My Statement of Belief

After reading my lovely friend Nadine's Statement of Belief, I decided to scratch at the surface of my own beliefs and my thoughts on the complexities of divinity in the modern world.

I was raised Roman Catholic, and I quite honestly am unsure of the standard beliefs of the religion. I do, however, believe in a single divine force in the universe, and for lack of a better word, I will call It God. I believe in something--matter and antimatter-- out of nothing. This helped to mold the world into the balance of opposites we see today. Light, dark, land, sea, love, hate. Balance is what keeps the world from toppling over

I do not believe in the sexist, prejudiced ways of the Church, and nearly all major religions. I do not believe women are dirty, I think I should be able to eat bacon if I want to and I think that gays aren't eternally damned.

I believe in the Ten Commandments. They are the basic morality code for all humans. I think that "One God" is a symbolic meaning for how one specifically believes himself, and to go by what others say is right or wrong is what is truly wrong. I do not believe in cheating, at all. Parents should be treated with respect in 99.9% of situations.

I believe in love and I believe in suffering. I cannot stand the social atrocities involving the funeral process.

Basically,
I believe in God, I believe in things seen and unseen, I believe in Final Judgement, heaven and hell, I believe in Satan, I believe in free will. I believe the mistakes we make are forgiven. I believe in Purgatory and the supernatural. I believe in personal divine intervention.

I am not a full-bodied Christian. I am me.

And I believe in miracles.

Kimby's Guide to Patterns

Lately, fashion and clothing have really started to take hold on me as very important things. I know that sounds superficial and all sorts of negative adjectives, but they are. Just watch TLC's What Not To Wear and see how looking and feeling beautiful is amazing for self-esteem.

Now, away we go!

Stripes: Stripes are very rarely flattering on anyone. Horizontal stripes are better than vertical stripes, contrary to popular belief. Chanel stripes are the only stripes acceptable to go all of the way across your body, with very few exceptions. Larger stripes are better for cardigans. Pin stripes are allowable.

Plaid: Plaid was a HUGE trend about a year ago. While it's not entirely out, it's grip on the middle-class fashion world has been loosened exponentially. Still, I give this trend a yay over nay.

Polka dots: There's a fine line between adult-like and Dalmatian-like with polka dots. I would save the polka dots for wall paper, sheets, and dresses meant for five-year-olds.

Tribal: Tribal prints are cool, modern, and still bohemian. The problem I often meet with tribal prints is that they are too busy. And busy prints give most people a headache. I love the bright colors and bold statement a tribal-print top make, but a more subtle version of it. 5 out of 10.

Floral: The only thing I have to say is know the difference between cute, and looking like Granny's couch. But I do love an adorable floral.

Sparkle: I love sparkle, but there is a limit on how much. I think most people should be able to figure it out for themselves, with their comfort levels and such as. And full-on sequin leggings aren't the only answer to this trend. Jewelery, makeup and nail polish (especially nail polish!) do it all. As we speak I'm putting on sparkle nail polish. SPARKLES! *runs around in crazed, girly circle*

People: By this, I mean things with people on them, quite simply, like band tees or my infamous anime jacket. I have a shirt with Audrey Hepburn on it that I adore. Once again, like the dots, it can be childish. Careful.

That is what I've to say to you all. Of course, if you want, you can go the Rachel Berry route and dress like a little girl and grandma at the same time. But I know what I'm talking about, with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly as my mentors!

Why Valentine's Day is Misinterpreted

Is this post late? Naw. I think you need to see Valentine's Day go past before you can reflect on your most current feelings, because it changes from year to year.

This year, like always, I was alone. No complaints, really, because for the first time in my life, I took the time to remember the true origin of Valentine's Day. St. Valentine was a priest who was martyred for marrying Christian couples in ancient Rome, where Christianity was...bad. It didn't become associated with romantic love until the 1300's or so, by Geoffrey Chaucer and his group of comrades.

