Ok, maybe not the entirity of it, but I may have just gotten hooked on Sweet Caroline. We were in an "Irish" bar down the street from my friend's place in DC, and there was a dude with a guitar singing all sorts of covers.
When he started playing this song, my natural gut reaction was "WTF?" But, somehow, against all rational thought, it actually kinda rocked. All the folks in the bar sang along to the chorus and the da-da daaaa, and it made it fun. The melody is still stuck in my head.
Of course, the question you have to ask yourself is why would someone sing Neil Diamond in an Irish bar? Some questions are better left unanswered.
For your enjoyment:
SWEET CAROLINE
Written by Neil Diamond
Where it began
I can't begin to knowin'
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands, touchin' hands
Reachin' out
Touchin' me
Touchin' you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I
Look at the night
And it don't seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurtin' runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when I'm with you
Warm, touchin' warm
Reachin' out
Touchin' me
Touchin' you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
Oh, no, no
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
Sweet Caroline
1969 Stonebridge Music (ASCAP)
5.26.2006
To the hills!
I'm strapping my mountain bike to the back of the car, the camera has a fully charged battery, and the iPod will soon be iPodding. I'll be heading down to Washington, DC this weekend and the next, and in between that time, I'll most likely be somewhere in the mountains or floating down a river.
Nature calls! Well, not that nature. Nature nature, where all the furry woodland creatures sleep after digging through our garbage and avoiding cars on the roads they cross. Did you ever see that South Park were all the cute little furry woodland creatures were really satanists? I won't be going to that forest. That's creepy. Also, it's a cartoon.
This space will be most likely be quiet until I get back.
Nature calls! Well, not that nature. Nature nature, where all the furry woodland creatures sleep after digging through our garbage and avoiding cars on the roads they cross. Did you ever see that South Park were all the cute little furry woodland creatures were really satanists? I won't be going to that forest. That's creepy. Also, it's a cartoon.
This space will be most likely be quiet until I get back.
5.23.2006
Odds
* Senator Lloyd Bentsen died today. He's the one that gave a political bitch slap to Dan Quayle during the Vice President debate of 1988.
Read the transcript.
If I remember correctly, I actually saw the debate on TV. Yes, I watched political debates when I was 14. I think that comment floored me, and I've been watching presidential debates since then in the hope I'd be able to see another instance like that. No luck so far.
* I have begun reading Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It might be more accurate to say I've started carrying the weight of Love in the Time of Cholera in my work bag. Haven't had a chance to read too much of it just yet, but it's in my bag, so when the opportunity presents itself... It's one of those books that makes you think, right? I've not read one of those in a while...hopefully my head won't start hurting.
* Given tonight's performances, I think Taylor won American Idol. That debut single that Kat had to sing was blech. It's the kind of song that makes radios long for self-determination and free will so that they can turn themselves off.
Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.
Read the transcript.
If I remember correctly, I actually saw the debate on TV. Yes, I watched political debates when I was 14. I think that comment floored me, and I've been watching presidential debates since then in the hope I'd be able to see another instance like that. No luck so far.
* I have begun reading Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It might be more accurate to say I've started carrying the weight of Love in the Time of Cholera in my work bag. Haven't had a chance to read too much of it just yet, but it's in my bag, so when the opportunity presents itself... It's one of those books that makes you think, right? I've not read one of those in a while...hopefully my head won't start hurting.
* Given tonight's performances, I think Taylor won American Idol. That debut single that Kat had to sing was blech. It's the kind of song that makes radios long for self-determination and free will so that they can turn themselves off.
5.21.2006
Those clouds look mean
I watched the movie Being There this week, based on the novel of the same name by Jerzy Kosinski. Granted the movie has been out since 1979, but I don't want to spoil anything. However, the last scene kinda threw me for a loop. Was I supposed to have been paying apt attention, or - gulp- thinking? It's been a while since I read the book, but I don't remember if it had the same ending.
On account of me being a dutiful brother (or conversely, not thinking quickly enough), I had to watch my brother's kids last night. As I was putting Grace, the youngest at almost 3, to bed and covering her with her blanket, she looked up at me, and all sad-like, asked me, "Uncle Mike, are you going home now?"
I replied, "No, Gracie. I'm not going home; I'm staying here." Then, I could swear she sorta smiled...ok, maybe not, but I'd like to imagine she did.
