Saturday Soliloquy - Robyn

Robyn is my 13 year old.  She is a kind and gentle soul.

While she is super smart, she is also well rounded individual who is trustworthy...

In all she is all a dad could ever ask for...

Saturday Soliloquy

I have great kids.  Each one brings something quite special into my life.

Liam brings a joy and a desire for life that is unmatched.

He so enjoys the simple things in life and sees the world using a different perspective than most...

 Though he marches to his own beat,

he loves unconditionally and brings a genuineness that is unparalleled.

So on this Saturday, I appreciate my oldest boy - Liam.

Saturday Soliloquy

Ummmm, need proof genetics are real?

Saturday Soliloquy - Weekend Commandments

Weekend Commandments 

1. No meeting shall occur after 3:00 PM on Friday - let people finish off their week properly.
2. Friday night shall contain a social element - dinner at the table, drinks with friends - it must include a real conversation with others.
3. Saturday cleaning should be limited to the AM only - Shopping may occur in the PM as long as it has a 'fun' component added into it.
4. One should always call a loved one or a good friend you have not hear from in awhile on Saturday.
5. Saturday night is for the young or young at heart.
6. Sunday AM is personal time - whether it be for church purposes or personal mental well-being - that morning is for personal reflection.
7. You must do at least two Sunday PM chores before viewing sports on TV or other leisure activities - It adds to the feeling of relaxation.

Discuss among yourselves.

Saturday Soliloquy - What I am sadly, pondering?

Is the best piece of evidence that supports that there is intelligent extra-terrestrial in the galaxy is the fact that they are smart enough not to contact us?

Would I do deja vous all over again?

How come we care more about the Superbowl than who will lead the country?  Why do I sense that this is not as bad of choice as it first seems?

When did the American dream come to include PAC money?

P.S. When was the last time I pursued happiness?  Perhaps I should consider trying harder to be happy - it works that way right?

Saturday Soliloquy - Big Week at the College of Charleston

What a big week on the C of C campus.  With the Republicans in town for their primaries, the number of high profile speakers on campus was phenomenal!  None however, was more impressive than yesterday when Stephen Colbert saw over 5000 attend his rally...

Here is a clip of  the speech...it was brilliant!

Saturday Soliloquy - Kids @ Play

This was a trip to the park with the three kids.  It is amazing how their lives are now chronicled as a result of an online world.

Saturday Soliloquy - Babymoon

Not that we do not have enough subareas in tourism (e.g eco-tourism, dark tourism etc.) a new term was raised to me today that I had never heard of previously, babymoon.

A babymoon started off as a couple travelling shortly after the birth of a little one as sort of a bonding experience.  The term has since evolved to mean a trip taken shortly before the little one is born as a last hurrah for the parents.  A last chance for the couple to bond before the little one arrives.  The term has also been used to describe a trip in which a couple has decided to try to start a family while on said trip.  Does this count as a well conceived conception?

This seems like an interesting phenomenon.  Has anyone out there taken a babymoon or would like to?  What would be the motivation for such a trip?  Do you think this trip is more for the man or for the woman?  This is such an interesting type of travel and I would love to learn more about it.  For my industry colleagues out there, has this ever been a market for you?  Fascinating indeed.

A Cautionary Tale - Be Safe This New Years Eve

A colleague of mine sadly spent this holiday grieving the loss of her 19 year old son after he died November 12th of Alcohol Poisoning after drinking in his own home.  With more than 3 times the legal limit of blood alcohol, the young man was found unresponsive in his bed by a roommate and a promising athlete, son, scholar and friend was gone... you can read more about Tyler and his family's story here.                                                                                      

According to the Mayo Clinic Definition of Alcohol Poisoning, binge drinking - downing 5 or more drinks in a row - is the primary cause of Alcohol Poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning symptoms include:

• Confusion, stupor
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
• Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
• Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Unconsciousness ("passing out"), and can't be roused

It's not necessary for all of these symptoms to be present before you seek help. A person who is unconscious or can't be roused is at risk of dying.

Please, if you are planning to drink for New Year's please do it responsibly and be aware of others around you who might be suffering from Alcohol Poisoning and get them medical attention.

I know that many people who post about drinking responsibly are focused on the very real threat of drinking and driving, but even if you've chosen to stay home to ring in 2012 it is still important to drink responsibly and live to see the whole new year through.

Saturday Soliloquy - Xmas Edition

I will fully admit.  I am not a holiday person.  Typically, I have found Christmas to have been perverted into a season where many demonstrate traits I abhor in humanity - Commercialism, gluttony with an overtone of religion being perverted.

This Christmas however, I am focusing on the fun, family and fervor of the season and trying to celebrate it in a manner that I can feel good about.  I hope this will help to make the season come into great memories.  I will let you know how it works out.

While unwrapping your gifts this year, please remember the true message of the season.  Few are as lucky as we are in the USA to be able to live in relative peace.

May we all experience a new year of peace and love.

Saturday Soliloquy - Congrats to the December Graduates!

The graduation ceremony at the College of Charleston is quite special.

Congratulations to all of the December graduates!!!

Saturday Soliloquy

"The path to happiness travels through the door of knowledge."

Saturday Soliloquy

I got this captcha on Friday...

Hummmm...

Saturday Soliloquy

I was going to go deep and metaphysical on you all but with sick children in the house sharing their sick ways with me, I am lacking the energy to do so.  I have decided therefore, today is the perfect day just to You Tube away.

Today's theme - songs that were made better by their videos.  Shall we do a top three list?

#3. I like Wheezer and I like Happy Days but put them together and I love this video

#2 - When I was a teen (pre-Internet days), it took me a couple of weeks to figure out how they did this video.  It really did drive me into a virtual insanity.

1. This was a great video that was a technological wonder when it was first released.  The song is okay but the video makes it a real piece of art!  

Saturday Soliloquy - Wishes for a Colleague

My thoughts and best wishes goes out to a colleague who lost their son this week.  I could not imagine the pain of burying one of my children. I hope one day she will be able to see the sunshine once again.  May the fates be kind.