I had the pleasure of visiting Washington DC this Christmas. During my time there, Sheri and I got to spend a day together (alone!) walking the Mall and seeing the sights.
We got cards to the Library of Congress.
I finally got to see the World War II monument (which is beautiful and provocative).
And we got to make the trek from the steps of the Capital to the seat of Lincoln in what might qualify as a national temple.
Many things have been said about Lincoln--some people argue that he manipulated the nation with his gift of rhetoric. Some have lauded him as one of the two most important men in our nation's history. It is easy, in hindsight, to attribute motives and speculate on the purposes of great men after they can no longer argue their points. But Lincoln left us his words to defend his actions, and they challenge us even today.
Walking through the WWII and Vietnam memorials to reach Lincoln, his reflections on the conflict he was leading the nation through were all the more poignant. Living in a time when we are facing a new age, a new chapter to our history being written as we live each day, I think we must remember what ideas have led us through the dark days that have gone before.
During this election season, its become clear that a change is occurring in our nation--it has been called for and it will come, in one form or another. This change has come as a result of the new conflict that we have been immersed in. This should not depress us--conflict is not necessarily bad! Conflict helps us define ourselves; without conflict, growth does not occur. That doesn't mean that all change is good, or that we should seek strife. In every day, there are troubles enough, without looking for more. But when faced with a challenge, we should not shirk the responsibility that confronts us. In taking up the struggle, and changing as time and circumstance dictate, we grow--hopefully--into better versions of ourselves. This can only happen with hope and vision. We cannot answer today's questions by pretending they come from yesterday's test. Neither can we survive if we abandon the heritage that made us what we are today.
So, how do we strike a balance? How do we have hope in the new whilst defending the good of the old? Lincoln challenged us to remember who is sovereign in the lives of men. Lincoln recognized that there is a cost to be paid for the wrongs we have done--and that being a nation of justice and liberty came at a price. Lincoln told us that we must accept the sacrifice demanded of us, if we were to survive--and more importantly, if we would not abandon the work altogether. This meant that the nation of 1865 would not be the nation of 1860. This meant a cost in blood money, time, and energy. But it also meant a new morning in our nation, and ultimately the world.
As we choose our leaders this year, may we reflect on the wisdom of one of the prolific leaders of our nation; he led in the midst of a revolution. He saw a peace leaders had fought to preserve for four score and seven years explode. He shouldered a terrifying burden and trusted in the principles and beliefs that birthed the nation. And he speaks to us today.
At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it--all sought to avert it. While the inaugeral [sic] address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war--seeking to dissole [sic] the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.
One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether"
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.
Abraham Lincoln, 1864
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Creating Check Lists
I have the task of creating Check Lists for a few processes at my work.
I cannot complain--I even suggested making a few of them. But creating a check list is different from wanting a check list. The processes I am documenting are now a seamless (well, mostly seamless) work flow for me now. I now do, rather than think about each step...most of the time...
Which means that enumerating the steps is...tricky. I might do it one way one time, and a different way the next...and who's to say which order is better, so long as the results are the same?
I have decided to practice on other ordinary tasks...
Check List for starting the work day:
1. Get out of the car, lock the doors and put your key away.
2. Remember you left your lunch and return to the car after getting halfway to the building.
3. Repeat step 1.
4. Walk to the door on the West side of the building.
5. Use card to access the building.
6. Reflect on the fun of having your ID badge on an retract-able string...rather like a garrote...contemplate the meaning of this connection to the mafia in your work place...
7. Proceed down the hall to the third door on the right.
8. Use card to open door, and enter.
9. Go to desk and drop off bags.
10. Wake your computer up by moving the mouse.
11. Clock in at co-worker's computer.
12. Make your way to the galley, and proceed to try to find room in the common fridge for your lunch. Discover its impossible...start eating lunch...
13. Realize you left your badge at your desk...and are now locked out...start trying to attract the attention of coworkers without acting like a criminal trying to force his way into the more sensitive areas of the Credit Union...
