Perspectives

The title of this post is called "perspectives." Merriam-Webster defines it as "the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed." I define it as "the view of any object, value, or idea that is hinged on one's current state of being." For example, if someone walked up to you and handed you a bottle of water, you would be freaked out a little, but still gracious. Whereas, if the same person walked up to you and gave you a bottle of water and you had been stuck in a desert for several days, you would be extremely thankful, and you would not have been freaked out at all. Like this, so many things in life change as you experience things. A good example is a swing. While it was a blast when you were a kid, not the thought of riding a swing is not nearly as appealing. Or, when you were younger, the thought of eating raw cookie dough was exciting, but now, it is not the same. Or oppositely, the idea of taking a nap was not that appealing when you were 4 or 5 as it is now. I was reminded of this tonight. Around 6pm, my roommate called me and asked me if I had any plans for dinner. When I said no, he then asked if I would be willing to make something out of some uncooked hamburger that is in the fridge. I agreed, and we discussed several possiblilities for what I could make until it was deciced to make chili. I called my mom (like all good children should do when in need of a receipe) and instead talked to Kelly. I conferred with her to confirm that my suspicions for what was needed was correct and after a few minutes of conversation, we said our goodbyes and hung up. I then left for Wal-Mart for some potatoes, chili beans. As I was getting the beans, I noticed that I was on the same isle as the other canned food. I decided to get some corn, thinking that it would be good to have some veggies to go with it. I then remembered that my roommate frequently complains about how all I ever want to eat is corn, and I never have anything else. So, in light of that, I also purchased some green beans. I returned to my dorm and then washed dishes so I would have room to cook. After that, I then put the meat on to cook, and sat down to peal potatoes. After I got the potatoes on to cook, I then turned my attention to getting everything ready. I finally had everything ready to eat around 8:30, and my roommate had returned a little before, so it was perfect timing. We sat down and enjoyed a delicious dinner. After we had finished, I made the statement that I didn't really want to put everything away, and he made some remark that we should just leave it out and someone would eat it. I said that I would put it away. He then said that he needed to go work on a paper that he had not finished over the weekend. I asked if he would be willing to wash dishes. He said, "Yeah, if I get time to wash them, I can do a few." Meaning, only if I feel like it. Because my mother taught me on several occasions that if you take time to wash right after you eat, then it will take less time because not much would be stuck to the dishes. I knew that, and I knew that if my roommate waited to wash them, he would be complaining about it the entire time. Also, he wouldn't know where everything goes, so he would leave it out. And then he would hold it over my head for the next few weeks how I "made" him wash dishes. So, I decided that I would wash them, even though I had burned the side of my had earlier (putting your hand behind a hot toaster oven is not a good idea!). Needless to say, if you have ever washed you hand after burning them, it doesn't feel pleasant. I am sure that by now, my mother is either laughing at me, or she is saying, "Finally! He knows what I felt like for all those years where he did the same thing to me!" And if she is saying that last thing, it would not surprise me. But this might surprise her a little. Mother, I wish to appologize for all the years that I was inconsiderate of your feeling and what you have gone through. I know that an appology is not nearly enough to make up for all the times that I didn't help you. All that I can say is that I promise to help more when I am home. I hope you can forgive me. Love, Your repentant son.