There are so many people in life that we just lose contact with along the way. It really stinks sometimes. Phone conversations and emails only last so long sometimes.
Today I had a chance to reconnect with one of those long lost friends from college. His name is Mark. He has since moved to Florida to pursue a lot of further education. Mark happened to be coming through Cincy today. One thing led to another and we got to meet up over in Hyde Park. We talked for a couple hours catching up on what we have missed out on in each other's lives, good and bad, and some future direction. It was great. I just loved hearing about all the ups and downs that have shaped Mark's life since I last saw him.
I didn't feel the need to give any advice or anything. Just LISTEN. That can be hard to do sometimes. We always feel compelled to give answers or solve everyone's problem. I have come to grips with the fact that I am not going to solve any one's issues.
I love meeting up for coffee for anything, but meeting up with Mark was especially good.
Yet another great gathering of random people just looking to enjoy one another's company. Maybe even find some good eats.
I challenge everyone to open their home up once in a while and welcome people. Good stuff will happen.
Why you ask. Because love is in the air. This is the season of weddings and nature coming to life. This is my favorite time of year with the exception of allergies.
I was fortunate enough to play a part in my old college roommate's scheme to purpose to his true love. 
it's always good when she says yes.
This morning started the same way most other mornings do. I got up and started with a little breakfast and coffee. These days I have to start my day with some sort of food source and some leaded fuel(aka coffee). The physiology of my digestive system worked beautifully and I found myself on the toilet.
As I was sitting there, I noticed the new recycled toilet paper that we had just purchased in an attempt to do our part for the creation that we have been entrusted to take care of. I noticed the side of the package that had conveniently labeled on it the quick stats that justify buying this product.
It said right there on the package that by manufacturing 100% recycled products, Marcal(that's the manufacturer) saves the following Earth's resources every day.
6,000 trees
2 Million Gallons of Water
22,000 Pounds of Air pollution
140,000 Gallons of Oil
30,000 Cubic Feet of Landfill Space
That's pretty freaking awesome. We should all be wiping with recycled paper. It may not be as comfortable as the quadruple ply Charmin that some of us are used to buying. But I can guarantee that you will clog the toilet much less with this thin recycled tp.
For other earth friendly products visit
http://greenhome.huddler.com/
Happy wiping.
What did I get for my birthday this year. Well aside from the infinate wisdom I gain each year, this year I got to spend some time with my wife and best friends. I also got a job that pays some money. I am happy to announce my acceptance of a position as a Barista at Starbucks. Horray.
In a weeks time I will look as cool as this guy.
Let me introduce you to my new friend. 
This week has been full of espresso thanks to the genius of our new aeropress. This contraption might not look like much but you have the ability to pull some great shots with it. Add some steamed milk and a little flavor of some sort and you can have yourself a mighty fine latte.
Now that's my idea of a good time.
When we have visitors over we can offer an americano or a latte and let them compare to Starbucks.