The First of December

December 1, 2006

Today brings a mixed bag of thoughts and messages. Here in the city, a young man will be buried after being shot to death by NYPD. Six days ago he was supposed to get married. Instead, the same priest who was to perform the ceremony will be delivering his eulogy. Meanwhile, it would seem that the officers involved are now trying to deflect their "poor judgment" by having their fellow officers search for a fourth man knowing that their were no other people in the vehicle aside from the three they shot. It's amazing just how willing people are to create diversions to deflect bad actions. Only time will tell what happens in this case. In the meantime, family and loved ones have to bury a young man who should be alive today.

It's also World AIDS Day. I haven't seen much news coverage on it. Have people forgotten or are they under the belief that AIDS is under control? It isn't. I think a lot of people have fallen into the trap of believing that the illness isn't a "big deal" and that if contracted, it's just a matter of popping a couple of pills. Last time I checked, AIDS is still in the top five killers list. I hope people don't take for granted the advances that have been made but that their are still many more that needs to happen...including a cure.

Some folks have started their 12 days of Christmas giving. My goal is 31 days of giving anonymously. I have some good ideas and I think the little gestures each day will brighten a stranger's day. At least that's the intention. As for me, I feel a little isolated but sometimes I guess that's a good thing. I did buy tickets for the New Year's Eve performance of the Big Apple Circus. Even though I will probably have to go it alone, I still bought two tickets. Guess that's a habit with me...always getting tickets in pairs. Unlike previous years alone, at least I'll be laughing with a big red nose on my face! I think I'm more concerned about getting home safely than anything else since it's a Sunday night but I'll figure something out. Can't let that stop me from breaking away from the pattern.

Finally, after the most frustrating conversation with AOL and Road Runner, I have a feeling that once school is over I am going to give up these accounts. It's crazy how one can ask a simple question yet it takes 12 minutes and 48 seconds and two transfers to get an answer! Craziness! I'm tired of bureaucracy and ambivalence. What ever happened to keep it simple stupid? I know the only reason why I stay "connected" right now is because everything is technology driven. Mailing resumes in a thing of the past...you have to apply online. Want a paper statement of accounts? No problem, you just have to pay additional if they know you have internet access. Personally, the more connected we are, the more isolating it feels to me. No human interaction. Doesn't work for me. Even with this blog, I still find myself writing by hand in journals. Can't beat the original right?