Why Bother?

A week ago I wrote this post about creativity, lack thereof, a book I was reading, and leash aggression.  I was reading this book about inspiration and feeling pretty uninspired.  It was a fascinating read, and, at times, alarming.  There was a section that discussed the drop off in creativity during middle age!  A chapter discussed urban friction, a concept which, loosely translated, means that in city settings individuals are forced to interact/cross paths and exchange ideas. 

My previous post was all about how my dog has developed leash aggression since living in seclusion here in Annapolis, and I have not been as creatively productively since moving to the Forest!  I sat on the unpublished post though because it seemed overly negative.  I felt like, unintentionally, it belittled my accomplishments since moving back to MD.  I didn't want to make it seem as if being a father wasn't the best development in my life!  So why bother?  Why bother complaining? 

Quitcha Bitchin, Boy!

I enjoyed the book.  It made me long for the days when I could sit down at my computer and work on a writing project, or wrestle with revisions.  I was approached by a friend to see some of my scripts for possible production in the future.  I enjoy spending my down time playing with baby, and snuggling with mommy.  That's what the life is right now.  So why not enjoy what I can? 

The Adventures of Mr. Tall & Mr. Round

As I walked out of the restroom I noticed two larger men, one tall and one round, waiting in line.  There seemed to be some confusion as to who was next.

Mr. Round said, 'Oh are you next?'

Mr. Tall replied, 'That's alright.  You go ahead.'

Round shuffled around a little and then asked, 'Well, what were you going to do?  Number 1 or...'

'Yeah, number 1.  That's it.' 

Looking a little uncomfortable Mr. Round offered, 'Then you go.  I'll wait.'  Evidently he had to do a number 2!

Really, guys?  Number 1?  Grown men out in public discuss their bodily functions like kindergartners?  Why not just cut out the basic arithmetic and say Poopoos and Peepees? 

PS.  A few minutes later a coworker informed me that the toilet was backed up.  Thank you, Mr Round.

It's All About Perception

I'm fond of saying that I never thought I would move back to Maryland, and if things had gone differently back in the day I probably wouldn't have.  Even though we've been living in Maryland for the past six years part of me has always considered this a temporary situation.   It's not that anything is overwhelmingly terrible about living in the Old Line State, as a matter of fact there are things I enjoy about living here.  Part of us would like to be closer to the other half of the family, in the Midwest, and all of us would love to find a way to relocate back to Chicago; the city which we both love and where we met.

It's interesting to me then when a dear friend from our past comes to town for a few days and visits Maryland for the 1st time.  Our friend, in town for a brief conference in DC, arranged his travel plans so he could visit Annapolis and meet our daughter.  The last time I saw this friend was 5 years ago when I drove through Missouri on my way to our wedding in Minnesota.  The friend was, then, a father to a newborn baby boy, and would not be able to make the trip to Sara's and my nuptials.  That was ages ago.  Now he has two young sons, Sara and I have a daughter and we are all in a different place in our lives.

Our friend seemed to really enjoy Annapolis.  We walked around downtown, checked out the Naval Academy, ate some local fare/crabs and even went for a little kayaking excursion on the Severn River.  It was odd to see our neighborhood, our city, and our lives through the eyes of someone else.  It made me wonder if I sometimes neglect to appreciate what we have and where we are.  When my friend snaps a picture of the river, I stop and wonder when the last time I really noticed the beauty of the river.  When he wanted to walk around the Naval Academy and just take in the architecture it made me feel silly for not having gone there and checked it out since we moved back.  When he savors every morsel of crab he picks from the carcass of a blue crab... well, there I'd have to say I've always loved eating crabs.

It was a good visit.  He joked several times about moving to Annapolis.  This morning as I dropped him off at the Metro station so he could go into DC for his presentation I was sad to see my friend go but happy to have had him visit our family.  Peck is a friend whom, even though we sometimes lose touch, always makes me appreciate the friendship we shared in the past and the bond that grows as we do.  I had a wonderful time. 

Pick A Peck...

Our dear friend, Jonathon Peck is coming to town.  More on this later, I have to get to the airport to meet his flight from the Show Me State.

Every 4 Years!

It's the Summer Olympics!  Yay! I love the Olympics both Summer & Winter.  They're something I look forward two every 4 years.
4years ago I was laid up in hospital bed, having gone through my 2nd percutaneous kidney procedure.  Sara was by my side as I was laid up, draining into a bag, popping pain meds, and watching the Summer Games!  This year with my busy work schedule, & lack of cable television or television viewing time I don't anticipate seeing a lot of the competition.  I'll have to try my best to catch highlights on the news, or find access to footage online.