So, I guess that Valentine's Day has to do with romantic love as it's base and background, but was publicized by Geoffrey Chaucer and his heinous Middle English spelling. However, the Valentine that Chaucer spoke of was not celebrated with February 14th as his feast day. It was Valentine of Verona, with a May 2nd feast day. He wrote a poem for King Richard III and his fiancee, Anne of Bohemia, claiming the romance of that Valentine's feast day, which was interpreted into this idea of romantic love.

But, love is for everyone, whether it be platonic, familial OR romantic. And Valentine's should be every day. So show everyone you love, that you love them every day!

I know, I'm corny...

My Top 5 Places To Visit Before I Die

Everyone has places that they want to go before they die. I made a list of my top ten, then narrowed it down to the five that intrigue me the most.

5. Kabul, Afghanistan.



Now, this isn't a city that is exactly known for it's beauty; in fact, it is more known for the ugly things that have happened throughout the shaky history of the Middle East. This, besides being the Afghan capital, is also a social and economic center. Besides that, it is also an Islamic country, and despite what the media does to Islam, I am awed and fascinated by their religion. Besides that, one of the two offical languages of Afghanistan is Farsi. I have previously expressed interest in learning the language, due to the gorgeous writing.

4. Vatican City.



Despite my disagreements with the Roman Catholic Church, I will always have a tie to it that no other religion, no matter how I admire or prefer, can break. It's like a sibling; the bond is unbreakable. It is the only religion that has ever offered me anything, and it is the one my family is bound to. Therefore, I cannot and will not ever be able to say I hate Catholicism. To visit the Vatican is like the hajj in Islam; every member of the religion should try to get there at least once in their lifetime. Besides that, the art and architecture. *dies of beauty and perfection* I support religious art 100%.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.



Rio is, quite frankly, a paradise. It is in such a beautiful part of the world, and is such an accomplished and historically-rich city. And, it is a legitimate party city, with the extensive celebration of Carnaval, for which the city is known. Not to mention it's beauty, on the clear, warm Atlantic Ocean, on the Tropic of Cancer, The city is basically around the Guanabara Bay which, as you can see, is lovely and blue. And that's just something I would like to see someday.

2. Vienna, Austria.



Vienna is the music capital of the world. I don't care what anyone has to say about Nashville, or LA, or NYC, Vienna is the real deal. This was the city for Strauss, and Mozart, who was, by far, the most accomplished musician of all time. Beethoven came to this great city to study under Mozart. If you don't know me well, you should know I have an affinity for classical and opera music. Besides the city being gorgeous and having apple ice cream.

1. Edinburgh, Scotland.



Scotland has always had my eye as a foreign land to visit. It is AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY. And that matters. Edinburgh is an ancient city with a uniquity that cannot be compared. It's dark and lush and romantic, woith tall stone buildings, built for utilizaing space, and still pulling off lovely. I plan on living there someday, if only for several months while I am in college. I am obsessed. You need more reason? Gingers, plaid, the Loch Ness Monster, castles, bagpipes.

The Relevance of Ancient Works

As we review over the Greek myths in my English class to better understand the allusions, I find myself relating to the qualities expressed in the stories. Like the basic literature of any religion, it teaches morals, balance and punishment.

I think that most people forget that these are stories that not only substituted for the nonexistent science of the time, but were also the religion of the Greeks. Now, I could compare these works to those that are in the Bible, but I much prefer the Greek ones.

I don't believe, in the ways of the RCC (Roman Catholica Church, the church I grew up in) that God is a perfect, flawless being. I believe that He (just to simplify) is a damaged being; that He has suffered immensely, and that He has a character. I doubt that God was alone in the universe, and that is one reason why I like the idea of polytheism. No one thing could take on the universe solely by himself.

I also love the idea of the extensive flaws in the Greek Gods. The many affairs of Jupiter can trickle down to today's high-end men who cheat on their wives with many other women. Most teenage girls have been Echo, pining for a boy who didn't care, and narcissistic people are still rampant in society. These prominent figures are still relatable.

