I belong to...

...a private gym, exclusive to the residents of the building I live in. It is fairly well appointed, clean by standard practices, glassed in on three sides, and maintains a magnetic lock entry/exit system.

So I was not concerned today when, half way through my work out, one of my neighbors discovered we were locked in. I was confident that one of the building maintenance staff or someone from the leasing or management office would happen by on their way to the restroom. Surely, a fellow resident would happen off the elevator on their way to the billiards room, the ATM, the laundry or storage rooms, even the fitness center.

As my neighbor's concern mounted, a brief sense of claustrophobia played hide and seek with my conscience. I realized I was not free to go of my own accord, should that be my choice. I wondered how people in jail survive, and why they would ever go back. Surely, a little social conformity must be worth the freedom to move about as we please. I was trapped with no food, no water, no A/C!!! OK, the last part is a stretch, but it is amazing how many thought processes our brains can analyze in a matter of seconds.

As I joined my neighbor in, what surely must have appeared to our rescuer, as the church scene from "The Graduate", I realized this is what those pesky cell phones are meant for. Alas, I don't carry my pesky cell phone to the gym. As a reminder, of its use, it was ringing when I let myself into my apartment afterwards.

I am an unwilling member of the technology cult.

We all hate...

...the aggressive driver who weaves in and out of traffic, right? Well, the problem with this thinking is that improper driving has forced this driver to do so. Keep right, except to pass is a pretty straight forward, understandable concept. Yet, regardless of the number of traffic lanes involved, some one inevitably moves left and stays there.

I understand with the onslaught of SUV's and larger vehicles on the road, that it can be frustrating when unable to see around these status symbols; but, if you are afraid to pass, stay in the right lane. Actually, I think this phenomenon is more attributable to self absorbed, completely oblivious assholes, which seem to be populating the planet at an alarming rate.

This concept is applicable to sidewalks, stairwells, and entry/exit doors, too. Do I think the majority of city dwellers cannot comprehend this concept because they do not drive? No, in my opinion they are self absorbed assholes playing with their personal electronic devices.

But we all know the saying about opinions.

Last night...

...a former reader indicated that my blog has become "boring". I briefly considered signing off, as this is most likely a true statement. However, I realized boring is good!

Boring means drama free, a good thing. Rantless means low frustration levels, a good thing. Raveless means more patience, a good thing. Do I know a good thing when I see it, or what?

Thank you to...

...all who answered my plea for support. Lee Rosbach pulled through the 5 1/2 surgery with flying colors, and his wit in tact.

I have been somewhat reticent in my blog as of my return. My wonderful vacation is almost a distant memory as the reality sets in. Everyone has a schedule to meet; in addition to work and school, there are always things cropping up. Some where along the line, our lives cease belonging to us. Time has become the enemy, seemingly robbing more and more from us each day.

Seize the moment, before you realize the honeymoon is over.

Please allow me to...

...alleviate any confusion generated by yesterday's post. It would seem that many of you are unaware of the fact that I actually know two people who share the first name Lee.

The first, to the very best of my knowledge, is alive and well. The second has been somewhat of a father figure in my life for more years than I care to admit being alive, hence the family reference.

Lee Rosbach suffered a massive heart attack and is likely undergoing quadruple bypass surgery as of the writing of this post. If you believe in prayer, karma, the secret, or any other positive or spiritual source, I would ask you to send healing thoughts to the universe on his behalf.

You kids did not pay attention to my ASS/U/ME lecture.

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!!