- It's amazing to be at an age where many of the musicians and bands that I grew up following have become legends and members of the Rock-and-Roll Hall Of Fame but I can recall when they were young and much lesser known. Or even unknown. Where I can remember their classic records as being new and full of mystery and excitement upon their release. Where I'm given shivers by simply visualizing the album cover. Where you had no idea of their eventual place in music history and culture.
- The moon tonight ..... Stunning and bright. Autumn has arrived!! The seasonal difference can be felt in the evening breeze. It can be heard in the trees. Or seen in the sky. For some it's a renewal of hope.
- A longtime respected management person in her final day today. She's leaving for another job, another company. She arrived years ago at a time where a different management style was badly needed. Replacing a style that had fostered major resentment and distrust. I'm a little sad to see her go. You appreciate honesty, fairness and stability.
- Overheard ..... "Everyone likes broccoli." ..... An extremely WRONG thing to loudly proclaim!! You just crossed paths with one of the exceptions to your rule.
- "If I could, I would." A thought that suddenly entered my mind while thinking about recent dreams. Not sure what it applies to.
- A late evening drive through the neighborhood I grew up in. Everything seems darker than remembered. The streets seem narrower but longer and lacking any sign of activity. There's no one out for a walk. It kind of feels like the movie, "On the Beach" where the buildings and cars are still there but the people are missing.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Friday Notes
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Rookie Mistake
A trip to the post office today in search of a couple stamps seen on the USPS website. John Kennedy and the recent solar eclipse commemorative's. Apparently I need to be more specific in my requests. I asked for "four of each." The clerk thought I meant four sheets of each. My total bill .... $55 and some odd cents. And I almost paid it before realizing the error just seconds prior to swiping my debit card. We (the clerk and I) finally settled on one sheet of each.
Chalking it all up to ....... Rookie stamp collecting mistake!!!
I can see that stamp collecting is an artsy type of endeavor. I'm fascinated by the historical images. I've always been lured in by well done visual images ..... photos, illustrations, posters, baseball cards, murals, album covers, etc... Even graffiti if done skillfully.
Chalking it all up to ....... Rookie stamp collecting mistake!!!
I can see that stamp collecting is an artsy type of endeavor. I'm fascinated by the historical images. I've always been lured in by well done visual images ..... photos, illustrations, posters, baseball cards, murals, album covers, etc... Even graffiti if done skillfully.
Dream # 94,837
A dream last night where a friend was refusing to speak to me. Woke up a little upset and the mood hung around for awhile. It was comforting to receive assurances later that such would never happen.
We've Got Changes
An interesting and somewhat confusing time at work these days, integrating new people who are transferring into our facility from another company facility that's being shut down. Trying to get a feel for their personalities and ways. I've yet to identify any homicidal lunatics or serial backstabbers.
Feeling some sympathy for some of our usual faces who are losing money in the process due to a service time adjusted seniority system and being bumped from higher paying jobs that they have filled for several years. It's all unfolded in two waves about two months apart and just as people were seemingly getting accepting and adjusted to the first batch of new faces and changes, the second wave came washing in. It has to be frustrating for those affected.
What makes it more difficult is that people have been and still are asking questions about the process and the future of the process, where no definitive answers have been given. There's just various rumors flying about causing levels of ongoing angst in some minds. There needs to be a informational meeting or some literature handed out that gives final answers. People now want to know!
I have mixed feelings as it's been helpful in some ways for what I need to get accomplished daily but it also just feels unfair to other people who I've worked with for years.
Feeling some sympathy for some of our usual faces who are losing money in the process due to a service time adjusted seniority system and being bumped from higher paying jobs that they have filled for several years. It's all unfolded in two waves about two months apart and just as people were seemingly getting accepting and adjusted to the first batch of new faces and changes, the second wave came washing in. It has to be frustrating for those affected.
What makes it more difficult is that people have been and still are asking questions about the process and the future of the process, where no definitive answers have been given. There's just various rumors flying about causing levels of ongoing angst in some minds. There needs to be a informational meeting or some literature handed out that gives final answers. People now want to know!
I have mixed feelings as it's been helpful in some ways for what I need to get accomplished daily but it also just feels unfair to other people who I've worked with for years.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Old Friend
Thinking lately about an old friend from college days. A bit saddened by the fact that we've lost touch since we both let go of the activity that most frequently brought us together. And also by changes in his personal life. Too many old friendships fade for those reasons. I wish that things didn't work out that way. People often claim to have no regrets in life. I would list any old friendship lost as a huge regret.
