govrel2005's Xanga

Look at the time!

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:53:28 GMT

Hello Frieeends

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

Have you ever reached a point in your life where you stop, look back, and think about how you spent your life during the past several years? Definitely do it. Have you accomplished something that will last? How much more have you accomplished that won’t last? This is definitely a reflective time for me right now. With a full time job, full time school, a close circle of very dear friends/family and what seems like a million other side callings, it’s become more critical then ever to spend my energy wisely.

What have you planted that it’s time to pluck up? Is it time to die to something?

I've begun realizing how dangerous it is to avoid everything that doesn’t pass our personal “is this going to have a lasting effect…?” test. The truth is we often have no idea when we change someone’s life or have an effect on their thinking. I believe this is why Scripture often addresses our attitudes toward life as opposed to how we live it or what we’re actually doing.

So... Live your life boldly, but remember to periodically review it for pruning. How much more wonderful it will be at the end, when Christ’s words “well done, good and faithful servant!” is ended with an exclamation point… without side notes reflecting the distractions you allowed into your life.

Everybody should read Londonsgirl’s post. I was incredibly impressed by the honesty, realness and balanced perspective of it.

And laaastly... I believe it is time for me to bid a permanent adieu to xanga. Apart from it closing a chapter in my life… I’ve realized xanga has become an excuse to mass-communicate or ‘short-note’ some very dear friends instead of developing more personal connections with them. Definitely no way to treat such incredible people. lol.

So I’m off then. Remember… God is good all the time. Seek Him and He will guide you.

Adieu!

Alex

Almost Mid-Year already... :-)

Sun, 11 May 2008 17:45:56 GMT

Hello Everybody!

What a life! It’s been so long since I’ve even said the phrase La Vita e Bella – Life is Beautiful. It is time to fix that.

Right now I’m relaxing in the leftovers of a casualized suit… lol... jacket cast aside… mauve tie loose… simply sitting in a hammock with a cool summer breeze. All despite the fact I have a three hour finals exam this evening. lol. Relaxation comes at a premium now’a’days, and I am treasuring these moments.

Might as well forget the past six months though… lol… the last two weeks have been a picture of insanity. NASA is a fascinating (though eccentric) place to work. They are farrrr stricter then the law firms when it comes to talking about projects. The best I can say is that I’m working on MOMS (Mission Operation Mission Systems) which essentially runs the day-to-day operations of the Hubble Space Telescope. Other programs are expanding as well so things are extremely busy setting up new Networks. All the engineers are brilliant. Some are a bit quarky. lol… others look like they spent their lives modeling the mad scientist in Back to the Future. Roflol.

Many of the people at work immigrated from Iraq or Iran. Oh my word… they can tell stories! One fellow was one of the lucky few who escaped during the rule of Hussein. Two of his cousins (who had converted to Christianity) weren’t so lucky. At the time, Hussein was forcing people to join his army... problemmm was that this was a Muslim holy war. Therefore as Christians, they weren’t even allowed to fight. They couldn’t be released though and so both were shot in the back of the head. *shaking head*… To think the person telling me this over lunch experienced it personally is stunning.

Meanwhile I shoulder 16 credits at the University of MD… half of which are on campus, the other half are online. Half the classes are accelerated as well. lol. I have Finals this evening. Midterms tomorrow. And another Finals on Wednesday. Then I can breathe a bit.

I also just moved into an INCREDIBLE new place! The apartment is about 1,000 square feet… has a remodeled Kitchen, cathedral ceilings, spacious rooms… it’s really the perfect set-up. Plus… lol… Ikea is a mere 10 minutes away, so I’ve spent mannnny hours buying square black plates, lamps, and other etceteras. When this semester is finally over and there’s a bit more time, it’ll look faaabulous.

Because the new place doesn’t have internet yet, I’ve spent couuuntless hours at a wonderful 70s Diner. I’ll actually miss the place when I don’t have to go there anymore. lol. They stay open until midnight (which is when I leave), but it’s great having the waitresses sit down around coffee when things are quiet and debate the love songs. lol Very sweet, actually.

What else is there? lol. I’ve been racing sailboats regularly now… last time with about sixteen boats my crew came in first and second. :D Fabulous feeling. Lol. There’ve been regular trips to Gettysburg, Washington DC and Virginia... and occasional trips to Oklahoma City and Kansas City. Oh! and I’m flying out to California at the end of this month(!!). I’ll be sure to post pictures from all of it. :D

In short… Life is very busy, but life is very good.

Till next time!
Adieu!

