Out of a job… now what?

As the French say: C’est la vie!

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, that’s the beauty of it. Sometimes, it’s not. 

Hmm, where do I start? I actually have no idea where to begin, but let’s rewind back to the summer of ’69. Nah, just joking… but I hope you caught the Bryan Adams’ reference! Let me rewind back to when I was jobless.

When I left Secondary school, I went job hunting like everyone else. Back then, although there were lots of advertisements on the job market, an actual job was hard to get for someone like me who had just left school with future plans to attend a college in Atlanta. My resume was unpolished and on top of it, my family was in the middle of bankruptcy, so I had to forget about the college of my dreams. I recall going from interview to interview and even registering with two job agencies to no avail. It took a while, but then I registered with the On-the-Job Training Programme, and I was called within a month (?).

I was placed with an upholstery company. OJT didn’t pay the trainees back then. What they did was place you within wherever they thought was fine even if it was at a KFC, and whatever the company decided to pay the trainee was not the ministry’s problem. My salary was $150 a week (*Le gasp!*). The employers were advantageous and it was during this time, I started to seek God… although it’ll take a few years later for me to actually seek Him 100%. Given that I was anemic and a headache sufferer of sorts, this place was toxic for me to stick around, so I left despite the fact that things were looking gloomy.

Now, memory is something I tend to leave in the sands of time whether good or bad, as I like to live in the moment, but I recall signing up with a marketing company for training. However, I left after the first training day after witnessing my trainer lying about the products he was peddling to an old lady. That was not my thing. I don’t care if that’s a way to make a living, it’s wrong to lie to people about what you’re selling. It took a while, but I eventually signed up with the MuST programme. I honestly didn’t want to do the programme for I did not want to be a part of the Hospitality Industry, but God had plans for me, and although those 6 months flew by pretty quickly, it was some of the best moments I’ve ever experienced as I was placed within a French bakery/restaurant. There weren’t French people working there, but whenever the well-dressed French bigwigs came through, it was lit! And if you’re a reader of this blog, you guys know how I love anything French!

After this training experience, I grew to appreciate the hospitality industry, and I came to realize that this was where God wanted me to be as I had training to complete in different areas of my life, be it emotionally, financially, physically, or spiritually. 

Now, fast-forward.

God placed me within one of the best institutions for tourism and hospitality allowing me to experience what it was like to work in an academic library. It was really the opportunity of a lifetime as I’ve always wanted to work in a library ever since I was little. I started out in the Student Services department, actually, and after the OJT contract came to an end, the HR manager at that time asked me to come in temporarily to work in the lab, but the library was short-staffed and the Librarian asked for me to hold on, on evenings… it eventually became permanent when I was offered to stay on and a contract and I know that this was all God’s doing.

However, things started going downhill from 2017 and it finally escalated last month which resulted in the institution permanently closing its doors. I’ll like to go in-depth, but this is not the place or time for it.

The doors are closed temporarily. It’s not going to be closed forever, but I believe that closed doors give us the opportunity to grow. God closes doors to remind us that He is still in charge, to bring us (back) closer to Him, and to grow us in many areas. James 1 reminds us that patience is the key to growth. 

But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:4

Now what?

In a world where people are running scared of a pandemic instead of trusting in the Lord, and one in which the government has no money, I put my trust in the Lord. I’ve been at peace and calm throughout this situation because I decided to lean on and trust God, not man. 

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.

Psalm 130:5

I was blessed to be a part of such memories I’ll hold dear, for it was there I met my bestie Tammy, a meeting I’m eternally grateful for. I may not be able to see the future, but God can, and I know that He has my back. We may not see it now, but when God closes a door, He opens the one He desires you to enter. 

I’ve been working on this post since August, but for some reason, I couldn’t seem to sit down long enough to actually focus on completing it… as many other half-finished articles currently collecting dust in drafts. Also, also, I apologize for this being a little too lengthy, but it was the direction I was led to write in. 

