Yesterday afternoon, I went out for a late lunch with a friend of mine. Under normal circumstances, we'd go to Burger King, but my bud suggested we hit McDonald's since it's more conveniently located. I was a bit apprehensive since I haven't been big on their stuff since the late 90's, but figured, what the hell.
We met there and he mentioned that he didn't want to have too much to eat as he still wanted to have room for supper that evening with his gal. We both chose items off the dollar menu. I chose a regular hamburger, a small fry, and an orange. As I sat down and looked at my food, I realized that it was exactly what I ate at Mickey's as a child. I never liked cheeseburgers, so always had a hamburger and all the fries they served back then were small ones. I felt a surge of nostalgia as I consumed the "food".
My parents frequently took us to McDonalds as kids. On one notable day shortly after the introduction of the Chicken Nugget, my father went up to the cashier and asked for "some chicken nuts". I specifically remember this commercial from 1982:
In the mid 90's, my first girlfriend and I would walk to the local Mickey's every week or two. She would eat her meal while I looked over the day's paper. I'm not sure what made me stick my nose up at it a number of years ago; probably just got tired of it. After going there a few hours ago, I think I've been a bit too hard on the place. I plan to go there a couple times a month for the forseeable future. I know it's not really good for me, but getting a hamburger and small fry isn't near as bad as those who opt for a BigMac and large fry (even if they do order a Diet Coke).
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
20-Year High School Reunion
This summer, my high school class is having its 20-year reunion. We've had just one before; 5 years ago (our 15th). Though I wasn't popular by any means in high school, I went half a decade ago to see how my compatriots looked and in a way, to go back to all those years ago. My wife came along with me. There were 300+ in our class and about 1/3rd showed up for the reunion.
A number of people said hi to me as we all sat down and ate a dinner that we had chosen beforehand. Something quite interesting, though not surprising occurred after dinner: everyone seemed to gravitate to the cliques they'd been in in high school. The dirtballs went outside and smoked, the jocks stood and talked to the pretty ladies while consuming not inconsiderable amounts of alcohol.
There were a few girls who were somewhat interested in me in my high school days and it was nice to see them again. Though a bit older, we really weren't all that removed from those formative days. The music (80's, naturally) grew too loud for my tastes and after talking to a guy who was considered a nerd in high school (and surely still is today), we headed out.
I'm somewhat mixed on going back this summer. If it's gonna be like it was in '04, then I don't really want a part of it. On the other hand, my best friend from high school is greatly looking forward to going as he missed the last one. I think it might be better if I go sans wife this time (most of the others didn't have their spouses with them).
I have something quite funny in mind if I do go. On most days in high school, I wore my navy blue Members Only jacket. I didn't just wear it to school; I wore it throughout every class (except PhyEd, of course). There was a pic taken of the entire senior class in front of the school shortly before we graduated and I can be seen wearing said jacket.
I'm sure you know where this is headed. Wouldn't it be grand if I wore one of the newfangled Members jackets I purchased last summer to the reunion? And not just wore it as I entered, but throughout the entire time I was there. Here is the specific jacket I would wear if I decide to go through with it:
A number of people said hi to me as we all sat down and ate a dinner that we had chosen beforehand. Something quite interesting, though not surprising occurred after dinner: everyone seemed to gravitate to the cliques they'd been in in high school. The dirtballs went outside and smoked, the jocks stood and talked to the pretty ladies while consuming not inconsiderable amounts of alcohol.
There were a few girls who were somewhat interested in me in my high school days and it was nice to see them again. Though a bit older, we really weren't all that removed from those formative days. The music (80's, naturally) grew too loud for my tastes and after talking to a guy who was considered a nerd in high school (and surely still is today), we headed out.
I'm somewhat mixed on going back this summer. If it's gonna be like it was in '04, then I don't really want a part of it. On the other hand, my best friend from high school is greatly looking forward to going as he missed the last one. I think it might be better if I go sans wife this time (most of the others didn't have their spouses with them).
I have something quite funny in mind if I do go. On most days in high school, I wore my navy blue Members Only jacket. I didn't just wear it to school; I wore it throughout every class (except PhyEd, of course). There was a pic taken of the entire senior class in front of the school shortly before we graduated and I can be seen wearing said jacket.
