Merry F***ing Christmas Mrs. Hard Heart!

I was having a discussion yesterday with a buddy who we'll call Hot Sauce. A buddy is someone that I know, who's a little more than an associate, but a little less than a friend. We worked together a couple of years ago, so we try to get together at least once or twice a year for dinner and catching up. We get along well, but we usually have very different opinions of things. I like having discussions with all kinds of people, whether we agree or not. Some of my best discussions have been with people with differing opinions. I love it when we don't agree but can engage each other in an interesting back and forth dialogue. Engage the mind, man!

So, we're enjoying fresh guacamole and chips at Rosa Mexicano Restaurant in NW Washington, DC and having great conversation. BTW - if you're in the area and haven't been, you should go. Anyways, so we start talking about current events - how great Mary J has been looking lately, laughter over Obama's NFL commercial, etc., when the subject of the 3 missing hikers comes up. Just in case you've been under a rock, here's the deal - 3 friends went mountain climbing on Mount Hood in Oregon, a big storm hit and they are now presumed dead. If you want more details, read this. We both agreed that it was a sad story and that our prayers were with the families.

Then things got a little heated. Not on my end, but on her end. I feel that daredevils fail to analyze the inherent risk in certain activities, and the impact that a "problem" will pose to other people. If you want to bungee jump, parasail, climb a mountain, take pictures of a tsunami, journey to the center of the earth or any other activity that the "average" person is not doing, go for it! Who am I to tell you not to go? Enjoy yourself. But, as a realist and a tax paying citizen, I have to question military search and rescue teams for persons participating in leisure activities. I'm a little hesitant to support the search and rescue of your silly ass when the shit fits the fan. Yep, you heard me. I know that money is spent everyday on billions on worthwhile and worthless missions and causes, but I see this as a little different. Of course accidents happen, but your involvement in high risk behaviors increase the odds that something may happen to you.

Well, Hot Sauce damn near lost it. She got huffy with me and started stuttering and saying, "What if that was your father or husband?" And I responded, "They're not climbing any mountains." At this point, I've got a giggle about to escape and my face is set in a smile, which makes Hot Sauce even madder. She got up, pushed in her chair, tossed $20 on the table, grabbed her purse and said, "Well, you have a Merry F***ing Christmas Mrs. Hard Heart!"

Folks, I almost fell out of my chair. That's the best laugh that I've had in awhile. So, in honor or my buddy Hot Sauce, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!