Everyday is Halloween

Surrounded by coworkers disguised as skeletons, cowboys, and who-knows-what, I sit in my t-shirt and jeans. I’m wearing a Baltimore Oriole’s hat as well.

A skeleton says to me, “And what are you supposed to be? You can’t just wear a hat and call it a costume.”

“I’m an O’s fan.” I say.

“Is that supposed to be scary?” the skeleton asks.

I reply, “Have you ever seen one before?”

Recap

Since I was seventeen years old, I've had difficulty keeping weight. Fortunately, I've discovered a recipe for success: eat crappy food, lift weights, don't run, and watch lots of TV. It's working. I recently broke 175 lbs for the first time in my life.

As the pounds increase, so has the weight on my shoulders. The NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and college football have increased my work load. An unknown soldier stole my identity and nearly $900, presumably a waiter at a local Mexican restaurant. I have since been redeemed. I've recently hosted two childhood friends, presented a controversial church talk, and camped out with a bunch of Mormon zealots. Each of these is deserving of its own story, but this recap will have to suffice.

More importantly, Torin Van Young has made me an uncle four times over. Stranger still, my brother is a father. With his birth came reflection. I was born on my father's birthday, and my father born on his, all of us the fourth children of our families. As unrealistic as it may be, it would be nice to carry on this legacy. Slow down -- of the five siblings, I remain the sole, single survivor ;)