Purch

Well, this was going to be a really cool entry. I've been trying to figure out how to embed a video from another site onto my site. I can't make it work.

Anyway, normally I can't stand churches that double as retail outlets. I want to vomit when I see bookstores in churches selling t-shirts, cds, and books with Christian themes. It makes me very uncomfortable to know that a church is engaging in selling the same lame Christian merchandise that Christian bookstores sell. I think the Church should be above that.

I don't have quite as strong of a reaction to the fake (or real) Starbucks that many churches now have. I'm still uncomfortable with the church selling stuff on Sundays. I think free coffee that's been sitting out for hours is fine. I recently found this article on a church in Australia that's changing my mind.

www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=69666&videoChannel=4

I think if I could have a pint before or after church that I might get more into the service. Maybe not. Maybe I should be just as repulsed by the pub as I am by the Starbucks. I don't know.

Happy Halloween

Dichotomy of Gifts

Last weekend my wife went to a friend's child's first birthday party. First birthday parties are funny in themselves since the birthday boy or girl really doesn't have any idea what's going on. Typically they're really about the parents of the child rather than the child. Anyway, my wife an the other adults were standing around while the birthday boy opened his presents. Well, the mother of the birthday boy opened the presents.

Most of the presents were baby clothes, baby shoes, and other miniaturized items. However, the time came to open the gift that had been mailed by the aunt and uncle who were unable to attend. Inside the package, what did they find? A box of animal crackers. Most of the adults thought this was a lame or stupid gift, including my wife. I however, think its brilliant. Of all the gifts the child received, the animal crackers were the only ones he could appreciate and enjoy. The birthday boy didn't care about shoes or clothes or onezies. He cared about eating cookies.

On the same weekend as the birthday party, I was home sick, trying to write a paper for school. While my wife was out and about, she went to another friend's garage sale. She decided that she would show me what a loving wife she is by buying me a present at the sale. What do you think she bought me? An Xbox. Oh yes, the original Xbox.

Those of you that know me know that I'm a video game junkie. My wife and I had discussed getting a game system so that we could play together. I, of course, thought this was a great idea, but I was also wise enough to know not to buy one. I did not want a game system to be something that I brought into my marriage. I'm happy to have Rachael bring it in though.

I've set limitations on myself, such as not playing during the week when I have studying to do. I'm also excited to play Xbox with my wife. I think the best part about game systems is playing against another. She's not very good yet...but she's getting better. I ordered some used games that I think she'll like, such as AMPED!!!!! And we'll definitely get some Dead or Alive III going...maybe some Tiger Woods golf. I haven't bought Soul Caliber yet...that one will have to wait.

So basically I'm comparing myself to the one year old at the birthday party. My wife is playing the role of the distant aunt and uncle who buys presents the receiver will appreciate, rather than things that are probably good for them. I'm hoping that the Xbox will provide quality time for my wife and I to have fun together. Seriously. Some of the best times I had in college were crowded around my roommates monster of a T.V. playing Dead or Alive against roommates. I think people are too quick to write off video games as wasted time. Of course, I'm not exactly a neutral...but who is.