Early Bird Gets the Worm

I hate to re-read a book when I have piles and piles of books that I haven't read yet, but Early Bird: A Memoir of Premature Retirement by Rodney Rothman, is a book that deserves a second reading.

"What happens when an able-bodied 28-year-old decides to "retire" in a Florida senior community? It may seem like the setup for a Carl Hiaasen novel, but it's actually the project Rothman thinks up after losing his television job. Following through with his plan, Rothman comically probes Boca Raton's Century Village. He infiltrates the social hierarchy of the "pool group," eats dinner at the local early-bird specials and joins a shuffleboard club. He captures these experiences in short, humorous chapters, consistently detailing his own physical and mental failings compared to the seniors he meets."

It's a quick and fun read and I encourage you to check it out if you haven't already done so. I'm seeing Blades of Glorytonight with Elissa and I'm hoping it's somewhat funny. I find that both Jon Heder and Will Ferrell can get on one's nerves.

The Gym

It has taken me 26 years, but I am proud to say that I have finally joined a gym. To take it one step further, I now also have a personal trainer, Dean. I've been working out for about a month now and am already noticing changes. I've learned how to use the machines and proper gym etiquette. For cardio, my preferred machine is the elliptical and I always watch the food network. There's nothing better than watching people sweating, trying to lose weight, while Giana Delaurentis prepares a chocolate ganache cake.

Yesterday, I saw a man walk right into the women's locker room at which point I heard some screams and he walked out realizing his mistake. I try to avoid the lockerroom at all costs. There are naked men sprawled out all over the place...on the benches, leaning against the lockers, talking by the sink. It's like a Reubens painting. At least put a towel down if you are going to sit on the public benches.

The weekend was great! Happy Monday!

Happy Passover/Easter

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's snowing in NYC right now and I was so happy this morning when I left the house and it wasn't dark outside. Garage Sale season is going to begin really soon and I can't wait. Definitely read this article!

Spring Lake Photos

Here are the promised photos from Spring Lake. Ducks, architecture, a demolished house, and red balloons on a beach..ballon ballon!

Children of Men and Women

I was able to watch Children of Men the other night and I can proudly say that Alfonso Cuarón is one of the best directors out there and he's made my list of best directors, coming in behind David Lynch at #2. There are some really intense moments in this film and Cuaron has some really incredible camera movements..particularly impressive are the scenes in the car. If you like Michael Caine with long white hair or even computerized birth scenes, definitely check out this film.

As you may know, Boaz and I make an annual trip to the NY Chocolate Show where we taste chocolate from around the world and film a segment for Clips and Quips. This is definitely something we have never seen at the chocolate fair!

A Weekend in Spring Lake

Nothing says fun like a weekend in Spring Lake. That's where I was this weekend, spending some time with my grandfather. I took a walk on the boardwalk every morning and it was so very nice. I could spend all day walking around Spring Lake just looking at and taking photos of the houses and architecture. I have some photos which I will post as soon as I can upload them.

I wasn't going to mention this, but it is on my mind so I must. On Saturday I noticed that these two beautiful ducks were resting on the front yard. They looked so happy together, one male one female. They came back on Sunday and rested in the same spot on the front lawn. I decided I would snap a photo or two (which will be posted). Two hours later I got into the car to go shopping and saw that someone had hit the female duck in the street, and there she lay, lifeless. I was going to photograph her, but decided to let her be.

That's my sad story for the week. How was your weekend? Any happy stories you'd like to share? Babies? Puppies? Send them in!