Day 30 -- Three Good Things -- or 90 TOTAL

Today is the one month anniversary of when I started my three good things.  I started it as an exercise after attending a conference in which a speaker talked about how miserable lawyers are.  He told us how trying to find good things can objectively affect one's happiness.

He talked about happiness is not innate ..it can be taught, it can be increased, and it can be decreased within each of us.  Obviously it varies -- some days are better than others.  But each person has a base line -- a place where our mood generally rests.

I did the three good things because I wanted to do it.  i wanted to know if I could find three good things every day.  I wanted to know if I could find good things even when things were going badly or when I was having a shitty day.  Turns out, I could do it.

So this is the last day and here are my three good things.

1.  I did three good things daily (or almost daily) for 30 days.  That is 90 good things that I saw, experienced, felt, heard, or believed.  That is a lot of good things.  Thinking of those 90 things makes me realize how blessed I am.  This is a good thing.

2.  I had some friends who joined me in this little journey.  A few others, periodically, mentioned their good things on FB.  This is a good thing.  If more people would think of good things, instead of how shitty the driver in front of them is, or the cold wind, or their crappy hamburger, or the fact the dog shit on the rug, or, or or, and focused on good things, like people getting a job, good food, good drinks, the Cardinals, a sunrise, a sunset, etc etc etc  -- maybe this world would get a little happier and not so fucking petty -- This may not seem like a good thing.  The good thing is that my friends did it too.

3.  Lastly, a regular one.  A close friend's wife (and a close friend in her own right) got a job today.  She has been looking for a long time.  She deserves good things (all good things) as much as anybody.  she is a wonderful person and her husband is spectacular.  I am so happy for both of them....This is a good thing.

I hope that everybody has a great day, week, month, and rest of 2013.  I'm going to do my good things periodically because its good for me.  Enjoy the World Series.

Have a great night

Be Easy

-CP

Week 2 / Day 6 - Sunday

Its Sunday and it was a good and bad day (I shouldn't say bad, it wasn't bad).  However, the Cardinals lost in Game 3 of the NLDS to the Pirates.  I am worried about tomorrow.  I think the Pirates are good.  If they beat the Cardinals, I'll root for them, but I think the Cardinals win games 4 and 5 to advance to the NLCS.  That is my unofficial prediction.

I also had to work today.  I billed almost 9 hours getting ready for a new matter that recently came in.  I am going to Florida this week (I know, tough life), but the timing is rough.  I'm busy at work getting ready for a hearing, finishing a brief, etc. But as I say all of the time, I'd rather be too busy than not busy enough.

Now, three good things.

1.  We took Lily, Lucy, Lincoln, Emma Kate (Lily's friend), and Drew (Lily's friend) bowling and for pizza.  We had a great time.  I won -- just kidding -- well, I did :)  In all seriousness, they all bowled, we ate pizza, played video games and had ice cream -- This was a good thing.

2.  The Rams won.  I know it might not be the biggest thing, but they won and this is a good thing (hey, not all good things, have to be wonderful energizing, inspiring stuff -- sometimes it is just something that makes you smile.

Like House Party -- which was on TV the other day (again).  That  movie makes me laugh every time.  The
 rap battle is outstanding (and well worth your few minutes).  I also like follow the drip.  And who can forget, the dance off.  Seriously, that is 3 good things right there (but I'm remembering something from teh other day, so it is not official)

3.  Instead, it is a good thing that Bread Company is so close and has WiFi so I can get work done without going down to the office.  This was a good thing.

Please enjoy your evening.

Be Easy

-- CP

Week 2 / Day 5 -- Saturday

I am a day late, but not a dollar short.  My three good things for Day 5 of the second week.

1.  I remain busy at work.  This is a good thing because it means that people are calling me for help.  This is, actually, a very good thing.

2.  I made breakfast for the kids yesterday morning (by make breakfast, I mean pancakes and sausage).  I love the weekends because I make breakfast for them both days.  We sit at teh table, eat, and talk.  This is a good thing.

3.  The kids talked to my parents.  I like listening to the conversations that occur between them.  Lincoln holds the phone and screams hello and good bye into it.  The kids get so excited to talk to them, and it makes me smile.  This is a good thing.

Enjoy your Sunday.  Until tonight --

Be Easy

--CP

Week 2 / Days 3 and 4

I did not have the chance to do three good things yesterday, primarily because I was at a conference and did not get back to my hotel room until very late.  I am doing yesterday and today now.

10/3 -- three good things about Lily

1.   I went to breakfast with Lily before leaving for Philadelphia.  We had bagels and coffee (and chocolate milk).  it occurred to me, during our conversation, how fast she is growing up.  Her growing up is not a good thing, but the conversation and breakfast was.

2.  Lily loves to read.  she always has a book and she has begun reading chapter books (think Encyclopedia Brown).  This is  good thing.

3.  Finally, Lily is fun, athletic, funny, smart, curious, and unbelievably kind hearted.  I love her.  She is a good thing.

10/4 -- three good things.

1.   I was able to go to Philadelphia for a conference and see some attorneys that I do not get to see very often (except when in a hearing against them).  It was a good time and this was a good thing.

2.  I was able to eat dinner at Del Frisco's in Philadelphia.  We had good wine, a very good bone in Filet Mignon, and good company.  This was a good thing.

3.  Last, but not least, the conference was good.  I saw some good attorneys, learned from what they had to say, and met more people that I wanted to see.  This was a good thing.

I hope that everybody has a good night/day.

be easy

-cp

Week 2 / Day 3

It is day 3 of the second week.  Generally, things are good.  As is to be expected, though, some days are more difficult than others.  That happened today, but there were three good things.

1.  At 3:00 this afternoon, I left my office and went outside.  It was a beautiful day and I wanted/needed a short walk to clear my head.  It worked.  This was a good thing.

2.  I got my haircut today -- this is not the good thing, though, I'm happy its finished.  Instead, on my way back, I wandered through Kiener Plaza.  I don't know that I ever really noticed the fountain on the west side of the plaza.  It looks good.  This was a good thing.

3.  I am leaving for Philadelphia tomorrow for a conference that I really enjoy attending.  The conference is for the attorneys that work in the area in which I work.  Not exciting to many people, but I get to see attorneys from around the country that I normally only talk to the phone.  This is a good thing.

I expect to write tomorrow, but I will be at dinner with a large group so the post will be late or very early Friday morning.  I hope that everybody has a great night / day tomorrow.

Be Easy

-- CP

WK 2 / Day 2

Today was my youngest son's birthday.  He is 3.  I am going to make the 3 things about him.

1.  Lincoln is 3.  He is big and thick.  He is very strong.  He is also funny, laughs all the time, and loves to make jokes.  I hope he never loses that.  This is a good thing.

2.  Lincoln is the youngest of 3.  His sisters are 4 and 7 (or close).  They really care of him.  When he cries, they try to comfort him (unless they caused it), whne he tells a joke, they laugh...the oldest reads to him.  They love him.  I know they always will, but I hope they continue to show him.  This is a good thing.

3.  Lincoln wants to drive trucks.  Big trucks.  He wants to be a fire fighter.  That is his singular goal in life.  I can think of worse things for him to want to be.  Whatever he does, he does it hard.  He runs fast, he jumps hard, he plays hard (he hits hard).   I hope he doesn't lose that.  I hope that he remembers to work hard and then play hard.

I love the little guy (and he won't be the little guy for long).  I hope everybody has a great day / night.

Until tomorrow

Be Easy

--cp

Week 2 / Day 1

Week 2 / Day 8

This will be brief because I'm tired (of course), but we march on...

1.  I had a productive meeting with a client this morning (he actually followed my advice).  This is a good thing (I'd give more details but he is charged with a crime)

2.  I had dinner with the kids today.  We ate vegetables and turkey pasta.  After dinner, I offered money if they would clean up their toys.  In a rare occurrence  they did it (so they got paid).  Lily read a book to Lucy, Lincoln, and me and they went to bed peacefully.  Nice evening.  This was a good thing.

3.  The weather today was outstanding (in St. Louis).  The temperature was nice, good breeze, and generally very pleasant.  This was a good thing.

I hope that everybody has a great night and day tomorrow.

Until next time

Be Easy

--cp

End of Week 1 -- Day 7 -- 3 more good things

This is the end of Week 1 of three good things.  As I think about these seven days, there have a been a lot of good things -- many of which I did not write down or share.  As I hoped, though, the point is perspective.  I lose it a lot -- I don't think I'm the only to lose perspective.  Sometimes, when we are having a shitty day, the hardest thing is to think of a good thing, but it helps with perspective.

I have stolen the phrase -- First World Problems -- to illustrate the point.  In March, I went to Washington DC for a conference.  We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which, to say the least, is not a holiday inn.  It is fantastic.

