Happy Anniversary to Central Standard

There is a city by the sea,
a gentle company--
I don't suppose you want to?
The Decemberists, "Los Angeles, I'm Yours"

This lyric has no connection to this entry, except that it is playing right now as I type. Of course, by the time you click on the "What I'm Listening To (Right Now)" link, I will be listening to something different. But, that is what is rolling in the brain case right now.

When I started this endeavor in October of 2005, I anticipated it being a sort of note board for me to keep those I know and love posted. In this fluid world, fewer and fewer people stay put; many of you can understand that many people are left behind in the wake of all that moving around. I hoped to keep in some form of contact with them through this.

For the most part, I think that initial idea has come to fruition. Central Standard has become more than that, however. In many ways, it is a journal and a solace. In addition to "what we did today" type entries, there are more than a few diatribes and digressions. There may even be a jeremiad or two. There are silly shout outs to friends and family, chronicles of doggy mishaps, and half-assed reviews of books, movies, music, etc.

Most importantly, as I rocket through my days trying to help others improve their writing, it gives me an opportunity to make myself sit down and write. It's usually not much, and, as most informal, extemporaneous writing is, it's usually not great, but it does give me a chance to work the writing muscles.

As we recognize two years of blogging, I want to thank you who visit regularly. It helps me miss you all a bit less, knowing that somehow we can commune here for a few often silly moments, in the vast electronic arena known as the Internets.

And now, just for shits and giggles (as the Rev. Wayne Coomers likes to say), my top ten posts of the last two years (in no particular order).

The Fat Puppy Dog
This was big news...poor puppy dog.

Promises Made
Writing from the perspective of the new sofa.

And On The Eighth Day, They Shoved Their Heads Up Their Asses
Any time you can bash Kansas....

The Dream List
Just weird.

My Dog Don't Know From Tornado Warnings
True story...really.

Temporary Anachronism
I reveal my shortcomings in the eyes of my family.

At Rest
Lots o' pics!

School Lunch
Gotta have a post about chicken nuggets.

School Days on Ice Planet Hoth
I really ran with this Ice Planet Hoth thing this past winter.

Key Lime, a Natural History (Without Salt)
Simply perfect.