Holidays

Hey, I wanted to say it was great being home for the holidays and that I really enjoyed having a bit of time off. As a parting gift, I wanted to share a song on iTunes that I found I really enjoy and that I think you might like as well.

It's called "Numb," by Ben Lee. Look it up. Download it. If you don't like it, I'll give you the dollar back.

Last Calls...

So, Irene left for Florida last night and my roommate Steve went back to England on Wednesday, which has left me all alone in Boston with nothing to do but find the perfect Christmas present for each and everyone of you (unless I already got you something ... which reminds me: Don't open packages sent to 28 Greenvale to my attention!)

Deconstructing Narcissus

I've always been a big proponent of the morals and lessons that can be drawn from our society's myths and legends. It's one reason that, despite my uncertain relationship with the church, I've always been an advocate of Sunday School. That and general cultural literacy.

One non-Christian story that really struck me growing up was the tale of Narcissus. So in love with his own image that he couldn't pull himself away from a remarkably calm pond to eat or drink. If that doesn't promise an unfortunate and ironic end to the self-involved, it's hard to see what could.

But then, does it really? What if we exchanged Narcissus staring at his own image in a pond with something else? Whatever strikes you as equivalent. For example: What if he and his dearly beloved starved to death staring at each other across a table full of food? Are the two comparable? Obviously there's a moral to my hypothetical story, but it doesn't involve narcissism. Maybe it's closer to "don't let fanciful longings and emotional attachment separate you completely from the necessities of life?" Or something like that?

So, my question is, does the death of Narcissus really tell us all that much about narcissism? Or is it more some odd, psychological problem that afflicts those who lounge around small bodies of water? If so, does it matter if Narcissus' death wasn't or wouldn't be unique to someone who was narcissistic?

Big thoughts about the world, right? Love, and I'll see you soon.

Thanks!

Thanks for the glasses (and thanks, from Irene, for the warm, warm socks and tasty, tasty coffee). We've made out quite well from Thanksgiving, so I can only imagine how we'll walk away from Christmas.

Though I've learned that it's hard putting a place together. There are a lot of moving parts.

I do take comfort from the success of my peers, however. As a matter of fact, happily settled Mike Dickensheet has a 30th birthday party this weekend, and there's a notable list of invitees. From the neighborhood, the event is being hosted by his wife, Bridget Geiman, and Sarah Brumfitt is attending. Max will be there and Jesse Larson's brother Tim (Jesse having returned to Holland). Matt Lackowski was invited (the tall boy who was the VP's son). Dave Webster will be there with his wife, as will Ryan Surber. The gang's all here.

Well, not all there of course. Irene and I will be in Boston--although not without our social events to attend. Patrick, from my soccer team, is hosting his holiday party this weekend.

Still, Mike's 30th would have been fun. I do take comfort from the fact the Westminster kids are still hanging out together, though. No 30th birthday party. No graduation ceremony for Chris Gavin. It's difficult to be far removed.

Chicago Photos

I finally put up the photos from the Chicago trip. There are a couple of unrelated running ones of Irene and I at the end. Pay them no mind. Here's my favorite:



What a cutie.

Also, note the addition down and right of the Shelfari Bookshelf. Remember when I had you sign up for that? I'm only adding books as I finish them, so you can be on top of what I'm reading. Cool.

More later. Oh, and tough news about that Illini loss, huh Dad?