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Voting for transformation?

2008-11-04T21:57:46Z

I have been planning a post on the election and voting for a couple of days now, but couldn't find the time or the words I wanted to say. Thankfully, a friend of mine (Frank), posted over at his blog (The Soft Lounge), a great "Post of Cleansing" about the election. Everything that Frank says in that entry applies to me as well.

I have never like politics, but I have voted in every major election I've been eligible for. One vote probably doesn't make a difference, but I always feel like it is one right that I have that I should exercise. In both of the presidential elections I voted in previously, my candidate lost.

]]> That being said, it took me a very long time to decide who to vote for. After reading websites and platforms, taking into account experience, intelligence, and doing this both for the federal elections, but also the local ones, I could not make a decision. I've been pretty sure I didn't want to vote Republican after the past 8 years - I frankly think they will be remembered as one of the darkest periods in American history (at least by the rest of the world, anyway). When McCain selected Palin as his running mate, and she started campaigning, I knew I wasn't going to vote Republican. First, I still think it was a lame attempt to get former Hillary voters, but I also think Palin is an idiot. Her inability to actually answer the questions she was asked in the VP debate was astonishing. The fact that the media called that debate a "tie" when she wouldn't even answer the questions asked - well, I guess we all know the pundits are idiots. I'm not much a fan of the media, either.

Then there is Obama... Well, I've never been sold on Obama. Yes, he is a good speaker, but his lack of experience is certainly disturbing to me. After all, George W. Bush was also inexperienced, and look how that turned out... Not only that, but the based their whole campaign on "change." I don't really believe he can (or will) do anything substantial to change the country. Frankly, I have zero faith that either of the two major political parties want to change anything. I'm cynical, but I'm also realistic. Another thing that bugs me about Obama is highlighted in my friend Frank's blog entry by this line:

"I am so done hanging around liberal friends who’ve all but made Barack Obama the second coming of the Jesus H. Christ-nailed to a hybrid car holding a Macbook in one hand and free trade coffee in the other."

Now I realize both parties may be voting based on things other than the issues, but it has seemed way too blatant in the case for Obama. Some of the supporters have impressed me as being so fanatical that they are almost like those celebrity stalkers you hear about on TV. The thing that sucks is that these people have built him up to Christ-like stature, but what happens when he doesn't bring about earth-moving, super-change? He will be considered a disappointment for all time. When you set your expectations too high, you're always going to be disappointed.

So, this past week I received three robo-calls from the Obama campaign, 4 phone calls from live campaign workers, and had two Obama signs hung on my door (of my secured apartment building - in the SAME DAY!). This stuff really pisses me off. One call is enough, I can deal with that. I was getting calls at 9pm at night, in the morning, etc. I was ready to abstain on the presidential vote after this crap - I just can't tolerate it. Not to mention the people at EVERY freaking metro station who would basically accost you to try to get you to sign up to vote and declare your support for Obama. It worries me that if Obama wins, we're going to have "Obama Youth" and people will just blindly follow this guy.

But, perhaps the thing that bothered me most of all is why a few people have told me they are voting for Obama. I have had three people who I have asked (and it would probably be more, had I asked more people), tell me they were voting for Obama because he is black. One of those people even said they wouldn't be voting if the Democrats had put up someone who wasn't black. (Ok, now I know that there are idiots out there who are going to vote McCain just because Obama's black too, and that is just as insane). I'm sorry people, but skin color is NOT a valid reason for voting for someone, period. I cannot tell you how angry that makes me.

On top of all that stuff, I am seriously concerned that Democrats will get fillibuster proof majorities in both the House and Senate. I do not want both the Legislative and Executive branches of government under one-party control. I don't think anything good will come of that, it is when there are challenges made to legislation that we get better legislation. I would love to see a third party make some gains in one of the chambers, but I know that's never going to happen until they get equal media coverage (and/or have the money to buy advertising).

I did end up voting for a candidate. I still feel uneasy about my vote, but then agian, I've never voted for a winner, so maybe I shouldn't worry too much! A couple of random things that happened while at the polling place:

A person made a comment to me that "You must be voting for McCain since you play hockey." I wasn't quite sure what to say to that. I just kind of chuckled and shook my head, but I wish I had asked the guy what he meant by that.

