The best things in life are free

October 2, 2007 - Tuesday

"I give you all my money/Tell me what more can I do?"--Eric Clapton

Sometimes you gotta wonder what the hell people are thinking. I'm not trying to offend anyone here, but I have to vent. Why do certain individuals think that money is all that matters?

Everyone wants security. It's in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs for goodness sake. But there are some who think that security (financially or otherwise) should really be the only thing that attracts another of the opposite sex. I disagree. It might be that evolution has taught us that in order to raise children we must have security, but is that really what we're looking for? I would hope that there is more to the equation.

Isn't it about happiness? What about laughter? And satisfaction? I would argue that there are few relationships based on furthering our species--I won't say much about that except that parenting should require a license, much like driving a car.

Where do satisfaction, laughter and happiness come from? It certainly depends on how you define those things, but I would argue that they come from companionship, friendship and shared experiences. They might not make us feel secure constantly, but who knows what will happen tomorrow? How can we ever understand security? Life is uncertain, but I do know that I can understand happiness in any language.

Sad songs

Do people mourn the loss of the leaves on a tree the way they mourn other deaths? I know losing leaves doesn't mean it's dead, but there is sort of a temporary expiration going on, you know? The combination of gray rain streaming down the bus windows and red leaves falling to the ground was enough for me to tear up this afternoon. I am such a sap.

There are all these symbols and attitudes that go along with the seasons. Spring is rain, green grass, cute shoes and skin--which leads to summer: more skin, heat and pursuing everything delightful with reckless abandon. (Can you guess why it's my favorite season?) Fall is a reality check of cool nights and school days. Winter is cold--cold weather, cold people--everyone keeping to themselves.

So maybe mourning the leaves falling is more like sadness for the end of casual conversation and friendly exchanges. We all shut ourselves up to hibernate. Not that I'm condemning that! Good lord, if you ever see me entertaining the notion of snowshoeing, slap me! But I wonder if there is a way to keep the coolness out of our exchanges.

Bring it on!

October 1, 2007 - Monday

Normally I'm not an active watcher of the National League, but can I just say that it RULES that I am watching the Wild Card tie breaker and it's going into extra innings???!!! Man it's gonna be a great October.
I try not to watch too much TV, but how am I going to drag myself away from baseball every night? I guess I won't. Yay! I am *so* happy!!