leaps and bounds

there are few occurrences that happen every four years (i.e. the Olympic games, the US presidential election, and of course leap year). four many of us the wait is too long; four others we could have benefited from a little extra prep time. either way it is important to recognize that these seemingly-long hiatuses actually work to our favor. four those who were born on February 29th (insert year), this fortuitous event allows you to drink from the fountain of youth (i immediately thought of the movie Jack when i was considering this phenomenon) and to be acknowledged during some ice-breaking games, like two trues and a lie or tell us something interesting about yourself to name two. those who cannot stand the current president (my hand is raised) have four whole years to tally how many poor decisions were made and evaluate the ditch that our country finds itself in. to those who love the olympics and the games are coming to a city near you (Chicago 2016...you'll find me holding an Irish flag downtown), buy your ticket now! in closing this entry and this month of February, it is interesting to note that in the 5th century, St. Bridget proposed to St. Patrick on this date and as a result, it has become tradition that women can only petition their male lovers once every four years. ladies, you have about 30 minutes remaining (and your next chance won't be until 2012!). 

twenty three

there comes a time in every man's life when he looks into the mirror and sees an aging face, weathered hair, a wrinkled forhead, and a scruffy chin. but just when he realizes that his life is speeding up too fast, he then considers all that he has experienced and lived through. take, for example, his twenty third birthday bash at American Flatbread restaurant in downtown Burlington. surrounded by three young ladies (a common theme in this man's life), this old man couldn't be any more content with his party of four. Paris, a seven year old girl who loves to draw, ask difficult questions, and laugh hysterically, accompanied this man's sister and college friend at the dinner table. the four of them spent time breaking "bread," sipping Shirley Temples, and playing games like MASH and poll the audience. everyone laughed, stared, smiled, and thought deeply about how great this night truly was. Even as this old man blew out the candles on his apple pie a la mode, he knew that this birthday was a special one and one that he would remember for quite some time. thank you.