1) I got home from my mission in May (yes, it has been that long since I've written in this thing)
2) I am at school now where I am taking 17 credits, including such classes as engineering statics, multivariable calculus, and marching band.
3)No, I do not have a girlfriend (once point number one has been established, this is usually the answer to the next question asked).
There are many things about my life that I could be writing about right now, and I'm sure that there are many things that some of you want to hear (although what they are, I'm not sure). What I am going to write about instead is a question that came up that I simply do not understand. Maybe it is because of my gender, or maybe I am just one odd duck. Either way, I am seeking the guidance of the cloud - I am outsourcing my thinking to you, my loyal reader(s).
You see, I have a friend. This friend, Bob (<= her name has been changed so that my life may be preserved), is currently on some medication. This is medication powerful enough that not only can it cause liver failure, you have to go into the doctor once a month to prove that you aren't pregnant as the medication could do permanent damage to the unborn child. What exactly is it that this medication is treating that is so vital that she'd risk so much? The answer: acne.
When I asked why she would risk her life in exchange for a clear complexion, she said that everyone has something that they would do anything to change. I know that that statement isn't true, because as I pondered each physical flaw I see in the mirror (and believe me, depending on the day, there can be several), I saw not one worth the risking my health and/or my life to fix. However, is this true for everyone else?
I do not want anyone reading this to think that this post is Bash-Bob time. If I wanted to bash Bob, I would've used her real name. No, I am honestly trying to understand the rationale. (By the way, I have similar problems with most cosmetic surgeries, but that's a conversation for another time.) If your life wasn't at stake already, why would you risk it for extra beauty points? Is it better to have slightly lower self-esteem or to have higher self-esteem and lack a liver? Maybe I'm just hopelessly nerdy (<= this is an honest option - experience has taught me to never rule it out), but I just don't care about a couple of pimples that much.
If anyone out there could help me understand this, I would appreciate it. I try very hard in my life to show empathy to others, to see things the way they see them, before coming to a conclusion. However, this is one thing that I have never understood. I have had the same fight with other people before. Since I have yet to find someone who fully takes my side on this issue, I can come to three conclusions:
1) I am wrong.
2) I am revolutionary.
3) I haven't spoken to the right people.
Ockham's Razor suggests that the first is true, but a man can dream. Please help me out on this! If you do, I'll let you count it as your daily good turn. Also, if there are stories that you want to here, feel free to let me know. In my massive amounts of spare time (ha!), I'll do my best to reply. Answers for stories - sounds like a fair trade to me.
