A dear friend has this bumper sticker displayed prominently in her classroom. I couldn't agree more. I got up early to prepare for my class this evening, as I am woefully behind on reading. However, I ended up reading a very interesting post on Crunchy Con about the "growing awareness and emotional maturity" of a young Russian girl. Her father made a documentary about her, "Anna," by asking her a series of simple questions every year for twelve years.
I'm probably about as aware and emotionally mature as I'll ever be, but I found the questions intriguing, so here you are:
What do you love the most? God, of course, and my family and friends. But I also love life. I love grilled flatbreads with garlic dipping sauce (thanks, Gretchen!) I love movies that make me think. I love digging in the dirt and mowing the grass. I love airports (minus the TSA screenings) and Bombay Sapphire and Vermeer and Schubert. The good moments, as a Tralfamadorian might say, but the bad ones too, because without those, there would be no learning -- and above all else, I love to learn!
What do you hate the most? Apathy. I know it's a cliche, but it's true. People who don't care -- about their work, their homes, their attitudes, the effect they have on others and on the world around them -- they add darkness to the world. That, and Crocs. And un-righted wrongs. And Michael Jackson's music, dancing, and death-extravaganza coverage.
What scares you the most? The thought that I might not be doing the right thing with the unknown number of days I've been given on this Earth. I'm not trying to be dramatic. I really worry about this quite a bit, especially with regard to my job. I wish there were some way to know I'm in the right place.
What do you want more than anything right now? Materially, nothing. I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Intellectually, I want stronger discipline, but that's something I can only give myself!
What do you expect from life? Struggle and redemption.
What does the homeland mean to you? Speaking from a comfortable, coddled perspective, not very much; in fact, I am growing increasingly dissatisfied with it. We are so fixated on personal happiness and material goods. And I have never felt very attached to the city or country of my upbringing. Of course, that might be different if I were forcibly moved elsewhere. Like I said, coddled.
I want to hear your answers! Comment below or link to your blog.
I'm probably about as aware and emotionally mature as I'll ever be, but I found the questions intriguing, so here you are:
What do you love the most? God, of course, and my family and friends. But I also love life. I love grilled flatbreads with garlic dipping sauce (thanks, Gretchen!) I love movies that make me think. I love digging in the dirt and mowing the grass. I love airports (minus the TSA screenings) and Bombay Sapphire and Vermeer and Schubert. The good moments, as a Tralfamadorian might say, but the bad ones too, because without those, there would be no learning -- and above all else, I love to learn!
What do you hate the most? Apathy. I know it's a cliche, but it's true. People who don't care -- about their work, their homes, their attitudes, the effect they have on others and on the world around them -- they add darkness to the world. That, and Crocs. And un-righted wrongs. And Michael Jackson's music, dancing, and death-extravaganza coverage.
What scares you the most? The thought that I might not be doing the right thing with the unknown number of days I've been given on this Earth. I'm not trying to be dramatic. I really worry about this quite a bit, especially with regard to my job. I wish there were some way to know I'm in the right place.
What do you want more than anything right now? Materially, nothing. I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Intellectually, I want stronger discipline, but that's something I can only give myself!
What do you expect from life? Struggle and redemption.
What does the homeland mean to you? Speaking from a comfortable, coddled perspective, not very much; in fact, I am growing increasingly dissatisfied with it. We are so fixated on personal happiness and material goods. And I have never felt very attached to the city or country of my upbringing. Of course, that might be different if I were forcibly moved elsewhere. Like I said, coddled.
I want to hear your answers! Comment below or link to your blog.