This is a long one! So much to say...

The order of these ramblings are in no particular order. But a lot of notable things are going on in this world- so here we go:

PSU - I should start off by saying I think everything PSU and NCAA did in response to evidence that many high ranking PSU officials (including Joe Paterno, obviously) knew that Sandusky was sexually abusing young men and even took actions to cover it up, was fair and appropriate. I think there is a group of victims that hasn't gotten the attention they deserve, and that is Joe's players and fans. Specifically his players. These young men played their hardest for Joe. They trusted and respected Joe. And he let them down; Joe wasn't the stand-up guy (at least in some regards) that they believed he was. As an athlete who had coaches that turned out to not be who I thought they were, as an athlete who was let down by MY role model on an occasion or two -- my heart goes out to these guys. I wasn't necessarily ANGRY at my coaches for their short comings or "demons" - but I was caught off guard and a bit deflated.

After a passionate discussion with a good friend of mine, I realized there are individuals who are chastising Joe's players. THAT is taking it a step too far. Admittedly, I was ignorant to this. Keep in mind that most of these guys started playing for PSU when they were "boys" - either legally or emotionally. Joe grew them into "men". This has to be a time of reflection and upset for them, whether they are angry, defensive or disappointed (and any other emotion they may be feeling).

Chick-fil-A - The debate everyone is getting sick of hearing about. A few key points I want to make, and since this is MY blog I feel the liberty to do so. And btw, I'll probably keep using social media to blast them as well ;)

This discussion was, in large part, begun by the Chick-fil-A leadership. They chose to take an aggressive, bigoted, controversial stance. I didn't go out of my way to learn the opinions of these people. But it was thrown in my face, so I get to cast judgement. Just like we do with politicians that put their policies and beliefs out into the world. I don't ASK my auto mechanics if they are racist. But surely if I found out they were, I would take my business elsewhere. My decision to not give Chick-fil-A my business is one way I'm supporting equal rights in this country. And I invite (and strongly encourage) you to do the same.

Additionally, I didn't know Jesus - but I'm SURE if he loved prostitutes and thieves, he would have been just fine with homosexuality. And if I argue about what's in the bible, I will lose every single time, but hasn't that been re-written about a million times? Why does anyone think it actually said homosexuality is wrong in its original version?

And while we're on the Christianity thing - I wish people would stop using it as a vehicle for hate and discrimination.

RELATED - boy scouts! REALLY? Was it necessary to come out against homosexuals? What kind of moral organization teaches discrimination and intolerance? To YOUNG KIDS? Gross.

The Rick Curl Swimming Scandal - Unfortunately I was not at all shocked about this, as I had heard similar stories about Rick through my swimming career.  My heart goes out to the victim. I totally understand how she would have gotten wrapped up in a situation like this. She thought she and her coach were in love, and he took advantage of her and sexually abused her as a teen. He gained the trust of her and her parents.

I'm not sure if all sports would lend itself to a situation like this quite the way swimming does. It's very much an individual sport, and it is SO psychological. Countless hours are spent training, and you rely on your coach so heavily for so much - emotionally and physically.

I think now that this one individual has come forward, it will empower other young women (and men, possibly) to step forward and call out behaviors of their coaches that are not appropriate. It may be a phenomenon we see across many sports after the Sandusky scandal - with a country so willing to support the victims.

Upsetting aspects of this particular case are that again, adults knew about it, and did nothing. Also, USA Swimming allegedly was given evidence of the abuse and delayed action for a few months until the story broke in the press. I hope swift, decisive action is taken. And while I appreciate that in America you have the right to face your accuser, and that you are innocent until proven guilty (which in this case he pretty much signed a paper saying he was), it is important to protect the other young people he interacts with in the interim.

AIDS 2012 - the international conference recently held in DC. SUPER cool. I only attended one day (the last) but it was fun to see such a diverse, energetic crowd. I had been to several cardiology conferences before with my previous job. But HIV/AIDS is different. It was not only about the science and research, but it was about the HIV community, activism and outreach. I heard individuals living with the virus speak. I hear politicians (Nancy Pelosi and Bill Clinton). I heard a celebrity (Whoopi Goldberg). And I heard amazing physicians/researchers speak, who have dedicated their careers (and in some cases lives) to the cause. I saw the AIDS quilt. There was such a great, positive energy. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to experience it.

Lochte vs. Phelps - LOCHTE! Hello. I hope Phelps wins gold medals in everything but the events he swims against my Ryan.

