As I sit here reading my Sunday paper, per my Sunday ritual, I am bothered by a statement that I heard yesterday in reference to newspapers:
“They’re kinda dying anyways, so who cares?”
As a trained/wanna-be journalist, hearing such things cuts me to the core.
And although I am not going to argue the point, as I agree that newspapers are dying, I wanted to give newspapers and journalism their due.
I also realize that as a blogger I am part of the perceived “problem.” But I think of electronic journalism as the grandson of newspapers.
The printing press represents the grandfather, as it was the first real-step toward mass communication and wide-spread newspaper distribution. The father was the wire service(s), allowing newspapers to spread/share information at speeds previously unfathomed. The wire(s) allowed newspapers to share information from all around the world, making newspapers national/global in scope. And we’ve now arrived that the electronic age, probably the greatest step away from “traditional” journalism. The e-movement had banished newspaperman staples like typewriters, 35mm cameras and in some cases, even pen and paper.
While newspaper subscriptions and readerships rates may be declining, online readership is up. And I see that as hopeful, not a woeful indication of a slow and painful death.
This is because the move to electronic journalism is simply evolution. Much the way newspaper production has gone electronic, it only follows that consumption will follow the same route.
The newspaper will never die. The journalistic tradition of sharing information is the guiding light of all journalists- From Bob Woodward to Perez Hilton…yeah it pains me to say that.
While objectivity and grammar make take a bit of a hit as anyone with something to say and a connection to the internet can post their rants to the tubes, I am offering that the press is freer now than in its hey-day. The important distinction to make is between well-meaning journalists and people with an axe to grind. Which is not to say that all journalists are objective or that all bloggers are crack pots, it just means that consumers must be savvy when reading what is posted online.
I think the current incarnation of the Iraq War has taught Americans that the day of pre-packaged, edited and safe for consumption news is over. The new frontier of news is one of an educated populace as well as an educated journalist.
Early newspapers were expensive to produce and the barriers to creating/distributing them were great. Another little known aspect of early American newspapers is that they were decidedly partisan. They were not objective. These newspapers were produced to serve a finite purpose…not to be the 4th branch of government, but to further some political/financial goal of the producer.
The blessing and the curse of online journalism is that anyone can share their ideas as the barriers are considerably lessened. Nearly anyone can stroll into a library, hop online and blog. This is far closer to the idea of free press than the founding fathers or early newspaper tycoons could have comprehended. In much the same way newspapers evolved from self-interested soapboxes to objective watchdogs, electronic journalism, if allowed to mature, will go the same route.
Sadly newspapers are dying. But they have laid the foundation for the next generation of journalists. Who will not only carry-on a legacy but learn from previous missteps.
So don’t dismiss the newspaper sitting on the table next to you at the coffee shop. See it for what it is; a paradigm-shifting medium that has changed the way people communicate with each other, that is still so relevant that it’s shaping its replacement.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thank you for smoking (that's sarcasm)
Normally I am not a fan of negative liberty.
For those who didn’t waste thousands of dollars on Political Science classes, Negative Liberty is where a person’s rights are imposed upon by another person. Laws are an example of negative liberty, though some laws are good, they do impose restrictions on a person’s actions.
Outlawing smoking is an example of negative liberty.
I like to think of myself as a Libertarian, one who believes in personal liberty and power of choice. I don’t like the idea of government stepping-in on personal matters, which is why I am pro-choice and believe Gay marriage should be legal.
But in some cases negative liberties work-out. And the indoor smoking ban is a great example of this.
And smoking just happens to be the perfect example as it is the topic of this rant.
I HATE SMOKING.
Not that I am opposed to the health risks, I have plenty of bad habits myself, but I just don’t like it. Smoking seems to have no upside.
It’s dirty, and for those who know me, that is a BIG issue for me. It’s expensive, again another issue for a cheap-ass like myself. And it imposes on anyone around you.
