Dirty bird did me dirty.

And can we say we’re surprised?

Today my wife and child went apple picking in the valley, so being left to my own devices, I figured I’d finally get around to watching a 19 year old movie I’ve been neglecting.

Training Day

Yes, that’s right. I had never seen this film before, can you believe it? I know I can’t! I’ve watched lots of bad movies with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, but I haven’t seen this!? Who even am I! Well, check this movie off the list of must see films. Done and done! I enjoyed it, but my brain tries to take away my enjoyment of films. This movie tried to take me on a rollercoaster of questioning good guy/bad guy but I wasn’t biting. It felt like watching a cheesy horror movie and telling the teen girl that the killer was in the room! Still, I enjoyed it when I could turn off my brain.

What’s that have to do with dirty bird?

Well, I gotta eat! Figured I’d give the KFC Famous Chicken Sandwich a try. I was feeling hungry, and opted to add a filet tender to my combo just in case I was still hungry. I know one chicken sandwich usually leaves me wanting a little more, so that seemed like a good add-on!

Well, get on with it, spill the tea!

The food was fast, probably my 2nd fasted SkipTheDishes order! Lunch at noon, fantastic! But wait, what was this meagre chicken sandwich I unwrapped? It did not fill the bun, and actually looked smaller than the filet! Each bite was mostly bun with mayo. There was an odd pickle, which seemed odd in a KFC sandwich. Also, I’m not a huge pickle eater, because they’re mostly pickled in dill, and that is not a favourite flavour of mine.

Yeah, take a hike, Dill!

I truly hope for the restaurant’s sake, that was a one-off error in quality. I had a double stacker a few days ago which was what I was expecting. But this “Famous” chicken may be famous for the wrong reasons.

Dude, CHKN CHOP has ruined you!

It totally has. If anything, this experience has made me want some delicious fried chicken and garlic potatoes from CHKN CHOP even more than usual! I eagerly await their announced weekly special, on Wednesday!

#notSponsored

Also, I watched another film before my family came home.

Blade Runner 2049

I had intended to rewatch the original before diving into this sequel, but I can confirm it’s not necessary. I feel like this film spent all the money on visuals and not on confusing plots and red herrings. I tried to shut my brain down again for this one, but in it kept chiming that what you’re being told is not what is happening. It was a slightly better twist than something M. Night Shyamalan would fabricate.

So, how do you shut your mind off for movies? Distractions while watching? Snacks that require skill? Ooo, peeling oranges or cutting apples?

Maybe I need to take a few puffs?

I fell down a movie rabbit hole

And lets see if you can guess the central theme!

Kung Fu Hustle

A fun and arguably a classic Chinese Kung Fu movie. It has cheesy humour, over the top violence without being graphic. Comic violence done right. Fully enjoyed it even if it had some questionable character dialog. Hooray for violence? What did the algorithm suggest I watch next?

The Gentlemen

This one stayed in my unwatched queue for a long time simply because the artwork I had for it was a simple whiskey glass. It didn’t draw me in. I forgot the players, forgot the trailer that made me add it to the queue. It was a fantastic movie, with little giggle moments where serious actors say “skunk cheese” with a straight face! Oh this was a win. I even recommended this film to my mother to watch! I’ll 100% rewatch this if my wife wants to watch it! Next!

Shaft

After a more serious flick, I opted for this recommendation. A refresh of a blaxploitation classic. Fantastic soundtrack, over the top gun violence, and familiar black actors we’ve grown to love over the years. I’m looking at you Samuel!

Alright! Well I’m not mad at that trio of movies. Started with wanting to rewatch Kung Fu Hustle, and following the unwatched recommended similar movies. Now that’s a loose thread to follow, but it got me there.

So what is the over archiving archetype of movies? What ties them all together?

Gangsters! Thanks for following along. Now go watch the Stanley Cup Finals!

I am afraid.

2020 has been rough. It doesn’t feel like it’s slowing down. I fear for the future with the politicized US election and the COVID-19 vaccine as a pawn.

What is your stance on vaccines?

WOAH, hot button issue! But I will say that I am vaccinated, and my son is vaccinated, my wife is vaccinated. Now… about that COVID-19 vaccine. That’s a big NOPE for me.

