I Don't Believe in Riches, but You Should See Where I Live

Thanks for the discussion after my last post. For a little more perspective on that topic, try this:

www.globalrichlist.com

I'm rich, dude.

Some Days Are Work, Most Days You're Lazy

Several days ago the central air in my house quit working. At the same time, my car was inoperable for a week. It was a great opportunity for me to realize that I remain a slave to convenience. I had no trouble getting to work without my car, of course. But even with my alternative transportation chops, I still rely on my ability to step outside and get wherever I need to go, if I want. I ride the bus, sure, but I don't have to. Actually, my attitude about my car may have as much to do with control as convenience, so I'll move on.

Air conditioners in U.S. homes became widely available in the 50s, though it was much more recent that AC became as prominent as it is today. By 1978, 56% of houses in the U.S. had air conditioning of some kind. By 2001 that was up to 77%. Outside the U.S., the convenience of air conditioning is only enjoyed by a minority of the world population. But I depend on this energy-guzzling, greenhouse-gas-creating hunk of chilly goodness. How did the barbarians of the early 20th Century survive the midwest heat and humidity?!

Like a dishwasher, microwave or 50 more t-shirts than I need, I burn resources to make my life easier - not safer, just easier. This isn't some economic version of guilt tripping, just another realization that despite my increasing efforts to simplify and live lighter, I still have a long way to go.

We're One But We're Not The Same; We Get to Carry Each Other

There must have been an easier road to here than the one we took. It's hard to imagine feeling more love and value, though, than knowing you are worth fighting for.

We've taken turns in the lead.
We've rested.
We've fought self and demons.
We've played.

We haven't always carried each other, but we get better at it every year.

Happy 15 years. I love you.