14. Succeed in getting a co-worker's attention...get razzed for being locked out again...return to desk and thank the Lord its Friday...
Ah, work.
I cannot complain--I even suggested making a few of them. But creating a check list is different from wanting a check list. The processes I am documenting are now a seamless (well, mostly seamless) work flow for me now. I now do, rather than think about each step...most of the time...
Which means that enumerating the steps is...tricky. I might do it one way one time, and a different way the next...and who's to say which order is better, so long as the results are the same?
I have decided to practice on other ordinary tasks...
Check List for starting the work day:
1. Get out of the car, lock the doors and put your key away.
2. Remember you left your lunch and return to the car after getting halfway to the building.
3. Repeat step 1.
4. Walk to the door on the West side of the building.
5. Use card to access the building.
6. Reflect on the fun of having your ID badge on an retract-able string...rather like a garrote...contemplate the meaning of this connection to the mafia in your work place...
7. Proceed down the hall to the third door on the right.
8. Use card to open door, and enter.
9. Go to desk and drop off bags.
10. Wake your computer up by moving the mouse.
11. Clock in at co-worker's computer.
12. Make your way to the galley, and proceed to try to find room in the common fridge for your lunch. Discover its impossible...start eating lunch...
13. Realize you left your badge at your desk...and are now locked out...start trying to attract the attention of coworkers without acting like a criminal trying to force his way into the more sensitive areas of the Credit Union...
14. Succeed in getting a co-worker's attention...get razzed for being locked out again...return to desk and thank the Lord its Friday...
Ah, work.
The Beautiful Ordinary
One of the nice things about getting up early to go work is that you get to kiss your wife goodbye while she's still asleep.
Sleeping may not make you the most attractive person to the rest of the world...but there's something wonderful about being the one that gets to kiss her goodbye while she's still dreaming.
Its enough to make me smile even after being at work for 4 hours.
Sleeping may not make you the most attractive person to the rest of the world...but there's something wonderful about being the one that gets to kiss her goodbye while she's still dreaming.
Its enough to make me smile even after being at work for 4 hours.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Why, why, why?
For the second time in almost as many days, Huckabee launches himself into a mess.
Do you really want to be the Southern, Evangelical Christian Republican candidate who wraps himself in the Confederate flag?
On the heels of saying (and I know this is one specific way of hearing his remarks, but I am tired of having to parse the words of the communicator, so I don't care!) that he wants to see the Constitution support God's laws, the image on every news station is Huckabee and waving CSA flags.
I know its manipulation. I know that Huckabee's position is not as asinine as it appears on the cameras. But come on! Don't feed the beasts. Certain images cannot be embraced by would-be leaders of the free-world--even if you just support the right of people to preserve those images. Its not a fun reality...but its reality. You have to play the game. Huck is not playing a national game, and its yet another reason I don't think he makes the right candidate.
Sigh.
Do you really want to be the Southern, Evangelical Christian Republican candidate who wraps himself in the Confederate flag?
On the heels of saying (and I know this is one specific way of hearing his remarks, but I am tired of having to parse the words of the communicator, so I don't care!) that he wants to see the Constitution support God's laws, the image on every news station is Huckabee and waving CSA flags.
I know its manipulation. I know that Huckabee's position is not as asinine as it appears on the cameras. But come on! Don't feed the beasts. Certain images cannot be embraced by would-be leaders of the free-world--even if you just support the right of people to preserve those images. Its not a fun reality...but its reality. You have to play the game. Huck is not playing a national game, and its yet another reason I don't think he makes the right candidate.
Sigh.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Since I'm paying my Civic Duty...
Although I was always going to vote, it seems particularly appropriate to discuss voting while serving Jury Duty.
Actually, on a side note, for any of you that avoid voting to avoid Jury Duty...its a myth. The Jury pool is drawn from two sources--the voting lists and the DMV divers license lists. If you drive, your hat is still in the ring for service. Might as well vote, if that was what was keeping you...
