One semester down... seven to go!

Well, life is going to be back to normal for a while now (see: 3 weeks). I successfully wrapped up my first semester of grad school last night. Now it's time to actually get some things done at home and enjoy the Christmas season with my wife and my family. There a slew of 'to do's' at home and Melissa and I did not get our annual Christmas card out (does it still count if people receive a card around New Year's? We may have to start a new tradition). Anyway, definitely looking forward to a little R&R.

School turned out to actually be really fun. The time commitment makes life busy and time management becomes extremely important. The material has been interesting and the conversations in class are stimulating. My class is pretty small as well (33 people) so I have gotten the chance to know most well on a personal level. People also come from a diverse set of backgrounds so it's interesting to see people's views on things. Below is a pic taken by our professor during our last class... I think we are having fun.

During the time off between semesters I plan to do some reading for fun, see friends I haven't had the chance to see and of course on New Year's day we are headed to Puerto Vallarta for eight days. We planned it back in early August and with school done now I can finally begin to think about hanging out on the beach and having some fun!

First the tech crash in 2001, now the banking market 2008, automotive sector into 2009, next...

the fast food crash! (please, please there is nothing more I would enjoy more than McD's, BK, and that little Wendy to go out of business). McDonald's is evidently "recession proof" according to comments recently by their CEO. And yes, when times are tough, people look for ways to save a few bucks (see Wal-Mart is doing pretty well). No shame in that however saving a few dollars in our pocket and expanding our waistlines is NOT the way to do it. (Of course Jack Daniels sales across America are skyrocketing, so I guess in times of stress we Americans stuff our face with something.

But given the expanding waist line of Americans both young and old, I hope that fast food nation we have become reverses it's track. Health care costs will continue to sky rocket with all the obese people (just imagine if Obama thinks the universal health care idea is the way to go - we will with no doubt have a health care crash in the next 10-15 years, costing US taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars). Being active will consist of typing on your blog, playing solitaire on the computer or Wii Fit while sitting on your couch. I'm telling you, we are in trouble.

And yes, on a backpacking trip in the summer of 2001 Tony D. and I completely predicted two problems with America: 1) the rest of the world did not look favorably upon America (see September 11th happened 3 months later), and 2) We are FAT Americans.

So this holiday season, eat more greens and proteins, drink 1% milk and exercise before you stuff your face with holiday treats and Christmas cookies... so you can help America avoid the next big crash.. the Fast Food Blow up (coming to a home near you in 2017 or sooner)

Oh... and one more holiday wish is all RAV4's and CRV's get recalled and exchanged with an American car (say the Ford Escape) or a car with a little get up and go. Nothing more I hate on the road more than RAV4's and CRV's (aside from the ever-popular minivan)

That is all.... for now.

Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of Rum

It's Christmas time yet again and my favorite time of year! Let's get a quick run down on all the best the season has to offer.

Time for....

• Eggnog with Rum (always a hit),

• Watching Elf, Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation and Miracle on 34th Street over and over,
  
  
• Crummy college football Bowl Games... such as the Sheraton Hawaii bowl on Christmas eve featuring Hawaii vs. Notre Dame (shouldn't all the Catholics be in church??), or perhaps the Motor City Bowl featuring the mighty Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Florida Atlantic (they have a D1 team?) will tempt your pallate,

• Playoff time for the NFL,

• The NBA on NBC (it's fantastic, well, kind of),

• Time for Christmas caroling,

• and of course don't forget to volunteer or give to needing organizations if you can this year. Their are a lot of people who need assistance, toys for their kids, or food to put on the table. I recommend EFAA or the Community Food Share in the Colorado Front Range, however many places around America really could use your help.

So get out there, give back to the less fortunate, enjoy your Christmas season with family and friends, find some good deals in stores, watch a little football and enjoy yourself!

(from last year... this year's Christmas card is on its way)