I was listening to music the other day & actually reading the lyrics - an activity that used to be obligatory when I was younger. As I continue to struggle with the idea of ideal conditions in life, this song struck a nerve. I'm not listing the band name right away, as I don't want it to detract (or insert) any preconceptions. I'm curious what this song means to other people.

"See the animal in his cage that you built. Are you sure what side you're on? Better not look him too closely in the eye. Are you sure what side of the glass you are on? See the safety of the life you have built. Everything where it belongs. Feel the hollowness inside of your heart. And it's all right where it belongs.

What if everything around you isn't quite as it seems? What if all the world you think you know is an elaborate dream? And if you look at your reflection, is it all you want it to be? What if you could look right through the cracks? Would you find yourself; find yourself afraid to see? What if all the world's inside of your head, just creations of your own? Your devils and your gods. All the living and the dead. And you're really all alone?

You can live in this illusion. You can choose to believe. You keep looking but you can't find the woods while you're hiding in the trees. What if everything around you isn't quite as it seems?What if all the world you used to know is an elaborate dream? And if you look at your reflection, is it all you want it to be? What if you could look right through the cracks. Would you find yourself; find yourself afraid to see?"

Thanks to Trent Reznor for writing such a great song.

The FNP (Friday Night Party) crew got together on Saturday for an SNP on Lake Michigan.

The Plan: Rendevouz at McKinley Marina at 16:30. Take out Pam's boat for a cruise, and then head upriver to dine on some delectable organic food at Yaffa.

The Participants: Boat, Jason, Sydney, Leah, Ryan, Jeremy, Milwaukee Auxilliary Coast Guard

Little did we know that while we had dinner plans at Yaffa, Boat had dinner plans with the Milwaukee Auxilliary Coast Guard. Boat took us to the South Shore Marina to look at sailboats that are powered by the wind, not by motors. As we were heading back to the Milwaukee River for dinner, the motor sounded like it was running on air instead of petrol. We desperately tried to restart the boat, but we didn't have any luck.

While each of us have the patience of a meandering river, nature's forces were at work. My bladder was about to break, and the crew was getting hungry. Someone mentioned something about Early Onset Scurvy (EOS to those of you in the medical field). A grave mood settled over the boat. We all knew that scurvy causes bleeding from mucous membranes. What was even worse was that we didn't have any oranges on board. We had to get the situation under control. I clutched my mobile phone & called the Coast Guard.

The rest of our trip is history. I would like to extend my thanks to the Milwaukee Auxiliary Coast Guard. You saved my life, and the lives of my friends.

I also learned some good lessons:

1. Go to the restroom prior to boarding a boat without a head.

2. Bring oranges when you go out on the water. An afternoon cruise may turn into a vitamin-C-deprived-fight-for-your-life.