brent evans

Little slow out of the gate today. I slept in. Should feel good, but when I’m in bed for too long, I get a lower back ache. I haven’t figured that one out yet. 108th vlog, but the 108th run will be out on the trails today. Can’t wait to take in that fresh air.

Last night, I posted about playing the Black Pumas. Yesterday with my family in tow, we hit up Rainbow Records in Newark. I used a birthday gift card and picked up this wonderful deluxe album – 2 records and 7″ bonus vinyl with a couple other songs.

Books!

• Been reading the Seth Godin marketing book as well as the Emmanuel Acho book – Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.

• But something that I recently finished was Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – a book that I had heard during a couple podcasts of mine to go and read. So, I got it at one point last year, not knowing that I had already read one of his other books – The Checklist Manifesto. Terrific book on bringing order to what should be routines but can easily be looked over in very serious situations. Examples are given procedures with airplane take off & landings as well as hospital surgery rooms.

• Back to Being Mortal – this book made me tear up several times. I randomly would go up to my wife and just say, “I need a hug.” Now, I’m not a fan of the sadness either, but it’s a powerful book on life and the ending of life. Or – how it could all end. The tortures of individuals with how modern day medicine attempts your survival but instead prolongs the suffering. Hospice is discussed. I’ve been familiar with hospice since I was a kid, because my dad worked with a hospice group. Unfortunately, the talk of hospice scares a lot of people because they feel as if it’s a direct road to the end, but that’s not necessarily true. It could be a happy ending. One that the certain individual wants with family around and not feeling the pain of machines keeping you alive in lonely hospital bed. Plus, with COVID and all the hospital restrictions today . . . whew . . . just read the book. I think it would benefit in helping some talks with your parents or grandparents and what they want as well as with your significant other / loved one / whatever – find out what you truly want and prepare that path. This one guy – all he wanted at the end was to be able to eat chocolate ice cream and watch football. Dumbed down life to those two simple requests. So, decisions were made that if he couldn’t do that at the very end, he didn’t want to be a part of it. Happy endings – that’s what we all want, right? Again, a powerful book and really well written.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – by Frederick Douglass – I took that one from a Ryan Holiday tweet

Coffee today . . . I’m low on MUD\WTR. They sent me an email apologizing for the delay and asked if there is anything that they could do to make it up for me. If that email goes to everyone, I just can’t imagine being the recipient of all of those response emails.

Son’s baseball game today, so I gotta keep things moving . . . I ran on the mill today. It was the 107th run and vlog. Yesterday’s vlog almost didn’t happen. I had so many problems with my phone. Yesterday’s phone. I was running out of space and no – I wasn’t saving all of these videos. I delete them when I’m done and hope YouTube never pulls a Facebook on me. Like Monopoly with properties, I was mortgaging apps on & off my phone for space. It was bad. I would run. Load it into my Nike app and then offload the app. Flyers not playing – offload the app for the day. Check the weather – offload. But all is well again – I got a new phone. The iPhone 12 Pro.

Also, yesterday, my wife and I enjoyed Weezer performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The highlight was them playing their recent album – OK Human – in its entirety with an orchestra behind them. It really was amazing and sounded so good. Plus, there was a Q & A Zoom afterwards that was even “awesomer”. We laughed so much. Weezer’s drummer – Patrick Wilson – he’s hilarious. Prior to this, I did hear whispers of 4 new albums coming in 2022 and Rivers did confirm 4 “Season” albums with 8 songs on each album. Their release will be on the 1st day of each season – way cool!

Normally, I answer questions today, but I knew I had the Weezer and Phone talk, so I’ll push the questions that I’ve got until next Saturday. Don’t forget – you can always email me at morningbabble@brentevans.net

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one things of changing himself.” – by Leo Tolstoy via a Mark Manson tweet.

“Drowned In The Sun” was created by AI through a project called Lost Tapes of the 27 Club. This project has already compiled the music of Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, and The Doors, push it through a computer, and popped out a “new” song. “Drowned in the Sun” is by Nirvana . . . or created by Nirvana songs. You’ll hear Kurt’s voice. You’ll hear hints of different Nirvana albums. But – I’m not sure that I’m really a fan. Click here to listen.

Tonight, I’m going to see Weezer somewhere in my house. It’s a Virtual Show and we’ll hear their newest album, OK Human . . . which has no guitars. There’s a Q & A afterwards, I don’t know if we’ll be called on, but I have to prepare a good question. Probably not a good idea to ask “hey – where are the guitars?” BUT – they are coming out with highly anticipated album, Van Weezer on May 7th – which has now been dedicated to Eddie Van Halen. THAT’S an album that will have some guitars.

