Tragedies Leading to Reflection

Over the last week, I became acutely aware of how precious life is.  Two recent deaths, although not close friends or family, have definitely affected me in ways that I did not anticipate.  Perhaps it was the fact that I knew both families or perhaps it was the fact that both circumstances could have easily occurred to my family.  I find myself holding my kids a little tighter and worrying about them a little more.

I honestly don't know if I would be strong enough to handle the death of my wife or one of my two children - I hope that I never have to find out.

Two immediate resolutions for me personally:

1. I'm going to focus more on what I have rather than what I want.  I find myself obsessed with getting to the next level or making the next amount of money - I don't think I'll ever be able to eliminate that drive or sentiment.  But I am going to enjoy what I have more.  Yesterday was another snow day in Arlington and I found myself on calls with work most of the day.  Around 3:00, my 7 year old came into my office and asked if he could do something with me.  My immediate reaction was what do you want to do and can it wait until later.  He didn't have anything in particular he wanted to do - he just wanted to do something with me.  I stopped, hung up the phone, and went into the family room with him.  We ended up creating a game with Presidents - it was the highlight of my day - I realize how lucky I was to have that moment.  There are two families today that would give anything to have that moment that I almost passed up to be on another conference call.

2. I'm going to be nicer.  It seems so lame to say out loud and perhaps even lamer to type into a blog.  If you go to YouTube and type in Cleveland Clinic and empathy, you will find a five minute video that was all the convincing I needed to be a little nicer to everyone. You never know what "the other person" is going through.

Lent starts tomorrow - I recently re-joined the Catholic Church - yes you can do that, but not without a little hassle and some guilt.  I became an active Catholic again not because I believe in all the church's teachings, but because at different points in my life, the Catholic Church really helped me.  I want that option to be available to my boys should they want/need it.

As I was saying, Lent starts tomorrow - my late father would always insist that we do more of something good for Lent rather than give something up.  I thought that was a better way of recognizing the season - so I will try to focus on what I have and be nicer and of course hug my children a little tighter!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Introduction and Objective

I am starting this blog for two main reasons:

1. I want to improve my writing and critical thinking.  Not everything I post will be well thought out or have significance for society, but practicing my writing should make me a better professional and a more well rounded individual.  Who knows?  I might end up writing a novel someday.

2. I want to have an outlet to express my feelings about random topics.  Ramblings will be an apt descriptor for this endeavor.  I may lament Ben Rothlesberger's 5 turnovers or talk about my good friend who is struggling with the anniversary of 9/11.  My hope is that by getting my thoughts down will help me catalog my life and improve my understanding of the world I live in.

I look forward to reasonable comments and discussions on a variety of topics