Sunday, May 18, 2014

Random Thoughts

Hi! Some random thoughts today that have been juggling around in my head.

If salad is so delicious why can't we eat it without a dressing on it?

Why are some songs only known by their titles? The rest of the lyrics are either too long, too comlicated or totally unrecognizable  from the slurring of them by the singer. Some examples are
Hallejulah, Long Time by Boston, just about any Springsteen song, Lady Madonna by the Beatles, and any song from Dave Matthews.

I often realize that when I look at a child who does not walk or talk yet and is under the complete care of their parents I'm actually looking at how the child will be in their last few years on earth. Now and adult, conditions are the same just the location and the caretaker has changed.

Brining a chicken is salt and sugar for two hours before cooking it is an incredible culinary secret.

 Culinary shows like Kitchen Nightmares, Top Chef and Robert Irvine's Restaurant Impossible have given me a new perspective on dining out. I now feel more empowered to be critical of local cuisine and service. I look for the cleanliness of the restaurant. I am less hesitant to send food back that is below par.  I notice how much of the food has been previously frozen and microwaved.The one blaring criticism of restaurants in South Florida is the crude service we are made to put up with.

Is is just my dog? My wife and I have to spell in front of Alice now because she has a large vocabulary .

 All children with elderly parents should see the film Nebraska. The way all elderly should go out for the last time.

Wow, I feel about three ounces lighter with all that off my chest.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Not just another day

We all know a week has seven days. A month has about 30 days. A year has 365 days. Common knowledge that we all have. I have a calendar on my wall, white board, my computer, and my iPhone. I keep track of my tennis lessons, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, meetings and trips. Yes, I am a calendarholic. I am obsessed with not missing any important event. Why?  They are my calendar because they are worth remembering. Do they have the same importance? No!! Some are more important not just a reminder. Important why? Some days are special because they are for special people. Birthdays are not to be forgotten. Such a special day it is in a person's life. Anniversaries are important. The marking of the passage of years of a special event is worth remembering. Mother's and Father's days are especially important. These are two days that hold a special place in a perents' heart. No parent no matter how removed from their children ever loses that special love for them.  No parent ever wants to be forsaken on that day. All days are not equal. Some are much more dear and never to be taken lightly. Days cannot be recovered like a lost key. Once gone they are forever gone. Waiting till the next year comes for the same day is a risky proposition. Only the foolhardy would take that bet.

THE EQUALIZER

In my 65 years here on earth I have met all types of people. I've met them all over the world. Young and old, men and women and all races I have known. Many have been truly nice people. People with whom I have spent time socializing and forming friendships. Of course I have met many condescending folk. Many who I think never have had a happy day in their lives. Grumpy and cantankerous is their demeanor everyday. Those who have that snooty attitude. You know, I'm more intelligent than you. I'm in a better societal class than you. I live in a better neighborhood. Well all of these are nice and everyone can have their own little delusional view of their lives. When the equalizer strikes all of that means absolutely nothing. When the equalizer strikes let's see who is begging for someone to help and take care of them. When the equalizer comes in the form of a serious health condition the playing field quickly evens out. Everyone lays on the gurney the same way regardless of any false prestige. False bravado is quickly erased when bad health news arrives. I've been fortunate. I have been healthy with only a few minor problems. I am always aware of the inevitable. I look at my friends and everyday observe  how fragile we are. How easily one can be debilitated. I try never to lose my perspective of who I am and how I treat others. I do know that I too can be visited by the equalizer and you should too.