The Underground

Not quite the same as bunker life, but a different kind of isolation. Some people drink when they get stressed out. Some people start fistfights. Others find a new hobby. All of those are fine choices, but not for me. I hide. Ask anyone who knew me when I was in Connecticut. Can’t find anyone? That’s because I hid so effectively that my roommate referred to me as Boo Radley. (Somehow that doesn’t seem like a compliment.)

I bring this up now in way of explanation. While I’ve had my usual share of amusing anecdotes and sarcastic observations to share, this blog has been woefully neglected. Mainly because I didn’t’ know how to address the elephant in the room: my final rotation ends in two days and, as of this moment, I have no idea what I’ll be doing next. I’m not really panicked, but find myself in a Zen-like state. Somehow it will work out. I’ll let you know when it does.

It’s Been So Long That Now I’m Dumb

There was a time in my life that I thought I was pretty smart. Sometime around ten years old, I discovered I was pretty good at math. What can I say? My brain responds well to boundaries; and nothing says boundaries like solving for “X.” Life has certainly given me my share of humbling experiences, but this week I heard a story that made me realize oh so vividly that I never was all that bright.

My boss has two sons. The twelve year old became upset that his ten-year old brother could solve a Rubik’s Cube faster than he could. His solution to this humiliating situation? He built a computer program / robot to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Um, yah. Did I mention he’s 12?

I’m now wondering if anything other than my thumbs differentiates me from the apes.