I did have to wait in line at my polling place in Shirlington for about an hour. It wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be, though. Woo hoo!

When I got to the front of line, I was asked to present ID. I know this is a requirement in Virginia, but I still don't agree with it. As long as you are registered, you should not need to present ID.

After presenting my ID, I was given the choice of electronic or paper ballot for the first time. For the 2004 presidential election and for the 2006 midterms, there was no paper option. I know VA is getting rid of electronic for the 2012 election, but I was glad to see paper as an option this time. My last two, I voted, and then had no paper record of my vote. Having worked in Technology for the past 10 years, I know not to trust a computer. Too many issues exist. So I filled out the paper ballot. It took a little longer, but at least there will be a paper record of my vote. Yay anti-technology!

Happenings and Goings on

2008-11-02T19:26:24Z

It's been a little while since the last update, so I present to you a recap of the things that have been going on in the past few weeks...

The New Job
On Wednesday, October 29, 2008, I started in my new position at Georgetown as the Manager of Information Systems and Technology Contracts. So far it has gone fairly well, at least as far as I can tell. As with any job, there is a certain learning curve involved, so I've had to ask quite a few questions. Once I get the basic procedures down. though, I can start working on making it my own. I already have a couple ideas that I think would help the processes out a little bit. I just want to make sure I'm comfortable with everything before I start messing with any existing processes. One thing that I am really happy about with this position is the fact that I'll get to telecommute once a week. I've been looking for a position that offered that for a while now, and finally have it. I've decided to telecommute on Mondays, but won't be starting that until around Thanksgiving - when I should be more comfortable with everything that I'm doing.

Halloween 2008

Halloween
I haven't gone out to do anything for Halloween in quite a few years. This year, since I would be going out by myself meant that I was going to attend a few parties that I'd been invited to. So, the first stop on the evening was to a party hosted by a few guys I play softball with. The picture you see here is a shot of all the guys who were at the party who played for our softball team (the Money $hot$) during the summer and fall leagues. (As a side note, after the team finished 0-18-0 in the summer league, we finished 9-8-1 in the fall league). Anyway, it was quite a good time, as with the number of people who attended, they ended up going through three kegs by midnight.

I'm the guy in the blue and yellow face paint. My shirt said "Go Ceiling" on the front, and "Ceiling is Number 1" on the back. What was I? A ceiling fan. A little humor for you there.

I ended up not making it to the second party ("by accident"). When I got back to Shirlington I got a call from a friend who lives in my building and I met his wife and him at Bungalow for another hour and a half. After shutting the bar down (and playing some pool), we went back to the club room for a little while. I ended up being up until a little after 4 AM - the latest I'd been up in a few years.

All in all, a great Halloween.

Fitness
I've been fairly dedicated to my workout routine for the past two months. This weekend marked the fact that I've been on a weight training program for an entire month. I have noticed that it has gotten easier to get my butt downstairs to work out the more I've been doing this. Based on the exercises I've been doing (as well as the cardio I do nearly every day), I can definitely see results. I've lost about 25 pounds since June, and I can see a change from the weight lifting, which is what I really wanted. They say if you can continue to do something for 60 days, it becomes habit. If I can get through November and keep this up that whole time, I should see some fairly significant changes. I've already seen about 15% increases in the weight I can lift.

Travel
In the next two months, I'll be traveling to a few places. Over Thanksgiving, I'll be returning to Michigan again. I'm actually hoping they see some snow on Thanksgiving again, because I rarely get to see any measurable amount here in DC. I'm planning on driving up, and may go to Canada as well for a day or two. In December, my mom is taking us to Disney World. She took me for my law school graduation, and she's going to be taking everyone again as Tom will be graduating from PA school next summer - but this was the best time to go, as over the summer it was likely both Tom and his girlfriend would not be able to go. I'm sure it will be quite a bit different than the last time I went to Disney, but I'm really looking forward to it. We're going December 20-24, which unfortunately means I'll be flying back in to DC on Christmas eve, and won't be spending the actual holiday with my family. I might go up for New Years and Tom's birthday, but haven't decided yet. It all depens on the financial situation.

So, that's the story for the last couple of weeks. I'll try to update again soon with some more thoughts....

Playing like the middle of next week.