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Life is unpredictable.
Sometimes, that's the beauty of it,
sometimes, it's not.

Books #170 – #171: The Picture of Alice in Wonderland

Classic Books Total: 20

A classic update.

Book #170: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

In order to understand a story, at times, one must go back to the original source: where in the world was the writer’s mind at the time of writing? I pose this question to Rev. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson aka Lewis Carroll. This book has been a part of many children’s lives including mine, so I decided to go back for a visit many years later as an adult. However, this time around, I was not impressed. Alice couldn’t stop talking, and I was annoyed that I had to read her boring thoughts every single time. She was also snobby and rude and lacked sensitivity towards animals. Everyone in this book was stone-cold cruel.

The story was random and all over the place and at some point, I wondered what drugs Carroll was on and could I have some, please? I bet it was some sort of hallucinogen. This book was sheer nonsense just as most of the so-call beloved classics I’ve read.  

Alice is actually based on a real-life person: Alice Liddell. I don’t know what Carroll’s fascination and attraction to the 10-year-old was. In Victorian times, everyone was off their rockers.

Tim Burton described Carroll’s stories as “drugs for children” and Wonderland as a place where “everything is slightly off, even the good people.” I agree with him. The end.

Final Verdict:

Book #171: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

I read this book twice: when I was in my preteen and as a young adult, so this was a 3rd reread. Yes, you read right, because back then, I thought Dorian Gray was simply all that.

Wilde is a master of painting and weaving beautiful words. It’s like an aesthetic. Dorian Gray is a beautiful yet corrupt man. Repeatedly mentioned are Gray’s blue eyes, scarlet lips, and golden hair, but he was easily manipulated because he couldn’t think for himself. What a beautiful brainless moron!

The book centers on narcissism right down to the point where Dorian was interested in an actress, Sybil Vane (Vain), a so-call love interest that wasn’t even needed for the book.

Harry or Henry or Whatever talked and talked and talked. I wanted to reach into the book and slap some sense into him. The passages were already too long and too descriptive and here’s shallow Harry or Henry or Whatever carrying on as if the book was about him. His disdain for the world and women resonated with Dorian who decides to set out to fall in love with vanity and pride. Harry or Henry or Whatever, was a snooze fest. Every word that tumbled out of his mouth made him out to be unintelligent, but it worked over Gray, who became a sort of experiment for him.

Now, I understand that Gray was supposed to be vain and horrible and all that jazz, and Harry or Henry or Whatever, just plain hateful for his wife wasn’t as beautiful as the stars at night, but the way these characters talk (Harry or Henry or Whatever who is jealous of Gray’s beauty and youth and Basil the painter who is obsessed with Gray) are downright suspicious. Basil and Harry or Henry or Whatever talked to Gray as if he was a sweet innocent little boy who’s being sexualized by these two old predators. The characters are soulless and dull for Wilde chose to focus on the senses to appeal to the audience. Wilde also enjoyed bashing women negatively that he didn’t realize his writing was so flowery he could’ve sold it in a Parisian flower market.

The book could’ve been better. Much better. A lot of people are fighting to stay forever young and eternally beautiful today and there’s always a price for it. Just look at those surgically disfigured faces looking at you from the cover of magazines. There’s a type of beauty that fascinates the world and its timeless beauty. There’s a reason why Tom Cruise is worshipped for his beauty in several parts of the world and why he’s called the “Dorian Gray of movies”. But he has fillers and plastic surgery to thank as well.

The content of this book was said to be indecent and morally wrong. It was called a work that “delights in dirtiness and confesses its delight” upon its release and the story reflects the author’s life at some point. I’m willing to read more Wilde, but I’m not particularly wild for him at the moment. To believe, I twice read and liked this drivel. 

Final Verdict:

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A movie? In space? 😲 Your actor could never!

I went through drafts and realized that I have a lot of incomplete articles including some trailer thoughts, so I decided to combine a few of them into one post. 

