25 Things!

25 Random Things.  I don't have much to say, but because it was requested of me...

1. I collect many things.  All of them nerdy.
2. Our TiVo dominates the evening.
3. I've a blog and a twitter, but the twitter's been more busy of late.
4. I like to write, but only for fun.
5. I've worn a bunny suit.
6. The first thing I remember drawing was the Lone Ranger.
7. I can walk home from work in around 30 minutes.
8. My feet have fallen arches.
9. I could spend all day at a Barnes & Noble and not get bored.
10. There are two cowlicks in my hair.
11. My birthday is the day before my sister's.
12. I'm very good at remembering faces, but terrible with names.
13. JJ Abrams is my personal hero.
14. My palate is terrible, so I cook by smell.
15. I cook breakfast every Saturday, with no plans or recipe at all.
16. If someone gave me a box of Nutter Butters, I'd eat the whole thing.
17. I've been to a comic book store where the owner looked exactly like Comic Book Guy.  Actually, I think most of these stores have at least one.
18. A door jamb gave me a concussion.
19. The only food item I will not eat is an olive.
20. I believe the only way to make good tortillas or beans is with lard.
21. My favorite books would hardly qualify as "literature."
22. I disrupted an entire movie theater when I was younger while watching ET.
23. I enjoy stupid puns and word games.
24. I wouldn't mind paying almost $100 for a good bottle of tequila.
25. Someday I hope to perfect my hamburger recipe.  Complete with In-N-Out style bun.

The Precedence

Never before have we seen a day like yesterday, for on January 20th, we inaugurated our 44th president of these United States, Barack Obama.  It was momentous, truly a day that I'm sure many of us will tell our children and grandchildren.  The future remains to be seen, however, but I remain hopeful, for it was Mr. Obama who told us to choose Hope over Fear.

The last 8 years have been a tumultuous time for us as citizens.  Thinking about all that's occurred, it's hard to imagine the horrors that have been set upon us as citizens, but also the global horrors that have reared their ugly head.  Much has changed in 8 years and now it's time for a different sort of change.  I believe that we've taken Mr. Obama's promises to heart.  For me, I'm encouraged that he's been very frank in the language of his speeches.  He does not promise sunshine and flowers, but envisions a difficult path we must ready ourselves for.  We've always known that he is a different kind of politician, but in this I feel we share a common ground with our new president.  His journey through the cratered political landscape will also be troubling.

Let's suppose for a second that everything comes up roses.  The economy makes a 180-degree turn, the country is victorious in its war on terror, and we are able to regain the good will of the global community.  Let's suppose this is the future that Mr. Obama can guide us through.  Regardless of his political affiliation and regardless of our own political or sociological views, shouldn't this be a future we should all strive for?  I imagine that there are dissenters out there, ready to scrutinize every single word, every bill set in motion, and every single appearance, and I guess this is human nature.  We take great pride in our freedom of speech and holding the government accountable of these promises will always be a part of this for the majority.  We can all dream of this perfect world, but I know that this is impossible.

So wherever we are and whatever our situation, I am strangely proud of the position we find ourselves in today.  I do find it odd to have some sort of national pride, but maybe that's what the last 8 years has done.  Through this, however, I will continue to hold onto that hope and look forward to seeing what this new administration will bring.

Poutine to Go

We always seem to ring in the new year or use our winter break to go someplace more, um, winter-like than Southern California. We kinda went to the extreme this time around and headed to the great white north for some French Canadian goodness in Montreal. The Quebecois were friendly, robust, and also quite... French! Luckily, there wasn't much of a language barrier, but I did manage a "bonjour" here and there.

Most notable: the food. I don't think I've ever consumed so much gravy in my life. Unbelievable, actually, but awesome. Also, the public transportation was great, the weather wasn't as terrible as advertised (save for the unusually icy steets), and the sights were incredible. We would go back, but there are way too many places in this world we haven't quite been to yet.

Until then, all we have are the pictures and the memories. Here's to 2009!