I Wish I Were "Liked" More

I have been wanting to write about this topic for some time now and it wasn't until today that I finally had a good reason to. Social Media is great don't get me wrong but it has some very large pitfalls that I think have the potential to put people on the wrong track, both temporarily and permanently.

Some personality types need the constant reassurance from "friends" to keep their self-esteem high enough to operate normally in life. This isn't always bad, like when you have people close to you and get to have the physical relationship as well as the emotional. This type of self-esteem building is natural and we as a human race have had many decades to get used to this sort of interaction, it's natural. With Social media however you don't get the physical part of the relationship. You don't get to read physical queues or see the look in someones eyes that often times scream out silently to you for help or understanding or even assuredness. I feel like we are losing this all together and although social media like Facebook and Twitter weren't the original offenders they are rapidly propelling us in that direction now.

This is important to me because I know people like this and have had the social media pleasure of being knocked aside in lieu of more self-esteem building opinions. This is especially disconcerting because this incident was with a person that I feel has only me to show her the opposite viewpoint giving them information that can be used in the decision making process. Years have gone by where I have been that person and sometimes my side of the coin has persuaded and sometime it hasn't but not until today has it been entirely rejected without a full hearing. This upset me a bit because I consider this person a good friend and would always listen to what they had to say.

So there is my soap box and I just wanted to get it out there. Social media is good but when used for the purpose of keeping in touch with people. Not, making decisions based on what your Facebook Friends think because most of them are just using social media to keep in touch with you and not as a decision making tool. They aren't placing value in what they are telling you. You can't place value on advice given in 140 characters or less.

Empty House

Haven't posted in a while but really want to get back in the habit of doing so. On Thursday morning I took my Wife and Son to the airport and saw them off to go visit her mom. This is the first time in a few years that me and her are apart, 1st time since we have been married. This is also the first time I have been apart from my Son since he was born over a year ago. The thing about this is that I thought it would be weird but didn't expect it to be the way it really is. I feel so lonely without them here and have really been going stir crazy being at home alone. I really can't wait to see them again and although we have been able to Skype each other I really want to kiss my wife and hold my Son again. I guess this confession isn't really a "manly" thing to do but I think that men go through life trying to be manly and end up missing out on real depth of feeling. This is the only way I know of to portray to myself just how much someone means to me in my life.

Will you marry me?!

I finally asked my girlfriend to marry me! A little over a year ago I started looking for rings and thinking about how I wanted to do it and yesterday I pulled the trigger on my plans. Here is how the night went. I told her that I wanted to take her out to a restaurant, Petterinos, that we go to every once and a while so that it wouldn't seem out of the ordinary. I called a taxi and they never showed up, so I had to call another one which finally showed up but made us 30 minutes late for our reservation. It was ok because the restaurant wasn't to busy (no good shows in town) and were seated right away. We ordered our food and after the main course Fatima starting to not feel well, which then caused me to start sweating bullets, but ultimately she starting feeling better so we pushed on with desert and decided to go for a walk. The walk was planned ahead of time as a way to get us to the next part of my 3 part plan. We walked down a few blocks and on the way I mentioned that it was a beautiful night and that we should do a carriage ride. She thought this was a very nice idea as well and so we walked to the old water tower on Michigan ave where all the carriages start from. I went up to the driver and asked how much and after he told me I started to get out my wallet and told Fatima to go ahead and get in the carriage. When she was out of ear shot I asked the driver if he could take a route that went by Lake Michigan and ended on Ontario and Michigan which was were part 3 of the plan would commence from. So, we started our ride and and took some pictures and a short video (posted on my Face Book account) and when we got in front of the Lake and in sight of Navy Pier I popped the question. Here is what I said: "When I first saw you I felt a connection, the second time I saw you you gave me the finger and told me "your not getting any of this", the 3rd time I saw you, you spilled wine all over my jeans and we took a carriage ride and I fell in love with you! Fatima Noda, will you merry me?"! She said yes and made me the happiest person in the world at that moment in time! This is where I asked her:


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I asked the driver to take a photo of us and we continued on as we talked about our future and commented on what had just happened and how beautiful the evening was. We approached our destination and Fatima and I were discussing how much we wished we were already home when I said "I don't know if I can wait to get home!" She looked at me confused, especially when I started to get out of the carriage before we had actually come to the end of the ride. She asked what I as doing and I told her that we were staying at the Allerton Hotel tonight and not going home! She was very surprised! So we went up to our room, I mean Suite, where I surprised her again with flowers, candles, and rose pedals on the you know what! (other stuff happened) We got up and relaxed with a nice breakfast and then went home where we called all of our family members to spread the news! All in all I think it went pretty well! We are very excited about all the great things we have in front of us!

