Tofurkey

What inspires me today...

brown paper packages tied up with string

In light of the just passed holiday on November the 25th, I would like to wish everyone the happiest of Ben Stein's birthday.

Things I am thankful for:

Not having strep throat anymore
Self-explanatory.  Thanks Penicillin.

Four times a day, every day.

Family
The thing about holidays is, they're really family time.  Even if your community is like family in many ways, they all end up going to be with their own respective families.  They are also not your family.  Though this recent Thanksgiving weekend, by normal weekend standards, stands as a pretty good one, it made for a tad depressing Thanksgiving.

Kindles
My eldest sister bought me a Kindle for my birthday.  At first I thought, "what?" next I pondered, "why?" then finally realized, "yes."  Upon discussing the complex thought process behind purchasing a kindle, it made sense because if I were to be any electronic item, it would be a Kindle.  This decision was reached because a Kindle is not touch-screen and full of "Apps" like an iPhone or iPad, it's a little off and awkward as far as electronics go, and all you can do with it is read books.
Perfect.
And though I haven't gotten past the set-up screen, the fact that I've charged it already is a big step.

just like paper!

Friends
Though stressful returning to school after a brief period of semi-isolation, time apart makes me realize that I really do like people.


Kid Cudi
I like the song "Pursuit of Happiness" and all that it has brought into my life.

Well... He makes nice music at least.

Strangers
It's interesting how honest you can be with someone you're likely never to see again.  With the exception of airplanes, I never seem to sit next to the interesting bio-engineer who has figured out the secret behind cryogenics.  Rather, it's always the disgruntled business man or criminally insane guy rocking back and forth while singing who I get stuck by.

Iron & Wine
His new EP "Walking Far From Home" has thus far changed my life and the way I listen to music.




What are you thankful for?

Makes you weak all in your knees.

What inspires me today...

The sick bed.

Having taken ill for the past two weeks, I've had no choice but to come to a natural and well-founded conclusion: sickness was invented by the Vicks corporation.

To take a quick stock in what I have consumed in the past 14 days:

1 bottle of DayQuil
1 bottle of NyQuil
1 bottle of Robitussin
2 NyQuil tablets
1 bottle of Tylenol Cold syrup
4 Sudafed tablets
9 cups of throat coat tea
3 cups of cold care tea
1 cup of nasty homemade ginger concoction
2 Thereflu packets
1 Gingerbread tea latte

1 bag of echinacea cough drops

Staying home from work to catch up on every show I've ever watched an episode of: priceless.

While most illnesses end with going to the doctor, and enjoying a slow progression upwards, mine saw a doctor mid-way, then began a quick spiral down.  I'm going back to that sadist tomorrow to give him a piece of my mind through hand gestures and a frown.

Things I never really thought about, but now realized I have been taking for granted: 

1. The ability to swallow.

2. The ability to speak.

Things that I could have, according to WebMD: 

1. A common cold

2. Scarlet Fever

3. Thyroid cancer

4. Mumps

So, dear ones, before tucking yourself into bed tonight, remember these profound words of advice: Ignorance is bliss when trying to look out for your mental health and avoid having a panic attack from the possibility of influenza.

Worry, worry, super-scurry...

What inspires me today...

New Heights.

I hate surprises.

I usually find that the joy and rush of adrenaline most feel coursing through their veins when faced with a good 'ol surprise is replaced with a bone-chilling dread.  A sort of hybrid of anxiety and terror. 

Surprise parties are the worst.
Generally I become very quiet.  Happy, but fully unable to interact.  Sometimes I cry.

Number 8 on my bucket list was satisfied Saturday morning by a complete and utter surprise at 2:30 in the morning.   After a four hour drive and instant confusion when faced with a white van with the tinted windows bearing worn and peeling lettering reading, "Magical Adventures," a giant wicker basket in tow, I still had no idea what was going on.  The tarps were laid out, and finally giant colorful bundles were unrolled...

Mixing a fear of heights with a hatred for surprises made for a shockingly delightful birthday.

Mike, the pilot, and I wore matching denim shirts.  I think we hit it off pretty well.  He was in his late fifties, a retired air force pilot who has been flying balloons for over 20 years.  Clearly he wanted a photo of he and I on his iPhone after the champagne toast prior to the completion of our aviation feat.  Clearly I obliged.

Excuse me, I misspoke earlier.  You cannot "fly" a hot air balloon.  You simply float, at the mercy of the wind.  Interestingly, this seemingly terrifying concept made for a very calm and peaceful experience.  There wind simply carried us.  No turbulence in fight, none of the worry or fear you may find in a plane (where you supposedly have full control).  Landing spots aren't planned ahead of time, just found.   Maybe life is flight, and maybe the ride would be more enjoyable if we all just learned to float.

Or maybe we should all wear more denim and drink more champagne.

Either way, both options would drastically improve the state of the world.

(I have truly amazing friends.)