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!