The conference provided good food, alcohol, good people to meet, and good substance.  During the second evening, I was walking to my room.  Next to me, was a woman also walking down the hall.  It was a long walk from the elevator our respective rooms.  As we are walking, she turns to me and complains because of the long walk.  She is bitching and whining about why her room is so far from the elevators.  I listen for 30 seconds or so, and I turn to her and say

"that might be true, but we are walking down the halls of one of the nicest hotels in DC, that we don't have to pay for.  The long walk is a first world problem -- we'll live".

She laughed and agreed -- the point was made.  We need to stop complaining about stuff that really is nothing.

enough of that -- on to my 3 things

1.  I went to the zoo with Lily and Lucy.  We took the train, went to the children's zoo, got face painting, and had a Characature  drawn of the three of us.  We got Popsicles  petted a snake and some goats, and saw the alligator.  This was a good thing.

2.  While Lucy and Lily were at the zoo, Lincoln went to his birthday party.  It was a super hero party.  He loved it and wore his cape and mask as Super Lincoln all day.  This was a good thing.

3.  I met somebody on Friday who works for a local company.  They reached out to me over the weekend because they need some legal work done -- This is a good thing.

I hope that everybody has a great week.  If we can keep perspective, i think that will help.  Enjoy your evening and the rest of your day.

Be easy

-- cp

Day 6 - Three more good things

It is day 6.  It's late (I'm tired), but I have 3

1.  I bought a new sandwich (using the gift certificates from yesterday that I won in the tournament).  I don't  often buy myself stuff like that.  I'm happy that I got it before my trip to Florida in about 10 days.  This was a good things

2.  Went out to the new home site (its taking shape) and talked to the tree guy about some trees for the back corner of our yard.  Might not seem big, but he was very nice and knew what he was talking about. I consider this a good thing.

3.  Last, but not least, the kids had a good day.  We went to a friend's house for a BBQ and they got to play outside for hours and hours with other kids.  They don't do that often during the weekends, especially now that we are in the apartment.  This was a good thing.

I'm almost one week in to 30 days of good things and its going well.  I have liked doing this.  I have also liked, more than my own good things, are the good things that my friends are placing on facebook.   

I hope that everybody has a great Sunday.  

Be Easy

-cp

Day 5 -- Three more good things

Today is day 5 and it has been a good day.  (tribute to  Ice Cube).  It was Friday and I ended the day by playing golf with a good friend and two attorneys from the firm.  All good. I must say that I am beginning to believe in this good thing stuff.  It is helping me keep perspective.  It is reminding me how important the good  things are.

I received a message from a friend yesterday.  She told me that she had been arguing with her son and he said he had a horrible day.  She told him to come up with a good thing that happened that day.  Initially, he said nothing, but after some prodding, he came up with something (there is always something).  The argument ended and he felt better.

I think that if we search for the good things, it can make the ineveitable bad things less important.  There is a lot of good everyday and it can be hard to see them or appreciate them, but this exercise is making them more visible. Now, on to three good things.

1.   I enjoyed a beautiful day playing golf instead of sitting my office wishing I was playing golf. I was able to play with a very good friend and two attorneys from my firm.  Two attorneys that I did not know very well before, but that I had a great time getting to know.  I also won $150.00 in gift cards from Golf Galaxy (closest to the pin).  This was a good thing.

2.  The weather was outstanding today.  It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze.  Sometimes, we should appreciate the weather -- This was a good thing

3.  My son slept until 7 AM.  This was a good thing -- no explanation needed.

I hope that everybody had a good day.  I did.  Have a great nigth and have a great weekend.  I will be posting over the weekend.

Be Easy

--cp

Day 4 -- 3 more things

Today is day 4.  Something that I've found interesting about this process is that I am beginning to look for things that I would consider "good".  Its been good to do this (26 days left).  In any event, a couple of people have started doing the same thing on facebook.  Its been good to see.

1.  I went to the Wine Tap in Belleville with my wife.  Its her birthday.  We talked (just us), had wine, flatbread pizza, and I told her that I bought her Justin Timberlake tickets for her birthday (she was happy) --This was a good thing.

2.  I took all three kids to school today.  After dropping Lily off, Lucy and Lincoln and I went to the new house and watched the men and women work.  They were working on the neighbor's lot.  The foundation for our new house is almost done and it looks great (as far as I can tell).  This was a good thing.

