Sunday, February 11, 2007

" First name- Crown; Last name- 1) Branches or offshoots, olive branch 2) palms or palm branches, from "Domingo dos ...," a Catholic feast day known as Sunday of the Palms or Palm Sunday.

Here I going to bypass my usual entry style, and instead look into the meaning of a first and last name. What the actual entymology of the words are, then the inferred, and finally what they imply combined as well as how fitting or unfitting they suit the owner. After all, many believe our names help to shape our character. And with a combination like this one, its a wonder most do not see this prior declaration.

The entymology of such a first and last name combined is quite the interesting event. For the two words combined in one meaning, Crown of branches, brings to mind, the crown of thorns, or thistles. This appurture being the article placed on Christ's head prior to the crucifixion. What becomes more interesting as you delve into the entymology of names, is the secondary meaning of the last name, palms or palm branches. After all, were they not placed on the Via Dolorosa as Jesus entered Jerusalem, where many thought he would be "crowned" King of the Jews. Your parents certainly named you well. The double meanings and infered applications are fitting for one so enigmatic at times and sure of themself at times. But also one who has a deeper side, that few see and even fewer understand. And do not take this as a parallel to Christ, that is just sacriligeous, however, if you take it as a parallel to Jesus as man, that is actually no less than He would wish. Amazing the contradictions of Christianity.

So the crown of thorns has a very definitive meaning, of which I was unaware, until I began researching a bit on this subject. The general concensus is that the crown of thorns represents both the mocking of Jesus' place as King as well as one of the symbols of his human suffering. It it in this complete humiliation that Jesus may become humbled as man under the power and auspices of those inferior to himself. It is another way that He becomes wholly man, the only other time near the end being when he asks God, "Why hast thou forsaken me?" Having a name that represents this time event then is interesting because it encourages you to be both humble and abject at times. However, crowned one, itself as the first name, gives you a regal bearing and title of sorts.

The other meaning for the last name that went with branch, olive branch is funny because it makes you the peace maker. Are you? I am not sure either way actually. But definitely something to be pondered.

Did you ever know what your name meant, more first than last? That would be interesting to note because it does have a sense of entitlement and regality versus some people's names, that are nonsensical or boring. Plus you have a more unique name, so you almost always will be individual versus a name like Matt or John, etc. I think that you exude this individuality in so many ways, and your name has helped as that part of us which is so tied to our being, to solidify that fact. Heck, now that you have put the two names together, that may also help you to think upon your personality more or I hope it will.

The names have a tie to a very important event in history and religion. For that reason alone, there must be purpose, or I feel there must be. After all, I tend to look for more esoteric values than most. What are you crowned with, and what branches or crown of branches do you carry? Knowing what I do, the name is perfect for the life lived, and responsiblities undertaken both by will and circumstance. Think on it. Some reason has given you names that mean peace, crowned, or crown of branches [thorns]. Look to your sacrifices and look to your virtues. Therein lays the most intense meanings, because our names do not own us, we own our names...

Sunday, February 04, 2007

"The only way to get what you want, is to do things for yourself!"

I have tried everything I can possibly do to make sure I do not have to grow up, or change who I am inside, just to get through law school. Still, I fight to keep my inner core of my being true to who I am, but I have made a very big differentiation finally. Growing up and defending oneself, is not the same as losing your soul to the law. I will not let people get in the way of what I want.

Perhaps, I still wonder what it is I want, but I know that no person or persons will interfere with my finding out, and achieving any goals I set. The hard aspect of this, and in growing is that I now see, some people are just not worth the fight. Last night I was asked why I do not want to fight for a friendship, and I said, because he is not good enough. A small band of friends whom I rely on and who will always support me or set me straight if need be is all that is necessary. Someone who is a fair weather friend is not worth the effort. For the first time in my life, I am starting to see that I do not need people, and even the ones I think I need or want, may not be around much longer, so I better move on and rely solely on my own fortitude.

Oh boy, two weeks to go before finals. Amazing, its worse than the SATs, PSAT's, and even the LSAT's because these tests, though not defining who I am in value, will be a big determining factor as to if I am staying or not. It sucks, because for the first time in a few months, this week, I felt like I belong. And that's important because I did not do anything of great note, nor was the week fantastic understanding wise. This allows me to believe that hard or easy, I maybe have a chance. That is all I can rely on, but it has to be enough. A chance, a hope. I have staked my future on such little things before.

At a time when everything around me is falling apart and I feel like only the select few are on my side, I grow. When everything is good, one grows complacent. It is adversity which matures and refines us. Either I am a man or I give up on everything and it is finished...