The Pessimist

I agree with both of you and would confirm that we ALL have great lives - comparisons or not. No argument from this camp. But I want to shift the discussion slightly. What does the future hold? For us, for our kids and for future generations?

I'm naturally a pessimist (big shock, I know) but the recent events in the world are giving me a lot of material to support my pessimism. Natural disasters, never ending wars, arguably the most economically unstable world economy ever known, gutless leaders, increasing gap between "have's" and "have nots", water scarcity, deterioration of human morality ... the list goes on and on.

AND, I think the United States is in for a real wake up call. What makes us different than any other world power who at one time thought of themselves as untouchable by the rest of the world. #1 in everything! Well that's changing quickly. Let me cover the gamut, quickly:

Politics - Our system sucks. It's the best system in the world but it still sucks. Where are the bold leaders who are willing to make tough decisions on tough issues? Where is leadership based on a core set of values and principles to do what is in the best interest of your constituency? Oh, that's right they are home trying to figure out how to get re-elected. Those in power aren't capable of the leadership required in order to address the real issues facing our country. We are 14 trillion dollars in debt with no plan to do anything other than increase this figure. Huh? Enough said.

Financial Markets - I know what it means for a person or company in the US to file for bankruptcy protection, but I don't know what it means for a country to do so. What forms do they complete and is the process the same? Who do they file the paperwork with? Several countries are on the verge. When the currency of these countries become worthless what is the likely outcome and reaction of the citizens of that country? Chaos I suspect.

Human Ethics and Values - This is a really big topic but I'll open this can of worms by saying that human decency to one another appears to be a thing of the past. Contempt breeds chaos. Regard for another human being, on a human level, must be preserved for civil society to exist. Of any kind. Imposing your values on others doesn't work. Displaying your values in the face of opposition does, but only with patience and time. I'm opting for door #2.

The Environment - I'm not a tree hugger but I'm educated enough to believe that humans are destroying the only planet proven to support life. We have to become more responsible with this finite resource. Global warming? Maybe. But an increased record of natural disasters of all shapes and kinds occurring globally at unprecedented levels? Fact. Do you think we have anything to do with that? I do.

I'm worried about the world that my kids will inherit from us. It's increasingly complex and filled with endless numbers of monumental, potentially disastrous issues. Our generation doesn't appear equipped to address them. Hopefully the next generation will be able to correct our errors - recognize the problems we turn a blind eye to, and with solid judgment and willingness to change will correct course and improve the path of the human race. A big ask!

Life is Good

Brad, I totally agree. Even when life is tough, even when I have bad days, it always seems to improve rather quickly.

I've never thought it a good idea (personally) to find my satisfaction with life by comparing it to others. Not to say that there aren't many people who have it FAR worse than me. There are many. However, I would like to think that despite my lot in life that I would find the joy in it. It's cliche I suppose, but when I think about the things that bring me the most joy in life, very little of it has to do with money or stuff.

I live a charmed life. No doubt about it. And much of that comes via the people that I know and love, and who love me back. That includes you guys, so thanks for that!

Good fortune, part 2

Mostly I go about my life, busier than I want to be, trying to maintain balance and proportion between all of life's priorities albeit with varying success. On the whole my life is awesome: beautiful wife, fantastic kids, wonderful friends, a fulfilling job. But I don't always realize how good I've got it. Sometimes work is stressful, the kids don't always behave the way I want, and sometimes I can't find time for a bike ride or to exercise with Scout.

Then, I hear about another's misfortune and provides perspective on how darn good I've got it. Someone who has lost a loved one to illness or tragedy. A family broken, careers ended, and homes lost to natural disaster. Unfortunately our community has witnessed a few such examples of late.

It sure makes me appreciate that the worst I've got to worry about is a viral infection that prevented Sheila and I from going to Vegas for a weekend. And it is too bad that sometimes it takes another person's misfortune to appreciate my own blessings.

I got lucky again this weekend

Mom and Dad were coming down to watch the girls on Saturday because Sheila had a work event Saturday night and I had a volunteer event that afternoon/evening. On Thursday I threw out my back and for the next few days knew simple things like sneezing and deep breaths would be pretty painful. I'm not sure if "threw my back out" is actually a correct description. What I do know is that it is muscular, it has happened before, and it sucks.

Well not only did Mom and Dad chase our girls around for the day, Dad also mowed my lawn which was sorely needed and Mom got up with the girls so Sheila and I could sleep in a bit Sunday morning.

If I'm not lucky, then I don't know who is. Thank you Mom and Dad!

RAGBRAI follow up

A quick review of RAGBRAI 2011, courtesy the top 10 list approach started by Ed. I came up with a total of 12 concepts in summary of the RAG:

12. My biggest RAGBRAI investment, a single person tent, was as fantastic as I thought it would be. I think even Ed the gear guy was jealous!

11. RAGBRAI - the only event that combines the love of food/drink and endurance exercise.

10. Dad's intense herding instincts are at an all-time high during events such as RAGBRAI. Anyone outside a 12 foot radius must be accounted for. "Relax Dad, he just went to the bathroom!"

9. Pork loin sandwiches at 8:30 am...you bet!

8. Generators make lots of noise and contrary to what Marc says RAGBRAI has no protocol governing their use. Not awesome for us tent dwellers.

7. When properly motivated, Ed can get himself in great shape. He was more than game for the rigors of 454 miles across Iowa.

6. It takes all kinds...like the tooth-depleted sixty-something guy we met in a bar in Carroll. He was wearing a pink golf shirt with the logo of his team and driving the support vehicle for team rowdy beavers. The rowdy beavers happened to be his two recently divorced daughters. W-O-W.

5. No matter what Mom says, this rider doesn't "always want pasta". By Tuesday I had enough church basement pasta to make me puke. Give me a steak, gyro, or some chicken wings please!

4. When you are on RAGBRAI and they tell you that there are only 4 miles and 2 hills to the next town they are lying. When they tell you that you have arrived at the overnight town they are lying. When they tell you the campground is just around the corner they are lying.

3. I'm glad I'm not uber-wealthy. Even getting waited on endlessly gets a bit old.

2. I've never had whisky at 9:30am before, but its actually quite refreshing after a couple hours of ride time. Love that Templeton Rye...

1. RAGBRAI is still awesome, but isn't quite as awesome when the trio gets downgraded to a duo. We missed you Marc!

RAGBRAI Food Pics!

Filling the pie holes!

RAGBRAI Afterword

Some pics from RAGBRAI. The short story is that we had a great ride ... BUT we were noticeably missing one of the Brothers 3 Are We ... MARC.

Here's my Top 10 Learnings From My First RAGBRAI:

#10: Your pre-training regimen should be in three main areas - your ass, your stomach, and your legs!

#9: Iowa is not nearly as flat as you think when you are on a bicycle.

#8: July is hot and humid in Iowa. Don't let anyone talk you out of an air conditioner!

#7: There's nothing like family - brothers, mom/dad, aunt/uncle, cousins ... doesn't really matter, it's all FAMILY!

#6: Generators create lots of cool air. They create even more noise!

#5: Pasta is good for five dinners in a row - but mixing in some steak, cinnamon rolls, pork sandwiches, sweet corn and watermelon is just good gastrointestinal variety.

#4: Bicycles come in all shapes and sizes, but the variety of cyclists is even greater than the variety in bikes.

#3: 46 mph is fast on a bicycle!

#2: I now now what a "dick kick" road is.

#1: There's nothing quite like riding 460 miles on a bicycle across Iowa with 15,000 of your closest friends.