Just drove my brother back to the airport. He was originally supposed to stay until Monday, but decided that he had too much work waiting for him at school. To be honest (and because odds are high he’ll never read this), my brother takes himself too seriously sometimes. He’s very bright, but can be maddeningly self-absorbed. Anyway, he’s still a good guy and my frustrations with him are fleeting.
I have the day off tomorrow, which will give me time to catch my breath after a hectic week. The Courage award event was fine, although I still got a few eye-rolling “you’re such an inspiration” comments. But I was glad to have my siblings with me. And, of course, Ms. X was there. Last night, she gave me a card with the following quote from Goethe:
to know someone
with whom you can feel there is understanding
in spite of distances or thoughts unexpressed. . .
that can make this life a garden.
She’s an English major. And so was I.
Peace,
Mark

My brother is flying in from Cornell on Friday. He hasn’t seen my new place, so I’m interested to see what his reaction will be. He’s been under a little stress at school (he’s a Ph.D. candidate studying political economies) and I think he needs a break. I used to miss school in the first couple years after I graduated, but I’m over it now. Besides, I can’t resist reminding my siblings that their gimp brother is the only one with a real job!
Just got a call from my law school friend Erin. She was supposed to visit tonight, but we had to cancel because downtown is a complete zoo thanks to game 1 of the ALCS. I’m all in favor of a new stadium for the Twins if it means my neighborhood won’t turn into a parking lot.
Peace,
Mark

Yes, my date went very well. No, you can’t have any details. Yes, I’m sure. The Net is full of places to fulfill your titillation needs, so knock yourself out. I’m not a big believer in the tell-all, hold-nothing-back style of blog. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m sure you’ll understand.
But a word on disability and relationships. As many people with disabilities will tell you, society tends to perceive us as asexual beings. We’re seen as either too sick or too “different” to ever experience attraction, romance, sex, etc. Of course, this is bullshit. But we spend many a Friday night alone because the idea that we’re not desirable has become somewhat ingrained. And you start feeling a bit like an outsider to the human race; like everyone else got invited to a long, great party and you’re still checking the mailbox for an invitation. So when someone comes along and tells you you’re kinda cool (or something like that), it’s something unique and just a bit wondrous.
I don’t feel like an outsider today.
Peace,
Mark

I went to the Minnesota Supreme Court today to listen to some oral arguments for a case I was involved in. When I was clerking for a judge in Minneapolis, we had a personal injury case involving a guy who got run over by a bus. The guy’s lawyer didn’t want me in the courtroom because he was claiming his client was too disabled to work. The lawyer was concerned the jury would see me, bravely working despite my horrible disability (snicker, snicker) and then look at his client and essentially say to themselves, “What the fuck’s this guy’s problem?” So complaints were filed and depositions were taken and many trees died in the pursuit of justice.
So I get to the Capitol building where arguments are being held in the old courtroom. I’m even wearing a tie! I walk down the hallway, feeling a bit lost because I’ve never been here before. I find the courtroom.
There are three very well-crafted but very formidable marble steps leading into the courtroom.
There is no ramp.
Fuck.
I eventually make it in the courtroom, but with much noise and lack of decorum.
Irony is alive and well, Dear Reader.
Peace,
Mark

You ever wake up in a good mood, and then you remember why you’re in a good mood, and the feeling is that much sweeter? I had that experience this morning. I had a wonderful date with the same friend from Cafe Brenda. For the sake of her anonymity, I’ll call her Ms. X. Not very original, I know. Maybe she’ll have a better suggestion. Anyway, we saw the Picasso exhibit at the Minneapolis Art Institute. If you have any interest in modern art, you really should check it out. I haven’t enjoyed myself that much in some time, and I think I’m still feeling the buzz from it.
So I got a call on Friday saying that I’ve been selected to receive a Courage Center award. Apparently, they select people with disabilities every year who are successful in their chosen professions. It seems a bit odd because I don’t really feel like I’ve accomplished that much. I mean, other people have done much more significant things by my age. But now I have to prepare a brief acceptance speech for a dinner on October 12th. I’m not certain I can be profound in 2-3 minutes. But I suppose it can be done.
Peace,
Mark