Segway!
I performed my best George Oscar Bluth impression today. My boss, Jeff, has a Segway (two, actually) and he invited me out to ride, since every time I've seen him on his I've been curious about trying it. Within about 15 minutes I was comfortably navigating at brisk walking speeds. Within an hour I was speeding along at the maximum speed allowed by law (12.5MPH to keep the Segway classified as an assisted-mobility device). I had a lot of fun learning the ropes and pushing the Segway faster, constantly being amazed at how unflappable it was.
All that said, I couldn't help feeling like a bit of an ass on the Segway. Not as big a tool as Gob, but a tool nonetheless. Part of this stems from the fact that on a path littered with joggers, bikers, families, and children all enjoying the outdoors, we were the only people on motorized transport. Strange, geeky, expensive motorized transport. A Segway is probably a horrible tool for meeting women (plus puppies are cheaper and far more effective).
To the Segway's credit, it's clearly designed as an excellent pedestrian vehicle. You're upright, you don't take up too much room, the thing is quiet, and you're extremely mobile, so passing people or getting out of the way is incredibly easy. To the credit of everyone on the path, nobody gave us dirty looks, and several people were thrilled when Jeff offered rides to the curious.
I'm in no hurry to rush out and buy a Segway. On a bike path I prefer biking, and in the city I prefer walking. Now not everyone can bike, and not everyone can walk, and the Segway is certainly better than a wheelchair if you're capable of standing. However I do hope it does well enough for there to be a MKII that's smaller, lighter, cheaper, and therefore more relevant. As it stands, it's really cool, and it truly is useful, but it's still not for everyone. It's on the verge of being something great if it survives long enough for us to let it.
Bajs!
Shelby is now on a winged capsule somewhere over the Atlantic. He'll be continuing his life in Sweden with his fiancé. As pained as I am over his departure, I'm really proud of him for taking this leap; he is a hero. Few people have the courage to live their lives their way, without comparing themselves to others. Even fewer have the stamina to keep doing it.
There are several positives to all of this. Shelby is marrying a wonderful girl. He's going to be closer to his family. He has a great shot at opening his cafe, Captain Espresso, with our friend Håkan. I've got friends in Sweden now. I've got new friends here too, as we all got together to say our goodbyes. I've also got some amazing art, an original painting Shelby made back in 98. It deserves a frame.
Sweden sounds like a wonderful place, and I plan to visit as soon as is feasible. Frankly, I can get behind a culture that has a specific
word for taking a relaxing coffee break with your mates. Perhaps some day I'll be behind the bar of Captain Espresso with Shelby, crafting a salve for a weary traveler.
65MPH Meditation
If you're an auto weenie like me you know there's something about that perfect synergy between music and apex. Such a moment happened today. Weaving down Cabin John Parkway today, top down, sun up, and then suddenly Stately Homes by The Capes started blasting over XM. Zen is often smelly, loud, and visceral for me.
Peep the
fantastic garage rock responsible for my rare splash of peace.
Why I'm Doing This
I have a sister-in-law. She's a great girl; I've known this much. We catch each other now and then, mostly at family functions. We chat, we joke, we exchange pleasantries. We've been doing this for eight years.
I stumbled across her blog the other day and it knocked the wind out of me. It was like getting to know her all over again, but for real this time. Obviously it's being posted on the interwebs, so there's always a conscious (or subconscious) filter, but she was still willing to share her vulnerabilities in this public space. You can learn a little bit about someone from her taste in music or movies or books, but you learn so much more from her doubts, fears, and worries.
Welcome!
This is my first (well technically second) attempt at a blog, but I mean it this time. I can't promise I'll update it on a regular basis, but I will update it.