I'm sure you know where this is headed. Wouldn't it be grand if I wore one of the newfangled Members jackets I purchased last summer to the reunion? And not just wore it as I entered, but throughout the entire time I was there. Here is the specific jacket I would wear if I decide to go through with it:
Monday, March 09, 2009
Leaving My Hometown
In the fall of '96, I was living in a one room apartment with my wife-to-be. We were in the infancy of our relationship having met in late July. Having graduated that spring with a nursing degree, she was looking for a position as an RN. This would quite possibly lead to her having to move to another town. Would I go along? Would I follow her even though we'd only known each other a short time? It was a difficult decision, one I put off until she actually had an offer put out to her.
In late October, one came; from a nursing home in Rochester. The city, 40 miles from my hometown, Winona, was fairly familiar to me.
It's where my maternal grandmother had lived and the site of a disco club called the Aquarius (not to mention the Mayo Clinic). After a good deal of deliberation, I decided I would go with her (I was working at Radio Shack at the time, but looked forward to getting outta there). We chose a place to live called Homestead Village. It was a nice complex that had a park-like setting. All the townhouses there were two levels. Our place had two bedrooms and cost only $500 a month.
Of my mom's first 5 kids, she was closest to me and later said that she cried the day I left town. My girlfriend got orientated in her job while I commenced looking for one myself. The first few weeks were quite difficult, my homesickness very acute. I had no friends in Rochester, so typically drove to Winona about once a week, visiting my mother and a couple friends. Many times, I told my beloved that I wished to return to the Island City.
My loneliness hit a nadir one winter morning when she was at work and my car wouldn't start. I was literally stuck at home. Thankfully, I had a kitten to drown my sorrows with, but I was losing ground fast. I stuck it out, though. One thing that got me through was going to the movies. Winona only had 4 screens while Rochester had 19 (including a cheap theatre). I went to an incredible amount of films during this time (my wife-to-be worked second shift, so I was totally on my own in the evenings).
It wasn't long before I found a job which helped ground me. Getting a dog in the summer of '97 also helped in this respect. The visits to Winona gradually became less frequent and before I knew it, Rochester truly felt like home.
Further reading:
In late October, one came; from a nursing home in Rochester. The city, 40 miles from my hometown, Winona, was fairly familiar to me.
It's where my maternal grandmother had lived and the site of a disco club called the Aquarius (not to mention the Mayo Clinic). After a good deal of deliberation, I decided I would go with her (I was working at Radio Shack at the time, but looked forward to getting outta there). We chose a place to live called Homestead Village. It was a nice complex that had a park-like setting. All the townhouses there were two levels. Our place had two bedrooms and cost only $500 a month.
Of my mom's first 5 kids, she was closest to me and later said that she cried the day I left town. My girlfriend got orientated in her job while I commenced looking for one myself. The first few weeks were quite difficult, my homesickness very acute. I had no friends in Rochester, so typically drove to Winona about once a week, visiting my mother and a couple friends. Many times, I told my beloved that I wished to return to the Island City.
My loneliness hit a nadir one winter morning when she was at work and my car wouldn't start. I was literally stuck at home. Thankfully, I had a kitten to drown my sorrows with, but I was losing ground fast. I stuck it out, though. One thing that got me through was going to the movies. Winona only had 4 screens while Rochester had 19 (including a cheap theatre). I went to an incredible amount of films during this time (my wife-to-be worked second shift, so I was totally on my own in the evenings).
It wasn't long before I found a job which helped ground me. Getting a dog in the summer of '97 also helped in this respect. The visits to Winona gradually became less frequent and before I knew it, Rochester truly felt like home.
Further reading:
Sunday, March 08, 2009
I Don't Think, So...
Have you ever wondered what it's like to stop thinking? Ever since a toe reader told me last summer that I should meditate more, I've been slowly, but surely working on it. The bath would be a nice place to do so, but it's just not comfortable enough. The recommendation is that it be done in a sitting position, but I'm so lazy that I'll typically lay down on my back or side.
It really is incredible how many thoughts can intrude when one just wants to shut them off. And they're thoughts I've had many times before, not anything new. What good is it to have that going through one's head all the time? And one's thoughts are so rarely on the here-and-now. The mind looks into the future and ruminates on the past.
After a few minutes of listening to my thoughts, I'll tell myself to shush and concentrate on my breath. After about 10 seconds, a thought may come in and if I'm not disciplined enough, I'll let that thought turn into another and then another. Eventually, I'll come back to the breath, though. And it is so quiet, then. There's no need to think about what I need because in that moment, I have everything I could ever want.
It's not an easy thing to shut off the mind, but very worthwhile. It leads to acceptance of whatever is showing up in life. I feel as if I am floating down a river, just going with the flow.
