STFU

I wanted to re-post this from maryrobinette's blog. Beth Wodzinski, Editor in Chief of Shimmer, wrote some smart things in the Apex blog:

“The real lesson for me is one I’ve had to learn over and over, in every area of my life: shut the fuck up and act. Do something. Get on with it. You can’t just sit there paralyzed by how huge or impossible the task is and how hopeless and despairing you are; none of that actually matters. What matters is taking action. You have to just jump in and do it anyway. I don’t care if you’re talking about writing a novel or running a magazine or painting your kitchen or finishing a triathlon: if it’s something you want, then STFU and do it.”

I understand anger. You see, I am a very angry person. That kind of happens to you the first time you have to inject your three-month-old daughter with an extremely dangerous steroid in order to try to stop her brain-damaging Infantile Spasms. I also understand bullshit intellectual one-upmanship. I didn't learn much from my time at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, but I did learn how to have a nice hollow, spiteful “discussion” about a controversial topic. It was how we passed the time.

I couldn't cure Caitlin of Aicardi syndrome, but I saw that there were other ways to channel my anger. I followed the example of other parents who became advocates. I volunteered for national and local organizations that helped make the world a better place for people like my daughter.

Some of these organizations made an impact. Others devolved into people having hollow, spiteful “discussions.” Anger and hopelessness will do that. Nevertheless, I keep trying to make the world a better place through my actions.

The bottom line is shut the fuck up, get off of the blogosphere, and find a way to contribute to the solution.

Rainy Sunday

The weather sucks, and I have a hangover. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have mixed mixed port, sherry, madeira, wine, and beer. I also probably shouldn't do that while ingesting large amounts of cream-based foods and sauces. As it turns out, I'm still lactose intolerant.

Still, it was worth it. We had an excellent time at the Pride and Prejudice Party. eeknight and chats_noir know how to throw a party. We watched the Firth/Ehle version in glorious HD while Eric served us period food and drinks. We really needed that kind of day.

Caitlin was watched by our friends Sarah and David. They have first dibs on our organs.

I'm spending the day reading my brand new Baseball Prospectus. Baseball statistics soothe me.

:)

Interesting

I hope this works.