TC in… space?

Today is July 03rd. Today, the world’s greatest stuntman turns 58. One would think that Tom will take it easy from here on, but no, he’s filming the 7th Mission, then he’ll tackle the 8th and go to space at age 60 or so. Yes, you heard right; TC’s going to space according to conflicting reports. Some are saying that TC would actually be shooting a yet-to-be-named full-length movie on location at the actual International Space Station, while others are saying that he’ll actually be going to space.

Adieu, earth pheasants!

My thoughts? Whatever floats Tom’s boat. At this point, he can shoot a movie on Pluto. However, Tom is yet to make a comment regarding this Space Odyssey adventure because he’s probably learning how to use the bathroom in zero gravity. I’m not a sucker for space anything, so color me not excited. NASA must be insane.

The Little Mermaid gets… a remake?

When it was announced last year that “The Little Mermaid” was going to get a heavy remake with Halle Bailey as lead…

…the world went ballistic! Can you hear the backsplash? For me, I’ll always prefer the redhead Ariel I grew up with. 

I don’t care for mermaids, but I have nothing against remakes for Hollywood has been churning them out for years, but it would’ve better if Halle’s mermaid could’ve gotten her own original story instead of this hand-me-down. If a character – such as Ariel – is well written and well-loved, the character shouldn’t be changed just so another ethnicity could have representation. Why can’t new characters be created? Why is Hollywood so lazy? And Disney, can you stop with the live action films and do something original for once?

Some things are better left untouched. If it ain’t broke, don’t damage it to fix it. What’s next? Tom Cruise to portray MLK? 

Habit

Every year, Hollywood holds a competition for which producer can come up with the wickedest portrayal of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This year, “Habit”, if it sees the light of day, given all the rightful backlash its facing at the moment definitely wins the coveted trophy. The film revolves around Bella Thorne’s character, “a street smart party girl with a Jesus fetish who gets mixed up in a violent drug deal and finds a possible way out — by masquerading as a Nun.” according to Deadline. Paris Jackson also appears in the film portraying Jesus as a lesbian woman.

Just, why?

This project is blasphemous. And “Jesus fetish”? So we’re sexualizing Jesus and poking fun of Him as usual? Just another day at the office for Hollywood.

Hollywood enjoys mocking Christianity and misrepresenting Christ. This portrayal of Jesus is perverted and have gone too far. Jesus is the Light of the world. Without Him, we wouldn’t have hope or life. We wouldn’t be looking forward to spending eternal life with Him. The church have been guilty of allowing the world (Hollywood & the music industry in particular) to influence them thus causing the congregation to drift further away from God. The sermons are watered down and the gospel is intended for the congregation to “feel good”. Preachers need to start preaching against sin and call for repentance.

Our society and culture has fallen into immorality that it’s difficult to understand how many that profess to be Christians tolerate such evil with our cheap entertainment and books about magic (Here’s looking at you, Harry Potter). The moral compass is broken just as the Living Word has prophesized. I’m not surprised by all the evil agendas for it gives me more faith that Jesus is coming soon.

This is straight from the pits of hell. May these people find the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ before it’s too late. May God use us to reach those who do not know Him so that they may accept the gift of salvation that He offers.

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 

¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 

²⁰ Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 

²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 

²³ Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 

²⁵ But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

John 15:18-25

We live in a world where any and everything goes. Whether we’re Christians or not, we have to be careful of the entertainment we let into our living rooms.

There is nothing new under the sun, just more sin and when it comes to Hollywood, they continue to dish it out quite beautifully. Some picture they paint! Movies such as these can be quite entertaining, but when they stand up to God’s laws, statutes, and judgements, they lack every ounce of decency and moral conduct. 

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Thoughts from the lockdown!

