Baby When the Lights Go Out

A short and destructive storm on Sunday left us without power.  As of now, we are still waiting for Pepco to restore power to our area.  Instead of toughing it out in the heat on Sunday night, Gina and I made use of my gift certificate for a free night at the GWU Inn.  It was nothing short of divine. 

I checked the Pepco website today and found these photos of the storm's destruction.  I may or may not have complained about not having power over the last two days, but at least a telephone pole or uprooted tree didn't fall on my car or house.  I guess I'll stop complaining now. 

beck

Clovis Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

This story was on the news today in Fresno.  It spread like wildfire on facebook status updates. 

Brian Piercy is the 7th graduate from my high school to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.  I don't think it will ever be enough to say I am grateful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the conflicts in the sandboxes.  I feel proud that so many of my classmates serve and have served in the military.  However, in the same vein I feel like so many Americans who are exhausted by the seemingly endless reports of death and destruction.  I've met with representatives from the National Counter terrorism Center and other federal agencies enough to know that there is a real threat from domestic and foreign terrorism.  I don't know and I'm no judge on how effective our efforts are in defeating threats. 

Needless to say the current U.S. conflicts have impressed me.  I wonder about the legacy of my generation.  It is our youth who are dedicating their lives and impressionable years to warfare.  Is this how my generation will be remembered?  I don't mean to sound unpatriotic, but I feel weary of our country's decisions to engage in so many conflicts--even more so when our goals seem unattainable. 

Now I'm feeling a little guilty that I haven't posted anything about my Fourth of July.  I truly love my country and the freedoms it provides.  Independence Day is my favorite holiday because it isn't overburdened with commercial traditions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  I am so happy to celebrate those freedoms every year and practice them every minute of every day. 

Since you're wondering: This year I watched the fireworks on the National Mall while overlooking the tidal basin.  I was there with a big group of friends, but most importantly with Myles.  It was a wonderful evening.  Though I'd love to live abroad, I can't imagine ever being an expat--I love my country too much. 

beck

My Esotropic Eye

Last week I decided to make use of the health insurance I'm paying for and visit a physician.  It was the first of what I hope will be an annual checkup on my health.   I'm happy to report that all the regular stats are normal.  I'll have to do blood work at some point for a more in depth analysis, but overall it was a good visit.  The doc even gave me a few samples of allergy medicine so I could decide what I like and then get a prescription for effective allergy meds.  Maybe one day I won't suffer every time the seasons change. 

There was just one thing that was a little odd.  The doc told me I have an esotropic eye.  What is an esotropic eye? Explanation here: Adults with Crooked Eyes. One of my eyes turns slighlty inward when my eyes are focused on the same object.  In other words, I'm half cross-eyed.  Even the hypochondriac in me was surprised to hear that something was wrong with my eyes. They have always been the one thing I've never worried about. I've watched many of my siblings and family members get glasses or contacts, but my vision has been fine. 

I won't tell you which eye is the esotropic one so that you can guess when you look at them. I don't think it's visible to the naked eye anyway (the doc saw it using a tool). 

beck