Some Self Deprecation…..

All I Really Need To Know In Life I Learned In Kindergarten…

A lot has been made the last few years regarding the general state of malaise that is seemingly attacking both the country and at least good portions of the world (my recent trips to New Zealand and Panama precludes me from lamenting the state of the world). There is no doubt that there are some problems in the world that are affecting all of us to various degrees. Rising gas prices, war, the economy and the failed housing market, the threat of global warming, and even the continued existence of MTV’s “My Super Sweet Sixteen” are all just a few signs that the apocalypse may be coming. I don’t want it to seem like I do not think these problems are legitimate or that they should not have people worried, but lately I am becoming a little alarmed at some of the response to these issues.

The simple fact of life is that the majority of us are not decision makers or in anyway tasked with leading the direction of our country. I say this not to minimize the power of democracy but instead to point out that when we all spend hours and hours arguing about global warming and whether not it is economically viable for me the individual to make a “green” shift it is a little disingenuous. When decision makers discuss the economic impact of global warming politics they are referring to the macro-economic level, specifically concerned with the impact environmental changes make in trade leverage.  Sure that impacts some – namely factory workers whose jobs will likely be switched to a country where pollution is acceptable – but for must of us 9 to 5ers we will never know the difference. Most of our decision making breaks down to the real simple individual level which is really what most green advocates are asking of us. In other words, they are asking that we all make simple adjustments that when compounded aggregately make a difference. 

The thing that bothers me is that this suggestion is always met with disbelief, anger, and the inevitable response that this kind of request reeks of communism.  What we (I guess I will include myself in this group) are asking for is that we all behave with the basic common sense and decency we learned in Kindergarten. Turn off the air conditioning when you are out of the house. Make sure lights are turned off. Try to recycle. When faced with the decision between a 9 MPG Hummer that you will never use the 4WD with and a 25 MPG sedan you should probably go with the sedan. This kind of behavior can really be lent to everything.

Have you ever left the water running in the bathroom sink for 5 minutes at a guest’s house? The answer is obviously no, so the question becomes why would you do that at your own house? If a friend who made $50,000 a year told you they were going to try and purchase a $400,000 home on an adjustable mortgage would you tell them it is a good idea? Then why would you do it yourself?

Maybe my parent’s just did an exceptional job, but I was raised in a household where basic common decency was the prevailing rule. As such, I try to apply said decency to my daily behavior and truth be told I do not find my “freedoms” infringed upon. Speaking in terms of America, I have become convinced that the holy notion of personal freedoms outlined in the constitution has become our worst enemy – something along that famous quote that what nourishes me also destroys me. The framers were pretty vague  but I am guessing that they did not mean to guarantee personal freedoms at the expense of others.

As most of us know Northern California is currently facing a massive rash of fires that are being excasperated by drought, dry air, and winds. In response, this past 4thof July, the Governor asked that people refrain from setting off fireworks at home. A pretty reasonable request when you consider the damage the fires have already had on the region. While some complied there was also outrage at this request with people claiming that maybe our Austrian Governor just did not understand the importance of fireworks in us celebrating our freedoms. Let that sink in a little bit….. So what we are saying is that the safety of our fellow citizens and the health of our environment is less important than our right to ooh and ahh at bright flashy things. I am not saying fireworks are stupid (even though they are) but am again saying that here common decency should have meant that the Governor need not even make that request with us realizing that all of us need to make some sacrifices for the good of the whole.

I guess that my overall argument is that life is pretty simple and that being a good person or citizen does not take a lot of effort or come at the expense of vast personal freedoms. When we were all in Kindegarten we learned some basic life lessons. We learned to share, to wait our turn, to play nicely, to tell the truth, and to have fun. Most of us were probably pretty good at it and it is amazing to think that in some ways we were never more free than those days. For a while now we have not been asked to play nicely nor have we done so on our own accord. Instead we have polluted, we have acted out of greed, we have wasted, and we have caused harm to others. Deep down we have to know this is poor behavior and I hope that deep down we can also know we are capable of improving ourselves. I believe that is all we can really ask of one another, to just apply the rules we learned so long ago.

Wedding Day!!!!

Just a quick post to announce my recent wedding to the larger public (although I am aware that nearly all of my readers are in fact family and were in fact in attendance). Last Monday, June 30, Amber and I were married at South Carlsbad Beach in a beautiful sunset ceremony. Despite all of the planning that went into the big day, it went even smoother than we all could have imagined. The weather was wonderful, everyone looked amazing, the dinner was excellent, and our room at La Costa was the perfect place to end our magical day.

I want to once again thank both sets of parents for making this day so perfect and for helping us feel so loved and supported. Amber and I could never have hoped for four people who could so seamlessly create a family and I am more excited than words to call Dan and Joanne my new parents. We had a wonderful dinner following the reception and it was beautiful to see how quickly we all became family. My Mom and Dad have each been so wonderfully accommodating to Amber and have welcomed her with such open and loving arms, even if my dad likes to pretend he does not like her.

Many additional thanks to Emily who really was the driving force behind this whole affair. She was a wonderful Maid of Honor, wedding planner, sister, and friend and without her efforts the day likely would have had problems. She has raised the bar quite high for Amber to reciprocate Maid of Honor duties but I am sure she is looking forward to the challenge.

And final thanks to my beautiful bride Amber, who made my legs weak when she reached the top of the stairs. She is the most incredible person I have ever met and has made my life the most I could have ever asked for. I look forward to finding out what she looks like all wrinkly and old but I suspect she will be the hottest chick in our retirement community! She was an amazing bride and will be an even more amazing wife and I could never thank her enough for agreeing to marry me.