April 17th marks 100 days since my first post on this new blog. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 3+ months!
I had low expectations for readership, as I don’t have any social media “presence” (or accounts for that matter!) and I only let a few people know I was doing this. But regardless, this was just something I wanted to do, a small outlet for chronicling my life, sharing some things I enjoy and yes, blowing off steam from time to time.
Unlike my last two blogs, I’m actually having fun with this one and have been pleasantly surprised at the “traffic” I’ve drummed up thus far.
I recognize that I’m not exactly a “writer”, nor do I hold any impressive credentials that make me worth listening to. Nevertheless, I appreciate the fact that so many folks have stopped by for a read. I hope my efforts have put a smile on your face, or turned you on to some new music or books, or just gave you a little kernel of something worthwhile to think about.
As of this morning, I’ve put up 55 posts and my site has received 158 visitors and 271 page views! I’ve got a handful of followers and some have even left a few comments! Sure, this is peanuts compared to establishing blogs, but these numbers exceeded my expectations, by a long shot!
So, a big, BIG thank you, to each and every one of you that have stopped by. I truly appreciate you sharing some of your precious time here at my hangout.
With Spring and Summer right around the corner, I expect a lot of good stuff to share with y’all, so I hope to see you back here from time to time!
Lately I’ve been getting some traction in the quest to play with a band again, so I’ve been digging up a lot of “oldies” to listen to and prepare for auditions and such. These trips down memory lane brought up lots of recollections of past bands and gigs, and then out of the blue a song came on the radio that I hadn’t heard in a very long time… ( yes, I do still listen to the radio from time to time!)
This song was the VERY FIRST song I ever learned to play on a drumset!
Now, I was only 5 years old when this album was released, and while I started learning drum rudiments at 7, I didn’t get my first kit until I was maybe 10. So this tune was already a “classic” when I was figuring it out.
For the life of me, I could not learn the bass drum part and then by chance one afternoon I was hanging out with a friend of mine – Mike B. – at his house and he had a much older brother that was a drummer (with an amazing Ludwig kit, that put my jalopy kit to shame!). The brother was cool enough to let me sit down at his kit and he spent about half an hour teaching me that drum part.
After that day, everything just kinda clicked and I was off to the races. 4 years later I was starting my first band. Nearly 4 years after that, and a few bands later, I played my first gig at a nightclub I wasn’t even old enough to legally be in.
Forty-plus years later, hundreds of songs later,I STILL remember the first song I learned like it was yesterday.
It was pure serendipity. That afternoon in the finished attic space on Shady Lane in San Jose at that shiny Ludwig kit changed my life. Mike’s brother, who was close to twice my age, (and I’d never met before!) gave me a gift I could never repay.
It just goes to show, you never know what that small moment of kindness you show someone will lead to. I could never repay Mike’s brother, but I hope in my own ways I’ve paid it foreword, helping others along their path.
I’d had a really good year in ’21, making it down to work out 4 to 5 times a week, then slacked off around Christmas…then caught the Plague…then caught the flu…then went on vacation. Next thing you know, four months have passed and most of my gains are gone. <sigh>
Planet Fitness, I can’t say I missed you, but I’m glad to be back. See you again real soon!
Once upon a time, America was a truly special, unique place and Americans (for the most part) were as bold and forward thinking as they were generous and caring.
Art imitates life back in the day…
Sure, there were some ugly things in the past in this country, nobody with two brain cells to rub together is debating that fact. But that was in NO WAY unique to the USA. The world for the bulk of history has been a cruel, brutal place. That goes for the US, as much as it does for every other country and continent for all of recorded history. We were not special in that regard, not even slightly.
No, what made it special was that you could speak your mind without fear of persecution. You could go to whatever Church your soul guided you to, or not go at all. We had unalienable rights and were FREE to pursue YOUR happiness. Basically, the Government was restricted from pushing you around. This is individual freedom.
All of this is great stuff, right? Makes sense from a human perspective, that we should be able to live our lives AS WE SEE FIT, so long as we’re not infringing on others. Simple. Effective.
Then, of course, as always happens with mere humans “holding power”, they can’t help themselves but to try to attain even MORE power. This again, plagues all of recorded history, worldwide. It’s no surprise, it is to be expected.
What IS surprising, to me at least, is how the population today seems to be not only OK with what is essentially a hostile takeover of our country by government and their cronies in business, they seem to be celebrating it and chastising anyone that doesn’t want to get with their program
It’s bad enough when the Hollyweirdos and the sportsball morons weigh in on things they know nothing about, but now everyone with a smartphone and a twitter account thinks they know what is better for me than I do.
Their opinions are also good for compost piles.
