(January 30, 2003)

that guy must really have his life together

At home praying before meals has always been the thing done when clerical or otherwise pious houseguests were present. In fact, among new guests, there is usually an awkward pause when no one knows whether to start shoveling or fold their hands in their lap. And it never crossed my mind since leaving home. Though when eating alone, as is most often the case, tonight I witnessed a fellow lone cafeteria patron do something that appeared as bowing his head in a silent grace for a few seconds before starting in on his hot ham and nacho cheese sandwich with side of succotash. I was amazed. What other student would take the time to pay thanks to whom ever he believes is watching him? I'm sure many of the students here were raised in highly religious households, but to practice it right out of high school in the academic and social whirlwind of undergraduate college. I can't help but think that this individual really has his life together. His posture, unless he has some sort of spinal condition, displays the apparent super-organization of his routine as well. His strut is robotic and intentional. He stares rather blankly ahead. He's probably got his school supplies color coded, knows how much is in his checking account, calls his mother regularly, and begins studying for tests more than twenty-four hours before they're given. I envy in moderation this chaps regimen. That is, if I am at all correct in my judgements. My taste for chaos is strong, and if you'd ask my about my Provider, I'd say it's the entity that is not allowing me to upload these entries.