On most evenings, instead of watching TV, I'll simply lay in bed, turn the fan on, and relax. It's pretty funny because other than my favorite shows, I don't like to watch TV because it's too passive, but chilling in bed is even more so.
Many faiths have too much an emphasis on prayer and not enough on listening (meditating). When one prays, they're just spouting what they already know. To quiet the mind, to hear the silence, that's where the magic is. My favorite author has a saying that speaks to this:
In order to truly know God, you have to be out of your mind.
It really is incredible how many thoughts can intrude when one just wants to shut them off. And they're thoughts I've had many times before, not anything new. What good is it to have that going through one's head all the time? And one's thoughts are so rarely on the here-and-now. The mind looks into the future and ruminates on the past.
After a few minutes of listening to my thoughts, I'll tell myself to shush and concentrate on my breath. After about 10 seconds, a thought may come in and if I'm not disciplined enough, I'll let that thought turn into another and then another. Eventually, I'll come back to the breath, though. And it is so quiet, then. There's no need to think about what I need because in that moment, I have everything I could ever want.
It's not an easy thing to shut off the mind, but very worthwhile. It leads to acceptance of whatever is showing up in life. I feel as if I am floating down a river, just going with the flow.
On most evenings, instead of watching TV, I'll simply lay in bed, turn the fan on, and relax. It's pretty funny because other than my favorite shows, I don't like to watch TV because it's too passive, but chilling in bed is even more so.
Many faiths have too much an emphasis on prayer and not enough on listening (meditating). When one prays, they're just spouting what they already know. To quiet the mind, to hear the silence, that's where the magic is. My favorite author has a saying that speaks to this:
In order to truly know God, you have to be out of your mind.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Eating a $40 Meal at a Fancy Hotel
My wife and I headed to our room and gussied up a tad. We were quite happy that we didn't have to pay a dime for the fancy dinner; some generous soul had agreed to pay for four people who couldn't afford to go (or in my case, didn't believe that any meal could possibly be worth 40 bucks).
We stepped into the banquet hall about 15 minutes after the scheduled start (this was intentional as I knew there was to be some socializing before any food was served). I asked a maitre'd if I could have a soft drink. He responded that the agreement was just that they have coffee and water available. What a rip-off! I told my wife I was going to get something liquidy out of the vending machine.
I found a dispenser on the 3rd floor (it was just outside). This was actually the 2nd time I'd been serviced by the machine; we'd been there the night before to find some chocolate to munch on before going to sleep. It was there that we petted a cat, a cat that we found out was the hotel's (shades of the shop cats we'd seen over the past few days). The cat was there yet again as I put money in for a 20 ounce container of Gatorade (I also got some juice for my beloved).
Upon my return, I found a seat and asked for a cup of ice in which to put my tasty beverage. Ah, that's much better now. I feel almost human. A few minutes later, we got in the buffet line. I'm a relatively small portion guy, so just took some chicken, a bit of mashed potatoes and something else that escapes my mind at the moment (I knew I shoulda took more detailed notes). My wife piled it on as she was aiming to get her money's worth.
We sat down and began eating. The chicken wasn't bad, but it was several degrees inferior to what was served at our wedding 10 years prior. The other stuff was mostly rubbish. I wondered if any of the others felt the same. No one was letting on at this point.
I tried two desserts hoping for better luck, but again, both were shit. My wife actually liked one of the items I didn't have the heart to finish. OMG. I can't believe how many sentences I'm using just talking about this meal. My wife didn't even drink the juice I'd bought her (perhaps peer pressure led her to drink the water others were having). There was decent conversation as we got to know a few of the people at our table better. One lady was wondering what Neale thought about 2012. I just shook my head.
- Recent update to "My Experience in Ashland, Oregon at the End of 08"
We stepped into the banquet hall about 15 minutes after the scheduled start (this was intentional as I knew there was to be some socializing before any food was served). I asked a maitre'd if I could have a soft drink. He responded that the agreement was just that they have coffee and water available. What a rip-off! I told my wife I was going to get something liquidy out of the vending machine.
I found a dispenser on the 3rd floor (it was just outside). This was actually the 2nd time I'd been serviced by the machine; we'd been there the night before to find some chocolate to munch on before going to sleep. It was there that we petted a cat, a cat that we found out was the hotel's (shades of the shop cats we'd seen over the past few days). The cat was there yet again as I put money in for a 20 ounce container of Gatorade (I also got some juice for my beloved).
