This is going to be about as random a selection of questions, comments, concerns that you'll see. However, it's my blog and I'll be random if I want to, random if I want to... (that's as far as I can take the song- did you even KNOW I was referencing a song?)
Questions?
1. Do most Catholic churches still have morning mass every weekday?
After 18+ years of working at the same place, I feel the need to veer from my usual driving route to the office. So, of late, my route takes me by a Catholic church. This church is in a community of about 14,000 people and about 35 miles north of Boston. I'm stunned when I drive by on a weekday morning, as it actually looks like there's mass going on.
Why am I stunned you ask? Well, when I was young, I remember that it was commonplace for the Catholic churches I knew of to have a morning weekday mass EVERY weekday. However, we've had many churches close in this area and I thought that there was sometimes just one mass PER WEEK. What about in your area? Just wondering... (I'm no longer a practicing Catholic, I just wonder about odd things...)
2. (This is a two-parter) Have you seen Netflix's The Staircase? If no, move on to the next section. If yes, do you think that Michael Peterson is guilty?
Let me preface my comments by saying I've only seen three episodes so far. Similar to Making a Murderer, I have gone back forth on Peterson's guilt/innocence. I'm sure I'll change my mind a gazillion more times before I'm done watching it, but wow.
Just wow.
So many oddities so far.
Comments?
1. People that use email ought to go through "reply all" training before they're let loose in the wild.
(And before you read this, just remember that I'm putting in writing what some of you are thinking...o_O)
This comment is directed at two camps of people- those that use it incorrectly and those that don't use it.
Here's a tip: if you get an email that has gone out to the ENTIRE company, DO NOT (I repeat DO NOT) reply all. Hypothetically, let's say an email goes out an entire company reminding them to RSVP for an upcoming function. DO NOT reply all saying you RSVP'd. DO NOT reply all asking if there will be sporting equipment to use at the function. Just don't. 799 people do not need to know your personal business. (Can you tell I feel strongly about this one?)
Here's my second tip: If you send an email to say five people because you want to share something with all of them and one of those five replies all and maybe says, "Wow...that's really cool. How did you come across this?" The original sender should NOT just reply to the person asking the question. The other four people may have the same question and want to see the answer. Also, if the original sender only replies to the person asking the question, he/she will end up maintaining multiple email strings about the same topic.
OK. Stepping off my reply all soapbox now.
2. I miss blogging.
I know, I know. I'm the only one that can fix that. I need to be better about making time for things I enjoy.
This blog has been alive (although sometimes on life support) for 10 years and I'm proud of that. I will try to make the time.
Concerns?
Even though "concerns" is plural there will be only one concern...and it's a big one.
1. The growing lack of compassion for other people.
That might not make sense, but I don't really know how else to say it.
There are so many levels to this. I feel like we're in a "me, me, me" culture.
This is going to be a written dump of ideas/thoughts/feelings, so bear with me.
So many kids spend a large amount of time sitting behind a video game or social media. Get out. Interact with other human beings. Realize that there are all kinds of people around you and they all have something to offer. You will become a much more well-rounded adult if you do this.
Check yourself before you open your mouth. The most recent example of this is Corey Lewandowski, a political lobbyist and commentator saying "womp womp" while Zac Petkanas, former senior Democratic National Committee adviser was telling the story of a 10-year old with Down syndrome being taken from her mother and put in a cage after crossing the border illegally. If you haven't heard the story, you can read about it here.
Lewandowski claims the comment was directed towards Petkanas and had nothing to do with the fact that the child in the story had Down syndrome.
Here's the thing. Either way? It's wrong. It's wrong to mock people with disabilities. If in fact the comment was directed at Petkanas, it's wrong. Still. You're a grown man on national TV using a phrase that tweens use. He may as well have stuck his tongue out.
Grow up.
Think beyond yourself.
Introspection. Get some.
P.S. For those that may think that this is anti-Republican/Trump, it's bigger than that. However, the fact that an adviser/lobbyist/whatever his title is that works closely with the President of the United States is conducting himself like this and is allowed to continue? Shame on today's society. Republican, Democrat, or Independent, if you have a microphone in front of you, you have an obligation.
