September 29, 2014
I am sitting here waiting for the season premiere of Resurrection. On the Fox Family Movie channel is "The Karate Kid" and I figure-- why not watch it for the 200th time.
While Daniel was yelling "Bonzai!" It reminded me of a favorite experience back in Iowa. I had to check my blog archive-- I don't think I have mentioned this one, although a few of you were there years ago and know the story.
So back around 2002 or 2003 I was on lunch break... I worked 10-7 so it was 2 in the afternoon. I had been told there was a dude of oriental descent in a dirty white shell of a van selling bonsai trees at the Domino's Pizza Parking lot back in Newton and if he was still there I was given money to pick a couple up.
So, I go searching down 1st Ave looking for the van... and lo and behold, just like they said, there he was. A beat up, crusty white shell of a van that was only missing FREE CANDY on the side. As I approached, I saw He had all sorts of Bonsai trees-- big, small and in between. I found a couple ones for $20 each that fit the requirements I was tasked with and then found one for me. I gave him money and then he motioned for me to hang on a minute.
It was at that time, he brought out a grimy gallon jung of what I guess was water. the container caked with dirt. He then took a huge swig of the liquid in the container and promptly spit it out on the first tree I had just purchased. I took a couple steps back. Was this a tradition? Was he blessing it? Was that even water? Was this sanitary?
He proceeded to douse the other trees the same way. I then took my spit soaked plantings and put them in my car. He then ended our transaction with sage-like advice, "Remembah, It Dry... It DIE!"
That was good advice I carry with me always
Take care of yourselves,
Chuck
Showing posts with label newton Iowa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newton Iowa. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Chilling in the Philippines--The 3 B's
March 16, 2014
Good day everybody!
When I was still in the US, awaiting our journey to the Philippines, I did some reading. I read that the 3 major sports and past times on the islands was basketball, boxing and billiards. The 3 B's. #4 is probably cockfighting. Now cockfighting, when on tv, makes my stomach turn. I can't do it. But the 3 B's, yes. It was my goal to take all 3 in actively and although it took 6 months, I have done it.
Boxing--
As I wrote about in an earlier blog, Boxing is huge here. The joke is.. "traffic is heavy in Manila, except when Manny Pacquiao fights." We accomplished the goal of taking in boxing by going to Manny's last fight. It was in a movie theatre. Fun times. He fights again next month, not sure if Suzy will join me this time...
Billiards--
I was able to try my hand in billiards. I like Pool, but am not a shark. Suzy and I liked going to Big Dogs or shooting pool with friends back home, but generally I play about once or twice a year. Here in Eastwood city, there is a great bowling alley in the 4th floor of the mall. Half of the complex is dedicated to bowling, the other half billiards. Billiards here is a little different from the aspect that a staff member racks and also helps out. As with Bowling, the guy sets up everything. He asked if he could assist with me putting on my shoes. I am used to being in America and when I lose, I rack... no. Here there is a guy who does that. I went with a local manager of a Mexican Restaurant and we were able to play 6 or 7 games in an hour. Cost was low for an hour of billiards and it was fun. We made plans to do that more often and although we haven't yet, I am sure we will be back. If nothing else I hope to bowl every couple weeks. I bowled a 168 and 136 the last time out, which is good for me since I also do not bowl a lot.
Basketball--
Hoops is my favorite of these 3 back home. Suzy and I miss not going to Iowa Energy games back home. Ive been lucky to experience basketball in a few ways. San Mig is the local team I have identified with as the team I will follow. It now helps that since I made that proclamation when arriving, that I have become friends with a few of their players. I also have made friends with a couple others who live in our building and play for other teams. They are all great guys and quite personable. it's fun to watch them on TV then see them later out and about. The games in person are great. They are so Live. Fans are loud, and knowledgeable. Its fun to see. 2 weeks ago, I took experiencing basketball to a new level. The guys at Fridays invited me to run with them in a weekly Tuesday night game.
