I started reading the Religions of Man a few days ago when I was reorganizing our bookshelf. One of the amazing things about that bookshelf is that even though I’ve reorganized it several times in the past few years, I always find a new book to read whenever I wander over. I don’t know how they hide because I do very thorough organizations.

I break all the books down into categories and then put them all away. Still, it’s always nice. So far it is very interesting and I’m reading about Hinduism right now.

One of the things that I immediately like is that when he is explaining the four main goals or mindsets of the religion, he isn’t talking about it like it’s some huge bowl of crazy. I remember my nineth grade European History teacher making charts to explain the various religions and cracking jokes about all the multi-handed deities. I didn’t learn much at all in that class. But then again, the teacher WAS the cheerleading coach so I guess you can’t expect too much from her.

I just always thought that religions of all varieties should be shown respect because regardless of whether you believe in one or not, they change lives. They alter perspectives. Religions are the biggest reason that the world has been shaped as it is. They are human’s way of explaining everything and rationalizing this crazy planet we live on.

I think the best history teacher’s explanation on religion was from my seventh grade teacher who also happened to be a soccer coach. When it came about to religion he said that he didn’t care if we worshiped a trash can as long as no one tried to kill someone else in his classroom or cheat on a test, covering this stuff was part of the curriculum and you can continue worshiping the trashcan with all your might.

At the time I just thought what he said was funny, but it makes sense. As long as you respect the other people around you, practice whatever makes you feel like living life to the fullest.

I was talking to one of our parts distributors today and he was asking whether I knew what the weather was going to be this weekend. I told him that one thing I never check is the weather. Weather forecasters do their damnedest, I’m sure, but I’ve never believed their reports to be very reliable. I live on a day to day basis. It’s raining? Okay, change of plans. Whatev, move on and let’s go.

It kind of reminds me of that song by Chicago ‘Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?’. Except that I actually care about time. Just not weather.

Anyway, back to my book. =) Have an awesome weekend!

For the past two weeks I’ve had the most intense craving for baked macaroni and cheese. The kind you can get at any buffet restaurant or Cracker Barrel (or frozen Stouffers if you are desperate). It always tastes the same and is so delicious.

I’ve never cooked it that way before. I found a recipe online that claims to be exactly like that so I plan on trying that later this week. Or maybe next week. Depends on when I have spare money to buy some cheddar cheese. It’s the only thing I’m missing! We usually buy the bag of “Mexican” style cheese and a bag of the “Italian” style cheese. Never a bag or block of one style cheese.

Also, I need to get some ricotta so I can make lasagna. I’ve still never made that before and that was on my list of things to learn how to do last year. At the top, actually.

I haven’t felt like writing in a while because, well, I’ve been feeling depressed lately. I was talking to my mom about it on the phone and I think the best way to describe it is that it feels like every day Andy and I are holding a tarp over our heads to keep us dry as the world rains down. We get wet, but dammit we try and try. We never stop trying and I don’t think you can ask for more than that. But still, I don’t like writing depressing stuff. Because then I think about it even more. Blah.

TIME TO END THE CYCLE!

Let’s talk about food. I’ve decided that if I were ever to open a restaurant, it would be one of those weird restaurants that has all sorts of foods in no particular theme. And I’d thieve recipes from all my favorite places so that it would be a one stop shop for all my favorite foods.

I’d have Hooters Mile High wings, the popcorn chicken bowl from KFC, macaroni and cheese from Old Country Buffet/Home Town Buffet/Cracker Barrel, sweet tea from Chik-fil-a, chicken biscuits and chicken sandwiches from Chik-fil-a, Mexican pizza from Taco Bell, biscuits and gravy from Bob Evans, a stir fry buffet from Flat Top Grill, breadsticks from Pizza Hut, cheeseburgers from Burger King or A&W, brownie a la mode from TGI Fridays, rootbeer from A&W, Philly Cheesesteaks from Culvers, ice cream from Dairy Queen, salad from Olive Garden, bread from Avantis, Cherry Limeade from Texas Roadhouse…

The setting would be similar to Rainforest Cafe but without all the creepy moving apes. And there would be a dessert bar featuring cupcakes, fudge, ice cream, and slices of apple pie. It’d be awesome.