nationstates now has nice flash pie charts for nation stats! :o
The Slant Pays Off
via Kurt White
this is something i never really noticed before
the captions are really cute!
Blessings come to do those who are patient, and more often than not, they come disguised. Over the past few months, I’ve had pleasant surprises come gently floating down into my lap every few weeks or so, coupled with one or two initial shocks that have gradually faded away to be replaced with relief and acceptance.
I have also come to realize that home is truly where the heart is. I might go away, move on with my life, make new acquaintances, have disagreements, become self-reliant and what not, but at the end of it all I will always look forward to returning home and seeing my parents once more.
That said, I have also come to appreciate the company and companionship of the small circle of friends I have, they never fail to bring comfort to a troubled soul whenever we get together.
It is hard to believe that I enlisted a mere 87 days ago.. and since then the world has moved on so much, leaving me catching up in the dust. The strain and separation that the army has thrown at me has definitely changed me both physically and mentally, for better or for worse I do not know nor want to speculate. In fact, it is the army that has crystallized my views on the notions of good and bad.
I don’t like classifying things (or people) as being good or bad until I’ve considered every possible aspect of their existence. Everyone/everything has their own story to tell and until you hear them out without reservation, it is dangerous (unfair at the very least) to make a judgement on their worth. If you talk to me about a certain something that you may like, or complain about an annoying bugger you might know, or taunt me with cynical responses, or boast about your achievements, and I put on a mild smile while not seeming to have any particular opinion on what you are saying, it’s because I’m still listening to you. And I will continue listening to you until you finish speaking. Whether or not I formulate an opinion on what you just said will depend on whether you have given me enough information to do so.
In this sense, I’m more tolerant than I have ever been in the past and it is unlikely that doing something I personally disapprove of will pose an obstacle in relations between us, because in the end I still view every aspect of you in perspective.
