Whatever Happened...

...to Peace, Love, and Understanding?

No, I'm not channeling the spirit of Elvis Costello, though I suppose that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. It's just curious to me that we, as a society, and the wealthiest one in the world in so many respects, can blatantly disregard common courtesies on a daily basis, almost as if on purpose. Case in point (and the rationale for my blog today):

I'm walking outside from my office the other day and I stop to hold the door open for two guys coming in. They looked like they could have been younger than me, possibly even interns, who knows. Anyway, I hold the door open, and not one of them even makes eye contact, let alone says anything. Now, we've all seen this before, and we've seen far worse examples where entire families will take you up on your hospitality and not say a word or even smile. The day after the Metro accident in DC, though, one would think that would give pause to notice the smaller things in life and take notice.

Eh, maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I can tell you one thing: if I had the exact same experience in Atlanta, or New Orleans, or Biloxi, someone would have said, "Thank you." It's just how things are down there, I've come to find. Say what you will about the South, the Deep South, the Dirty South, the blah blah blah, but there is quite a good deal of truth in the two words 'Southern Hospitality.'

Y'all can keep your weather, though.

I gave some thought to this incident, and weighed the idea of going purely "DC" and being as abjectly rude to everyone I meet down here who can't possibly advance my career. The more I pondered this newfound lifestyle, however, the less I knew I could do it. I'm just not cut out for that kind of attitude. Well, not yet, anyway. Besides, I came to realize I don't do things like that for recognition; I don't need to hear 'thank you' every time I do one good thing, trivial or not. I do, however, need to be a decent person and do things because... it's the right thing to do.

That's my bottom line, everyone. Do the right thing... because it's the right thing. Do you have to go out of your way sometimes to be the better man? Yes. Is it always convenient, quick, and easy? No. Do the rewards far outweigh momentary displeasure? I'd like to think everyone would answer yes to that question, but it really boils down to what kind of person you are. The eternal optimist in me would like to think that being decent is by far its own reward.

I'm probably reading too much into this one incident, but as I said, it happened the day after the Metro collision down here and everyone was a little shaky that day. It's probably stuck with me so much on account of timing. Still, I hope we never lose sight of right and wrong, and despite all our trials and personal obstacles we face, I hope we continue to endeavor to be decent to each other at all times.

'Keep the Lines Burning'

Leaving aside the debate about the origins of today's subject line, and the myriad of other older expressions we could delve into here, allow me a moment to discuss... communicating.

This may be summertime for everyone, whether you are an active or an alumnus. For actives, unless you are attending summer session classes, this is the time when many of you normally return to quieter times. Whether it's a recurring summer job, staying at home and soaking up the A/C with the family, or jaunting about the country/world on a long vacation, you needn't be concerned with studying for finals for quite some time. No more dormitory living; no more grotesque dining hall food; no more 8:00am classes.

Many alumni also consider this a sort of vacation, though. Congress will soon be out of session for a long time, and many businesses (except in destination towns) use this time to take their own time off. Family trips abound; theme parks and pools will be clogged with tourists; airports and train stations will see an increase in traffic. Things definitely tend to quiet down somewhat all around during this time of the year.

Still, this is no reason to lose touch with everyone! In fact, given that responsibilities and projects are at a yearly low, now is the time to do all those things you promised yourself you would do once you had the time. Among them: call good ol' what's-his-face from back in the day.

I hope everyone vegs out quite appropriately in the coming months, but I hope you also take some time to stay in touch with everyone, especially your brothers. Convention is coming up sooner than you think, and if you want to find out more about the hoopla, you'll need to pick up the phone (or fire up the Outlook) once in a while. Stay in touch, everyone, and enjoy this most excellent time of the year!

(On a personal note, I rather cannot stand this time of the year, but that has everything to do with the weather. I'd much prefer to be freezing than melting. Guess who has two thumbs and cannot possibly look forward to Autumn more? That's right: this guy.)

Ad Dei Gloriam

Feeling Infinitely Better

So, yeah, last week was a nightmare to say the least. Not to get into details, but let me simply say that I was incapacitated and unable to even check e-mail for a period of time lasting more than five minutes. Regardless, I'm back this week and ready to keep moving ahead with plans for the Convention in Milwaukee this August.

At any rate, we're putting together some ideas for this upcoming conclave, so please feel free to submit any and all feedback you would like in regards to programming and events. This promises to be less meeting-heavy than in previous years, though we will still have some business to attend to throughout the week. Still, the focus is coming together and having fun with brothers, so keep that in mind for the upcoming 'reunion.'

Speaking of reunions, don't forget that this Saturday is the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. This is an important occasion for me, as I am a student of World War II and had a great uncle, who was killed in action outside of St. Lo. I can't say for certain, but most of us probably know (or knew) someone who either was in the military during the conflict, or served on the homefront in some capacity. Keep them in mind for their sacrifices and valor that has kept our country, and our friends, safe and free.

That's about all for today, at least for now. A short post, for a change. I am still catching up with everything, so if you're waiting on me for something, just keep asking. Until we meet again...

Ad Dei Gloriam