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.

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.

And that's the way it is!

I thought as I got older I  would get wiser. I don't think I have. I still have that boyish, wide-eyed hope that people will do the right thing and maybe, just maybe they will see the light and change even in the the most mintiest way. People have disappointed me. I have even disappointed myself many times. The one small difference is that I have had introspection. I have drawn lines. I think I do know what is right and wrong. Don't get me wrong, I'm far from perfect. I have my childish outbursts. The red lights that you notice when you first meet someone don't turn to green too often. Sometimes they don't even border on amber. They stay red. Yes, first impressions do mean a lot. I have had the good fortune to work and play in large groups. The grumpy, mean spirited members never failed to portray their real personalities. It wasn't until someone had the gumption to call them out and confront them they relented for a while. Only for a while because these people don't change. Can't change. Because they are convinced they are right and the hell with everyone else. So it is with neighbors, relatives, and  co workers.  Regardless of their realization that the red lights are flashing brightly they will defend and stand by each other. What do I do now?  Nothing! I steer clear of these malcontents. Stay to myself. Enjoy life with my wife and pets. Nothing I do will ever change a thing. I have tried and now I am wiser. Why? Because that's the way it is!

Pet Pain

Pets are a unique part of the family. I have always had some sort or pet. I have had dogs, rabbits, cats and grasshoppers. Even from an early age I had a hard time dealing with the loss of a pet. I am at the stage of my life where I have lost my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and best friends. I haven't lost a sibling nor a child yet. Those losses would seem to be especially hard hitting. But even those I think are incomparable to the loss of a beloved pet. I have spoken with many people on this topic and most agree the hurt is indeed deep. A hurt that doesn't subside with time. The mere mention or thought of a pet lost is cause for a tear to be shed. Kids stay close to their parents side for a few years and gain their independence as well they should. Pets stay by our side all the time they are in our care. Many have relationships with their pets far longer than their marriages and much happier ones too. Could it be the unconditional devotion a pet brings to an owner? Is it that never a discouraging word is heard from a pet? Is it the meow from a cat or the guttural moan from a dog that gives the owner the sense that all they have done to make their pet's life as safe and comfortable it could be is somehow really appreciated. I have grieved for friends and relatives and time has lessened the hurt. Time has never eased for me the pain of losing the pet I loved. In "Of mice and men" there is the line that a man should always be the one to put down their own dog. A task that no one looks forward to but one that gives us the opportunity we rarely get in life. The chance to say good bye at the final moment and be with the pet or person you loved. 

So This Is Christmas

So this is Christmas, the fun time of the year
The time when we hold our loved ones so dear
The time when older parents wait while at the mall
To see which kids actually pick up the phone and call.
The season is for gifts to be given and meals to be shared
A time for people for people to act like they really cared
Many kids wait for Santa by door
Most of us old folk hope we don't end up on the floor
The gifts have been opened and thanked
Think of all the money you could have banked.
Now the end of the day and little time remains
I hope the pills kick in so I get rid these pains.
One more thing to be said
I'm forever grateful my wife's in my bed

Winter Rants

It's winter again and it's getting colder every day. Time for some winter rants about recent news stories that drove me to write.

People need to remember that Freedom of Speech always comes with a price.

Too many threats made by people are never taken seriously and then disaster happens.

If you can't keep a school secure from trespassers then don't open it.

People who continue to travel to dangerous countries and then get arrested or detained got what they deserved. Leave things that happened in the past alone. Not every country or  tribe needs to be prosletyzed.

Interviewers need to ask the tough questions or don't bother.

Parents who take their kids on dangerous trips, have accidents but get rescued should still be prosecuted for child abuse.

When did the amount of Christmas lights one puts up equate to the true understanding of what Christmas is?

I don't answer group letters from friends.

Why in all sports do the players with the least amount of talent boast and complain the most?

Showing appreciation is the highest form of Thank You!

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas!