Friday, June 09, 2006

Books

When I was younger the only reading I participated in involved books about hockey, filled mostly with pictures, and the Guinness Book of World Records. I can still remember the pictures of the worlds heaviest man who reminded me of a bowling ball with limbs, the world's tallest man having to crouch to get through a doorway and the largest ball of string, which to me was the greatest wonder of the world. My two least favorite subjects in school were English and History, and they were always my lowest marks. It pained me greatly to have to read through any book and most attempts I made were miserable failures. With a history devoid of literature, I find it somewhat peculiar how much I have grown to enjoy words, a well constructed sentence, the ability of a great author to paint a picture with words, and I am impressed by the way in which of a bunch of words bound into a book can change my very existence and the way I see world.

I bought my first digital audiobook this past week off iTunes, and it was bittersweet. I am excited because it is Jpod, by Douglas Coupland, one of my fav authors, but it seems somewhat strange not having the feel of paper and the smell of ink to make it real. The digital format is devoid of anything organic and seems so lifeless. This is a bit odd because I am pretty much all digital in my music purchases now, and I have not felt a sense of nostalgia for the cd, or magnetic tape. For some reason, it would seem books are different. On the flipside, I no longer have to listen to Brandon radio in the morning and can look forward to hearing Coupland on the drive to work.

On the topic of books, there is a new movie coming out today called, A Prairie Home Companion, I am looking forward to seeing. Garrison Keillor whose radio program is the basis of the movie, authored Lake Wobegon Days, one of my all time favorite books .

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Too Juicy !!!

My daughter loves juice. More specifically, she likes Five Alive, Passionate Peach, and to be honest, this is the only variety of juice that she will drink. Because she is also a little diva, she will only drink it out of a juice box with a straw.

When my daughter says "Daddy, I want a juice" , this is very easy for me to respond to because I know exactly what she wants.
So tonight, I responded to her drink order by raiding the fridge, and delivering the goods.

I was a bit surprised by the, "daddy, it's too sour" response but the reason was soon easily discovered..... I bought Citrus instead of Peach......

We would love our daughter to expand her juice palette, as you cannot find Peach Five Alive everywhere, and let's be honest...There's a lot of great juices on the market. So, I asked, " Why don't you like this one?"

Her response....."It's too juicy!"

I'm still trying to figure out what this means.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Starbucks

A couple weeks ago I was reading somewhere about how hot Starbucks coffee is reported to be, and thought to myself that it didn't seem any different than coffee temperature anywhere else. This morning I made my routine stop for a Grande Bold to go, handed over $2.11 in correct change as per usual, and drove off to work. As I lifted the cup towards my face for that first mouthful of delicious brew, imagine my surprise as the defective lid came flying off and half of a steaming Grande Bold emptied onto my lap.
For the record, Starbucks coffee is indeed extremelty hot.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Garage Sale

I opened up my blog today and was surprised to see my last post was almost a year ago. I re-read my former posts and overall I think they are a bit lame. This has been a recurring situation in my life with all previous attempts at journaling. I read back over previous entries and wrinkles appear on my forehead. I wonder if actual writers share a similar experience.

It would appear by the lack of posts, visitors and comments, that I am a lousy blogger. I will try harder this time. I too often keep thoughts in my head and I think it will be good therapy to release a few of them.

We had our first ever garage sale today. I think it might very well be our last garage sale. If it were not for the fact that proceeds are going to charity, we would have likely packed it in last night.

A few observations :
1) We have accumulated a lot of crap in the 10 years we have been together
2) People are more than willing to buy this crap.
3) The nicest items in a garage sale are difficult to sell.
4) I am a horrible salesman
Customer: How much for the wine rack?
Me: $20 firm
Customer: Will you take $1.50?
Me: SOLD !!!!!
5) We made $650 and are giving it to Orphanages for Africa
6) I am often ashamed of my own affluence