2008-10-21T15:00:25Z

I wish pain was temporary. Unfortunately for me, it has been anything but over the past several months.

For the first time in about 20 years I have found myself seriously considering hanging up the skates, and leaving hockey behind. I have always enjoyed the sport (though not always the management that went along with the various teams I've been a part of), but lately it has lost its lustre. Maybe it has to do with the team losing more than I thought we would, but I've never wanted to quit just based on losing. More likely than that is probably the feeling that I can't play at the same level I could 4-5 years ago, during what I consider to be my prime playing years.

]]> Honestly, what it comes down to for me is the pain. Since last summer I've pretty much been in constant pain. Last year it was the shoulder that I hurt while playing forward for UR that was bothering me. I had an MRI, found out I had chipped my collar bone, and that there was really nothing to do at this point. I did physical therapy, and haven't had a problem with it since. But, since last fall it has been my lower body that has been the biggest problem.

I've always had knee issues - pretty much since my first couple years of college. Most likely from the years of abnormal motions playing goalie and years being a catcher in baseball. In any case, last fall my left knee started to get sore, and by the spring it was to the point where it was giving out on me and pretty much in constant pain. I went in for an MRI, which revealed nothing other than a bipartite patella, which would not be causing the issues I was having. There was a little bit of arthritis, but not enough to cause the pain I was experiencing. The prescription? Physical therapy and ibuprofen.

During PT I started to feel a little better, but it became apparent that the issue was in my hamstring. Anyway, about 4 weeks into the PT, I sprained my left ankle for the third time in a year and a half, which set off more leg pain. My left leg has been in pretty much constant pain since March, between the ankle, hamstring, knee and now groin. Probably in large part because of that, my right leg started hurting in the last few months (I'm probably compensating). This past weekend I thought I had hurt my knee again because I thought I felt something pop during our game, but the next day there was little to no pain in the knee - instead my ankle was very sore (a likely high ankle sprain), and I am having a sharp pain in top of my left leg in my lower abdominal muscle.

The frustrating thing for me is that right now I feel like I'm in the best shape I've been in for probably the last 10 years. I've lost almost 30 pounds and I'm lifting weights again. However, this pain will just not go away. I've had months off a couple of times, and still the pain would not subside. I've often wondered if there is something more than jsut arthritis or pulled muscles going on here. The pain is literally everywhere, all the time, from my waist down.

At this point, hockey has almost become not fun. Every time I go I either come out in worse pain immediately after the game, or the next day. I don't feel like I can play the way I want to because the pain is limiting my ability to move around. I feel slow, and among other things, the pain makes it hard to concentrate during the games. At this point I've felt that I'm more of a hinderance than a help for my team.

I don't have the luxury of going on injured reserve and having all the help that a pro hockey player would in getting better, either. I don't feel like this is something that is going to change any time soon. It's a shame - I never expected to be retiring from hockey before my 30th birthday. I'm not certain that is what will happen yet, but it is looking that way.

Just like Herb Brooks once said, I'm playing worse each day, and right now I'm playing like the middle of next week.

Let the good times roll

2008-10-13T18:28:33Z

Parent's 35th Anniversary

This weekend I was back in Michigan for a short vacation. I had planned it because we get Columbus Day off in DC (though nobody in Michigan seemed to). The other reason I came back is that my brother Tom and I were going to throw a suprise party for my parents.

See, my parents have been married 35 years this month, and we wanted to do something special for them. While I wasn't able to do a lot of the planning from DC, Tom, Lindsey, Stacey and Chrissy were able to get everything together for the event. It turned out that about 25 people came to the party, which was a very good turnout. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a hold of some people, but nevertheless, it was a great time.

It's amazing to think that my parents have been together for 35 years. Really, you just don't see relationships lasting that long in the United States as much as you used to. Maybe it's because my parents are from a different time, but I think it is because they genuinely love each other. I think we can all agree that spening 35 years together is pretty impressive regardless. When we get married, I think we all expect (or at least hope), that the relationship will turn out like my parent's has, with years of enduring love. Unfortunately, all too often that does not happen.

It was good getting back to Michigan for a little while. It's hard to only be back for 2 1/2 days though - there are so many people I want to see, and I haven't been able to see a couple of the people I really wanted to. The weather was fantastic the whole time I was visiting, and it felt good to relax outside for a while. But I do have to say it is a little disheartening to see all of the houses up for sale or auction, as well as the sheer number of McCain/Palin signs in the area.