Upon my return, I found a seat and asked for a cup of ice in which to put my tasty beverage. Ah, that's much better now. I feel almost human. A few minutes later, we got in the buffet line. I'm a relatively small portion guy, so just took some chicken, a bit of mashed potatoes and something else that escapes my mind at the moment (I knew I shoulda took more detailed notes). My wife piled it on as she was aiming to get her money's worth.
We sat down and began eating. The chicken wasn't bad, but it was several degrees inferior to what was served at our wedding 10 years prior. The other stuff was mostly rubbish. I wondered if any of the others felt the same. No one was letting on at this point.
I tried two desserts hoping for better luck, but again, both were shit. My wife actually liked one of the items I didn't have the heart to finish. OMG. I can't believe how many sentences I'm using just talking about this meal. My wife didn't even drink the juice I'd bought her (perhaps peer pressure led her to drink the water others were having). There was decent conversation as we got to know a few of the people at our table better. One lady was wondering what Neale thought about 2012. I just shook my head.
- Recent update to "My Experience in Ashland, Oregon at the End of 08"
Friday, March 06, 2009
Part-Time Lover
Over the past few months, I've been working part-time (as opposed to full) and must admit to liking it. While others rush downtown at 7 in the morning, I'm usually sleeping in. While most work 5 days a week, I consistently have a 3-day weekend. Now, this kind of structure isn't for everyone. It takes discipline, making sure that one isn't living beyond their means. It really only took a few relatively minor adjustments to turn me from being happy with a full-time job to a part-time lover. I feel fortunate to have money coming in at all during times such as these.
A friend of mine lost his $13 an hour job last week and is frantically looking for something to replace it. When I asked him yesterday if I could take him out to Burger King for a bite, he said he was too busy at the local college looking for a job and that I should be doing the same. I chuckled at this because my soul doesn't care how much money I'm bringing in or if I get something full-time again. I was reminded of Deepak Chopra's Law of Least Effort.
Addendum: the title of this post alludes to a number one Stevie Wonder song from the fall of 1985. It was during this time that I moved in with my mom who was no longer a practicing Jehovah's Witness. This meant that after 10 years, I would no longer have to abide by the religion's precepts. At the age of 14, I hadn't received any birthday or Christmas presents since I was 4. You can imagine how happy I was that I'd be getting some presents for my 15th. So great was my excitement that when my mom was at work, I looked intently for what she had bought me. I found one present and carefully opened it to see what was inside. After doing so, I taped it back up again so I could act surprised when I opened it for real a few days later. I found a smaller present next to it. From the shape, I correctly surmised that it was a cassette: Stevie Wonder's album "In Square Circle".
A friend of mine lost his $13 an hour job last week and is frantically looking for something to replace it. When I asked him yesterday if I could take him out to Burger King for a bite, he said he was too busy at the local college looking for a job and that I should be doing the same. I chuckled at this because my soul doesn't care how much money I'm bringing in or if I get something full-time again. I was reminded of Deepak Chopra's Law of Least Effort.
Addendum: the title of this post alludes to a number one Stevie Wonder song from the fall of 1985. It was during this time that I moved in with my mom who was no longer a practicing Jehovah's Witness. This meant that after 10 years, I would no longer have to abide by the religion's precepts. At the age of 14, I hadn't received any birthday or Christmas presents since I was 4. You can imagine how happy I was that I'd be getting some presents for my 15th. So great was my excitement that when my mom was at work, I looked intently for what she had bought me. I found one present and carefully opened it to see what was inside. After doing so, I taped it back up again so I could act surprised when I opened it for real a few days later. I found a smaller present next to it. From the shape, I correctly surmised that it was a cassette: Stevie Wonder's album "In Square Circle".
I wasn't gonna tape this one back up (I wanted to listen to it too badly). For the next couple days, I had it next to my boom box and listened to it frequently. A day or so before my bday, I told my mother I'd already opened the tape, but not the other present (such a fibber). I can't recall her reaction, but my wife must've been privy to this story since many times when she's bought me birthday or Christmas presents, she'll tell me not to snoop around in the study (the place where she typically hides them before the big day).
Thursday, March 05, 2009
My 7 Favorite TV Shows
7. Real Time with Bill Maher - HBO - Bill states truths that most others are afraid to (and in a very amusing way).
6. Survivor - CBS - after watching the first dozen seasons, I grew tired of the formula, but am glad I gave this new season a try. The Amazing Race is still worlds better in my mind.
5. Ghost Hunters - SciFi - I've mentioned this program a couple times in the past few months, most notably here.
4. Lost - ABC - It's not the easiest show to follow (I frequently go to ew.com the day after a new ep airs to gain clarity on how what transpired fits into the grand scheme), but with next year being its last season, it won't be long before all my answers are revealed.
