Nobel Schmobel

You’re right Jim Morrison, people are strange. 

I’ve been reading all these comments online about people up in arms about Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize.  I think it’s hilarious how angry that makes people.  Really, you’re mad?  Get mad at the Norwegians, or their leftist parliment that chooses the committee that ultimately decides who wins, but getting mad at Obama?  That’s ridiculous.  It’s not his fault they made the decision.  I personally have no problem with the President, he’s doing no better or worse than I beleive anyone would do right now, given the climate.  Do I think the Nobel Peace Prize was premature, of course I do.  I don’t, however, believe this should be the source of anger for anyone.  It’s obvious the committee chose him as a sign of encouragement, and hopefully it spurns action.  This is not unprecendented.  Woodrow Wilson, who formed the league of nations was awarded the prize, based solely on the concept of the league of nations.  The league of nations, as you history buffs know, ultimately failed.  Nevertheless, the global (not american) opinion of Wilson was high at the time, because it was seen as a method to unite the world, a step towards peace.  Ignoring the fact that the Nobel Committee is extremely leftist and has made a habit of awarding the peace prize to those aligned center/left,  (Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu) we can reasonably assume that the committee is hoping to put a jolt of electricity in the Obama administration to put some action with the words he’s so fond of using.  I’m not angry he won the award, honestly I find it hilarious that people are.  Most of you reading this cannot name the past five Nobel Peace Prize winners without googling it, so let’s not act like Obama beat you out for Prom King.  This award reflects the opinion of a few leftist committee members, who hope to encourage our President towards peace, and I don’t have a problem with that.  I hope it works.

Impending Doom

I should really be studying right now, but i’m not feeling very studious.  I have my qualifying examination in November.  This is the test I must pass in order to be a candidate for my PhD.  I’ve been very scatter-brained lately, trying to outline what I must study.  It’s all a little overwhelming.  Those around me appear to be feeling the effects of my anxiety.  This morning I gave a snotty look to one of the “pink ladies” at the hospital.  These volunteer workers, basically the nicest humans on the planet, have a station in the foyer of the hospital, andthey smiled at me this morning and one of them said, “Have a lovely day sir.”  They do this often, but my normal response is something along the lines of, “and you as well.”  But this morning, i’m sure my crabby demeanor and sullen look screamed, “I hate your pink outfits and embarassingly optimistic point of view.”  I’m going to take them some cookies this afternoon and apologize. 

It’s bad enough when you are an a-hole to a complete stranger.  Yesterday, I was in a meeting, day-dreaming about not being in a meeting, and I lost track of time.  Next thing you know, I realized I was supposed to pick my daughter up from pre-school and take her to day-care.  I was mortified.  When I picked her up, I asked if she was ok, and she smiled and looked none the wiser.  I  felt like a jerk.  When I was buckling her into the car, I asked her again if she was ok, and she turned and said, “are you ok daddy.”  Yes, daddy’s fine, he’s just forgetful.

I have a feeling the next few months are going to be highly stressful, and I’ll try hard not to accost any sweet old ladies, or ignore my children.  Maybe i’ll try meditation, or coffee.  Something to take the edge off. As always, im open to suggestions that i’ll largely ignore.