Now to that topic with no end of discussion on the web, the primaries.
I will not try to offer my in depth opinions on all things political...as you really can get better opinions from a lot of other places. But I have been wanting to weigh in on different things...its been frustrating having thoughts about what's going on (and even being right on occasion, contrary to polling and political aficionados) and being unable to blog...so I will seize the opportunity.
First, the Republicans;
Thompson: Several months ago I realized that Thompson had failed to do what a late comer needed to do in order to be a serious contender. He joined under the suggestion that he was the best hope for Conservatives and his rally cry was that the true base of the party could finally find their man in him. I was hopeful, and talked with friends about his chances. I held out through the early stages of his late campaign, hoping that the fire-in-the-belly he promised would finally ignite...and it never did. This is old news, but that was where I was in, goodness, about October. I think I officially started looking for a better alternate late October, early November...and discovered my new guy...
Romney: The thing that sealed it for me was his speech on religion and politics. Any man that can be that eloquent about something so important, who can craft a vision of what the nation should be with his words (I am starved for a real communicator in the office), and whose position on something so important as the inseparably linked but still distinct realms of personal beliefs and public politics could hardly be ignored. The more I watched, read, and heard, the more I liked him. I am now convinced he is the eventual candidate for the Republicans...and I hope we can come together as a party once the necessary and healthy process of primaries runs its course. We won't be settling for the best worst candidate...he'll be a good President, if he lives up to his promise.
As to the others...
McCain: I don't trust him, and I don't think that will ever change. Being a war hero does not a good president make.
Huckabee: a good man, I don't like his politics. That oh so important line I mentioned above, which Romney clearly understands, seems blurred if not invisible to Huck. I think he'd be bad for Republicans and bad for America.
Rudy: good public servant...I'd prefer him to McCain, but I echo others in wishing he'd be our nation's top lawyer, not President.
I am hoping we have to go to the Convention...I love the fact that this race is making professional political prognosticators look as uninformed as the rest of us...its a real race and things really change from day to day. If it were another nation, I'd be worried about revolution or martial law...but its America, and so its just really exciting to see the system work.
As for the Dem's...
Edwards deserves the least, so let me say I think he's a ridiculous candidate. He's a sleazeball lawyer and holds policy stances which should embarrass him. He obviously doesn't agree, and thinks he offers change. But honestly, as a Democrat running against a Clinton woman, and a Black man, did anyone ever really think he had a chance?
Clinton: she's a real politician. My favorite week for the Dem's has been the whole New Hampshire mess. In the fallout from Iowa, Clinton was being blasted for not being likable, for being to much like a serious politician. In response to this, the media was soon filled with images of her crying...and it was brilliant. Normally the discussion that we'd be having if a woman was running would center on fears that she would be too emotional, too weak to lead. Hillary is not the normal woman though. She has like-ability liabilities...which we'll talk about instead of real issues. How does she navigate this gender stereo-type minefield? She cries publicly. Whether it was real or not doesn't matter...it was masterful. She gets to appear emotional, but doesn't have to worry about being labeled with the image of feminine frailty, because at this point most people have thought of her as too cold to care. Meanwhile...how many people can watch a woman cry and feel no pity? She also gets to ride the wave of expectation...building on the media frenzy over Obama, she was able to appeal to the voters from a position of needing help. Again, a softer appeal from the strongest Dem candidate. I think she's very much in control of the situation, and if Obama is going to compete he'll need to start offering substance to his followers. Which brings us to...
Obama: the most electric candidate of the race. He's got the press drooling over the very idea of him winning the nomination. He uses positive language. He has no record haunting him...but he also has no record. He has very little to offer people that actually digest the messages the talking heads spew. He could force the Dem's to a convention too...which I think would make this the best political year of the last...30? 40? He is a sexy candidate. He is also a scary potential President. I'd prefer Hillary to Obama, as she's essentially Rudy, only a little more to the Left, and wouldn't cause the damage that electing Rudy as a Republican would to the Conservative cause.
