Top Ten Reasons I love Technology

My cousin’s wife, nely recently wrote a blog about her top ten reasons why I love technology and at the end she encouraged her readers to put their top ten reasons they love technology to pen. So instead of posting a comment I decided to steal it and make it my own.
So here it goes………drum roll please……..

Number Ten ………. Text Messaging, what a great tool for me to keep track of information   that I can’t remember in the context of a normal phone conversation. It also lets me hang out with my friends and text some cute girl at the same time.  When those awesome friends of mine send me words of inspiration, I know I can always turn back to that text message and reread it as long as I haven’t lost my phone again. And last but not least if I don’t want to have a long phone conversation with someone but need to get info from
them or to them I can always text them, oh yeah and I can let a bunch of people know things all at one time.

Number Nine ……… Cel phones. What would I do without my cel phone. I love it I hate it. It helps me keep in touch with people or lets them keep in touch with me even when I don’t want them to, i.e. work. But my cel phone not only puts me in touch but keeps me organized. I always have my calendar, an ability to make notes, read my bible, text the cute girl I am crushing on, listen to music, jump on the internet, follow football, and etc. etc. etc. It also lets me keep in touch with family and friends across the country
without paying an outrageous amount in long distance bills.

Number Eight …….. The Net. How much worthless information can one get, haha never enough if you want to dominate the game show circles. It lets me email, blog, read, learn, entertain myself with mindless dribble, find recipes (me thinks me is a great cook, just check out my waste line), get my daily workouts, watch my fights and evaluate them, and figure out why my heroes are my heroes, get the surf report, tide charts for diving, and even find some of those secret spots no one will tell you about but some monkey happened
to post online.

Number Seven ……. Ipod/PSP/Portable entertainment. I loved my walkman when I had one back in the day, but man technology has made it even cooler. Now I can play games, listen to music, and play on the Net. When you are on a long plane ride to DC or a busride home from work, nothing like drowning out the rest of the world while you are listening to Lawyers Guns and Money.

Number Six ……….. Xbox 360, hello video games are awesome time wasters and a great way to forget about the real world for a sec and veg out. Plus now I can play and
communicate with my friends on the mainland without having to be in the same place at the same time.

Number Five ………. High Def TVs, rock if you don’t have one go get one. IT is freakin amazing I mean can you imagine seeing Joe Theisman getting crushed by LT, the
original LT not the new one, in HD.

Number Four ……… Digitize it, love digital videos and pictures. Digital cams have opened up underwater photography for all of us who can’t even take a picture above water or below. Digital videos have allowed me to archive me looking like a big wuss falling out of the sky or record my fights forever.

Number Three ……. High Definition Optics. Technology has allowed Oakley to create the best in high definition optics so when i look through those beautiful sun glasses I can see the world as it was meant to be seen, not all distorted and crappy like well haha I don’t want to defame any company. Plus now I can listen to my ipod and talk on my cel phone through my sunglasses that should qualify it just on coolness alone.

Number Two ……… Editing, Grammar Check, Spell Check, Research, Word Processing, all in one I am a terrible speller as you can probably tell by these posts but man what an awesome help technology has been in helping me with some of these little details. I would be in so much trouble with courts not accepting my briefs cause I can’t spell or use its properly. Thank God for grammar check.

Number One ……… Air Conditioning.  I know that sounds lame but when you are a fat sweaty guy who likes  to sit on the couch, air conditioning is a life saver. IT helps when I have my migraines, or cool down after a work out, or stay cool before a hot date with this gorgeous girl I know, help me stay cool in the car, so I don’t get all sweaty palmed before I hold her hand, helps me concentrate in class or do my work, cause I have the hardest time concentrating when i feel all sweaty and gross. So thats the bottom line, my story, and I am sticking to it.

Seven Wonders of Hawaii

Calling all citizens of the great State of Hawaii and all Hawaii ex-pats, come one, come all, and vote – not for the future monkey leader of the greatest nation in the world – but for the Seven Wonders of Hawaii (duh didn’t you read the title)

So folks go to the Star Bulletin Website , check out the potential seven wonders of Hawaii, download the entry form, and vote for what you think.

Here are my seven choices, but that is just me. Feel free to vote your conscience and your hearts.

