Rental Cars are Evil

Well, not the cars themselves but the emotions they can evoke. Don't get me wrong, I love my Mazda3 at home; even with 60,000 miles, a dent here, and a ding there. However, I just spent a week driving a new Maxima withonly 3,700 miles on it and still with that new car smell.

All I can think of is how great it was to have the push-button door locks and "Start" button...never had to take the remote out of my pocket! I also loved the feeling of being in a big car and I think to myslef, "Wouldn't it be nice to get a new car?"

But I had to return it. And now I will go home to happily drive my Mazda again. But for a moment, a shiny new rental car caused me to covet something and that's why they're evil.

People Watching in the Classroom

This is the first day of six that I'm spending on the campus of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. The study includes a class in bioethics and the annual Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity conference. There are 17 students and we're in a large classroom that's set up for 80.

What's interesting is how you can tell those who are new grad students who just got their bachelor's degrees and are young and eager from those who are older and maybe not as eager. My key to knowing the difference? The young ones are sitting in the first row right next to each other while the "more experienced" ones are further back in the classroom with at least one empty seat between each other.

Well, after listening to student introductions, it appears that four students are actually undergrad students doing a dual degree. Ambitious, they are. :)

Updated: July 15, 2013

Simple Pleasures in Life

Early morning takeoff at DFW.

I recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport with my wife for a three day convention. We had a great view of the runways on the eastern side DFW, 17R/35L and 17C/35C. On the day we left, we had a little extra time on our hands before our flight departed, so my wonderful wife let me indulge in a simple pleasure: riding the airside Skylink terminal connector all the way around the airport.

Skylink photo from DFW website.

Growing up in NYC, one of my favorite things to do as a kid was to get in the first car of the subway, stand at the front door looking forward, and watching the world through the motorman's eyes. It was always great fun and provided a simple rush in a little boy's life. The opportunities are rare these days, but I still love riding in the first car of a train and although the Skylink isn't a 10-car subway, it's still great fun to ride if you have about 20 minutes of free time at DFW.

Part of the fun riding the Skylink is that
it is on the airside of DFW and you get
great views of planes and things.
From DFW website.

And so, for a little while, I was able to enjoy three simple pleasures in life all at once: 1) alone time with my wife with no cares in the world; 2) watching the comings and goings of planes going to all corners of the US and international destinations; and, 3) riding in the front of the train. What could be better than that?

Updated: 07/08/2013; corrected minor typos.

Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain

I used to love listening to the rain fall on my windshield as I drive. Go faster...splat...splat...splat. Go slower...splat......splat.........splat. Stop at a red light and there might be hardly any raindrops hitting the windshield at all.

But since I lost hearing on one side and there's a near-constant ringing in my head, the falling rain no longer is an enjoyable experience. It's not just more background noise, it's causing the ringing to spike. Oh, for the days of yore. <big sigh>