• We’re going back to Disney World!

    Actually, we already did. This time no one got sick. Just as important: we all had fun. We spent the morning covering the ground that was missed at the Magic Kingdom. We saw the Pirates of the Caribbean and ran around Tom Sawyer’s Island, before taking in the Country Bear’s Jamboree. Beth and I frolicked about Tom Sawyer’s Island like a brother and sister, and Cheryl could do nothing but watch has her two kids raced around with the enthusiasm of children on Christmas morning. What’s more, it was a perfect day for running around. The high for the day topped out around 60 degrees, and the air felt crisp. It was cool enough not to get hot, but not so cold that you lost sensation in your extremities. I’ll say it again, it was perfect.

  • In the world today.

    Does anyone else wonder what the difference between Iraq and North Korea is? Both countries are ruled by a government that we’ve gone to war with. Both countries are suspected of developing nuclear weapons. Both countries have current rulers that seem a bit too unstable for comfort. North Korea has come out and admitted that they are actively developing “the bomb.” Based on what I’ve heard in the news, we know North Korea has some of the materials and infrastructure necessary to actually build one. Based on what I’ve heard in the news, it is rumored that Iraq has been seeking the materials and infrastructure to develop such weapons, but that they are not there yet. Iraq has been known to have chemical and biological weapons. These weapons, while certainly dangerous, do not approach the destructive or killing power of “the bomb.” Meanwhile, we are actively seeking an excuse to go to war with Iraq, in order to prevent it’s leader from developing and using “weapons of mass destruction.” At the same time, we are apparently turning our backs on the North Koreans, despite the same concerns.

    Am I missing something?

  • Daddy the protector.

    Two events have driven home a true appreciation for what the future may hold for me as a parent. Twice, my daughter’s well being has been broached by strangers. It hasn’t been anything serious; one person with a vocal attitude and another with a loose handle on their gum. While not exactly a full frontal assault, it has been enough to show up on my protective radar. My emotional reactions have been disproportionate to the offenses. No, I have not had the urge to inflict bodily harm, but I have been angry. No, I have not been driven to loud outbursts of raging anger, but I have done some stewing in my own juices. Until now we’ve been able to protect Beth from everything. We can directly control what she sees on TV, who she associates with, and where she goes. Starting with Kindergarten, I sense that this absolute control is waning. What will I do when I can’t protect her anymore? I’m just beginning to feel a little helpless. There’s a long road ahead, I have no idea where we’re going, and I don’t have a map. All aboard!