Life... Like a box of chocolates..

I found out today that a very good friend of mine is having relationship issues and as a result has called off his upcoming wedding. Now, you might say this is a good thing because at least he found out these things (whatever they may be that are big enough to call off a wedding for) before he said "I do" and got his receipt (marriage license). The difference here is that they have a little girl waiting to enter the world and my friend really wants to do the right thing and make a family for the new addition to grow up with. Now, this sentiment of getting married just because there is a child involved might be a shade old school, but I think that you have to try and make it work as best you can and that's exactly what my friend is trying to do. Unfortunately, it sounds like no compromise is coming from the other party involved. So, now what happens? Well, like in most other situations, we get the lawyers involved and pay them money we don't have so that we can argue our points to a neutral third party to be the decider on what should happen with the new life that is or has entered this world. I really hope things get better for my friend, he is a great guy and deserves to be happy. This is a sad story, I hope it has a good ending..

O'Hare Airport manditory delay..

Waiting on my sister's flight to arrive from Philadelphia. It was already going to be in kinda late, like midnight, but now it has been delayed till 12:53. So, I am here at home tracking it via www.flightstats.com. Pretty cool website, gives you pretty up to date info about the flight in question and you can even have alerts sent to you mobile phone via text. They also have a pretty nice mobile site (with a lot of ringtone links). It is amazing the things we are able to do these days. I remember when you had to make plans with people and keep them because once you left your land line phone there was no way to get a hold of them. I think that all this tech is great and in a way freeing you to explore, but do you think that it is also having the negative effect of making people less responsible and creating some serious reliance? I don't know for sure but I do know that every time some one says to me "let me see whats going on" or "I want to keep my options open" when I am trying to put together a get together I want to scream WTF and perhaps some other choice superlatives. Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is people have become so free that now they are becoming A-holes and enough of an A-hole that they will basically say to your face that they are holding out for something better to do, but might come if nothing comes up.. That's just wrong..

Getting in Shape for the Winter!

Ok, so I have started to do things a little healthier. When I say healthier I mean I started riding my bike to work (about 6 miles a day) and eating a bit better. I stopped drinking coffee and soda and I am trying to eat healthier snacks like granola and fruit. So far, I have been doing fairly well on all fronts besides a few trip ups with the snacks (damn you cup cakes). To help me with this, a friend sent me this link as a way to supply goals and a reward. The premise is that you are doing a triathlon, but instead of doing it in a day you do it in 6 weeks. There are also options with this approach, if you don't have access to a place to swim you can double up the run or bike, etc. I chose to double the bike ride because I knew riding my bike to work would help accomplish a big chunk of the 224 miles I need to do in 6 weeks. If at the end of the 6 weeks I complete the required miles then I will be treated to dinner by those people that didn't complete it (along with everyone else). I think I can do it but the only thing I am not looking forward to is the run. Between now and August 2nd I have to run/walk (although I think walking is cheating) 26.2 miles in all. I really haven't had to or wanted to run since I had knee surgery in 2002 and I am not looking forward to doing it again. I plan on sucking it up and doing it anyway, but it won't be pleasant. Anyway, I hope this is the start of a healthier me and leads to a lifestyle change. It is weird how as you get older these things start creeping into your thoughts. I mean years ago I did it to stay in the game with the ladies, but now I am solely thinking of longevity and being able to be active well into my golden years. Things change I guess and I am just glad that I am realizing this now and not after it is too late!

Republican Conspiracy Theory

Ok, I am about to introduce you to the way my mind thinks sometimes when it is idle from other tasks, so prepare yourself. First off, just because I am writing this down doesn't mean that this is what I believe is true and is really nothing more the idle thoughts that in no way are fact.

