Julie recently wrote about Independence Day. I’ll quote my favorite passage below, although you really should go read the whole thing.

That phrase — “tragic past and transforming present” is a really wonderful expression. Reading that phrase out loud helps quiet my temporary discomfort and malcontentedness with life, the universe and everything. It’s the kind of phrase that actually renews hope and faith in me, especially in the light of the recent tragedy in London.

Joel forwarded me a link to the Japan SAQ. SAQ if you haven’t guessed already stands for Seldom Asked Questions. It is both amusing and fascinating.

I’ve been leaving for work early and coming home late more than I like to think about. Elise is a light sleeper and often catches me looking in on her on my way out.

On Wednesday she caught me as usual and wanted a hug. While she hugged me she kept whispering in my ear “I’ll never let you go … I’ll never let you go …” It’s the most wonderful thing I heard all week.

I think it’s what we all want to hear from someone.

I take a walk at work more days than not. According to the Gmap Pedometer (which is a very cool tool, btw) my usual route is about 2 miles.

I’m always amazed at how much better I feel after a good walk, even when the trees crash at my feet or the geese are hiss at me.

If I’m in a bad mood, a walk almost always helps.

The 30 pounds of scissors that I won on Ebay are expected to ship today. I’m having a little contest to see if anyone can guess how many scissors are in 30 pounds of scissors. The package should arrive late next week, so send your guesses in before then.

According to the Wikipedia it’s the birthday of Thomas More, Merv Griffith, George W. Bush, Sylvester Stalone, Nancy Reagan, and a rapper named 50 Cent. Curious group of people born today. I wonder if anyone else, like a co-worker perhaps, has a birthday today? Happy Birthday everyone!

I lived in Richland Center, Wisconsin from the middle of kindergarten through second grade. It was a great place for a kid. There were places to run in the woods on the hill behind the town. Almost all my friends were within walking distance. The parks were all on Church Street and the churches were on Park Street. My grandparents had a big Victorian house where my parents and I lived with them. The best part of that house was the porch on the front with a swing on it. I spent a lot of time in that swing especially when storms would blow in. During storms my grandmother was quite sure I would be struck by lightning and would frequently implore me to come in. After enough warnings someone would drag me in. I loved being so close to the rain that the wind felt wet. Now that I think about it, it’s nearly the same sensation I get when sailing.

This weekend I realized that the same swing is hanging from the laundry line thing in Grandpa’s back yard. It’s not nearly as sturdy as I remember it but it still does the job. It felt really good to swing with both my grandpa and my kids this weekend.

I wished it was on the old porch, I wished it was raining & I wish my grandmother was there to shoo me inside.

I love Wisconsin!