1. Diamond Head. If there is one quintessential image that represents Hawaii it is Lēʻahi, more affectionately known as Diamond Head. It was given the name Diamond Head by sailors in the 1800s that found calcite crystals that looked like Diamonds. The crater is home to some of the most exquisite views and was used as a base for navigational fires to guide ancient Hawaiians traveling along the southeast shore in their canoes.
2. Hanauma Bay. Another landmark of Hawaii is some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. While time has been cruel to this amazing bay, it still holds a beauty and wonder to all that bask in her warm waters. Some of us may remember the rush of sliding down “toilet bowl” or snorkeling for the very first time. Where else in the world can you see such diverse sea creatures from the endangered monk seal to tiny sea horses? This iconic landmark has to be on the list of the seven wonders of Hawaii.
3. Iolani Palace. The only palace on American soil, home to the first legislature of the State of Hawaii, home to Hawaiian Royalty, and a symbol of Hawaii’s past and culture this architectural wonder has to land on the list of the Seven Wonders of Hawaii. It has played such an integral part of Hawaii’s history and possibly its future that it is on my list of the seven wonders of Hawaii.
4. Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. This moving tribute to the second most devastating attack on American soil deserves a place on this list not only for its historical relevance but for its natural wonders as well. The Harbor was filled with pearl producing oysters until the 1800s. Pearl Harbor now houses the US Navy, the Arizona Memorial, and Battleship Missouri.
5. Kalaupapa. A place of natural beauty that has been preserved by the need to be isolated, as it housed many who suffered from Hansen’s Disease. But this little slice of heaven should not be here because of its beauty but for the spirit of Aloha that flowed from this place. While people did not want to deal with those who suffered from this dreaded disease, Father Damien exuded the Aloha Spirit and served these people with love and compassion. While outcasts to society these people became the embodiment of Ohana and the Aloha Spirit.
6. Na Pali Coast. At the end of the rainbow is a pot of gold and at the end of the Na Pali Coast is Kalalau. Another one of Hawaii’s natural wonders that is so difficult to get to it remains in pristine condition. The only way in is a difficult 12 mile hike or zodiac through rough water. It is these rough waters that shaped the landscape and make the Na Pali Coast one of the great natural wonders of Hawaii. Like a diamond that has been shaped over thousands of years the Na Pali Coast sparkles on the island of Kauai calling to those with an adventurous spirit an experience that can not be rivaled. And if the natural beauty is not enough be prepared to encounter some wild nudist who inhabit the area.
7. Koolau Cliffs. Saving the best for last, I chose the Koolau cliffs. This wonder is my view every morning. When I wake up I am blessed with an amazing view of the majestic Koolaus. In the shade of the Koolaus you can find rest and relaxation. Separating the hustle and bustle of Honolulu this imposing wall protects the windward side, keeping the country country. It is also the site of one of the most amazing battles in Hawaiian history cementing the legend and awe of Kamehameha the great. In this beautiful range you will find the great Pali lookout, where you can lean over and let the wind hold you up. If geology is your thing or tsunamis the Koolaus can satisfy your hunger as well. This is my number one choice for the seven wonders, but I put it here because like all things I love to save the best for last.

So this is my list. I would have loved to see some other places on here like Mauna Loa, Fern Grotto, Jaws, Pipeline, the State Capitol, and other similar places this is a pretty good list.

Valentine’s Day

When I think of the month of February I think Lincoln’s birthday, the bar exam, and maybe Mardi Gras, but walking through the stores I notice a lot of red and all these specials for heart shaped nonsense, and I realize valentine’s day is also in February. Which reminded me of an email I got a few years ago which I am going to post here, but let me put a disclaimer here real quick…I do not endorse the language used in this and therefore will edit all curse words with symbols and this is meant to be funny so laugh.

		Hearts and roses and kisses galore...
		What the hell is all that s%^t for?
		People get mushy and start acting queer
		It is definatley the most annoying day of the year
		This day needs to get the hell over with and pass
		Before i shove a dozen roses up Cupid's a$$                                       I'll spend the day so drunk I can't speak
		And wear all black for the rest of the week
		Guys act all sweet, but it soon will fade
		For all they are doing is trying to get laid
		The arrow Cupid shot at me must not have hit
		Because I think love is a crock of shit
     	        So heres my story...what else can I say?
       	        Love bites my a$$...F@#k Valentines Day!

Haha so this is not really how I feel about Valentine’s Day, I don’t like it but I don’t hate it. I also don’t like Christmas. Actually I totally dig Christmas and Valentine’s Day, I just don’t dig the commercialism. Like seriously what’s up with Valentine’s Day. Why is there supposed to be one special day when I have to show the person I love that I really love them? This totally doesn’t make sense to me. Shouldn’t you be showing that kind of love and affection on a fairly daily basis? And if you need one special day a year, shouldn’t that be something like an anniversary? I think of myself as a capitalist, but it just seems wrong that companies would prey on people’s insecurities of love and relationships and exploit them to make a buck.

The same thing applies to Christmas. Christmas has become about gift receiving and selfish motives. What it is really about is celebrating the birth of Jesus, and celebrating God’s ultimate gifts to us bananas. If we can’t recognize that then what’s the point. It is very easy to get caught up in all the gift giving and commercialism, but really we all need to remember the reason for the season. I guess I could go on and continue to rail on holidays, but thats not the point. I just wanted to vent a little on the craziness of holidays.

