Here were a few things I think I was good at as a kid. Keep in mind, sometimes reminiscing unintentionally allows you to take creative license on the past. We used to play a game with our baseball, football and basketball card collections. We’d each lean ten cards against the wall that were up for … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: One – U2 & Mary J Blige
The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and I finally understood what doomscrolling was. Until then, I’d heard the term but didn’t really get it. I thought it was this over exaggerated term the youngsters say. But for some reason, that day I felt the anchor around my neck dragging me down. There’s so … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Blinded by the Light – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
I used to love reading. I got the bug early. As a kid, we used to go to the library on a regular basis. My mom would put a limit on the number we could check out each week. It was too difficult keeping track for all four kids. She always had to figure out … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes) – Book of Love
When I was on sabbatical, I discovered a coffee roaster by chance. I was running errands and was looking for a place to chill between appointments. I stumbled upon this place and fell in love with the vibe. I’ve mentioned on this blog that I’ve always wanted to open my own coffee house. If I … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Circle – Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
When I have trouble sleeping, I put a podcast on to distract my thoughts. Usually that does the trick and puts me right to sleep. I was listening to This American Life the other night. This time I tried staying awake to listen all the way through. This episode was about a boy who went … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: The Lucky One – Alison Krauss and Union Station
In three years I’ll be right around 60. That will be my first checkpoint on possible retirement. It’s not guaranteed I can jump in, but there is a sliver of hope. Realistically, it’s more likely retirement will be five years instead of three. Until then, I’ll feel fortunate to be working. I know there are … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: I Know It’s Over – The Smiths
I’m not exactly sure when the shift occurred. When I first started this blog, it triggered rays of nostalgia and reminiscence. It’s easy to get wrapped up in its comfort and wanting to stay in its warmth. When I read the prompt, I figured I’d fall back on my obvious choice. My twenties. Technically an … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Why – Annie Lennox
When I lived in Japan, a friend made a comment that it was a strange revelation living as a minority. I remember him saying that everyday was difficult. It wasn’t only because he didn’t speak the language, but he also felt the impact of being different. Admittedly, he didn’t experience any negative actions or words … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Big in Japan – Alphaville
I had a conversation with a young woman who works at one of the top consulting firms. Although she is doing extraordinarily well in her career, she confessed she experiences bouts of imposter syndrome. You wouldn’t know it if you met her. She is smart, confident, accomplished. She’s also able to mask moments of self … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Knife’s Edge – The Alarm
I already answered this prompt a year ago, but the weather is so nice today, I thought I’d give it another go. You’d think living in Southern California, my go to response would be sunny and warm. But that’s only partially correct. If you find yourself in Southern California gridlock, you’ll notice most cars only … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Full Force Gale – Elvis Costello
Absent any new WordPress daily prompts, I pulled one from thecoffeemonsterzco. If you could win a lifetime supply of something under $10, what would it be? I remember when a Big Mac Value Pack was under $5. Now it’s close to 12 bucks. That’s a sure fire way to encourage me to eat healthier. I … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Jeremy – Pearl Jam
Absent any new WordPress daily prompts, I pulled one from thecoffeemonsterzco. As a child, what dinner meal did you like the least? There was a rule at my house as a kid. Eat all the food on your plate. Period. If you are Gen X, your parents probably recited the old saying – There are … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Crowded Table – The Highwomen
Absent any new WordPress daily prompts, I pulled one from thecoffeemonsterzco. Does how you feel about your appearance affect how you act during the day? Prior to starting my new job, my barber had shoulder surgery and would be off for six months. It wasn’t initially much of a concern since I was still on … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Love Plus One – Haircut 100
Rebuilding Rob pulled an interesting daily prompt from thecoffeemonsterzco. I think I’ll give this one a try, too. If you could live in any city for two years, where would you choose to live? At one point in my career, I began to question what I was doing. I was grateful to have a job, … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Africa – Toto
I have to admit, I enjoyed the WordPress daily prompts. Sure, sometime the questions were questionable at best, but it still provided an avenue to write everyday. WordPress limited their daily prompts to a year and I blew past that a while ago. A kind reader suggested the daily prompts from coffeemonsterzco. I think I … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Wonderwall – Oasis
What is your favorite genre of music? Today is number 365. One year of daily prompts. There were times that I didn’t think I’d make it, but the will maintain the streak fueled me to find a way to write something, anything at times. It’s been a fun, challenging ride. I used to think I … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Green Eyed Girl – Ted Hawkins
Describe your most memorable vacation. WordPress labeled today answered before I could even say hello. Today’s prompt is the first prompt I completed almost a year ago. Apparently, I just lapped myself. I re-read my original answer and am surprised I went in that direction. Here is that first post. Wichita Lineman – REM I … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Galveston – REM
I could say work, but where’s the fun in that. And am I really? I don’t have a PhD in anything, so I can’t lean on my education. Nobody is knocking on my door to pick my brain on any complicated issue that needs to be solved. So, no. I’m not an authority on any … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: I Don’t Want to Wait – Paula Cole
We went to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day. As we sat at our table, I looked around at the young couples nearby all dressed up on romantic dates. The hidden mark of a good restaurant is when they can casually step in when things go awry. Right before we ordered, my arm hit my … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Crazy Love – Cassandra Wilson
It’s difficult to believe today is my 361st post. This started out as an experiment, a chance to take on the challenge of writing daily and listening to some music along the way. At times, it’s been difficult to creatively write every day and then try to reach back in my brain to find a … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: All I Want Is You – U2
I started getting a few grey hairs in junior high school. That was odd. I have dark hair, so those few strands stuck out. They tended to grow in small patches. Not a lot, mind you, just here and there. I’d ask my mom to pluck them. She’d search my head and pull them out … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Grey Victory – 10,000 Maniacs
A young woman once tapped my mom on the shoulder at the grocery store, introduced herself and gave her a big smile. It turned out, my mom was her second grade teacher almost two decades ago. She’d been retired for many years but once she heard the young woman’s name, she remembered her instantly. It … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd
There is something amazing about anesthesia. First of all, you won’t get past seven on the count down from ten. As I counted down, I remember very little after I started. It’s not like you drift off, because you don’t. You are abruptly out like a light. Secondly, you wake up and it feels as … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones
Whoever invented the pill box is a genius. I now use it religiously. It only occurred to me I needed one when I couldn’t remember if I took my medication for the day. And it’s not like I take a lot of meds, because I don’t. My memory used to be rock solid. These days, … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Ironic – Alanis Morrisette
Last year we received a notice from the city that we had to divide our trash yet again. We already separated our recyclable items into a separate trash can. Now they were asking us to separate our food scraps and other organic material, known as green waste. My first reaction? C’mon guys. Give me a … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Obscurity Knocks – Trashcan Sinatras
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