Square Pegs

September 11th Prayer

As people around the world remember the events of September 11th, here on Guam this year's Chief Selects are participating in the September 11th remembrance ceremony.  I know the events of that horrific day touched everyone differently, so I just wanted to share the prayer prepared by ITC (SEL) Toby Matlock here on Guam in remembrance ;

"Dear Heavenly Father,

We are gathered here on this difficult day to remember for all nations; those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Yet, the memories are still painful, we ask you to comfort those who mourn the lost of their love ones on that terrible day.

We pray we might become better a people and help make the world a better place. Thank you for the heroes, who are in distance lands that you will bless and watch over them as they have and are still making sacrifices for a common good for all men, women, and children around the world.

Heavenly Father, heal all those who were hurt and lives broken on that day. May they come to experience your presence and know your peace.

Amen."

Spring Storms

Few things shake my nerves like severe storms while sitting home alone, with both of the dogs whimpering and huddled up next to me, waiting for the roof to just cave in from howling wind and pelting rain.  It seems this spring has dumped an other-worldly amount of rain on Negishi, and I frequently wake up to black skies, gusting winds, and chilly temperatures....I sure wish Naval Housing heat was still on!! 

Having grown up in Oregon I'm sure no stranger to rain, and I'm not under the false impression that I'm made of sugar and will melt in a rainstorm, but hey, my inner Californian would like little sunshine!

The Laundry Monster

Between work, John, pets, and friends, it has been challenging the past few days to find any time to attack the growing threat in my laundry room called "The Laundry Monster"!  Whenever I have some spare moments, I've tried to change a load, but haven't had the chance to fold any of it yet.  I have to admit it is getting a little out of control.

The past week has been wildly busy and I'm still playing catch up with photos, e-mails, and correspondence, so I'm hoping to catch up on my blogging very soon in the next couple of days.  If you don't see a new blog in the next 48 hours, call the police, for it means that I have been brutally and mercilessly slain by the terrible laundry monster....

Do you have a permit for that?

Leave it to the American legal system to allow you to carry a human head in your bags for religious reasons, but nail you if don't you declare it at customs or have the proper permit for it. This was just the case in Ft. Lauderdale, FL this past week.  Supposedly this women was Haitian-born US resident and needed the head for voodoo to ward off evil spirits.  The head still had hair, teeth and skin...  Far be it from me to deny anyone their religious freedom, but I just wonder how she came to possess her ritual "trinket".  Am I the only one wondering whose head that is?  If I were the police, I'd be more concerned about a body missing a head rather than some missing paperwork.  I'd say the police should also check her bags for Bob Marley cd's and "special brownies" if she thinks carrying a human head into the airport will go off without a hitch.

What Would Chuck Norris Do?

Although I never really thought that Chuck Norris had a huge fan base, in the past month or so, I have become increasingly aware of the cult following that surrounds the Walker, Texas Ranger star, Chuck Norris.  During the many hours that John and I have spent in World of Warcraft's fantasy kingdom of Azeroth, the chat channels have been flooded with fans singing the praises of Chuck Norris.  Since you might also find this surprising, I've decided to post some of the more amusing "facts" about Chuck Norris.  Enjoy!!

1. Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried. Ever.
2. Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
3. Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
4. The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.
5. If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris, you may be only seconds away from death.
6. Chuck Norris has counted to infinity. Twice.
7. Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting implies
   the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
8. Chuck Norris' blood type is AK+. Ass-Kicking Positive. It is compatible only with heavy construction equipment, tanks, and fighter jets.
9. Chuck Norris is 1/8th Cherokee. This has nothing to do with ancestry, the man ate an Indian.
10. In fine print on the last page of the Guinness Book of World Records it notes that all world records are held by Chuck Norris, and those listed in the book are simply the closest anyone else has ever gotten.
11. There is no chin behind Chuck Norris' beard. There is only another fist.

For more Chuck Norris Facts, please visit The Chuck Norris "Facts" Website!

Dying for baseball....

When does instilling a competitive spirit and a drive to succeed in a child to go far?  Well, in Kyoto last Sunday, the line was definitely crossed- crossed into the point of no return when a 13 year old baseball player died of heat stroke and multiple organ failure after hours of disciplinary training from his coach. 

As I was reading this article, it really struck me how hard the children of Japan are pushed to succeed.  I see it daily in the pre-school where I work and it makes my stomach turn just a bit.  Although I am trying very hard to sheppard the children in the direction that will enable to live up to the high expectations placed in their fragile shoulders, I have resolved to try and make it as fun as possible for them.  They have so many years ahead to be watching the clock, long hours of overtime, and piling onto crowded trains full of business people whose heads are full of figures and numbers- why start so early?

It reminds me of the Jane Austin's Sense & Sensibility when Elinor is wishing Marianne was more "acquainted with the ways of the world" and colonel Brandon relates a tragic story of a young girl too quickly "acquainted with the ways of the world" and had her life ruined because of it.

Colonel Brandon: Your sister seems very happy.
Elinor Dashwood: Yes. Marianne does not approve of hiding her emotions. In fact, her romantic prejudices have the unfortunate tendency to set propriety at naught.
Colonel Brandon: She is wholly unspoilt.
Elinor Dashwood: Rather too unspoilt, in my view. The sooner she becomes acquainted with the ways of the world, the better.
Colonel Brandon: I knew a lady very like your sister - the same impulsive sweetness of temper - who was forced into, as you put it, a better acquaintance with the world. The result was only ruination and despair. Do not desire it, Miss Dashwood.

These children of Japan are wholly unspoilt- soon will come the day they are taught to hide their emotions, conform to strict social standards and feel the unbearable pressure of the work force.  It is unfortunate these children are being pushed too hard too early.