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
My oldest bother was the first in my family to get married. He had a pretty big wedding, around 300 guests. At one point, he brought out his guitar and serenaded his wife in front of the whole crowd. It was pretty romantic and I remember looking around and seeing a lot of teary eyes. … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now – Smiths Covered by a Random YouTube Guy (Elliot Smith)
When we were little kids, my family used to make the long drive to visit our grandparents. There was this painting they had that used to creep the shit out of us. It was a portrait of a little girl. Sounds like it should be cute, but it wasn’t. The eerie expression on her face … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Paint a Vulger Picture – The Smiths
Amorphophallus Titanum If you are wondering what this is, you’re in for a surprise. For years I’ve heard about this flower at the Huntington Library, but have yet to see or smell it. The rare plant, which is scientifically referred to as Amorphophallus titanum, blooms for only 24 hours every two to three years. Native to … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: How Soon is Now – The Smiths
This is embarrassing. I tend to speak to God when I’m in need. Yeah, that sounds pretty bad, I know. I’m not proud of it, but if I’m going to be completely honest, that’s been my history. During these times, I typically ask Him for help and surprisingly enough, He tends to come through most … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Ask – The Smiths
I was walking in Tokyo one day and met a random Japanese stranger. We chatted and she said she had a cousin that lived in the US. It turns out her cousin was a classmate of mine in high school. I was a little surprised because number one, what are the odds of that happening. … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: People Are Strange – Echo and the Bunnymen
Game shows used to be a thing when we were kids. I used to watch a bunch of them and thought how cool it would be to be a winner and get to go on a shopping spree. The winner got to select items from the studio smorgasbord of prizes. I could always find something … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Shoplifters of the World Unite – The Smiths
I’ve always been interested in Eichler homes. Joseph Eichler was a developer that built Mid-century modern homes in California between 1949 and 1966. His designs were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Eichler homes are examples of Modernist architecture that has come to be known as “California Modern”, and typically feature glass walls, post-and-beam construction, and … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Back to the Old House – The Smiths
The National Archives described 1968 as a year of turmoil and change. The Vietnam War, riots in Washington DC, the assassinations of MLK and Robert Kennedy. I wanted to find a brighter, lighter spot in this year. It’s trivial and minor, but I think found it. The Big Mac began selling nationally in 1968, for … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: There is a Light that Never Goes Out – The Smiths
A few years ago, we received an Instant Pot for Christmas and it’s been sitting in our pantry collecting dust. Over the years, we have added other appliances that have been put to good use. A Vitamix for smoothies. The Air fryer for salmon or to make guilt free French fries. The Nespresso is pulled … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Panic – The Smiths
In the summer of 1983, I applied for a part time job at Wendy’s. I thought it would be nice to have a little cash in my pocket and a little bit of hard work never hurt anyone. I was on time for the interview, was neat in appearance and respectful answering questions. I made … Continue reading My Gen X Playlist: Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want – The Smiths
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