Embarked on a discussion today concerning torture, which led to an interesting back-and-forth with a number of friends. The conversation didn't happen in person with any of them. Just used facebook... but the point is, a simple thing like that made me homesick for the days that ended with serious or nonserious banter, rather than with a random sitcom or even the Daily Show.
(For the record: You could do a lot worse than concluding your day with a careful listen to Jon Stewart.)
But can we use this space to return, semi-artificially, to those days? I'd like that. That's why I'll try to engage you, my purposeful or accidental reader, with topics that range from how best to fight the war on terror to Ichiro's awesomeness.
To do so more effectively, you should know a few things about me. (Not unlike the viral 25 Things About Me social-networking note.)
I'm a Christian. Philosophically. But Taoism is intriguing and liberating. Much more on this later.
I'm extraordinarily happily married with two incredible kids, and that colors everything else in my life. (Obviously.)
I read a lot. I like big words. I'm kind of a nerd. I even have glasses.
I have a collection of bad habits. I bite my nails and my cuticles. I play too many video games. I can outprocrastinate you. I drink too little water. I get easily sidetracked by new projects. I'm generally messy. I fall into patronizing mode too easily. I overthink things. I don't do well with conflict -- I want everyone to get along. I eat too many sweets. I crave approval.
But I have a couple good traits. I am generous. I love meeting new people. I'm patient. I'm slow to anger. I have quite a bit more musical talent than most people. I like to learn and I love to laugh. I'm open-minded, which I'll define as... I like to hear stuff that challenges my worldview and if it's really good stuff, I'll buy it and throw out my old opinion.
I recently came to the conclusion that I am a Democrat. (I used to think of myself as an independent. I voted for Ross Perot in 92, Colin Powell in 96 and Ralph Nader in 2000, so that should explain things a little.) But on issues such as the environment, social programs, taxation, gay rights, abortion rights, gun rights, and many others, I fall proudly into the liberal camp. I donated to the Obama campaign before the Iowa caucuses, so I have some misplaced sense of ownership in his presidency.
I can't wait to write about each of those topics. Several times. I am transfixed by politics.
I teach piano. It's my third, and final, career choice.
I'm addicted to expensive coffee.
I love all sports except horse racing and auto racing.
I'm writing a novel and a workbook on how to teach yourself to arrange songs and improvise at the piano.
I am constantly thankful for the blessings of family, be they my parents, my brothers, my in-laws (no joke) or the whole extended bunch of them. I don't deserve them. In a good way.
If I forgot something crucial, and you're a helpful friend, you'll add it to this list.
But let's get this going, shall we?
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