: I Am One Lucky SOB.
I wake up in the morning and the first thing is I think to myself is “Wow, I am so lucky”. Yeah, yeah, OK, OK. That’s not quite the first thing. The first thing that comes to my mind is “Huh?” or “What the hell is that damn buzzing noise”. Then I realize who and where I am and I hit the snooze button, and then I think, “I am one lucky SOB”. I have a great life. I have a wonderful wife and two great (most of the time) kids, I got a decent job & a nice comfortable house, a little money in the bank, and my health. I live in a first world country so I don’t have to worry about my life being ruined by a crazed dictator; and I live a of incredible comfort that would have been unimaginable to someone living 200 years ago.
In fact, I have a more luxurious existence than the richest person in the world did 200 years ago. My house, cars, and workplace are all at a reasonably comfortable temperature (although my wife & daughter would prefer that I keep the thermostat a few degrees hotter.) I never have to worry about going hungry. We have modern medicine to keep us alive and to patch us up when bad things happen. If I want to visit California, I can go down to the airport, get in this funny looking contraption they call a plane, sit in a seat, get magically transported through the air, and 6 hours later I am in California. Yeah, the seat may be a little cramped and I may have to put up with some minor indignities; but 200 years ago the trip would have taken me two months by ship and my life would be at risk much of the time. Even 100 years ago it would have taken me weeks on a cramped smelly train. I can’t figure out why people complain about air travel.
I sometimes try to imagine what my life would be like if I were born in another place or time. If I were born 200 years ago, I likely would have died from some childhood ailment. What about if I were born in this century in another country? Hmm. If I were born in Germany in 1920, I would certainly have not lived a long or prosperous life. If I were living in Syria or North Korea or any of hundreds of trouble areas around the world today I likely would not have a very happy existence.
What if I were born in another first world country, say Sweden, or Japan (post WW II Japan that is), or New Zealand? My life would likely be fine, but it would be much different. In particular, would there be an equivalent to the rich and varied musical community that I enjoy here in the metropolitan area? Unlikely.
I am one lucky SOB.
BTW – to those of you who inquired or made wisecracks about it, the results from my, umm, procedure last month were fine.
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Jan 17, Friday, 9:30ishPM-11:00PM – Better Off Dead at Hat City, 459 Valley Street, City of Orange, NJ 07050 (862) 252-9147
This is gonna be a fun filled night. There is a $10 cover charge, but if you show up at 8:00 you get to see Enzo & The Bakers, one of my favorite local groups. Then, for no additional charge, after some equipment shuffling, you get to see VD King and Better off Dead. Hat City is clean, it has a good sound system, and it has excellent New Orleans style food.
http://www.hatcitykitchen.comhttp://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm
Jan 18, Saturday, 8-9:30 PM – Lunatic Fringe, Glen Ridge Community Center @ The Glen Ridge Train Station, 228 Ridgewood Avenue (corner of Bloomfield Avenue), Glen Ridge, NJ Reservations: (973) 429-1527
Jan 18 is going to be an interesting evening for me because, through no fault of my own, I am double booked. So from 8:00- 9:30ish, I will performing in the first 2014 Lunatic Fringe show, yeah baby.
http://www.lunaticfringeimprov.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53938723078&ref=ts
And then, like some crazed person, I am going to streak through the streets of Glen Ridge and Montclair (but within state and local traffic regulations) over to the Great Notch Inn. I could use a motorcycle escort this evening, but somehow I will manage without one.
Jan 18, Saturday, 10:00PM-1:00AM – Better Off Dead at The Great Notch Inn, Route 46, Little Falls (973) 256-7742
Once I arrive at the Great Notch, I will then, quick like a bunny, set up my equipment and rock and roll the night away.
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm
http://www.agreatertown.com/little_falls_nj/great_notch_inn_new_jerseys_rockin_roadhouse_00089580
Jan 31, Friday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Rob Signorile, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
This will be a slightly more relaxed evening for me after all that running around. Rob & I will wile away the hours playing whatever tunes tickle our collective fancies. Ruthie’s. Great food, BYO, no cover. BTW, I know some folks have very strong opinions on this topic and think that hours should be “whiled” instead of “wiled”, but you’re just gonna have to deal with it – I ain’t changing my mind.
http://www.ruthiesbbq.com/