So, I have been reading a lot about this whole deal with Nancy Pelosi being briefed about torture back in 2002 I think, and how they (the republicans in Congress) are trying to make it seem that the Democrats in Congress where just as much to blame for what went down the last 8 years as they are. Well, here is what my brain is seeing. In response to this every left-winger and Congressional Dem is pointing out that the cited proof of this comes from the CIA and that, per their track record, are prone to lieing to Congress. Now yes, Republicans are pushing the idea that it is unamerican to say such things about the CIA , but the Dems and the media are becoming the loudest voice basically discrediting the CIA on all things torture related (of the last administration). Ask yourself this, do you really want one of the only sources of information on the top secret goings on over the past 8 years to be an agency that Congress and due to the media, the people of the United States has no confidence in? I don't think so.. So, to the conspiracy part, is all this just a plan by the opposition party to derail any possible investigation while also looking like they want it investigated?

Anyway, that's my wild theory that may have some flaws but broadly enough plausible, I guess..

Updates to "The List"

Ok, so I had actually made this list like 3 years ago and haven't really accomplished any of the things on it. So, here are the first things that I am going to do:

8. Raft down a world class river (arguably I have already done this, many times)

For my birthday I am going to be going to Washington D.C. with Fatima and Yvonne and meeting up with my sister Jessica and brother Jason. We are then going to hop in the car and drive to West Virginia where we will be rafting down the New River. I am not sure this qualifies as a world class river but I think due to the fact that I have rafted the Okee river many times and am now doing this one I can check this off the list.

31. Visit the national gallery (I have been here, but really only to the gift shop)

Since I am going to be in D.C. I thought I could get this off the list. I did go the last time I was visiting my sister, but it was right at closing and only really saw the gift shop.

You know, now that I am actively trying to do these things I feel better about the list and can't wait to cross some more off! I will keep everyone up to date with details on how the activities went!

Things I want to do before I die

Travel
1. Raft through the Grand Canyon
2. Run to the top of the statue of liberty
3. Spend Christmas on the beach
4. Drive the Autobahn
5. shower in a waterfall
6. Drink beer at Oktoberfest
7. See the sunrise from Maui’s Mt. Haleakala
8. Raft down a world class river
9. Take a steamboat ride down the Mississippi
10. Soak in the mud and waters of the dead sea
11. See Stonehenge
12. Visit Machu Picchu
13. Kiss the Blarney Stone
14. Visit the mysterious Blue Grotto in Capri
15. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
16. Visit the Galapagos Islands
17. Visit the Amazon Rainforest
18. Float along the Nile
19. Explore the New York public library
20. Ride a cable car in San Francisco
21. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace
22. Visit a former concentration camp
23. Walk the great wall of China
24. See the ruins of Pompeii
25. Visit the Athenian Acropolis
26. celebrate the day of the dead in Mexico
27. Tour a vineyard and sample a good bottle of wine
28. Visit an active volcano
29. Scuba dive the great barrier reef
30. Visit the forbidden city in Beijing
31. Visit the national gallery
32. travel on the Orient Express
33. See the Northern Lights
34. Visit Hong Kong
35. Go island hopping in Greece
36. See the Himalayas
37. Visit Australia
38. Go on a round the world trip

Learn
39. Learn to bar tend
40. Learn to paint a landscape
41. Learn to survive n the wilderness
42. Learn enough Japanese to carry own a conversation
43. Learn how to play Guitar
44. Learn how to surf
45. Learn how to sail
46. learn how to cook Thai food
47. Take a Yoga class
48. Learn how to speak Spanish
49. Take a photography course

Activities
50. Make a hole in one
51. Go deep sea fishing and eat your own catch
52. Go up in a hot air balloon
53. Spend 3 months getting my body in shape
54. Donate money and put my name on something: Scholarship, bench, etc..
55. Sleep under the stars
56. Send a message in a bottle
57. Brew my own beer
58. Attend at least on major sporting event: Super Bowl, Olympics
59. Swim with a dolphin
60. Be an extra in a film
61. Make love on a train
62. See the Dali Lama
63. Defy Gravity (bungee, sky diving)
64. Let someone else have the chance I missed
65. Buy a proper piece of art
66. Write a travel book

I will let you know how I am doing from time to time!

The End of the World

So I was reading an article on the mysterious deaths of bats from a disease that seems to be spreading from the east coast of the US to other states inexplicably. Apparently the disease, White-nose syndrome, is pretty serious and it doesn't discriminate between the various breeds of bat and is just killing them all. So, just out of curiosity I started wondering and then reading about what sort of impact that the mass extinction of the bat order would do to the ecosystem. Well, come to find out they play a fairly major role when it comes to plant and flower pollination and seed distribution. From what I have read they are pretty much the only animal that does seed distribution for a multitude of tropical plants, leaving those plants without any other form of seed distribution. Now this may seem pretty crazy but I think that this could have greater repercussions then even I am saying. What do bats eat, what other animals rely on them, can the ecosystem bounce back from this? Anyway, it just got me thinking about the environment and how the combination of this, global warming, extinctions from global warming and who knows what else is all kinda happening right around and leading up to the end of the Mayan Calendar, December 9, 2012! Just thought I would share!

NIce to have a place to call mine!

My city, zip 95076! Pretty awesome!


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Ignorance is not bliss, at least for the Non-Ignorant

Why is it that people are the way they are? Why do they insist on doing the things they do? If someone is doing great and comes across someone that isn't why does the less fortunate feel they need to bring the fortunate down to their level? All good questions I guess, but will they ever be answered? I doubt it.. I guess all we can hope for is that in the end the Human Condition won't become an epidemic and you/I will live a relatively normal life with as little hardship as possible. it is all chance and you can do all the things possible to give yourself a better shot but in the end we are all gambling, hoping to hit it big and get away with our lives.

Earth Hour

I just wanted to quickly post some pictures of us during Earth Hour. Fatima, Yvonne, and myself went to the awesome Flat Top Grill over next to Harpo Studios (Oprah's production facility). It was alot of fun. They turned out the lights and we ate by candle light. Anyway, here are the pictures.

My Poor Window....

Ok, so I didn't get a good picture of my car's broken window so I took these pictures instead. Hope you enjoy!

Crimes Against Drew's Car?

So I was picking up Fatima from work tonight. I pulled up to Walgreens on the corner of State and Roosevelt at about 8:55pm and parked on the street. I parked about half a block from the store, which was the closest spot there was, walked to the store to get Fatima. On my way to the store and a few steps from my car I was asked by a financially challenged individual, "Can you spare some change" to which I responded nicely, "I'm sorry, I don't have any change to spare" and proceeded to Walgreens. In most cases I do have some spare change but it just so happened that this time I really only had a 5 spot on me and didn't feel like parting with it and giving it to this person. He, the financially challenged individual, did a lip suck and eye roll signifying his dis-belief in my lack of spare change. So, I walked on content in the current state of my universe and thought about how many times today I had been approached by persons in similar situations as this fellow and asked for spare change. Anyways, I kept walking and entered Walgreens to get Fatima. ----- 7 minutes later----- Fatima and I emerged from Walgreens talking about the great deal she got on clearance easter candy and how we were only going to eat one piece a month (I have had 2 while writing this post) when we happened upon my car and what do we find but a vehicle with 6 places for windows but only 5 windows. That Financially challenged person, perturbed with the prospect of another cold night without someone else's spare change to jingle in his pocket, must have thought that the possibility that passed him by to receive my spare change was worth reclaiming by removing my window. I guess when he was following his thought process he must have realized that the tools he had with him were not suitable for removing windows from locked cars. So, I guess he felt compelled to take out his frustration on the very thing that was trying to procure. What this means for me is the prospect of replacing the now broken window that apparently to this fellow was only worth the dollar or less of spare change that I might have given him if I had it on me at the time. To make a long story less long I am now faced with a $210 window replacement bill for not giving some one spare change that I didn't have, I think I have learned my lesson!

Clinton or Obama?

I found a very interesting blog today about Hillary and Barack's senate records. What bills they introduced, co-sponsers, and successes. I think that you will find that Obama's "lack of experience" doesn't take into account the quality of his work in the Senate. Here is a quick list, you can see the whole blog at Daily Kos:

Clinton's Successes:
S.694 : A bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to reduce the incidence of child injury and death occurring inside or outside of light motor vehicles, and for other purposes. (This is currently in conference committee to reconcile difference with the House bill)
Passed in the Senate:
S.CON.RES.27 : A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "National Purple Heart Recognition Day".
S.RES.21 : A resolution recognizing the uncommon valor of Wesley Autrey of New York, New York
S.RES.92 : A resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah.
S.RES.141 : A resolution urging all member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service who have yet to ratify the May 2006 amendments to the 1955 Bonn Accords to expedite the ratification process to allow for open access to the Holocaust archives located at Bad Arolsen, Germany.
S.RES.222 : A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
S.AMDT.666 to H.R.1591 To link award fees under Department of Homeland Security contracts to successful acquisition outcomes under such contracts.
S.AMDT.2047 to H.R.1585 To specify additional individuals eligible to transportation for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces to attend their burial ceremonies.
S.AMDT.2108 to H.R.1585 To require a report on the planning and implementation of the policy of the United States toward Darfur.
S.AMDT.2390 to H.R.2638 To require that all contracts of the Department of Homeland Security that provide award fees link such fees to successful acquisition outcomes.
S.AMDT.2474 to H.R.2638 To ensure that the Federal Protective Service has adequate personnel.
S.AMDT.2823 to H.R.3074 To require a report on plans to alleviate congestion and flight delays in the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia Airspace.
S.AMDT.2917 to H.R.1585 To extend and enhance the authority for temporary lodging expenses for members of the Armed Forces in areas subject to a major disaster declaration or for installations experiencing a sudden increase in personnel levels.