I don't know exactly what Obama would do...since he hasn't offered any insight, but I have serious doubts that he would be committed to our interests in the Middle East...and like it or not, we have interests in the Middle East. Its the most volatile part of the globe...Pakistan's most recent upheaval obviously not helping matters. Our next President cannot cave into the demands of extremists and abandon our position in the Middle East. Our efforts in Iraq must succeed, we must have a foothold in the area, just as in the late 1930's it was vital to maintain a hold in Southeast Asia in the Philippines. Something the last few years should have made clear to us...conventional ground troop warfare hasn't gone out of style. Boots on the ground matter, and the best way to put boots on the ground is to have a base from which to support them. I firmly believe that this is an issue that must be addressed is this next election--but to do it, whoever the next President is must offer a vision of why it is we fight--otherwise s/he will be selling a false hope of an easy fix.
Actually, on a side note, for any of you that avoid voting to avoid Jury Duty...its a myth. The Jury pool is drawn from two sources--the voting lists and the DMV divers license lists. If you drive, your hat is still in the ring for service. Might as well vote, if that was what was keeping you...
Now to that topic with no end of discussion on the web, the primaries.
I will not try to offer my in depth opinions on all things political...as you really can get better opinions from a lot of other places. But I have been wanting to weigh in on different things...its been frustrating having thoughts about what's going on (and even being right on occasion, contrary to polling and political aficionados) and being unable to blog...so I will seize the opportunity.
First, the Republicans;
Thompson: Several months ago I realized that Thompson had failed to do what a late comer needed to do in order to be a serious contender. He joined under the suggestion that he was the best hope for Conservatives and his rally cry was that the true base of the party could finally find their man in him. I was hopeful, and talked with friends about his chances. I held out through the early stages of his late campaign, hoping that the fire-in-the-belly he promised would finally ignite...and it never did. This is old news, but that was where I was in, goodness, about October. I think I officially started looking for a better alternate late October, early November...and discovered my new guy...
Romney: The thing that sealed it for me was his speech on religion and politics. Any man that can be that eloquent about something so important, who can craft a vision of what the nation should be with his words (I am starved for a real communicator in the office), and whose position on something so important as the inseparably linked but still distinct realms of personal beliefs and public politics could hardly be ignored. The more I watched, read, and heard, the more I liked him. I am now convinced he is the eventual candidate for the Republicans...and I hope we can come together as a party once the necessary and healthy process of primaries runs its course. We won't be settling for the best worst candidate...he'll be a good President, if he lives up to his promise.
As to the others...
McCain: I don't trust him, and I don't think that will ever change. Being a war hero does not a good president make.
Huckabee: a good man, I don't like his politics. That oh so important line I mentioned above, which Romney clearly understands, seems blurred if not invisible to Huck. I think he'd be bad for Republicans and bad for America.
Rudy: good public servant...I'd prefer him to McCain, but I echo others in wishing he'd be our nation's top lawyer, not President.
I am hoping we have to go to the Convention...I love the fact that this race is making professional political prognosticators look as uninformed as the rest of us...its a real race and things really change from day to day. If it were another nation, I'd be worried about revolution or martial law...but its America, and so its just really exciting to see the system work.
As for the Dem's...
Edwards deserves the least, so let me say I think he's a ridiculous candidate. He's a sleazeball lawyer and holds policy stances which should embarrass him. He obviously doesn't agree, and thinks he offers change. But honestly, as a Democrat running against a Clinton woman, and a Black man, did anyone ever really think he had a chance?
