Christmas eve eve....

I got an e-mail the other day from a friend of mine who lives in the middle east. He went to school here and after not being able to secure gainful employment here, went back to his home country where he took part in his arranged marriage (he assures me it is like you decide to get married and then start dating, sort of cuts to the chase, you don't waste time looking for "the one" at the local bar) and now works relocating displaced Nomadic Peoples due to the arbitrary assigning of borders to their wandering areas...

...Sounds a bit odd, I guess to a boy who grew up in the suburbs.

But this man, who I swear could rival Santa Claus with the smile and twinkle in his eye, loves America more than almost anyone I know...It's because he doesn't take it for granted, kids...He knows it is a land of unbridled opportunity and promise. But he loves his own country too, and I have to respect that.

So kids, while you may be disappointed on Christmas day that you didn't get the new PS2 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, be thankful that you were born in the United States, because even with all of its problems and stuff, it is still one of the greatest countries in the world.

"I'm a rebel and a loner Dottie"...
.................................................Pee-Wee Hermann, Pee Wee's Big Adventure

To say I'm a bit of an introvert is an understatement. I get very uncomfortable in crowded settings...Possibly the byproduct of going to a University of 1100 people. Or maybe it's because I'm an awkward geek. I find it much easier to communicate via e-mail now instead of the phone. I think my personal space cushion must be about 8' radius as opposed to the usual three foot rule that applies to most people and strippers.

To that end, I am working on this process of "socialization" in where I go out to an event or place or so for a while and hang out until I reach a saturation point. I usually can last 60-90 minutes, depending on how good the music or conversation is....

....So there's at least hope for the geek...I feel like Eliza in My Fair Lady...Mr. 'iggins 'ow are you?

I got +<*ed at the drive through the other day....

Got two pieces of chicken in a three piece meal....and It really torques me off....the drive through is a sacred covenant between customer and corporation...when that bond is broken it definitely is one of the signs that indicate the downfall of western civilization.

Wal-Mart is the other one....eternal flourescent lighting that makes time seem to stop...and they all have that odd smell...

Can you tell I shop mostly at Target?