I am convinced that there is merit in watching what I call "junk television." Like everything else, in excess, it is probably harmful. Nevertheless, I learned an interesting term today as I was watching one of the judge shows. Instead of using the term window shopping, the defendant coined another term "Eye Buying." Isn't that clever?
Even more interesting was that as I read my second newspaper of the day, the Los Angeles Times, I noticed a very long article about how people in Beijing, China, visit the IKEA store as a day trip. They go to the store, take a book, lie in a bed or on a couch, in the store, and read it. Every week-end looky-loos pour into the showroom to use the displays (part of IKEA's charm is that it is very interactive, sort of a Legoland for adults and children).Not only do they "eye buy," but they can also get a cheap meal, a cheaper hot dog and of course, Chinese specialties.The article stated that IKEA "stands for a kind of lifestyle. People don't necessarily what to buy it, but they want to at least experience it."
How much better off we would be if we practiced "Eye Buying" rather than spending money on things we probably don't even need.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
"Because I Knew You I Have Been Changed for Good"
Last night, my very good friend and I went to see the musical "Wicked" (it was magnificent). It was another story of good and evil, friendships which overcome "quirks," and man's humanity and inhumanity to man. It was funny, insightful, fabulously staged and was a well written piece based upon the Wizard of Oz. The "wizardry" that was used was cleverly done, quite different from the original piece.
I was impressed by the song "Because I Knew You I Have Been Changed for Good" because it reminded me of all the people I have known in my life and how each one has "changed me for good." I think about those who have known me from birth, those who knew me during my teenage "skinny" years, college friends, neighborhood friends, Peace Corps friends, co-workers,students,church folk, family members and just random people I have met along the way. Each in his/her own way, has been an influence and has changed me "for good." Even if some of those experiences were negative, I was still changed "for good." I guess every now and then, we should take the time to let people know that we have appreciated having them in our lives. So I thank all of you, "Because I knew you I have been changed for good."
I was impressed by the song "Because I Knew You I Have Been Changed for Good" because it reminded me of all the people I have known in my life and how each one has "changed me for good." I think about those who have known me from birth, those who knew me during my teenage "skinny" years, college friends, neighborhood friends, Peace Corps friends, co-workers,students,church folk, family members and just random people I have met along the way. Each in his/her own way, has been an influence and has changed me "for good." Even if some of those experiences were negative, I was still changed "for good." I guess every now and then, we should take the time to let people know that we have appreciated having them in our lives. So I thank all of you, "Because I knew you I have been changed for good."
Monday, August 3, 2009
Salsafied
I have just finished five days of hot yoga (Bikram method) and it felt like I was doing yoga poses in the front yard in Miami in the middle of the hottest day of the summer. Our daughters gave me a gift certificate which includes seven consecutive days classes. I took the week-end off and completed five classes--a friend, who has been doing this type of yoga for five years, went with me each day. The first day I attended the 9:00 a.m. class and thought I was going to die. The room is heated to over l00 degrees and the class is 90 minutes long. The poses are nothing like my regular yoga classes--we begin with the standing poses and do them for ONE HOUR.
The next four days were a lot better (it took me two hours to recover the first day--no one told me not to eat two hours before class). I took the 5:50 A.M. classes and that worked a lot better, although I did still spend time on the floor when I felt dizzy.
This kind of yoga has to be good for you because it is no joke. Everyone there swears that it heals whatever ails you, and believe me, it should. It was a challenge and I'm glad I did it. I will resume my regular yoga tomorrow and I am sure it will seem super, super easy. I may try the Bikram again, but I'm a little too cheap to pay for two sets of yoga classes (since I'm still a member of the Y).
If you want to feel like "Hot Salsa" when you get into your car after a yoga session, try hot yoga! Drink lots of water--add electrolytes--I couldn't--that tasted too much like the stuff I had to drink before my colonoscopy :-). The classes are available all over the world--if you're feeling adventurous and want a fabulous work-out, try it.
The next four days were a lot better (it took me two hours to recover the first day--no one told me not to eat two hours before class). I took the 5:50 A.M. classes and that worked a lot better, although I did still spend time on the floor when I felt dizzy.
This kind of yoga has to be good for you because it is no joke. Everyone there swears that it heals whatever ails you, and believe me, it should. It was a challenge and I'm glad I did it. I will resume my regular yoga tomorrow and I am sure it will seem super, super easy. I may try the Bikram again, but I'm a little too cheap to pay for two sets of yoga classes (since I'm still a member of the Y).
If you want to feel like "Hot Salsa" when you get into your car after a yoga session, try hot yoga! Drink lots of water--add electrolytes--I couldn't--that tasted too much like the stuff I had to drink before my colonoscopy :-). The classes are available all over the world--if you're feeling adventurous and want a fabulous work-out, try it.
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