Library Hazards

Until last night, I had never thought of a library as a dangerous place. I do work in one after all. Well, April needed to return a bunch of items to the public library, and since it was after hours, she had to use the drop box. Well, I was helping her, and thought I had my hand clear, but I was wrong. She slammed the door shut, and then tried to figure out why I was dancing around like an idiot. Then she realized that the stuck book was actually my finger. My left ring finger no less.

Yes it was an accident, and April knows that I'm not upset with her. Despite all the 4 letter words I said at the time. And of sourse, a post about an injury wouldn't be the same with out a picture. so here ya go. my black finger. That looks nothing like a book, but you can most certainly read the one next to it.

By the way, if any of the writing above is incoherent, it's due to the mass quantities of Vicodin in my system. 3 vicodin in 24 hours make for a bitchin' day.

Nerds, Jolly Ranchers, and Pink Carnations

Well, yesterday was Valentine's Day, and as usual April and I celebrated in our own way. We fixed dinner here at my place; spaghetti and garlic bread, yum. As for gifts/cards/etc..., April and I decided to go the cheap route. I bought her carnations, a card, and the candy of her choosing.....Nerds. hehe. April gave me cards, and the candy that I wanted.....Jolly Ranchers. Who says you have to go out for an expensive meal, or buy expensive chocolates to show someone how much you love them. I can think of less expensive, and much more enjoyable ways of doing that. Just depends on what tickles your fancy. Hehe. I have such a way with words. Anyway, we had a wonderful evening.


This evening, I am charged with the nerve racking task of studying for an Advanced Database Systems test. Try as I might, I can't find anyone willing to take the blasted thing for me. Well, at least anyone who would stand a chance of passing anyway. Yes, I know, I expect a lot of those who work for me. HA HA! Tomorrow's schedule includes my test, project planning, article summaries, and finally, work in the library. I'm praying that things will go better than feel that they are going to. I need some good days to come my way. I think I deserve a few.

Thoughts from the calendar

The top of my desk calendar has reminder note blocks labeled write, see, do, and don't forget. A spark of inspiration came from these words as I sat here thinking last night.

Write the adventures of lifetime.
See what no one else sees.
Do what the heart says.
Don't forget who you are, or from where you came.


Simple words with such complex thoughts behind them. Just what crossed my mind in a moment of silent reflection.

Who am I?

I find myself asking that question quite frequently these days. I have developed a reputation for being short tempered. A lot of people around here would tell you that I'm cold, vendictive, and simply, a hateful son of a bitch. It is true that I am a hard ass, and don't take shit from anyone. I do tend to be forceful when it comes to taking care of things. Damn it, if I have to kick some ass to get r done, so be it. There are some who disapprove of my methods, one in particular who brings a moment of pause.

I find myself in a period of introspection, seeking my true self. Am I really the jerk that some people around here think I am? I don't think that I'm a bad guy, but then again, I am biased. However, if people would take a chance and get to know the real Mike, they would find a much different side. If people would take time, they would find that I'm really a just a loveable teddy bear. I'm honestly kind and caring guy, who would do any thing to help someone in need. I'm a gentle giant, with a big heart, and a passion to succeed and see others succeed. I may be a little judgemental of people who waste their life, but I like to think that I see a greater potential in a person than he or she sees.

I wish that a certain someone would understand that there is a method to my madness. I'm really not out to run people into the ground. If it takes a little shame to get someone to change their ways, so be it. Yes, my methods may be a little harsh, but they do tend to get results. I guess that's the only thing that I have in common with Bobby Knight.

As hard as I am on others, no one ever sees how hard I am on myself. As I look inside myself, feelings of regret and guilt are coming to light. I know that I have offended a certain someone by saying something derogatory to another student. It's not that I'm sorry for what I said, it's that the person offended means more to me than anything in the world, and I would never intentionally hurt them. That is what I'm sorry about.

So as I try to get a grip on my thoughts and temperment, I'm asking myself: who am I, and why am I the way I am?

Workin hard, or hardly workin

This evening, my tour of duty in the library has been spent pulling books, scanning them, and placing them on shelves with the other books marked for zooble. I didn't have a headache when I started messing with them, but I sure do now. Mold, dust, and god knows what else cover all of those old pieces of crap. The condition of the collection in this library is well beyond embarrasing, and I am utterly ashamed of it. They say it's gonna be improved, but at this rate, I won't see any real improvements until well after I have graduated. That will probably be caused by the donations that the alumni office will expect from me. Blah!!!!! This place has taken enough money from me to last a lifetime. Hey, Napolean, leave my wallet alone!!

You know what's really pathetic? I could have sat here on my ass for 4 hours, working on homework or just taking it easy. But NOOOO!!!! I, being the honest, reliable guy that I am, stayed on my superior about getting something done while I was here. I think she was shocked that I was willing to work on the stuff at all. She must not be used to having a student worker who will actually WORK!

I have to say that I am rather irritated by the fact that there are about 10 student workers, and only a few, myself included, do any work at all. I may do more than my share of sitting on my duff, but damn it, I do what I'm asked to do, when I am asked to do it. Sure, not everyone is like Mike, but damn it, every student worker that was hired has the responsibility to do their frickin' job.

I know that I'm not the only person around here that has noticed this trend.