What happened to our bold, proud populace to turn them into nanny-state cheerleaders? Why don’t they understand that any power to compell ME to do something against my will/wishes/conscience, can ALSO be used against THEM to compell actions they themselves are against? Those that would abuse their power generally aren’t too picky about who they wield it against.
These are certainly not new concepts, and there have been a lot of words spilled on the topic over the last few years (which is probably why it’s on my mind now) but I have yet to see any reasoning that makes sense.
There is a lot of blather about this being the result of the public ed. system. I don’t buy that. It MAY have contributed to it, especially at Universities in the last decade, but a lot of the lemmings out there went through their schooling back when schools actually taught and weren’t the so-called “indoctrination centers” they are considered by many to be these day.
While I find social media kinda gross, I don’t think that’s the cause of it either. Yes, it has certainly exacerbated some problems, but there is a certain equilibrium within social media. While I don’t engage in the “big names” like FB and IG and Twitter, I do occasionally comment on YouTube and on other blogs, so I’d consider that “social media” too. And I’ve both learned AND laughed from those outlets, so I cannot condemn social media as a whole. Though generally speaking I do believe it does more harm than good.
Is it that we’ve gone from being “the great melting pot” of society to self-segregating along racial/political lines? It seems everyone is fighting for /their/ interests, which coincidentally also happen to be the “only path to justice”, so you know, they are fighting only for altruistic, selfless goals…it’s everybody ELSE that’s wrong!
In my humble opinion, I believe a combination of factors brought us here. First, fear. And it’s a biggie. Fear of the unknown. Fear of disease/death. Fear of the Police. Fear of the thugs “protesting” by burning city blocks to the ground. Fear of your business closing or your job disappearing. Fear of a government that has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that they do not care about their constituents, and in some cases look at their populace as the enemy. And this is all on top of the usual fears most people deal with on the day-to-day, like paying the rent/mortgage, buying groceries and keeping the house warm, in this era of crazy inflation, etc.
Second, I believe a lot of people are experiencing a profound sense of hopelessness/helplessness. And no, they AREN’T the same thing. These feelings come from fear. See above.
And third, we are completely oversaturated with “data” and “content”, but everything we see and hear has gone through some sort of spin cycle to make sure the “right narrative” is being pushed. Therefore, most of us feel like we’re being lied to, all day, every day. That insecure feeling of not knowing what’s going on helps cement that hopeless/helpless feeling.
This may sound like full on tin-foil hat, looney speak but I think that fear and hopelessness is what our “leaders” are counting on. If We the People aren’t afraid of some “threat” or there isn’t a “crisis” to be concerned with, then of what use is the Gov’t?
To be perfectly honest, I think a lot of our “problems” come from the fact that things in the US have been too good, too easy, for too long. We’ve gone soft. Way too soft. I don’t mean that as an insult, truly. I’m in the same boat. We’re too focused on how many likes we get on a post, or getting our hands on the latest iPhone. Worried that /our/ team/contestant/politician won’t win. Worries about our own personal “optics”… But nobody really seems to be concerned with getting along, being neighborly or being responsible and preparing for hard times.
We’re long overdue for a big Sping Cleaning. We need to find purpose in ourselves beyond consuming. And if we’re to survive as a nation, it’s time to start pushing back and reminding the powers-that-be that WE put them there to represent US. If they aren’t up to the job, we’ll find someone who is.
And as an aside, and I haven’t the slightest idea how this can happen, but I believe a good start is to remove full-time job status from Congress. I think is should be run like the National Guard – one weekend a month, with a month-long session every summer. If those people had to work for a living like the rest of us, we’d be in a better condition. Part B of this idea is that all members of congress are paid the median salary of their district, period. If nothing else it would give them incentive to raise the standards of living for the people they represent, not just their donors. But here I go again, off on a tangent…
In conclusion, I guess what I’m saying is it’s time to change perspective on Government. They are NOT our saviors, they are OUR EMPLOYEES. Clearly they are working overtime to get you to forget that all important fact.
Take care of yourself and those important to you, and remember that when you need them most, the Government will leave you hanging, if not make things worse for you. They are not your friends; you are nothing more than a taxable asset (and hopefully a vote) to them. That is all they see you as. The number one goal of Government is CONTROL. Over you, your finances, your health, your future well-being. That is not their job. Remember that with freedom comes responsibility, but at least when free you can determine your own course.
That is what it’s all about!
I realize this was me just thinking “out loud”, I wish I actually had solutions to the crazy mess we find ourselves living in. Nonetheless, thanks for reading!
Anyone that truly knows me, knows I’m a fiend for wool.
It all started back in the 1980s with a hand-me-down Pendelton wool overshirt. I don’t know how old it was when I got it, but that shirt accompanied me on countless camping trips, surf outings and ski weekends. Not to mention many a cold day when I was working in the trades and spending my time in frigid shops and unfinished buildings. I actually held onto that shirt until late last year, when it finally went to the Goodwill. It’s still perfectly serviceable, but I’m a lot bigger now than I was when I got it, so it really didn’t work as an OVERshirt for me anymore. For over roughly 35 YEARS that shirt served me well.
