A first, a blessing, and a reminder

I know what you're all thinking: "Sag's atheist, but he's talking about a blessing?"

Right. But let's talk about the first first. Not only am I an atheist, I'm a bassist. I broke a string tonight while practicing. First time in some 15 years of playing. I reckon that's not too bad.

Alright... on to the blessing: I got a RAISE today at work!!! While that's not a first, it's always a good thing (and it'll help buy a new set of Rotosound bass strings (Swing Bass 66's, .105 ga, for those who care or are looking for last minute gift ideas)).

Most importantly, the reminder. When I got home from work this evening, there was a package waiting for me. Always enjoying arrivals of such wonders, I tore into the brown wrapping paper with zeal. Thirty minutes later (there was ALOT of tape), I was rewarded by the appearance of a blue and white box proclaiming that I had received an HP printer cartridge. Now I knew that this couldn't be the case, so I pressed on. After cutting through the tape (SEE... I can learn), I found two Christmas-wrapped boxes inside. Now, I couldn't just open these on my own... they were from my parents, and we don't get to spend every Christmas together these days. So I decided to save them for later, when I could call them and share the experience.

Around 9:30 PM, I called and announced the package's arrival to my mom, who was as excited as I was. Just like a little kid, I asked her if it was okay to open them, or if I should wait until the appointed day. Of course, Mom being the Always Loving Soul (tm) said, "What the heck... open them now!". Of course, I didn't waste any time.

The second gift that I opened is the one that really got me. A simple, tasteful Nativity scene proclaiming "Peace". Which now holds a coveted placement in my home. Mom explained that she just wishes peace for everyone, in spite of the conflicts, difficulties, and troubles any of the family (she got them for *everyone*) have been frought with this year.

Honestly, how could that not be a Good Thing (also tm)? While the symbol is certainly theist in origin, the meaning of the symbol is something to benefit every last one of us, religious or not. That means, "Anti-theists, get over yourselves."

Of course, the conversation continued, moving on to Christmases of yore, back when we enjoyed them together as a family. It was always a special time. Unfortunately, that which makes such things special can also put a clock on them: we don't get to spend many Christmases together now that my family is spread all over the country.

What is remarkable about our Christmases is that the food and gifts and all the other things that trimmed out our Christmas celebrations always took a backseat to the meaning of stopping and taking the time to appreciate our family and friends. Even when some weren't getting along. It didn't matter. What mattered was that the time was taken to put all of that aside and just enjoy and be thankful that we were with people that care and love together. We were at peace with ourselves, with each other, and as one.

These are some of my most cherished memories of all.

PS. For the curious, the first gift is perfect for the 80's retro-nerd in me: The Star Wars Vault. An amalgam of 30 years of Star Wars history. I love it. I'm such a geek!

Rush is coming to OKC!

I mentioned earlier that I love Chicago, but they don't hold a candle to Rush. Ever since I moved to OKC, I've had to travel hundreds of miles to see them live since they haven't played here in years. That will apparently change in 2008 on the extension to their Snakes & Arrows World Tour! Hopefully they get a better crowd here than they had in Dallas the last three times I went. Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll play in Tulsa, too.

This is a FANTASTIC early Christmas present!

PS. For those wondering, S&A has grown on me substantially since its release, though I still have trouble listening to "The Larger Bowl".

Like we need another reason to hate

So, part of my job is to write grants. I'm not particularly fond of this, considering it brings me into contact with a ridiculous cross section of government lunacy. The latest result: being told that my last grant application was rejected for funding because the grant applications that my agency puts together are "too good".

How ridiculous is this?! Is there some sort of sweet spot that we're supposed aim for? The goal of a competitive process is to achieve success by being the best performer. There is no "too good", only "the best", who should come out in first place. What is this, college football?

Leave it to government to reward the anti-achievement mentality by buying votes from the grasshoppers. As long as we continue to enable those who choose not to perform, we grow weaker as a society.