Over the past few months, I’ve seen the world go from hoarding toilet paper to animals actually enjoying the open without people trying to invade their space every second. Look at how happy this crow IS to have the see-saw all to itself!:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9W37i_qaHI/

While the essentials got a pass to leave their homes for work, the rest of us were threatened to stay inside for our own good unless we really need to go to places such as the pharmacy or grocery. And boy, when some people got to the grocery, they bought things they did not need for selfish reasons!

We were also warned to wash our hands and sanitize, and I wondered if people never knew about practicing proper hygiene before this pandemic. The public was also advised to social distance and wear a mask while out in public. 

MJ made wearing masks couture before it was couture itself. 😆

The measures that were put in place by governments around the world made people angry that they were being imprisoned in their own homes for their good. This was not D’ 2020 they envisioned in their mind when the year began. 

The tuning into the media caused panic within so many people that they seem to fear the virus more than God. This kind of fear only leads to anxiety and other wicked thoughts. Trust always in the Lord. Do not unravel or compromise with the world.

Instead of running scared, we should be re-evaluating our priorities. What are we doing all day long? How are we using the time that God has loaned us? Are we praying? Are we reaching out to those in need?

In all of this melee, I threw my trust in God and just went with the flow. Over the past weeks, I’ve been enjoying my family, valuing my walk with God, engaging more with nature and trying new things in the kitchen. Yes, I said the kitchen. 😒

Life as we know it is not over and this is not the new normal (at least not yet) for we’ll get to enjoy the sun again even if it’s for a little while. I hope you’re all doing well and leaning on God throughout everything no matter what.

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He’s 57 so what’s my excuse? Here’s to trying new things!

Life, as they say. A little testimony thus far…

Here’s the thing: I like my box. I don’t see why I have to leave my box to embrace new things and change/adapt, if possible. But recently, I’ve been thinking about the box.

Having a comfort zone is natural. Over the years, I’ve come to love and depend on that zone until I began to realize that there were MANY wonderful things to explore outside that zone. I took the plunge and did things I never thought I’ll enjoy, including participating in a work event. I honestly dislike participating in work-related events, but I enjoyed it. Yet, I felt as if something more was missing.

A few months ago (give or take, October I believe), I visited an online paper that I haven’t read in a long time – the Daily Mail – and I came across a 57-year-old Tom Cruise paragliding in the French Alps. Back then when I used to follow TC, I knew he took classes all the time (guitar lessons, hip hop dance classes, etc.), even if it was not for a movie for he loves being a part of life, and he loves discovering new adventures. He doesn’t stoop low to humiliate himself for hallow praise on social media, and he has massive respect for his career and this great passion for life that extends outside the screen. While his movie stunts are impressive, his zeal for life is even more so.

Am I going somewhere with this? Yes, I am, for right then and there, it was when the realization hit me: I needed to be a part of life more. Why should I stay in the nice comfy box when God has so MANY exciting things waiting out there for me? I had to abandon my comfort zone.

After praying about it, results started showing up in various forms. Things I would’ve said no to before, I said yes, and guess what? I am enjoying them all thanks to God. We always ask God to change our situations, but we need to allow Him to DO SO and it may start with little windows of opportunities that He presents to us. You have the option to say no of course, but we never know where a “yes” may lead to future-wise.

You just gotta trust God. He has a habit of stripping away the old and replacing it with the new in the very same spot you never thought would’ve worked.

So there ya go! I love learning and discovering new things, and with the new opportunities my Father has presented to me, I am now embracing life as He wants me to.

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Thoughts on ‘Gretal and Hansel’ trailer

I don’t know what is ‘Gretel and Hansel’, I only know ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and I’ve disliked that story from the first read. I won’t be featuring the trailer for this beautifully shot garbage, but here’s a promotional poster:

So, the dormant sibling in this is the girl because women are on top now and men suck. Why not just name the movie “Gretel” then? What are we going to have next? The Beanstalk and Jane? The Seven Dwarfs and Snow White? Jill and Jack? Tess Thumb? Come on, Hollywood agendas, this is getting ridiculous now! And to compensate for the name swaps, the girl looks like a boy anyways. 