I was going to check out a car show in Princeton this afternoon, but after I had finished my errands in the superstores surrouned by the parking lots from hell, it had started raining, or at least aggresively threatening rain. So, that ruled that out. There'll be other chances to see classic cars this summer. In the next few weeks, the Friday evening car shows in Somerville will start up once again.
Strangely enough, it did clear up appropriately enough in my neck of the woods for a nice drive and to make a walk along the river a possibility.
I got some ice cream. Rocky Road. It was kinda expensive for what I got, but no bother, as it was tasty!
In less than a week, I go on vacation. Thank Krikey.
And J-, I haven't forgotten the site you asked me to do for your site. I'll get cranking on it this week.
On account of me being a dutiful brother (or conversely, not thinking quickly enough), I had to watch my brother's kids last night. As I was putting Grace, the youngest at almost 3, to bed and covering her with her blanket, she looked up at me, and all sad-like, asked me, "Uncle Mike, are you going home now?"
I replied, "No, Gracie. I'm not going home; I'm staying here." Then, I could swear she sorta smiled...ok, maybe not, but I'd like to imagine she did.
I was going to check out a car show in Princeton this afternoon, but after I had finished my errands in the superstores surrouned by the parking lots from hell, it had started raining, or at least aggresively threatening rain. So, that ruled that out. There'll be other chances to see classic cars this summer. In the next few weeks, the Friday evening car shows in Somerville will start up once again.
Strangely enough, it did clear up appropriately enough in my neck of the woods for a nice drive and to make a walk along the river a possibility.
I got some ice cream. Rocky Road. It was kinda expensive for what I got, but no bother, as it was tasty!
In less than a week, I go on vacation. Thank Krikey.
And J-, I haven't forgotten the site you asked me to do for your site. I'll get cranking on it this week.
5.20.2006
To the trees!
For those of you with the need to travel, especially those who want to explore the outdoors, these are great resources:
Away.com
Outside Online
GORP.com
GORPTravel
Apparently, they are all part of the Away network of sites, so you should be able to get from one to the other with no problem. However, it's much more helpful to have them all here.
I'm gonna try and use them for last-minute preparations for my trip. I'm thinking the Shenandoah National Park...we'll see.
Away.com
Outside Online
GORP.com
GORPTravel
Apparently, they are all part of the Away network of sites, so you should be able to get from one to the other with no problem. However, it's much more helpful to have them all here.
I'm gonna try and use them for last-minute preparations for my trip. I'm thinking the Shenandoah National Park...we'll see.
5.16.2006
Otis!
I have a soft spot for Otis Redding, and I'm always prepared to cringe when I hear that someone from American Idol is about to perform an Otis song.
However, Taylor performed "Try a Little Tenderness" tonight (currently my myspace profile song), and while it obviously couldn't be Otis, he nailed it! Go Taylor! I think he had the most consistent evening, and I will be beyond surprised if he's cut tomorrow. If he can actually win the thing is anyone's guess, but he certainly deserves to be there, no doubt.
However, Taylor performed "Try a Little Tenderness" tonight (currently my myspace profile song), and while it obviously couldn't be Otis, he nailed it! Go Taylor! I think he had the most consistent evening, and I will be beyond surprised if he's cut tomorrow. If he can actually win the thing is anyone's guess, but he certainly deserves to be there, no doubt.
5.15.2006
Pesky reptiles.
3 Fatal Gator Attacks in 1 Week Worry Fla..
This kind of reminds me of last year, with the 3 fatal shark attacks in a short period of time. People get all freaked out about it, and then promptly forget about it when the next big bad creature with sharp, pointy teeth attacks in droves.
We shouldn't be all that surprised, really. The gator population is exploding in Florida, drawn there because there are no natural predators, the warm, sunny climate, and the great low taxes. At the same time, human population there is exploding as well, drawn there for pretty much the same reason, except maybe the "no natural predator" bit. This has lead to massive suburban sprawl, and in Florida, that means developing in swamps, which is basically gatorland.
I'm surprised there aren't more attacks really, but I think these attacks are a statisical anomamoly, but ones that will invariably lead to a whole bunch of gators being killed. So it goes...we have opposable thumbs and guns. We win.
For shits and giggles, I think we should introduce Anacondas into the everglades, just to give the gators someone to play with. It'll solve all our problems.
Also, a tip: do not go swimming in fresh water lakes in Florida. There are things in there that can eat you.