Man Laws

Haha it is funny how men really aren’t being men now days.  For some reason men are not taking their responsibilities as men seriously.  I am not sure what is causing this, but whatever it is, it needs to stop.  Men be men and always follow Man Laws…..Haha!

1. Friends don’t let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.
2. If a man’s fly is down, that’s his problem, you didn’t see anything.
3. Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing: i.e., both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.
4. There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men’s Gymnastics. Ever.
5. On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.
6. Shotgun is shotgun.
7. Never leave your wingman (Top Gun references OK)
8. Always observe the safety seat at a theater even if said show is sold out.  This applies to the bathroom as well, always use the safety urinal.
9. Under no circumstancs may two men share an umbrella.
10. Do not torpedo single friends.
11. If a Man’s zipper is down, thats his problem, you didn’t see anything.
12. The only time dicking a buddy over for a girl is when she rates a 8 or higher on the 1-10 scale
13. There is never an occasion in which a shirt without buttons can be tucked in, except if participating in a sporting event, as an athlete not a spectator.
14. In an empty room, car, etc. a man can not ask another man if he is mad because he isn’t talking
15. A man shall never help another man apply sun tan oil.
16. No admitting pain or saying ouch
17. If a hot girl shall happen to pass by while you are in arms reach of your buddy, you must, and will, tap him on the shoulder to make him aware of the babe.
18. Any dispute lasting any longer than 3 minutes will and must be settled by rock, paper, scissors, or a prolongated war.
19. No man shall spend more than 2 minutes in front of the mirror.
20. No kicking another male in the balls, not ever.  If you were a real man you would be able to knock the other person out like a man

Haha these were just 20 I pulled off the Net.  There are so many more and all men should follow these.

One Thing

The other day in church our pastor gave us a few questions to think about. It was a different way to give a sermon, but a good one. Part of the problem with Christianity is that people think that they can “do good,” go to church, and things will be all good. The fact of the matter is that there is a lot more to it and a lot less. IT is about a relationship with Jesus, but I am getting off track, which I always do, but oh well.

So to the fun part the questions and my responses…….

1) What is the one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

The funny thing about this question is that people assume that God is this far out mystical being that doesn’t have any interaction with the people He created. He totally wants to hang out with us and talk with us and have a real relationship with us. You know what makes a relationship good is being able to enjoy each other. Sometimes its the simple act of just hanging out or one of those way existential chats about everything and nothing. So I think for me to enjoy God more is to spend more time with him. Spend more time chatting with him – praying and not just asking for things like to hook me up with the hot chick I am going to one day marry or passing the bar -, checking out his way cool ramblings in His blog – The Bible -, and reminding myself of how uberly blessed I am – cause I have the most killerest friends, family, food, crazy job, and all kinds of cool stuff.

2) What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

Too many a folk my most humanly impossible thing is not that impossible to others, but to me it seems super impossible. Passing the bar exam, it seems like an easy task, you bust your but, study, and before you know it people are referring to you as Esquire (the lawyer not the magazine, I think that is a magazine) Well, haha, for me I have done it twice and have not been able to be referred to as Esquire yet. I believe in perseverance so I will keep on keeping on, and while this may seem impossible to me, I know its not cause all things are possible.

And just in case that wasn’t impossible enough I figure finding a wife would be another good impossibility to ask God for. Finding the perfect woman…….for me it seems tough. Its not like I have that high standards, I simply want her to love God more than anything, is actively practicing her relationship with God (not religion), be smoking hot, be intelligent, want a family, be athletic, love the ocean (be really nice if she surfs and can teach me how to turn cause I can only go straight in the whitewash), funny, not boring, and someone I can talk to all the time and not be bored, and thats about it. I know that sounds like a lot but it really isn’t cause a lot of this is negotiable with the exception of the first two requirements.

Hmm I guess that was two seemingly impossible things, but haha its my answer.

3) What is the single most important thing you could to improve the quality of your family life this year?

This was a hilarious question when it was brought up in church. Our church has a lot of single guys, and I kid you not most of us thought haha we need to get a family first. Haha so see Q2.

4) In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you about it?

First of all what are spiritual disciplines? I stole this from the American Association of Christian Churches and they start off by saying the key to spiritual growth is training. Training is hard work, like exercise and dieting to build strong physical bodies, and requires discipline. Spiritual disciplines draw us closer to God. They are practices that help us overcome the sins that separate us from God. So of course I ask what are some of these practices, but I couldn’t get it from them cause I think I had to buy a book or something and I didn’t so I continue on my google search. I found these from the Worldwide Church of God and I didn’t read all of their little articles, I thought the basics of the headins were good enough to get me moving and thinking so here is a list of disciplines they have come up with a) Grace b)Prayer c)Silence and Solitude d)Study e)Fasting f)Meditation g)Submission h)Service i)Guidance j)Confession k)Worship l)Celebration m)Whole Life Stewardship. So which of these disciplines should I work on, its tough because all of these aspects of my life could use some tuning up. It seems like since I have a laundry list of impossibilities it seems like fasting would be a good discipline to work on for this year. Fasting is not about abusing yourself but it is about kicking the intensity of your spirituality and intercession up a notch. So what am I going to do about it, well I will probably read a bit on fasting cause I realize I really don’t have much of a clue about it and start putting it to work, cause Faith without actions is worthless. Its kinda like my pastor likes to say you can read a book about working out but unless you actually work out the reading was kind of worthless(not exactly what he said but my interpretation of what he has said).

5) What is the single biggest time waster in your life and what will you do about it this year?

Its kind of strange but so far this year there doesn’t seem to be a lot of time wasters, although when I am not so busy the biggest time wasters in my life can be divided into the internet and tv. Both are mindless forms of entertainment. I am not sure what I am going to do about it, but I think it would be prudent for me to reduce my non work internet activities and television watching. Hmm, haha, this seems really funny to me because one of my biggest frustrations or complaints about my job is that it seems like my service providers don’t necessarily want accountability through goals and outcomes. Basically this means that they get bummed out when we say we are only going to pay them for results, which it seems like I am kind of doing here. I know I need to reduce these timewasters but I am fearful to set goals in relation to reducing these timewasters, I’ll have to come back to this one. Which on a totally different note seems kind of funny to me cause haha I am spending a lot of time on this blog, which is on the internet so am I wasting time?? Haha

6)What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?

I don’t think there is any new thing I could do to strengthen my church, but instead I could use the gifts that God has given me to strengthen my church instead of leaving those gifts in a closet being unused. I think God has given me a gift of perseverance (I always seem to put myself into bad spots but I keep on trucking), a gift of evangelism(I am always talkin to random new folks, and a gift of teaching(well the gift of gab, which is also probably why I want to be a litigator). I need to use these gifts to better my church. I could teach in small groups or in the big group. I could keep inviting folks to church and not giving up when someone tells me no. I think that this could be the biggest help I could be to my church.

7) For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?

I gotta say this one is kind of selfish of me, but the top three people I want to find Jesus this year is my family – mom, dad, sister, and grandma. For this year though I think it has to be grandma, she probably has the shortest time here (well kind of looking at the circumstances, not that she has a foot in the grave, but she is the oldest and has the most health problems) but then you never know, the people you love are here today, but will they be here tomorrow or will they run into one of the thousands of crazies living in our islands and be gone.

8)What is the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year?

Wow this is a toughy, I tend to live with the mantra the past is the past fuhget about it and move forward yo. So i don’t think about the past too much or am very reflective so that is a tough one. I figure if I can keep up with spending time with God chatting, readin his blog, and fastin I should be in pretty good shape, well at least decent shape.

9) What is the one thing you could to improve your prayer life this year?

I think about most of how I pray and I spend a lot of time asking for stuff. I really think I need to spend more time just talkin with God, how are things going? Whats shaking? Thank you for being a super duper awesome God and for the grace and love you show me even though I totally don’t deserve it. I think that this could definitely improve my prayer life and again going back to the fasting thing those things could definitely change my prayer life a whole bunch. Then again maybe there are some things I am missing about prayer, definitely needs more thought.

10) and this is the end…What is the single thing that you plan to do this year that will matter most in ten years? For Eternity?

Haha have you been reading this blog, all the way to the end? Haha cause if you did it seems like any one of the previous questions could address the one thing that I could do that will matter most in ten years or eternity. Praying for salvation for my family, who knows what kind of crazy awesome impact that could have in ten years or eternity. Improving my fasting discipline, who knows what impact that could have on so many people in ten years or what about using my gifts who knows what one thing will matter in ten years. You know sometimes its the smallest gestures that make the biggest impact. One day you could be walking down the street and flip a couple bucks to a guy on a corner and your single act of kindness could change his whole world and he ends up changing the world. So the one thing I would try and do this year that would make a difference or matter most in ten years or eternity would be to do whatever God calls me to do. I know that seems like a cop out, but what bigger impact could you have? God doesn’t ask us to do something that means nothing. he has a purpose for all of us and seeking out and doing that purpose I believe will have the biggest impact and will matter in ten years. I guess ultimately it is not one thing its a lot of small things. You know its kind of like trying to get organized – you can’t only get a calendar, you can’t only put dates in it, you can’t only straighten out your stuff, but its all of those little things that will organize you.