Bill's Notes

1. If you think it's odd that I believe that a Jewish carpenter was God incarnate, give me a break. I think it's pretty odd, too. But if you actually go and try to find out who Jesus is, you might be surprised at what you find.

2. Part of understanding life is understanding the rhetoric of the moment. That is, in sixth grade don't call an "asking sentence" an "inquiry" unless you want the whole class to laugh at your pomposity. Not that I ever did that.

3. Just how much television coverage can we expect from 24-hours news networks in electing a Pope? Lots, but for once it'll be for a good cause. Lots of people may get a short education in Catholicism and the Holy Spirit may use that to bring in a harvest. Perhaps JPII will glorify God again in this.

4. I confess that I occasionally monitor a blog of an ex-girlfriend. She's currently bicycling around the world with her husband. This guy obviously loves her like no one's business. He's got this funny English style, he's got that whole Englishman thing down perfect: He's secure without being arrogant, and a little bit daft. Loves to pile on facts. She's a lucky woman and I'm happy for her. And he's a lucky guy, because she was lots of fun. She wrote a guest post, though, that had me wondering about my rhetoric thesis in Item #2. Is "intrepid tent" pretentiously pompous or endearingly pompous? I have to admit I found it the latter. What I found a little much was calling the bathroom the "loo." Hey, you married an Englishman, but you're still from Alabama. Or do they call it the loo in 'bama?

5. Totally out of it on music. Totally. If anyone has suggestions for a person who liked meat and potatoes kind of rock and roll, including grunge, then I've love to hear them.

6. There is a baby crying upstairs. Just like last night. I don't know how you parents do it, but God bless you. Can any of you hear anymore? Okay, back, baby spilled someone's wine. Whew!

7. You can't alpha roll a cocker spaniel. They just keep wiggling. If you actually succeed, you'll break their spirit. Just love them and hope for the best. I saw several good ones at the local pet store just below where I work. But you know I'm not getting a dog, as wonderful as they are. It wouldn't be fair to leave them home all day when I have a three-hour commute.

8. A three-hour commute is a little too long. Not that anyone doesn't know that. I used to do two and a half hours, and what I wasn't counting on was that I'm alone on one end. Last time I had a long commute, I was living with D- in Cranbury, N.J. at the time and commuting to East Orange, N.J. When I got home D- was always there with a hug and sometimes a beer when I came in the front door, and usually had started dinner. Of course at that point she had a plan for me for the rest of the evening, and I mean work before any fun. I found having "work" plans made out for me to be annoying after a while. But the whole situation wasn't so bad, now that I think about it. She also married a guy that loves her like no one's business ... and I was glad for that, because if anyone deserved to be loved, it was D-. But D- ain't on the other end of my commute, (nor would I really want her to be considering that I'd have a plan of chores all ready for me — the girl always had to be occupied) so now I come home alone to a beautiful chalet. But that alone part won't always be true.

9. I won't be making this commute forever. Especially if gas prices go up.

10. If you think about your sins too much, you're likely to wallow. Turning our eyes to God changes the perspective; beholding God's glory transforms us.

11. Thanks for reading.