I was going to write some long, rambling diatribe about how sleeping in hospitals sucks, and the food sucks, and how everything sucks in general, but after taking a step back for a moment and taking stock of the environment I'm in, I think instead I want to write about the things I'm thankful for, even though I'm stuck in a hospital bed right now.
First and foremost, I want to thank science for making my life possible. If I had been born 100 years ago and broken my back then, I probably would have been killed off by a pressure ulcer within a few years of injuring myself. They didn't have things like pneumatic wheelchair cushions, flap surgeries, and advanced antibiotics that are basically nuclear warfare in the fight against infection back then. On top of that, rehabilitation is actually a thing now, whereas I imagine it wasn't exactly a high medical priority back in the days of mustard gas and trench warfare. I have absolutely no facts to back up this assumption, but in my head, I'm spot on. Being in a wheelchair in WW1 anywhere (besides Hawaii, because Hawaii!) seems like kind of a bum deal when compared to the technology of today.
Second, I want to thank each and every person, good or bad, who has come into my life over the last 10 years and taught me something. I've learned positive and intellectual skills like programing micro controllers to seamlessly dim a high output LED chip array. I've also learned that you're never going to win in a fight against security at a club/bar/funeral/intervention/etc. from a wheelchair, no matter how much macho juice (tequila) you've consumed. Seriously, you're going to lose that one 10 times out of 9. Yes, I meant to say 10 times out of 9.I've learned that flirting with girls has nothing to do with your clothes, bank account, or that lame story about the time you saved an albino flying squirrel with duct tap and Q tips. I've learned that when you need help, ask for it. Most people are substantially more giving than we give them credit. And never loan money to friends. Just give it to them so you don't have to have that awkward "So, when you gonna pay me, dude?" conversation while they drink your last beer (and no, this isn't about my current roommate). Nothing kills a great relationship faster than money (with the exception of small pieces of metal travelling at supersonic speeds. I believe they're called bullets). I've also learned that it truly is all about the little courtesies and heart felt gifts we humans tend to bestow upon each other. It's these small acts of kindness that will save us all in the end.
And on that note, I'm going to try to take a quick nap before I destroy a bunch of animal protein-based breakfast items with my mouth and stomach. You all take it easy out there, and try to do something nice for someone today. They'll feel better, you'll feel better, and the world will be a slightly place, all because you decided to make it that way.
Cool dude.
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