brianreeder.com - I do what I want!

The Oregon Coast is not typically known for its weather- especially in May. Luckily, the day I happened to have off coincided with the nicest day of the year to date. It was an amazing + relaxing day: just laying on the sand dozing and being close. After 4 hours of this my face is a brilliant shade of lobster, and I’m sure you could fry an egg on it. Small price to pay for such a day. Every day can be like that- not necessarily the ocean, but the contentment and feeling that comes with spending a day with someone special. Yesterday it was easy to find joy- it was all around me. Now I have that memory to look back on and find joy and strength through a more challenging time.

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Many of the bars I frequented in Thailand had very unique personalities. They varied from brothels with great drink specials (the ONLY reson I was there) to the likes of bed supper club. This place is incredible- the decor changes with the mood, except for the large snow white beds you dine on. Half of the space was devoted to this, while the other half was dedicated to a couple of bars, a crowded dance floor, and a dj that spins the latest hits as well as great house music. It seemed a bit pricey at the time, but that’s comparing it to places that had all you could drink specials for under $5. We went there a number of times, and it was always a great time.

I remember being pretty toasted there one night and thought it was a great idea to wear the brass knuckles I carried with me. I still shake my head in shame for doing it, but at the time it seemed genious.  There I was, dancing up a storm wearing a weapon illegal in most countries.  Someone from security quickly relieved me of them, but didn’t even kick me out.  The staff are really chill and fun, just like the patrons.

Basically if you’re looking for a good date spot or party spot (or both) in Bangkok, put this place near the top of your list.  Just make sure you leave the brass knuckles at home.  You can see more at their website, as well as check out the dj’s that are spinning and any other events they have going.

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“If you want to know how you really feel about someone take note of the impression an unexpected letter from them makes on you when you first see it on the doormat.”

The more I think about this, the more I think it’s true. To adjust for the times you can probably exchange “doormat” with “inbox” and”unexpected letter” with “text message” or “email”. I think the meaning is the same though- the emotion stirred from unexpectedly thinking of someone is as pure as possible. It is pure because you had no preconceived thought involved with that person the moments before, and any emotion stirred will be your most ingrained feeling for them. You didn’t have a chance to anticipate the thought and prepare yourself for it. Whatever emotion: dread, love, anger, joy; is the most raw + least influenced you can feel about them.

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“More people are flattered into virtue than bullied out of vice.”

I agree with the second half of this comment, but not the first.

I don’t think you can flatter someone into being a good person, it has to happen on their own accord. Flattering someone is a cheap form of real encouragement, and a thinly veiled furthering of the flatterers own interests. Virtue is not something you can persuade someone to be. If you do, it isn’t true virtue, but instead you’re own subjective version of the virtue. True virtue comes intrinsically, and cannot be shaken by another.

I do agree that you cannot bully people out of vice. If someone is bullied out of a certain behavior, thought, etc., it isn’t for themselves. And because of that it is more likely the person will turn back to their original action- be it out of spite, rebellion, or enjoyment. Trying to force someone to feel an emotion (guilt, anger, fear, etc.) doesn’t mean they feel it, it just means they see what you want them to do. And they are more likely to hold resentment and anger if they do change. And, they’re more likely to turn back because of it.

I don’t think it’s possible to force change on anyone through any means. I think it is possible to support someone in change, but the initial step(s) have to be taken by + for the individual. Even then it is a fine and broken line to walk.

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Morality is not a science. It’s not an art. Morality is a parallel to subjective thought and chemical composition. It separates and unifies peoples, cultures, borders, and states. it is a language spoken by all but understood by none. Morality is the subjective response of a subconscious alarm system that is also triggers regret and emotional pain. Basically it tells you if you are about to do something someone ELSE is going to be upset at. So morality is a set of laws that you possess, but it is your perception of those around you that’s molds them. Without these people, anything is possible, likely, conceivable. Conversely, it is this ‘gut’ instinct that allows us to function as members of a society. a fundamental question is then raised: if morals are not defined by ones own person but those around them, then what is the basis of its origin and how have they transferred into a cohesive set of laws and societal judgments viewed by the popular majority to be ‘fair’ and ‘equal’? if we can not and do not create these morals ourselves and judge only on the criteria of others, is morality really a feeling? Is it just a perception we live and have forced ourselves to invert in order to be perceived as normal and functioning?

This is from my other website, strikeyourcolors.com. All the writings on both sites is my own ideas (unless stated otherwise).

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