Since that first Pendleton, I’ve been an unabashed fan of anything and everything wool. Shirts, suits, coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves, blankets and now…boxer shorts! What?!?!
Enter WOOLX. I found them by chance, during last Christmas’ shopping season.
I was intrigued to say the least at the idea of wool boxers, but skeptical. Especially when I saw the price. But, throwing caution to the wind, I decided to purchase a single pair of boxers.
All I can say upon initial receipt of the garment, is that I was even more skeptical. The material was thinner than any wool product I’d ever seen, and the texture was extremely smooth. Frankly, it didn’t “feel” like wool.
So, I put them through the wash (yes, they are machine washable!) and took them for a test drive for a full day at work. My impression after the first day of wear? AWESOME!! Seriously, the most comfortable boxers I’ve ever worn, by far. Nothing else has even come close.
After my first order, they sent me a discount code for my next order, so I got 2 more right away. Then I got another one.
Now, I’m completely spoiled and ONLY want to wear WOOLX boxers! Before my trip, I tried to order 2 more but sadly (though not surprisingly) they were sold out.
Last night I discovered that they had them back in stock, so I pulled the trigger on two more. Huzzah!!
Cheers to Wool!!!
Now to be perfectly honest, I feel the cost of these is outrageous. But the company has a good habit of sending out discount codes, so if you’re patient you can get a “deal” on them, though even then they are mighty pricey.
Frankly it’s too early to tell, but I’m HOPING that I get the same results from these that I have with my other wool products. In other words, that the high cost of the initial purchase is mitigated by the garment’s longevity. Only time will tell, but regardless I think the comfort factor cannot be underestimated. My ONLY “problem” with them is that they have the brand name woven into the waistband. I understand that pretty much EVERYONE does this now, which I despise, so I’m not holding it against them, but if I had my wish, they would lose the logo and make them a solid color.
And for what it’s worth, I was so impressed with my boxers, I bought two pair of wool leggings for the Mrs. from WOOLX, and she loves them as much as I love the boxer shorts.
My suggestion for everyone is to mentally prepare yourself for sticker shock, then head over to woolx.com and pick something out to try. Aside from the beloved boxers and leggings, they’ve got shirts and outerwear and other odds and ends as well. I’m pretty confident you’ll be glad you did.
And just to we’re clear, I am in NO WAY WHATSOEVER affiliated with WOOLX. I have received NO free goods, nor any other compensation for this review. I’m simply a super-fan of their products!
What a handsome devil!
OK, I guess that pretty much sums it up. WOOLX makes expensive but AWESOME stuff. I’ll be a customer for a long, long time if they keep up the great work and the high quality.
Well, our stay in paradise has come to an end and we’re back in the Bay Area. Our trip was fantastic, it really couldn’t have gone any better. Definitely one to remember!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so since I’m jet-lagged and already headed back for a day at the office (on Sunday, no less!) I’ll give you all a little photo essay.
First sighting of land!Our backyard for the week.Some of the neighbors…A couple Geckos for good luck!Honu getting some sun!A little fresh seafood for dinner!A little adventure that day…The Mrs., on one of the happiest days of her life!A final farewell on the way to the airport!
If you ever have the chance, I strongly recommend you visit Hawaii. It really is a special place. The Mrs. and I are already scheming on getting back there! It probably won’t be any time soon, but I can guarantee it won’t be another 15 years!!
It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally on our way to Hawaii!! The Big Island to be a tad more precise.
This is literally one of my favorite places in. the. world. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 15 years since my last trip out to the deep Pacific!
My daughter and the Mrs. have been twice since my last trip to the islands, but I’ve been borderline berserk with excitement for this trip.
This time around it is just the bride and I, celebrating our 30 year anniversary. The girl will be back home, helping take care of our spoiled rotten feline.
We were up at 4am, in the car by 5am on our way to the Oakland Airport. Anticipation made falling asleep last night a little rough, so I’m starting out a little wacky on only a few hours sleep, but will have PLENTY of time to catch up on my beauty sleep.
It’s been raining steadily at home since yesterday and cold, so I’m extra happy to be leaving town for a bit!
Oakland CA, 7:00 am
The airport scene went as easily as you could hope for. No hang ups checking in, got sat with the early boarding group, the plane took off on time and landed at our destination 20 minutes earlier than scheduled. Who could ask for more?
No issues with the car rental and the hotel let us check in early, every thing we could hope for and then some.
So happy to be back in Hawaii, it’s been far too long!
