My new years resolution is to go green!

Today is Christmas Eve. I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the past year, and make my plans for 2009. I know, I am supposed to do this on New Years Eve, but I have some time on my hands and thought I would take care of it now.

The past year we have seen a Presidential Election that made history. It made history because....well, actually I am not sure why. Obama is not the youngest to become president. In fact Bill Clinton was younger when he took office. It's not that he is from Illinois. I recall another president that came from there. You remember him, the father of big government. Honest Abe Lincoln. If everyone is talking about the color of his skin, well that is just a plain silly reason to claim as a first. If we are a nation that elects people based on skin color, hair color, height, weight or any other physical attributes, then we are seriously on the wrong track. I believe that we should elect a president based on experience, character and how well they look behind the podium.

Enough about the election. My main concern is the environment. The global warming really has me scared. In fact, just yesterday as I was shoveling out the driveway after another 4 inches of snow, I decided what my course of action would be for the next year to help out. I will help the "Go Green" movement. What is the best way to do that? Well, the "green" in the environment is the plants. Trees, bushes, grass.... What do all these green plants need to survive? Carbon Dioxide. That's right. Green plants need carbon dioxide to survive, much in the same way that we need oxygen. So, my New Years Resolution will be to do everything I can to increase carbon dioxide emissions. I figure it's the least I can do to help out.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Graduation

We had two sons graduate from high school the past two years. It made me reflect back on my years in school. The one thing I do remember is the ceremony and how dull it was. Someone that I didn't know got up and spoke about it being the crossroads, the time of our life, and how we needed to rise up and meet the challenges ahead....yada yada yada. After thinking about the changes that I encountered, I thought a more realistic speech might be in order.

To the graduates.

You did it. You finished high school. Now you have some decisions to make. Do you keep working, or continue your education? That's the easy part. Here are the difficult things you will have to deal with.

The magic hamper is gone. You know, that basket in the bathroom where you throw your clothes and wet towels and they suddenly reappear a couple days later clean and folded. It is gone. Get used to it. It's very simple to do, just put in the laundry soap, turn the dial and start it up. Oh yeah, start saving your quarters. When you have your own place I can almost guarantee your efficiency apartment won't come with a brand new washer and dryer.

Ants. Yes, that's right, ants. What do ants have to do with graduating from high school? You will soon become acquainted with them. I know because when I moved into my own place I had trouble with the concept of cleaning dishes and wiping the crumbs off of the counter. Dishes were piled up high and you couldn't even use the faucet without knocking down the teetering mound of plates and cereal bowls. The ants will soon find this buffet and will be coming and going at their leisure.

Welcome to AOL. Remember that high speed internet you had at Mom and Dad's? It cost money and you will inevitably try to save a few bucks and get dial up internet service. The two bad things about this are that nothing online works on dial up anymore, and once you subscribe to AOL, it practically takes an act of congress to cancel it!

Tuna fish and ramen noodles. When you are out on your own for the first time you will discover that the vast array of wonderful meals has disappeared. Also, you money supply has somehow shrunk, due to things like rent, utilities, insurance etc.... You will learn how to dress up mac and cheese with some tuna and green peas and discover the joy of buying ramen noodles ten packages for a dollar.

Overall, your life will see some dramatic changes. A lot of them will take time to get used to, but just like everyone else, you will find a way to get by. Just don't forget, now that you are out on your own your parents might actually want you around once in a while. They got used to having you there for 18 years, so it will be an adjustment for them too. You can use this to your advantage by dropping in for a visit, with three loads of laundry. Oh, and make sure you plan to visit around supper time.

Good Luck!