A Few More Random Thoughts

My first job out of college, after working at a department store, was with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I directed the chapter's activities in providing patient services. It was a great job. But emotionally taxing for a 23-year-old. I was proud to see Jerry Lewis honored during the Oscar show Sunday night.

Generally impressed is how I felt about the Oscars. Five past winners in each of the four acting categories honored this year's nominess and then the actual recipient. It was a nice touch. I think it gave more meaning to the "it was an honor just being nominated" phrase. It was cool.

Was in D.C. this past week. Attended a work conference. There's for sure an energy in the city. A feeling of hopefulness. It was exciting. I hope it doesn't fade as the politics of politics continue to surface.

There's Barack Obama stuff everywhere. You name it. If they can slap an Obama on it they have. And then selling it like hot cakes. I even bought a Obama condom. Seriously. Its label states "The Ultimate Stimulus Package." Makes me laugh just typing that.

It's always fascinating to me how walking is so common in D.C. I love to walk. I should be in better shape, but I'm obviously not walking enough! I walked five blocks each way (10 total) Tuesday night just to get a hamburger at Five Guys. In the cold. I love walking, though! The burger was tasty too.

I've mentioned that Daphne, Sexy Lady, Army Boy and Cash Man are staying in the Virginia area right now. They are there until April. Wednesday night they took the approximate 30-minute ride on the Metro (D.C.'s subway system) to come see me. Minus Daphne. We went to dinner at a great Italian place on I (eye) Street. It was nice catching up. The pic here is of them getting ready to board the Metro to go back home.

The pic below is a window view of D.C. from my Midwest Airlines flight. I always request a right window on my coming-home flight hoping for a northern departure route. I never can get enough of seeing D.C.

The main sites in this pic: Jefferson Memorial, right; Capitol, top right; Washington Monument, center left; a tiny White House, far left. Other not as clear items are the FDR Memorial along the bottom of the pic, the WWII Memorial, the red Smithsonian Castle (and other Smithsonian buildings along The Mall), the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Holocaust Museum, USDA, and many others.

It's going to be a full week of meetings, deadlines and work at the workplace this week. Hope it is a great week for you.