A guy named Joe

About a month ago, I attended a trade show for the promotional products industry. As I walked the shrunken show, I was alerted to a good friend of mine's presence. I walked up, offered a hand shake as is custom, and assimilated into conversation on mundane, unimportant topics such as water bottles and incentive programs. Somewhere along the way, maybe 2-3 minutes into our chat, Joe turned to me in an almost complexion erasing phrase, saying 'I was diagnosed with colon cancer this morning.'

Dammit, the C word. Kinda came from left field and sucker-punched me. Not something I remotely anticipate to hear during these casual encounters. Damn Joe, I'm sorry bro...

Almost 6 weeks later, I visited Joe at his home. His surgery was successful and he looked great, smiling the broad smile and trying hard not to laugh (keeping the staples in!) at the jesting I can't help but engage in. We talked about politics, faith, and what was next. That was the part that inspired me - What was next? He isn't done yet, and it reminded me that neither am I. Keep moving forward and put to bed the ill thoughts that come with a diagnosis ubiquitous with dark clouds and clinical failures. His spirits soaring and his mind and tongue sharp, I looked at Joe with admiration and respect.

It's coming up on hunting season. Time for us to retreat into the woods and desert our cushy life in the metro area. This season, I'll be thankful for my health, and inspired by Joe's courage and resolve, and remember not to take life for granted. It's the old cliche that you don't miss what you have till its gone. Somehow I think you all will understand.

Having an opinion...

An acquaintance recently posted a statement online about the recent 'Tea Party' events being 'idiocy.' I sat long and hard thinking of this statement of opinion. Is he right? Or are the participants in the town square on the right path? What I should realize here is that both have an opinion, and that is what makes our country great. We can voice our pleasure or discontent without fear of recourse (as far as we know) and assemble in public free from fear of being incarcerated. I needed a few hours to settle down and not think of this one person's opinion as being somewhat righteous, but rather a product of who this person is. And that's alright.

Here is something to have an opinion on:

Grey wolves are responsible for 18 dead sheep and more injured in Eastern Oregon.
Grey wolves will be removed from the ESA but not in Oregon.
Ranchers are angry at their loss.
Many people support the wolf population being protected.
Wolves are indigenous to Oregon but extirpated in the last century by human interest.
ODFW is attempting to balance all interests in this debate through ODFW's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan.

Educate yourself to the fullest, then mold your opinion, and don't be so arrogant to believe that maybe, just maybe, your opinion could change.

Monkeys, Signs, and The News

Portland is buzzing with the sound of monkeys being liberated from an OHSU facility. The crafty primates found freedom to their liking and heightened the public hysteria over these long-tailed leapers. As the test subjects caroused the hoods in Beaverton, citizens have been alerted to their dangerous nature as they could bite an unsuspecting passer-by, or perhaps throw a fecal delicacy at their primate-like human counterpart. The news, bless their investigative and protective hearts, is alive with fulfilling their obligation to the public. Asking such difficult questions as - "What should you do in case of a fecal splattering?" - "Where could the monkeys possibly be found?" - "What were the monkeys last seen wearing?" - or my favorite, "Could we truly see 5 monkeys jumping on the bed?"

The White Stag, er, Made in Oregon, er Randy Leonard/City of Portland Tax Initiative sign in PDX is the subject of considerable debate. In one corner stands the city itself, looking to stake claim to this marketing real estate for the good of the public of course. U of O stands in yellow & green trunks in the opposite corner, wishing to perpetuate their brand (see NIKE) further among the commoners. The news loves it. Hell, the monkeys can play on it, too! Why not put that rock from China up there next to it. Do you know how many people increased their civic pride when Ms. Katz unloaded that slab o' geologic wonder in downtown? I am sure the sign will have the same effect. In spirit, I have a few sign campaigns to start:

Portland - City of Potholes and one big Rock

or

Portland - Unsustainable Public Retirement!

or

Portland - It's for your own good.

or

Come for the Mayor, stay for the monkeys!


Can you tell I am under the weather?