Complicated

I think life is too complicated.

"No shit," you say, "tell me something I don't know."

Well. Life is too fast. No one stops and tries to grasp what lies under the surface of their life - we're just too tied up in making the bee line as fast as possible - generally while talking on our cell phones.

Ever stop to think that maybe cell phones, computers, microwaves et cetera are not really necessary in order to make it through your day? I mean, do you really have to call someone as soon as the plane lands and comes to a complete stop at the gate? Is it necessary for your tea to be done in two minutes rather than the five it might take to actually boil water? Do you really, really need to TiVo the entire final four, as if you were going to watch all of the games?

In an effort to make our lives more convenient, we've made them more complicated. More gizmos, more gadgets. Shit you just have to have - for one reason or another. And it's not just technology - the phenomena can be safely filed under a glut of consumerism. We are now owned by our credit card companies, and the stuff we bought through them.

"Technophobe!" you cry. And you just might be right about it. But I'm not entirely sure that's a bad thing. I think the entire nation could use a deep breath. A chance to slow down and examine what's truly important. Years ago, when Bell took his invention to the public, the phones would only work while the operators were on shift - 8 to 5, I think - could you imagine what the world might be like if we were to go back to that? Crap, you might actually have to talk to your family. Face to face! Maybe even go out and physically meet your neighbors!

As for me, I'm planning a one man rebellion. I resolve not to cave in and buy a I-Pod. Yes, I know they rock. No more DVDs of a movie I may only watch two or three more times in my entire life. The same for books. I'm going to offload a bunch of stuff that has followed me around all these years - shift some weight - and have a garage sale. Or give to charity. Or something.

And what I do buy will be in the same spirit. Mid life crisis Harley? Nah, maybe just a bicycle - skip the fancy pants.

Nuts

It would come as no surprise to those that know me that I have 'squirrels in the attic'. This has always been kind of a figurative description but, of late, it has taken a very literal turn. Somehow the little buggers have managed to find a shingle loose which gives them access to a small gap between the roof decking and the fascia. They are living happily up in our attic, raising a family and basically living out what passes for the American Dream - squirrel version.

The problem? Well, aside from the hole in our roof that no longer keeps out the rain, they seem to be a little more nocturnal than we are and, since they're awake anyhow, think that 2 am is a great time to practice their sprints.

Truth be told, I like squirrels. Always have. They are clever, inventive and fearless - or nearly so, anyhow. And, yes dammit, they are cute. But I am really not enjoying the shared living space. I know in my heart of hearts that any non-lethal method of extracting them will probably not be successful. But until I exhaust my patience with the various home brew solutions I am not ready to break out the Daisy.

Maybe I could buy a paintball gun...

Rights.

Rights?

I'm tired of rights. I'm tired of everyone singling out why they are different and demanding legislation to mandate it. It will not be until we can set aside our petty biases on skin colors, sexual preferences, religion and even favorite baseball teams (okay, that may be too much of a stretch) that our race will be able to grow. I am pessimistic in that I don't forsee such ever happening. My rights should be the same as yours: no more and no less.