Hey old friend, whaddaya say old friend?
Went to a railroadiana show today and bumped into an old buddy I hadn't seen in ten years. I'm delighted to say that he recognized me as well, even remebered my name, too.

Last I saw him, he was pretty seriously bummed over the breakup of a relationship, so much so, he's been on my prayer list ever since. I promised to keep in touch with him at the time, then promptly lost his phone number. For the last few years I've tried on-and-off to google him or find him in an internet phone directory. His phone number is unlisted, he's a private kind of guy. His phone number is now in my Palm Pilot, and I promised him I'd call him.

I'm especially grateful that he seemed to be his bright-eyed old self. Now I darn well better keep my promise and call him this week...

So, what's this blog about, anyway?
Well, this blog serves three purposes:
1. Like most new bloggers, this is a test. I run a computer training and consulting firm in suburban Chicago. Althugh I'm surprised that none of my cients have asked about setting up a blog, I want to be prepared when they do.
2. I love trains. When I'm talking with serious railfans, I sound like a blithering idiot, but when I'm talking to others, why, I'm a certifiable genius. (Well, "certifiable" is one of the words my friends use to describe me.) Nonetheless, would you indulge me if I post random thoughts about railroads?
3. I'm not sure it's charitable to post about this, but I'm getting more and more dissatisfied with my church. I need some place to vent. It's important to note that I'm not talking about scandal or heresy or anything like that; I'm just getting annoyed with the lazy, overly-informal style of our Sunday worship and our Wednesday youth program. I've served on various committees over the years, I've tried to institue some changes, I've even tried being nice. (One of these days, I'll learn to be diplomatic.)

How many dogs does it take to change a lightbulb?
Clayton Cramer has the answer. Everyone I've read it to has gotten a chuckle out of it.

Go read Lileks. Now.

I just wanted to be able to say that.

Indeed.

Test 2

Okay, this is a test.