Clinton: she's a real politician. My favorite week for the Dem's has been the whole New Hampshire mess. In the fallout from Iowa, Clinton was being blasted for not being likable, for being to much like a serious politician. In response to this, the media was soon filled with images of her crying...and it was brilliant. Normally the discussion that we'd be having if a woman was running would center on fears that she would be too emotional, too weak to lead. Hillary is not the normal woman though. She has like-ability liabilities...which we'll talk about instead of real issues. How does she navigate this gender stereo-type minefield? She cries publicly. Whether it was real or not doesn't matter...it was masterful. She gets to appear emotional, but doesn't have to worry about being labeled with the image of feminine frailty, because at this point most people have thought of her as too cold to care. Meanwhile...how many people can watch a woman cry and feel no pity? She also gets to ride the wave of expectation...building on the media frenzy over Obama, she was able to appeal to the voters from a position of needing help. Again, a softer appeal from the strongest Dem candidate. I think she's very much in control of the situation, and if Obama is going to compete he'll need to start offering substance to his followers. Which brings us to...
Obama: the most electric candidate of the race. He's got the press drooling over the very idea of him winning the nomination. He uses positive language. He has no record haunting him...but he also has no record. He has very little to offer people that actually digest the messages the talking heads spew. He could force the Dem's to a convention too...which I think would make this the best political year of the last...30? 40? He is a sexy candidate. He is also a scary potential President. I'd prefer Hillary to Obama, as she's essentially Rudy, only a little more to the Left, and wouldn't cause the damage that electing Rudy as a Republican would to the Conservative cause.
I don't know exactly what Obama would do...since he hasn't offered any insight, but I have serious doubts that he would be committed to our interests in the Middle East...and like it or not, we have interests in the Middle East. Its the most volatile part of the globe...Pakistan's most recent upheaval obviously not helping matters. Our next President cannot cave into the demands of extremists and abandon our position in the Middle East. Our efforts in Iraq must succeed, we must have a foothold in the area, just as in the late 1930's it was vital to maintain a hold in Southeast Asia in the Philippines. Something the last few years should have made clear to us...conventional ground troop warfare hasn't gone out of style. Boots on the ground matter, and the best way to put boots on the ground is to have a base from which to support them. I firmly believe that this is an issue that must be addressed is this next election--but to do it, whoever the next President is must offer a vision of why it is we fight--otherwise s/he will be selling a false hope of an easy fix.
$50 on the Packers for Superbowl Champs
First, I'm not jumping on the bandwagon. I don't bleed green and gold...I am not a cheese head...and the Packers were my second choice (barely) for taking everything.
But I hold familial ties to at least two parts of our nation, and I have adopted their respective teams as my own, handed down from my Dad. I am a Redskins fan, and a Packers fan, and after that, as my Dad always says, I am a fan of anyone playing against Dallas. I hate Dallas.
The honest truth is that as a Skins fan, I have had very little to yell about since 1991. The mid-late 90's were good to fans of the Pack, and I am overjoyed that my favorite player in the NFL has weathered the years to return to the NFC championship game, and stands a real shot of playing in the Superbowl in the twilight of his fantastic career.
In fact, Farve is the reason I am seriously considering placing a bet on the Packers, once they overcome the Giants. I believe, in the wake of a fantastic game against the Seahawks, the Packers have the momentum to smother their NFC competition, and that they have the heart that will be the only thing that could possibly play spoiler to the perfect Patriots.
The match-up reminds me a lot of the second time Farve led the Packers to the Superbowl in 1998. They were the better team, and everyone expected them to destroy the Bronco's...but strange things can happen when the game is that important and you have as prolific a quarterback on the field as Elway. The Bronco's played their best game all season, the Pack their worst, and Elway got his ring.
I don't know if there is a wrench made that could prevent the machine-like Patriots from sweeping everyone and every record with their march to the Superbowl...but my guess is that if there's a chance, it resides in the heart and arm of Brett Farve. He moves his team, and better teams have failed when confronted with a team that rallies to a leader with heart and a genuine obvious love of the game.
Obviously I'm just a pleased spectator. If the Pack don't make it past the Giants, I'll cheer for the Pats to break all records ever...but I would love to see a truly great athlete get the laurels one last time.
But I hold familial ties to at least two parts of our nation, and I have adopted their respective teams as my own, handed down from my Dad. I am a Redskins fan, and a Packers fan, and after that, as my Dad always says, I am a fan of anyone playing against Dallas. I hate Dallas.