At least the act of drinking too much doesn’t affect anyone around you, that is, unless you spill your drink or puke on someone.
But to me smoking is one of the most self-centered acts a person can take part in. Especially when smoking indoors, second hand smoke is proven to harm non-smokers and the sentiment before the smoking ban was “you can go somewhere else.”
Granted the indoor ban has swung the pendulum to the other end of the spectrum, with non-smokers imposing their desire to be smoke-free on smokers. And I do realize it is still an imposition of one’s desires over another’s.
I am not sure which is right. Though I am pretty sure that most everyone is better-off health-wise as a result of the ban. So I am leaning towards the ban.
But even as I was walking across the street I was bombarded with smoke bellowed-out by the guy standing next to me. Which really pissed me off.
I think that smokers should be more aware of their surroundings. Much like driving a car, smoking is a luxury, not a right. If someone drove around willy-nilly with no respect for other cars or pedestrians, they would quickly lose the ability to drive. I think the same restraint should be expressed by smokers.
I do smoke the occasional cigar. And I know they freaking stink. So when I do light-up, I make sure everyone around me is OK with it. I’ve even gone so far as to cross the street if I see a group of people approaching as to be respectful.
I'm just asking for the same respect from smokers. It doesn't seem too hard.
For those who didn’t waste thousands of dollars on Political Science classes, Negative Liberty is where a person’s rights are imposed upon by another person. Laws are an example of negative liberty, though some laws are good, they do impose restrictions on a person’s actions.
Outlawing smoking is an example of negative liberty.
I like to think of myself as a Libertarian, one who believes in personal liberty and power of choice. I don’t like the idea of government stepping-in on personal matters, which is why I am pro-choice and believe Gay marriage should be legal.
But in some cases negative liberties work-out. And the indoor smoking ban is a great example of this.
And smoking just happens to be the perfect example as it is the topic of this rant.
I HATE SMOKING.
Not that I am opposed to the health risks, I have plenty of bad habits myself, but I just don’t like it. Smoking seems to have no upside.
It’s dirty, and for those who know me, that is a BIG issue for me. It’s expensive, again another issue for a cheap-ass like myself. And it imposes on anyone around you.
At least the act of drinking too much doesn’t affect anyone around you, that is, unless you spill your drink or puke on someone.
But to me smoking is one of the most self-centered acts a person can take part in. Especially when smoking indoors, second hand smoke is proven to harm non-smokers and the sentiment before the smoking ban was “you can go somewhere else.”
Granted the indoor ban has swung the pendulum to the other end of the spectrum, with non-smokers imposing their desire to be smoke-free on smokers. And I do realize it is still an imposition of one’s desires over another’s.
I am not sure which is right. Though I am pretty sure that most everyone is better-off health-wise as a result of the ban. So I am leaning towards the ban.
But even as I was walking across the street I was bombarded with smoke bellowed-out by the guy standing next to me. Which really pissed me off.
I think that smokers should be more aware of their surroundings. Much like driving a car, smoking is a luxury, not a right. If someone drove around willy-nilly with no respect for other cars or pedestrians, they would quickly lose the ability to drive. I think the same restraint should be expressed by smokers.
I do smoke the occasional cigar. And I know they freaking stink. So when I do light-up, I make sure everyone around me is OK with it. I’ve even gone so far as to cross the street if I see a group of people approaching as to be respectful.
I'm just asking for the same respect from smokers. It doesn't seem too hard.
SUVs aren't they Awesome!
I’ve said before that I am excited by the effect that higher gas prices are having on America.
Prices are finally high enough that Americans are re-thinking their driving habits/fuel consumption and auto-makers seem to be taking fuel efficiency seriously.
In light of that explanation, here is the part of the post that I begin to rant about folks who are complaining about the high price of gas.
I heard a story on NPR’s Morning Edition this week that really got me steamed.
The host was talking to a father with multiple children from Ohio. The father was lamenting the high fuel costs and how it was adversely affecting the quality of life for his children. The father noted that he had to remove his children from after school activities as he couldn’t afford to drive them around anymore.
