The Meaning of Life and Other Minutiae

42.

Now that we have that out of the way, it's time to start dissecting the simple little matter that is the human condition. Don't worry, I'm not here to tell you what you should think. I fully understand, recognize, and currently subscribe to the idea that the meaning of life is different for different people.

For many, the meaning of life is to serve God, or Allah, or their personal version of a higher power. For others, the meaning of life is family, and all of the beautiful responsibilities that come with having one. For The Cookie Monster (and to a slightly greater extent, Rosie O'Donnell) the meaning of life is sweet, delicious chocolate chip cookies. (Look, I know it's a cheap shot, but what can I say, I'm a "The Donald" supporter. He's just too delightfully swarmy not to support.)

What I hope to accomplish with this blog is to open up the discussion on what is really important in life because, let's face it, we as a society have gotten off-track more than that last paragraph. Controversial wars, economic crises, increasing violence and paranoia, and a general degradation of respect and decency have all risen to power amongst a backdrop of unprecedented apathy.

Well, I submit that we stand apathetic no more (unless you wanna sit...I don't really care.) I'm going to use this blog as a tool for discussion about all of life's biggest issues. I want to find the truth. But because I know nobody wants to get bogged down in the serious issues all the time (what's this whole "Darfur" thing I keep hearing about?) I promise to keep this blog light and entertaining whenever possible.

The unique thing about this blog is that I've put myself in a position to be your instrument for enlightenment. Point me in a direction and I very well might go. I'm living in a van (a true mobile home) and I can always leave town at the drop of the hat in search of a cool experience or a wacky adventure. I've only been doing this for a week, and I've already got some great stories to tell.

I also want to implement a few standard features, which I'll explain now (You're welcome.) Staples of this blog will include "Tales of Van-Living," where I will document the little humorous eccentricities that come with a large man living in such a small enclosed space; "Life-Altering Literature," where I share recommendations from the wealth of books I will inevitably read along my journey; "Van Mail," where I will respond (hopefully intelligibly) to any questions you may have; and "Reasons for Living," where I document many of life's greatest pleasures, ranging from the birth of a first child to your favorite team winning a Superbowl to that scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High where Phoebe Cates is getting out of the pool in slow motion and she (wait a minute...Who am I, Mr. Skin? You get the point.)

Most blog entries will include an anecdote from my travels written in narrative form, or a recap of something I learned that day. Many days I will also include a separate blog entitled, "Logan's Unoriginal Thought of the Day." This will be my chance to point out something that is on my mind and examine the sociological repercussions (to rant...this will be my chance to rant.) I call it my unoriginal thought of the day because I've learned that virtually any idea, thought, or inspiration you've had, no matter how brilliant, original, or inspired it is, has also crossed the mind of at least a dozen other people throughout time. This has been true pretty much since Plato died.

I will do my best to write a blog entry every day. All I ask is that you do your best to read them. Feel free to comment, argue, or leave suggestions.

Oh, and if you happen to know the real meaning of life, let me know ASAP so I can quit living in this van.

Until enlightenment,

Logan