Today I turned 37 years old. It’s a number that has almost no significance to me whatsoever.
As chance would have it, my girl Cindy is away in Italy, my family is in Cali, and most of my friends are on holiday away from the city. Not that I mind: for me birthdays are a contemplative period to think about where I am and where I am going. To make sure that I am balancing well the things that are important to me — friends, family, work, personal time, health, the spirit.
This blog has been a nearly constant part of my life for nearly two years now. While I was initially dubious of the value of blogging, it has proved to be a useful practice in crafting my own public voice about the issues I care about. As a lifelong journaller, blogging has been a natural extension of the urge to record and reflect on my own life and the world as I experience it.
But more than just a diary, it is an act of faith that my own personal insights and musings might be of value to others. I have had the distinct privilege of being in the midst of a number of important developments in international law, democracy and global governance — from the Rome Treaty on the International Criminal Court to the World Summit on the Information Society. The least I can do is share my observations with those who haven’t had the opportunities that I have had.
Now I am coordinating a program on media reform with the broad goal of supporting more informed public policy on media and ICT issues, both in this country and beyond. It’s a role that places me amidst policy debates that will shape the future of how we communicate, share knowledge and harness new technologies.
Meanwhile, I am exploring the virtual world of Second Life, having a fabulous time while also seeing how these new communications and networking tools can spur new kinds of activism and community.
Having a place to track my meanderings through these spaces has been immensely helpful to me.
Finally, this blog has been worth it just for this one post that has helped who knows how many people who might have been duped by these UN-posing scammers. This is by far the most popular post on this blog.
I love where I am at. It’s good to be me.
Oooo i missed this posting, but better late than never.
!!Happy Birthday Rik!!
Happy belated Rik! Sorry we couldn’t make it back on Monday but visiting with Dad took longer than expected. Great hanging out on Saturday though.
No worries. A good time was had by all. It was awesome hanging with you at the baseball game.
Hey,a very – and somewhat late – happy birthday to you!!! Would love to see you next time you are in the swamp that we call DC.
You’re the greatest, Rik!
You are so stinking cute in that photo I can’t take it.
for kids from in the just their as proud returned he got pulled