This kind of reminds me of last year, with the 3 fatal shark attacks in a short period of time. People get all freaked out about it, and then promptly forget about it when the next big bad creature with sharp, pointy teeth attacks in droves.
We shouldn't be all that surprised, really. The gator population is exploding in Florida, drawn there because there are no natural predators, the warm, sunny climate, and the great low taxes. At the same time, human population there is exploding as well, drawn there for pretty much the same reason, except maybe the "no natural predator" bit. This has lead to massive suburban sprawl, and in Florida, that means developing in swamps, which is basically gatorland.
I'm surprised there aren't more attacks really, but I think these attacks are a statisical anomamoly, but ones that will invariably lead to a whole bunch of gators being killed. So it goes...we have opposable thumbs and guns. We win.
For shits and giggles, I think we should introduce Anacondas into the everglades, just to give the gators someone to play with. It'll solve all our problems.
Also, a tip: do not go swimming in fresh water lakes in Florida. There are things in there that can eat you.
Rain
When I left my building this afternoon, it had briefly cleared up and the sky was blue in parts. However, that wasn't to be, as the clouds were gathering up once more to rain.
As I left Target later, I could smell the electrical that's in the air before a storm, and the rain started as I got to the car.
At the bottom of the last hill before Hopewell, through a clearing I could see the sun peek out from behind the clouds, making this, in essence, a sun storm. You could take that as a sign, I suppose; the sun is shining once again after a period of rain, marking a shift to a brighter future. Or something. One could also be blissfully unaware and not take it as anything.
I think I saw it as a really cool way to make the rain drops on my car windows shine.
As I left Target later, I could smell the electrical that's in the air before a storm, and the rain started as I got to the car.
At the bottom of the last hill before Hopewell, through a clearing I could see the sun peek out from behind the clouds, making this, in essence, a sun storm. You could take that as a sign, I suppose; the sun is shining once again after a period of rain, marking a shift to a brighter future. Or something. One could also be blissfully unaware and not take it as anything.
I think I saw it as a really cool way to make the rain drops on my car windows shine.
5.12.2006
Song in my head
I was in Small World this early evening after work, and a song with an artist I couldn't place played overhead. I've heard this song several times, but they never said who sang it. I frantically grabbed the nearest piece of paper so that I could write down some lyrics to google when I got home.
I asked someone behind the counter, but they weren't sure who it was either.
I even went down to Borders in the hope I could track it down. No luck.
Anyway, it's Brandi Carlile, a self-title debut, and the song is follow It's the first complete album I've bought off of iTunes...
Anyway, off to John and Peter's to catch the roommie's band, MOW.
I asked someone behind the counter, but they weren't sure who it was either.
I even went down to Borders in the hope I could track it down. No luck.
Anyway, it's Brandi Carlile, a self-title debut, and the song is follow It's the first complete album I've bought off of iTunes...
Anyway, off to John and Peter's to catch the roommie's band, MOW.
5.09.2006
Study: Alligators Dangerous No Matter How Drunk You Are | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Study: Alligators Dangerous No Matter How Drunk You Are | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Don't trust reptiles with teeth sharper than yours.
Don't trust reptiles with teeth sharper than yours.
Parachuting
Nothing like the sound of a vomiting cat to wake you bright and early, 430 am on a Tuesday morning. It interrupted a rather vivid, interesting dream I was having.
My brother was flying an old, military style cargo plane, and I was in the cargo area, preparing to parachute out from one of the side doors. I was scared as f**k about the whole parachuting thing, checking everything over and over again, but for some odd reason, I also felt I had absolutely no reason to worry. Defying logic, there was no rushing sound of wind from the open door, and there was no sensation of me being pulled out before I was ready. Everything was amazingly calm, and the landscape was breathtaking.
However, I was still checking everything, so my brother came up from the pilot area and helped me check things once more, assuring that I was all set to go.
That's when I heard the cat wretching...right before the best part of the dream! I have falling dreams just like everyone else, but instead of it being steeped in fear and apprehension like most falling dreams are, I felt this one was going to be liberating and cathartic and that nothing would go wrong.
I guess it's the thought that counts...
My brother was flying an old, military style cargo plane, and I was in the cargo area, preparing to parachute out from one of the side doors. I was scared as f**k about the whole parachuting thing, checking everything over and over again, but for some odd reason, I also felt I had absolutely no reason to worry. Defying logic, there was no rushing sound of wind from the open door, and there was no sensation of me being pulled out before I was ready. Everything was amazingly calm, and the landscape was breathtaking.
