Washington DC
Washington DC is a special place. When you there and walk around amongst the museums and monuments – there is a feeling that remains constant regardless of time or age. We had the perfect day this past Saturday to walk around and see the sights.
I specifically wanted to see the new MLK Jr. monument so we headed into the city on the Metro, got off at the Smithsonian stop, walked a bit of the mall and then went over to see it. This monument may be my favorite one. The messages are clear and the facial expression on the carved Martin Luther King could not be more powerful. If you have the chance – you definitely do not want to miss this.
We then headed over to the Korean War monument where I experienced an amazing moment in time. There were a number of older (70s+) with guides showing them the monument. The experience of seeing these vets view a monument that was either directly for them or for other vets from a different war that they fought in brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the vets at this monument put everything into perspective and made it all the more meaningful.
Sometimes we just need to step back from our busy lives and take a look around at some of the truly great things in life, how we got them, and what was given up in order for others have a better life. Visiting a special place like Washington DC definitely is a place that will always make me stop and appreciate these things and I am glad I took the afternoon to visit.
Generation Instant Access
I recently went on a trip which required a long car ride with my son. I figured he would do fine – just as I did when I was his age. I did not have a DVD player and was entertained by just looking out the window or listening to my parent’s 8 tracks. When Amy suggested we bring along a portable DVD player so Evan could watch DVDs in the car to keep him content I was very against it. I have a thing about him not being too dependent on constant entertainment (TV) but in the end, Amy would not give up and we brought the DVD player. Evan spent almost 20 hours in the car in a 4 day period and I do not think we heard one cry, or scream. I am still not excited with the DVD player in the car, but after listening to Amy talk about the grad class she is taking on technology and this generation – it made me think.
This generation of kids has just about everything they want entertainment-wise at any moment. Not only do they have TV – they have several TVs. Not only do they have several TVs, they have hundreds of channels. Not only do they have hundreds of channels, they have the ability to watch their shows/movies without commercials using DVRs, TiVOs, etc. They do not need to get in the car and go to the theatre to watch a movie – they do not even need to go to Blockbuster – they can just automatically download it or order it using their Apple TV or cable box. So – with all of this – there is more. I carry around movies and shows on my iPhone so now they can even watch what the want, listen to what they want anywhere. Instant access to entertainment everywhere, every second of every day.
I will be very interested to see how this turns out long term. Will tuning out become the hip thing in 10 years or will being connected to constant entertainment get even more personal?
Back From Vacation
For the first time in over 10 years – A, E, and I took a week and went on vacation. We usually take weekend trips to see family but have never taken anything longer than a weekend trip (vacation) together…until last week. We flew down to Florida to see some of my family and then off to Walt Disney World where we sent seven days at the for main parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Studios, and the Animal Kingdom). The trip was great except for the fact that I sprained my right big toe on day two and ended up seeing most of Disney in a wheel chair. (I would tell you how I sprained it, but you would never believe me.) I never realized how much you need your big toe for walking/balance.
I have to say – I had a whole new appreciation for Disney this time around and I am excited to go back. A big thanks to A’s aunt and father for everything 😉
Hopefully next week after the 4th of July, things will settle down a bit so I can get back to regular blogging!