If I weren’t one of the unluckiest people

 Life, My MCL, Philosophy  No Responses »
Dec 122011
 

I was talking to someone I’ve known for a number of years recently, and he happened to mention he only had $45 in the bank. At first I didn’t believe him, but he was adamant. He’s married, with one kid, and earning what I believe to be a half way decent wage, and he only has $45 in the bank?? How can that be? Sure I know there are likely many in that situation, but I felt a lot better when I thought I didn’t know anyone in that position.

Couple that with just learning another friend is experiencing a reemergence of his lymphoma (he was initially diagnosed after me), and is starting treatment again today, things don’t seem to be boding well for the new year.

Of course that got me thinking. [Something I really need to stop doing.] How is it I have been so fortunate in life, where so many others have not? How have I been able to dodge so many bullets put in my path? Even a diagnosis with a very aggressive variant of lymphoma hasn’t been as devastating [yet], has it has been for many others. And I have a few other friends who have health issues that seem a lot more disconcerting than an enlarged spleen and some fatigue. And I won’t even to go into everything Edie has had to endure.

Now some may argue it’s just been a matter of good planning, and that is certainly open for debate, but considering everything going on around me and in the world, I can’t help but think, lots of people plan, and it doesn’t always work out. I think there a saying about “the best laid plans…….”

In the end, I believe it’s simply the luck of the draw, which reminds me of another saying someone once told me

I’d rather be lucky than good any day!

I think that pretty well sums things up for me!

To smartphone or not to smartphone?

 Life, Philosophy, Politics  6 Responses »
Dec 022011
 

Two years ago, when I got my DroidX, I was all excited. The thought of being able to log on to the internet where ever I was, having access to GPS, my Kindle books, a camera etc. all in one convenient, compact device, seemed like a good idea, maybe even necessary and important.

But now I’m not so sure.

When I think about it, is it really worth $30 per month ($60 if you add in my wife’s Droid), to have access to the internet everywhere, especially when you consider I’m already spending $40/month for wifi access at home? I hardly ever use it, except when I am at home, and I’m too lazy to go get my laptop to check whatever it is I feel is so necessary to check. And why do I need a Kindle or camera on the phone, neither of which is a good substitute for the real thing? The GPS may be about the only thing that is a good idea, but is it worth $30/month, considering how little I use it?

We have become slaves to technology. We’ve been brain washed into thinking we need to stay connected every hour of every day. Some of us would rather spend hours in front of our computers discussing whatever, with strangers around the country and the world, who we’ve never met [GETTING FAT!], while others sit in front of the TV [GETTING FAT!] being bombarded with reality shows and political diatribes, designed to distort and confuse reality, and hide what is actually happening in our own backyards.

We use technology as baby sitters for our kids [who are GETTING FAT], when their time would be better spent outside playing a pick up game of baseball or basketball, or simply engaging their friends in conversation face to face, instead of texting on their smartphones.

I’m sure some people may find it useful, mostly salesmen and the like, but for me, and the vast majority of other people, it’s just plain stupid, not to mention non productive and a waste of money, and I think it’s time I got rid of my smart phone.

There’s no reason why a good old fashion [cell] phone can’t suffice for most of us. I think it’s time we started communicating more face to face, like we use to, instead of hiding behind our computers and smart phones. We certainly were a lot more civil to each other when we did.

Plus I can think of a lot better uses for that $30/month ($60 if I can convince Edie of the same), like a good bottle of wine.

When I was young

 Life, Philosophy  2 Responses »
Nov 302011
 

That was the title of a song written, and performed by Eric Burdon and the Animals back in 1967, which I thought was worth sharing. I can’t really say that I remembered it, but that doesn’t change the fact the words sure seem so much more appropriate, and poignant now [that I'm older].

Enjoy, and pay particular attention to the last verse.

Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD)

 General Health, Life  No Responses »
Nov 212011
 

I know I posted earlier about how I hate this time of year, but I always seem to be so adversely affected by this time of year, I thought it was worth reiterating.

I just can’t seem to get motivated to do much of anything lately. Sure I go through the motions everyday, and put on airs, but in reality it’s nothing more than a facade. And the winter season has barely gotten started. There’s still over 30 days of continually shorter days left before the days start getting longer, and even after that, I still have to contend with the likelihood of even colder days ahead, especially in February. (Typically the coldest month of the year.)

There’s also the rain to contend with. Californians (and I do consider myself a Californian) don’t do good in the rain. After all, we don’t get much of it, that is except for this time of year. And yesterday was one of those days. It poured. It poured so much, more of San Pedro (just west of us) is falling into the Pacific Ocean. It’s a good thing that section of road had been cordoned off due to potential landslides.

And then of course when you add in all the other problems Edie and I have, it just doesn’t help the situation.

Fortunately writing about it does help [a little].

It’s that time of year again!

 Life  No Responses »
Oct 282011
 

The temperatures are trending lower, and daylight is in short supply.

I was rudely reminded of that yesterday and today, when temperatures dropped below 50°F for the first time this fall. The lack of daylight is one thing, it’s still dark at 7 AM, but couple that with the falling temperatures, and………….

My only saving grace is I don’t have to drive 80 miles in the dark to get to work any more, and the skies lately have been clear enough to allow the sun to shine through first thing in the morning (when it finally does come up), but that doesn’t change the fact, I hate this time of year.

The worst thing though, this is only the start of the season. There’s at least another 4 (more likely 5) months to endure, before things start to turn around again.

I just hope I have enough warm clothes and wine stocked up to make it through.

BIG SIGH!

Vacations, what are they good for?

 Cycling, Food & Wine, Life, Philosophy, Vacations  No Responses »
Oct 172011
 

There used to be a time when I enjoyed going on vacation, but now not so much.

I don’t know if it’s simply because of all the little things I hate about traveling, i.e. packing and unpacking, checking into and out of hotels, airport hassles etc. or simply the fact I don’t need to travel anywhere.

I already live in an area which has everything most people dream of in a vacation. I sure don’t need to drive very far, or fly to all corners of the world, to get away (my justification for our latest trip to Solvang/Santa Inez). I can go to Disneyland for that, and still sleep in my own bed at the end of the day.

Sure it’s enlightening to experience new places, but I’ve seen most of the US, and I’ve been to France, Italy and England. I lived in Okinawa for 18 months, and vacationed in the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Fiji (twice), Tahiti, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. I’ve even been to New Zealand. I don’t need any more enlightening.

Plus, I’m not into culture. I’d just as soon watch a travelogue, or look at photos someone else has taken of the places I’ve never been. My real reason for going anywhere is to experience the food and wine of a region, but I can get all that right here in beautiful southern California, and in spades!

So why go through all the hassles of leaving home, worrying about how Morris and Chloe (our cats) are doing, or feeling down because I’m not out riding my bike?

The truth of the matter is I don’t. I just need to accept that realization.

I know hearing all that won’t please the travel industry very much, but why do I need to please them? [I never really considered them an industry anyways.] It should, however, keep the local restaurant’s happy, as I’ll be able to frequent them more often, as well as the wine industry, by keeping my wine cellar well stocked with lots of high quality wines.

 Posted by at 10:02 am
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