However, I was still checking everything, so my brother came up from the pilot area and helped me check things once more, assuring that I was all set to go.
That's when I heard the cat wretching...right before the best part of the dream! I have falling dreams just like everyone else, but instead of it being steeped in fear and apprehension like most falling dreams are, I felt this one was going to be liberating and cathartic and that nothing would go wrong.
I guess it's the thought that counts...
5.08.2006
Austria
I just felt like typing, so I doubt this post will have much of a flow of thought, and it will most likely end adruptly.
Certain events of today, that I won't necessarily get into here, have brought into focus my Austrian heritage and some great memories I've had there.
I remember in particular a trip I took there in 1992. I had just graduated high school and went to Europe for the first time alone. I spent the majority of my time with my grandmother in Switzerland, but for one week, I went to Austria to visit my other grandparents. I shared the train ride with a life-long family friend from Switzerland whom I was always told I'd marry...my sisters were best friends with the girls in this family, and of course mischief ensued, but that's another post entirely, and not what I wanted to talk about here.
During my visit, I spent a great deal of time with my grandfather and other members of my family whom I hadn't met before. Learned that my family name dates back to 1644 and we've been in the same corner of Austria since then.
Every evening, my grandfather and I would watch a documentary on Australia, and during the day we'd walk and explore. He gave me a tour of all the buildings my great grandfather designed along the river in Graz. We also toured many of the castles (schlossen) of the area so that we could discuss architecture.
In 1996, my parents, one of my sisters, and I headed to Austria for a huge family reunion built around my grandfather's birthday. Half of these folks I'd never met before, but it was great fun. I still have a boomerang my uncle Eddie gave me.
I think I'll leave it on this note: I hope my brother, sisters, and I can be there for our dad as he has been there for his.
Certain events of today, that I won't necessarily get into here, have brought into focus my Austrian heritage and some great memories I've had there.
I remember in particular a trip I took there in 1992. I had just graduated high school and went to Europe for the first time alone. I spent the majority of my time with my grandmother in Switzerland, but for one week, I went to Austria to visit my other grandparents. I shared the train ride with a life-long family friend from Switzerland whom I was always told I'd marry...my sisters were best friends with the girls in this family, and of course mischief ensued, but that's another post entirely, and not what I wanted to talk about here.
During my visit, I spent a great deal of time with my grandfather and other members of my family whom I hadn't met before. Learned that my family name dates back to 1644 and we've been in the same corner of Austria since then.
Every evening, my grandfather and I would watch a documentary on Australia, and during the day we'd walk and explore. He gave me a tour of all the buildings my great grandfather designed along the river in Graz. We also toured many of the castles (schlossen) of the area so that we could discuss architecture.
In 1996, my parents, one of my sisters, and I headed to Austria for a huge family reunion built around my grandfather's birthday. Half of these folks I'd never met before, but it was great fun. I still have a boomerang my uncle Eddie gave me.
I think I'll leave it on this note: I hope my brother, sisters, and I can be there for our dad as he has been there for his.
5.07.2006
Like waves crashing on a beach
This title doesn't really have anything to do with what I have to write, but I was just listening to "American Girl" from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Cool tune.
I bought my brother a nice bottle of port for his birthday, so in between light gardening, sitting in the sun, and throwing the frisbee, we enjoyed some...not quite a thirst quencher, port, and early afternoon isn't usually the time to drink it, but what does it matter when it's a drink between brothers?
We all headed off to the Kenneth Lockwood Gorge about 20 minutes outside of Clinton. Never heard of it? I think that's how the locals want it...a corner of nature for themselves. The place was gorgeous...New Jersey continues to surprise me, and I will most certainly be heading back. I saw many trails to explore.
I love spending my time under the sun, next to a stream. "Time is nothing but the stream I go a-fishin' in."
I bought my brother a nice bottle of port for his birthday, so in between light gardening, sitting in the sun, and throwing the frisbee, we enjoyed some...not quite a thirst quencher, port, and early afternoon isn't usually the time to drink it, but what does it matter when it's a drink between brothers?
We all headed off to the Kenneth Lockwood Gorge about 20 minutes outside of Clinton. Never heard of it? I think that's how the locals want it...a corner of nature for themselves. The place was gorgeous...New Jersey continues to surprise me, and I will most certainly be heading back. I saw many trails to explore.
