Valentine’s Day 2012
There are plenty of songs I wish I could say I’d written. There are many songs that can say what I feel better than I could ever capture in words. One such song is Ghazal (Love Song) by Tangerine Dream. It comes pretty close to capturing the sweeping power of true love. Love starts out [...]
My great little car
My car, a Toyota Corolla station wagon, will be twenty years old next year. Its burns oil. The paint, especially on the roof, is a variety of shades of decaying paint job. The stereo only has a tape deck, and it’s starting to eat tapes. I’ve owned this car for almost ten years. It still [...]
In defense of wealth – Part 1
I know defending the rich is not a popular thing to do right now, but…heck, I’ve never been popular anyway. Right now, due to relocation for work and the current housing market (caused as much by well-meaning politicians trying to help poor people who, oddly enough, can’t afford houses), I’m carrying two mortgages. That’s okay. [...]
It’s a wonderful wife
I’ve probably talked about this before, but I don’t think I could ever talk about it enough. If my life is at all pleasant, enjoyable, and headed in the right direction, it’s because I have a wonderful wife. We’ve been through a lot in our twelve years together. We’re on our third house, my fourth [...]
Richard and the Bee
As a parent there are times you just have to cross your fingers, pray, and hope for the best. We had such a situation this week. Our youngest–and most shy–child decided to enter the school spelling bee. His division would include not just first graders like himself, but first, second and third graders together. And, [...]
And the children are all above average
One of the most difficult things for adults to be objective about is their own children. Either they’re the smartest, most talented, most well-behaved angels ever to walk face of the earth, or they’re the most horrible monsters ever created. Often this depends on the current circumstances. Sometimes we even manage to hold both views simultaneously. [...]
Gratitude
I still haven’t worked out all my goals/resolutions for this year, but one I know will on the list is to focus on being more grateful. It’s not enough to just complain less. I need to recognize the good things more. Some of my most favorite people have also developed senses of gratitude, and I [...]