My family did not have many traditions. We did go to Albanese’s pizza in Eastchester on occasion . My sister Robin and I went to church on Sundays, nobody else did. I’m not sure that’s a tradition but rather was a reason for some parent time on Sundays. When I was married we attended church on Sundays but that ended after our divorce. Not sure that qualifies either. My daughter and I still vacation for a week in the summer, and sometimes in February. That’s almost a tradition. I guess seeing my kids on Christmas Eve Issa traditional as we get, well that and Thanksgiving every other year. Yes those do qualify.

I guess I am more traditional than I thought.

Daily writing prompt

Write about your dream home.

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I think my dream home is ultimately 2 tiny houses. 1 on Cape Cod and another in a southern state maybe North Carolina. Less seems to be more with me as I get older. Less furniture to bump into and self-preservation is my goal. Although I am fit I still crash into shit all the time.

I found a cool article about the small house ideas and a list of pros and cons. You can read it here.

Daily writing prompt

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?

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A year ago today I was working and making a decent living working with a large intergrator of audio-visual equipment installation and support. I am doing so much more comfortably now with an international company that does the same thing today. The difference is respect and support. My current company has that. That’s all I will say about that.

I am healthier this year, I’ve lost weight. I am in a healthy relationship with a very nice woman and look forward to next year with optimistic anticipation. Last year, I was told my contract was ending after the holiday. I was looking for my next adventure and admittedly I was not in as happy a place as I am now.

If you are looking for a new job as the year closes, keep at it. Jobs are out there. It may take longer because executives are out shopping rather than scheduling interviews. Be patient and good things will happen, I am living proof.

Daily writing prompt

Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?

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I have performed and or spoken for better or for worse

My first performance came in a Christmas play in Scarsdale, NY, at the Scarsdale congregational church. It was a musical journey around the world to see how Christmas was celebrated and the songs the countries sang. It rehearsed at about 3.5 hours. During the only performance, I skipped a line or two, and my gaff skipped over the Eastern block countries entirely. This shaved an hour off the show, you are welcome. Shirley Bloomquist the writer and director was not amused.

There was a band I sang in with my teen friends Jonathan, Monte, Bruce, Doug and John D. Our big gimmick was rotating from position to position like a drunk volleyball team. I say frunk because we were also drinking Monte’s mother’s blackberry brandy that I stole from her Marjon parlor. Sorry, Monte..

Back when social media was just starting out I spoke with a bunch of guys we called ourselves the visual suspects ( yes that was mine) We all talked about the impending use of video in social media that seemed to take forever to come to fruition.

Matt, Steve, Robert, Joselin and I talked about different aspects of video. I rambled on about something us older kids called TV. This was for Podcamp in Boston which was for podcasters, bloggers and anyone on Twitter. You got to meet and greet people you sort of knew online. You could hear people talk about Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and inbound marketing. It was cool to do and it actually generated some business which was good also.

Most recently I was seen crooning on Mad fish Wharf in Gloucester. An impromptu band was assembled and in my post-dinner revelry I decided I could still sing, I held my own singing a Billy Joel song with some very wasted folks and the encore song never materialized because of this sadly. That Fleetwood Mac song was spared for sure.

Daily writing prompt

What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?

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So before this blog post goes Xrated, (IYKYK), Cycling is still one of my favorite things to do. I originally bought a carbon fiber Trek Madone when I got divorced. My ex bought a lady sportster Harley. Many years later, I still log about 200 miles a year on my bicycle. My ex gave her lady sportster to her 70-something dad and he rides it in Vero Beach Florida I have heard ( Don’t tell him it’s a girl’s Harley) Ooops.

Something about being on the road by yourself, getting the heart racing and the blood pumping, is great. The downside is the Masshole drivers’ inability to see a biker on a sunny day, or worse distracted drivers.

Years ago a distracted nanny was in a Honda Odyssey cranking the tunes with some rich ladies’ toddlers in the back when she pulled a right turn in front of me in Wellesley Center. I slammed on the brakes, vaulted my handlebars, and hit the passenger door as the nanny van drove off. She was totally unaware that my body had indented the passenger door.

A passer-by got her plate and she was later arraigned for hit and run. I’ve had other close calls, The bloody crash on the way to Boston Media Makers breakfast, The small kid running and screaming in front of me in Rockport, so many great memories.

The bottom line is I still enjoy it and while I will not be fund-riding anymore ( you cheap bastards) I will still log about 200 miles a summer unless somebody finally does me in.