Ordinarily, I am not a big fan of remakes. Like sequels, I’d just like to think there are some unexplored and original ideas that will make for a great watch.

Occasionally though, someone comes up with an interesting twist on the theme. While sitting through the previews for Doctor Sleep, I learned that Fantasy Island is being brought to the cinema. In a dark way.

Seeing this preview made me think about the television show. I recalled it being fun, and not terribly dark.

And worth rediscovery.

Well, several of the plots are darker than I remembered... and I have been enjoying watching many of these old episodes for the first time.

I mostly steer clear of the television, but I find this show truly entertaining. Plus, I have rediscovered the talented Ricardo Montalbán—who my exposure has mostly been limited to his portrayal of Khan.

I can only imagine he was as cultured, elegant, mysterious and mischievous as the Mr. Roarke character he portrayed.

Someone who’s cool and never loses his cool. Someone confident. Someone refined. Someone who’s authoritative, yet approachable.

Someone worth emulating.

As each year passes, it becomes more and more apparent I’m no James Bond. I’m no Don Juan. I’m not even Don Knotts.

Yet, I still believe there is value in emulating someone who embodies qualities you’d like to possess. Fake it ’til you make it? Granted, reading many of the entries in this space, I have clearly been trying to make it for a long, long time—with very limited success.

Still, that is no reason NOT to emulate the enigmatic Mr. Montalbán. I LIKE who I am when I’m cool and collected—and unwavering. When I’m confident. When I’m refined. When I’m authoritative, yet approachable. When I’m enigmatic.

Smiles, everyone! Smiles! We want our guests to feel welcome.

It starts with a smile.

What i'm listening to:

Torn
Ava Max
To the Max

A couple of days ago, I finally had the opportunity to reconnect with someone I’ve wanted to see for a long, long time. Heather and I worked together when she was in high school and I was in JuCo. While we did get along back then, there was the “age difference” thing looming overhead, which didn’t exactly complement her overbearing father.

Let’s just say she wasn’t allowed to date.

Anyway, fast forward several years, and I learn that she’s single again, has a kid in high school, and... not much else. I was hoping to see her again, but didn’t exactly work to move mountains and make it happen. Until this week. Finally.

After so long, I wasn’t sure I’d recognize her. Granted, she doesn’t look like she did in high school—let’s be honest, who does?—but there was no mistaking those beautiful eyes.

And the way they lit up when we saw each other again.

I have no idea what, if anything, will happen next. What I do know, is that there is still no better feeling than putting a smile on a beautiful girl’s face.

I have been reading Stillness Is the Key, which is fantastic. It’s amazing how certain books can affect you.

One of the exercises is to journal. Not blog. Journal.

So, I have taken to my journal again.

Let’s be honest... many things do not need to be aired on a blog. Seriously, who blogs anymore anyway? Especially a blog that’s essentially a journal—not themed, nor designed to make money.

Anyway, the journaling, as well as other exercises in the book, are giving me laser-like focus. I’m more productive than I’ve been in weeks... possibly months!

In fact, the world seems to be moving in slow motion more frequently than not, instead of feeling like I’m the one moving in slow motion.

Perhaps, this is the next best thing to having a supply of NZT!

I have projects rolling in. I’m excelling at work, plus having fun doing it. Even having more fun with the ladies. The house is tidy, and small projects around the house are getting handled as well.

This seems to be a common theme of books I read. Finding that “flow,” and getting things done. Daily. Without excuses. Without depression.

All I had to do is challenge Pascal and embrace the stillness. Who knew?

While on the subject of NZT, where is it? I still would not turn down a supply...

I enjoy the movie Limitless, and watch it occasionally... yet I had never read The Dark Fields, on which the movie is based.

If you haven’t, pick it up. It’s excellent! Even if you have seen the movie.

In fact, it’s worth mentioning this is how books should be turned into movies. The movie pays homage to the book, without being faithful. You don’t see all of the twists.

One argument I’ve always made of The Shining is both the book and the movie are outstanding on their own. Like apples and oranges. The same is true with Limitless and The Dark Fields. You can see the inspiration working in between the two mediums... and it keeps you guessing.

