Back again...

Hmmm. It's been a long while since I posted. I don't really know what to say. Sometimes you've got a lot to say and some times you just don't. I guess I just clammed up because I'd run my mouth enough and snapped my camera enough to satisfy my appetite for exhibitionism. After all, that's our elders' generation's description of our own foibles and explanation of our world view–honestly, it's frustrating.

Anyhow–my, how the world has changed in the last year and a few months. First, Iraq is not an absolute disaster and the surge has worked better than any of us could ever have imagined. The question is, is the improvement in the security situation in Iraq (read: how many people are kidnapped or blown up every day) due to the increase in the absolute number of troops in Iraq or is it more attributable to the insurgents' anticipation of the coming withdrawal. Second, our country has apparently gotten over its long standing antipathy and prejudice against women and black people by roundly supporting Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in their respective bids for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States. However, will white men be able to put away their long standing distrust of these candidates in order to put one of these two over the top of McCain's limited reach? Third, I've once again fallen in love with a wonderful woman. But, will Gwen Ifill feel the same way about me that I feel about her? After all, she has one of the demanding journalist's career to think about–but apparently no husband or children. Thirty years is only a substantial difference in age if you haven't seen Harold and Maude. :) But in all honesty, this last year has been an absolute rollercoaster. I don't know whether I've just gotten off or whether I've just signed on for another tour of duty.

My job is fulfilling enough. I come home every day exhausted emotionally and physically. I'm sure that my poor diet and lack of exercise don't help at all in that. Who knew that there would be that much to political direct mail. I know more about the postal process than I ever thought that I would. I was all but offered a job as a postal inspector during a recent visit to a Southern Californian postal facility. Do postal inspectors get guns? I can take more wrath, stress, starving, sleep-deprivation, denigration, embarrassment and self-scrutiny than ever before. I can't believe that being a Navy SEAL is any more demanding than my current job–I shit you not. Of all the professional experiences that I've had in my life, my current position outpaces all others in stress, dedication and coordination–combined! You wonder why I don't call you or email you to hang out. I can't, really. Give me a week or two and I'll get back to you.