The honest truth is that as a Skins fan, I have had very little to yell about since 1991. The mid-late 90's were good to fans of the Pack, and I am overjoyed that my favorite player in the NFL has weathered the years to return to the NFC championship game, and stands a real shot of playing in the Superbowl in the twilight of his fantastic career.
In fact, Farve is the reason I am seriously considering placing a bet on the Packers, once they overcome the Giants. I believe, in the wake of a fantastic game against the Seahawks, the Packers have the momentum to smother their NFC competition, and that they have the heart that will be the only thing that could possibly play spoiler to the perfect Patriots.
The match-up reminds me a lot of the second time Farve led the Packers to the Superbowl in 1998. They were the better team, and everyone expected them to destroy the Bronco's...but strange things can happen when the game is that important and you have as prolific a quarterback on the field as Elway. The Bronco's played their best game all season, the Pack their worst, and Elway got his ring.
I don't know if there is a wrench made that could prevent the machine-like Patriots from sweeping everyone and every record with their march to the Superbowl...but my guess is that if there's a chance, it resides in the heart and arm of Brett Farve. He moves his team, and better teams have failed when confronted with a team that rallies to a leader with heart and a genuine obvious love of the game.
Obviously I'm just a pleased spectator. If the Pack don't make it past the Giants, I'll cheer for the Pats to break all records ever...but I would love to see a truly great athlete get the laurels one last time.
Unforseen Gifts
As is readily apparent if you have bothered to visit my miserably starved blog over the past...year?, you are aware of the lack of posting that has been going on here. I believe the tally of posts for all of 2007 was something like 37. 37! The blogosphere would laugh at me...if they knew or cared that my pathetic blog existed, which they might if I ever posted.
Still, I haven't had many choices. I have two jobs, a very busy wife just five months away from finally achieving her nursing degree and a three year old son. More than that...I still have dial-up Internet access. Yes, I know...the United States doesn't condone torture...but we are allowed to do what we like in the privacy of our own homes. Dial-up...and sadistic dial-up at that. Its a miracle I check e-mail at all...most of the time it will connect long enough for me to launch the program of choice and then disconnect once more. Somewhere there's an administrator laughing at my attempts to connect with the Web...but, its free. So, what can you do?
I have probably mentioned all of these things in a sad attempt to excuse my lack of posts, correspondence, etc with the Internet. But today is different.
You see, today...today, I am serving Jury Duty.
I know you're wondering, "How are you on the computer while serving Jury Duty?" Well, the reason is simple and wonderful...I am stuck in a room with nothing to do all day until they figure out if I am going to have to serve or not. And it just so happens, they have computers with Internet access for the duration of our wait. So, I have spent the $12 for full day access and now, though I wouldn't have imagined it, I actually get to blog without a concern in the world...until they call me to serve. Who'd have thunk it?
Still, I haven't had many choices. I have two jobs, a very busy wife just five months away from finally achieving her nursing degree and a three year old son. More than that...I still have dial-up Internet access. Yes, I know...the United States doesn't condone torture...but we are allowed to do what we like in the privacy of our own homes. Dial-up...and sadistic dial-up at that. Its a miracle I check e-mail at all...most of the time it will connect long enough for me to launch the program of choice and then disconnect once more. Somewhere there's an administrator laughing at my attempts to connect with the Web...but, its free. So, what can you do?
I have probably mentioned all of these things in a sad attempt to excuse my lack of posts, correspondence, etc with the Internet. But today is different.
You see, today...today, I am serving Jury Duty.
I know you're wondering, "How are you on the computer while serving Jury Duty?" Well, the reason is simple and wonderful...I am stuck in a room with nothing to do all day until they figure out if I am going to have to serve or not. And it just so happens, they have computers with Internet access for the duration of our wait. So, I have spent the $12 for full day access and now, though I wouldn't have imagined it, I actually get to blog without a concern in the world...until they call me to serve. Who'd have thunk it?
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