The fluffy bunnies are running from the dragons. Again.

Not a lot to say at the moment.

I hesitate to write anything at all. Because I hate feeling all gloomy and shit, and because anything I write could be used as evidence against me. (cue Arlo Guthrie for the rest of the massacre). Trust me, what’s rattling around my brain ain’t pretty.

So, hey, instead, let’s find some bright spots: I got some laundry folded last night. And did a couple of dishes. And I went for a run this morning. Only 2 1/2 miles, but still, I was out there instead of drooling on my pillow, so I count that as a win. I’m listening to Joe Walsh sing about the Rocky Mountain way as I type this, also a good thing.

The economic news is super depressing, so I’m trying not to read it (but I frequently slip). We are doing OK, and plan to keep doing that.

School is back, with a vengeance; I don’t suppose you’re supposed to get sick to your stomach when you (try to) help your son with his homework? No? Maybe it’s just me, then. My first grader is convinced she knows everything, of course. But then she’s always felt that way, I don’t think it has much to do with school.

Two days until the NFL kicks off, with the Steelers even. Gotta like that. Also, gotta buy chips.

He had it right

Douglas Adams wrote this 10 years ago, a wonderful little discussion about how people were reacting to this new thing called the internet.

It’s all good (read the full text here) but I especially like this bit:

I suppose earlier generations had to sit through all this huffing and puffing with the invention of television, the phone, cinema, radio, the car, the bicycle, printing, the wheel and so on, but you would think we would learn the way these things work, which is this:

1) everything that’s already in the world when you’re born is just normal;

2) anything that gets invented between then and before you turn thirty is incredibly exciting and creative and with any luck you can make a career out of it;

3) anything that gets invented after you’re thirty is against the natural order of things and the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it until it’s been around for about ten years when it gradually turns out to be alright really.

Apply this list to movies, rock music, word processors and mobile phones to work out how old you are.

Won’t you take me to Funkytown?

I know what to look for, now, and it’s funny how soon it starts to happen.

I’m talking about SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. Yes, it could be in my head. It could be the stress of getting the kids back to school (this week) and my wife going back to teach (this week) and work being busy (always) but there is no doubt in my mind – I can feel a brain drain.

Dammit, I’m sick of it. But I’m doing what I can: using my grow light, I’ve been running 3 or 4 times a week (not far or fast, but getting out there). I’m trying to eat right but know that’s been slipping. More sleep couldn’t hurt, either.

One thing on my list is “don’t pay so much attention to the news.” This isn’t easy, what with the Health Care Debate and all. Financial news, I’m probably in the minority thinking that the recession is far from over (example: 1/3 of US banks are LOSING money after borrowing it for 0.25% and loaning it out at a much, much, MUCH higher rate; how do you lose money doing that? By having lots and lots of BAD LOANS on the books, that’s how). See? See how easy it is to slip back into paying way too much attention to world events that only peripherally impact me?

My kids are having trouble going from lazing around the house and swimming for an hour every day to eight hours of school. Homework hasn’t really started yet, but the early mornings take a toll on all of us.

On the plus side, we’ve all been healthy-ish, and since I love football I’ll have something to watch soon.

If you need me, I’ll be here, trying to keep a smilie face on and getting on with things…