Sunday, August 24, 2003

Generational Angst ... All Over Again

Did you know that they (whoever “they” are) have identified a new “generational grouping” in North American society? No, not a new nickname, stereotype, or label for the emerging generations, but a further re-definition and re-alignment of existing generations!

It’s called Generation Jones, and – wait for it – seems I’m one of them.

This is such a shock to my system. I thought I was Gen X. Now, I have to re-learn my true origins of existence, who I’ve been victimized by and should therefore resent, and what my life goals have been for the past 20 years.

I’m experiencing existential angst.

Y’all forgive me if it takes a wee bit of time to make the shift from my former “X-er” identity to my newly-discovered true self – a “Joneser.”

Or does my identity originate elsewhere – something or Someone beyond reactionary “notice me” marketing demographics invented by media and corporations that want to sell me stuff?

Inquiring minds, including mine, would like to know.

Saturday, August 16, 2003

Road Trips + St. Francis

I just returned from a road trip with my best friend since high school, Patrick “dang straight I’m Irish” Prowse. An epic journey of self-discovery and explored ideals across the scenic Canadian Prairies and ending at the breath-taking majesty of the Rocky Mountains.

Well, not exactly. We drove non-stop from Winnipeg to Calgary, slept for five hours, and then drove non-stop from Calgary to Winnipeg – all to pick up a two-year-old Great Dane the size of an adult velociraptor. With the jaws to match.

The dog’s name is Apollo, which is fitting in a cosmic way. Possible movies Apollo could star in: Terminator 4: Rise of the Canines, Jurrasic Dog, or MegaMutt & the Masters of the Dog Kennel. Saints be praised; Apollo’s potty-trained.

Are you familiar with the expression “pee like a racehorse?” Don’t kid yourself – horses got nothing on Great Danes.

A 30-hour round trip – how do you pass the time? Easy: you listen to your favorite CDs (twice) and shoot the breeze about life, faith, church, non-church, and why classic rock is superior to the drivel on AM radio.

We didn’t solve the universe’s problems, but somewhere around the 26-hour mark, we agreed that today’s church doesn’t need Revivalists or Reformers as much as it needs Repenters.

It’s like a 21st-century rendition of the Prayer of St. Francis – change begins with us.

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Humble Beginnings

First day on the blog. And the two questions foremost in my mind?

  1. What will I write about, day after day?
  2. Will anyone read this?
Everyone says blogging is so easy a badly-trained monkey could do it.

Right now, I’m feeling evolutionarily challenged ...