3.  At lunch, I walked to Jimmy John's.  this wasn't good.  What was good was how much I like walking past the Old Courthouse.  I love Old Courthouses and one of the oldest is right next to my building.  This is a good thing.

I hope that each and every one of you have a good day tomorrow.

Be easy

-cp

Day 3 - three more good thngs

It's late on Wednesday the 25th, or late for me now.

I did not forget my three good things.  Here they are:

1.  I bowled tonight.  I've bowled since I was about 4 when my dad took me.  We lived in Baltimore at that time.  Since then, I've bowled in tournaments, in leagues, worked in bowling alleys, and done almost anything you can think of in a bowling alley.  I bowl on Wednesdays.  I bowled well today and the team won.  This was a good thing

2.  I ate lunch at Kemolls today. I've never eaten there and I've lived in st Louis for most of my life. I ate with a close friend. It was a good thing.

3. As I was driving home today, I heard ice cube's, today was a good day.   That song always makes me smile.  This was a good thing.

Until tomorrow....  Be easy

-cp

September 24 -- 3 more good things

This is day 2 of 3 good things.

1.  Tonight, like every night, we have the kids tell us for what they are grateful.  Everyday, the reasons are similar -- family, mommy, daddy, lily, lucy, lincoln, school, teacher, animals, baby animals, plants.  Today, Lincoln looked at me and said I am grateful for Daddy.  That was a good thing.

2. Its a good thing to be able to be healthy enough to exercise   Tonight, I went to the YMCA and worked out.  I do this to be healthy so I can be around to see the kids grow up, meet their kids, and see the wonderful people they become (optimistic, aren't I?)

3. Tonight, watching the Cardinal Game.  I won't list this every night --remember no repeats -- tonight, though Wacha has a no hitter through 8 innings.  This is good stuff.

To those that are joining me, post them in the comments, or in your head, or wherever.  For those that haven't joined me,  you should.  I believe that if we focus on the positive (what we are grateful for, the kind things that we may have done, and the good things we see, feel, and experience) we can all be happier, more positive people.  And that is good for all of us.

Have a great night

Be Easy

-cp

THREE GOOD THINGS

I was at a conference last week.  The conference was excellent -- it was with a lot of other lawyers -- sounds fun, doesn't it??

In any event, one of the issues that we discussed was the general unhappiness of lawyers and ways that it can be improved.  there were interesting stats (some depressing...ironic, huh?), and a lot of very good thoughts on happiness -- like that it can be objectively measured and improved.

One of the discussion points centered around the idea of 3 good things.  In a recent study, one group of people were required to write down 3 good things they saw, experienced, or felt, for one week.  The control group was not under any such obligation.  After 1 week, the groups were measured and compared.  The group that was required to write down 3 good things were objectively happier than the other group.

In another study, researchers discovered diaries for a number of nuns in a convent in Europe.  The Nuns had been born before 1917.  The researchers reviewed the diaries and categorized them as positive or negative.  The discovered that of those in the top quartile with positive thoughts, 90% were alive in 2002 (approx.).  Of those in the bottom quartile, only 34% were alive.

I have decided to embark on the 3 good things task.  The rules are as follows.  I will write three good things that I see, feel, or experience everyday for 30 days.  They cannot repeat (i can't mention my family each day), they must be different and independent.  Other than that, they can be anything that i believe is good and a brief explanation as to why.  I begin as follows:

THREE GOOD THINGS -- 9/23/13

1.   My family (combined so i don't cheat) -- they are healthy and happy -- that is a good thing.
2.  Larry Porter -- my closest friend and, in reality, my brother.
3.  Anthony Graphenreed -- my nephew -- he lost his mother, my sister, about 3 years ago, but he keeps doing the right thing.  I'm blessed to be related to him.

I have no doubt that this will get harder, but i cannot believe that I don't see, experience, or feel 3 good things each day.  I will post daily to prove it can be done.

The real question is -- will anybody join me?

I hope you have a wonderful day

Be Easy

-cp

Martin / Zimmerman

"It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer",
-- English jurist William Blackstone


I've been thinking about Zimmerman / Martin a lot.

I was a public defender for a long time and I am a staunch defender of the rights of all people (even those charged with crimes).  Unlike many, I can't get mad at the jury.  This case was difficult b/c legally, he was likely not guilty -- my criminal defense friends might even agree.  We were not in the courtroom every day.  We did not see every piece of evidence that the jury did.  We did not hear every witness.  Even if we did, they were charged with following the law.  I think they probably did that.  We might disagree with the law (and I might), but I can't disagree with the verdict.

