient land full of fantasy, but mostly I just want the words of the works to wash over me renewing my faith that writing of this caliber still indeed exists.

God is Whole, Not Full of Holes

God's Debris is an interesting book. I am writing this as a Christian. It is important that the reader knows this. The book states that it is not true and that even the author, Scott Adams, does not necessarily believe its contents. It is designed to be a mental exercise. I personally find it hard to fathom why anyone would write something with supposed truths that they claim to be uncertain of. The book starts with a meeting of a package delivery man with an old gentleman who begins to question him towards supposed enlightenment. I admit that the journey is fun and has some merit. However, many of the "truths" expounded upon in the book are fairly close to, if not allied with, heresy. The basic concept of the book is that the greatest power in the universe is expressed through probability. Probability is God's power and makes everything possible. The book then proceeds to endure itself to the reader by creating two very likable characters. Along the way everything from evolution to light speed is addressed. While the arguments are full of mental gymnastics the point becomes clear fairly soon. To wit: God is omnipotent, and the only thing that would challenge such a being is seeking a way to destroy Himself. Adams presents a "god" that is suicidal in a sense. The book states that God has blown Himself to bits and the universe, rocks, plants, animals, and humans are all working within all powerful probability to reassemble God. This cosmic jigsaw puzzle allows for all belief systems. In short, this seems to be another clever attempt to try and persuade the world that all beliefs are valid and ultimately lead to "god." This is where the heresy is exhibited strongest. The book views a creator that is as interested in rocks as he is humans. After all, we are all made of the same stuff. All of us are part of "god" trying to reassemble itself. This sort of gobble-d-gook philosophy is like asking unanswerable questions like "Can God make square circles?" or "Can God make a rock so big he can't pick it up?" This type of circular logic is old hat to folks that want just enough of the truth to keep themselves confused. God's debris are not floating about trying to reassemble through all beliefs and positive probability behaviors. God is the great causer. He is the causer without a cause. He is not bored, but I admit He is unchallenged. He would have no need for this sort of exercise. God is not a Taoist. God incarnate became flesh and dwelt among man. He was crucified for our sin and rose from the dead. He did so without vanity or pomp and circumstance. He did so in humility. He will return in glory. God's Debris is entertaining and a fun read; however, the reader must be careful to have a firm grip on his or her beliefs lest confusion be nurtured by this hogwash philosophy.

Bittersweet Up

UP is one of the most beautiful movies in a long time. It is a rare thing when a movie makes the viewer love the characters in the first 15-30 minutes. This movie does just that and is a triumph of emotional beauty. Of course it has its comedy and its far fetched moments. However, I sat in the theater with my wife, both of us tearing up with lumps in our throats in the first half hour of the movie. This sets the stage for a fun adventure that ends in a bittersweet triumph. The story is about life long love and the willingness to do almost anything to see your dreams through. It is also a story of recovery from grief, and it is about getting a new lease on life. See it with your wife or girlfriend.