The Braves, cupcakes and economic theory.....

What used to matter  - nowadays just doesn't.  I can remember back when if the Braves lost - I would have trouble going to sleep after the game - nowadays I just try to stay awake until the game is over - often I don't.  I suppose you could say people change - but I think of it more as things change - specifically priorities or purpose.  Still, that concept may not even be the reason.  Perhaps things change because of the time in our life - or a better point "the times" in our life.  I suppose I really don't know.  However, there are a few "things" I do know....

There will always be someone who thinks - even genuinely - that he or she has the answer to economic follies in our life.  There was a time when I latched on to certain beliefs like that - nowadays - I just laugh.  See - I know now that there is not just ONE way for any economic calamity - regardless of the demigods out there.  During a recent exchange with some folks that "have the answers", I was told that free markets and lower taxes were the answer.  I asked my young, verbally challenged orators if they had read that in "Wealth of Nations".  Both of them looked puzzled.   That gave me my answer and the carnage began.  :)  By the end of the conversation - I had spent my hour or so of fun and it was time to get back to the serious stuff in life - like what I was going to eat for supper....

At some point in my life I would have been emphatic about providing empirical data for my points.  I would have paid homage to the Keynesian slant and depicted the "laissez faire" crowd as Draconian.  Nowadays - I just want a cupcake. Some may say I am getting old - perhaps.  I prefer to think of it as experience.  Experience that tells me - "Look Chip, you are most likely correct, but why bother?"  Apathy is not good - and I truly hope that is not what is happening - but it could be.  Another possibility could be that I just do not think it really matters in the big scheme of life.  Someone will read this and tell me the only reason for life is salvation.  Someone will read this and tell me the only reason I can write this is because I live in a free country.  Someone will read this and say the issues with the world is because of immigration (illegal of course).  Someone will read this and say the issues right now are because of liberal policies and big government.  I read that and say "NOW, that is lot of someones!"  My response to all of that is "Well - sounds good, but could someone please tell me if the Braves game today is a day game? If not, I really need a nap if I am going to watch the ninth inning."...You see - the important stuff really does matter - or so I have learned from my almost 50 years of living.  Perhaps your thoughts are different....

Summer time.....

When I began my blog last year - I started with a story of building - both literally and figuratively.  I suppose this summer will be no different.  My girls are growing up and often during the school year there is not a lot of time to do stuff.  Summer is different.  We have selected different camps for the girls to attend during the "break".  That requires a lot of effort from Dr. Prince and her candy selling husband.  Lots of packing backpacks, extra lunches and driving quickly (but not fast) to many parts of the city - sometimes two different places.  It seems hectic and overkill - but that is often what building a foundation is all about.  I am thinking other parents do the same, although I will admit mine did not. 

I have plans for this summer - landscaping, post hole digging, continuation of a fencing project, the never ending additions to the playhouse, our youngest wants her room redone (7 year old girls cannot be seen with hand painted life size princesses on the wall I take it).  Through all of that and much more - life lessons will be learned.  Funny thing happened along this past year though - seems the life lessons are more often learned by me than anyone else in our house.  My intolerance for lack of execution of tasks is not greeted with the same vigor at home as it is in my office.  My caustic demeanor and chiding of ineffectiveness falls on deaf ears at home - even brings scorn - while @ works it brings a hearty "Yes, Sir".  Compared to my young life - I am a saint @ home - but to hear my girls (all three) talk lately - I am more of an overbearing Stalin!  Which is really my point I suppose....

I can build all of that stuff I mentioned - but if I do not build a bond with the people I am doing it for - then I really will have just built STUFF with my grandfather's hammer. So for all of the bragging about how I do not use power tools, I do everything by hand (ok with the exception of a power screwdriver for decking), I need to use that same approach building a better ME (is that possible??? :)) for my girls.  I suppose I would be an ok man for some folks - even a standout for many.  My girls, demand more so.  This summer my biggest project will be rebuilding me - kinda like the 6 million dollar man - only without Farrah Fawcett - which is a lot like my youth (no I do not still have the poster - threw it out last year). 

Daylight is a' wastin'  - lots of stuff to build - so that is enough of my thoughts from a guy who is almost 50 - but who learns each day VERY important lessons.....