In the US (and maybe around the world, I just haven't asked anybody in my travels) Wednesdays are referred to as Hump Day. In offices I have worked in, I am greeted on Wednesday mornings with "Happy Hump Day." I now often find myself sharing this greeting with friends and colleagues on Wednesdays. Now my question, why is it called Hump Day?

Is it because it is the middle and believed that after Wednesday things are all downhill? What if you have to work on the weekends, does Hump Day become Thursday or Friday? Maybe Hump Day is in reference to the fact that Wednesdays seem to be the longest day of the whole week! They often seem to be that daunting, unconquerable hump, that you fear you might not get over. So is "hump" the right word? Maybe it would better being "Happy Everest Day" or "Happy Kiliminjaro Day."

Today, I had my first student cry on me. I have never been good with cryers. I recall being questioned in a Fish Camp Director Staff meeting when I shared that with cryers, I just wait til they're done. It's not that I don't feel for them, I just don't see any good in trying to talk to them. I mean really, what can I say that will make things better? If I know them they might get a hug. My ability to handle these situations is about as good as Sheldon's from The Big Bang Theory (if you understand that, you're my new best friend).

I think the absence of sympathy came from the fact that the problems the girl was crying about were problems that she had complete control over. I do not do well sympathizing with individuals whose problems/complications could have easily been avoided with better planning and more responsibility on their part. Her problem stemmed from the fact that she did not update her e-mail (as is emphasized over and over by the college). As a result, she missed important messages from the college, which her failure to respond resulted in her removal from classes. I will acknowledge that this is a sucky situation, but had she done what she was supposed to... well I don't know what I would have to write about today.

Since this is the beginning of my blog, I'll make this disclaimer... I will complain about my job, probably more than most. I do enjoy my job, and find it at times satisfying. At the same time, I do not feel challenged, which leads to the complaining. It is a job, and I am fortunate to have one in the current economic situation. I am having many great experiences here, but I have realized this is not where I want to be long term. Regardless, I like most the people I work with, I enjoy getting to ride a train to work (makes me feel a little greener, a little more urban if you will), and I bring home a paycheck that will some day help me hopefully pay for graduate school.

So here is the close to another day. I've reached the top of the hump, but really... is it all downhill from here? I sure hope not, what will I have to write about tomorrow! Regardless of how you see it, Happy Hump Day... that is if you do not work this weekend.

I will start off by saying that I did not vote for Barack Obama. I did not agree with many of his policies, and did not necessarily see eye to eye with him on his vision of this country. Regardless of those feelings, he is my president and the leader of this country, so he will receive my allegiance and respect until he does something to lose that.

Today was a monumental day for our nation. Unfortunately, I only got to see pieces of the inauguration via the internet in my office. I was able to catch most of Obama's speech. It was rather cliche but his charisma is intoxicating. It is what we need at this time. Will Obama accomplish all that he said he would... probably not (and hopefully not), but his charisma and passion have already inspired many to hope for change, for a brighter future.

As he left, I was sad to watch President George W. Bush go. Like him or not, he wasn't half bad. Did he get put in tough situations? Yes. Did he get himself into some of those situations? Maybe. Are we placing the blame on one man that was caused by hundreds of advisors, counselors, and peers? Definitely. Former President Bush might have mispronounced words, been a little goofy at times, but what can you expect, he's a Texan. What I admire about him is that he stayed true to who he was, to his values, his morals, and his integrity. As I watched his time as president come to an end, I admired the manner he left... quietly. He did not try and make big changes at the end, pardon hundreds upon hundreds as so many have done before, or fight for the attention of the media. He recognized that his time had come, that the fanfare should be for the new president, and so he stepped aside to let President Obama take his new position. So W, thank you, and God bless. Maybe I'll see you around Dallas.

As we move forward, we must go forward with optimism, and faith that God knows what is best. We must also continue to educate the future leaders of our society. Today I was disheartened, as I missed a great deal of the ceremonies because countless numbers of students were more worried about changing their schedules, than what their new president had to say. With time they will learn, and take ownership of this country, but it is the older generation that must teach them that.

As today ends, and a new day begins, I look forward to the future. I look forward to where we go and what we will accomplish. I look forward to my future, my family's future, and what tomorrow has in store. Three years ago, I woke up and told myself "Great days are not merely had... they are made." It seems to have stuck as a motto. Some days I am better than others, but I try to make each day great. Here's to hoping that tomorrow is great.

So that is my first blog posting... These will range anywhere from humorous, to sentimental, to philosophical, to off the wall. I hope that it gets a few smiles, maybe some chuckles, a tear or two, and a realization that I am not losing my mind with all this mindless banter going on in my head.