Make Something Happen (with Added Commentary)

Deuteronomy 17:20 - "... to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom ..."

So, after the events of this post, I went online and found this offer. As I write this post, it says they cost $6.37, though I only paid $2.99. Who knows what the price will be when you click on it again, or even if the link doesn't break down the line. It probably doesn't matter; I don't think too many people binge read blogs like I do webcomics, so I don't have too much to worry about there.

Anyway, so, yesterday, I got the chopsticks in the mail. I had to go pick them up from the dorm administration building, which, incidentally, is where I attend my RA class, and, incidentally, holds the giant cafeteria all we RAs eat at following class.

So, straight from class, I ripped open the package and took the chopsticks with me, eagerly digging in. Sure, I struggled with the beans, but all in all, it was another fun experience that made the art of eating all that more interesting.

Straight from Hong Kong, $2.99, free shipping! Someone also pointed out there is both Chinese and Korean writing on the packaging as well. Cheap foreign products FTW!

As I sat there, however, I was pondering (among a whole bunch of other things) how my possession of the chopsticks came to be. I had an experience, an idea, I decided to make it happen, and then I made it happen. There are so many times in my life, however, when I've had an idea, and I let it lie on the side of the road. Ideas for books and videos and songs and illustrations come to and go from me all the time, it's difficult to keep track of them all. Unfortunately, sometimes, I choose not to.

I'm sure many of you have had similar experiences, where you think to yourself, Man, what a great idea. I should patent that. Lo and behold, you don't, and then, like, four months later, some guy is getting rich off the idea you had.

As it is, I invite you all today to make sure an idea you have comes to fruition, even if it's something stupid like deciding to eat most of your meals with chopsticks. Make it happen! I know you'll be surprised by the results. And, if you don't like surprises, then I know you'll really enjoy the results. Yeah!

Have a great day, guys! The week is almost over!

I wrote a commentary about this post on December 3, 2015. Click here to read!

Success: Chopsticks

Mark 2:22 - "And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles."

It's probably been four years since I've used chopsticks, if not longer. My distant memories include about five minutes of frustrated struggling before I finally rage quit and swore to use traditional utensils for the rest of my life.

Well, today, after RA class, we fearless coworkers trooped in to the cafeteria and discovered the place was offering chopsticks alongside their Chinese dish of the day. I was immediately excited, thrilled to challenge myself in some new shape or form. Even though I remembered my vow, I figured chopsticks were more traditional than forks and knives and spoons, anyway, so I grabbed a couple pairs and set to work.

Yes. You CAN eat a burger with chopsticks.

At first, my hand was literally in pain as my fingers fumbled and twisted and dropped the sticks all over the place. However, as time went on, I found the process becoming that much easier. Soon, I was chopsticking like a champ, shoveling even tomato sauce into my mouth without looking down, much like I usually accomplish with forks and spoons or even hands. After I finished my second slice of cheesecake using naught but the two wooden rods, previously encouraged by my fellows, they erupted into cheers.

The last bite. Notice the many empty dishes I demolished in order to achieve my goal.

I was proud of the accomplishment, though not unduly so, mainly because I'd made my day just a little more interesting by pushing myself in ways I don't usually. Sure, I could have eaten my food with a boring old fork and knife, but this way, I created an experience for myself I'll never forget. After all, I'm half tempted now just to mass-order a box of chopsticks and eat with them until I have to relearn how to use a fork and spoon again, because then I'll get to see eating as a brand new experience all over again every six months or so!

So, my challenge today is, take something you've done a million times, and do it in a different way. Brush your teeth upside down. Wear your pants backward. Speak every fourth word in Pig Latin. Give it a try, and tell me what you think! Life isn't meant to be monotonous. Give every moment a new perspective, and your life will be that much more bright.