The father’s sentiments could be summed-up as such:
- He “had to” have an SUV, to accommodate all of his kids.
- He couldn’t ponder driving one of those small hybrid things.
- The high gas prices were adversely affecting the quality of life for his kids.
This represents what is wrong with America when it comes to being green.
First the obvious statement: Very few families “need” an SUV.
I remember back in college, 5 grown men could pile into a 1984 Honda Accord with enough gear to last a 2-week Christmas break with no real issues. It was a bit uncomfortable, yes. But not unreasonably so.
So when this father from Ohio starts singing the praises of his SUV, I seriously question the necessity of the rolling monstrosity. Now if this father had admitted that he really enjoys the SUV as it allows him to toss his kids in the back- out of earshot, I wouldn’t be upset. It’s not a green choice, but an understandable one. But trying to say the SUV improves the quality of life for his kids is simply a joke.
If it has wheels and has a back seat, you can cart the lil bastards around with no problem. DVD players, 4 rows of seats and stow-and-go compartments aren’t “must-haves.”
America seems to have mistaken luxury with necessity. An SUV is a luxury, and should be treated as such. There is a luxury tax associated with SUVs. That anyone who bought an SUV was well aware of when they purchased it…It’s called bad mileage.
Owning an SUV and complaining about fuel costs now is like being a person who eats 12 doughnuts a day and complains about being fat.
It’s freaking obvious. And you did it to yourself.
Driving itself is a luxury. I think most folks tend to overlook that.
I could take the bus to work. There is almost door-to-door bus service. But I enjoy the luxury of leaving when I want and saving the 40 minutes of commute in the morning. In recognizing that my 20 minute commute is a luxury, I don’t complain about gas prices. It’s the price I pay for the choice I’ve made.
I just wish the “Father’s from Ohio” of the world, would acknowledge that they chose to have kids and carting them around is the cost of doing business. Perhaps if they were a bit less selfish or more accommodating they could downgrade from the Expedition to a Focus. But something tells me they just aren't going to be able to make that "sacrifice." Because they really don't like the SUV, it's for the kids, you know...
Prices are finally high enough that Americans are re-thinking their driving habits/fuel consumption and auto-makers seem to be taking fuel efficiency seriously.
In light of that explanation, here is the part of the post that I begin to rant about folks who are complaining about the high price of gas.
I heard a story on NPR’s Morning Edition this week that really got me steamed.
The host was talking to a father with multiple children from Ohio. The father was lamenting the high fuel costs and how it was adversely affecting the quality of life for his children. The father noted that he had to remove his children from after school activities as he couldn’t afford to drive them around anymore.
The father’s sentiments could be summed-up as such:
- He “had to” have an SUV, to accommodate all of his kids.
- He couldn’t ponder driving one of those small hybrid things.
- The high gas prices were adversely affecting the quality of life for his kids.
This represents what is wrong with America when it comes to being green.
First the obvious statement: Very few families “need” an SUV.
I remember back in college, 5 grown men could pile into a 1984 Honda Accord with enough gear to last a 2-week Christmas break with no real issues. It was a bit uncomfortable, yes. But not unreasonably so.
So when this father from Ohio starts singing the praises of his SUV, I seriously question the necessity of the rolling monstrosity. Now if this father had admitted that he really enjoys the SUV as it allows him to toss his kids in the back- out of earshot, I wouldn’t be upset. It’s not a green choice, but an understandable one. But trying to say the SUV improves the quality of life for his kids is simply a joke.
If it has wheels and has a back seat, you can cart the lil bastards around with no problem. DVD players, 4 rows of seats and stow-and-go compartments aren’t “must-haves.”
America seems to have mistaken luxury with necessity. An SUV is a luxury, and should be treated as such. There is a luxury tax associated with SUVs. That anyone who bought an SUV was well aware of when they purchased it…It’s called bad mileage.
