Category: Morning Babble

morning babble / Saturday 10-16-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

No coffee today. I’ve got my Lapsand Souchang Black Tea going on. Also, I have some Butterscotch Krimpets remaining. You know how to eat them? I’ll show you at the end.

I haven’t run yet. #289 of my 5K runs will take place on the trails outside. Looking forward to feeling the sun. Maybe a little too much warmth from it for this time of year, but I’ll take it. Also, an update about the upcoming Blue Hen Homecoming 5K Race that’s next Wednesday – I’m not doing. Sorry, Doc – I meant to text you yesterday. I’ve got nobody to watch the kids as I run, BUT more importantly, the work issue has that day totally messed up for me now. I’ll be lucky to get home in time for my wife to get onto her class. Good times. I wish I could, but priorities of the business have to come first in cases like this.

More updates – sadly, I am pausing the 30,000 word goal of the month. I’m struggling in a couple of different ways. One for the time. But – two for the motivation to write Confessions of a Workaholic during a time when . . . I’m unfortunately cranking it up again. Pounding a little extra java / Sleep – I did 5 hours a night this week. I did get a couple extra this morning / All my writing or reading times this week were filled with work on the computer. Watching the Eagles game on Thursday night. I set up shop with my computer there too. By the way – Miss you Zach Ertz. But anyway, back to the “pause”. I feel bad – I really do, because I don’t like this giving up in the middle but things have changed. Geez – my morning routine that I went over a couple weeks ago – all different already. I’m waking up even earlier. I’ll still write when I can. I haven’t released “Empire” and “Elevator to Girth” – so, I am excited about doing them when the window of time opens up.

Typically, I answer questions here, but I feel like I gave updates on a couple things, so – we good? Alright, how to properly eat a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“That’s the whole secret: to do things that excite you.” – by Ray Bradbury

morning babble / Friday 10-15-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Officially broke the fast with an IPA beer “Up & Out” from 2SP Brewing Company – Two Stones Pub (I recently posted about their double IPA New England Style beer “Up Up & Away” – holy cow, I still can’t believe it’s a double). I actually had the beer poured in a glass and the food was tacos. But – we had to make the tacos and had all the fixings laid out before us. I was impatient and it was past the 6:10pm mark, so took a swig of the beer. Amazing how much you can sense with that first taste after a 3 Day Fast.

Countdown to 30,000 words – woo – tough week with work and no break is coming yet. We’re hiring. So, I’m still 18,211. I might have to make a decision on this – more on that tomorrow. I’ll explain.

I ran – #288 of the 5K runs for the year.

New Music Friday:

• It’s official: Adele’s first album in six years is out next month. It’s called 30 and its out November 19th. What’s that Johah Hill Scream Meme? Yeah, that one. Adela said that, while 30 is not a divorce album, the album addresses her split from her now ex-husband, partly for her son’s benefit. “I just felt like I wanted to explain to him, through this record, when he’s in his twenties or thirties, who I am and why I voluntarily chose to dismantle his entire life in the pursuit of my own happiness. It made him really unhappy sometimes. And that’s a real wound for me that I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to heal.” First single can now be heard it it’s entirety . . . not a tease anymore. Go listen to “Easy on Me” – all of it. Again, full album next month – November 19th.

• Coldplay – new album – Music of the Spheres is all out. We’ve gotten several singles already but now we get the whole thing with 12 tracks of music. The interesting news from Coldplay is about their world tour. They declined to tour on their previously released album Everyday Life for environmental reasons. So, the band has pledged to cut tour emissions by 50 percent and each show will be powered exclusively by renewable energy. They plan to eliminate “significantly more CO2 than the tour produces” with initiatives including the planting of one tree for each ticket sold. Ten percent of all tour earnings will enter a fund for “environmental and socially conscious causes”

• New Music Brent Favorite – I mentioned before a couple weeks that Elbow will be releasing their ninth studio album, Flying Dream 1, on November 19 2021. We already got “The Seldom Seen Kid” but today we get another single called “Six Words.” I love their sound.

• Another Brent Favorite – Band of Horses have announced that they’re returning with a new album in 2022. January 21st we get it. It’s called – Things Are Great. Today we get the new song “Crutch.” My son’s first concert. He was like 7? Yeah, everyone was looking at us.

• I talked about this Christmas music last week, but back then it was only singles that were released. Today – full album drops from Norah Jones, I Dream Of Christmas. She’s quoted as saying, “I’ve always loved Christmas music but never had the inclination to make a holiday album until now,” Jones said. “Last year I found myself listening to James Brown’s Funky Christmas and Elvis’s Christmas Album on Sundays during lockdown for a sense of comfort. In January 2021, I started thinking about making a Christmas album of my own. It gave me something fun to work on and look forward to. website link “Christmas Calling” was the single previously released, but now you get all 13 holiday tunes.