It's back to the grind soon enough - I can't wait to get back up to Michigan at Thanksgiving.

Various Titles

2008-10-03T19:08:27Z

It's been a little while since the last update, so I wanted to take a few minutes to write about a few things that have been going on around here:

Alumni Weekend '08
This past weekend was the annual University of Richmond Ice Hockey Alumni weekend. I have now been back for all three times this event has been held. It is amazing to me that I last played for UR in 2004 - time sure flies. Anyway, it was certainly a weekend of memories (good and bad), debaucery, and some hockey. I took some pictures and plan on a blog entry specifically about this sometime this weekend.

Shirlington Village Oktoberfest Nerfed
Every year Capital City Brewing Co. celebrates Oktoberfest by inviting a number of breweries to Shirlington for beer sampling. This has been a great event, and was probably my favorite event in Shirlington (mainly because I couldn't care less about the Theatre stuff). It used to be that for $25 you got unlimited tastings - and with 42 breweries with multiple beers, that was a necessity. But thanks to complaints of teetotalers and generally grumpy people, the Virginia ABC has stepped in and nerfed the event. Now you are only allowed 10 drink tickets in the small sampler glasses - about 1/4 of a pint glass. That means you get about 2.5 beers for $20 (the new price). So, it's kinda not worth it anymore. It's a shame, because this was a great event.

Norovirus Outbreak at Georgetown
So, almost 200 students became sick at Georgetown this week after eating at the dining hall (aka Leo's). They closed down the dining hall for a couple of days while they were searching for the cause, and totally disinfected the building. My initial thought was "Wow, I'm glad I don't work on Main Campus anymore!" They later discovered that it was norovirus, a virus that is transmitted through faecally contaminated food. Really I'm not all that suprised it happened, given that a load of crap (literally) sat on the floor of the 3rd floor of St. Mary's Hall right in front of the elevator for about 5-6 hours a couple weeks ago. I'm not saying the two incidents are related, but.... At least now we at GU will be in a cleaner state of mind!

Vice Presidential Debate
I'm not a political person - in fact politics just tend to make me angry - but I did watch a large portion of the VP debate. I hadn't been planning on it, but it was on the TV on the treadmill I was working out on in the gym, so I decided to watch it. I consider myself still an undecided voter. I don't particularily want another Republican, but I'm not in favor of the Democrats policy of big government. I'm also dubious that either McCain or Obama can actually bring about any positive change. That being said, I don't understand how people are saying that debate was a tie. I thought Palin looked lost for a large portion of the debate, constantly losing her place in her notecards. I think she looked flustered many times, almost like a deer in the headlights. (Not to mention she sounds like a Canadian - and do you really want someone like that in office?) Biden seemed much more intelligent, but kind of like a whiner. All in all, I thought it was mostly a he-said-she-said battle of who did what, and not a whole lot of actual talk about the issues and platforms.

That's about it for now. There have been some other interesting developments this week, and I hope to have another post about those sometime soon.

The future has a way of arriving unannounced

2008-09-22T04:19:50Z

The quote in the title is by George Will, and it describes perfectly my life over the last several weeks. (On a side note, George Will also made one of my other favorite quotes, stating on The Colbert Report that he was an agnostic because he is "not decisive enough to be an atheist.")

I actually held off writing a blog entry on this for a few days because I wanted it to sink in to myself before I told everyone else about it (though if you Facebook, you probably already knew)...

]]> I have had a lot of things going on lately, but one of the largest decisions I've had to make in recent memory involved whether or not to change jobs. In my current position at Georgetown, I had been responsible since May for reviewing the contracts that came through our group, and recently had been receiving contracts from other managers, as they found out I'm an attorney and was reviewing some of these contracts.

With that in mind, and because it is something I genuinely enjoy doing, I decided to look into doing this on a permanent basis. Both Georgetown and George Washington University had a similar position open as the Contracts Manager for all IT contracts. I knew that I wanted to stay in higher education, and I also knew that it was time for me to make a change to something a little different and more challenging. After doing some research, I definitely thought that this was an avenue I wanted to investigate. While both jobs had some intimidating aspects to them, I feel that it would make things that much more exciting.