Things have been pretty gnarly at the office for, say the last 18 months. Who am I kidding? Its been ridiculous since January 2020! Then in January ’22 catching the Plague set me back further. Then I got the flu after that, making my previous setbacks even worse. But now things are REALLY heating up because next week I’m on long-awaited vacation! (More on that later.)
That is one of the biggest problems with (highly regulated!) 24/7/365 facilities…nothing, and I do mean NOTHING stops when you’re away. I’ve got a to-do list as long as my arm and 2 days left to get it done. And that’s the list walking in the door this morning, regardless of what I accomplish today, the list will be just as long or longer tomorrow. There is NO “finish line” here, just an eternal grind.
Thankfully I have the weekend to pack and get the dwelling in order, but sheesh!
My plans for the weekend!
This trip was supposed to happen last October, but due to restrictions from the aforementioned Plague, we had to postpone at the last minute and are just now finally getting to go. It’s even crazier to think we booked the trip in August of ’21, that is a loooong time to anticipate a trip!
The Mrs. and I are (belatedly) celebrating our 30th anniversary with this trip, so we’re planning to make it one to remember!
Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely excited to get outta town for a bit, I just miss the days of being able to take time off without having to work double before leaving, and triple upon the return!
All I’ve gotta do now is work like a maniac for the next 72 hours, and then I get to breathe easy! Wish me luck!
I don’t think there is anything wrong with having heroes or “idolizing” someone that excels in an area that interests you. That being said, since the advent of reality television and social media, those being put on a pedestal these days are questionable at best. What we’re NOT seeing is the “best of the best” being celebrated. Instead, it’s the loudmouth, the braggart, the sleaze-merchant that is held in high esteem by “the public”. But why? That is the question that confounds me.
Why are so many people spending so much time watching other people play video games or “unboxing” stuff? So much so that those “content creators” are amongst the highest paid on YouTube! Now, granted, I’ve never really been a video game guy, even when they were first a thing back in the late 1970’s/early 1980’s. After a few minutes I lost interest. But WATCHING someone else play? That’s as bad as watching paint dry. And yet some dude managed to earn millions of dollars by filming himself playing video games for other’s entertainment. Go figure… And don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against those people that found a way to earn a living with no talent or worthwhile skills. More power to ’em. I’d rather a person earn a living like that, than say as a charlatan preacher fleecing their flock or leeching off The State.
What I really can’t wrap my head around is the appeal of this social garbage. When all you bring to the table is the ability to buy a bunch of stuff… what is there to look up to?
Everybody can use some inspiration. Myself included. But what do say, the Kardashians, inspire? Aside from “being rich”? None of them seem to be terribly happy or well-adjusted people. None of them can maintain a relationship. Other than pictures of themselves, they don’t produce anything worthwhile. And yet, they’ve become a household name and amassed tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars because… I’m sorry, I don’t know how to finish that sentence. I cannot answer the “because”, because it makes no damn sense.
Again, nothing against them exactly, I just don’t understand the appeal.
We, as a people, need to start holding up those of worth. Stop supporting the lowest common denominator, and search out the true innovators, the new thinkers, the DIY entertainers that are doing it all without the corporate machine shoving them down our throats.
They ARE out there. Artists, musicians, writers, Podcasters, builders, chefs, etc. Normal, passionate people that are out there doing their thing, because they can’t NOT do it. Regular folk, following their calling. Not for fame and fortune, but because it is a part of their very soul. Seek these people out, and kick the reality TV and the Billboard charts to the curb. Those people, and I use the term loosely, don’t care one iota about you or your life, why should you care about theirs? So you have something to talk about with your co-workers tomorrow?
I fear I’ve kinda got off track here… My point is, there are a lot of great people doing new, innovative, exciting things with their lives and that is what I wish for everybody. Sadly, a lot of folks are led around “by the nose”, never thinking for themselves or attempting to accomplish anything in their lives. That way leads to misery.
Everybody’s got their “something” (H/T to Nikka Costa for that line!). Everybody has their own dreams and aspirations. I just hope for you, that those dreams go beyond “being rich” or “being famous”… Those two “rewards” take an awful toll, not really worth the price of admission IMHO.
So think about it… What’s YOUR thing? What do YOU want to accomplish, to create? Now, with that “thing” in mind, go out and find yourself someone successful in that arena. THAT is who you should be looking up to, not the celebrity du jour.
And above all, believe in yourself. Nobody, not your parents, not your spouse or your partner, not your friends or colleagues truly KNOW what you’re capable of. I’m a firm believer in the idea that we’re all capable of doing whatever it is we need to do to make our lives better. But talk is cheap, the real value is in doing.
I realize this has almost nothing to do with the original essay that prompted this writing, but in the big scheme of things there are certainly parallels. That’s just the way this tired old brain works…a little acorn of an idea leads to something else entirely. Just something to think about.
The Boring Old Man 