3. The Office - NBC - the only sitcom I watch (other than 30 Rock, from time to time).
2. Big Love - HBO - it's incredible how sympathetic one becomes to Bill Paxton's character, a man who has three wives (living under three roofs on the same block).
6. Survivor - CBS - after watching the first dozen seasons, I grew tired of the formula, but am glad I gave this new season a try. The Amazing Race is still worlds better in my mind.
5. Ghost Hunters - SciFi - I've mentioned this program a couple times in the past few months, most notably here.
4. Lost - ABC - It's not the easiest show to follow (I frequently go to ew.com the day after a new ep airs to gain clarity on how what transpired fits into the grand scheme), but with next year being its last season, it won't be long before all my answers are revealed.
3. The Office - NBC - the only sitcom I watch (other than 30 Rock, from time to time).
2. Big Love - HBO - it's incredible how sympathetic one becomes to Bill Paxton's character, a man who has three wives (living under three roofs on the same block).
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Please God, Make The Roads Impassable
Last night, while watching "Ghost Hunters International", I took a look at the weather forecast for today. I was quite surprised to see that we were due to get at least 6 inches. I'm working in the evenings this week and got a bit excited thinking that perhaps (God willing) the roads would be too treacherous to traverse. I felt like I was back in my grade school days, hoping that the next day would be a snow one. I didn't want to get my hopes up too much, though. There's nothing worse than expecting something and then not seeing it come to pass.
Late this morning, the sun was out and there were no signs of a coming storm. My Pomeranian was barking at the garbage trucks, par for the course for her on Thursdays. A little after noon, it became overcast and about 45 minutes ago, we started getting some freezing rain. A few minutes ago, I heard the thunder roll, a weird experience in Minnesota in February. A good deal of regional evening activities have already been canceled. Will God be on my side like he was when Obama was elected late last year? Time will tell.
Late this morning, the sun was out and there were no signs of a coming storm. My Pomeranian was barking at the garbage trucks, par for the course for her on Thursdays. A little after noon, it became overcast and about 45 minutes ago, we started getting some freezing rain. A few minutes ago, I heard the thunder roll, a weird experience in Minnesota in February. A good deal of regional evening activities have already been canceled. Will God be on my side like he was when Obama was elected late last year? Time will tell.
Holy shiznet! I just got off the phone and was told that my office will not be open this evening. Yippee! I can watch "Survivor" without taping it and maybe even go to Friday's!!! Life is grand!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Antidepressants Can Add Years to Your Face
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Your mother's wrinkles — or lack thereof, may not be the best predictor of how you'll age. In fact, a new study claims just the opposite. The study, involving identical twins, suggests that despite genetic make-up, certain environmental factors can add years to a person's perceived age. Results just published reveal that factors like divorce or the use of antidepressants are the real culprits that can wreak havoc on one's face.
According to Dr. Guyuron, "the presence of stress could be one of the common denominators in those twins who appeared older." Antidepressant use was associated with a significantly older appearance. Researchers said it may be that depression itself increased facial aging, or it’s possible that use of antidepressant drugs relaxed facial muscles in a way that increased the appearance of aging.
(Age 64. Twin on right suffers from depression, and appears older)
In other words, if the misery of your divorce doesn't age you, your attempt to treat it with Prozac might.
Full article
According to Dr. Guyuron, "the presence of stress could be one of the common denominators in those twins who appeared older." Antidepressant use was associated with a significantly older appearance. Researchers said it may be that depression itself increased facial aging, or it’s possible that use of antidepressant drugs relaxed facial muscles in a way that increased the appearance of aging.
(Age 64. Twin on right suffers from depression, and appears older)
In other words, if the misery of your divorce doesn't age you, your attempt to treat it with Prozac might.
Full article
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscars '9
This evening, I will be live-blogging the 2009 Academy Awards. I've seen all five movies nominated for Best Pic. Here's how I'd rank them:
1. Slumdog Millionaire -fantastic, life-affirming film, great music
I'm glad The Dark Knight wasn't nominated for Best Pic as I didn't believe it was a strong enough movie, but feel that Wall-e (my fave film of '08) should've been.
8:10pm Wow, only one commercial break in the first 40 minutes. I love the way they've made the Kodak Theatre super-intimate. Jackman's opening song and dance was fantastic.
9:21pm Nice to see "Man on Wire" win Best Doc. I Netflixed it a few months ago.
9:37pm Will Smith presents 4 separate awards (visual effects, sound, sound mixing, editing). Damn.