I love spending my time under the sun, next to a stream. "Time is nothing but the stream I go a-fishin' in."
5.06.2006
Yay!
I am the proud new owner of a brand new mountain bike...catalogue. It's printed on really nice paper and full of cool pictures.
I went to three bike shops today and asked if I needed help in one. The bike I really like is a Trek 4300, which is just above entry level for the type of riding I want to do, and it's bright yellow. I'm going to research the price around the net, but unless I get a fantastic deal elsewhere, I'll get it at Jay's Cycles in Princeton. They helped me discover questions I had I wouldn't even have thought of asking.
On another note, the idea of flying down to Fla for a long weekend has crept into my mind, and I may fly down the 19th or 20th and come back on the following Monday. Even though I go on my vacation the following week anyway, I have the days, so I might as well use them.
I went to three bike shops today and asked if I needed help in one. The bike I really like is a Trek 4300, which is just above entry level for the type of riding I want to do, and it's bright yellow. I'm going to research the price around the net, but unless I get a fantastic deal elsewhere, I'll get it at Jay's Cycles in Princeton. They helped me discover questions I had I wouldn't even have thought of asking.
On another note, the idea of flying down to Fla for a long weekend has crept into my mind, and I may fly down the 19th or 20th and come back on the following Monday. Even though I go on my vacation the following week anyway, I have the days, so I might as well use them.
Travel
Around this time of the year, I really get the urge to hit the road and travel. It must be the remnant of "student" that I have in my system...the idea that the summer is one long weekend.
Anyway, I came upon this earlier today and thought that it might be interesting:
TravelBlog, which is a collection of online travel journals, blogs, and photos. Go check it out for a dose of vicarious escapism.
For no reason other than I'm already typing and might as well type more.
My favorite travel memories:
1) Going to the Nantahala River Gorge for kayaking, rafting, and mountain biking. I survived with all my limbs intact, and I got to do all these action-adventure stuff in one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the east coast.
2) Visiting Lake Tahoe when my parents lived out there. I learned how to ski (or, more appropriately, how to avoid trees - "This is cool. Tree! TURN! This is so cool! Another tree! TURRRRN!), and we also got to visit the old gold mining towns that have become either a collection of wood shacks or a tourist attraction. The Lake Tahoe region is aggressively beautiful, with the lake the most vibrant shade of blue you've ever seen.
3) Traveling in trains across Europe, if only for the moments of introspection they allowed.
4) Visiting New York for the first time, which happened to be for a job interview. Didn't get the job, but at least I didn't stick out like a sore thumb. Years ago I would have loved to work in the city.
5) Walking the streets of the old section of Geneva with no agenda. Following my own path.
Anyway, I came upon this earlier today and thought that it might be interesting:
TravelBlog, which is a collection of online travel journals, blogs, and photos. Go check it out for a dose of vicarious escapism.
For no reason other than I'm already typing and might as well type more.
My favorite travel memories:
1) Going to the Nantahala River Gorge for kayaking, rafting, and mountain biking. I survived with all my limbs intact, and I got to do all these action-adventure stuff in one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the east coast.
2) Visiting Lake Tahoe when my parents lived out there. I learned how to ski (or, more appropriately, how to avoid trees - "This is cool. Tree! TURN! This is so cool! Another tree! TURRRRN!), and we also got to visit the old gold mining towns that have become either a collection of wood shacks or a tourist attraction. The Lake Tahoe region is aggressively beautiful, with the lake the most vibrant shade of blue you've ever seen.
3) Traveling in trains across Europe, if only for the moments of introspection they allowed.
4) Visiting New York for the first time, which happened to be for a job interview. Didn't get the job, but at least I didn't stick out like a sore thumb. Years ago I would have loved to work in the city.
5) Walking the streets of the old section of Geneva with no agenda. Following my own path.
5.04.2006
J'ai chaud
I live on the second floor of a wickedly cool old Victorian/Gothic house on the main street of my town. It has an overabundance of character...hardwood floors...a huge attic that I think scares the cats. However, it has no air conditioning.
The last time I had a place with no air conditioning was my first college dorm room at UF, on the fourth floor of one of the older buildings on campus. I think my roommate and I had three fans between us.
But, that was Florida. How bad could it be here in Jersey with no air conditioning? Oh Mike, you silly little monkey. It is bloody hot here! It's probably the reason I haven't been sleeping well. Time to invest in some window units.
