Underneath the Autumn Shade

"I don't need no more reminding of the day ..."

Last night I saw The Vines perform their Triple J gig at the Manning Bar ... I have been lucky enough to see them twice in the last month, winning tickets to 2 invite only events ...

With great anticipation of The Vines performing AC and I sat outside being sociable ... drinking, smoking, chatting ... After Dukes of Windsor finish their set Mike & mate join us for some facebook worthy photos and pre-Vines banter ... we were seated at a table that, apart from us, included some boppers and two randoms ...

The topic of religion was brought about due to The Pope being in town and my irritation towards having to take an alternate route by taxi due to this, and as a result my having to incur a higher fee ... of course our conversation evolved into a debate ... apparently my views of religion came across as intolerance; which I found surprising as I thought myself to be more open minded than the average ... I am resentful towards religion as I feel some take advantage of people who feel lacking in their lives and offer them false hope which inevitably results in them fattening their pockets ... I am resentful of people that appear strict in their beliefs, and spout and preach accordingly, but then themselves abide by the rules that suit them, yet ignoring others. What hypocrisy ... I am resentful towards the closed minded ignorant black and white rules that are unrealistic - judging others on their sexual preference, their way of life - if God exists he would love all of his followers equally; any sexual preference, someone who tried to commit suicide, someone who had an abortion ... these elements are irrelevant! If you have a kind heart, you have a kind heart ... I am resentful towards the lack of choice some have when it comes to Religion. Certain ideals and rules are thrust upon you at an impressionable age and you are expected to continue these ideals. When you have only been exposed to certain ways of life and ideals you aren't given the opportunity to make up your own mind. What happened to choice? ... but from the other perspective if you are lost then able to find something that strengthens you, and gives your life meaning that's a great thing ... nothing is black and white ... religion is so many shades of grey ...

When my opposing debater went to get a drink I was discussing with his friend how much he seemed to enjoy it ... level of intellect was brought up and the levels of IQ ... IQ is measured on one's ability and capability to learn ... mine being in the top 2% of the world ... this left me somewhat speechless ...

I have always been told that I am capable of achieving anything ... implementing these skills when my life is lacking certain elements is not unlike being dealt a winning hand and not knowing what to do with it ... I know I cannot find happiness within nor sense of self based on material success ... You can be great at something - whether you love it is another thing altogether ...

Yes, I have potential ... Whether I am wasting it is subject to opinion ... In my opinion I am ever learning and evolving in my search. I won't put my all into something that is to me meaningless no matter what the material outcome maybe ...

This could be a burden or a gift ...

So many shades of grey ...