11:00pm I loved how 5 prior Oscar winners would take the stage and give kudos to each of the '09 nominees. Absolutely fantastic show overall. The producers did an incredible job. Great to see "Slumdog" get Best Pic and Director. Also nice to see Winslet finally win one and Penn get his second.
1. Slumdog Millionaire -fantastic, life-affirming film, great music
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - a good tour-de-force, but not one I'd care to revisit
3. The Reader - very provocative opening 75 minutes, deflates a good deal over its last 45
4. Frost/Nixon - though many portions were invented, a pleasingly intense film
5. Milk - a bit by-the-numbers, but really nails the early 70's
I'm glad The Dark Knight wasn't nominated for Best Pic as I didn't believe it was a strong enough movie, but feel that Wall-e (my fave film of '08) should've been.
8:10pm Wow, only one commercial break in the first 40 minutes. I love the way they've made the Kodak Theatre super-intimate. Jackman's opening song and dance was fantastic.
9:21pm Nice to see "Man on Wire" win Best Doc. I Netflixed it a few months ago.
9:37pm Will Smith presents 4 separate awards (visual effects, sound, sound mixing, editing). Damn.
11:00pm I loved how 5 prior Oscar winners would take the stage and give kudos to each of the '09 nominees. Absolutely fantastic show overall. The producers did an incredible job. Great to see "Slumdog" get Best Pic and Director. Also nice to see Winslet finally win one and Penn get his second.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Chick Flick Cliches
In the late 90's, I went with my significant other to quite a few romantic comedies-women's movies-chick flicks. At that point in time, I didn't have much familiarity with the genre, so what were probably cliches' didn't seem so to me. Some of my favorites were "My Best Friend's Wedding", "Jerry Maguire", "You've Got Mail", and "Runaway Bride". I even enjoyed a few of them in the early '00's: "Erin Brockovich", Legally Blonde", and "Bridget Jones's Diary".
After a while, though, the formulaicness of them caught up with me and now I only go to female-centric films that have something new to offer. I feel the same about Testosterone-Action movies: "Transformers", "Transporter 2", pretty much any film that starts with "Trans".
With that in mind, watch below as three of the players from "He's Just Not That Into You" act out ten Chick Flick Cliches':
After a while, though, the formulaicness of them caught up with me and now I only go to female-centric films that have something new to offer. I feel the same about Testosterone-Action movies: "Transformers", "Transporter 2", pretty much any film that starts with "Trans".
With that in mind, watch below as three of the players from "He's Just Not That Into You" act out ten Chick Flick Cliches':
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Come To Your Senses
While accompanying a friend of mine last Sunday night to a screening of "Friday the 13th" (don't worry, he paid my way since there's no way in hell I'd pay a dime to see such nonsense), I began to think about pleasure, no, not like that, you dirty devils. Well, kinda.
When one goes out on the weekend, it's almost always to have some fun. Going out to eat is a good one, something that pleases the taste buds. Movies are fine though they only really stimulate the eyes and ears (smell a bit if you like popcorn). Some have boos which actually deadens the senses instead of utilizing them. Sex is a popular one, not least because it makes use of all 5 senses (unless you don't like oral). When I went to the retreat in Oregon, the main thing being stimulated was my mind.
One of my favorite sensual activities is getting a massage. The sense of touch isn't one that's typically addressed while one is out in public unless you go to a spa or like disco dancing. I think I'd enjoy going in a sensory deprivation tank one day.
When one goes out on the weekend, it's almost always to have some fun. Going out to eat is a good one, something that pleases the taste buds. Movies are fine though they only really stimulate the eyes and ears (smell a bit if you like popcorn). Some have boos which actually deadens the senses instead of utilizing them. Sex is a popular one, not least because it makes use of all 5 senses (unless you don't like oral). When I went to the retreat in Oregon, the main thing being stimulated was my mind.
One of my favorite sensual activities is getting a massage. The sense of touch isn't one that's typically addressed while one is out in public unless you go to a spa or like disco dancing. I think I'd enjoy going in a sensory deprivation tank one day.
It'd be interesting to see if I could stick with it or if I'd be dying for some kind of stimulus, some kind of distraction that would keep me from truly knowing myself. What about you, my faithful readers? Could you stand to be alone with just your thoughts?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Reader
There are many things I do that may seem unusual to others, but are perfectly normal to me. Here's one such example: whenever I eat anything at home, whether it be chicken noodle soup (the only soup I eat) for lunch, a french bread pizza and Oreo Cakester for supper, or a couple Nutri-Grain bars in the middle of the night, I HAVE to be reading something while doing so.
