Serious Superhero Face

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Customized Kids and Minimalization

I wish disciplining children was easier. It sucks! Why can't they just come with built in obedience and a constantly sweet-nature? I can tell you right now those are not standard features on my models. I guess we will just have to keep pushing through the pains of this early childhood consistent customization process.

In a separate, but somehow vaguely related note, I have been spending a significant amount of time wishing for a more Amish-esque lifestyle lately. The book I have reading delves deeply into the relationship of technology with human productivity and overall happiness. I am in no way an anti-technology/industrial revolution nut (which should be self evident in the fact I am typing this on a laptop computer right now), but I do believe most of us are in a state of serious techno overdose. Technology makes a significant portion of our lives better, but how much of it is making our lives worse. Are there less dishes in the sink because of my automatic dishwasher? Is the laundry pile smaller because of my washer/dryer? Do we have to work out at the gym twice as long because we ride a mower instead of push one? Do we appreciate food more because we can push a cart down an isle gathering a months worth of groceries within minutes instead of months spent in dirt by hand and sweat? Are my machines working for me to accomplish necessary menial daily tasks quicker, or are they just creating additional unnecessary menial tasks? Do I control the technology surrounding me, or is it controlling me?

I am ready to slow down and get off this bullet train. I want to raise a barn with family and friends. I want to read books under flickering lamp light after finishing my job each day with tangible results and satisfaction. I want food that traveled no more than 100 yards to my plate. I want to socialize on a front porch or just sit there listening to creatures around me. I want to milk a cow twice a day. I want to not feel the need for a vacation to get away from it all. I want to walk to the local store (without carrying a gun). I want peace and quiet, callused hands, and meaningful relationships. Can any of my technology do that?

*Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Barn_raising_in_Lansing.jpg

Gasless

I once knew a guy who told everyone his Halloween costume was the scariest thing imaginable, and then he showed up to the party wearing signs front and back advertising unleaded gas at $4/gallon. He stated he was "rising gas costs." As our local fueling stations' cost per gallon nears four bucks, I say kiss my butt gasoline. I own a reel mower, a bicycle and some muscular strength. Drinking water is a heck of a lot cheaper than a fill up at the pumps.

Our Park

This is part of the city park by our house where we play all the time. It was especially beautiful today. I wish I would have taken the camera instead of just cruddy phone pictures.

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Anniversary

Sixteen years ago I asked this girl to go to the movies with me. Nine years ago we got married. We had no money, no real jobs, and no house. We were both in school. We were moving into an apartment in the ghetto (one bullet hole through the window and one gang shooting witnessed thirty feet away would convince us to move). Our idea of a special date night was splurging on something from the Jack-in-the-Box dollar menu. We didn't have much, but we had dreams of a long future together with kids and careers. Little me and little her would have never guessed the ridiculous paths life has taken us. Things are different than we planned, but things are great. And best of all no more Jack-in-the-Box.

Surfin' USA

I spent the day before yesterday making a miniature longboard for my niece's upcoming birthday (part of the decor).

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Dark Road Trip

We are on the road to stay at Cedar Park Farm for a few days. I love driving to the country, but unfortunately a family funeral is our undesirable primary purpose.

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