Owning an SUV and complaining about fuel costs now is like being a person who eats 12 doughnuts a day and complains about being fat.
It’s freaking obvious. And you did it to yourself.
Driving itself is a luxury. I think most folks tend to overlook that.
I could take the bus to work. There is almost door-to-door bus service. But I enjoy the luxury of leaving when I want and saving the 40 minutes of commute in the morning. In recognizing that my 20 minute commute is a luxury, I don’t complain about gas prices. It’s the price I pay for the choice I’ve made.
I just wish the “Father’s from Ohio” of the world, would acknowledge that they chose to have kids and carting them around is the cost of doing business. Perhaps if they were a bit less selfish or more accommodating they could downgrade from the Expedition to a Focus. But something tells me they just aren't going to be able to make that "sacrifice." Because they really don't like the SUV, it's for the kids, you know...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Read this before you buy that.
I am not a big fan of Michael Moore. I find his documentary style to be a little over-the-top. Being a “trained” journalist myself, I think he is a little heavy on the drama and light on objectivity. In his defense, he’s never purported himself to be anything more than a guy with an agenda. Of course, in his mind, the stories he tells are the truth.
As a blogger who does nothing but rant on what other real journalists have reported, one would think I idolize a fella like Michael Moore. And to be honest, I kinda do. If only because I appreciate the way he uses his fame to make the world a better place. Even if it is his perception of a better place.
But enough about Michael Moore, what got me thinking about Moore was another later-day docu-cause-ist, Morgan Spurlock. He’s the guy who brought the world ‘Super Size Me’ the documentary where he lives on nothing but McDonald’s food for 30-days straight. Spurlock nearly killed himself in the process, but he wanted to illustrate, how corporate interests can cause the well-being of average Americans to take a backseat to profits. I caught some of the movie and found it interesting in much the same way you slow down to check-out an accident on the side of the freeway…morbidly interesting, but not entertaining.
That being said, I was underwhelmed when I heard Spurlock had adapted the 30-day concept into a TV show for the FX network.
That is, until I saw an episode a few weeks back.
In the show, Spurlock returns to the ‘Super Size Me’ concept and tries something different for 30 Days. In the episode I caught, Spurlock spent 30-days as a minimum wage worker. And it really opened my eyes.
I have been lucky. In that I have only worked for minimum wage a few times in my life. And I have always had enough to get by.
Watching Spurlock’s experience and seeing the plight of people he met during the show, really hit home with me.
I grew-up in a less-than-affluent family, which I am proud of. But my family did own their own home and though some bills rolled every now and again we always got by. I was cared-for.
Thinking back to my Mom while fretting over which bills were going to roll to next month and another question pops into my head; Do people stuck in minimum wage jobs have time to think about the future or is the-here-and-now too demanding?
Which is not to say that I am now drinking from a golden chalice. But I am secure in my position in life. And as such, I worry more about where I am headed this weekend than the lights being turned-off.
All of this got me to thinking about the American Dream and the concept of the “Haves” versus the “Have-nots.” I think this is an overlooked concept in America. Personal successes are always measured against others. In order for you be doing well, there has to be someone who is worse-off. The American Dream may be open to all people, in theory. But there seems to be quite a paradox inherent in it.
Some politicians have called for an increase in the minimum wage to remedy the problem. I disagree. Throwing more of an already deflating currency at poor folks isn’t going to fix anything. Paying real wages and fair prices for goods and services is.
Do you really think that $5 sub sandwich or $1 burger is supporting a living wage for the person making it?
Americans, including myself, seem to have a disconnect between what they are willing to pay and what things really cost.
For example, someone has to make those shoes, so why is it ok to pay someone in Italy $500/pair and someone in Indonesia $2/pair? (I do acknowledge the differences in cost-of-living, but the sentiment of fair compensation for fair labor is what I am getting at here.)
Consumers aren’t the only ones at fault, as big bad Corporate America does make a pretty sizeable profit on those $2 shoes, none of which ever makes it back to the laborers who made them.
