Random

Got a phone call a few days back from someone I have not seen or communicated with in many years. Sad that geography at times is still a barrier considering mobiles, email, facebook and twitter (the last two I still find evil) are part of everyday life. Yet, with him and several others I really should be talking with more. Nice getting back in touch conversation.

I guess it is the time of year. I have thought about a few names in the past week or so as well. One of my Aunts, and a really good friend during College and post College years. For some reason, NO mutual friends know where the last one is or what happened to him? Odd? 

I have no New Years Resolution of any sort. Well, I have goals, but I would not call them New Years Resolutions. They are more continued efforts from past goings on in life. However, I decided on this one - getting in touch again or at least finding out what happened to some old friends and maybe a family member or two.

Anyway, the friend who called. Nice conversation all filled with lots of catching up questions and remembrance. So, in case anyone else finds me through this blog again, here, a few random thoughts and items to catch you up on things pertaining to me. Yes, I do not use my name on this blog. Yet, as this friend found (picture was the dead give away), if you know of me - you know who Slomohusky is.

Music - Still and always will be important to me. Currently listening to? Well, as I tap tap tap The Housemartins. I still listen to most British/UK Pop and Indie Pop/Rock from circa 1962 - to the present. Listen far too much to Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Coltrane, Django and Thelonious Monk than anyone should. Yes they are dead, and I know there are many good Jazz artist young and old to listen too. I just don't have the time. I catch them when I can though. Still bang around my guitar at times, but I really like the Christmas gift of The Beatles rockband. Listening to lots of Classical again, and some Opera. Mainly because the kids are taking piano and my little girl and oldest boy will start violin this year. I still sing, but never as much as I should.

Running - First full year of running this year in well, maybe 13-14 years now. I am not making up this figure - 777.7 miles. This was the year end total on my Runners World online log. I thought I had more. It felt like more at times. I did have a 30 day period of not running covering parts of April and May. My Sister passed away of Cancer in that time. I was little busy. Anything else on running you need to know? Well, read the blog! :)

Family - My reason for waking up. We are doing great. Having a blast and never a dull moment. Four Kids and a fantastically talented, intelligent, loving wife. Kids are best described by Garrison Keillor's description of Lake Wobegon kids. Except mine have the combined energy of 10 Suns going Supernova. Love them all. Athletic, smart, funny, musical, artistic and happy for life.

Viva Las Vegas - well, for the most part. Lived here now - hmmm - Wow 6 years this July 1st! Or, is it 5? Nope 6! Hate the summers meaning the end of June to the end of Sept. Love it right now till then. I would really miss the climate if we moved. More vibrant when we first moved here - meaning the people. Still not the brightest and most educated city even back then. Now, everyone is lucky to have work, and a house to live in. Sad. We stay, at least for now. It has not been my favorite place to live. Yet, it has grown on me to the point I would miss it if we moved. Great jobs keep us here. Yet, if we did not have them, I doubt we would stay living here. My wife loves her job and work though. So, we stay for that alone. The kids have grown to call Vegas their home even though only one, the youngest was born here. They DO NOT want to move. Unless, it is closer to Disneyland, Legoland, or the Beach. So, with that said - we might be here another 6 years or another 6 days.

Work - making some changes for me. After four years of college and Grad/Professional studies - I might find myself back in the classroom to learn something new again to stay in the classroom for good. Teaching. Love the idea along with coaching, however, not many teaching jobs in Vegas right now. Yet, at this point tired of trying to save the world any other way. Would love to try and do it one classroom or child at a time. Instead of spending much more time on them as adults. Maybe it is just Vegas, but people seem too mistrusting these days and cynical of anything new. My wife, doing very well. Enjoys the Hospitals she works for and loves the patients. Extremely sharp at what she does each day, and handles all the stress that goes with it. Good work. Waiting to see what Healthcare Reform will mean for here though? If it ever passes - I hope. Something better than nothing considering the lack of real innovation over the decades with regards to public policy on this one.

Politics and Social views - overall no huge seismic shift from whom I have been since College and High School for that matter. My perspective has changed on some particular matters, but generally speaking still the same ole, same ole.

Movies, Books, Food and anything else. NO time for the first two. However, I have manage to find a Biography, Literary or Social/Politically pithy book to plunge into each month. Films, no where near what I used to see in sheer volume. With the kids, obviously some of what I would pay to see has changed :). The last movies I paid for - The Princess and the Frog and a Christmas Carol :). Really surprised by and liked the first; slightly humbug about the latter. Miss the Art movie houses in Seattle greatly. Nothing like that here in Vegas. Lawrence, KS (KU) had one or two. Food? Eat far less red meat than I have ever eaten. Not a vegetarian yet, but getting closer. Still really enjoy anything Greek or Middle Eastern. Never got into Sushi, and doubt I ever will. Anything else - really need to hike more. Used to a lot in Seattle and some in the Midwest. Hardly anything here in the SW. Feeling the need to get into Photography more (yep, I am my Dad's son) as a form of Art. I cannot paint or sculpt, but I know I have an eye for catching light, colors or ideas still.

Well, anyone I catch up to online or any other way- hope this helps you catch up. Hope you are well and healthy. Lets try to keep the contact and communication flowing more in the future. Lets make sure the phrase "lost friends" never applies to us again.

Cheers!