Probably a great...

...majority of families can be termed "dysfunctional". Divorce, non communication, physical disability, mental instability, sexual preference are all fairly common contributors to the terminology. This list goes on and on, and in a society where we are taught tolerance families most adeptly demonstrate the inability to do so.

So what is the definition of family? Not a birth right or an automatic marriage extension, but one who is always and has always cared no matter what. I'm pretty lucky to have an extended "family" that include my ex in-laws, step dad, half brother, former lover, and current friends. Is all that ex step half former current stuff hard to keep track of? Nah, surround yourself with the people you care the most about, and the people who care about you.

In the end, family is all you've got. Get well soon, Lee. We all love you.

I'm back in...

..the New York groove. Indeed, the trip to work yesterday was a painful reminder that I live in a city of self absorbed strangers who spit on the sidewalks, try to jostle for position in front of you when the train is pulling into the station, refuse to relinquish one inch so that a dozen others may pass by, and lots of other things better left unsaid.

But arriving at work was like going home. I was warmly received, everyone was anxious to hear my vacation tales, and I truly enjoyed yukking it up with some of my regular customers that I actually consider friends. See, you can go home again.

It's too bad home isn't a private beach quietly beckoning my enjoyment of yet another perfect day. Taxi!!

I generally don't...

..read critic's reviews. I am a fairly strong minded and somewhat stubborn person, so I like to form my own opinions of things. I have heard both positive and negative reviews of people who actually saw Avatar, and people who merely have opinions of everything. This is my blog, so here's mine.

I watched Avatar at home on my 46" TV and it was visually stunning. I can only imagine what it must have been like on the big screen and in 3D. Even more impressive than the CG's was the completely moving adaptation of the genocide of the native American people. The telling of this story was an uplifting tribunal to the human spirit. The underlying love story was indicative of the fact that we need not be clashing cultures; and finally, this movie was a warning of planetary matricide.

I know this sounds naive to some of you, but I love a happy ending.

I'm back from...

...undoubtedly the best vacation of my life. I was in good company, the weather was perfect the entire time, I visited some old friends and made a very important new one, the water was warm, the wine was cold, and the beach front hotel, by all standards, was quite nice.

Indeed, while staying there I was witness to at least one convention and one beach site wedding. Given the appointments and the popularity of this hotel I have only one question regarding the accommodations. All three of us shared a peculiarity in our respective rooms that warrants mention.

Our rooms shared a detail which confounds me, and was quite a lively subject of debate, although I am sure two bottles of wine contributed to the confusion. Someone actually designed, executed, and spent time energy and money to install a cut out between the bathroom and the sleeping quarters of the room.

This "window" did not overlook any scenery, was not functional in any ventilation respect, and was served by, none other than, a shutter; as was the actual door to the bathroom. Why lend an architectural detail to a room if it affords you no privacy?

Andrea says that even a couple married as long as twenty years needs privacy in this respect. "Honey, get me a beer." "Honey, where's the remote?"

I guess these folks think the honeymoon is over, or maybe you just had to be there.

In case of emergency...

..don't break the glass. Drinking out of the bottle is so undignified. I am on vacation until 6/1/10. I hope to have lots to share upon my return.

Constructive criticism..

..is an oxymoron. Human nature is a tricky thing, and depending on an individual's current circumstances, can cause one to lean to either side of the issue. A positive person might focus on the constructive part, but a negative one will concentrate solely on the criticism.

Someone who has been mired in negativity for any length of time will attest to how difficult it is to break out of the pattern. It is not a matter of being released from the chains that bind to buoy to the surface. It is more akin to watching a person trying to remove tape that is stuck to their shoe by stepping on it with the other foot.

A tragic comedy.

Yesterday's blog...

...raised an eyebrow or two. Thank you to the three people in the world who were concerned about me as a result of reading it. It would seem that I managed to emit a morose tinge to my post. While that was most likely subconscious and true, my intention was to indicate that I am feeling scatter brained.

I have been considering several ideas for this blog, and have been unable to settle on one. Do the arts affect social morality? I have recently been haunted by some lyrics, and longed to see specific movies repeatedly. How has loss affected us as individuals? Losing people I have cared for has always manged to stay with me much longer than I would like, losing my job has never bothered me. Have you ever sent or received a text message, email, or voice mail in error? I have done both, and wonder if I lost a friend or made a stranger a new one as a result. Do you believe in love at first sight? It happened to me once.

These are all things I may ponder under the Florida skies. Then again, maybe not.