Chris Moss Online

Like everyone else, my thoughs are with the people of the Gulf Coast who are going through just an appalling time in their lives.

It’s hard not to stay glued to the TV for images and news about what is happening. At the same time, I’m also appalled by the behavior of the media, although we shouldn’t be surprised. CNN has endlessly replayed Aaron Brown’s telephone interview with correspondent Jeanne Meserve in New Orleans. Last night, Jeanne filed an emotional report about the life/death decisions being made and how she could hear the screams of people and dogs who were trapped and as dark fell, the rescuers had to turn their boats to shore as it was too dangerous to be out – live electric lines, gas lines and other submerged hazards are everywhere.

Although Jeanne’s sympathy and emotions are clearly raw and real, and she was literally crying about how their boat was unable to save a few more lives that night. The boat had been ferrying people, a few at a time, most of the afternoon. Of course, the boats have a limited capacity and they can only take so many people each trip. It was evidently completely lost on Ms. Meserve and her cameraman that if their butts stayed on land and out of the boat, that more lives could be saved.

While I realize that there is a necessity for news and reports of these events, the reporters seem to have no problem placing their own lives in danger to get the stories and pictures we all crave – standing in 100mph winds while dodging aluminum awnings; but we should all draw the line at displacing life-saving space on a small rescue boat to accomodate the media.

Current mood: somber
Current music: “Nautical Disaster” – The Tragically Hip

I’m heading off to Indianapolis in the morning. Just saying that sounds boring. My boss and I are making a presentation on Friday morning to a company headquartered there. Back on Friday afternoon. I actually like these quick trips for just a day or two. It’s a nice break from the routine and although I miss James and the dogs, it’s not a long time and gives me something to look forward to (coming home to them).

Plus I get to put a new pin in my map – never been to Indianapolis before. I’ll report back when I return – unless it was boring, in which case we’ll never speak of it again.

After our successful shopping trip to IKEA over a week ago, I now have a nice system of bookshelves in my office. I have started unpacking boxes of things that have been in my office. Some of the boxes haven’t been opened since before we moved in 4.5 years ago. Some haven’t been opened even before that, and were packed on one of my many moves before I landed in Frisco 7 years ago.

It’s a bit like a time capsule, opening these boxes and going through things I haven’t seen or thought about in years. Some things I found:

A Sony Walkman (cassette) with a mix tape for running filled with The Tragically Hip. The batteries still worked and I listened to a bit of music. That will be donated to because I don’t need a cassette player.

My Anguillan drivers license (dated Aug ’99)

Greeting cards from birthdays and Christmases gone by. Also found cards from co-workers wishing me luck when I left State Farm.

LPs (as in, vinyl records) of some of Jimmy Buffett’s older albums. These were gifts – I’ve only ever purchased his music in CD or live concert form. Maybe I should try to get a complete set (or as complete as possible – I guess they don’t press new albums).

1998 Interstate Exit Authority – a guide to what you’ll find at every interstate exit. This was a gift when I started on the National Catastrophe Team – I think Tim Dayton or Greg Gallop must have given it to me. Tim Dayton for sure gave me a journal to write in when I travelled, I have seen that one recently.

5 pounds of Mardi Gras beads (the really cheap ones)

2 Hurricane glasses from Pat O’Briens

I don’t know how many country songs have been made about the significance of wedding bands, but I need one. I’ve wanted James and I to have a nice matched set for a while now, but it is quickly progressing to a need rather than just an “I want.”

I stopped to get my hair cut today and the 40ish divorcee cutting my hair was pretty much shamelessly flirting with me. Ordinarily, even when it’s a cute guy, I’m pretty oblivious to these things. It either dawns on me later on or well after I should have noticed it. Well, it was way past the point I should have noticed it and I suddenly became uncomfortable by it; it actually freaked me out a little. I guess part of it has to do with the fact that I couldn’t just make up a reason to leave, as you could do if you were simply having a conversation with someone. She was in the middle of cutting my hair! Where’s Layton when you need him???

For you straight men who might be interested, she’s 40-ish, recently divorced, likes antiques and kids. She’s definitely not unattractive and seems to take care of herself. In the mean time, I need a wedding band.

Current mood: Sleepy
Current music: “Beds are Burning” – Midnight Oil