Recently in Life Category

Sorry I haven't been attentive lately; I've been traveling much more than is healthy, but that will change in a few weeks. In the meantime, I am trying to find some time to write about some important open government work I've been helping with.

I'm going to Chicago for the weekend to visit a friend. Any suggestions on what I should be sure to do and see while I'm there?

Lucky me...I've got a bad case of bronchitis and am coughing up a storm over here.

Last week I went hunting pheasant and quail outside of Baltimore. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but had a good time. Anyway, here are two good friends and I out in the hunting field:

Two of my favorite blogs are Employee Evolution and Brazen Careerist. Folks who know me won't be surprised by my choice of reading; I'm a high-energy, high-pressure guy who (I've been told) works at a ridiculous pace and doesn't like hearing the word no. I also admire the heck out of those guys for starting a business (which I'm about to do next month!). Anyway, after reading this morning's post I decided to take the Interaction Style quiz. Again, no surprise, but I'm an "Energizer":

Open, upbeat, and outgoing. Enjoy a fast-paced environment and having fun. Like to share all information, especially "good news." Can make quick decisions based on their "gut." Always able to see the potential in situations. Diffuse conflict with humor. See the "big picture" and share vision effectively with others. Like working in teams. Enjoy competition.

Other than the gratuitous use of "quotes," which I'm heavily opposed to, that sounds spot on. Oh, and there's more on this results page, but you should take the test yourself. It'll only take 5 minutes...or maybe that's just me, since I make quick decisions based on my gut.

Losing your ATM card while out on Saturday night is not a good idea. Citibank, however, is open 24/7 and will replace your card in a jiffy. Hopefully I'll get it sooner than the promised date of the 27th.

Sorry I've been away. Life's been throwing a lot my direction lately. I'll write more later, but here are the cliff's notes: * I am leaving my government job in one month. * I am moving to New York. * I am founding a non-profit. * I am looking for a job. * I am launching new websites. All of this and more! I'm working about 18-19 hour days at this point. And on that note, time for my few hours of sleep. I'll catch up with y'all soon and try to write more later this week.

I keep forgetting to put this up here, but my impending move to New York means that I won't need my car anymore. I'm looking to sell it in the local DC area. Here are the details: * 2002 BMW 325i, Sapphire Blue, Grey Interior * 2.5 liter engine, Steptronic automanual transmission. It's wicked fast and ridiculously fun to drive. * 71k miles, for me pretty much all highway driving between DC/PA/NY. ~33 mpg on the highway...not a guzzler. * Premium Harman/Kardon stereo system. * Power sun/moonroof. * 8 way power seats with memory; heated seats. * Premium package, sport package, cold weather package. * Sport tires. Basically the thing is loaded and is a fantastic car. I'll miss having it, but just don't need it anymore. Get in touch with me if you're interested. Here are some photos:

Ann, Kingston Lighthouse and the Hudson River cruise looks like *so* much fun and such a beautiful place. I think I'm going to try to head up there next spring and give it a try.

I have no idea what Heather and Braydon are feeling and experiencing, but I find just the thought to be horrifying:

Over the past week or so Braydon and I have had a series of encounters with overt racism. Of course we encounter various forms of racism regularly. Nevertheless, that doesn't make it easy. It is horrifying. Racism has always been something that has horrified me. But it takes on a new level of horror when you're raising black children. I remember talking about this once with a black friend of mine. He told me that racism had always been the dark side of life for him, but when he became a father racism was suddenly in "all caps" (racism became RACISM). Not being black myself, I surely don't even know the half of it. But I'll go out on a limb and say that as a mother, racism is no longer racism... it is RACISM.