After applying for both positions and going through the normal interview process (albeit a shortened one at Georgetown), I received offers from both places. After thinking it over and negotiating a bit, I decided to remain at Georgetown. They have been very good to me there, and I enjoy working with the people there. While GWU was very fair with me, made me feel very wanted, and made a good offer for my service, I just feel that Georgetown is a better fit for me right now.

The new position begins October 29th. I was asked to wait a little while because the office I currently work in is undergoing some big changes, and they want to make sure everything goes well. I had no problem with that, as I owe a lot to my supervisor there, as she has done a lot for me. While I am sad to go, I'll only be around the corner from where I was, so in that respect I won't be leaving to much behind. I'm genuinely happy with this decision, and looking forward to getting started in the new position.

Anyway, some more exciting/fun things happened this weekend. I'll write about those later this week!

Birthday Bonanza

2008-09-11T19:39:42Z

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. I cannot believe that I'm already 29 - it seems like just yesterday I was celebrating my 21st birthday in concert with Brian Potter's housewarming party. But incredibly, that was eight years ago! Birthdays have taken a new meaning with age. No more are they something I inherntly looked forward to as a step towards manhood, but more of a reminder of how quickly life progresses.

]]>
So, with only one year left in my 20s, I decided to start it off right. Thankfully, my friend Dave helped set up a get-together at Bailey's Pub at the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington. I'd only been there once before, so it was nice to go somewhere I don't frequest. I had a few beers, some good food, and good company in the form of a few guys from the Wolves hockey team, as well as my friend Frank. I was there from 7:30-10 and it seemed like the time just flew by. Anyway, it was a very good time, but the absence of one person in particular tempered how good the party could have been. Unfortunately, the one person who I wished was there most of all was not able to attend.

Regardless, I wanted to have a good time. Just getting out and doing something felt really good, although I did have to both work and go to class on my birthday - which leads me to a thought: we should push the government to pass a law that requires you not to work (but still get paid) on your birthday. Wouldn't help my brother (Jan. 1st), but sure would help me!

So, I'm a year older, and a year closer to 30. I am tempted to look back on the last 29 years and sort of critique where I am now, but I think I'll save that for next year when I'm 30 and things have settled down a little more. Right now I don't have any idea where I will be in a year's time - personally or professionally.

Oh, and I got a funny The Office card from Frank, some organic cupcakes from Alicia (that were quite good, despite the organicness), a golf bag from Martha, a Wii game from my parents, and some new goalie pads from myself.

Trivia-tastic

2008-09-05T02:04:08Z

Recently, I've been trying to reconnect with some friends of mine whom I haven't seen in a while. There are a few here in DC, and a few in Michigan that I've been doing my best to get back together with. So, when I've stared hearing about some events that are taking place with my friends, I've been doing my best to get to them.

On Wednesday, I heard from my friend Frank (who runs the fantastic blog The Soft Lounge), about a trivia night that he would be hosting in a part of the city that I had not been to. It turns out that the trivia would be own on U Street at a place called Solly's U Street Tavern. I haven't participated in team trivia in a long time, and it sounded like a lot of fun, so I headed down to the bar. It turns out that the trivia nights are used as a fundraiser for various philanthropic goals. The night that I went, it was to benefit the fight against Luekemia.

Anyway, I heard about the trivia night a little late (the night before), and I tried to round up some friends and/or co-workers who would be interested in attending. Unfortunately, I had no luck with rounding up anyone, so I headed down by myself. At least I would know Frank, even though he was the MC of the event.

So, when I arrived, I filled out a team card, for a team of one - since I didn't know anyone there. (I was the "Fight or Flights"). Anyway, I was fully prepared to have to take on the trivia questions b myself, but luckily, Frank had a few other friends who showed up for the event a little later on. So, I ended up teaming up with Frank's friends. We didn't do great, but we weren't terrible, either. I think we finished in the middle of the 10 teams. All the while we enjoyed some cheap food and Yuengling lagers. There were, however, way too many football and Bill Murray questions. I'm pretty sure it was the latest I've stayed up on a Wednesday in a couple of years.

