« February 2008 | Main | April 2008 »

March 10, 2008

it takes 30 years

I've had a pretty good run in these last 30 years. On the ride home, it occurred to me that I am certainly in the 99th percentile of all humans who have ever lived, in terms of health, success, opportunity, and general quality of life. And even amongst humans alive today, I'd put myself in probably no lower than the 97th or 98th percentile...I'm not a millionaire, but there are very few of those relative to poor peasants in China, Pacific islanders and starving sub-Saharan Africans.

As many bad times as I've had--and there have been plenty--I've had it better than pretty much anybody in history, statistically speaking. It hasn't been too bad a life.

I started thinking about things I've done. This is not for bragging purposes. I sometimes have a hard time feeling like I've accomplished things...I feel like I should have done more, that I could work harder and be more successful and whatever else. I want to keep working on my life and trying to be a better person, and try to experience as much as I can in the short time I have on Earth, but I thought it might be nice to reflect back on the last 30 years and say, honestly, I've done some really neat stuff. I've done stuff that 99% of people have not done. And when you combine all the variables together, it's been a one-of-a-kind sort of life, and that makes me feel a lot better about things.

I have:

That's just what I can think of at 1 a.m. I know there's a lot more. Please don't spent a lot of time reading it; this is just self-indulgence. I'm just reminding myself of how good my life has been.

Posted by Mark at 12:45 AM | Comments (2)

March 09, 2008

syracuse, surprises, the 10th

We spent the past weekend in Syracuse doing our usual yearly basketball game and meetup. It was a good time...good to see everybody. Plus Syracuse won, and that was neat. I also picked up some new CDs at Soundgarden and we got Labatt a 30-pack of Labatt Blue Light so she could play in the box (after we empty out the cans of course).

Kara completely surprised me when we got to the hotel room...she had our friend Stephanie get a Star Wars cake and party favors and Star Wars balloons and everything and set them up in the hotel room before we got there. We went out and had a few beers, and then when we came back to the hotel everybody came up to the room and I blew out the candles and we all had cake.

I have never had a real surprise birthday party but I always wanted one, and I was completely taken off guard. I was actually speechless, which pretty much never happens. It was really awesome for somebody to put that together for me.

I have been trying not to get all pensive and overly thoughtful about turning 30; mainly I've been feeling a little bit nervous. I can't help but feel like I have to do something on Monday...like something is going to change and I have to give a speech or whatever. I know it's not, but I still feel that way.

Kara's dad is turning 60 tomorrow, which is a big deal too, and Brock and Jody are expecting their baby...she is going to have a C-section (just like I how I was delivered on March 10th, 30 years ago) tomorrow morning, and then little Emmalyn will be there. So it's a big day for a lot of people.

I'll write some more stuff about turning 30 after I actually do. Mom and Dad sent me a care package which I'll probably open up at midnight and Kara says I can open my gift then too. And I picked up a 6-pack of Yuengling at Wegman's in Syracuse so we'll be able to have a little midnight toast...I know I wasn't technically born until something like 10 in the morning, but whatever, close enough.

Posted by Mark at 09:30 PM | Comments (1)

March 05, 2008

trivia, work, school

We had a respectable showing at trivia last night: 23 out of 30 possible points, in a many-way tie for 4th or 5th place, I think it was. The event was put on by a Penn State alum for a bunch of friends, and I think there were about 80 people there...something like 12 or 13 teams. Considering the size and general competitive makeup, we did quite well...plus Team Hamster Dance has never competed together before. I think we'll do so again.

One hole in our offense is sports. We missed Latrell Sprewell for the coach-choking incident. We did quite well in TV, movies, news and general pop culture, though.

I'm going to be 30 on Monday. That's pretty crazy.

Work is very busy this week, as I've got two midterms to balance out with several concurrent projects. I had my data analysis midterm on Monday, and I think I studied enough to give it a real run for its money. Operations management is tomorrow. Also have some school projects going on...March is going to be a busy month.

There are some Indian developers working with us, and I owe them some project specs later today. The nice thing about India is that they are 13 hours ahead of us, so if I get them work to do, by the time I come in the next day, there should be something there for me to look at.

We're heading to Syracuse this weekend for our annual basketball trip. Can't wait for Tully's chicken tenders on Sunday.

Posted by Mark at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)