It’s been another busy few weeks here in the Charest household (Virginia location). It seems when things get really busy, and I have the most to write about, I’m too busy to actually do any writing.
Consider this a catch-up post on what’s been happening here these past weeks.
For better or worse, it seems that the vehicles I’ve owned over the years seem to match the phase of my life. From the time I earned to drive at age 18, I’ve now owned thirteen four-wheeled vehicles of one type or another.
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
During times of high stress, like most of the past few weeks, I like to keep perspective on what’s really important. This image is one of my favorites for a lot of reasons, including keeping my perspective.
I’ve been posting letters to the editor (LTEs) fairly regularly these past months. Most of the letters end up being published here on my family blog along with background commentary. What I don’t usually publish here, or even comment on, are e-mails I’ve been sending directly to the columnists. Normally, the columnists ignore my e-mails. On two occasions they’ve graced me with nasty replies, which I get the last word in on.
But for the first time ever, several weeks ago a writer actually published my e-mail to him as basis for an extremely mean-spirited and insulting column. The end result was getting my first-ever column published under my byline.
I haven’t written much these past few weeks. It’s not that this has been a quiet time; It really hasn’t been. Over the holidays we visited with Mom while my brother’s family was also with her in New York. Then they all came down here to Virginia with us. Then they all went back to Mom’s house and we stayed here. Then we started the new year of 2008.
But I haven’t written much just because it’s been a stressful time besides all that. In late December I started to look for a new job.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Well, we had another small experiment not work out so well this past week. A little smaller scale than trying moped commuting, but still an experiment. This time, we tried keeping goldfish in traditional Chinese style.
Okay, I’ve made occasional comments as to the sometimes lively discussions between Winnie and I. While exploring YouTube videos today, I’ve stumbled across one that I just need to share.
For the first post of 2008, I want to send everyone a Happy New Year in the traditional Chinese blessing of good health, happiness, and prosperity. For those of you inclined to make new years resolutions (all of which you’ll break by the second day of the year), it’s not too late to add those final few items to your list.
Here in my lovely Prince William County, we have a group of very vocal people complaining about “Illegal Immigrants.” These people complain about a lot of things in general, but immigrants are tops on their list. Our County Board of Supervisors, led by one Cory Stewart, have done what politicians in a democratically-elected government always seem to do – pander to the loudest.
My LTE – Shaping the Discussion
In my on-going letter-writing campaign, I do believe I’m making progress in shaping the local debates.
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Charles Reichley Letters To The Editor LTE Politics Potomac News