If the worst should happen, thou shalt be covered

I figured it was time for a real discussion blog since the last one was awhile ago. I am still writing the immigration blog. I just have SO much to say that I cannot get it all down in a coherent, non-ranting, non-ruining my future Presidential campaign piece. And now with this new piece of legislation that some claim is not complete “amnesty”...well, don’t get me started.

So, I was at a happy hour with Melissa and her co-worker and her fiancé and a very interesting statement was made, as they usually are at happy hours. The statement was that religion might be the oldest form of insurance. Hmmm. That struck a cord within me, being that I am an insurance professional. Is religion the oldest form of insurance? At first, I didn’t think much of it, but it kept coming back to me with some thought provoking parallels (some weak, some strong).

So, before I get deep into this, I want to make a disclaimer that I am not trashing religion in general or any religion specifically. I just want to stimulate the mind with something different for a change. Here goes...

Most forms of insurance are sold through agents. Individuals who preach (hint) the advantages and disadvantages of coverage and what might happen to you if you don’t have it. Well, isn’t that similar to ministers, priests and rabbi’s or any similar figure in a different religion? Ever heard while sitting there in a congregation what would happen to your soul if you don’t believe or accept/believe certain teachings? Parallel? Possibly.

How about the actual insurance policy? The document that tells you what is covered, what can void coverage and what you have to do to secure coverage. Well, isn’t that what the Bible is? How about the Koran? Now, I have never read either from cover to cover, but my cursory knowledge of both lends me to believe that these books contain similar information concerning what you need to do to get, and keep, your soul protected from eternal damnation.

And last, why do people buy insurance? They want to know they are protected in the event of a catastrophe. That when the worst happens, they will be made whole. It makes them feel comfortable and sleep better at night. Why do some people practice religion? Well, in the event of the inevitable (yes, we all will die one day) they feel their soul will be in good hands for eternity. The theory is that you pay a premium (insurance) or buy into the teachings (religion) so that you benefit from the payoff in the end.

Yes, it sounds a bit crude and sarcastic about religion, but let’s be honest, not everyone in the same religion believes the same thing. And if you think they do, then you are sadly misleading yourself. Yes, I believe in God, but I don’t buy into the notion that I cannot ask questions or have an opinion other than one force fed to me. I was that kid in Sunday school that always had his hand raised. Religion and insurance contain complexities beyond the simple comparisons made here and differ on many levels, but you have to admit, some similarities do exist.

The drive to Nederland, TX gives a person a lot of time to think

Sometimes in life there are things that make you go hmmmm…

What would maple cream gravy taste like?

“Please make sure your hands are clean and dry before use.” Why would you find this wording on a hand sanitizer machine?

The enjoyment of a job where you smell, and sometimes taste, milk to determine its quality.
FYI – from an expert (not myself), it is okay to drink milk, that has been refrigerated, up to 7 days after the date on the container. Now if you pour it and it lumps out, throw it out.

And my favorite…

The intelligence of an individual, or group of individuals, who willingly gives the keys to their car to a homeless person to park on a busy street.

I can see the conversation now…
Insurance agent/police officer – “When did you last see your vehicle?
Idiot – “When I gave the keys to the guy to park it on M street.”
IA/PO – “And which valet company was it?”
Idiot – “Oh, he wasn’t valet, it was the homeless guy.”

One More Candle to Blow Out

Well, once again, the Lord blessed me with seeing another April 10 come and go. That makes 28 in all now. I cannot say I feel wiser as each passes by. I think I do some things better, and some things I seem to not ever be able to get right, and some things I just do the same over and over again. One thing I have learned is that I have a lot of friends and family that love me and care about me. It is something I try not to take for granted and want to always say thank you and recognize those that do things for me that they don’t have to do. So, at this time, in this particular blog, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude that made my 28th birthday a spectacular one.

Everyone does their own thing. Some people call, some people email, some drink, etc... The point is, no one HAD to do anything. No one email or phone is more important than another in a cosmic sense, but I would be remiss to not take extra time to say a great big thanks to a few certain individuals.

First off, Melissa went above and beyond (as she often does) for my birthday. Starting with saying Happy Birthday at 12:01 am, she got me a gift certificate for a hot lather shave at a men’s spa and called the Baltimore orioles to get my name on the Jumbotron at the game we went to on that Friday to name a few things. I always tell her that she does way more than needed, but she never listens. Thanks.

My mother called me and kept calling to make sure that her baby boy heard her sing Happy Birthday on his day. This especially made me feel good as I waited in line at the DMV. She also sponsored a new pair of shoes. On another front, Cory and Regina flew over 1,000 miles apiece to spend the weekend in the nation’s capital celebrating good times. Just want you to know I enjoyed the visit.

Then there were the party goers. From karaoke to straight double vodka shots to Fuddruckers at 3am, these folks put in some hard work. So, here’s to Gavin and Jennifer Daniels, Brittany Eck, Curtis Coleman, Elizabeth Sowecke, Melissa, Cory, Regina, Damen Hymes, Kimberly Handler, Isabelle Dusfour, Jennifer Neuberger, Neelum Arya and Francisco Garcia.

Over the week, there were countless others who sent cards, (email and snail mail), emails, phone calls and text messages. I am going to do my best to remember everyone, but I am sure I missed someone. If I did, it was not ill-intentioned. Here goes...

Thank for your wishes on my birthday Roger Mays, Beverly Butler, Stephanie Butler, Dawn Michelle Samuels, Annisa Joubert, Ralph Butler, Jackie Tealer, Camille Tealer, Christopher Smith, Cornell Woolridge, Melissa Fowler, April Somers, Candice Jessup, Mary Kay Herbst, Renee Meaux, Darby Roberts, Taylor Haglund, Melissa Hammond, Jennifer Daniels, Ellen Greene, Susan Hahn, Michelle Montgomery, Regina Perkins, Cory Wagoner, Kirsten Bode, Princess Apple, G-mama Kassle, Jennifer Neuberger, Isabelle Dusfour, Michael Portnoy, Kristi Zipp, Damen Hymes, Anthony Jones, Rose Jones, Kirsten Dartnell, Emily Joyner, Kristen Holland, Jennifer Burrus, David Wiltsey, Anne Russell, Lisa Tyson, Lexi Shuey, Krista Sawtelle, Neelum Arya, Francisco Ramirez, Linda Higdon, Linda Fortson, Sheila Claytor, Tina McGuire, Duncan Manley, Vickie Harrell, Ross Hess, Chris Lamon, Shannon Davis Hunter, Christan Collins-Awad, Curtis Coleman, Brittany Eck, Panache Resturant, The Russia House Lounge, Elizabeth Sowecke, Amanda Hemati, and Eric Hemati.