This entry, though, is not a moral defense of what happened.  Clearly, Zimmerman's actions caused that boy's death.  If he stayed in the car, as he was ordered to do, Martin is alive.  As Jason Alexander wrote here, if Zimmerman does not have a gun, he probably doesn't follow Martin b/c he does not feel like he is invincible or something special.  He would have let the police do their jobs (this is not a commentary on guns).

This might have been race related and I am not naive enough to think that if  the races were reversed, he Zimmerman would still have not been convicted (stats bear that out). Zimmerman's idiot actions, though are not 2nd degree murder (or even manslaughter).

What is more disturbing to me  are the protests around the country related to Zimmerman.  I heard reports of dumpster fires, vandalism, assaults, throughout the country today related to the Zimmerman verdict.  Is that what we have become?  Rioting when something does not go your way?  Protesting for one victim, when there are hundreds of victims around the country?  Marching for a shooting in Sanford, FL, when there are shootings 3 blocks from where I sit?  Marching for Travon Martin, when there are children in STL (and ever city) not getting sufficient care at home, not getting sufficient eduction, and not getting sufficient nutrition to survive in this world (let alone prosper).

People should use this as a wake up call.  Not a wake up call regarding the value of black life or whether the criminal justice system works (I'd submit it does work and that is why the verdict was not guilty -- those jurors were not affected by the outside world -- they considered the evidence and acquitted).  This should be one of many wake up calls that there is a lot that needs to be fixed and we should get started getting some of that shit done.

Have a nice day and be easy

-- cp

Lincoln etc

As some people know, on Wednesday, my middle child had her tonsils and adenoids taken out.  This is NOT about that and how i felt about that.  She came out of it fine.  Instead, it is about something else that I always knew, but learned again.

On Wednesday, Bec took Lucy to Children's Hospital early in the morning for her surgery.  It was me, Lily, and Lincoln.  Lincoln and I took Lily to camp about 9 and then we drove down to my office.

He was so excited to drive down to my office.  He kept chattering in the back seat as we drove down the highway.  We listened the radio, which always makes him very happy.  We parked on the street near Kiener Plaza and walked across the street.

We walked into the building.   He really liked the revolving doors.  We walked to the elevator as he asked, over and over again, what different things were.  We saw an attorney in my office and as he walked away, Lincoln asked "who was that man?".  He asked what the security lady "does".  When we got to the elevators, we hit the button and got on.

As it went up, he declared that "this is fun".  The doors opened and we walked to my office.  He strutted down the hall (until Tina said hi, and then he cowered attached to my leg).  We made it to my office and he walked around picking up paper and looking at stuff.  He almost pulled the plant of my window sill to the floor (of course the plant is essentially dead, so it doesn't much matter).

After we left the office, we walked down the street towards teh arch.  We passed two women taking pictures and Lincoln asked who they were.  We waited at the cross walks, as Lincoln marveled at the cars whipping by.  Finally, we made it across Memorial and we were walking on the sidewalk to the arch.  As we walked towards it, Lincoln continued to say "that's big" as he looked up at the giant arch.  Even I was amazed at how big that thing is.  We walked to the arch and touched it (Lincoln wanted to).

Then, he wanted to walk down to the river.  it was still high, though much lower than it had been.  The water was covering the street and parking lots, but you could walk down the steps.  We walked down and watched the water for about 20 minutes.  We talked about the men who were working.  We talked about the snow plows they use to clear the water.  We watched the birds find things to eat.  We sat on the railing and we just hung out.

After those twenty minutes, he wanted to go and, of course, he wanted me to carry him.  I put him on my shoulders and we walked back to Kiener Plaza.  Along the way, he tried to touch ever tree branch that was high in the air.  He bounced on my shoulders, looking around, and describing everything that he saw, including the girl in the sunglasses, the man drinking from a cup, and the woman who took a picture.

When we got up the hill, he told me he was thirsty.  I was thirsty too so we went to Hardees and got some lemonade.  We walked slowly to the car, wandering by the fountain of red water (something else that confuses a 2 1/2 year old -- why is the water red?)

We got in the car and we went home.  Lincoln and I hung out for about 3 hours Wednesday (after the Arch, we ran some errands) and it was some of the best hours of my year.  It is rare that I hang out with the kids by themselves.  I'm home on weekends and in the evenings, but they are all there.  It was great to hang out with Lincoln and just Lincoln.