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:44:40 GMT

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts."
(As You Like It, act 2, scene 7)

Perhaps one of the most striking lines in Shakespeare’s sociological statement is the last; …And one man in his time plays many parts. Sociology is often used to measure generations of people. However, my own life is an individual journey; progressing from one stage to the next. In this journey, I play many different parts; new responsibilities are given to me. But as in Shakespeare’s play, each role is designed to conclude in the culmination of the Play. No matter how many roles I take or new responsibilities come upon me, each is to fulfill the ultimate goal of life. To love God and enjoy Him forever.

Remember Me...

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:21:42 GMT

Creation in the Public Schools...?

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:13:12 GMT

Dear Mr. Grose: In response to your inquiry about my personal views concerning the “Case for DESIGN” as a viable scientific theory or the origin of the universe, life and man, I am pleased to make the following observations.

For me, the idea of a creation is not conceivable without evoking the necessity of design. One cannot be exposed to the law and order of the universe without concluding that there must be design and purpose behind it all. In the world round us, we can behold the obvious manifestations of an ordered, structured plan or design. We can see the will of the species to live and propagate. And we are humbled by the powerful forces at work on a galactic scale, and the purposeful orderliness of nature that endows a tiny and ungainly seed with the ability to develop into a beautiful flower. The better we understand the intricacies of the universe and all harbors, the more reason we have found to marvel at the inherent design upon which it is based.

While the admission of a design for the universe ultimately raises the question of a Designer (a subject outside of science), the scientific method does not allow us to exclude data which lead to the conclusion that the universe, life and man are based on design. To be forced to believe only one conclusion—that everything in the universe happened by chance—would violate the very objectivity of science itself.

Certainly there are those who argue that the universe evolved out of a random process, but what random process could produce the brain of a man or the system or the human eye?

Some people say that science has been unable to prove the existence of a Designer... They challenge science to prove the existence of God. But must we really light a candle to see the sun? Many men who are intelligent and of good faith say they cannot visualize a Designer. Well, can a physicist visualize an electron? The electron is materially inconceivable and yet it is so perfectly known through its effects that we use it to illuminate our cities, guide our airlines through the night skies and take the most accurate measurements.

What strange rationale makes some physicists accept the inconceivable electrons as real while refusing to accept the reality of a Designer on the ground that they cannot conceive Him? I am afraid that, although they really do not understand the electron either, they are ready to accept it because they managed to produce a rather clumsy mechanical model of it borrowed from rather limited experience in other fields, but they would not know how to begin building a model of God.

I have discussed the aspect of a Designer at some length because it might be that the primary resistance to acknowledging the “Case for Design” as a viable scientific alternative to the current “Case for Chance” lies in the inconceivability, in some scientists’ minds, of a Designer. The inconceivability of some ultimate issue (which will always lie outside scientific resolution) should not be allowed to rule out any theory that explains the interrelationship of observed data and is useful for prediction.

We in NASA were often asked what the real reason was for the amazing string of successes we had with our Apollo flights to the Moon. I think the only honest answer we could give was that we tried to never overlook anything. It is in that same sense of scientific honesty that I endorse the presentation of alternative theories for the origin of the universe, life and man in the science classroom. It would be an error to overlook the possibility that the universe was planned rather than happened by chance.

With kindest regards.

Sincerely,

Wernher von Braun

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/Giants/vonBraun/vonbraun_4.html

Triumphant...

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:15:26 GMT

The lawyer in any period occupies a peculiar position in human affairs, and from that position stem certain common experiences. The lawyer stands on middle ground. His sphere is swept by all the currents of life, especially its cross-currants. He is brought into contact with all kinds of people. He is the private go-between, the public intermediary, the international diplomat. The boundaries of his influence overlap the boundaries of all classes, all trades, and all professions. He is doctor and priest, yet he is necessarily more of a philosopher than the doctor of medicine and more of a scientist than the priest of religion. In analyzing human emotions he is a psychologist; in playing upon human emotions he is an artist; in marshaling facts to the support of his thesis he is a logician. In business he is a statesman; in statecraft he is a business man; in politics he is a humanist. In all things he is a moralist. But in adjusting his principles to the arts of his profession, he is a consummate sophist. He is a philosopher gone to market; a poet gone to court; a mental warrior fighting for peace.

~ Eternal Lawyer

*smiling*

The last couple days have been thrilling as I begin my new job at the Goddard Space Flight Center. It's more of a government job then legal... but my branch still emphasizes a lot of the same principles. I thought I'd already undergone most of the security requirements, but tomorrow I have to get fingerprinted, obtain my permanent badge, and then account (in detail) for the last seven years of my life. Roflol. That includes travels... where I went... what I did... Homes... details of past work environments... likes... dislikes... etc. etc. And it's all in the name of security. lol. It will be kind of fun driving to work every day flashing my badge to burly sunglass-wearing police officers and getting waved in. :D

At least...... hopefully I'll get waved in...

