My allergies are killing me. I’m up late for the third day in a row, way past my bedtime contemplating going to the fridge and having a nice tall glass of diet cherry vanilla dr. pepper but that would probably keep me up even later. I remember a time before the days of mass produced vanilla dr. pepper having a debate with a friend about the merits of vanilla coke versus vanilla dr. pepper. I’ve got to say, I think I lost that argument since you can’t find a vanilla coke in my fridge and there are about 3 bottles of dp chilling on the bottom shelf.

I’ve also started a new addiction, Sudoko. Who would have thought arranging numbers in 3x3 boxes could bring so much entertainment?

My dad’s birthday is today, my sister’s next week, and my brother’s the following week. I have yet to buy any presents (M & J if you’re reading this- don’t worry I still have time!). I prefer giving books as gifts but in looking back through my collection of great books I think I have already gifted my favorites (if you’re thinking that I regift, I do. But I don’t regift books- then what would I have to reread?). My brother and numerous friends take the brunt of my book-wielding gifts. I think thus far J has received Perks of Being a Wallflower, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Lamb, and a couple books by Douglas Coupland and David Sedaris. I don’t think I have yet inflicted Sarah Vowell or Gregory MaGuire upon him… hmmm… that’s a thought.

And speaking of books, I’m reading a collection of short stories by Salman Rushdie, Step Across This Line. I’ve only just begun but it is definitely a good read. His writing is so impactful and intelligent but still so enthusiastic and funny.

Oh, one more thing, has anyone else heard about Warren Buffett’s incredible donation? I feel like no one even knows about this. Both Warren Buffett and Bill Gates were on Charlie Rose the other night talking about the impact that Buffett’s approximately $31 billion (with a b) gift will have on the Gates Foundation and the size and scope of philanthropic projects the organization can take on. I brought it up at work the other day, mind you I work in a nonprofit, and nobody knew about it. I’m curious to know how a historic donation of more than 84% of the 2nd richest man in the world’s assets don’t seem to be newsworthy to my colleagues?!? I do admire Buffett for a comment he made when asked about what he would leave monetarily for his children "I left them enough to do anything they want but not enough to do nothing at all." He also stated "I’m not an enthusiast for dynastic wealth, particularly when 6 billion others have much poorer hands than we do in life." It’s refreshing to know that in a culture based on what one can accumulate in a lifetime, people that have everything are most revered for what they give away.

As much as I would like to ramble into the night, I do have to attempt to get some sleep since I will have to wake up for work in the morning.