I'm positive that the last time we spoke, neither of us walked away thinking it would be the last time. We probably said, "See you later" feeling assured that we'd make contact again in the near future. The alternative not remotely our intention. So how did we let it happen? It's strange how quickly minutes, hours and days can turn into weeks, months and years. And you don't think much about it as the time is passing by because you get so busy with your routines and daily lives. Then in one brief moment you realize it's been fifteen years .... maybe longer. And there's this huge hole where there used to be a friendship. There was no falling out just a unintentional drifting apart.
It would be nice if people were equipped with a inner early warning system that would alert you to what was developing.
I'm positive that the last time we spoke, neither of us walked away thinking it would be the last time. We probably said, "See you later" feeling assured that we'd make contact again in the near future. The alternative not remotely our intention. So how did we let it happen? It's strange how quickly minutes, hours and days can turn into weeks, months and years. And you don't think much about it as the time is passing by because you get so busy with your routines and daily lives. Then in one brief moment you realize it's been fifteen years .... maybe longer. And there's this huge hole where there used to be a friendship. There was no falling out just a unintentional drifting apart.
It would be nice if people were equipped with a inner early warning system that would alert you to what was developing.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Saturday Funday
The best kind of lazy afternoon ..... not worrying about the time or running to work. None of the accompanying stress and lunacy. Browsing an art gallery, record store, book stores, outdoor markets. Enjoying a great BLT sandwich. (Thanks for the advice Mr. Zevon.) Taking photos of a downtown (Independence, OR) clock. Walking downtown streets. A drive in the country. A Marx Brothers movie. Feeling like more than a stumbling zombie.
And the potential of another such day tomorrow.
And the potential of another such day tomorrow.
Friday, September 22, 2017
More Hoops Dreams
Had an absolutely wild dream about a crazy insane pickup basketball game where I was flying around the court .... then suddenly some Lebron James type dude walked in the door and the wildness multiplied by infinity. It wasn't Lebron but some guy with the same kind of size, speed and power and there was one play where I went right at him and though I missed the shot I was up there in the rarified air with some previously unknown verticality. Imagine that, this 6' 1" old, white boy out jumping Lebron!!!
Then I woke up .... and have that morning after thing where my ankles and back ache. But it's a good ache because it was hoops induced. And I'm wondering where the hell that dream came from? Because I fell asleep on the couch watching a World War II documentary and Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt were having no thoughts about getting a game of hoops together.
And I'm almost afraid to post this because the haters will come out who knew me in my playing days and the trash talk will commence about how I could never even out jump that center on the 1980's era Russian woman's basketball team who Bill Russell commented basketball analyst-wise, couldn't jump over one sheet of paper laid flat on the basketball court. And then Mike Clark will come out of the shadows and remind me about his standing H.O.R.S.E. game challenge .... which I don't even know if I can pull that off right now.
Then I woke up .... and have that morning after thing where my ankles and back ache. But it's a good ache because it was hoops induced. And I'm wondering where the hell that dream came from? Because I fell asleep on the couch watching a World War II documentary and Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt were having no thoughts about getting a game of hoops together.
And I'm almost afraid to post this because the haters will come out who knew me in my playing days and the trash talk will commence about how I could never even out jump that center on the 1980's era Russian woman's basketball team who Bill Russell commented basketball analyst-wise, couldn't jump over one sheet of paper laid flat on the basketball court. And then Mike Clark will come out of the shadows and remind me about his standing H.O.R.S.E. game challenge .... which I don't even know if I can pull that off right now.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Stamp Mania
I fear that I'm becoming a major nerd (That's if I haven't already been one all along.) Getting into stamp collecting. I'm fascinated by the images of people, places, events, etc., on postage stamps.
Vinyl records and compact discs. Baseball cards and volumes of poetry. Even Chinese mud men figurines. Now stamps. Various other items in smaller quantities. Maybe I'm just an insane hoarder? But I sincerely enjoy these things. It's going to be a different kind of weird estate sale when I pass away.
I'm reminded of another collection that I dedicated valuable time to as a kid. Bottle-caps. I'd pick them up right off the street. I don't recall what it was that caused me to abandon that hobby. Possibly the demise of the glass bottle? Maybe the onset of a smattering of maturity?
Vinyl records and compact discs. Baseball cards and volumes of poetry. Even Chinese mud men figurines. Now stamps. Various other items in smaller quantities. Maybe I'm just an insane hoarder? But I sincerely enjoy these things. It's going to be a different kind of weird estate sale when I pass away.
I'm reminded of another collection that I dedicated valuable time to as a kid. Bottle-caps. I'd pick them up right off the street. I don't recall what it was that caused me to abandon that hobby. Possibly the demise of the glass bottle? Maybe the onset of a smattering of maturity?
Sunday, September 17, 2017
I Was Married Once ....
I was married once. (Yeah really!!) Not for a long period of time but it is a fact. I thought everything was going great when it wasn't. I was too young, blind and naïve to know better. I can still recall the beginning of the end with clarity but most that followed is extremely clouded. I came around eventually after a period of denial of fault, to recognize and admit that I screwed it up royally. Lesson learned! It's my only real regret in this life.
Lately I've been having dreams about those days. Occasionally a pleasant vision. Mostly the kind where I wake up feeling conflict and loss. Dreams where I can see things taking place from afar that I don't want to see, but am powerless to look away or stop.
I wonder why the recent increase in related dream activity? I used to think that I had finally made peace with those ghosts.
Beyond this, I don't know what else to say. It was so long ago and I hashed things over through my thoughts daily for so long that I actually became burned out by it all.
Lately I've been having dreams about those days. Occasionally a pleasant vision. Mostly the kind where I wake up feeling conflict and loss. Dreams where I can see things taking place from afar that I don't want to see, but am powerless to look away or stop.
I wonder why the recent increase in related dream activity? I used to think that I had finally made peace with those ghosts.
Beyond this, I don't know what else to say. It was so long ago and I hashed things over through my thoughts daily for so long that I actually became burned out by it all.
The Return of Autumn (Allegedly)
It's not official yet and it didn't have the exact "feel" when I was out and about today but it's on the brink .....
.... The return of Autumn is near (if not already here). The rains returned today and it's in the daily forecast for the next week. And temperatures in the 60's. That sure screams Autumn around here but something is missing. Not sure what it is .... maybe the colors and a certain kind of breeze? But regardless, I'm electing to celebrate the demise of the hot!! Appreciating the change. I survived again!
It's what I look forward to with the arrival of each July.
.... The return of Autumn is near (if not already here). The rains returned today and it's in the daily forecast for the next week. And temperatures in the 60's. That sure screams Autumn around here but something is missing. Not sure what it is .... maybe the colors and a certain kind of breeze? But regardless, I'm electing to celebrate the demise of the hot!! Appreciating the change. I survived again!
It's what I look forward to with the arrival of each July.
Day Off Eve
I've been wanting a real two day weekend but I suppose I'll have to be happy with just one day.
After forty-seven consecutive days at work, quitting time before a day off feels like a rare treat!! But you keep the celebration short and sweet as you scurry to exit the parking lot before someone can stop you and tell you there's been a change in plans and your day off is cancelled. Be it genuine or a fake news, that kind of angst is uncalled for. Don't even joke about it. The next step is to turn off your phone .... let the battery go dead. Then shout down and disregard the increasing voices in your head that desire the extra money that showing up would provide.
Watching the clock often seems to be my main activity on days that I work. Having to go to work in a few hours is always in the back of my mind. I will make an effort to ignore the clock on this day off.
If they want me, they're going to have to first find me and then drag me in, bitching and moaning, kicking and screaming, crying and complaining!!
After forty-seven consecutive days at work, quitting time before a day off feels like a rare treat!! But you keep the celebration short and sweet as you scurry to exit the parking lot before someone can stop you and tell you there's been a change in plans and your day off is cancelled. Be it genuine or a fake news, that kind of angst is uncalled for. Don't even joke about it. The next step is to turn off your phone .... let the battery go dead. Then shout down and disregard the increasing voices in your head that desire the extra money that showing up would provide.
Watching the clock often seems to be my main activity on days that I work. Having to go to work in a few hours is always in the back of my mind. I will make an effort to ignore the clock on this day off.
If they want me, they're going to have to first find me and then drag me in, bitching and moaning, kicking and screaming, crying and complaining!!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Football Friday
The teenage kid at the fast food drive-thru window asked me if I went to the McNary football game tonight and that they lost 62-6.
"No I was at work but I probably went forty-three years ago tonight and my senior year the Celts were no wins and nine losses."
He seemed amazed at that thought. Not sure though if it was the futile won-loss record (There were such high hopes pre-season as I recall) or the fact that he was in the presence of an old dude who went to his high school almost half a century ago.
And I can still remember (and feel) those Autumn football Fridays like it was yesterday!! Especially on evenings at home, with the back door open. You can hear the school band playing and crowd emotions like they are a few hundred yards away even though it's closer to a mile. And in fact it suddenly feels a little sad that I haven't been to a high school football game since those long ago days.
"No I was at work but I probably went forty-three years ago tonight and my senior year the Celts were no wins and nine losses."
He seemed amazed at that thought. Not sure though if it was the futile won-loss record (There were such high hopes pre-season as I recall) or the fact that he was in the presence of an old dude who went to his high school almost half a century ago.
And I can still remember (and feel) those Autumn football Fridays like it was yesterday!! Especially on evenings at home, with the back door open. You can hear the school band playing and crowd emotions like they are a few hundred yards away even though it's closer to a mile. And in fact it suddenly feels a little sad that I haven't been to a high school football game since those long ago days.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Comfort Zones
While explaining job duties to the new guy, he stopped me in mid-sentence and informed .....