The last time I had a place with no air conditioning was my first college dorm room at UF, on the fourth floor of one of the older buildings on campus. I think my roommate and I had three fans between us.
But, that was Florida. How bad could it be here in Jersey with no air conditioning? Oh Mike, you silly little monkey. It is bloody hot here! It's probably the reason I haven't been sleeping well. Time to invest in some window units.
5.03.2006
They pull me back in...
On Monday, I got a nice surprise, with the opportunity to go to a seminar for first-time managers and supervisors that was held today. Not only could I exercise my mind for a bit, but I could also get away from my cube for a bit and do something different. It was an informative session this morning, but unfortunately, our instructor was never able to make it back to class.
This is where it gets weird: as she was out for coffee during lunch, she apparently passed out. Thankfully, she was ok. She had called from the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Effectively, the rest of the class was canceled, so I headed back to work. Wasn;t quite expecting to go today, but oh well. Drag. What can you do.
I just finished watching Lost. Without giving anything away, I think they just made up for a ho-hum second season with the WTF-factor of this one episode. Great episode...thank krikey I taped it!
On an unrelated note, pt 1: I'd love to be able to participate in something like the Amazing Race. Sure, one could possibly win a whole bunch of money, but I think the journey would be an absolute blast, no doubt!
An unrelated note, pt 2: I've slept like crap these last few nights...always waking up and tossing and turn. I like sleeping. It's a great habit, so dammit let me sleep!
This is where it gets weird: as she was out for coffee during lunch, she apparently passed out. Thankfully, she was ok. She had called from the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Effectively, the rest of the class was canceled, so I headed back to work. Wasn;t quite expecting to go today, but oh well. Drag. What can you do.
I just finished watching Lost. Without giving anything away, I think they just made up for a ho-hum second season with the WTF-factor of this one episode. Great episode...thank krikey I taped it!
On an unrelated note, pt 1: I'd love to be able to participate in something like the Amazing Race. Sure, one could possibly win a whole bunch of money, but I think the journey would be an absolute blast, no doubt!
An unrelated note, pt 2: I've slept like crap these last few nights...always waking up and tossing and turn. I like sleeping. It's a great habit, so dammit let me sleep!
5.02.2006
Oh, the places you'll go
I am always curious as to where roads go, and when I have the opportunity, I follow my curiosity, taking arbitrary rights and lefts, mentally taking notes of where I've gone so that I have some hope of getting home, lest I don't find something familiar.
Today, when I got off of work, I was all set to run errands and run into Princeton for a coffee and a bite to eat. I almost got there, but I got the urge to turn around and head off the Washington Crossing park on the river, from where I walked over the bridge to the Pennsylvania side. I walked past the Inn and the small strip mall, and I saw an intersection off in the distance, and that's when my curiosity hit me.
I walked back across to get my car and drove to the intersection, which turned out to be 532 and 32. I kinda know 32, but don't know the other, so that's where I went. I drove along this road for several miles, until 532 veered off to the left and another to the right. I drove past the intersection, but then promptly turned around, for reasons I don't understand, in the parking lot of a church so that I could take this new direction.
I missed the number, so now I was really clueless as to where I was. I didn't care. You're only lost if you accept it. I love this area of Pennsylvania, as it's all farm land and gently rolling hills. I could really love it there.
I did eventually get to an intersection of a street I've heard of before, 413. I knew that 413 would eventually take me to 202, and familiar environs thereafter.
I got to see something new and experience a nice sense of freedom that roads and a wandering spirit offer. That's always cool.
I've heard this song so many times, but the lyrics only really hit me today:
Evaporated
Ben Folds Five
What I've kept with me
And what I've thrown away
And where the hell I've ended up
On this glary random day
Were the things I've really cared about
Just left along the way
For being too pent up and proud
Woke up way too late
Feeling hungover and old
And the sun was shining bright
And I walked barefoot down the road
Started thinking about my old man
Want to get into a car and go anywhere
Here I stand, sad and free
I can't cry, I can't see
What I've done
God, what have I done
Don't you know I'm numb, man?
I can't feel a thing at all
Now it's all smiles and business these days
I'm indifferent to the loss
I have faith that there's a soul somewhere
That's leading me around
I wonder if she knows
Which way is up and which is down
I poured my heart out
I poured my heart out
It evaporated ... see?