Obama's Success:
S.AMDT.1041 to S.1082 To improve the safety and efficacy of genetic tests.
S.AMDT.3073 to H.R.1585 To provide for transparency and accountability in military and security contracting.
S.AMDT.3078 to H.R.1585 Relating to administrative separations of members of the Armed Forces for personality disorder.
S.AMDT.41 to S.1 To require lobbyists to disclose the candidates, leadership PACs, or political parties for whom they collect or arrange contributions, and the aggregate amount of the contributions collected or arranged.
S.AMDT.524 to S.CON.RES.21 To provide $100 million for the Summer Term Education Program supporting summer learning opportunities for low-income students in the early grades to lessen summer learning losses that contribute to the achievement gaps separating low-income students from their middle-class peers.
S.AMDT.599 to S.CON.RES.21 To add $200 million for Function 270 (Energy) for the demonstration and monitoring of carbon capture and sequestration technology by the Department of Energy.
S.AMDT.905 to S.761 To require the Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education to establish a program to recruit and provide mentors for women and underrepresented minorities who are interested in careers in mathematics, science, and engineering.
S.AMDT.923 to S.761 To expand the pipeline of individuals entering the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to support United States innovation and competitiveness.
S.AMDT.924 to S.761 To establish summer term education programs.
S.AMDT.2519 to H.R.2638 To provide that one of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5 million or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies in writing to the agency awarding the contract or grant that the contractor or grantee owes no past due Federal tax liability.
S.AMDT.2588 to H.R.976 To provide certain employment protections for family members who are caring for members of the Armed Forces recovering from illnesses and injuries incurred on active duty.
S.AMDT.2658 to H.R.2642 To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability.
S.AMDT.2692 to H.R.2764 To require a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan.
S.AMDT.2799 to H.R.3074 To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability.
S.AMDT.3137 to H.R.3222 To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability.
S.AMDT.3234 to H.R.3093 To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability.
S.AMDT.3331 to H.R.3043 To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability.
Senate Resolutions Passed:
S.RES.133 : A resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.
S.RES.268 : A resolution designating July 12, 2007, as "National Summer Learning Day".

Wicked!!!

Tonight has been a great night so far. Me and Fatima went out to eat and now we are waiting for Wicked to start. I got Fatima tickets to see Wicked for christmas and have been excited to see it. I got awesome seats also, row k seats 113 and 114 in orchestra level. Very cool! Anyway, I will let you all know how the show went later!

Parents

It has been a while since I have said anything of substance in my blog so I wanted to say something instead of just listing the most recent happenings in my life. In order to do this I do have to give a little background. This past Christmas I was in Florida visiting my family and friends. I had arranged to go camping and use my parents camper for new years. There had been several changes made to my plans due to the slow response from my parents on whether I could use it or not. So, after getting the ok I made the arrangements and told my friends. Now, is it ok for them at this point to decide not to let me use it? The day before? I don' think so and am interested to hear what other people would say. Also, the reason they gave me was "because we said so" which later on turned to "we don't trust your friends". I think that if anyone is not being trusted, that person is me. After this all transpired I tried my best to think of a reason of my own that would produce such distrust. Got me! First off, I am 29 years old and the reson they gave me is one they gave me when I was 10. Second, I could list a million reasons why I am responsible and trust worthy. Topping that list would be my service in the military and that fact that I own my own home and live in one of the most expensive areas in the US. Anyway, I got to run, bus is at my stop. Please comment on this because I really would like to know that I am reacting to this in a proper way.

A New Blog

Ok, I have switched to this service to do my blogging because it is far easier and hopefully will foster more frequent blogging. But, I am in a hurry so I will have to post more later on.