All this happened, more or less - Slaughterhouse -five
I find it very hard to start anything with my own words, so I didn't. I chose to start blogging first and foremost because I am extremely important (not), I live in a town of mysterious crime and intrigue (Irvine), and I work in a fast paced career environment that people often want to learn more about (public transportation).
OK, now that I have established my credibility, I will talk about an odd insight I had at my recent transportation academy. As part of the academy, we were toured around many different places of transportation in Southern California. We started at OCTA, went to the toll roads headquarters, Caltrans, MTA, CH2M Hill, and eventually the LA Ports. It was a great learning experience and most importantly, lots of fun. We took a harbor cruise around the ports, seeing huge cargo ships from all parts of the world. On a peninsula that divided the ports was a prison. Sure enough, there were prisoners in the yard as we cruised by. Naturally, I waived at these young men and was struck by the juxtaposition; never have I been in such close proximity to someone and felt so far apart mentally. It didn't matter that they were on a peninsula in beautiful Long Beach, they were confined by an institution and I shuttered at the thought of being in their position. It was a reminder to be thankful for the things I have, not to complain about a struggling economy, lackluster cell phone service, or a day of 90 degree heat. It is easy to take for granted many of the things that come to us. Nevertheless, I will continue to complain about the weather.
Thats all for entry #1, Have a good day!
