Giving Thanks

I have attended two funerals this week -- one expected, one unexpected. Additionally, an uncle in Nevada passed away, finally succumbing to the cancer that started in his lungs and gradually spread throughout his body. Don't smoke, kids! It aint worth it!



Despite the modicum of despair that I feel whenever mortality is rampant, I have felt tremendously thankful of late. For my wonderful wife, without whom I would be at a loss on a nearly daily basis. For my son, who is just the neatest thing since sliced bread. I mean, kids! Who thought they were so interesting! :D He got a new suit to go to the funerals, and decided that he looked like James Bond -- which led to a great deal of GQesque posturing on his part. For my father, who, like a phoenix, has arisen from the ashes and is creating a new life. For my mother, who continues to provide love and support. For my in-laws, who are among the most generous and loving people I have had the pleasure to be associated with (with whom I have had the pleasure . . . ah, never mind). For my friends and my colleagues at school, , who keep me honest. I am really quite lucky to have found so many people who are such a positive force in my life.



For all those things I am thankful.



Oh, and Mom, there's a neat job at the U of Puerto Rico I am applying for -- that would awesome! I know you want me to lead with that sort of thing, but its a bit off topic for today.



I am thankful that I have finally begun to heal from my long run Sunday -- 8.6 miles, 80 minutes. I am not thankful for the chafing. (You can be thankful I didn't include a picture.) Yesterday, 50 minutes in RCPark, very loverly.