What I've felt and experienced since last time you stopped by

Over the past few days there have been some unrelated events which I feel are worth noting. Most pressing at this moment is the fact that whatever body wash my brother found has me smelling like a 14 year old girl who just started high school. Don't get me wrong I am an equal opportunity fragrance guy. But there will always be a part of me that believes a guy shouldn't give off the aroma of "cucumber watermelon" or "Beach Butter." Call me old fashioned if you must. It is a label I am willing to have affixed to my name and likeness.

Last week a story broke about teenage girls back in MA who formed a pregnancy pact. If you haven't heard about it start reading the news. I suppose what bothered me the most was the lack of self-respect and feeling of self-worth I believe these girls had for themselves. It seems to me that all too often in this life we concentrate on what we don't have versus what we do. To imagine that girls barely half done with high school are running around with some homeless 24 year old guy's babies really sickens me. At camp I notice some of the older kids with an astonishing lack of self-worth for themselves. (That isn't worded how I would like it to be but this is a blog so things are coming at you off the cuff). I think it would do us all well to hold dear the words Mr. Rogers spoke to us time and time again, "You're special and I like you just the way you are."

Over the weekend because of one thing or another summer dreams crumbled all around. Totally destroyed? I think not. While this summer is young I already find myself longing for summers past. Why? I'm not completely sure but a lot of the faces have changed and some of the ones that remain would be switched with those moved on.

Monday night we found ourselves back at the Gillman household. Walking in quickly brought feelings of nostalgia from last summer. For me a lot of landmark happenings of the 2007 summer began in that humble abode. As we played a little beer pong the concept of "legendary teams" came forth with Michael and I being one such team of the past. Say what you will about him but he has always been a close friend and I miss him at camp. To say the least, he made everyday interesting. I just feel like at times I am flying without a wingman.

Today at camp we saw "Kung Fu Panda." Talk about the easiest field trip of all time.

Finally the current event receiving most of my attention and thought is the passing of George Carlin. I have had a lot of comedic influences over the years but right up there with some of the biggest is George Carlin. I always admired his approach to comedy and the way he wasn't afraid to say what he felt. George Carlin wasn't worried about who would or wouldn't like what he said. Instead he was true to himself and I think it is safe to say as a result found himself being named one of the top 10 standups of all time.