Anyway, it was a load of fun - and I've really needed to have some fun lately. I will definitely be going back, hopefully with a few more people next time. Anyway, if you are in DC on the first or third Wednesday of the month, stop by Sully's around 8pm for trivia. Frank's a great host, and you will have a great time.

What was I waiting for?

2008-08-30T21:21:35Z

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines the word "Epiphany" as:

(1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b: a revealing scene or moment

]]> This has always been an important word to me. I have always thought the concept of a sort of spontaneous understanding of something was a great idea, but I thought that it only happened to the very enlightened. Maybe the people who have epiphanies really have an extra perception, at least for that moment of their epiphany.

I have always felt that I was waiting for my epiphany. That in a moment of clarity, I would have the understanding that I desparately wanted. I never knew if, like the definition states, I would find the essential meaning of something through an event that was simple and striking, or if it would just come to me.

I'm sure you saw this coming, but this weekend I had my illuminating realization. Unfortunately, mine did not come as a result of an event that was simple and striking. Rather, it came through a very difficult time in my life, through an event that is incredibly hard for me; an event certainly is not simple, though it is striking. Staring this epiphany in the face probes at my emotions, but there is no fear. Only elation. The future is an empty sky, within which my hopes will surely find room.

What, you may ask, was this realization? Well, I don't want to go into too much detail, but it should suffice to say that it involves happiness. Frankly, I'm finally tired of the sunsets. It's time to start making the sun rise.

Every day is a new day.

Hiking Manassas

2008-08-10T02:19:20Z

In hopes of helping our quests to get in shape, Martha and I have decided to start taking day hikes on the weekends when we have nothing else going on. Two weeks ago, we took a trip out to Great Falls Park, Virginia to do some hiking. We ended up taking the "River Trail" for some scrambling over rocks that tested our endurance. The rest of the time, we were hiking the main path that was pretty flat and level.

This weekend. to enjoy the unseasonable 82-degree early August weather, we decided to enjoy a longer hike that would put us in the sun for a large portion of the hike. So, we decided to head out to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. We ended up hiking about 10 miles of trails on the day, which took us approximately four hours.

]]> There were two parts of the hiking trail - First Manassas Trail and Second Manassas Trail. We didn't know which one would be more difficult, so we started on 1st. In retrospect that was probably a mistake, because it was must easier than 2nd. 1st consisted of mostly flat, well-maintained trail through farmland. There were a few hills, and a portion of the trail that we had planned to hike was closed (Stone Bridge Loop Trail on the map linked above). About half of 1st was in the sun, while the other part went on a leisurely walk through the woods. In all, it was about four miles on this first part of the trail. After the first couple of hours hiking 1st, we went back to the Visitor Center to use the facilities (after about a 200 meter uphill hike towards the end). I also changed into a dry shirt (I was a bit sweaty), and we rehydrated and ate some salty snacks.

The Second Manassas trail was pretty eary to begin with, but quickly became a more moderate hike. Although we had some difficulty finding the actual beginning of the trail, we ended up hiking through some more farm-land area to start. However, after the "Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail," think got a little more difficult. The trail was not maintained as well, and a large part of the trail was uphill through some rough terrain. By the time we got to Chinn Ridge Loop Trail, we were pretty exhausted. 2nd wasn't as hot as 1st, as a lot of it was through the woods, but it was quite a bit more physically exerting. Both Martha and I were so tired towards the end, we were checking the map every 500 yards or so to see how much longer we had to go. It ended up that 2nd was probably about 6 miles of hiking, which was more difficult terrain as well. We'll probably do 2nd at the start if we hike this park again.

All in all, a moderate hike. We both ended up pretty sore after our hike, but we celebrated with a good higher calorie dinner (as we were both starving). In addition to the hiking, it was nice to read a little bit about the history of the Battle of Bull Run on the signs as we walked around. To think that we walked where these major battles took place was pretty neat.

Unfortunately, the camera battery was dead, so there are no pictures. The next time we go for a hike, I plan on writing another entry and adding some pictures.

Juggling Commitments

2008-06-13T20:28:10Z

When I moved to Richmond for law school, it never occurred to me how difficult going back to Michigan for vacation might become. It isn't the travel or cost that make it difficult, either. Unfortunately, it comes down to trying to squeeze seeing all the people I want to see in to a week (or less in some cases).

