On Being Married: Ongoing

On being married: Even when you really, objectively aren't to the rest of the world, someone believes you're the best. In every story you tell you from your day as you reconnect you are the hero, the focus, the good intentions, the victim, the wronged, the (mis)understood. This is nation-building, belief, solidarity, reciprocity over time, day by day. Mythmaking on an intimate level so minute and organic that it's easy to miss the story you build together, but you live it and enjoy it just the same.

Positivity at Thirty

I am realizing daily that life is good, that all the anger I carried in my early and mid 20s had given way to a kind of contentment that I never really thought would be in my life. In short, I mellowed out, and have been building quietly the kind of life I want, day by day, slowly but surely. Now, I look objectively around me: I have, but not in an exorbitant way. My basic needs are met according to Maslow; food, shelter, security. Some financial wiggle room, a very rare commodity these days. I have a wonderful wife who really is my best friend in a way that cannot be fully described and can only exist from twelve (twelve!) years of experience with one another, more than one-third of my life has been in her arms. Not a bad way to live, really. I want, and by and large I can accomplish what I set out to do. Though on a smaller scale than I would imagine most would consider accomplishments, I am fulfilled by the work I do and feel like I meet the goals I set. I am able to see the silver lining anyhow so any progress is progress earned. I have my health. This is a major accomplishment, seeing as since I started in my professional career after college I have been plagued by health issues: digestion, weight gain and loss, blood pressure, and other indescribable ailments have hamstringed me for years, finally all conquered in a year of change that sees me for the first time with a clean bill of health, albeit with slightly high blood pressure (nothing to worry about says my doctor--come back for a checkup in a year). So what else is there, really? For now, this works.

Vonnegut's Thoughts on Joseph Heller's Passing-Flying in the Face of Capitalism

Found yesterday on another blogger's feed regarding the question of "when is it enough," as it pertains to material possession. It's subtly, conversationally succinct, and should be considered. JOE HELLER True story, Word of Honor: Joseph Heller, an important and funny writer now dead, and I were at a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island. I said, “Joe, how does it make you feel to know that our host only yesterday may have made more money than your novel ‘Catch-22′ has earned in its entire history?” And Joe said, “I’ve got something he can never have.” And I said, “What on earth could that be, Joe?” And Joe said, “The knowledge that I’ve got enough.” Not bad! Rest in peace! -Kurt Vonnegut