I often wondered how the People could be so uninformed sometimes about what was good for America when it came to social issues, education, and politics.  I mean I read stuff all the time and listen to the news and talk radio constantly.  I still take care of business and am married but I always made time to stay informed.  I thought people who did not take time to pay attention were derelict in their duties as parents and Americans.  I found them lazy and, frankly, I was resentful because they made things harder for all of us. 

Then I got sick and, except for a few days at work, I spent a lot of time away from my usual routine.  I was not feeling well and I decided that I was not strong enough to put up with listening to political talk radio, political and social Internet sites etc.  For the past 2 weeks I have been blissfully ignorant of the political world around me.  And, I admit, I can see how millions of Americans enjoy this ignorance.  

Instead of political talk radio I have been listening to sports talk radio.  Let me tell you, it is quite pleasant to listen to knuckleheads arguing over whether Grossman is lousy or just inconsistent.  I laughed quite a bit at the smarmy, wise-cracking hosts and their sportsworld buddies discuss the important issues of the day.  I have been a huge sports fan in the past and have only been lukewarm the past handful of years.  But I have learned the Atlanta Thrashers have been in a tail spin (who knew? Hockey in Atlanta!);  the Bears have to decide to give Grossman extra years or risk losing him if he has a good year next year;  Mariano Rivera thinks the Yankees should pay him extra just because he's been a good employee for all these years;  Mickelson loosened his bra and one the something or other out in California;  and several NASCAR crew chiefs apparently cheat to win.   All of the above is way better than listening to Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, the talking heads, or even Tony Snow discussing policy.  

Also, I've finished off 2 novels that were terribly exciting.  They were real heavyweight stuff.  In "The Alexandria Link" , the Library of Alexandria is actually still in existence, protected by a secret sect of guardians.  One of them is the Librarian.  Of course I was drawn to it.  It starts off with a woman banging on the door of her ex-husband's bookstore in Holland.  He lets her in and then the store gets blown up.  They escape out the upstairs window while firing weapons at 2 mysterious bad guys.  Now that's how to start a story!  The other one is the latest in the Repairman Jack series, which are always intriguing.  Jack is a lone wolf who fixes things for people who can't go to the police or other legal avenues.   He hates bullies.  Ah, but that's not all.  Each case that he gets involved in pulls him further and further into the world of the Otherness.  I'm not much for sci-fi but this is different. I recommend them. 

Also, I learned that Oprah is wise and loving, daytime soap operas are racy, children's cartoons run pretty much all day - even on my movie channels!   Deal or No Deal is addictive.  And my local news programs are not that bad. I actually learned some things about my city. I also watched a ton of movies, which I do anyways.  I highly recommend "The Departed".  It is mesmerizing.  Nicholson is Jack! of course but Scorsese restrains him somewhat so that he doesn't turn into the Joker.  The best jobs are done by Damon, Wahlberg, DiCaprio, and Alec Baldwin.  I really enjoy these guys as actors.  I wish they'd keep their traps shut about things they don't know about, but they really go to work in this movie.  Their accents are fun to listen to and the dialog is rapid-fire. 

Also, I spent more time with my wife as we were both home together for several days which was great except for the sickness part.  I've eaten so many crackers that I've sprouted colorful feathers.  And I could be a spokesman for 7-Up.  

All this it to say that I have been enlightened somewhat.  I know that it takes effort and a little discomfort to become educated about politics and social issues and I also know how important they are.  But I have also discovered how more enjoyable life is when you just go with the flow and do only fun things that are easy to understand.  Less stress.  I am contemplating becoming a Democrat and just listening to whatever that handsome star George Clooney says and pulling the lever for whichever candidate claims to love my children.  Hahaha!  I'm kidding but, seriously, I can honestly see how the average American can be so limited in his concern for the Big Picture.  I wake up, listen to music or sports, go to work,  eat my cheese sandwich for lunch and talk about the Bears or Ludacris, come home, watch the guy on the national news tell me important things for half an hour while I eat my salisbury steak and mashed potatoes, play with the kids, watch "Wheel of Fortune" and then tune in for "American Idol" and laugh at the horrible singers.  Then the wife and I go to bed, falling asleep while we read "US" magazine.  Then come Nov, after months of vaguely recalling that Bush is Hitler and American children are dying in Iraq for Oil I go vote for the man or woman who only wants to feed my kids for me.   In this scenario I've done the right thing to my way of thinking. 

Now you know that the Dems know this about the public.  That's why they stretch things out so long that the public will either forget or tire of it.  And the media, is shameful in their partisanship.  If they really did their jobs Americans could take care of and enjoy their lives and still be well informed on both sides of many issues.  We could all come home, flip on the news and learn a few vital things in an hour and make up our minds based on a complete set of facts.

I was on a roll until 2 weeks ago.  I was at the gym and eating better (still some junk food. too much).  Anyway, I was back in the groove.  I didn't lose much weight but I lost an inch off my waist and belly and was getting stronger.  Then, 2 weeks ago I got sick.  First, I got such a cough that I broke down and went to the doctor - after 5 days of course.  I mean, I'm manly and that means not going to the doctor until we can't stand it.  In this case, my wife also could not stand it and was worried about me.  I even got tested for TB.  I am negative - which is good to hear.  It's been since the Thursday before the Super Bowl and I still have "The Cough".  It is not as bad and I think it is just one of those things that will linger.  If it still continues after my meds run out then I'll go back to the doctor. 

So then, a week after I get "The Cough", my wife gets so sick with some stomach bug that we go to the ER.  Then the next day I start feeling kinda draggy myself.  The next day I try to work but spend much of the day in "the Office" and finally start getting sick from both ends.  I have to spend 2 more days at home sick.  So basically I've been outta my workout routine for 2 weeks.  I didn't want to infect anyone else and was pretty weak anyway. 

The good news is that I lost 9 pounds and tightened my waist right up.  By having a body-racking cough for 10 days and then heaving for 2 more I lost another inch off my waist:)  So I'm going to put on an infomercial on how to lose weight and tighten up fast!!   Just kidding.  I do not recommend this for weight loss:)  

So it's back to the gym on Monday to get back to work.  This is just a little bump in the road.  I still have several months to reach my goals.