It’s like every feminist movie is a horror movie! All I gathered from the trailer were eyes, triangles, witches, demons, and cannibalism. Despite looking beautifully shot, the movie looks boring, slow-paced, and plain stupid. It looks like it leads nowhere and runs around in circles. 

Eh, whaddaya expect from a feminist movie?

Movies lately have been remixed, rehashed, redefined, and remade to be given that feminine touch (See “Men In Black” & “Ocean’s 11”). It’s lazy, it’s lame, it’s overbearing, it’s tired. I guess this is what happened when the movie was first pitched: 

Hansel and Gretel: *crickets*

Gretel and Hansel: Whoooo!!! Confetti rains from the ceiling and stacks of money are flung in the air by producers because this is genius, brilliant, and so woke! It’s edgy! It’s art! Let’s dance.

I’ll never understand why movies such as these set out to degrade men when in fact, men and women NEED EACH OTHER (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:21-24).

Meanwhile, the Russians and Chinese are training soldiers…

Meanwhile, there’s this… 

A new Top Gun: Maverick trailer that I have no problem with for the man in charge is male and not female. Bless you, Tom Cruise.

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Devotional Nugget #5: It’s not always about money.

Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Okay, I’m going to talk about Tom Cruise a little bit, so bear with me. I once dubbed Tom the greatest actor to ever grace a screen, but what I loved most about him was what he did off-screen and here are a few examples:

^ Zac Efron said that Tom taught him to ride a bike. Tom has to find time to do that.

^ Tom never forgets birthdays.

^ Billy Wilder was some sort of legendary director. There’s a long story in there, but to make it short, Tom would just listen to his stories and write him notes. When Billy passed away in 2002, Tom was at the memorial and he let everyone know how much he loved Billy. 

^ Another boy was supposed to be the kid set to steal the show in Jerry Maguire, but he eventually left and Jonathan Lipnicki replaced him. A few weeks later, the boy’s mom calls Cameron Crowe (the director) to tell him to thank Tom for helping her son transition back to his normal life by sending letters and gifts. Crowe couldn’t get over why Tom didn’t tell everyone, but there was no need to shout a good deed from the rooftop. 

What’s the moral of some of those stories? You don’t always need money to help someone. Sometimes, all someone might need is a listening ear or a word of advice or even a little bit of your time. Your thoughtfulness. And what if it’s money? If you’re being led to help someone by giving them money, do not selfishly give to feel better about yourself for we should give without sparing (Proverbs 21:26) while delighting in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). 

Some of us are only willing to help someone in need when a reward is involved (Matthew 6:2), but our giving shouldn’t be advertised on a billboard (Matthew 6:4) as it’s supposed to be a thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Today’s Reflection

We do not always know what someone may need but do not assume that it’s always money. Ask God for help to give wisely. 

Trailer Reaction: Maverick is back!✈✈

*Ponders* That banner could’ve undergone some more work and the fonts look a little wonky. Anyways, welcome to Trailer Reaction. To be honest, I’m not into movies as before, but this one trailer is currently trending #1 on YouTube as it was a surprise for Comic-Con after Tom turned up himself to announce it last evening and many people were curious enough to view it 10 million times and counting, topping the other trailers that came out yesterday, so we gone watch it. 

Top Gun: Maverick ✈

0:02 – It’s official!
0:05-7 – The opening of this trailer is already visually appealing.
0:50 – *Gasps* Maverick is not a two-star admiral, but captain after all of these years?! Why hasn’t he moved up the ranks? I see where this storyline is going. He’s been through something that stopped him from getting promoted. I bet it has something to do with all those missions that were deemed impossible, but turned out possible in the end after all!
0:54 – First close-up of TC, and he looks great for 57! I aspire to age like this. He ages like a vintage bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 🙄 I mean, the cosmetic and makeup help too, but he is aging well. A huge plus is that he actually looks like a seasoned navy captain.
1:04 – YASSS!!
1:08 – SWEET SHOT of Maverick in the cockpit!