OK - I think that's about it. Back to meeting strangers :)

Stranger #11

I met Patrick on Friday night. He was bro-ing it up with a friend of his. They started out drinking lots of beer. After taking it up a notch with a few shots, then showed off their amazing dance moves. I liked Patrick a lot until he flicked me off. He was a Nats fan, and as the game was falling apart, he thought I was chastising him. I really just wanted him to see what was going on. You win some, you lose some...

Stranger #10

#10 Introduced himself to me as "Big Daddy"... but his real name was Garfield. He was a pretty nerdy dude, but trying hard to be suave. A for effort. And that's all I really have to say about that.

Strangers 3 - 9

OK I'm a few days behind, but I'm doing good on my stranger goal!

#3: Mike at Bar Louie. He puts the strange in stranger. He came and sat on the corner of the bar - right in the middle of our group. Probably mid to late 60s and NO CLUE what was going on around him. He was a cheery guy. But weird and kinda annoying.

#4: Justin at Bar Louie. Skater dude. We discussed the fitness and transportation benefits of being a skate boarder. We also discussed martinis and he took my advice, so I liked him. Cute guy and nice to Mike, even though it wasn't an easy task.

#5: Virginia at Bar Louie. She was the bar tender and took good care of us. More in tune with what was going on around the restaurant than some other staff people I have come across!

#6: Vicki. She's a friend of a friend (Nicole). Nicole actually got a group of women together that didn't really know each other for crabs, barbeque and daquiris. Turned out to be a ton of fun. Great group, awesome food. No complaints! Vicki was a lot of fun and I hope to see her again soon.

#7: Jackie. Also met her at Nicoles, and also an awesome woman. She had great stories and definitely had a good head on her shoulders. Very fun to be around!! I think the crab picking may become an annual event!

#8: Ron. Working in an unofficial (so far) capacity for my uncle's campaign. Wonderful disposition, energetic, knowledgeable. And I think I will probably cross paths with him regularly once the campaign is in full swing!

#9: "Mitchell". I put that in quotes because it's not his first name, but it's what he goes by. I met him at a planning meeting for my uncle's campaign. He asked the tough questions, and I couldn't read his expressions. He could turn out to be an interesting dude.

Friends, Self Awareness, Advice

I wasn't in the mood to introduce myself to any strangers yesterday. But I did have a fabulous happy hour with a close friend. We talked about self awareness. Some people have it, and some just don't. I don't think self awareness is hard to attain, my theory is some people just don't want it. It's as simple as asking yourself a few questions, and changing your perspective a bit.

I'm not even going to try to transition into my next topic gracefully. Advice. I have fabulous friends, and I really cherish their opinions. At least a select few. And when you ask someone what they think - the answer isn't always easy to hear. And advice isn't always easy to act on. I heard some tough truths the past two days from two close friends. Or at least my friends' interpretation of the truth, and they are generally pretty "on". Hearing something - and even agreeing with it - is only the first step. Bringing yourself around to a point that you're reach to execute and make changes is another story all together.

And who wants to listen, lend advice, and not see changes made? In my pursuit of self awareness, I recognize that I can be draining to these wonderful friends. Frustrating, exhausting and a burden. Because they took the time out to care, I owe it to them to be the best version of me - and so what is most fair to myself - as possible.

Modifying My Goal (already) and Strangers 1 & 2

So - instead of a stranger a day, I'm going to aim for 365 strangers in 365 days. Clearly there will be days that I meet multiple people, and other days that I'm not feeling social at all. What qualifies as meeting? Exchanging names, learning something about that person. Ash wants it to require a version of "pleased to meet you" - although I think sometimes that goes without saying - and other times that would be a bold faced lie. I thought about using my waiter at lunch today as a stranger - but I didn't tell him my name, and we didn't really learn anything about each other, so that won't count!

Stranger #1: Julio - my bartender at Pi Pizza last night. He made me a delicious cocktail and poured healthy glasses of wine. He also recommended the Kirkwood pizza, which was a good choice. Not to mention his badass scar that started at the corner of his mouth and traveled down to his chin. I don't think Julio will remember ME, but I was happy to hang out with him for an hour or two!

Stranger #2: Jon Arroyo, head mixologist at Founding Farmers. He had a good personality, and was skilled at his trade. Unfortunately, the focus was tiki drinks and I have a strong dislike of rum drinks. He taught me things about making syrups, shaking drinks, and really made it clear I should never put my hand in a blending blender. I think if Jon remembers anything about me, it will be my comment about not enough vodka in his tiki class. He was a good sport, but I could tell he thought I was kinda a goof.

Successful first night!

Giddy up! New blog challenge!

I'm going to try to meet one new person every day for a year! And I'm going to try to blog about it daily. I may need some of my 6 (or so) followers to introduce me to people!

HELP!