• And yes, the other one that I talked about was Kelly Clarkson with When Christmas Comes Around. Last week we could hear “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You)” but today we can hear all 15-song collection features Ariana Grande (“Santa Can’t You Hear Me”), Chris Stapleton (“Glow”) and Brett Eldredge (“Under the Mistletoe”). In addition to original cuts, the set will feature covers of classics like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Santa Baby” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

• And next Friday . . . more holiday albums . . . hear they come!

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The big lesson in life is never be scared of anyone or anything.” – by Frank Sinatra

morning babble / Thursday 10-14-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

3rd Day of the 3 Day Fast – 6:10pm cannot come soon enough. Brushing teeth – so good. Putting on deodorant. I didn’t taste it. Could you imagine that being the reason I broke my fast. Old Spice Deodorant – Fiji Scent. Fiji Taste?

It was February 4, 2018, when the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots met in the Super Bowl. It was around 9:35pm during the game — and TOUCHDOWN, Patriots: Tom Brady to Gronk. Extra Point was made. Patriots took the lead 33-32. My daughter was done. At this point in time, she was 3 (whoops – 2 years and 4 months) and sound asleep on me. Saddened by the Patriots taking their first lead of the game, I slowly got up and left the room. After climbing the steps and turning into her bedroom, she stirred a little, but definitely not awake. I then laid her down in her crib and began my tip toe away. “Daddy!” I froze. “I don’t want to go to bed.” I replied that it’s been a long day – it’s okay, get some sleep or whatever I said back then for a 3 year old (again – 2 years and 4 months). She then stated firmly, “I want to watch the Eagles win the Super Bowl.” I stood there for a second as pride began to fill throughout me. I answered, “Yes you do.” We returned to the room and every one was surprised seeing her again. I then re-explained what I’m explaining now. They all agreed.

Zach Ertz touchdown / Brandon Graham forcing Tom Brady to fumble / Jake Elliott FG

Finally at 10:17pm, Tom Brady’s Hail Mary attempt on the last play of the game fell incomplete. The Eagles won their first Super Bowl by the score of 41-33.

You can see the breakdown of the whole game by clicking here.

I ran. #287 of this year’s 5K runs.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – by Albert Einstein

morning babble / Wednesday 10-13-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

I ran #286 of the 5K runs.

Day 2 of the 3 Day Fast – this is my 10th one of the year! 6:10pm tomorrow night – I eat!

Thank you for allowing me into your world with my babbling. I truly look forward to this every day and it helps set me on a positive path. Some nights, I “show prep” and it’s nasty. It’s amazing how problems can nearly wash away with a good night’s sleep. Or sleep.

I selected all and deleted my emails in the inbox. I did remember one bill that was in there and searched for that – so I’m good. But that’s a new goal, every weekend – just clear it out. I did catch a recent email about a new book from an author that I follow, Robert Greene. I am now very excited for this one. It’s called: The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Learn to stand back when the time is not yet ripe, and to strike fiercely when it has reached fruition.” – by Robert Greene

morning babble / Tuesday 10-12-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

I ran #285 of 5K runs in a row! / Countdown to 30,000 words – definitely took a hit yesterday as I was not able to do anything. Work messed me up. We’re hiring by the way – oh we are hiring. And so is everybody else.

JoJo Siwa update from Dancing with the Stars – I checked in with my expert daughter on the topic, “Great – She got two 9s!” I double checked with my son, “She’s gonna win.” However, she did not get the high score of the night. I guess that went to Melora Hardin who was on The Office – she actually got four 9s. Anyway, JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson danced to the Cinderella song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” complete with Siwa dressed as Prince Charming. I’m on Team JoJo – otherwise, I’d probably get kicked out of my house.

3 Day Fast is underway – I can eat again on Thursday at 6:10pm

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The straightforward and good person should be like a smelly goat – you know when they are in the room with you.” – by Marcus Aurelius

morning babble / Monday 10-11-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Our dogs wake up sounding like they are hung over and have dry mouth. It used to be worse though. Now, we constantly keep a fresh bowl of water in our bedroom. It’s amazing how many times they get a drink of water throughout the night. I think I learned this tip from Howard Stern. He also puts ice cubes in his dog’s bowls.

Mr. February visited my house – Dave Cruise!

#284 of my 5K runs

18,211 – countdown to 30, 000 words

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If everything is under control, you are going too slow.” – by Mario Andretti – he’s a driver of race cars.

morning babble / Sunday 10-10-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

#283 of 5k runs in a row

30,000 – still going for my word tally this month

3 Day Fast begins tomorrow night

How’s everyone doing? I don’t like today. In particular, I don’t like today – one year ago.

Lost my brother-in-law, Barry. So much more than the label “brother-in-law”. I looked up to him so much. He taught me so much. I figured out who I was just by knowing him.

Now, the story that I’m going to tell – I’m not too proud of, because I wasn’t the brightest person, but it was the only way I knew how to deal with it.

The Barry Whiskey Glass – go watch the video.