1:16 – The jacket!
1:17 – The shades!
1:18 – The bike! A beautiful Ninja H2R!!
1:20 – Highway tooo the daanggeerr zooneeee!!! No, wait, take my breath awaaaayyyy!🎤

1:31 – Some random female pilot with the call sign ‘Phoenix’. Whose ashes is she rising from? Goose’s? TC’s? Is she the new top gun?
1:34 – Is that a funeral for Iceman? 🤔
1:37 – Because we don’t know who TC is!
1:43 – SWEET! I bet TC flew all 3 jets at the same time, too! Great shot, though! 👏
2:01 – Not today, Satan! Maverick’s kind (fighter pilot and because machines are taking over) is heading for extinction but not today! I feel as if this particular line is a jab at Hollywood. If you look at the new movies coming out, the men are being replaced by the women. TC is a man’s man and women want to be one, too. Right, Brie? I am actually surprised that Maverick was not turned into a woman of color. Don’t @ me.
2:09 – The F-14 Tomcat is only the most iconic jet!! Also, civilians are not allowed to fly military aircraft and the last time I checked, Tom was a civilian. Also, also, the F-14 is used in the Iranian Air Force today so is Iran going to be an enemy?

After 33 years, the sequel to Top Gun that no one asked for is here. I certainly didn’t ask for it, but I give this trailer a solid 5. It’s visually appealing, masterfully shot, and no CGI (If I missed it, too bad, for I’m not going back to look at it). I find no fault in this first trailer so kudos to the team. 

I know many fans prefer the ‘Danger Zone’ soundtrack, but ‘Take My Breath Away’ for me is one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time. Also, I noticed that the Taiwanese and Japanese flags on Maverick’s jacket have been replaced with China. Where China and Iran are concerned, this brings to mind the 200-million-man army that will counterattack the Beast power (Revelation 9:13-21).

This movie will be out in cinemas in the summer of 2020 be it God’s willing. I’ve had my fair share of movies and TC over the years, so I’ll be skipping it. This movie is also sponsored by the US Navy and had production say “no real aircraft are being used in the filming of this movie” Tom was not doing it. When it comes to military propaganda films, nothing beats Top Gun. Tom looks fantastic in uniform and is a walking commercial for the US military. After the first movie came out, the number of young men who joined the US Navy wanting to be Naval Aviators went up by 500 percent. Can you hear the patriotic chants of “USA! USA!” in 2020?

“The end is inevitable, Maverick. Your kind is heading for extinction”.

“Maybe so sir… but not today.”

After this trailer, I am pretty much afraid to watch the other trailers YouTube recommended which include Cats so I’ll leave those for next time for I don’t think I’m going to watch a better trailer than this for the rest of the year… and that’s putting it nicely. After all, there is literally nothing new under the sun. 🌞

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꧁30 interesting questions challenge ꧂

I love fun challenges and when I read the 30 interesting questions challenge over on Stories of Hope blog, I just had to participate. This post was supposed to have been done since last month, but I am always late to the party.

Let’s do this!

1. What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?

Well, almost everyone calls me Dee and I have no problem with that at all.

2. How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?

I don’t doodle much as before, but does this…

…count? It’s the last thing I did sometime back in November or so. 

3. What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and turn? Try to get up and do something productive?

I recite Psalm 91 and pray. Another great one is Psalm 4.

4. Do people consider you as talkative or quiet?

I am both talkative (especially if we’re talking about God, the Bible, travels, etc.) and quiet.

5. What makes you cry?

When people accept/return to God acknowledging Him as their EVERYTHING. And humanity…

6. What is your biggest pet peeve?

When the Lord’s name is taken in vain. I also dislike it when people listen to music via their headset really loud. Like, what’s the use of having a headset if other people are going to be hearing your music?

7. How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?

I normally look in the mirror when I’m leaving the house.

8. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?

That people entered inside the television set from behind to be on TV. 😆

9. What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?

Guilty pleasure? What is that? Here I quote the great Matthew Gray Gubler: “Don’t feel guilty if you like something.”

10. Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?

11. How often do you read the newspaper? Which sections?

I don’t read the newspapers, but I do read news online once or twice a week.

12. Which animal scares you the most? 

This question is very subjective so I’ll give a pragmatic answer: diseased animals.

13. Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?

I run away from conflicts. 

14. What was the most recent compliment you received?

It was from my sister in Christ, Leiya. She said that she enjoys watching me grow in Christ. 💙

15. What question are you tired of hearing?

Do you watch Game of Thrones? No. Just no.

Is Annie okay? Of course, she is! She was a CPR mannequin for Smooth Criminal’s sake! She saved millions of lives!

Why do you like Tom Cruise? You, do you.

Why do you support France and not Spain? Last time I checked, Messi wasn’t Spanish and it was Les Bleus who got me into football, not FC Barcelona or Argentina for that matter.  

16. What is the strangest thing you have eaten?

I’m not an adventurous eater so I have to go with pepperoni. 👎

17. Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends?

Close friends that I cherish and love.

18. Do you have a catchphrase?

None I can think of at the moment so I guess I don’t have one.

19. What’s your all-time favorite town or city? Why?

San Fernando! It’s the most beautiful place in the south and it should’ve been the capital of Trinidad. The people there are very different than the town people and they don’t have time to mind your business. And the hill’s got a panoramic view!

20. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

I love the name my parents gave me so I don’t see the need for changing it.

21. When was the last time you lied?

Let’s see…

22. What’s something that amazes you?

Simply God. Especially the way He answers prayers! 

23. Would you rather be the first person to explore a planet or be the inventor of a drug that cures a deadly disease?

The inventor for I wouldn’t be able to explore another planet anyway given the firmament God put in place.

24. What is your favorite amateur activity?

Reading and also walking to clear my mind while communicating with God.

25. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

Another day? Thank You, God! 💙

26. What is your favorite song (at least for the moment)?

“All I Want” by Michael W. Smith.

27. List someone you know, and describe them in 5 words.

Lee is caring, eager, driven, focus, and learning.

28. You can select one person from history and have them truthfully answer one question. Who would you select and what would the question be?

Oh my! So many people! Here are a few:

Albert Einstein: Why can’t you take the time to fix your hair? And why would a grown man be sticking his tongue out of his mouth?

King Solomon: How did you ever make time to communicate with your 700 wives one on one?

King Louis XIV: You were four-years-old when you ascended the throne and you became the longest reigning monarch in Europe. How did your longevity affect your reign?

Napoleon Bonaparte: Why in the world did you continue to trust Talleyrand even after you found out that he was not trustworthy? 

29. Which celebrity or artist do you resemble the most?

It’s been often said that I look like…

…God! I was created in His image after all. I wouldn’t even give my left foot to look like any of these basic celebrities out here.

30. What do you want me to know?

Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?

This fun challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Thank you to Stories of Hope for allowing me to join in the fun. See her post here:

30 Interesting Questions Challenge

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Books #143-#146: The DNFs!

I don’t keep count of the books I read, but I’ve read quite a lot since the beginning of the year. I had to DNF some, though, for they were pretty boring, not my cup of tea, or expletives hit me harder than the harsh cold weather currently outside my window.

I mostly do these reviews for me dearest Margaret and my goal was to review 200 books (I think) so here we go with a few more.

Book #143: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris 

Boy, am I finally glad to get rid of this book from my TBR! It’s been there for a while now. David Sedaris is supposed to be, well, the critics said he was a humorist (as you can see on the cover), but I did not find anything humorous in his writing. I found the book inane. It was a boring disappointment!

Reminds me of Kevin Hart. They’re reaching, but they’re not funny.