I used to be fine ingesting things while watching the telly, but in the end, it just wasn't doing it for me (commercials are too brain-deadening and even the news is just yada-yada-yada). I don't like doing hard reading in these circumstances, however. It almost always is a magazine; one of the three I subscribe to (Time, Newsweek, & Entertainment Weekly). Sometimes I'll be all caught up on the mags and will have to go downstairs to obtain a 7-year old copy of EW (I used to save every ish, but now give them to a friend of mine when I've polished them off).
When I go out to eat by myself (which is rare these days), I also make sure I've something to peruse while dining (usually a newspaper). The only time I'm ever eating without reading something is when I dine out with another. I'm not exactly sure how I got this way. For some reason, I just can't take getting orally satisfied without being mentally stimulated as well.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Thriller for the Ages
I just finished watching one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's a film I got from Netflix called "Transsiberian". I knew it had to be good, since it received 90% on RottenTomatoes.com (that means 90% of the critics who reviewed it gave it the thumbs-up). If you have Netflix, it's possible to watch it on your computer, but this is the type of movie one should view on their couch or recliner with a blanket covering them on a cold night.
The less you know about the film, the better. All I knew is that it involved an American couple who were traveling on Russia's Transsiberian railway.
Most mainstream thrillers are crap, formulaic and disappointing. But this one constantly surprised. I found myself much more tense watching it than I typically am when viewing a movie; very effective work by the director. If interested in the film, don't watch the trailer; it reveals way too much.
The less you know about the film, the better. All I knew is that it involved an American couple who were traveling on Russia's Transsiberian railway.
Most mainstream thrillers are crap, formulaic and disappointing. But this one constantly surprised. I found myself much more tense watching it than I typically am when viewing a movie; very effective work by the director. If interested in the film, don't watch the trailer; it reveals way too much.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Special Offer For My Closest Friends
As regular readers of this weblog know, my favorite restaurant is Friday's.
I go there about twice a week these days, usually once on Tuesdays since they have a Buy 1 Burger, Get One Free special and then again sometime during the weekend. I'm a member of their GiveMeMoreStripes program in which for every $100 I spend there, I get a coupon for $8 off my next visit (I've gotten at least 8 of these coupons in the last year).
I go there about twice a week these days, usually once on Tuesdays since they have a Buy 1 Burger, Get One Free special and then again sometime during the weekend. I'm a member of their GiveMeMoreStripes program in which for every $100 I spend there, I get a coupon for $8 off my next visit (I've gotten at least 8 of these coupons in the last year).
Last week, Friday's sent me a Buy 1 Entree', Get One Free offer. I used it last weekend, but it's actually not a one-time thing. It says "Spread The Joy! Send this coupon to your co-workers, friends, & family. Send it to everyone you know so they can use it over and over again until March 1, 2009!" Full disclosure: the coupon is not valid on Valentine's Day.
So, dear readers, if any of you are interested in obtaining said offer, leave a note in the comments or send me an email and it will be on its way. Maybe I can get a couple of you as hooked on the place as I am.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Watch "Marley & Me" For Free Tonight in the Comfort of Your Own Home!
Last week, I was on a spiritual forum talking to a woman about this and that. Here's an excerpt:
Tom: "I planned to see "Milk" this past weekend, but was feeling much too lazy."
Rachel: "lol! I watch all of the movies "free" online. Sometimes, I'd go to the show, but at *********.com, you can see them all. When it's cold, sometimes a person just wants to chill in the house and look at good movies. When the weather is nicer, I'd go to the show (maybe). A movie can come out on Friday, and by that same night, it's online, in its entirety. Very convenient."
Wow, I thought. My favorite theatre is about a 15-minute drive away, prices range from 6 to 8 dollars, and many times during the winter, my feet get too cold for me to really enjoy the movie. I decided to check out the site. I figured it was probably bootleg videos, you know, the kind where someone took a camcorder into the theatre and videotaped what was on the screen.
Imagine my surprise when I watched my first movie, "The Reader". Starring Kate Winslet and nominated for Best Picture, the movie is still playing in hundreds of theatres across the country (it's yet to come to Rochester). The movie started and I quickly realized it was the actual movie, not a copy or a bootleg. What I was watching was a screener (the Academy of Arts & Sciences sends out screeners to many of its members so they've no excuse not to see the nominees).
