Life In The Weeds

Clean out your Locker

Recently we went to back to school night at the High School. It was our third...first Elementary school then Middle School, and, finally, a trip to the High School.  We were excited to go, as this was our maiden voyage to the hallowed halls of High School.  On the way out the door, I asked our son for his locker combination so we could leave him a note and check out his locker.  His response, "I'm not sure where it is...I have never been there!"

Shocked at this knowledge, I pushed for an explanation...as it turns out, there is not enough time for the kids to get to their lockers and back to class...so, NOBODY uses their lockers...the kids lug around ALL their books to ALL their classes!  What a drag...literally! 

Back in the day, your locker was the mecca of all activity.  It's where you heard the gossip...it where you met your girlfriend to walk to class...it's where you played a practical joke...it's where you saw all your friends who you did not have class with...your locker was THE place to be!

Locker usage is out...what a bummer!

mj

Keep It Simple Stupid

Everyone knows the KISS principle, right?  It applies to many things...and, you could probably argue that "keeping things simple" would be a great way to get through life.  In fact, I use it when coaching soccer, though I end the term with the word Sweetie...the girls love it when I remind them to KISS out on the soccer field!

I read an article yesterday that says "simple" is all the rave these days.  This article outlines how marketers of packaged goods are striving to re-brand themselves...in 2010, products that tout simplified labels will be more sought after than those clinging to the formerly hot buzzwords "organic" or "natural".

It states that from 2005 to 2008, there's been a 64.7% increase in new products using the words "simple" or "simply" in the product or brand name."

I find it ironic that we are getting back to the basics...less, is now back to being, well, more!  Back in the "old" days...like way back...when they made bread, for example, they just used what they had...no fancy ingredients, coloring, flavoring...the pioneers applied the KISS principle...both in the kitchen and in their everyday life.

It's funny...we are now back to buying whole milk in our house.  I grew up drinking gallons and gallons of Vitamin D Whole Milk...but as parents we went to 2% milk, then 1%, then skim...NOW, we are back to whole.

If "simple" sells, I'm all for it.

mj

Wine & Beer

One way to think about the consumption of wine vs. beer? 

According to a study by West Virginia University, the alcohol content of American beer is between 3%-6% and American wine is 9%-14%.

So, 12 ounces of wine has at least double the alcohol content of a single bottle of beer. Since a bottle of wine contains 26 ounces, seems to reason that a person would have to consume 5 or 6 beers to intake approximately the same amount of alcohol as someone drinking a full bottle of wine.   

O.D.O.o.O.D.B.

Whole Ignoramus

Do you know what a Whole Food is - not the chain of food stores, the concept whole food? I just finally learned what it is and I am a 49 year old physically fit male, who doesn't exercise or diet much because my metabolism guards my weight, who is very aware of current events and trends. Recently I began to put on some weight and looked for healthy-eating advise. 

I finally settled on one of the zillion eating habit experts. He said that I should eat mostly whole foods. Huh? I did not know that whole foods was actually a definition rather than just a trade name or a colloquialism. He said that a whole food is a natural (mostly) unprocessed and unaltered food - apple, egg, lettuce, nut and such and that it is much better to eat foods that nature has provided than processed foods. Now that is a concept that is easy to understand and keep in your mind.

Someone else explained it to me this way - Before you eat something, say like Cheese Doodles, ask this question - Would my great grandparents have considered this item food?

O.D.O.o.O.D.B. 

Rivalry Overload

Living in Princeton is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place...for sports fans!  Since I am not a "local" this formula does not apply to me, but for most folks living in the area, sports allegiances can be a bit confusing. 

It's either Philadelphia or New York?  And, some, are both!  The combinations vary, but it may be a Giants/Phillies combo or a Yankees/Eagles...what about the Rangers or the Sixers?

Well this weekend is dream come true for anyone who wants to show their commitment to either Philly or NYC. 

Here is what's on tap:

Saturday:

Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks - 7:30 pm

New York Yankees at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies - 7:30 pm

Sunday:

New York Giants at Lincoln Financial against the Philadelphia Eagles - 1:00 pm

New York Yankees at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies - 8:20 pm

It's not like these two cities are fanatical or anything?  These games will be best watched from the comfort of my own home...I would not want to get caught in the middle of an argument with my Mets or Jets hat on!!

mj

Beware of Dog

Who can we blame for the "little dog" craze that is sweeping the nation?  Paris Hilton?  Ozzie Osbourne?  Mickey Rourke?