Books!

• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – Charlie Mackesy

Simply – go get that book – it’s amazing.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The greatest illusion is that life should be perfect.” – by Charlie Mackesy

morning babble / Saturday 10-09-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Dunkin Day, but I actually did my 5k run already – did it on the mill. #282 in a row. Relaxing with my coffee now. I miss the blueberry bagel at Dunkin. Not that I would get it by itself with cream cheese or butter, but I would get it a part of my sandwiches. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a Blueberry bagel.

Risking my life out here with walnuts dropping

Wind Sock – my daughter made with one of those Kiwi crates a couple of years ago. Put it up in the summer.

AMA Saturday:

• Question #1 – When are you going to race again? Well, I initially said that I want to do the 10k run for the Turkey Trot in Newark, DE. I ran that before, but I’m now reconsidering doing it as a 10k, but do their 5k instead. I could be overthinking it, but the last thing I want to do here at towards the end of my goal for 366 days of 5k running is mess things up with another workout routine to stretch out my runs. I could be overthinking it. Plus, I would like to have 5k race where I officially get a time for the year. Not this Wednesday, but the following one – the 20th – there’s the University of Delaware 5K run. In fact, if you click on this, you’ll see me in the middle with the shades and Blue Hen cap running that race in 2019. It’s officially called the Blue Hen Homecoming 5K run. I’m trying to make that day work. My wife has class at U of D during race time, so I’m going to recruit someone to stand next to my two children.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Don’t say the day will come, bring on that day.” – by someone

morning babble / Friday 10-08-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Happy Birthday to my niece, Emma – She’s one.

#281 of 5K runs – in a row!

30,000 countdown – 17, 115

New Music Friday:

• Adele has a new song out coming out next Friday (10/15) – It’s called “Easy on Me.” She had a teaser video come out earlier in the week. Adele says her new album was recorded to help her nine-year-old son understand why she and his father got divorced.

• “Everybody Wants to Rule The World” / “Shout” / “Sowing The Seeds of Love” – Remember all them? Tears for Fears, the duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, are back. Today, they announced their first album in 17 years. The Tipping Point is out February 25. Orzabal retained the Tears for Fears name as a solo project, releasing the albums Elemental (1993) and Raoul and the Kings of Spain (1995). Orzabal and Smith reconciled in 2000 and released an album of new material, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, in 2004. The duo have toured consistently since then. I thought one of them was dead. I honestly feel horrible.

• Another song released from the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss duo – it’s called “High and Lonesome.” The whole album – Raise the Roof – is set for release on Nov. 19. They will tour in 2022 as well.

• Lastly, a fun sounding “ska” type song from a combination of We are the Union and Eve6. The song is called “Sound System”.

• Norah Jones has announced the release of her first-ever holiday album, I Dream Of Christmas, Norah Jones “I’ve always loved Christmas music but never had the inclination to make a holiday album until now,” Jones said. “Last year I found myself listening to James Brown’s Funky Christmas and Elvis’s Christmas Album on Sundays during lockdown for a sense of comfort. In January 2021, I started thinking about making a Christmas album of my own. It gave me something fun to work on and look forward to. website link “Christmas Calling” is the single being played now.

• When Christmas Comes Around… is the upcoming ninth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The 15-song collection features Ariana Grande (“Santa Can’t You Hear Me”), Chris Stapleton (“Glow”) and Brett Eldredge (“Under the Mistletoe”). In addition to original cuts, the set will feature covers of classics like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Santa Baby” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Next Friday – the whole album drop. Today, you can hear the single, “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You),”

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life is so much easier when you don’t hoard your past.” – by Adele

morning babble / Thursday 10-07-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Lot of birthdays this month – my daughter’s, my mother-in-law’s husband yesterday, Lauren (my niece) today, gotta another niece tomorrow (she’s 1 and I’ve met her once). My niece, Lauren, has a baby now too – that I’ve only witnessed growing via InstaGram. Next family get together – we’ll need to have a family tree laid out.

We lost some important people this month too. My Super Nana – 3 years ago on the 5th. She was 100, 9 months. This weekend, gonna be one year without my brother-in-law, Barry. And now last night, my business partner got news of his father in law passing.

Enjoy the now – people!

Kate Bowler’s first memoir, prompted by her stage IV cancer diagnosis at the age of 35, was titled Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved). Doctors estimated Bowler, then the mother of a new baby and author of her first academic book, had about two years to live. Website link.

“Trying to make our lives meaningful all the time is so stupid. And it’s one of the limits to the whole “Be Here Now,” mentality, mastery mindset crap. We can’t make every minute into a moment. Sometimes you just have to pay bills and show up for your friend and listen to her talk again about whether she should dump her boyfriend — and she should — and be in a faculty meeting and be in traffic.” / Website link

No Cure For Being Human – out now.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“My hope: stay as awake to my love as to my fear” – by Kate Bowler