I'm heading back to my parent's house for a week vacation between June 28 and July 6. Of course I'll be staying at my parents house, and I assume they want to see me and spend time with me (seeing as how they are my parents and all), but there is so much else to do. I think it was easier when I was in law school, and most people were still centrally located.

]]> So, I'm going to be packing in a lot of travel and stuff while I'm back. My brother, Tom, is doing his Physician Assistant clinical work in Toledo, OH, so I'll be borrowing my mom's car to go down there to see him, and maybe catch one of his softball games. That's an hour or more trip both ways. I'm also planning on heading to Canada to see my grandmother, aunt & uncle and cousins. So, we're going there for a couple of days, which is a five hour drive each way, depending on traffic. But, it is something I definitely have to do, especially after Grandma fell and hurt herself last month. Lastly, but not leastly, I hope to spend some time with superfriends Wes and Cindy - which likely means a drive out to Mt. Pleasant, which is a couple hours from my parent's house. So many commitments, so little time. This is part of the reason I want to move back to Michigan. It just doesn't seem like that is in the cards anytime soon.

For several years I would also email my fraternity brothers when I was coming home, but over the last year I've realized it isn't really worth it. I've only seen one brother since I went to Richmond - and that was Justin, who stopped by our reception in Michigan last year. I had even mentioned in numerous emails that I'd meet people somewhere if they were hanging out, to no avail. I guess it's been 7 years since I graduated, but I would have liked to think that those relationships would have standed the test of time. Guess I burned too many bridges or something. It's unfortunate, because while I did have some difficult times, I also had some great times. Lots of them are friends on Facebook, but I think that is probably about it.

Should be a good time, though. I hear CityFest is going on down at Comerica Park, and I may head down there with Tom and Lindsey. Plus, the weather looks considerably cooler there than here in DC.

Bohemia is dead

2008-04-23T21:52:59Z

Last week I was in Michigan taking a break from things to see my family. Everytime I go back to where I grew up, I get extremely nostalgic for the old days. Realistically, were I to move back to White Lake now, things would be nowhere near the same as they once were. Most of my friends who I spent the majority of my time with no longer live in the area, and the area has changed enormously.

I took my father's truck out for a drive on Sunday, before I left to return to my now-home, DC. It occurred to me just how much it had changed around there in the 7 years I have been gone. (Wow, seven - that's a long time!) Anyway, while some things felt familiar, most looked drastically different. It was almost surreal, in a way. Even then places where I spent a large amount of time - the old house, Lakeland Arena, and Lakeland High School - have changed so much in the time I've been away, that it doesn't feel right anymore. Of course, it could just be that it really isn't home for me anymore.

I do intend to move back to my home state someday. Of course, it is easy to say that myself, but I have a wife to think about now, and potentially children in the future. Who knows what will happen in the next several years?

I think the thing that bothers me most when I go back is the feeling that I've lost touch with my roots. I grew up in a neighborhood, but it was still fairly rural. I spent my summers with nature either in Michigan, or at my parents farm in Canada. I still love nature (and dislike the crush of people that you get in the city), so being reintroduced to that environment sort of tugs at me.

Of course, I have responsibilities and friends here, too. I mean, I left for one game, and my hockey team loses 9-2. Ouch. Blame me, I guess.

Where's my bailout?

2008-03-26T21:13:59Z

Today while browsing through the various news sites, I came across this little dandy on CNN. I don't know about the rest of the country, but when I hear about people who took out these stupid mortgages getting bailouts, it really ticks me off.

First of all, while the mortgage brokers clearly have some of the responsiblity for the large amount of forclosures, so do the people who actually agreed to these things. I'm sorry, but people need to take responsibility for their own (stupid) actions. If I break the law and get caught, I need to take responsibility. If I take out a stupid loan for a house that has horrible terms, I need to take responsibility for that. I know it is harder now to declare bankruptcy, but these people should not be able to get out from under what they agreed to.

How about making it easier for people like me to actually own a home, before bailing out people who grabbed more than they could afford? How about helping the person who just wants to own something , before giving a free ride to someone who doesn't deserve it?

Better yet, I have $90,000 worth of student loan debt - why doesn't the government bail me out of that? If they did, I might actually be able to afford to live in DC!

