RedJen's Rearview Mirror

Public service message from RJ:
If you leave a browser open on MY computer and I hit the back button, you don’t get to be upset that I see something withheld from me. Saying I got what I asked for is stupid. Just close the damn window or own it.

Indignant does not top busted.

Rock beats scissors.
Scissors beats paper.
Paper beats rock.
Busted beats indignant.

In the middle of December it will be 10 years since I graduated from college. It doesn't seem like it should be that long, but along with the round number comes a few other milestones.

• My student loans are about 6 months from being paid in full
• January will mark 10 years lived in NC
• January will mark 10 years working for the company that moved me from OH

To be honest, the one that makes me stop is that my student loans are almost paid off. The credit card debt I amassed during college plus my loans made up the lingering financial cost of my degree. I've already paid the credit card companies their blood money (and they got me good). They banked on me getting a good job later and being able to pay them back their money. I learned a hard lesson on that one and I've tried to caution anyone going into college to avoid the trap that caught me. Once the student loan debt is gone, I'm not sure what happens next. I'm in a sort of where do I go from here space. You go to college, work hard (have some fun) and get a degree so that you can provide a nice lifestyle for yourself and family. I'm beginning to wonder where the line is for when a single person stops pushing for "more" whatever for a possible family.

Don't get me wrong. The towel is still in my hand, but if I consider the possibility that I may not have a family of my own, I have a whole different set of questions. My personal needs are not as far reaching as those required in planning for a second generation. I've done a lot of work to get myself to a point where I can be financially able to support a family. If there is no family, I've done a lot of work and I wonder when it is time to back off.

Nobody panic, I'm not ready to take up residence on a mountain top, commune or live out of my car. Mountains get cold, the idea of a commune is a little too socialist for me and I'd need a much bigger car. The holidays are coming and that always gets me a bit melancholy.

What if Atlas shrugged? Will the game stop if Ender refuses to play?

For the Buckeyes, who've been No. 1 all season, it was the second time this season they beat the No. 2 team -- and with Troy Smith leading the way. Smith has been the Heisman front-runner since September, when he led Ohio State to 24-7 victory at No. 2 Texas.

Left: Troy Smith by Joe Robbins-US PRESSWIRE - Right: Amy Sancetta/AP Photo