Esoteric Bowl

This month, a personal anniversary takes place. However, unlike most anniversaries, there wont be any cards or gifts from family and friends to commemorate this union. But the lack of celebration does not lessen the importance of this bond. In one calendar year, the two of us have gotten to know each other very well. Although we see each other everyday, I know there is still so very much to learn. Without a doubt, we are still in the honeymoon stage. Yes, it’s hard to believe that one year has come and gone since I purchased my first computer.

I’m not going to say that this is the first computer I have ever been with, because it’s not. It’s true, there have been others. But I can honestly say, I have never known as much about one computer as I know about this one. Through this computer, I have become a regular e-mail user, learned to create a new type of kindergarten art, registered poetry, written papers, found unlimited resources for research, downloaded more music than I have ever owned, chatted with strangers, bought gifts, played video games, purchased stocks, developed friendships with people from all over the world, created a journal, and shared thoughts, ideas, and laughter.

Of course, not all of the experience has been pleasant, but what relationship is? Granted, I have received enough junk-mail to last a lifetime. And I have also met some very narrow-minded and hateful people. I too have learned the hard lesson that chatrooms are the new version of the nightclub meatmarket, and far less about chatting. But despite the little setbacks, the positive most certainly outweighs the negative. So on this day, I celebrate the one year anniversary between this computer and myself. May the next year be even more enlightening.

Todays lunch special at Masu’s Massive Plate Lunch:
Kalua Pig, Broiled Sirloin Steak, Teriyaki Sauce, Baby Lobstertail, Shoyu Hot Dogs, Baked Spam, Fried Chicken, Crab Potato Salad, and Coconut Cake. All for $6.85.

I must admit, I was a little excited when I heard about the meteors that were scheduled to fill the early morning sky. Afterall, it’s not every night that so many meteors are viewable to the naked eye. So when the time came to watch, I went outside and scanned the sky. Fortunately, the blackened sky was very clear and there wasn’t a cloud to be found. I scanned every group of stars I found, patiently waiting for a meteor to zoom across the sky. Nothing! I kept looking, even though the night air seemed to be getting colder by the moment.

Although I couldn’t find the meteors, I was reminded of how beautifully calm the night can be. Far too much time had passed since the last time I stargazed. The night was filled with so many stars, each with its own inspiration. Yes, there was a hint of disappointment in not seeing the meteors, but how much disappointment could I have with all that the sky was offering to see and view?

The chill of the night brought my thoughts back to earth, and I decided to get back into the house. As I walked towards the door, a flash of light crossed the sky. It was a meteor! I stopped and waited for another to come into view. Then a bright ray of light burned and stretched across the sky, wiggling its fading tail. Another. Then moments later, another. Without a doubt, this was a site to see. I had never seen so many meteors. Their burning light was so visible and clear in the darkened sky. I wanted to share this moment with someone, anyone, but there wasn’t anyone around. How could everyone be asleep and not be watching this?

As I waited for another meteor to shoot across the sky, I suddenly felt very alone. As beautiful as the night sky was, and as wonderful as the meteors were, I had a sinking feeling like I was watching fireworks by myself. I was reminded why so much time had passed since I had gazed the stars. Some things, no matter how beautiful they are, need to be shared.

When I awoke this morning, instead of crawling out of bed, I laid very still and listened. With the sounds of the television filling the room, I was reminded that I had fallen asleep with it on…again. I briefly tried to remember what I had been watching last night, but soon that thought passed and instead my attention focused on what was being said on the television. It was an infomercial. Most infomercials can be quickly recognized for what they are, despite the advertisers attempts to disguise them. This one was no different. On stage were two featured guests being “interviewed”, surrounded by a smiling and nodding audience. Their product, a set of audio tapes, were being offered with the promise of eliminating the problems of the day and providing happiness. Of course, the disclaimer of “individual results will vary” was sure to come.

I thought about the prospect of eliminating all the problems of the day. If it were even possible, would we even want to rid ourselves of all the problems we face? Problems are so much a part of our lives; without them, there would be an awful lot of idle time. I don’t think happiness can come from eliminating problems, but we can view the problems we face in a different light. I think most problems people face are problems we create ourselves by struggling to make things different than they are. If we were to see problems more as potential sources for learning, as opportunities for growth, and as a time to practice our patience, then surely changes in ourselves will occur and many of the struggles we create would be eliminated.