New Music Friday:

• Vince Staples hasn’t had anything since 2018 but apparently coming out with two albums later this year. Just an FYI

• I don’t really talk about country music too much, but I am a Phillies fan, which means I am a Tug McGraw fan, which means I see that the Tugger’s kid has a new album! Don’t worry – I know who Tim McGraw is and, yes, he has a new album out today. Back during my radio days, my sister station (WXTU) had their Philly Chili Cook-off and he was the headliner. One of his requests was to have a basketball court (half court) that he could shoot some hoops prior to performing on stage. AND – he did utilize the court – cowboy hat and boots on, too.

• The whole album – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – by Greta Van Fleet is out. They’re the young lads that have the distinct Classic Rock sound – so much like Led Zeppelin.

• The Black Keys released the single “The Crawling Kingsnake” from their new upcoming album Delta Kream. Due out May 14th. All Blues Covers.

• Spotify pulled for me “Keep it Poppin” by KingBeat. Initially, I didn’t know why, but then I heard Ludacris join in. Song made me blush. Use headphones – that’s my tip.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Wake up, live your life and sing the melody of your soul.” – by Amit Ray

I struggle on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday with tidying up my scribble. You should know the routine by now. This is the scribble that helps me babble.

The 15th of April – normally Tax Day, but that’s May 17th this year – half way through the month and yes, my April Alcohol Drought is still on! I’ve been a good Brent. After Terrible Tuesday, I’m surprised I didn’t grab a beverage. Anyway, I’ve been good.

Sleep numbers – Avg Deep sleep appears to be better but only by 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, REM is lower by 20 minutes. More “light” sleep is happening. I know last Friday after my fast, I was feeling amazing. Then, Saturday came and I got my Covid shot. I’m doing okay still. No real issues, but was obviously not feeling amazing.

I’ve also been good at being patient. When are they going to create the group text, but have it a blind group text? Coaches have been great communicators. Sends out a group message. There is no need to respond. Blowing up my phone.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If it’s endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining.” – by Marcus Aurelius

This is the scribble for my babble . . . tidying up still needs to happen and I really want to provide some links . . . soon! Gotta get to work!!!

Welcome to Not Tuesday. It’s Wednesday. Hump Day. Middle of the week. Closer to the next weekend than last weekend. But – not Tuesday. Taco Tuesdays.

Too many email subscriptions. Yesterday, I took a quote from a recent James Clear newsletter. His is weekly and I always seem to find something in there. Tim Ferriss always has a Friday email called 5 Bullet Friday. Seth Godin is daily. Ryan Holiday’s Daily Dad – daily. Mark Manson – every Monday. That Sunday product email – RECOMENDO. MUD\WTR.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” – by Jonathan Swift

This is the scribble for my babble . . . tidying up still needs to happen.

Cheap morning routine hack – untie your shoes the night before. I’m like anyone else and when I’m done running or done work for the day, I slip off the shoes – all tied up. Nothing slows me down more though in the morning than untying these lazy reminders from the day before. Now, I’m not saying to untie your shoes and then remove them every time, because that just won’t happen. BUT – make it a part of your nighttime routine when you’re picking out what you’re going to wear. Untie those shoes.

Speaking of shoes, I got new a pair. 500 miles! I just wanted an indoor and outdoor pair.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Your life is purchased by where you spend your attention.” – by James Clear.

Go sign up for the James Clear newsletter by clicking here

It’s Monday and I wish today was my sleep in day. However, I’ve got my MUD\WTR and am ready to go. The other day, I said that I had coffee, but when I’m home like this I do try to slow the coffee intake with MUD\WTR.

Coffee addiction explained – I’m much better now.

Starbucks tip – order a cup of dark roast after 3pm when they don’t brew it anymore. You’ll get it down as a pour over and they do it so well. I still do this every once in awhile.

Reminder – Eat the Frog! Finish the tough job first today!

Enjoy the now!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.” – by Xunzi as he discussed the importance of focus

I slept in. Felt good. So, this is 101 of Morning Babbles. The 101st 5k run of the year is coming up on the treadmill. I did get my Covid shot yesterday, too. Feeling good there, too. It was the JNJ one, so I’m done. Immediately, I reached out to my parents and told them that I can hug them in 3 weeks. I can’t wait.

Books – Let’s talk about journaling

• My first journal ever was The Five Minute Journal – I’ve filled up 3 of them over the years.