"This is not my comfort zone."
I wasn't quite sure how to react. It was never mentioned in the supervisor training sessions that someone might express such feelings.
Huh? Say what? Really dude? I thought. What part of my standing here talking to you, a total stranger, an X-factor in my day, a possible homicidal maniac, appears like I'm in my comfort zone? Hell, anytime I'm on the company property, I'm outside my zone of comfort. And I'm relatively sure that the people I answer to don't really care. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and get to work. I'll be in my comfort zone when I'm home sitting on my couch, watching baseball.
"This is not my comfort zone."
I wasn't quite sure how to react. It was never mentioned in the supervisor training sessions that someone might express such feelings.
Huh? Say what? Really dude? I thought. What part of my standing here talking to you, a total stranger, an X-factor in my day, a possible homicidal maniac, appears like I'm in my comfort zone? Hell, anytime I'm on the company property, I'm outside my zone of comfort. And I'm relatively sure that the people I answer to don't really care. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and get to work. I'll be in my comfort zone when I'm home sitting on my couch, watching baseball.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Continued From Previous Post
...... Nor am I one of those colored vinyl disc kind of lunatic collector. Why would you want anything other than basic pure black vinyl? It's such a pretty color in black. Red vinyl? What goes through a persons thought processes to even consider recording sounds onto red records? And then they use that as a selling point and call those the collectors items? It's offensive to my eyes!!
Surround a well designed center label with a blackest shade of black platter ..... and I'm in love!!!
News update: I did buy the new Neil Young on vinyl. Grabbed the last disc in the store!! And was informed that it's been a big seller in its short life.
Big seller these days doesn't mean the same as it did in the 1970's. Music was more important to ones life back then. Friends would gather in someone's residence or dorm room to hear a new Bob Dylan recording in those days. Certain highly anticipated new releases felt like events to be present for. From my observation point, it's just not the same level of excitement among the populace now. Something that I miss.
Surround a well designed center label with a blackest shade of black platter ..... and I'm in love!!!
News update: I did buy the new Neil Young on vinyl. Grabbed the last disc in the store!! And was informed that it's been a big seller in its short life.
Big seller these days doesn't mean the same as it did in the 1970's. Music was more important to ones life back then. Friends would gather in someone's residence or dorm room to hear a new Bob Dylan recording in those days. Certain highly anticipated new releases felt like events to be present for. From my observation point, it's just not the same level of excitement among the populace now. Something that I miss.
Friday, September 8, 2017
New Neil
So later today (it's currently 2:30AM-ish), Neil Young is finally releasing an album that he recorded and shelved in the mid-1970's. Would it be bordering on a mortal sin, since it's not a re-issue .... and hugely offensive, slap in the face-wise, to my treasured record collection .... to purchase it (at least initially) on anything but a vinyl record format? I'm thinking that it most certainly would be.
Hell I've even been considering not making the purchase since I've been so disappointed in his last few releases ..... BUT, as I have to keep reminding myself: THIS IS FROM THE 70's!!! This is from his, classical terrifical period!! A era of which I am a Neil Young vinyl completeist.
I'm reminded of one potential exception to all this hoopla ..... NY released a single disc vinyl record of new material three or four years ago that I didn't realize had a $37 price tag on it until I was at the cash register with my debit card in mid-run. I was like floating in a dream state pondering new Neil sounds and then suddenly jolted back to reality: "Huh, say what? You said $37 for what?....."
I'm not really a high price tag kind of a collector. Though I did purchase a Warren Zevon bootleg for $50 recently.
Hell I've even been considering not making the purchase since I've been so disappointed in his last few releases ..... BUT, as I have to keep reminding myself: THIS IS FROM THE 70's!!! This is from his, classical terrifical period!! A era of which I am a Neil Young vinyl completeist.
I'm reminded of one potential exception to all this hoopla ..... NY released a single disc vinyl record of new material three or four years ago that I didn't realize had a $37 price tag on it until I was at the cash register with my debit card in mid-run. I was like floating in a dream state pondering new Neil sounds and then suddenly jolted back to reality: "Huh, say what? You said $37 for what?....."
I'm not really a high price tag kind of a collector. Though I did purchase a Warren Zevon bootleg for $50 recently.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Random Act of Kindness
A random act of kindness!!!
Cupcakes mysteriously appeared on my desk at work. I made an educated assumption and confronted the suspected person. Turns out her teenage daughter left them for me. Wow!! Imagine that .... Maybe there's hope for the youth.
Cupcakes mysteriously appeared on my desk at work. I made an educated assumption and confronted the suspected person. Turns out her teenage daughter left them for me. Wow!! Imagine that .... Maybe there's hope for the youth.
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