I'm sorry poop is so funny

The apology goes to my brother Chris who doesn't like reading my blog when it has to do with poop. Stop reading, Chris. But for the rest of the crowd, according to Dr. Oz on Oprah, we should be very concerned with our doo. Check out this hilarious article:

http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/03/12/poo/index.html?source=rss&aim=/mwt/feature

Cathuddishindormanslam

I was so inspired by this old story I heard from a professor. He heard it somewhere else, it's hardly new. But it's a story about a half dozen blind men that are placed in front of an elephant and are asked to touch it and say what they think it is. The one in front of the trunk says it's a hose; the one next to its leg says it's a column; the one next to its torso says it's a wall. I feel this way about most world religions and each time I'm opened up to a new one I see how when the rules, the words, and the robes and incense are cleared away, they are all essentially the same: a great big grey elephant. But seriously, can't all of them be summed up like this: love, serve, forgive, be thankful. Seems so simple. And then there's real life. Each religion seems to think that they are the one who is not blind. That something about them makes them uniquely qualified to be the authentic way to God.

This exclusivity has been the hardest part for me about being a Catholic. I just don't want to believe that my Jewish friend who does way more community work than I do, or the agnostic who is much more understanding and compassionate, could possibly not find favor with God.

My own view of religions is that some cultures are just more receptive to certain ways. God understands that cultures are different and had to adapt His message to suit the culture. But what happens now that our cultures are getting all mixed up since the dawn of the era of easy communication and cheap travel? I'm guessing that we end up with a whole lot more people like me, who have one foot in their religion, but are open to other ideas also. Maybe we're headed for a hybrid religion that combines the best elements of all of them. "Cathuddishindormanslam" we could call it.

Latest funny quotes

Ellie:
with a chicago accent: "Pabi" (pacifier)
"Pooby" (poopy)
"Poppie" (potty)
"Moomy" (movie)
"Copi" (coffee) always followed by "Hot!"

Annie to Nana:
"I have a headache slash fever today."

Johnny to Nana during a sleepover where he woke up at 6:30am and watched two cartoons. After a cereal commercial he said,
"Speaking of food, when are we going to eat breakfast? You know, Nana, we can't watch TV all day."

And my favorite:

Johnny to his friend Owen:
"Did you know that my dad is 32 years old and he's NOT EVEN DEAD YET!!"

Response from God

Dear Annie,
Since your dad was nearby, I decided to have him use his pen to write my words to you. I love you so much my dear sweet angel. You mean so much to me! I've watched you since the minute you started growing inside your mom's tummy. You grew and grew and were finally ready to be in the outisde world. And the day you were born, I left your mom and dad to watch over you for me, since they would always be close to you. That's how I make sure you are always cared for--by giving you a loving family to help you grow. When I need to talk to you, it's easier for me to have your mom or dad or grandma or nana say the words to you. That's how I do things! :) So I'm having your daddy write this for you. You will forever be my special Annie Teresa McGillen!
Love, God/daddy