Now... if only I could get my hands on some NZT...

I have arrived. One year Facebook free.

Next stop, #facebookFree2019.

Then, #500DaysWithoutFacebook.

Ever have one of those days where everything you touch turns to shit? Or you should have stayed in bed?

Back when I was on the Facebook, and I’d look at their “On this day” memory feature, there were some calendar days that were clearly days to stay in bed. Laundry accidents. Dead car battery. Losing a finger in a car door.

Ah, memories. I remember when I was really into reminiscing.

This morning, I wake up to a cold house. The thermostat shows the furnace running, but there is no heat, no noise, no indication it is working at all. I’m curious, so I turn on the A/C and see if it works... it does. Great, hopefully the furnace problem is not major then.

Check the hot water pilot... it’s lit, so there’s gas in the house.

There’s an HVAC repairman I use that I like, yet I’m not smart enough to add his number to my phone. So, I spend the first couple of hours looking everywhere I can think of for his card. Of course, after the summer’s experiment, nothing is where I remember it. However, I do remember a shoe box in the attic with a stack of business cards inside. I set up a chair and go around it to sit down and flip through the cards... and my left leg misses the truss entirely and drops right through the ceiling. Hard.

Fuck.

Yes, I literally said that aloud.

While I am surveying the damage in my living room, I’m noting I could have saved my ninety dollar trip to the chiropractor yesterday if I had known I was going to fall through the ceiling... because I am damaged worse now than I was when I went to see him. Guess Monday’s appointment just got more interesting.

And no, I didn’t find that card. I’m spending hours looking through my phone for any pictures of it. And the laptop. And the computer. And the last iPhone. Not finding it.

So I turn to the Google. How did Ann find this guy? He’s a Google ghost! Nothing.

I scroll through her text messages. No sign of her picture of his card. Why? I calm down and realize there’s no mention of the referral either.

Ah... Facebook messenger! So, I check there.

I find a note where I thank her for the referral... yet still no number. But I have a date to work with now.

Back to the phone. The laptop. The computer. The old iPhone. Nothing. The. Fuck.

Many F-bombs have been dropped today. At least I’m still pissed and able to function (i.e. walk).

I re-read the messenger message. Light bulb!

She commented on a FB status! Perhaps the Facebook has some value after all?

Fine. Activate the Facebook. Find the date of my A/C woes from two years ago... and JACKPOT!

One phone call, lunch, and Facebook deactivation later, he’s here working on my furnace (no idea on the bill yet). I’m calmed down enough that I hurt. A lot.

My left leg is one giant bruise. My right is screaming at every joint... mostly the ankle.

There’s a piece of insulation over the giant hole in the ceiling, and most of the debris is swept/vacuumed up. All that could have been avoided had I NOT been on a Facebook break. Weird.

And I’m in enough pain I wish I had died in the fall. Ugh.

What’s next? Bring it!

At least I got to see HER today. Why can’t I get her out of my mind? Out of my dreams?

Oh, wait... I haven’t mentioned HER yet.

What i'm listening to:

Not on Drugs
Tove Lo
Queen of the Clouds

It’s another day in my continuing education.

A few months ago, I discovered I was off-balance and bumping into walls. For whatever reason, I didn’t think much of it. I recalibrated and it “went away.”

Then came the injuries. My knee started getting increasingly weaker. Annoying, but at the time I figured I could live with it.

Months later, certain movements of my waist hurt—a lot. Then, there were the headaches.

Something was clearly wrong. Of course, at this point I recognize it, and schedule a visit to my friendly neighborhood chiropractor.

One exam later, and I learn I’m more out of whack than I thought. At least he’s pleased with how I adjusted. I’m on the mend.

And now is where I realize the increased clumsiness was the first sign... because I’m slightly off-balance, and running into walls.

Yet, my motions feel natural this time. So, it’ll pass. Correctly this time.

Pay attention to your body. It’s telling you more than you may realize. Take care of yourself.

What i'm listening to:

Could It Be I’m Falling in Love
The Spinners
Spinners