*brushes thought away* ;) lol.

Hope all is well with everybody!

Alex

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:15:33 GMT

Wheeeeeeeee :D

That’s just the feeling I get listening to Beach Boys. *laughing*… How is everybody?? So much has happened the last couple months it’s hard to describe, but here goes my latest valiant attempt.

First of all… some things never change. I’m still working. The Republicans are still my party (barely, lol). I’m attacking (what I hope to be) my last year of college. Traveling is very much my passion and the law is still my goal. It’s been interesting settling down and looking beyond school… realizing that my entire life has been focused on becoming a lawyer. Of course this is a worthy goal, but it’s definitely not the end of all things.

I know what it’s like to move through life… very business-like… determinedly knocking down obstacles so that (basically) I can move to the next goal and knock down some more. Generally for a young guy like me, the motivation is a simple desire for Success. Respect. Prestige. Even power. But for what cause? Say I have this dream of establishing International Law on something more absolute then the moral quandary it finds itself in today – caused by multiple religions and societies creating a hodgepodge of themselves. That’s definitely a worthy calling. Even so, the day to day schedule is pretty vague... and even boring. Anybody who has real life working experience knows that showing up at the office usually doesn’t translate into changing the world. lol.

About two years ago, I was the fella knocking down obstacles. Intellectual, sarcastic, proud; I didn’t really care what was in the way so long as I got where I wanted to go. Then something turned my head. *beginning to smile*… Call it a feeling… call it a “Hm” moment… lol. In essence, it was a glimmer where time froze for an instant and I saw someone worth loving. There are plenty of determined people who focus so much on where they need to go that they miss the beauty of a moment. Don’t misunderstand… Our life callings are definitely important. History books usually remember us for what we do at the end of our lives. But our lives are made worthwhile based on what we did along the way. The people touched. Our true Love. Our families. The momentary kindness. In the end, this is where our lives truly make a difference.

The redskins play tonight! *attempting to contain excitement*

*but failing miserably* Roflol

Family picture!

Ah, People… life is busy, but life is very, very good. The Summer has been incredible! Calvin and Billy (great friends) came up and we spent several days hanging out in Washington DC at a faaabulous hotel called the George Washington University Inn. We were centered right in the middle of the University grounds, so the atmosphere was incredible. Megannn also visited and we spent several days of absolute perfection walking around Annapolis... taking a boat onto the Harbor... talllking... eating at Carrols Creek with a gorgeous view... and just enjoying the moments. Life simply doesn’t get any sweeter. Then a week ago we rented an SUV and drove over 3,000 miles across ten states in five days… lol. I think I saw just about every weather pattern that the US experiences. lol.

To look forward to, I’m heading up to NY this September with my buddies Jeremy and Kevin. We plan to blend… no compassion on poor fashion… for compassion has no expression where NY and fashion are concerned. I think I have too many “Sh’s” in there, but no matter. *laughing*. Point is taken. :D

More to come soon! May each of you experience an Idyllic moment this weekend.

*One such moment*

Adieu!

Alex

The weekend is here!!!

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:43:48 GMT

And so am I, believe it or not. lol. Work is going really well at the moment. I’ve always wanted to work in a place where my Christianity wasn’t what got me there… and this Firm has been perfect. They are hard workers… they demand perfection (literally)… and for the most part they’re fun to be around. School is also going well. Paying for it without incurring any loans is definitely the hardest part of a College Education. It feels silly to pay 6,000 every eight weeks so you can add “credits” to a paper. lol. But it’s all part of the game.

A couple weeks ago I flew out to California for the wedding of a good friend. Time has definitely passed since then, but the memories were special enough to last forever. :) JC and Lauren exchanged wedding vows that were written with amazing depth and love and the reception afterwards was perfect… in no small part thanks to the Chocolate fountain. lol. The only problem (beside the fact that I forgot my camera…) was that I half expected to see the ocean as my flight touched down in Sacramento. Lol. The area was much more like Arizona then what you’d picture for the Golden State of Palm trees and beautiful sun tanned people. I did rent an extreeeemely comfortable SUV though so I didn’t mind driving at all.

After the Reception (which ended around 10:00pm), I decided Phoenix wasn't the lasting picture I wanted of California. lol. Sooo… I switched into spontaneous mode. :D Knowing that my flight left the next day at 8:30pm, I cancelled my hotel reservation for the night and drove another 300 miles North which gradually turned West. The lightning that lit up the mountains as I drove through was stunning. I don't think I've ever been so awestruck as when those flashes would reveal the incredible grandeur of those mountains. I got to the Coast around 2:30am… and collapsed on a hotel bed for about five hours of sleep. lol.

