A paradox!

I just got an email titled "How does Bradd Pitt make soap?" I'm still mulling over whether or not I should open it.

I think this blog is ruining my already inept conversation skills. In the 5 or so posts I've created, I have covered every conversation topic I could, leaving me with nothing to tell my friends. Also, my blog paranoia is expanding to new and exciting realms. I've set a high standard for myself; every post is like an essay, only worse, because my friends are reading it. I feel that I have to be entertaining, so I only write at certain times of the day or after long, hilarious conversations. I think it's something we in the business refer to as "comedic angst". I thought it would be a good outlet, a way to effectively communicate without communicating, effectively (oh ho ho!), but it's turned into another pesky dragon to slay.

Nevertheless, here I am, updating. Maybe if I do it enough, I'll lose my created fear (something I'm still struggling to accomplish with MSN). Speaking of which, I just came back from a lecture of sorts on Islam. It was pretty awesome. I'm sure my sister can fill you in much more accurately and eloquently, seeing as she's in religious studies and probably paid better attention than me (even when I'm trying my hardest, she still manages to do better. I hate that kid). I will tell you, though, that jihad doesn't just mean holy war. There are three levels: the first is correcting the wrong within yourself. The second is speaking out against the wrong in your community by letter-writing and talking. The third is the war aspect of jihad, but even then, the meaning is misconstrued. During a real holy war, you are not allowed to cut down green trees, contaminate drinking water, kill innocent civillians (women and children), or destroy hospitals or places of worship. And you can only kill in self-defense. If you are not attacked, you cannot attack. I'm sure that even the mention of jihad will get me banned from the internet, but I'm willing to take that risk. Just to clear things up a bit.