The court is just outside Eastwood. It is an outdoor, covered court. I play on the side of the servers or front of the house against the cooks or back of the house. 20 years ago, I used to play with the old guys at noon at the Newton YMCA and sunday nights in the summer with my friends at Aurora Park. Before that was Basketball fun with my friends at Augustana. Well this is 20 years later. My knees are 20 years older and I am 20 years heavier. I will tell you though, it is fun getting back out. I do not have the range as I once did, but I can still bury the 3 (especially when unguarded). Well in two weeks of games, we haven't won yet with my help, but there is always next week.
One unique aspect to the court is Mosquitoes, they are thick. We have a cheering section, but a bug bomb is necessary for the bleachers. An item that comes in handy here is a bug zapper that is shaped like a tennis racquet. Maybe I should invest in one of those. I can practice tennis and kill skeeters. At least while running up and down the court the mosquitoes aren't an issue. I would hate posting up and then having to deal with a swarm of bugs chomping on me. The bugs might just become a 4th B.
Following the game, we go and enjoy local food. Last Tuesday, I tried Chicken Butt and Chicken feet. next Tuesday, who knows.
Take care of yourself everyone,
Prayers to those aboard the missing Malaysian Airlines jet--
Chuck
Good day everybody!
When I was still in the US, awaiting our journey to the Philippines, I did some reading. I read that the 3 major sports and past times on the islands was basketball, boxing and billiards. The 3 B's. #4 is probably cockfighting. Now cockfighting, when on tv, makes my stomach turn. I can't do it. But the 3 B's, yes. It was my goal to take all 3 in actively and although it took 6 months, I have done it.
Boxing--
As I wrote about in an earlier blog, Boxing is huge here. The joke is.. "traffic is heavy in Manila, except when Manny Pacquiao fights." We accomplished the goal of taking in boxing by going to Manny's last fight. It was in a movie theatre. Fun times. He fights again next month, not sure if Suzy will join me this time...
Billiards--
I was able to try my hand in billiards. I like Pool, but am not a shark. Suzy and I liked going to Big Dogs or shooting pool with friends back home, but generally I play about once or twice a year. Here in Eastwood city, there is a great bowling alley in the 4th floor of the mall. Half of the complex is dedicated to bowling, the other half billiards. Billiards here is a little different from the aspect that a staff member racks and also helps out. As with Bowling, the guy sets up everything. He asked if he could assist with me putting on my shoes. I am used to being in America and when I lose, I rack... no. Here there is a guy who does that. I went with a local manager of a Mexican Restaurant and we were able to play 6 or 7 games in an hour. Cost was low for an hour of billiards and it was fun. We made plans to do that more often and although we haven't yet, I am sure we will be back. If nothing else I hope to bowl every couple weeks. I bowled a 168 and 136 the last time out, which is good for me since I also do not bowl a lot.
Basketball--
Hoops is my favorite of these 3 back home. Suzy and I miss not going to Iowa Energy games back home. Ive been lucky to experience basketball in a few ways. San Mig is the local team I have identified with as the team I will follow. It now helps that since I made that proclamation when arriving, that I have become friends with a few of their players. I also have made friends with a couple others who live in our building and play for other teams. They are all great guys and quite personable. it's fun to watch them on TV then see them later out and about. The games in person are great. They are so Live. Fans are loud, and knowledgeable. Its fun to see. 2 weeks ago, I took experiencing basketball to a new level. The guys at Fridays invited me to run with them in a weekly Tuesday night game.
The court is just outside Eastwood. It is an outdoor, covered court. I play on the side of the servers or front of the house against the cooks or back of the house. 20 years ago, I used to play with the old guys at noon at the Newton YMCA and sunday nights in the summer with my friends at Aurora Park. Before that was Basketball fun with my friends at Augustana. Well this is 20 years later. My knees are 20 years older and I am 20 years heavier. I will tell you though, it is fun getting back out. I do not have the range as I once did, but I can still bury the 3 (especially when unguarded). Well in two weeks of games, we haven't won yet with my help, but there is always next week.
One unique aspect to the court is Mosquitoes, they are thick. We have a cheering section, but a bug bomb is necessary for the bleachers. An item that comes in handy here is a bug zapper that is shaped like a tennis racquet. Maybe I should invest in one of those. I can practice tennis and kill skeeters. At least while running up and down the court the mosquitoes aren't an issue. I would hate posting up and then having to deal with a swarm of bugs chomping on me. The bugs might just become a 4th B.
