The title is not referring to anything I physically carried today, but to what I just read.

I was planning to rambling something about my eventful day at work today, but I'm finding myself very much phased, having just finished the first chapter in "Buddhism: The Religion of No-Religion" by Alan Watts.

In fact, I'll get back to my workday in a second. This first.

The reason I find myself shook up by what I have just read is that, for the most part, this philosophy and form of teaching is NOT something I am learning for the first time. More like relearning and recalling things from years ago.

The seemingly semi-plausable reactions of people exposed to this teaching described at the end of Chapter One have happened exactly as the book describes them. I have witnessed it first hand. Only when I experienced this, it was not termed "Buddhism" by the practitioners. More like a weekend-long far out type of self-improvement siminar, or something along those lines.

A thing called "The Forum", put on by a company called Landmark Education. I took it years ago. After going through that hellish psychological headtrip (my friends at school thought I had been brainwashed when I returned. truly), I experienced one of the best years of my life.

Gradually, over the years, the memories of it faded. I still recalled a few key concepts (still do). Layers of life blurred away the essence. Even if I remembered the facts, I slowly forgot the meaning (or lack thereof) behind them. Rosebud.

...

Well, maybe Buddhism and The Forum are not entirely the same exact thing, but I do see an uncannily high degree intersection between the two.

I just found that exceedingly interesting. I look forward to reading the rest of this book.

You want to know WHAT it is that I'm talking about? I don't want to fill up precious content space with inferior attempts to explain it. Go read the book for yourself if you care that much. Again. Title: "Buddhism: The Religion of No-Religion." Author: Alan Watts.

On with the content.

Today, I moved into a new cube, in a new office. I will now be working in a suite a few meters away from my former location. Larger cube, better chair, nicer desk. I think I like this deal.

Since I have a significantly smaller quantity of stuff in my cube than many of my coworkers, much of my day was actually spent wandering around the office, chatting randomly, helping others where needed on occassion, and laughing at strange little furby-esque cat/mouse toys.

Oh, and...

I now have a medical appointment scheduled. Next week. Right now, I am confident that I will make it until then. The nasty spell from last weekend seems to have passed. If I were still in denial mode, and had I not already taken the necessary action, I would be very much inclined to dismiss it right now, and "just get back to life" without bothering with such things. But the ball is rolling now, and I am glad for that.

...

Oh, and on a totally unrelated note... how can I put this delicately? To my knowledge, Scott has always been a man of his word, but now I might have some reason to doubt this. Note that this is NOT a criticism. Nor is it a request on my part to change any sort of lack of behavior. Just a random non-observation that probably has no relevance whatsoever.

And it probably doesn't matter anyway.

Was typing that a good idea? Probably not. Oh well. I'll non-risk it.

There's an irc meeting scheduled a little later this evening I plan to attend. I wonder if I will see Scott there, and maybe we can talk about my non-accusation. Eh, probably not. He's not into such things as much as Jaeger, myself, and maybe one or two others. No matter anyway.

Alright, I'm gonna kick back now. That's today's content. Don't wear it out.