Matthew Gray Gubler portraying the so-call author in the award-winning ‘The Learning Curve’ (a short 16-minute film based on a Sedaris’s essay) is funnier. What a shame! And MGG is poetic looking (whatever that is) so he pulled it off well. Wished he had written this book instead for he’s actually funnier than the real Mr. Sedaris.

Anyways, back to the book. Sedaris had a lisp when he was younger which made him the class ridicule (hence the title of the book), but I do not find speech impediment funny, and maybe that’s why this book wasn’t funny, to begin with. Some people shouldn’t write memoirs, but I guess this guy didn’t get the memo!

I had to abandon ship! DNF

Book #144: Jack Reacher’s Rules by Lee Child

Jack Reacher is everyone’s favorite drifter! I tried getting into Mr. Reacher before Tom Cruise made him popular, but I couldn’t get past the first page. Then the movies came out and I found them acceptable and Tom was memorable as Jack, but I still couldn’t get into the books. So how did I end up with this in my TBR? 

Well, I have a friend who LOVES Jack Reacher and she wanted me to read from her collection, so I wanted to prepare myself as I was willing to give Reacher a third chance as I did Jane Austen, so I thought this book would’ve been a pretty good start in getting to know the character.

I could be wrong, but this book read like a compilation of Reacher’s greatest hits. There are rules on being prepared (Go to bed fully clothed so you are always ready for action), fighting, food, first aid, and sleep among MANY others. Some of these rules don’t even make sense. Let’s look at some rules/quotes that I may have liked or not:

* Rules of coffee: Never say no to a cup of coffee. YASS, Jack! Never say no. Maybe your enemy would pour a wallop of poison into a nice big cup of black coffee and you’ll be dead in no time.

* Conquering fear: “Sometimes if you want to know if the stove is hot the only way to find out is to touch it.” Sorry, Jack, but playing with fire is not my specialty.

* Dogs: Don’t run away from dogs, walk. Alright. I can understand if you’ll enjoy getting maul to death by a pack of angry dogs.

* On finding the Western Union in a city: Stand on a street corner and ask yourself, Is it more likely to be left or right now? Then turn left or right as appropriate, and pretty soon you are in the right neighborhood, and pretty soon you’ll find it. If in doubt, turn left. Jack gives direction like a five-year-old kid. Shows how out of touch he is with reality, too. 

* Keeping on the move: Own nothing, carry nothing. Don’t do permanent, be a Reacher, not a Settler. As much as the drifter life sounds promising… 

This book kind of confirmed why I can’t be down with Reacher. It was worthless and I had to DNF it. How did Tom ever cruise through all of Reacher’s books still eludes me. And I like to think that Reacher was somewhat inspired by Michael Knight (Knight Rider). DNF

Book #145: I Haiku You by Betsy E. Snyder

This book was written with children in mind celebrating love, family, fun, and friendship. The illustrations are cute, too. 

I love the title of the book, though, and I am thinking of borrowing it for a short story.

A quick and okay read.

Book #146: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

A mystery wrapped in Shakespearean theatre, this book was extremely dull and nothing special. All the characters did was quote Bard even while trying to have a regular conversation and it was annoying! I did not finish this book, but I’m thinking that Alexander was the one who died, James was the murderer, but Oliver took the fall because he was in love with James. It’s what I gathered from the first few pages so I figure that there was no need to finish this trash. 

Also, I don’t understand why people are OBSESSED with Shakespeare. They speak about him and his writing on a godlike level and while I understand that his plays were meant to be watched rather than to be read, he is not a genius and he is not original. I plan to read some of his works during my classic reading challenge and I’ll be tearing his work apart inside-out. As an avid reader, I’ve been encouraged to read his work because he’s “one of a kind”, but I’ve always found his books boring. Who knows? Maybe my mind would change now that I’m older. 

Didn’t get past the first act, but I was liking James somewhat. DNF

And there’s a lot more of DNFs to come, unfortunately. Of this, I am certain.

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