It's one thing to own one of these dogs and enjoy their company in the privacy of your own home, but what is the infatuation with dog owners bringing these little micro dogs EVERYWHERE.

What really disturbs me is when I see someone driving their car with one of these dogs in their lap!  This can not be safe.  And, why isn't there a law that prohibits dogs from being in the friggin drivers seat with the driver!  Maye there is a law (going to look into it), but no one seem to be enforcing it.

Recently, I saw a woman (sorry, but it seems like all violators are woman) driving in her fancy SUV, with her dog practically on the dash board...certainly ON the steering wheel...AND, this particular woman was talking on her cell phone.

I'm sorry, but if you are going to own a teeny, good for nothing, micro dog...please keep him out of the drivers seat!

mj

NJ Bullet Train

As you know, I am a commuter into NYC.

When I tell people I live out in Princeton, they are surprised and always ask, "we'll how long is the train ride?"  My typical response is to explain that I am lucky because "my" train is an express and it only makes one stop - Newark - before pulling into Pennsylvania Station...so, the train ride is only around 55 minutes.

That's about the most I think about the actual train ride, until recently!

Just a couple of days ago, as the conductor was punching tickets, a gentleman realized that he was on the wrong train.  He asked if the train would be stopping at New Brunswick.  The conductor's response was, "no, we'll be passing through New Brunswick at 120 MPH." 

I had to ask if we really clocked at that hight of a speed!  When I asked if he was exaggerating he, very proudly, as if he owned the entire railroad system, responded with a resounding YES!

It makes sense, based on the miles traveled and time elapsed...but I really never thought we were going THAT fast.  120 mph is hauling'!  Especially in a Double Decker NJ Transit model.

So, next time you head into NYC with the kids, make sure to them just how fast the train is going...in fact, tell them they are riding on the NJ Bullet Train!

mj

For God

Has it ever occurred to you to pray For God, rather than just To God? I mean, He has lots of responsibility managing a whole universe and all, including the here and the hereafter.

Is there any point? Does God need or want mere mortals to pray for Him? Would God think better of you (provided your prayers are genuine and selfless)?

Or maybe the way we "pray" For God is to follow his word.

Thoughts?

O.D.O.o.O.D.B.

Reading is FUNdamental

Over the last 5 years or so, I have discovered reading!  Go figure...

No, I did not just discover how to read, rather, I discovered that I actually like reading.  I challenged myself to read one book a month and, while it has not quite worked out that way exactly, I have been reading lots of books.

I ONLY read non-fiction...I love true stories about survival (extreme conditions) and I love early American History (which really was survival)...I read other genres, but these are my fav!  I have been buying up USED books on Amazon (the deals are laughably low!) and I really love to buy hardcover books.  Something about that HARDcover that inspires and allows me to really get into a story.  I would love to have a library full of books on display at some point in my life.

I really enjoy the concept of lending out a good book as well.  I always sign and date the inside front cover and ask the same of the recipient...it logs a cool little history of the book.

I just finished 1776, David McCullough and am now reading The Unforgiving Minute, Craig Mullaney.

What's strange is that I NEVER read as a kid or student...never, ever!  Cliff's notes were my ticket.  Lame, I know, but sadly, true!

Thankfully, my kids really enjoy reading.  In fact, I have encouraged my oldest to read some of the inspiring true stories I have collected over the years...

I am a reading convert and I am doing my best to spread the word that reading is fundamental!

mj

Non-what

When the new age, crunchy, politically-correct and Hollywood types use the term "Non-Judgmental" - as in "I love him because he is completely non-judgmental" - what exactly do they mean?

Does that mean that the person has no opinion or better said, shares no opinion or feedback? If he is completely non-judgmental, I assume that he never gives any positive reinforcement either.

Or, does it just mean that he never dares to speak up when I have screwed up because doing so might deepen my pain, embarrassment, lack of confidence or shame and make me face reality?

If a person is completely non-judgmental, how exactly do they help you get better?

Give me a critic every time.

O.D.O.o.O.D.B.