I learned something I always knew, but needed to be reminded about.  Spend time with your kids (separately).  Lincoln has no idea how much fun that I had with him and he has no idea how much it meant to me.

In the end, I didn't work on Wednesday and, do you know what ...it didn't matter.  I still had work on when I got to work on Thursday.  I answered a few emails that afternoon while Lincoln slept, but for three hours I was only one thing -- DAD

Have a great day (or hope you had a great day).

Be Easy

-cp

Its been a while

The most difficult thing about writing is....wait for it.... writing...

Since my last post a lot has happened.  I finished my LSL (Leadership St. Louis) class.  We were class 37 and it was a great experience.  To me, the best part was how everybody gained so much confidence.  We heard over and over again how people felt more confidence because they were a part of the process and that group.  I would have to agree.

Sometimes, we look at ourselves and, frankly, we don't see ourselves like others see us.  It was odd to be around such accomplished people and, over time, realize that they accepted you for you .. that is that you belonged with them.  I met such great people and I truly feel like I can do anything now.

I've been considering a number of things -- even running for state rep in IL -- running for school board and one reason is that this group instilled me with great confidence.

I learned so much about St. Louis, but also about me.  I also learned so much about great people in the St. Louis region.  Monica Conners with the St. Louis County Economic Council, Kira Banks at UMSL, Erik K. at Edward Jones, Andrew Scavatto at Stinson, Stephanie Regnanon at Monsanto, Erika Neal at the Griot Museum, Reagan Nelson, Leon Sharpe, Joe Gfaller, Tim Huskey, Michelle Fontaine, Kristen Fauss, Tim Huskey, Elissa Schauman, Michael Silver, and so many more that I can't name.  They all taught me something.

The final weekend was a great good bye (but really an introduction into the rest of our lives together).  We had a quite a party (too much alcohol, including a shot of Makers Mark -- WTF??), but it was also quite a good bye.  We had gotten so used to seeing each other every month that still is odd to not have that "next month" coming soon.

I look forward to maintaining those relationships.  I have made a personal goal of seeing 40 of my class mates in the next 6 months for lunch, coffee, drinks, etc.  These relationships and people are the people that will help the region become as great as it can be.

Other than that, i had a great birthday.  Played golf at Bellerive, ate dinner with my family (Lincoln did not make it the entire dinner), and ate some chocolate cake -- if you know me you know that is my favorite dessert <-- BTW, I always remember dessert has 2 Ss b/c of Ms. Short who taught us that dessert is something you want so it has 2 Ss (desert has one s), but i digress.

I'm 39 now (holy shit).  I am doing a triathlon on Sunday.  its going to be hot, but I'll survive.  Wish me luck.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

-CP

BTW:  I still can't get over the St. Louis American article.  Odd to see something about you in print, especially when its positive...

Have a great day and keep perspective...remember, we all only have first world problems...

Wisdom

Dear George:

Tomorrow, at 9:00 AM, I am having my wisdom teeth extracted.  I am not very happy about this.  I should have done it 20 years ago when my dentist, Dr. Ronald Antoine, told me to do it.  He also told me not to come back until I had them removed.  I never went back.  I've never done real well with authority.  This is still true.

In any event, tomorrow is the day. They are putting me to sleep, primarily because I'd probably punch the dentist if i wasn't.  I've heard various stories about how this is going to go.  Everything from horrible to manageable.  I'm hoping for manageable, but it will be over and I won't have to do it again.

I was thinking, though, that the name of the teeth, wisdom teeth, is really a misnomer.  I know that historically they are called that because, you know, as you get older you allegedly get smarter.  I am fairly convinced this is absolutely not true.

I think as you get older, you know more stuff, but that does not make you wise.  Isn't wisdom the ability to listen and make reasoned statements and come to logical conclusions?  It is not knowing more about the Civil War then you did when you were 16.  

I mention this because it appears to me that the older I get, the less wise it appears that others around me become.  I should not be surprised with the lack of wisdom that most people possess.  They don't seem to have the ability to listen, to consider a point different then theirs, and come to a reasoned conclusion (this in no way is meant to imply that this is one of my qualities, I could also improve).

I was reading about Arizona and the wack job Sheriff Joe.  He has started a posse.  This posse carries guns and will "protect" the people and children (sounds like a cop's job, but whatever).  He has a pedophile in this group and a person charged with domestic assault.  Great posse.  To make this story even more bizarre, (if that is even possible), Steven Seagal (yes, Above the Law Steven Seagal) says that anybody who criticizes Sheriff Joe is an embarrassment to the human race.