All I'm asking is that the government give out benefits to all, if they are going to give out anything at all.

Why I Hate Requirements

2008-03-25T20:19:41Z

I've never been a fan of "required" classes in college. I think it is assinine to force students to take required classes, rather than allow those students to focus their studies on the topics that really interest them. Maybe that would give us a people who major in "Video Games" or "Shopping," but I'd like to see a program that does that.

In undergrad at Oakland, we had the dreaded "general ed" requirements that were completely not pertinent to most student's chosen path of study. (Art History for a CS major? P-shaw!)

At Richmond in law school, one had to learn the basics, so of course you got your torts, civil procedure, property, etc. out of the way in the first year. Then you had a couple of years to essentially decide what you wanted to take. Most people chose to focus on the classes that were going to be pertinent on the bar exam. I did as well, but I mixed in a lot of courses I was particularily interested in (Law and Religion, anyone?).

Now, in Georgetown's Master's program in CS, I'm faced with the same thing. Right now, the bane of my existence is my (required) Systems Fundamentals class. I have many problems with this class, not the least of which is it being required for the degree. Also, the actual premise of the class sounded like it might be sort of cool - build a microprocessor. However, on the first day of class that went out the window, and we are nice and far away from the stated course objective. And don't get me started on course load! I'd say more than half of my first year law school classes were less intense than this one. 5 homeworks, 5 projects, a midterm, a final exam and a 10-12 page (single spaced) final paper. The sheer amount of work in this class has been mind boggling to me. What really ticks me off is the fact that I would never have been taking it except for the sheet fact that it is a requirement. Why can't I focus on something that interests me?

In any case, I'm seriously considering dropping this class. I'm not sure if it is the level of work, my disdain for the subject matter, or the fact that I just can't seem to get this stuff (despite seeking out help from the Professor numerous times). The fact remains that this is quite possibly the worst class I have had in 9 years of college. And I had Vishnubhotla at Oakland, so that is saying something!

Blogging from CAMP

2008-02-13T17:37:38Z

I'm in Arizona this week, attending a conference on Identity and Access Management presented by CAMP - the Campus Architectural Middleware Project. Here are some random things that have been said or some of my random thoughts from the sessions:

"Bar codes on students are really handy."

A question was asked about what the rationale for giving applicants to a University an identity at the University, before they are accepted. It was suggested this was for a sense of community, and another person spoke up and said "branding." The reply was, "We don't brand students anymore. We stopped doing that 20 years ago." There were also several "yee-haws" yelled.

]]> The lunch was good, although the chocolate cake had pretty much melted under its heavy frosting in the sun. I really enjoyed the white bean and chicken salad.

Speaking of food, the "Snack Shack" has an unlimited supply of Jelly Belly jellybeans. This is bad, bad news for me.

I don't know that I'd ever be able to live in Arizona. Something about the spectre of water shortages and droughts just does not make me feel at home...

Lots of standing up and sitting down at the introduction session today at 1pm MST. I almost felt like I was in Church for a second there....

I really don't know enough about Georgetown's IdM infrastructure. He's asking all these questions about what campuses have impletmented, and I don't know the answers.

It was suggested that the people who work on the IdM projects at the Universities should be very visible, and should get out in the community to talk with their constituents to see what is needed in a new IdM solution. I completely agree. Unfortunately, from the discussion here (and in my general experience), most universities IdM groups are so small that they are pretty much overtaken with their daily work or with work that somehow gets shoved into the IdM category though it doesn't fit, that they do not have time to actively involve the university community.

Someone mentioned using your IdM structure to automatically generate and update listserve membership based on roles. Wonder if that is something we could implement?

Another thing brought up was having yearly third-party audits of information security. I'll have to become more familiar with whether we are doing that or not.

One of the presenters just referred to people who do not completely understand all the technology involved in securing services as "semi-professional IT people." I don't like the classification, but think I would certainly fall into that term. I don't fully understand all of the technology involved, mainly due to lack of training or schooling in it.

Oh, I got word that my hockey team, the Wolves, won on Tuesday night without me in net. That's good.

When I go to Internet2 and educause conferences, it just amazes me how different the educational community is in terms of business practices than the corporate world. Oftentimes I wonder how anything is accomplished.

And that's all folks...