The Early Report

In a post last month, I mentioned having to do a book report. Last week I busted my rump to get it finished, only to find out that the professor wasn't going to take it until the end of this week. So, I basically completed an assignment a week before it was due. WOW..scary stuff.
Anyway, the prof wanted the reports in html form, so I decided I would post the like to mine.

Exposure Report

What Kind of Church

What Kind of Church

I wonder what kind of church would my church be if every member was just like me, and how many souls would be saved today if it all depended on what I say. I wonder how many prayers would my lord have to answer, if all that he heard came from me. I wonder what kind of church would my church be, if every member was just like me.

How many times have I said I love Jesus and turn into fear to believe? How many times have I said I’m a Christian, but never one soul did I lead. How many luxuries have I passed by to have more to give to the Lord? Jesus I promise as long as I live from now on I’m gonna do more.

No wonder my pastor has so many burdens I never do offer to bear. No wonder the members are bowed down with sorrow, or I never offer to share. No wonder the hither are dying in sin, no wonder the missions are light. My heart is so cold and I've lost my first love, but Jesus I’m on my way back.

How many times have I said I love Jesus and turn into fear to believe? How many times have I said I’m a Christian, but never one soul did I lead. How many luxuries have I passed by to have more to give to the Lord? Jesus I promise as long as I live from now on I’m gonna do more.

I wonder what kind of church would my church be if every member was just like me, and how many souls would be saved today if it all depended on what I say. Well how many prayers would my lord have to answer, if all that he heard came from me? I wonder what kind of church would my church be, if every member was just like me.

What kind of church would my church be, what kind of church would my church be, what kind of church would my church be?

If every member was just like me.

Song By: J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet

Talking to the Lord

Talking to the Lord

While resting one day, by the side of the road, I saw an old farmer in a field he’d just hoed. His face was all brown, and wrinkled by the wind. And he was talking to the Lord, just like he’d be talking to a friend. He said, “Well sir, in a voice calm and quiet. Them corn tops needs a sacking, but I got no string to tie ‘em. Ain’t had no rain in so long, the fields is mighty dusty. And it’s been so unbearable hot, even the kids is getting fussy. And you take the grass in the pasture Lord; why it ought to have been knee. If we could just get a shower or two, might keep the cow from going dry.

Ah but, list to me a talking. Why you’d think I wasn’t grateful. And if you didn’t know me so well Lord, you’d think I was down right hateful. You’d think I wasn’t thankful for the new calf that you sent, and the money that came in the mail to catch up the rent. Why, ma’s colds better, and Johnny’s home from the navy; and that Sunday dinner, with chicken, dumplings and gravy. And the new preacher, you sent us Lord; he sure is a fine young man. Why, he’s been converting them sinners, just to beat the band.

Well I guess I’ll be moseying along Lord, and not take up no more of your time. I guess the needful folks here abouts is waiting to ring your line. Evening to you Lord, and, watch over us tonight. And don’t go worrying bout us none, cause everything’s going to be all right.

By J.D. Sumner (Gospel Music Legend)

You Are Unique!

~You Are Unique~

Think what a remarkable
and miraculous thing it is to be you!
Of all the people who have come and gone
on the earth since the beginning of time
not ONE of them is like YOU!

No one who has ever lived or is to come has
had your combination of abilities talents
appearance friends acquaintances burdens
sorrows and opportunities.

No one's hair grows exactly the way yours
does. No one's finger prints are like yours.
The few people who laugh at all the same
things you do don't sneeze the way you do.

No one prays about exactly the same concerns
as you do. No one is loved by the same
combination of people that love you.
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE!

Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to
pretend in order to seem more like someone
else. You weren't meant
to be like someone else.
You were meant to be different.

If you did not exist there would be a hole in
creation a gap in history something missing
from the plan for humankind.

No one can reach out to others in the same way
that you can. No one can speak your words.
No one can convey your meanings. No one can
comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can
bring your kind of understanding to another person.
No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and
joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile.
No one else can bring the whole unique impact of
you to another human being.

YOU ARE UNIQUE!

Love Thy Enemy!

The scriptures teach us that we are to forgive those who trespass against us, and that we should love our enemies. Our father, who art in heaven, forgives us of our trespasses, and we are to forgive those who tresspass against us in equal measure. We are not to hold a grudge, nor are we to seek vengence against those who do us wrong. This comes from Leviticus 19:18, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

We are to be a reflection of the Love that God has for us. In the same manner, we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, even if the person has done us wrong. Now this doesn't mean that we are to have emotional feelings towards the person, like we might have for a spouse, or family member. This means that despite the feelings of resentment we may have, we should still be considerate, and respectful.

For example, there are a couple of guys around here on the campus, for whom I don't care. They are generally rude, arrogant, and self-absorbed. While I don't necessarily agree with how they behave, when in passing, if we meet and they speak, I generally acknowledge them. Simply because it is a courtious and respectful thing to do. If someone speaks to you, you should at least acknowledge their presence. I don't have to care for them, but I don't have to be rude and hateful in return. It's all about maturity.

Another example, there is someone that I work with in the library, that I find difficult to work with; primarily because of her disposition towards those around her. While it is really tempting to speak my mind to her, I have enough respect for the fact that she is a superior, to not say anything to her. There are proper ways to handle situations like that; ways that won't result in physical confrontations or other drastic measures.

Love thy Enemy; show some maturity, and be respectful of those around you.