I don't want to look up to a God that has never made mistakes; I want to think that he understands my own. A person who has never made a mistake will never understand the torment that can follow making a very bad one. So, I think that God is one fucked up dude.

I know that He loves us unconditionally; no one would put up with our shit if we didn't. So, it must drive Him crazy seeing the horrors of our world. Seeing His childern be raped, murdered, struggle with mental illness, suicide, you name it. But the worst must be seeing your creations slowl turn evil, forget you, and go and destroy everything you;ve been able to offer them. And being so far removed.

So, I'm not really a member of the RCC. I have my own opinons and I think that the Greeks, even if their science was kind of shitty, had something going there. And, anywhoo, hasn't almost every religion discounted science? Why not have a Sun God?

Just Leave Us Alone

I think that one of the things that teenagers accept to readily, and their parents don't accept at all is that by my age, a kid is essentially in control of his/her own life.

Now, I think that kids should be able to control their own lives in terms of things like relationships, music, friends, clothing, and other areas of self-expression. And parents should have a grasp on their teenager's life, but they shouldn't be pulling at their ears. This is an age where kids are learning sensibility and making mistakes. To deprive their children of their "rumspringa," for lack of a better term, is only going to damage their child.

I find it to be a ridiculous concept that parents should expect to know every detail of their child's life. A life belongs to one person: himself. There are monstrous changes as children enter and go through high school, whether they be academic, romantic, friend-wise, activity-wise, or familial changes. These are dealt with personally.

And if a kid is troubled, but doesn't want help, if they are fully capable of still handling their life and all of the pressures, then leave them alone! A part of adoloscence is being angsty: if your kid ISN'T agnsty, then they are most likely superficial. Sometimes, the kids who are the strangest and farthest removed from typical teenager hierarchy, then they are going to be the ones with the best grasp on humanity, and humane treatment of others.

I just think that parents should leave their kids the fuck alone. You CANNOT pry into their life without being nosy, annoying, or just plain douche-y. If your kid needs or wants (key word being WANTS) your comfort or input, they will come to you. Sometimes, this comes just from sitting with you or watching TV. Home time is break time for kids, and if you pile stress on them when they are supposed to be taking a breather, then you're an asshole and your kid isn't gonna like you.

Now, outright awful behavior should be punished when it is affecting others in a negative way. But if it isn't hurting anyone, including your child himself, then just leave it alone. Kids, and adults, too, have phases where they behave differently from what you're used to them doing. You just need to chill out and take the ride. If you can't handle the ride, then you shouldn't've had kids. YOU, as the parents, are not having bumps; you;re seeing your kids bumps. If something is bothering you, then it's probably bothering your son or daughter 10X more.

Yeah, Dad, this is to you. Leave me alone. Hasn't enough changed in my life in the past two months? Can't you just leave me alone?

The more you pry, the more you'll get shut out. To people, in general.

The Invisible Act of Conformity

People often do odd or unique things to say that they are not "conforming." What no one realizes is that we all conform to a point that if everyone was aware, the "weirdos" would fall to their knees.

Now, there is conscious conformity, which I spent middle school trying to do, and unconscious conformity. The latter is people who go against the things that are generally socially accepted.

But, every Goth kid that has denied conformity has conformed to another society. Every artsy person has conformed to the art community, etc.

Conformity is a necessary thing in all societies because if everyone didn't come together in at least one aspect, tehn there would be no such thing as civilization or human contact. There would be no friendships or families or love. There would be no religion because no one would agree. And the people who did agree would end up making other ideas. But there would be no one to agree with, anyway.

We are a society based on confomity and adopting the ways of others. For every aspect of what we do, there are others who feel the way we do. Honestly, while this annoys people who think they'll never be unique, shouldn't it be a comfort that there is someone who feels how we do? It's the combination of things we like that makes us unique, not the things themselves.

So, just informing you about one of my pet peeves. Stop yammering about how you don't conform, no onegets you, no one likes you, because it's bullshit. There are MILLIONS of people who share your interest. Ooh, being in a crowd. How SCARY.