This I Believe: There's no place like home

I went home this weekend, and let me tell you something kids: I was just there a few weeks ago for Christmas, but I needed it. Somehow, coming back from the break without getting as much rest as I'd hoped to took me down. I was sick (raise your hand if you're surprised. Hello? Is this thing on?) and the kids always need some time to get back into the routine, but DAMN. These last two weeks have been tough, and then I caught something really gross, and I just wanted my mommy.

I was blue, and now I feel better. I wasn't even home for that long- about a day, but it was exactly what I needed. I always feel sorry for people who don't want to go home, or who don't get along with their families. I even got to stop in Milwaukee for the first time in a year and introduce myself to some cutie pie kids.

Hmm...I think I had better ideas of what to say here when I started it, and I'm fading fast. Go hug your mom.

SOTD: Just Breathe by Pearl Jam. I haven't bought any new Pearl Jam in many moons. Like possibly since Vitalogy, but I think I might need this last thing they put out. I've heard a few songs, and they are all pretty mellow, but wow am I loving them. I like the line in this song- "I'm a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love." I am pretty darn lucky to be able to count on both hands AND feet those that I love who I know love me back unconditionally, even when I'm blue. Hope the world is being nicer to all of you!

This I Believe: Scotch is a bad idea

This just in: 30-year-olds who really mostly only ever drink wine anymore should not drink scotch on the rocks all night on New Year's Eve. I ended up crashing on Blaire and Tedd's couch last night, even though they live like 3 blocks away from me. I was not doing well in the cab. Lots of quality time on the couch today.

Happy New Year!

SOTD: Kandi by One Eskimo. Is my resolution to blog more? Maybe.

Funny Things

Things I have seen recently on the CTA that freakin' kill me:

On Halloween, there was a guy dressed up as the Dick in the Box guy. As my train pulled away, he opened that box. Everyone else in my train car screamed, but I thought it was hilarious. That guy wins the "Total Tool" award from me. (Get it? I'm funny.)

I saw a 70-year-old dude today carrying an old school metal Masters of the Universe lunchbox.

I saw the most gorgeous sunset today. At 4:45, but whatever.

This morning, a woman got on with a huge donut, but then tried to do her makeup and realized she didn't have enough hands for all of that. I kept waiting to see her rub the donut on her face, but if she did, she saved it for after I got off.

Two sloppy drunk teachers last Friday...oh wait, that was me and my friend.

SOTD: Something Beautiful by needtobreathe. I just like it.

This I Believe: Healthcare

Ok kids, I didn't mean to make this political right away, but here it is: I believe that healthcare should be a right and not a privilege. That said, I have no idea of the logistics it takes to get that done and paid for, but let me tell you why I'm thinking about it today:

I have ear infections in both ears. My right ear is infected in both the outer and middle ear. (I told my dad that and he said, "GEEZ, you're a mess!") The entire right side of my face is swollen. This started yesterday, but I didn't hit up the doctor last night because I had promised Skylar a night out and my friend Al that I'd come see his band play at a bar near my house. This was not one of my brighter ideas, for the record- I couldn't hear out of my right ear and I was miserable. The beer I had wasn't really worth it. So this morning, I got up and went down to cheer for the runners (Go Chicago Marathoners!) then hit up the clinic that's open on Sundays. I got to go to the dr. and get antibiotics for about $20. I saved over $100 because I was born to a family that was able to send me to college, and I happened to find a job that hasn't yet been hit by the recession. If I was out of work, where would I find the money for an EAR INFECTION?

Despite what I'm constantly telling you, I'm not that special. I'm just lucky. But they tell me I'll be feeling better in 24 hours. That is great news.

An ear infection is minor on the scale of things that can go wrong with these crazy bodies we live in. How can anyone deny someone else the right to do what they need to do to feel better? I really don't get it.

Soapbox over. I hope this is coherent. I'm going to bed pretty soon...yeah, it's 5:30.

SOTD: Sick of Myself by Matthew Sweet. Note to those in charge: I'd like a new immune system, please.

Whupped, but with a plan

You guys? I'm getting my ass kicked by a bunch of 3-5 year olds. Thank god this is not my first year- I don't think I'd want to teach anymore.

I've been struggling to come up with good blog writing lately and failing pretty miserably because I am so worn out at the end of the day. It's not just the physically tired part, it's also emotional. What else can I do?

But that's not my point. My point is this: I borrowed a book from my sister called "This I Believe" and it's all short essays on people's personal important beliefs. So at least once a week, I'm going to try to write about something I believe and why because I need something like that right now. Some of them are probably going to be silly (I already have a good idea on my belief in cheese and I'm sure at some point there will be a drunk one about my belief in wine) and some will be what I need to work out in my brain. If I fail to do this, call me on it. If anyone wants to write one and be a guest blogger, let me know. Check out the book- some are better than others, but it's good stuff no matter what.

I need to go to bed now- after one cute kid story for me to think about as I fall asleep. I was out on Monday because I was coming back from visiting my sister. On Wed, one of the dads told me, "Just so you know, my son was really sad you weren't here on Monday. It was all he could talk about on Monday night- he was really hoping you'd be back on Tuesday so he wouldn't have to miss you anymore." For every rotten moment, there's one of those. And that kid is freakin' ADORABLE.

SOTD: I and Love and You by the Avett Brothers. I thought this song was called "Brooklyn Brooklyn" until the other day. I just dig it, even if it's not the best thing to listen to when I'm a bit down. Are you aware the shape I'm in? Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in.

Let's Go Ride!

That subject line used to be my brother-in-law's tagline on every text he sent. He's toned it down a bit now, but it works for today.

I just got back from Colorado- I went to go meet Jaden, who is awesome. But while I was there, I took advantage of it being Colorado and did what I'm pretty sure is only my 3rd ever mountain biking attempt. (Possibly 4th, but I'm pretty sure only 3.) This is the proof. Above, you'll see just how pretty it really is. It just looks like that! Also, they let cows graze there, and you can see that I'm actually headed straight for a cowpie. But that's not the important part. (I did not hit it. I can steer.)

That's me going over a big rock. I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture, but it's a scary one. I went back and did it again because it was cool.

I like mountain biking. I need to get some mountains in Chicago.

Also, I totally have some impressive bruising and injuries. How did I do that? Getting on the bike. I am soooooo coordinated. You wish you could move like me.

SOTD: She's Got You High by Mumm-ra. I hadn't noticed how high we were until we took that first picture, I just knew that going up was hard. Plus, this song is on the happy list.

No WAY!!!!!!!

My friend Matt just won an Emmy!!!!!!

I've been sick and doing nothing but lying on the couch feeling gross all weekend, and I just spent like 20 minutes jumping up and down on my couch screaming because HOLY CRAP! My friend just won an Emmy and he did a GREAT job on his speech, and I could not be any more excited than I am right now.

And now I'm back where I've started- and never really left. I'm sitting home alone watching tv.

BUT SERIOUSLY! HOW COOL IS THAT?!