I am just as guilty as the next. I shop the sales and don’t make sure that my coffee is fair trade. But becoming more aware of how little actions like going to lunch or buying a pair of shoes affects those laboring to bring them to us can mean a world of difference.
If you took half the time to research/source what you are buying as you spend looking for a good deal online, you might improve a bottom line other than your own.
As a blogger who does nothing but rant on what other real journalists have reported, one would think I idolize a fella like Michael Moore. And to be honest, I kinda do. If only because I appreciate the way he uses his fame to make the world a better place. Even if it is his perception of a better place.
But enough about Michael Moore, what got me thinking about Moore was another later-day docu-cause-ist, Morgan Spurlock. He’s the guy who brought the world ‘Super Size Me’ the documentary where he lives on nothing but McDonald’s food for 30-days straight. Spurlock nearly killed himself in the process, but he wanted to illustrate, how corporate interests can cause the well-being of average Americans to take a backseat to profits. I caught some of the movie and found it interesting in much the same way you slow down to check-out an accident on the side of the freeway…morbidly interesting, but not entertaining.
That being said, I was underwhelmed when I heard Spurlock had adapted the 30-day concept into a TV show for the FX network.
That is, until I saw an episode a few weeks back.
In the show, Spurlock returns to the ‘Super Size Me’ concept and tries something different for 30 Days. In the episode I caught, Spurlock spent 30-days as a minimum wage worker. And it really opened my eyes.
I have been lucky. In that I have only worked for minimum wage a few times in my life. And I have always had enough to get by.
Watching Spurlock’s experience and seeing the plight of people he met during the show, really hit home with me.
I grew-up in a less-than-affluent family, which I am proud of. But my family did own their own home and though some bills rolled every now and again we always got by. I was cared-for.
Thinking back to my Mom while fretting over which bills were going to roll to next month and another question pops into my head; Do people stuck in minimum wage jobs have time to think about the future or is the-here-and-now too demanding?
Which is not to say that I am now drinking from a golden chalice. But I am secure in my position in life. And as such, I worry more about where I am headed this weekend than the lights being turned-off.
All of this got me to thinking about the American Dream and the concept of the “Haves” versus the “Have-nots.” I think this is an overlooked concept in America. Personal successes are always measured against others. In order for you be doing well, there has to be someone who is worse-off. The American Dream may be open to all people, in theory. But there seems to be quite a paradox inherent in it.
Some politicians have called for an increase in the minimum wage to remedy the problem. I disagree. Throwing more of an already deflating currency at poor folks isn’t going to fix anything. Paying real wages and fair prices for goods and services is.
Do you really think that $5 sub sandwich or $1 burger is supporting a living wage for the person making it?
Americans, including myself, seem to have a disconnect between what they are willing to pay and what things really cost.
For example, someone has to make those shoes, so why is it ok to pay someone in Italy $500/pair and someone in Indonesia $2/pair? (I do acknowledge the differences in cost-of-living, but the sentiment of fair compensation for fair labor is what I am getting at here.)
Consumers aren’t the only ones at fault, as big bad Corporate America does make a pretty sizeable profit on those $2 shoes, none of which ever makes it back to the laborers who made them.
I am just as guilty as the next. I shop the sales and don’t make sure that my coffee is fair trade. But becoming more aware of how little actions like going to lunch or buying a pair of shoes affects those laboring to bring them to us can mean a world of difference.
If you took half the time to research/source what you are buying as you spend looking for a good deal online, you might improve a bottom line other than your own.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
STAT
For as long as I can remember I’ve been one to play it safe.
Even as a kid, I was the naysayer or the one questioning whether something was a good idea.
As much as I hate to say it, I was “Chunk” from “The Goonies.”
But even as I begrudgingly took part in an activity, usually ending-up with me getting hurt, I never had a fear of death.
It is true, kids think they are invincible. But I am willing to take that assertion one-step further: Adults think they are invincible, too.
