But this is why I'm funny: I don't really know a lot of USEFUL information, like about things that really matter. I voiced this realization as we were watching the movie. Why don't I have this kind of passion for historic events or people? How great would it be to take another trip to Gettysburg and know the story of any statue or prominent leader from that battle? I have been there so many times, yet I STILL hardly know who was who and which side won and why it all started and who knows what.
Or why don't I dive into the history and lives of my own ancestors, who were probably awesome and maybe got their arms eaten by mountain lions or something. The one story I remember is about Jane Black, who hit an Indian over the head with a frying pan after he spit in her food. Awesome. :)
Take me to Washington, D.C. and I'm in a world of confusion and emptiness in my mind. Don't ask me dates or wars or battles or Presidents or anything. I once checked out children's books from the library before going to D.C. with friends so I wouldn't feel so clueless and out of the loop. I must have blocked out all history classes in my educational experiences because I really don't know anything about anything. I got a D- in American Heritage at BYU and we celebrated that grade. I didn't fail.
All I know is slavery in the south is over-- or is it?-- the wall came down in Germany-- and there's a Great Wall in China. Don't try to ask me other things because I'll just make up crap and most likely be wrong.
Sooo... instead, I decide to watch "Soul Surfer" at least 6 times, read and study Bethany's biography, look up random links on her website, and become a "guru" for supporting her life story. Well... she should feel grateful for me taking such an interest. I've talked at least 5 people into watching her movie. :) I don't even like the ocean, really, and certainly don't surf, myself. *shrug* I have no idea.
Maybe one day I'll come to enjoy learning about things that matter. Random sidenote: I do love learning about the holocaust, if that's not depressing and morbid. But at least it's something, right?
If anyone has any ideas to help me expand my mind beyond things other than "Soul Surfer", I just might be open to trying it out. Maybe.
Well, I don't think it is essential to know a bunch of useless facts and the like...aside from maybe providing some serious competition in trivial pursuit. But, I do think that you could really get into history if you realized that most of the hailed and revered giants of history have stories almost as epic...if not more, than Bethany. Start by reading about Abigail Adams. I think you will like her. No shark attack, but plenty of spitfire.
ReplyDeleteTara used to say that her degree made her a perfect game show candidate. :) I think you're in good company.
ReplyDeleteBree, it really scares me how similar we are sometimes. I mean REALLY SIMILAR! I actually was just thinking about this exact topic yesterday! I have come to realize... it is TOTALLY okay that we don't know who all the presidents were, or finer details about wars, and exactly who, did what, when. I think it is good to know and to always be willing to learn about them, but we are who we are. We work well with all types of people because we have little bits of knowledge that can start conversation and help people to feel more comfortable. We naturally "nurture" people and it helps to have a lot of perspectives. Even when they are from a surfer, named Bethany. It would be really boring if we all knew everything too... it wouldn't leave room for learning. This might not help and I am super oober tired, so it might not even make sense, but I tried *wink* Also, I have a weird feeling/connection/want to know everything with the holocaust too! So I'll be "morbid" with ya.
ReplyDeleteWell, like mother like daughter! I was just thinking night before last as I was watching dumb people who knew nothing about history on Jay Leno...wow-that would be embarassing, and I'd probably be pretty similar! We know alot of stuff about alot of things...but history isn't one of them! Bad! Maybe someday. Glad we have eternity to keep learning.... =)
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