Following the game, we go and enjoy local food. Last Tuesday, I tried Chicken Butt and Chicken feet. next Tuesday, who knows.
Take care of yourself everyone,
Prayers to those aboard the missing Malaysian Airlines jet--
Chuck
Thursday, May 3, 2012
40 til 40 May 2nd, 2012 "Intro"
May 02, 2012
"Intro"
Everyone deals with stress differently. What is stress to one is another's joy. I am sure turning 40 is the same. June 12 I turn 40. Now I know nothing bad happens as soon as I turn 40 or anything like that, but is a halfway point in a couple ways. From graduating high school, a step into adulthood, its halfway to collecting social security. With the way lifespans are these days its also halfway until statistically I meet my maker.
I have been lucky to see many classmates go through 40 unscathed, even bask in its glory. Me, well we will see when the day gets here. For now, I plan to deal with this stress by sharing some events, people, life experiences and other musings that have shaped my first 40. Some will be very personal, some will be funny, some sad, but all will be a reflection of my life. I have been blessed to be on earth.
My family is pretty private, so there may not be a lot of mention of them, but I can assure all they are fine and doing great. I love my family very much and owe them a lot. If one chooses to read my blog daily, thank you. this means a lot to me as does everyone I have come in contact with during my life.
So on Day One, this will be more of a table setting or an introduction, an appetizer before the big meal. A little about me. I graduated from Newton High School. Class of 90. I currently work in the Presidential offices of the home mortgage department of a major American Bank. I also do stand up comedy and announce roller derby for Iowa's first derby team, the Mid-Iowa Rollers. I am quite proud of all my accomplishments on the microphone, whether its telling jokes or calling booty blocks. More about all of that stuff later. I am married to a wonderful wife, Suzy, and we have 2 furry kids, Lacey and Vinny, who are both running circles around me as I type. I enjoy sports of all kinds and am a passionate Iowa Hawkeye fan. I co host a podcast with Steve Myers, "Cy-Hawk Thoughts" giving the U of I point of view. When it comes to pay to play, most people know I am on the side of the Cubs, Packers, Bulls and Blackhawks.
so, thats it. . . Day one, done. Just setting the table. time to throw all of my 40 years in a bingo tumbler and see what come out daily.
Chuck
"Intro"
Everyone deals with stress differently. What is stress to one is another's joy. I am sure turning 40 is the same. June 12 I turn 40. Now I know nothing bad happens as soon as I turn 40 or anything like that, but is a halfway point in a couple ways. From graduating high school, a step into adulthood, its halfway to collecting social security. With the way lifespans are these days its also halfway until statistically I meet my maker.
I have been lucky to see many classmates go through 40 unscathed, even bask in its glory. Me, well we will see when the day gets here. For now, I plan to deal with this stress by sharing some events, people, life experiences and other musings that have shaped my first 40. Some will be very personal, some will be funny, some sad, but all will be a reflection of my life. I have been blessed to be on earth.
My family is pretty private, so there may not be a lot of mention of them, but I can assure all they are fine and doing great. I love my family very much and owe them a lot. If one chooses to read my blog daily, thank you. this means a lot to me as does everyone I have come in contact with during my life.
So on Day One, this will be more of a table setting or an introduction, an appetizer before the big meal. A little about me. I graduated from Newton High School. Class of 90. I currently work in the Presidential offices of the home mortgage department of a major American Bank. I also do stand up comedy and announce roller derby for Iowa's first derby team, the Mid-Iowa Rollers. I am quite proud of all my accomplishments on the microphone, whether its telling jokes or calling booty blocks. More about all of that stuff later. I am married to a wonderful wife, Suzy, and we have 2 furry kids, Lacey and Vinny, who are both running circles around me as I type. I enjoy sports of all kinds and am a passionate Iowa Hawkeye fan. I co host a podcast with Steve Myers, "Cy-Hawk Thoughts" giving the U of I point of view. When it comes to pay to play, most people know I am on the side of the Cubs, Packers, Bulls and Blackhawks.
so, thats it. . . Day one, done. Just setting the table. time to throw all of my 40 years in a bingo tumbler and see what come out daily.
Chuck
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