I should have mentioned that I am on vacation this week, and celebrating my birthday early as well. (I’ll show pictures of my presents later)

While I wasn’t able to make a fun trip like last year, this year is still a chance to unwind and recharge, which is what vacation is all about.

While I am sunning myself under these grey cloudy Washington skies, I am reading a lot, and making plans for the direction of my blog.

I want to add a book review semi weekly, some in depth commentary on the 2008 election madness and a regular Global Warming update with the Idiot of the Week award.

I want to continue the cartoon roundups, and I certainly do not plan to ignore the War on terror.  You did know the surge is working didn’t you?

I also want to try and make some commentary on the local radio shows, and other local news.

And finally, I am going to revisit some local stories and try my hand at interviews and maybe even a podcast.

My blog has always been a work in progress, and this week offers a new chance to improve it.  Feel free to drop suggestions in my comments. 

I have really struggled this year with time management and keeping the commentary flowing.  The news bits I cut and paste and the cartoon round ups are easy, but the personal comments and reflections take longer.

They are all satisfying, as is the positive feed back I get, but it is a chore some days. Fortunately, the world seems determined to give me plenty to write about. 

So stay with me as I make a few site updates this week, and continue my quest to make common sense mean something tangible in a chaotic world.

And a thanks to all who come here regularly.  Without you I am nothing.