Soccer Practice

 
 
 
 

Chinese Garden at Snug Harbor

 
 
 
 

Staten Island Zoo Pics

 
 
 
 

Satisfaction

So, where does one find it?

I work most of the time in a basement. I have a job which is not critical, but important in the small sphere of the museum. Sometimes I get satisfaction at work, but sometimes, being in that basement, it just feels like the weight of the basalt and granite are just trying to crush what little is left of me into an unassuming grayish pink paste. Sort of like vegemite gone moldy, pretty crappy.

Sometimes I get satisfaction from talking with people. Today I met someone, whose name I can’t remember, which is normal for me, I have always had trouble remembering names, never forget a face, but names, well, it’s just not my strength. Anyway...today I met someone who had lived a life that could fit into an exciting fiction. Someone who has seen parts of the world that I never have, and he had that dashing debonair look to, you know, the sophisticated, poised euro-metro-sexual-who wears Armani and will always be skinny and angular. Despite that, he was a nice guy, who made me think of the world outside my own experiences, I like when that happens.

Sometimes I get satisfaction from confronting rude people. This morning this inconsiderate person got on the rail road and sat, first on top of me because she was too busy speaking on her cell phone, then proceded to have a conversation with a prospective employer. She repeated each question asked before she answered it. When she got to the part where they asked, What obstacles have you overcome? I shouted, "She sure has no manners, you shouldn’t hire her!" That ended the conversation pretty quickly.

Often, I get satisfaction watching my daughter grow. Today she rode on her bike all the way around the block, she was able to really peddle, and she wanted to ride ahead of me because she is a big girl now. That makes me happy and sad at the same time. I have never loved anything in this world the way I love my child. It scares me to death.

Also I frequently get satisfaction when I play with my dogs, Cochise is an amazing athlete, and Lulu is a great companion. I cleaned out Lulu’s ears today, I know it hurt her a little, because she had a bit of an infection, but she licked me when it was done, and sat still while I cleaned her ears. She trusted that I wouldn’t hurt her. For a dog like her, who is tactilely sensitive, and a bit timid, that is a big deal. That trust is very satisfying.

Going to the Gym can give me satisfaction. Not every time, but often. I am older now, and in shit shape. But, after a long period of not doing anything, I have worked out 3 days in a row. I am sore, and it hurts to move. I like it, and it satisfies a part of my soul.

Having a beautiful woman makes me happy. I recently got around to downloading a digital keychain that my Mom had given me a Christmas. I looked at some pictures of Gabby again with new eyes, she is pretty damn hot. That made me feel good.

The world just seems to move faster and faster with people seeming to get less and less satisfaction within their lives. More and more demands are made on our time, and machines, noise and advertising seem to rule us all.

So where do we find satisfaction? These are the places I found it today.

Leg of Lamb, Invites, and Thoughts

I made a Leg of Lamb yesterday, and it came out pretty good. Madison helped me peel Potatoes, for 3 years old she is pretty good at working with sharp objects, and we made carrots & turnips as well. I even remembered to get Mint Jelly.

Lamb is not my favorite, but I do like it. Gabby really likes lamb, and so does my brother. Madison and I seasonmed the lamb, and then we put it in the oven. At about that time I called my brother, and I invited him over, mostly because I know he likes lamb. Of course, he was unable to join us. I wasn't surprised, James has very little time or patience when it comes to spending time with us, I don't usually feel bad about it any more, on a concious level, I realize that it's just who he is. But it bothered me yesterday.

I didn't call my Mom, though I usually do if I make something special, I just know she doesn't like lamb. Gabby thought about calling her parents, but she didn't feel like cleaning up after we ate, and decided she just wanted to relax. plus we both wanted to watch the John Adams mini-series on HBO, which by the way is very good, the book was excellent as well.

See, I like having people over for dinner, nothing fancy, just some talking and enjoyiong company. Perhaps some spirited debate, and, if I'm lucky a good cigar and a fire ion the backyard. However, a quite dinner can be just as good. A good program, a great book, a nice wine.

I just wish, sometimes, that my brother would be included in these times. But I suppose that won't really ever happen, I'll keep asking, but in the end, people have to want to be there.

Baby Fallyn's 1st Bday

Orchid Show 2008

And so another year has gone by, and again we find oorselves at the Garden
Madison is 3, and beautiful, if a bit bossy.
I am grayer, and Gabby is almost graduating.
Next year will bring many surprises, I am sure, I just hope I have time to remember what happened.