I'm not sure why people live in Arizona.  I don't mean to attack the state (well I do), but you have got to be kidding me.

I only mention these two crazy people because, frankly, they need to be mentioned.

I hope that everybody tries to be a little wiser today and think of me tomorrow when I'm getting my teeth ripped out of my body.

Oh, yeah,  Happy Valentine's Day.

Song of the week -- Mc Eiht

Be easy

-cp

The weight is on...

Dear George:

I hope you're well.  All good here.

The holiday season is over.  The vacation is over...Now its time for operation 225 to begin.  I haven't been down to 225 since some time near my 14th birthday (okay, maybe not that long ago, but pretty close).  I've decided to lose another 30 pounds.  I lost about 50 pounds (at my lowest weight) last year.  I did this, not with some fad diet.  I did not stop eating broccoli.  I did not only eat honey. I did not stop drinking coffee, but add green tea.

All I really did was eat less and try to eat more healthily.  That is actually a very real issue with me because I don't like vegetables.  My wife makes a mean salad though (and a good dressing) so I focus on those.  I'm farily certain she throws vegetables in some of the food we eat to keep me balanced.  If it was my choice entirely and weight was not an issue (really, health, not weight), I'd chicken wings and burgers every meal.

I'm going to run the Go St. Louis half marathon (again, torturing myself).  My goal is to do it in under 2:20 (11 / mile).  I've never beaten 2:40, so that is a big reduction in time, but if i put my mind to it, i'm sure i can do it.  Hell, last year, I ran 3 miles in 42 minutes.  Now I can in 33 minutes, so clearly its possible.

I am also doing a short triathlon in May.  500 M swim, 20K bike, 5K run.  I really like the triathlons (the training is better).  I'd like to be in the 230s by then (high 230s).  We'll see how we do.  So far, I'm doing well.  I've lost most of the vacation weight and have worked out consistently in the 8 days since we got back.

I'm running and lifting weights and I'll add swimming on Friday.

In other news, I've decided I don't care about T'eo anymore.  No matter the result, it is more sad than anything.  Every guy i know (and i mean EVERY GUY) has lied about a girlfriend or some woman they say the slept with or could have slept with.  It was different when I was in school b/c there was nothing on-line (unless you count AOL), but we all did it.  I did and I'll admit it.  That is what guys do.

T'eo did the same thing.  The difference between him and me (other than the fact that I"m better looking) is that his story made it to Sports Illustrated.  He lied and he was embarrassed and the lie grew and grew.  He couldn't stop it b/c the media began covering.  Does this make him evil.  NO.  Does it make him sick?  NO  Frankly, it kind of makes him normal.  It makes him look like every other college guy who is a little nervous when dealing with women.  He liked the attention it got him.  He'll learn, but it should not stain him forever.

Did you catch the pun??  Man, I'm freaking hilarious.

Have a great day

-cp

Interesting times

Its been quite a few weeks...First, the tragedy in Newtown and the resulting gun debate, fueled by the gun enthusiasts who believe that assault weapons are their God given right...no true.

Second, a cruise with my wife that was spectacular   While on the cruise, the ND Fighting Irish got stomped by Alabama.  Manti T'eo played like shit.

Third, get back from cruise, and Lance Armstrong is going to admit his drug use.

Fourth, turns out T'eo was in a relationship (and pushed the story forward) with a woman that was not real...WOW.

The first part of the Armstrong interview played last night -- he looks like an Asshole.  I suppose, though, that if we (the public) really got to know most of the people who win (athletes, CEOs, manageing partners of law firms, politicians) we'd discovery a lot of them assholes.  It raises a good question -- is that what it takes to become super successful (not comfortable, not sucessful, but CEO Type successful)?

I hope not, but it appears that more and more people that are ultra competitive and have reached the very top of their profession have very real personality flaws.  We all have those flaws.  Some of us are selfish...some are needy, some are just dicks, some mean, some insecure.  We all know and accept that human beings are flawed.  I suppose its possible that when you reach the pinnacle of your respective profession, those flaws can be enhanced because there is nobody to tell you that are you acting like an asshole (though my wife would tell me).

