How Do You Unwind After A Long Day ?

As expected, today was looooong and tiring.  Getting to bed late last night because of the concert and an absolutely every minute is filled with meetings schedule at work combined to exhaust me today.  So instead of working on more "projects" I rewarded myself with a chance to unwind.

Two things help me "unwind" more than anything else, at least when I'm a temporary bachelor anyway.  First, exercise (in this case basketball).  Second, stand up comedy routines (in this case, some good clean fun with "Thou Shalt Laugh 2" and not as clean but just as funny stuff from Ben Bailey).  When I am feeling beaten down from the day's events (and not in the mood to read), either of these activities will quickly lift my spirits and re-energize me.  But tonight, getting to do BOTH completely relaxed me!

I recommend Ben Bailey's comedy special, available on Netflix.  If you don't recognize the name, I know you'll recognize the face.  He's the Cash Cab guy ... and that is actually part of his bit.  I won't say more or I'll spoil it.  But I will say that I plan to watch it again when Karen comes home, even if she doesn't laugh as loud as I will.  :)

So how do you unwind?  A good book?  Some wine on the back porch?  A relaxing bath or massage?  Listening to music?  Meditating?
Whatever you choose, I hope you take time to let yourself relax, especially after a crazy busy day.  You deserve it!

Song Of The Day:
I've included two versions of the song for today, because both are just so excellent.  Phil Collins performs the original "Take Me Home" but don't miss the opportunity to hear the Tufts Beelzebubs' version linked HERE.  I honestly can't decide which one I like better.

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How Will Man Survive ?

There is a creature that exists only when the moon is just right and the stars align just so.  He lives among us and leads a normal life most of the time.  In fact, you've probably interacted with one of these beings in the last week or so ... and didn't even know it!  No, we're not talking about a werewolf or some mythical creature like that.  This is a living, breathing thing, which scientists and great minds have often wondered about.  The questions are endless.  The answers are just best guesses, because these creatures are generally thought to be of lesser intellect and incapable of more than just a few basic functions.

The creature is simply referred to as: Temporary Bachelor.

Most of the time, this mammal is seen in a habitat surrounded by his tribe or clan.  The make-up of these groupings varies so much that any attempt to define normal parameters would inadvertantly exclude dozens of realistic scenarios.  Suffice it to say, there are always one or more other human beings in this creature's domain ... and the absence of these other people is what triggers the metamorphasis from "Man" or "Husband" or "Father" into "Temporary Bachelor" or TB for short.

In a rare recent sighting of one of these TB's, here is evidence that when left alone, some of these creatures are quite adept at foraging for food.

Note the creative use of different available materials and the surprising success this TB had in using an oven (and he was able to use the proper buttons and features to achieve the desired, and likely tasty, result).

If you come across one of these TBs, do not be alarmed or afraid.  They are generally very docile and most often would accept a kind word or hug.  Just don't ask about their tribe or clan as this may casue a range of reactions that I take no responsibility for.

Song Of The Day:
In honor of these often misunderstood creatures, here is a song by Mat Kearney titled "She Got The Honey"  One repeated portion of the lyrics applies here ... "back to the beginning" ... which is what these unfortunate TBs are forced to deal with when their tribe or clan travels away temporarily.

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You Gonna Miss Me ?

Tomorrow morning, my wife and 5 youngest kids (boy does that sound weird?!) will embark on a road trip ... without me.  My oldest 2 sons (also sounds weird) have been with their Grandma and Grandpa in Queen Creek, AZ for the past 3 weeks ... and it's time for them to come on home.  Especially since school starts in less than TWO weeks after they will get home (that may be the weirdest sounding thing so far!)

My true "middle child," almost 8-year-old Savannah, asked me this evening
"Are you gonna miss me daddy?" and the other kids (along with my wife) wondered the same thing.
Of course the answer was a swift and resounding
"Yeah!  I'm gonna miss you like crazy!"

But ... here's a little secret ...

For the first few days of temporary bachelor status, life is pretty sweet!  I'm usually so busy doing things I want to get done that I don't start missing anyone.  Oh sure, the evenings right around bedtime can be lonely, but otherwise, I'm in full "Get 'R Done!" mode ... and I like that a LOT !

Here's my starter To Do list (picture added on Tuesday, 7/16) for this week:

I know by Tuesday afternoon I will be missing my family terribly, but until then I have plenty to keep me occupied, don'tcha think ?!  :)


Song Of The Day:
If you like a capella music and haven't seen the movie "Pitch Perfect" then you should be ashamed.  Go rent it right now and then come back to listen to "When I'm Gone" by Anna Kendrick, the main female star from this excellently hilarious movie.  You can listen to the song before if you like, but you can't fully appreciate it's genius and beauty without seeing the movie.

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