My girlfriend Sarah is in the midst of a graduate progam at Brown University (www.sarahmastersbrown.blogspot.com). She is pursuing a masters degree in Public Health and, like her beauty, the depth of her brilliance is endless. Earlier this Spring she was accepted for a fellowship which will allow her to travel to El Salvador for up to 12 weeks and study sustainable agriculture and food aid. Initially I was excited about the idea of going with her for part of her trip. However, in recent weeks the reality of my situation has decended upon me like a swarm of bees on a pollen saturated field of flowers. The situation that prevents me from realistically traveling with Sarah can be summed up in one word: Debt.
I have a substantial amount of student debt to pay off from my time as an undergraduate at Saint Michael's College. Along with this debt I have a monthly car payment, monthly rent, monthly utilites, weekly gas for my car and groceries for my belly. As these responsibilities came to fruition in my mind, I became more and more bitter about Sarah's trip. Right now I can say with honesty that I was beyond immature. I was childish. I acted as if I was the 7 year old crying at a classmate's birthday party because I was not receiving any gifts. Fortunately, Sarah and I had a long talk about how my position on the situation has hurt her feelings. After this talk I was able to reflect on my situation with debt and have become more peaceful about this financial burden. At the same time, I have clarified my reality and have centered my debt-laced chi.
Project on Student Debt has reported that the average level of debt for graduating seniors with student loans in 2008 was 23,200 dollars(projectonstudentdebt.org). Reading this, I feel as though I am with the pack as far as statistics go. I became bitter and jealous about this because many of my friends graduated with no debt, and have the freedom to move around, travel, and live with more financial ease. With Sarah, I was particularly jealous because she is able to travel with a fellowship and I am not. Much reflection has been spent on this idea and I feel I have come out with a clearer idea of my place in the world right now.
My reality is not travelling to El Salvador to film a documentary. Sarah has worked incredibly hard for this opprtunity and she deserves it and more. My reality is living in Providence, working at a group home, and becoming involved with the community I live in. I have debt that needs to be paid. That is my reality. Knowing this does not and should not prevent me from becoming a more active member of my community and a better person. Of course I want to travel the world with Sarah and of course I will miss her like no other. But right now, that is not my reality. Right now I need to concentrate on helping my clients at the group home live happy and healthy lives. This is my reality. Feeling bitter and jealous about Sarah's trip was a new low for me. With this, however, I've been able to gain a new perspective of Providence that I did not see before. My reality is clearer to me now than ever before and I with this comes excitement for what the summer will bring.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"Love One Another, And Vote As I Too"
Although the Catholic Church is steeped in a global scandal involving sexual abuse committed by priests, I'd like to write about a scandal that is closer to home. The Portland Press Herald on March 24, 2010 reported "The bishop and a national organization end financial support after Preble Street backs same-sex marriage" (Diocese penalizes homeless aid group, 3/24/10). Because Homeless Voices for Justice, an organization within Preble Street, supported no on 1 to repeal the Gay Marriage Bill last November, the Bishop has authorized taking 17,400 dollars as well as an additional 33,000 from the Preble Street.
The money the bishop has authorized to take away would, in my opinion, undoubtedly have gone directly to the benefit of homeless people. I'm very skeptical to believe the money would have gone to phone banks, donation drives, or other actions to directly support the no on 1 campaign. In fact, to everyone's knowledge, this is true. The group took a stand on the issue because, as an organization supporting people from all walks of life, they have a moral obligation to help people from all walks of life. Funny, I thought that's what the Catholic Church strives to do as well?
By taking away money that would have benefited hundreds of people who are supported by Homeless Voices for Justice, Bishop Malone has helped transform the Portland Diocese into a hypocrisy I hope many will begin to notice. The Golden Rule that is spoke in Church time and again, "Love one another as I have loved you", should now read "Love one another, as long as you vote with me, too".
Forget the fact that the politics of the Catholic Church slay the rights of human beings all across Southern Maine, Bishop Malone has revolutionized the role of the Catholic Church, specifically in Maine, and it's time for Catholics everywhere to stand as one against the hypocrisy and lack of respect that Bishop Malone has expressed to the homeless across Southern Maine. His decision to rescind the money given to Homeless Voices for Justice is petty, disrespectful, and pathetic. He not only supports denying thousands of people across Maine a basic civil right, his actions now create a much more difficult obstacle for homeless men and women to overcome.
I hope people continue to donate to the Church. I only suggest that instead of blindly throwing money into a wicker basket that is passed around on Sunday, give it directly to your pastor and ask him directly in the eye "where will this money go". If he cannot provide an answer, or the answer is a weak talking point, I would kindly turn around, walk out the door, and give the cash or rewrite a check to the nearest social service agency.
I think it may be appropriate to end this bluntly: The total funds taken back from Homeless Voices for Justice by the Catholic Church totals at least 50,400 dollars. Please think about how many homeless men, women, and children could have benefited from these funds.
The money the bishop has authorized to take away would, in my opinion, undoubtedly have gone directly to the benefit of homeless people. I'm very skeptical to believe the money would have gone to phone banks, donation drives, or other actions to directly support the no on 1 campaign. In fact, to everyone's knowledge, this is true. The group took a stand on the issue because, as an organization supporting people from all walks of life, they have a moral obligation to help people from all walks of life. Funny, I thought that's what the Catholic Church strives to do as well?
By taking away money that would have benefited hundreds of people who are supported by Homeless Voices for Justice, Bishop Malone has helped transform the Portland Diocese into a hypocrisy I hope many will begin to notice. The Golden Rule that is spoke in Church time and again, "Love one another as I have loved you", should now read "Love one another, as long as you vote with me, too".
Forget the fact that the politics of the Catholic Church slay the rights of human beings all across Southern Maine, Bishop Malone has revolutionized the role of the Catholic Church, specifically in Maine, and it's time for Catholics everywhere to stand as one against the hypocrisy and lack of respect that Bishop Malone has expressed to the homeless across Southern Maine. His decision to rescind the money given to Homeless Voices for Justice is petty, disrespectful, and pathetic. He not only supports denying thousands of people across Maine a basic civil right, his actions now create a much more difficult obstacle for homeless men and women to overcome.
I hope people continue to donate to the Church. I only suggest that instead of blindly throwing money into a wicker basket that is passed around on Sunday, give it directly to your pastor and ask him directly in the eye "where will this money go". If he cannot provide an answer, or the answer is a weak talking point, I would kindly turn around, walk out the door, and give the cash or rewrite a check to the nearest social service agency.
I think it may be appropriate to end this bluntly: The total funds taken back from Homeless Voices for Justice by the Catholic Church totals at least 50,400 dollars. Please think about how many homeless men, women, and children could have benefited from these funds.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
He is Risen He is Risen!!!
As a lifelong Catholic I wanted to take today, being Easter, to write about the importance of family, faith, and renewal.
Easter for me has always been a time to gather with friends and family to share food and fellowship and celebrate the idea that our God, Jesus Christ, has risen. Now, when it comes to religion, I'm very introverted. In fact, I was contemplating evening blogging about it. I am blogging about Easter and how it can relate to our lives because I think this is a great opportunity to take a day and think about the renewal of a season, and how we can renew a part of our life. Today, thinking of how Christ has risen, we can take steps to rise with him to greater heights. With this I mean we can be greater husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, uncles, and aunts. We can strive to rise to new heights for the benefit of our community and more specifically the ones we love.
Two days ago, on Good Friday, Catholics around the world remembered the death of Jesus Christ. Growing up, I was always taught in school that Christ died for our sins and for the sins of all humanity. Today my experiences with traveling and studying other cultures has renewed my idea of why Christ died. I believe Christ was a rogue. I believe his actions were wildly unpopular. I believe he died because he conducted work within his community that benefited countless numbers of people while angering a few, very powerful people. I urge you to think of Christ's death as a sacrifice for working towards the health and well being of people all over the world. We too can continue Christ's work of helping others, hopefully with risks other than death. We should strive to overcome the taboos, stereotypes, and political backlash that can prevent us from doing Christ's work- helping others in times of need. Are gay rights popular in the Catholic Church? Women's rights? They may not be. But the Christ I worship would rise above the politics and taboo of society and help those who are marginalized and persecuted.
And so today, my loyal readers, I wish for you an opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. I hope this post gives you a different idea of what Christ's death and resurrection are all about. We can renew our lives and act as Christ did- for the benefit of beings everywhere.
Peace.
Easter for me has always been a time to gather with friends and family to share food and fellowship and celebrate the idea that our God, Jesus Christ, has risen. Now, when it comes to religion, I'm very introverted. In fact, I was contemplating evening blogging about it. I am blogging about Easter and how it can relate to our lives because I think this is a great opportunity to take a day and think about the renewal of a season, and how we can renew a part of our life. Today, thinking of how Christ has risen, we can take steps to rise with him to greater heights. With this I mean we can be greater husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, uncles, and aunts. We can strive to rise to new heights for the benefit of our community and more specifically the ones we love.
Two days ago, on Good Friday, Catholics around the world remembered the death of Jesus Christ. Growing up, I was always taught in school that Christ died for our sins and for the sins of all humanity. Today my experiences with traveling and studying other cultures has renewed my idea of why Christ died. I believe Christ was a rogue. I believe his actions were wildly unpopular. I believe he died because he conducted work within his community that benefited countless numbers of people while angering a few, very powerful people. I urge you to think of Christ's death as a sacrifice for working towards the health and well being of people all over the world. We too can continue Christ's work of helping others, hopefully with risks other than death. We should strive to overcome the taboos, stereotypes, and political backlash that can prevent us from doing Christ's work- helping others in times of need. Are gay rights popular in the Catholic Church? Women's rights? They may not be. But the Christ I worship would rise above the politics and taboo of society and help those who are marginalized and persecuted.
And so today, my loyal readers, I wish for you an opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. I hope this post gives you a different idea of what Christ's death and resurrection are all about. We can renew our lives and act as Christ did- for the benefit of beings everywhere.
Peace.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
A little less wise.
Yesterday, April 2, at 9:00 AM in Greenville, Rhode Island, I had my four wisdom teeth extracted. It was a bizarre experience!
Now unfortunately, I've had my fair share of Novocain in my life, so yesterday was no surprise in that respect. What was a surprise was the idea that the "laughing gas" was supposed to calm my nerves, and bring me to a more manageable place, when in fact, I didn't feel any different! Sarah has explained to me that it worked because I was so easy to deal with. Either way, I didn't feel high or happy or "laughy".
Nevertheless, when I first sat in the dentist's chair, the nurse explained to me how the procedure would go forth. First: the gas. Calm the nerves, float the mind. Second: Inject the Novocain. With more than one cavity, this didn't really startle me. What startled me was the last step: Extraction.
For close to an hour I had a guy with a scalpel, a one-pronged fork, and an occasional drill snapping, crunching, pulling, pushing, and drilling his way to each of my four wisdom teeth. He was great, explaining each step before he went forth and letting me know when things might be a little extra uncomfortable. By the time he reached my last tooth, the Novocain was wearing off and I needed a couple extra shots to really mask the fact that he was drilling a hole not too far from my jaw bone, yanking tooth from my head. The entire procedure, start to finish, was a little over an hour. And with the help of an Ipod that was blasting Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue", it was almost enjoyable!
Sarah drove me in the morning and when I met her out in the waiting room, I saw that she bought me a heart shaped balloon tied to a part pack of chocolate pudding!! It was a great way to meet the world after having my mouth assaulted with various tools, drugs, and maneuvers. She drove me home and made me a nice bed on our couch, caring for me and helping me be as comfortable as possible. Soon, her mom was there as well. When Sarah's mom arrived at our place, Sarah ran out to grab my prescriptions (a pain killer and an antibiotic). It was only about two hours until the Novocain wore off and let me assure all of you: when it did, I was in more pain than I have ever felt in my life. Now, I guess when I think about that means I've been pretty lucky in my life. Whatever, call me a baby, but I was in more pain yesterday than I can ever remember.
About an hour after Sarah's mom arrived, my mom and her friend Judy came down from Maine. It was so great to have four women who I love caring for me in my time of pain and anguish!! I rested for another couple of hours, took a pain killer, then got in the car for the three hour drive to Maine. I know many of you are reading this thinking I was a fool to get in that car for the ride home, and yes I am a little less wise (pun intended), but being Easter weekend, it just felt right to go home. I slept for most of the ride and when I got home I had my dad, sister, and my mum here to take care of me.
So, the day went according to plan. I most definitely underestimated the amount of pain I would be in after the procedure, but I survived with the help of Sarah and her mom taking care of me right after the appointment, my mom and Judy taking me home, and my dad and sister providing help once I arrived in Maine. Thanks to all who helped!!!
Peace.
Now unfortunately, I've had my fair share of Novocain in my life, so yesterday was no surprise in that respect. What was a surprise was the idea that the "laughing gas" was supposed to calm my nerves, and bring me to a more manageable place, when in fact, I didn't feel any different! Sarah has explained to me that it worked because I was so easy to deal with. Either way, I didn't feel high or happy or "laughy".
Nevertheless, when I first sat in the dentist's chair, the nurse explained to me how the procedure would go forth. First: the gas. Calm the nerves, float the mind. Second: Inject the Novocain. With more than one cavity, this didn't really startle me. What startled me was the last step: Extraction.
For close to an hour I had a guy with a scalpel, a one-pronged fork, and an occasional drill snapping, crunching, pulling, pushing, and drilling his way to each of my four wisdom teeth. He was great, explaining each step before he went forth and letting me know when things might be a little extra uncomfortable. By the time he reached my last tooth, the Novocain was wearing off and I needed a couple extra shots to really mask the fact that he was drilling a hole not too far from my jaw bone, yanking tooth from my head. The entire procedure, start to finish, was a little over an hour. And with the help of an Ipod that was blasting Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue", it was almost enjoyable!
Sarah drove me in the morning and when I met her out in the waiting room, I saw that she bought me a heart shaped balloon tied to a part pack of chocolate pudding!! It was a great way to meet the world after having my mouth assaulted with various tools, drugs, and maneuvers. She drove me home and made me a nice bed on our couch, caring for me and helping me be as comfortable as possible. Soon, her mom was there as well. When Sarah's mom arrived at our place, Sarah ran out to grab my prescriptions (a pain killer and an antibiotic). It was only about two hours until the Novocain wore off and let me assure all of you: when it did, I was in more pain than I have ever felt in my life. Now, I guess when I think about that means I've been pretty lucky in my life. Whatever, call me a baby, but I was in more pain yesterday than I can ever remember.
About an hour after Sarah's mom arrived, my mom and her friend Judy came down from Maine. It was so great to have four women who I love caring for me in my time of pain and anguish!! I rested for another couple of hours, took a pain killer, then got in the car for the three hour drive to Maine. I know many of you are reading this thinking I was a fool to get in that car for the ride home, and yes I am a little less wise (pun intended), but being Easter weekend, it just felt right to go home. I slept for most of the ride and when I got home I had my dad, sister, and my mum here to take care of me.
So, the day went according to plan. I most definitely underestimated the amount of pain I would be in after the procedure, but I survived with the help of Sarah and her mom taking care of me right after the appointment, my mom and Judy taking me home, and my dad and sister providing help once I arrived in Maine. Thanks to all who helped!!!
Peace.
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