Just look act how people act; It’s the whole premise behind credit or working for that promotion or justifying an unenjoyable experience by thinking “There’s always tomorrow.”
I recently have had a few friends battle cancer and truly have to grapple with their own mortality. But even in talking with them, I still headed home every night expecting full well to wake-up the next day. Never once in my life had I pondered the idea that at some point, there won’t be a tomorrow.
Until Monday, that is.
It was a normal day, I had gone to work and was out playing tennis. While hitting around, I noticed that I was unable to see out of one eye. It was a constant starry blur, like I had looked into the sun for too long, that persisted for over an hour. I thought it was odd, but played through it. It wasn’t until later that I really got worried. While in the shower, I noticed that my left hand had gone numb and felt like it weighed a ton. As I went to rinse-off my head and face, I noticed that my lower lip had gone numb as well. I then thought to myself, “So, this is a heart attack.” After freaking-out for a few minutes I began to try to remedy my situation. After shaking my hands and flailing a bit, the numbness subsided, I dried-off and tried to forget the experience.
Did I go to the doctor, like any normal person would have? Nope.
Truth be told, I was scared and like most guys didn’t want to admit anything had gotten under my skin. I was also afraid to learn what might be wrong. It sounds stupid, but ignorance is bliss. Instead, I headed to my buddy’s for a BBQ and pushed the experience to the back of my mind.
Only after chatting with my boss the next day and his ordering me to get checked-out, did I get to the doctor’s office.
Monday night was spent trying to forget about the experience and Tuesday night was full of the possibilities of what caused it. My first thought was a heart attack or stroke, then the mind wandered to tumors or blood clots.
Needless to say, I was no longer invincible.
Wednesday morning I met with the doctor, who was not too good at hiding the “Oh crap!” in her voice and facial expression as I recounted Monday night. The next thing I knew the hospital was bumping people with appointments to get me in for scans and blood tests. Everything I saw was marked STAT. Which I think is a pretty big deal, but I am only basing that on the fact they yell it a lot on ‘ER.’
Five hours later, I left the hospital with a clean bill of health. (Knock on wood.)
I was relieved, but my sense of invincibility had been forever shaken. Now I am not comparing my scare to the cancer ordeals my friends recently endured, but I now have a better understanding of the loss of control, the uselessness you feel when your body decides to stop working right.
Things like life insurance and retirement plans now make a little more sense to me.
There isn’t always going to be a tomorrow.
There is truth to the old saying “There are only two certainties in life: Death and Taxes.”
Does that mean I am going to drive slower and live in a constant state of fear?
No way.
It does mean that I am no longer going to take for granted the precious little time we have on this planet. I have lived the past 29 years cautiously and I have many regrets as a result. I want to take an active stance towards life rather than a reactive one.
For example, I pondered heading back to work right after my doctor’s appointment. But given my new perspective, why rush back? I had been offered free tickets to a Mariner’s game that afternoon and really, which is more memorable? Sitting in a cube or enjoying a beer from seats so good that you could see each sunflower seed hit the dirt as the first basemen spits them out?
I chose the game.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. And just like a great desert, slow down and savor each bit of it.
I am not advocating quitting your job and travelling the world. I am just saying to take note of life’s many little pleasures: The first sip of coffee in the morning or the patch of blue sky amongst menacing grey clouds or the smell of the first rain as it hits a warm sidewalk. I counted myself blessed as I sat at the game sipping my beer in the sun, when just hours earlier I was in an MRI machine pondering what could be wrong with me and how much time I had left.
I got lucky. This was a false alarm. But that doesn’t mean I am coming away from it any less grateful for my health than my cancer-surviving friends. I just wanted to share the lesson learned, as I hope no more of my friends have to learn it the hard way…
Even as a kid, I was the naysayer or the one questioning whether something was a good idea.
As much as I hate to say it, I was “Chunk” from “The Goonies.”