Blind man at a canyon's edge
Of a panoramic scene
Or maybe I'm a kite that's flying high and random
Dangling a string
Or slumped over in a vacant room
Head on a stranger's knee
I'm sure back home they think I've lost my mind
Today, when I got off of work, I was all set to run errands and run into Princeton for a coffee and a bite to eat. I almost got there, but I got the urge to turn around and head off the Washington Crossing park on the river, from where I walked over the bridge to the Pennsylvania side. I walked past the Inn and the small strip mall, and I saw an intersection off in the distance, and that's when my curiosity hit me.
I walked back across to get my car and drove to the intersection, which turned out to be 532 and 32. I kinda know 32, but don't know the other, so that's where I went. I drove along this road for several miles, until 532 veered off to the left and another to the right. I drove past the intersection, but then promptly turned around, for reasons I don't understand, in the parking lot of a church so that I could take this new direction.
I missed the number, so now I was really clueless as to where I was. I didn't care. You're only lost if you accept it. I love this area of Pennsylvania, as it's all farm land and gently rolling hills. I could really love it there.
I did eventually get to an intersection of a street I've heard of before, 413. I knew that 413 would eventually take me to 202, and familiar environs thereafter.
I got to see something new and experience a nice sense of freedom that roads and a wandering spirit offer. That's always cool.
I've heard this song so many times, but the lyrics only really hit me today:
Evaporated
Ben Folds Five
What I've kept with me
And what I've thrown away
And where the hell I've ended up
On this glary random day
Were the things I've really cared about
Just left along the way
For being too pent up and proud
Woke up way too late
Feeling hungover and old
And the sun was shining bright
And I walked barefoot down the road
Started thinking about my old man
Want to get into a car and go anywhere
Here I stand, sad and free
I can't cry, I can't see
What I've done
God, what have I done
Don't you know I'm numb, man?
I can't feel a thing at all
Now it's all smiles and business these days
I'm indifferent to the loss
I have faith that there's a soul somewhere
That's leading me around
I wonder if she knows
Which way is up and which is down
I poured my heart out
I poured my heart out
It evaporated ... see?
Blind man at a canyon's edge
Of a panoramic scene
Or maybe I'm a kite that's flying high and random
Dangling a string
Or slumped over in a vacant room
Head on a stranger's knee
I'm sure back home they think I've lost my mind
5.01.2006
Sunday
I think I have another favorite spot in New Jersey, or at least a great alternate. The high waters of the Delaware have lately flooded over the place I usually go, so it's not the ideal place to sit and relax. So, this weekend, I decided to stop off at the park I passed when I drove past a few weeks ago on the way to Frenchtown. It's called Bull's Island State Park, and it has a great location in between the towns of the area - 8 miles to Frenchtown, 3 to Stockton (across the river from Dilly's, where you can get a milk shake if you want to defeat the point of exercise), and a further 3 to Lambertville - making it a perfect starting point for bike rides. So, once I get my mountain bike set to go, or buy a new one, I'll know where to go.
I like the whole park, really. It's an island in the middle of the river, and there is a rather long pedestrian bridge over one part. A great place to sit and watch time flow by.
A simple pleasure: on Saturday, I walked over the bridge into the tiny town of Lumberville and explored. There is a general store, so I went to grab a drink. I had what I think was one of the best root beers I've ever had as I stood over the river under the bright sun. Perfect timing, too, as I really needed a simple pleasure.
I went to the Shad Fest in Lambertville on Sunday. Took me forever to find parking, as the place was cah-rowded! I gotta tell you, I love spring in New Jersey. I've been wondering whether I want to pack the bags and head back to Fla., but it's days like this that keep me here. Well, for the time being anyway.
I like the whole park, really. It's an island in the middle of the river, and there is a rather long pedestrian bridge over one part. A great place to sit and watch time flow by.
A simple pleasure: on Saturday, I walked over the bridge into the tiny town of Lumberville and explored. There is a general store, so I went to grab a drink. I had what I think was one of the best root beers I've ever had as I stood over the river under the bright sun. Perfect timing, too, as I really needed a simple pleasure.
I went to the Shad Fest in Lambertville on Sunday. Took me forever to find parking, as the place was cah-rowded! I gotta tell you, I love spring in New Jersey. I've been wondering whether I want to pack the bags and head back to Fla., but it's days like this that keep me here. Well, for the time being anyway.
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