"One", Physics, lost wallet

I recently updated my computer equipment, got a fast internet connection at home, and thus was able to update my music collection legally via Napster. It’s nice to have some new songs to listen to. One of the long-time staples of my collection is U2’s “One.” I recently downloaded a version that Mary J. Blige sings along with Bono. It’s funny, I’ve probably heard the song thousands of times but when Mary was singing, one of the lyrics affected me as though I had never heard it. The line is, “have you come here to play Jesus to the lepers in your head?” What a beautifully creative line. Doesn’t everyone need relief from all the angry, negative, hurtful things we carry with us every day of our lives?

I guess I kind of have two points. 1) Everyone should play Jesus with the lepers in their head. Even if you’re not a JC fan. And 2) sometimes you can hear the same thing from the same voice over and over again, and it just never means anything. And then, you hear the same thing from a different voice, and that makes all the difference in getting the message to sink in.

I’ve been singing in my church’s choir since September. It’s been an all-around positive experience for me. I’ve gotten to hang out with good people, performing good music, and I think my voice has gotten better. I also now have access to the church’s concert-quality baby grand piano. Sooooooo fun. Anyhow, one of the singers in the group is a little odd. I’ve noticed from the first day I met her. I couldn’t put my finger on what was wrong though.

Yesterday, we got talking about school and engineering and physics and she asked me if my high school physics teacher had encouraged me to pursue physics or engineering. I didn’t know where she was going with that question so I told her that he had motivated me to study engineering. She told me that physicists and engineers think differently and that she is a trained physicist, along with 4 of her kids. A light bulb went on in my mind, “That’s what it is…”

My mom acknowledges that she has a hard time making decisions when there are a myriad of options. Choosing materials for home improvement is her idea of hell. Since I visit Home Depot for fun, I often make choices for her in this area and she always seems so grateful. I don’t often have a hard time making decisions for myself, home improvement or otherwise. But I just have been made aware of the joy of having many unpleasant options reduced down to one not-so-unpleasant option. It's quite freeing.

I lost my wallet today. I’m so annoyed with myself (grrrr) but I think I'm ready to play Jesus to the lepers in my head and forgive myself.