The Apathy of Defeat

I bumped into a guy from high school last week at a pharmacy. I asked "Who do you keep in touch with?", he said no one. I asked "what do you do these days?" He's single, lives with his parents in the home he grew up in, and just works. No kids, no life. I started to reminisce about high school, told him about the 20 people I've seen or talked to in the past 3 or 4 years. He was astounded. I told him about my life, the various businesses, the organizations I am invloved with, foundations I am involved with, etc. He was astounded. During his time off from work as a pharmacist, he plays video games. He had a girlfriend, a long time ago. I asked what was he involved with he during his time in high school. He said "Nothing." I left, and called a few people from my high school's graduating class. No one recalled who this person was. Its as if he did not exist. Its the apathy of defeat.

My new baby boy Phoenix was just born. He wakes me up at 1 and 4:40 am nightly, to feed, and to hear me talk about my life. Kids are something....a guaranteed audience for all my boring stories about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He has 10 fingers and toes, 4 limbs, and all seems well. I hope he was born with a passion for life that never goes out. I get the feeling he's trying to tell me something. Can't wait to find out what it is.

Spoke to a guy that went to Stanford after high school and left after 2 years. He graduated from city college with a few degrees. He said he felt very inadequate at Stanford, and was constantly not fitting in. Almost had a nervous breakdown, but is doing very well now. College is like a shoe - the Air Jordans are not for everyone. Sometimes you like the sale rack better.