But even as I begrudgingly took part in an activity, usually ending-up with me getting hurt, I never had a fear of death.
It is true, kids think they are invincible. But I am willing to take that assertion one-step further: Adults think they are invincible, too.
Just look act how people act; It’s the whole premise behind credit or working for that promotion or justifying an unenjoyable experience by thinking “There’s always tomorrow.”
I recently have had a few friends battle cancer and truly have to grapple with their own mortality. But even in talking with them, I still headed home every night expecting full well to wake-up the next day. Never once in my life had I pondered the idea that at some point, there won’t be a tomorrow.
Until Monday, that is.
It was a normal day, I had gone to work and was out playing tennis. While hitting around, I noticed that I was unable to see out of one eye. It was a constant starry blur, like I had looked into the sun for too long, that persisted for over an hour. I thought it was odd, but played through it. It wasn’t until later that I really got worried. While in the shower, I noticed that my left hand had gone numb and felt like it weighed a ton. As I went to rinse-off my head and face, I noticed that my lower lip had gone numb as well. I then thought to myself, “So, this is a heart attack.” After freaking-out for a few minutes I began to try to remedy my situation. After shaking my hands and flailing a bit, the numbness subsided, I dried-off and tried to forget the experience.
Did I go to the doctor, like any normal person would have? Nope.
Truth be told, I was scared and like most guys didn’t want to admit anything had gotten under my skin. I was also afraid to learn what might be wrong. It sounds stupid, but ignorance is bliss. Instead, I headed to my buddy’s for a BBQ and pushed the experience to the back of my mind.
Only after chatting with my boss the next day and his ordering me to get checked-out, did I get to the doctor’s office.
Monday night was spent trying to forget about the experience and Tuesday night was full of the possibilities of what caused it. My first thought was a heart attack or stroke, then the mind wandered to tumors or blood clots.
Needless to say, I was no longer invincible.
Wednesday morning I met with the doctor, who was not too good at hiding the “Oh crap!” in her voice and facial expression as I recounted Monday night. The next thing I knew the hospital was bumping people with appointments to get me in for scans and blood tests. Everything I saw was marked STAT. Which I think is a pretty big deal, but I am only basing that on the fact they yell it a lot on ‘ER.’
Five hours later, I left the hospital with a clean bill of health. (Knock on wood.)
I was relieved, but my sense of invincibility had been forever shaken. Now I am not comparing my scare to the cancer ordeals my friends recently endured, but I now have a better understanding of the loss of control, the uselessness you feel when your body decides to stop working right.
Things like life insurance and retirement plans now make a little more sense to me.
There isn’t always going to be a tomorrow.
There is truth to the old saying “There are only two certainties in life: Death and Taxes.”
Does that mean I am going to drive slower and live in a constant state of fear?
No way.
It does mean that I am no longer going to take for granted the precious little time we have on this planet. I have lived the past 29 years cautiously and I have many regrets as a result. I want to take an active stance towards life rather than a reactive one.
For example, I pondered heading back to work right after my doctor’s appointment. But given my new perspective, why rush back? I had been offered free tickets to a Mariner’s game that afternoon and really, which is more memorable? Sitting in a cube or enjoying a beer from seats so good that you could see each sunflower seed hit the dirt as the first basemen spits them out?
I chose the game.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. And just like a great desert, slow down and savor each bit of it.
I am not advocating quitting your job and travelling the world. I am just saying to take note of life’s many little pleasures: The first sip of coffee in the morning or the patch of blue sky amongst menacing grey clouds or the smell of the first rain as it hits a warm sidewalk. I counted myself blessed as I sat at the game sipping my beer in the sun, when just hours earlier I was in an MRI machine pondering what could be wrong with me and how much time I had left.
I got lucky. This was a false alarm. But that doesn’t mean I am coming away from it any less grateful for my health than my cancer-surviving friends. I just wanted to share the lesson learned, as I hope no more of my friends have to learn it the hard way…
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