After waking and grabbing some coffee, I drove about 30 miles North along the Coast. It was a special moment when I first saw the Ocean. :) So much power… so unpredictable… and yet for all its unpredictability, so controlled. As I drove along I suddenly noticed a little gravel path barely wide enough for my SUV that disappeared right off the main road. It was completely unmarked and looked overgrown by foliage… but I figured that’s what SUV’s are for. :D Plus I hate touristy things… and this looked like the opposite of anything some person with white socks and tennis shoes would try out. lol.

My Car... though next time it will be Silver or Black. *nods*

The little trail turned out to be one of the most special parts of the trip. After about a quarter mile, the woods fell away and I found myself driving out onto a perrrfect deserted beach that looked right out of a movie. The scenery was stunning and somehow with my SUV parked at an angle… and my single line of footprints walking towards the Ocean… it seemed like part of a picture. :) I sat for about half an hour taking in the cliffs which completely surrounded the beach… the fresh air… the waves crashing endlessly. Definitely the best conditions for quiet reflection. Finally I bid this quiet haven of peace Adieu and drove 400 miles South to San Francisco… except this time I took the scenic route through the Redwood Forests. After San Francisco, I drove another two hours East through Napa Valley and some of the old Vineyards to Sacramento where I caught my flight back home... arriving at 6:30am and driving straight to work. Needless to say, I was pretty tired. ;) It was compleeetely worth it though and I look forward to going back.

I hope everyone has great weekend plans! Keep in touch… It’s great hearing from everyone.

Alex

P.S. I have a major pet peeve… it’s when someone races out onto a busy one lane road barely avoiding the oncoming traffic… and then settles into exactly the speed-limit. If a person is going to risk life and limb to get a head start, they really ought to drive at the same speed as the people behind them (at least). lol.

P.P.S. This is an interesting article.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:52:51 GMT

Just a really quick update. I'll give a fuller update soon. :)

I'm in Arizona right now! In another three hours or so I'll be in California for a friend's wedding. I'm enjoying the whole time zone issue of travelling eight or nine hours and only being charged for four or five. lol. It makes one feel very efficient. ;)

The last couple weeks have been almost non-stop with graduations, gatherings, church picnics, and Birthdays. It's amazing how quickly a person discovers their out-of-shapeness when they leave the winter months and attempt to play basketball and volleyball and tug-a-war (I'm getting to old for that, Lol) for eight hours straight. It's been completely enjoyable though. I enjoy seeing the leaders separate from the pack in all the competition.

Hope everyone has a remaaarkable weekend!!

Alex

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Sun, 06 May 2007 00:36:34 GMT

Spiderman!!! Yes, I went to see it today… and yes, the lines are still ridiculously long. lol. Honestly, I hate Spiderman based on the first two videos. But the third movie is always the climax that ties everything together, so I had to give it a chance.

Unfortunately, this one falls into the heart-wrenching category of “yes, you have to see it and no, it’s not worth seeing.”

All three films of Parker’s spidey experience deal with two major points. There’s the issue of forgiveness which Parker painfully sorts through with weepy eyes, a weaker voice, and just about every deer-in-the-headlights look imaginable. It’s a good thing they gave this guy a mask or he’d have looked like a flying emo teenager... with string. lol.

The much more intriguing point is how to balance great power (and the responsibility) with things like love and human emotion. The point is well made that with great power comes great responsibility. But to argue that great responsibility precludes the possibility for love or close friendship is ridiculous. Certainly love can be a weakness. Principles can be a weakness for that matter. But these things also become our strength. They make life worth living and defending. Ignore them and you get exactly what Spiderman became – a hopeless, lost, confused wreck.

I saw a review which mentioned Kirsten Dunst looking tired of doing barely enough to not look like the 1920s damsel in distress. It’s a good point, but I disagree. “MJ” turns in a performance that causes everybody to root for her – even moreso then Spiderman. Everybody else is either nasty, unworthy, or simply irrelevant/bad-guy-who-everybody-knows-will-die. Harry is an obvious exception, in my opinion. There's no question though that the girlfirend role of Katie Holmes (Batman Begins) is made much more effective as a sharp attorney wired into what is going on.

So. My first thought when Spiderman ended?

I wonder when Batman II is coming out………… lol

About a week ago we went to Hershey park with some friends… and had an increeedible time. The rollercoasters were freakishly thrilling. lol. How many times do you get shot from 0 – 75mph in less then three seconds while going up only to be vertically dropped about 180 feet... while being flipped upside down? I was literally dazed after that ride. lol.

On Stormrunner with Chelsea... getting ready.

We hadn't even left yet... lol. It's that nervewracking...

Have a great weekend everyone!

Alex