• Another popular journal is by Julia Cameron: The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal. I know that Tim Ferriss, Chase Jarvis, and many others use it continuously. This is when you start the day with a blank page and simply write whatever comes to mind. I’ve heard it referred to as a brain dump – whether it’s one page or many more – just write it all out. I have to admit that I have not tried this one yet. Mainly because I feel that I enjoy a journal with a prompt, but it is extremely popular, so I really do need to give a whirl sometime soon.

• The Daily Stoic Journal is by far my most favorite one. I tried this one for the first time in 2018 and went back to it again for this year. It can be used along side The Daily Stoic, but it’s certainly not a necessity. I find myself writing in a different way with this journal. The depths that are reached within me are truly felt with what I spill out onto the pages. There’s a prompt that you write to in the morning & evening, and I look forward to it each and every time I sit down in our house library.

• Finally, another favorite of mine is the simple One Line A Day journal. This is where I write down such things as “I got my Covid shot. Elliott’s opening day baseball game was played. And – we had a campfire last night with S’mores!” I enjoy looking back at the happy moment as well as the sad ones that I experienced on that very same day one year ago, two years ago, etc. I’m on year number 4 and have loved the experience more & more with each year I write in it.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If you want to learn, if you want to improve your life, seeking out teachers, philsophers, and great books is a good start. But this approach will only be effective if you’re humble and ready to let go of opinions you already have.” – by Ryan Holiday via The Daily Stoic, p113

Couple things from yesterday’s vlog:

1. Yes. I have used the coffee cake joke before about breakfast. AND – I will probably use it again. BUT – today, I have a cookie and officially deem it coffee cookie.
2. The number 99 was mentioned yesterday. I then said that the one song you think of when you hear 99 is . . . and I played “99 Balloons” by Goldfinger. Initially, I heard that I should have played the original one from the 80s. But then, my wife pointed out that she didn’t think of this balloon song at all, but instead, Jay-Z’s song 99 problems. I was then called old . . . and I am.

Some sad news in the music world yesterday, we lost DMX – just a young man out of Baltimore. Things didn’t look good all week, but he was only 50 and still had so much more to give. You just . . . hoped something could happen.

This sadly makes me think back 6 months ago on this date when we lost my brother-in-law, Barry. I’m thinking about you big sis and my niece, Melissa. Keep playing Genesis with “It’s Gonna Get Better” because it will.

AMA Saturday:

• Question #1 – Are you back on Facebook yet? No

• Question #2 – Is this email (morningbabble@brentevans.net) for real? Yes

• Questions #3 – When’s your next fast? Next month – looking at 5/4 to 5/6

Today is my 100th run and vlog. I was going to do something big, but then thought about it. I’m not even a 1/3 of the way to my goal. It’s close, but not yet. So, keeping it low key, because I’m in it for the long haul and hoping to motivate and make you all smile a little more along the way.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Put your faith in what you most believe in.” – by Phil Collins

My 3 Day Fast ended yesterday officially at 6:48pm! I could have started at actually eating 5:15pm, but at 10am – the fog cleared out and I was all good the rest of the way. Dinner was pasta, sauce, and hot sausage. And – water, of course, since the April Alcohol Drought continues on. For dessert, I was supposed to have ice cream with my wife, but she crashed. So, I had a cookie and a whole lot of jelly beans. The black licorice jelly beans have been eliminated from this household, so that temptation is now gone.

I ran, I vlogged – final double digit day! 99!

New Music Friday:

• Record Store Day (June 12th & July 17th) has announced the first of its 2021 RSD Drops: Lady Gaga’s Chromatica on exclusive yellow vinyl; Rage Against the Machine with The Battle of Mexico City, which is a live album that was released last year for download; and AWOLNATION with Angel Miners & the Lighting Riders LIVE on vinyl.

• Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is out by Miss Taylor Swift – the rerecording of her 2008 album.

• On July 30th, we get new Prince – a whole unreleased album that was recorded back in 2010. 12 tracks and it’s called Welcome 2 America

• The song “Madelyn” is out from Anderson East. First taste of his upcoming album, due out August 20th -it’s called Maybe We Never Die.

• Other new stuff: “Spinning Circles” from Ayron Jones – love that guitar / Rostam dropping a 4 song EP – he was one of the founding members of Vampire Weekend / Finally, Twenty One Pilots have released a new song, “Shy Away,” from their upcoming sixth studio album, Scaled and Icy, out May 21st

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Music is the universal language of mankind.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow