Father's Day Reflection

I've been reminded lately how important a healthy family life can be. I have been fortunate to have grown up in a very stable and loving family. I think I look at life with a certain amount of peace that stems from that experience. It's almost like a subconcious confidence that I will always have the love and support of my parents and my sister. If I screw up, I know they will be there to encourage me. Don't get me wrong, I can create plenty of my own conflict, but I hope I can offer my future wife and kids the same openness and clear communication that my parents offered me. I've noticed that generations tend to swing in terms of caring for their family. I will work hard to continue their legacy. All that to say, thanks dad. Thanks mom. I love you.

Whitebread

As I was leaving work the other day, I realized that I had a flat on the beloved s2000. What's more, when I went to put the spare on, there was no wheel lock key to take the caps off the wheel. I grew up as a poor missionary kid and wheel locks are a bit of a new thing for us unsophisticated folk. Fortunately, I was able to bum a ride off of an unsuspecting coworker. The next day I decided to take a public bus. To me, it sounded like some kind of great adventure in city life. For most people in the world, it's just a slow way to get to work. The night before, I went online and found the route I needed, counted out the quarters for my fare, and laid out my clothes to iron the next day (All of that is true except that last part). The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast of eggs and home-brewed starbucks, I walked to the bus station and waited for my adventure. When I got on, I had a long conversation with the bus driver about what route I should take. He coulld tell I was new to this, as well as the rest of the bus. I felt like all eyes were on me. As I turned, I realized why. I was the only white guy on that whole bus! I sat down and had my first encounter with my neighbors. It was truly a cultural experience. More on this tomorrow.

Jack's Back

I have to recommend this movie. It's rare that I can get into a movie that's purely about one man's comedic schtick, but this was a gut-buster. Jack Black show's off his athletic prowess and his tight glutes in this fun film about a friar who dreams of being a wrestler.

ok... for real this time

so... yeah... I'm obviously not much of a blogger. Life is busy you know! I'm really going to try to be disciplined about writing something every day, even if it sucks - and it will. I know, I know, you can't rush creativity but sometimes you just have to start typing even if you don't have a whole lot to say.

This past weekend I entertained my cousin with Xbox 360 madness. It was great fun. The same game can entertain a huge range of ages. I always get a kick out of seeing 5 year old boys and 30 year old boys standing next to each other, duking it out at the video game kiosk at your local (insert your favorite electronics megamart here). Games are so much fun. I think it fills that need to dominate each other. You know - that impulse that drives people to start wars, to steal land, and to pillage and rape. Here's a question for you. Is simulated war better than war? Profound, I know. I think video games, capitalism, and competitive sports have become our wars of choice. I believe that it might be a good thing in the sense that they pacify that drive in some way. They take place of violence and put them into a safer context. We're so busy trying to outsell or outperform that we don't even think about it in a violent context. At least most of us don't. On the other hand, maybe it stimulates that drive. I'm not really sure. That would be a good research project for some group out there to spend some time on. Whew! I'm done writing for the day. Maybe next time there will be some structure to my entry. There might even be a point in there somewhere. Baby steps. See you tomorrow.