"Our high school guidance counselor used to ask us what you'd do if you had a million dollars and you didn't have to work. And invariably what you'd say was supposed to be your career. So, if you wanted to fix old cars you're supposed to be an auto mechanic."

--Peter Gibbons

That just doesn't really seem like enough anymore, does it?

There are so many things I want to do. It really comes down to time. As you can see, capitalization has moved to the head of my list. Stupid shift key.

One hears all the time, "I just want to make a difference." Well start already. Call your Senators and Representatives and tell them what you think. Start a blog. Or add to one that already exists: Freeway Blogger. Plant a tree. Sponsor a child. Educate yourself and pass that on to others. JUST DO SOMETHING. Sitting on the couch whacking down bong hits is fun and all but is that really what you want your legacy to be?

Interesting story: Alfred Nobel (yes, the Peace Prize guy) read his obituary in the local paper. Another Nobel had recently passed away and the paper mistakenly printed what would have been the obit for Alfred. The gist of the column was that Nobel was most notable because he had invented dynamite and what a wonderful and gloriously destructive tool this turned out to be. Well, Alfred didn't want that to be his legacy. He didn't want to be known as that dude that invented something used to blow shit up (not that there aren't plenty of practical uses for the stuff, just that it seemed like a bit of a negative to him at the time). So he established a trust that would award prizes to those who have made remarkable strides for peace. Now THAT is a legacy.