When you reach the top -- Pujols, Jordan, Tiger, Armstrong, -- there is nobody around to tell you that you are a jackass.  I think, obviously, there are people at the top who are genuinely nice people.  That is they didn't destroy people to get to the top.  They do not abuse their staff or the public.  They do not think they are better than everybody else simply because of their place in society.  It seems like (though i would presume that this is not a true statement) that more and more of the top people are asses.  In raelity, I'd assume that many titans of indiustry in years past were similarly assholes, but we (the publc) did not know or care to know.  Now everything is out there.

You can't turn around and find something out about a person that you have heard about, whether it be athlete, policitian, industrial CEO, polician.  Frankly, the added knowledge may not be a good thing.

This leads me to T'eo.  I feel sorry for this guy.  I have no idea what happened.  Maybe he was in on it from the beginning as the Deadspin article suggested.  Maybe he had no idea.  I think (like most things) it lies int eh middle.  Its more likely that it was a hoax to begin wtih and he liked it and the attention.  The real concern, on my end, is that he is a homosexual and this was a cover for that.  That would be sad.  It would also make him instnatly sympathetic.  It would not explain the constant lying AFTER he's (or ND) admitted that he knew.  The whole thing is bizarre.  I wonder when he will speak and, if he does speak, what the hell is he going to say??

Interesting times adn I did not even get to gun control (next time).  I hope you have a great day.

Be easy

-cp

2013

Dear George:

I was reading an article this morning about the ineffectiveness of the 112th U.S. Congress.  As you may know, I lean left.  I suppose that is not entirely accurate.  I am way left on social issues (gay marriage, abortion, legalization of marijuana). I am a big supporter of the constitution, that is I think the Bill of Rights are important, but I do NOT believe they provide unfettered access and rights to all things mentioned. (which is the position the Supreme Court takes on all of the amendments).

I believe strongly in the rights of the individual.  If I am not hurting other people, then the Government should stay out of my business.  If I am not costing the Government money (welfare, etc) it should stay out of my business.  If, though, I am taking advantage of a government service, I should be subject to reasonable regulations and laws.

I think big businesses forget how many services they use as they complaint about taxes and regulations.  I think the wealthy forget about the services they use when they complaint about paying "their fair share".  I think that human beings should want to contribute.  Any society cannot survive without assistance from its citizens.  If we continue to take the position that we are not the ones who should need to help, then society will have a issues.  We can't be selfish.

This is not only meant for the wealthy.  Of course, the poor and less fortunate must also take the position they want to help (not say they want to help, but actually help).

There will be more later.

enjoy your day

-cp

Dear George

Dear George:

I haven't talked to you in a while.  Hell, I think its been since 12th grade when I wrote in the journal for English class with Ms. Short (remember her).  I'm sure you know all that I've been up to, so I am NOT going to go through the past twenty (yes, I said 20 fucking years) since senior year of high school   Holy shit, i'm getting old :)

I bowled last night and did okay.  Average down to 187, but I bowled a 615 so moving in teh right direction, I suppose.

I'm supposed to have dinner with my nephew tonight.  Don't know where (usually Tucker's), but should be interesting.  His sister (my niece  is pregnant and will be having her child in the next few weeks (this, frankly, is not good news).  She is only 20 and has no business having a kid.  Its been hard watching her go down the wrong path.  Since her mother, my sister, died 2 years ago, she has had a rough time.

She was given some money and still received social security from her father's death.  All I wanted was for her to go to school, but she would not consistently go.  She fucked around and ended up quitting (she claims she will go back, but I am not so sure).  To top it off, she got pregnant (which was probably on purpose though she argues otherwise).

As my nephew says, he is so pissed, but it will not be the kid's fault.  How do you deal with that?  Support her so the kid is okay??  Is that right?  That appears to support her decision?

Not easy decisions, but ones that we have to deal with.  I know one thing, I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm making sure my kids don't have kids for a long time.  They are still little, but I will do everything in my power to keep that from happening.

Not sure how we pull that off, but I'm doing something (chastity belt?  threats? dungeons?)  Any ideas would be helpful...

Its January 3.  My resolutions won't start in earnest until January 14 for reasons not to discuss here.  then it's on like donkey kong....good times...

I've been trying to decide if i should continue working out at 4:45 AM (yes AM) or move it to the night?  I'll continue to consider these options.

That's all of my stream of conscientiousness right now.  Sometimes, when I write its profound, intellecual, sometimes its bullshit...and sometimes its because i don't want to start work.  guess which one this was ...

have a great day.

be easy

-cp