My Birthday

Today.
It's my birthday.
As I prepare myself to enter my 42nd year, I find myself making the promises one usually reserves for the New Year.
Spend as much quality time with my family before the kids are grown and flown.
Keep my wife happy so she doesn't dump my fat ass.
Succeed professionally as a writer so I can break free of the mundane and inane 9-5.
Remain smoke-free.
Hopefully lose a couple pounds here and there.
Generally try and be happier.

That last one is tough. Because in a world that continually disappoints and dismays, it's difficult not let it all get to you.

But I'm gonna try harder.

I know that I can't fix the shitstorm in Iraq.
I can't stop Iran's nuclear program.
I can't change the minds of millions of Islamic Militants who would see us dead.
I can't make George W. Bush smart.

I can't stop American Idol or any other reality show from dumbing down America.
I can't stop video games or rap music from contributing to burgeoning culture of violence that sees kids gunned down daily in the streets of most our major cities.

I can't stop people from worshipping talentless idiots like Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears.
I can't make people listen to music of substance like Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Wilco and scores more over pre-packaged pop and American Idol cast-offs.
I can't stop Big Momma's House 2 or Saw 3 from being bigger hits than the Good German and the Prestige.
I can't stop American Idol or Wife Swap from being bigger hits than Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Scrubs, The Office and My Name is Earl.

I can't stop the world that is bleeding out its soul.

What I can do is make my little corner of the universe secure.
I'll do whatever it takes to ensure the continued security, health and happiness of my wife and children.
I'll keep trying to shed light on those things that have soul.
I'll keep a light burning in the window.

So Happy Birthday to me.