I leaned back quite happy to be seeing this much-talked-about film. Once I set it for full-screen, there were no advertisements to take me away from the movie and the movie was presented in its proper widescreen format. After 72 minutes of play, it said I had to wait 54 minutes before finishing the movie unless I wanted to sign up for the Deluxe Package which costs about ten bucks.
I figured I could wait the 54 minutes, just treat the time as an intermission in which I could go to the bathroom, get a snack, maybe take a bath and think about what I'd just watched. An hour later, I went back to my computer and finished the film. The next day, I viewed "Happy-Go-Lucky", another film that hasn't come here, but which I was greatly looking forward to seeing.
It's about a lady who is always happy no matter what is happening in her life. Yesterday, I watched "Doubt", a movie that did come to town, but has since gone. Four of its performances are nominated for Academy Awards. Now, none of these movies are even on home video yet. You can imagine how elated a movie fan like me was to see these films without any of the distractions I would be exposed to at our local theatre.
Other movies presently available are the Best Pic-nominated "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "Slumdog Millionaire", and "Milk". If you like comedies, there's "Marley & Me",
"Paul Blart: Mall Cop", "Bride Wars", and "Hotel for Dogs". All are currently playing on the big screen. I'm sure you're wondering by now where to go to experience such joys. Well, I'm not gonna give this out to every Joe Schmo on the web. If you'd like the link, leave me a note in the comments or send me an email.
Tom: "I planned to see "Milk" this past weekend, but was feeling much too lazy."
Rachel: "lol! I watch all of the movies "free" online. Sometimes, I'd go to the show, but at *********.com, you can see them all. When it's cold, sometimes a person just wants to chill in the house and look at good movies. When the weather is nicer, I'd go to the show (maybe). A movie can come out on Friday, and by that same night, it's online, in its entirety. Very convenient."
Wow, I thought. My favorite theatre is about a 15-minute drive away, prices range from 6 to 8 dollars, and many times during the winter, my feet get too cold for me to really enjoy the movie. I decided to check out the site. I figured it was probably bootleg videos, you know, the kind where someone took a camcorder into the theatre and videotaped what was on the screen.
Imagine my surprise when I watched my first movie, "The Reader". Starring Kate Winslet and nominated for Best Picture, the movie is still playing in hundreds of theatres across the country (it's yet to come to Rochester). The movie started and I quickly realized it was the actual movie, not a copy or a bootleg. What I was watching was a screener (the Academy of Arts & Sciences sends out screeners to many of its members so they've no excuse not to see the nominees).
I leaned back quite happy to be seeing this much-talked-about film. Once I set it for full-screen, there were no advertisements to take me away from the movie and the movie was presented in its proper widescreen format. After 72 minutes of play, it said I had to wait 54 minutes before finishing the movie unless I wanted to sign up for the Deluxe Package which costs about ten bucks.
I figured I could wait the 54 minutes, just treat the time as an intermission in which I could go to the bathroom, get a snack, maybe take a bath and think about what I'd just watched. An hour later, I went back to my computer and finished the film. The next day, I viewed "Happy-Go-Lucky", another film that hasn't come here, but which I was greatly looking forward to seeing.
It's about a lady who is always happy no matter what is happening in her life. Yesterday, I watched "Doubt", a movie that did come to town, but has since gone. Four of its performances are nominated for Academy Awards. Now, none of these movies are even on home video yet. You can imagine how elated a movie fan like me was to see these films without any of the distractions I would be exposed to at our local theatre.
Other movies presently available are the Best Pic-nominated "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "Slumdog Millionaire", and "Milk". If you like comedies, there's "Marley & Me",
"Paul Blart: Mall Cop", "Bride Wars", and "Hotel for Dogs". All are currently playing on the big screen. I'm sure you're wondering by now where to go to experience such joys. Well, I'm not gonna give this out to every Joe Schmo on the web. If you'd like the link, leave me a note in the comments or send me an email.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Who Are You?
A couple weeks ago, when I changed my template, I also adjusted my blogger roll a bit. Instead of using a person's first name, I came up with a colorful nickname (the two newest people on my 'roll are exempt).
For example, I named Eric, an accountant, "Numbers". Rachel, who I know virtually nothing about, was given the moniker "Jane Doe". If you're a regular, go find yourself on the left-sidebar and if you have any questions why I gave you the name I did (or want me to change it), leave a note in the comments or send me an email.
For example, I named Eric, an accountant, "Numbers". Rachel, who I know virtually nothing about, was given the moniker "Jane Doe". If you're a regular, go find yourself on the left-sidebar and if you have any questions why I gave you the name I did (or want me to change it), leave a note in the comments or send me an email.
Monday, February 02, 2009
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