But why?

Well, I am a person who believes in science, and I mostly believe in the good nature of people. I hope that when a safe and tested vaccine is available, the healthy people will get vaccinated, providing my immunocompromised self some of that sweet herd immunity!

And flu season is coming, what about that?

Oh I will 100% get a flu shot. Those are safe, and I have been getting them for years! I learned quickly while working at a homeless shelter that flu shots and regular TB testing were a fact of life. I rarely get seasonally sick. In a weird sort of way, I’d say my immune system had ADHD and just ran around killing viruses and smashing vital organs as a side effect of its thorough job.

Wait Mr. I’m science, that doesn’t sound scientific!

Metaphors! I have learned a lot of medical terminology in my health journey, but painting a picture with words is a lot easier to relay what we say, instead of multi-syllable words that only muddle the issue.

The long and short of it is, get vaccinated, save me! When it’s safe to do so of course.

But wait, you’re afraid of what now?

I’m fearful of another rocky 4 years living next to a country run by a fascist. That’s worst case Ontario!

Fight me, Son!

The struggle continues!

Tonight I am a bad guy for exchanging French story time for phone time. Our son is attending a French school now, so we need to pick up the slack and start the learning.

Round 1!

Last night, I set tasks to accomplish, for 15 minute increments of video time before bed. That went so well, I figured I would try it again tonight. The rules are being laid out, but I could not get past the 2nd one because it involved books and reading, in French!

Round 2!

The protests and bargaining begin. He offered to defer books until tomorrow, but my counter was simply “PJs and teeth gets 2 15s”. The hate and bile over reading is unexpected. I stand my ground, take the “I hate you” with stride. I am the worst it seems. Stand my ground! I helped minimally and we get the PJs on, we get our vitamin and brush teeth, and now ready for bed.

Round 3!

The last gambit has been put in to play. The offer is 2 English books for 2 15s. No. I explain that each book would still be 1, we’d need a French book as well. Backed into a corner, he asks me to read the book in French.

Oh you crafty on of a…

I did my best to translate each line after reading it in English. I know I wasn’t’t perfect, but it was progress! After the story was done, the worst was over, he sees the finish line!

I’ll get a French book!

We actually got two in before he realized he wants phone time! We did our colours and a little critters story about “helping”. If you remember those stories from your childhood, you know the help wasn’t helping, but he sure did try!

Now we may have gone a full three rounds tonight, but we will try it again tomorrow! I hope it gets easier, but the little human can be stubborn.

It’s not easy being a disabled parent!

Oh, and I hate being hungry and full at the same time. Honestly, body behave!

What are you looking at??

In these times of staying home, we all have a little couch potato in us. So what keeps you rooted to the couch? Here’s some shows I’ve been watching, and maybe re-watching!

Woke

This deals with the struggle of a black cartoonist that gets “Woke” after a first-hand experience with the police mistaking him for a criminal, because prejudice and such. Lots of familiar actors and voices. I look forward to more episodes!

Lovecraft Country

This one also deals with racism in the past with a supernatural twist, as the title would suggest. There have been some gross scenes, but I’ve got a stomach for that. Still not sure if the supernatural stuff is scarier than the racist whites…

Ted Lasso

A great fish out of water story, a football coach, coaching “football”. Great accents, little bit of class divide and folksy optimism. I may have shed a tear or two watching this one.

Star Trek: Lower Decks

A starship takes a big crew to keep it running. This animated show follows 4 friends as they navigate their lives/careers/friendships from the bottom rung of a sci-fi future! Not really kid fare. So glad there are adult cartoons.

I could go on and on because I watch too much TV. These are good, but what are you watching? Something new? Something old? Paint drying on the wall?

The verdict is in

K, quick one, probably going to have to get a red watch.

Today, I took part in about 4 video calls. Shoot, technically 5 if you count a live stream taste test of a new Epicure dish! It was a delicious African sweet potato stew! But in one of the calls, I was asked what I was up to tomorrow.

I don’t know!

I looked at my calendar and there was nothing on there beyond work. Work work work. Not a very exciting day. I feel like something should happen, or something should be done. Those feel like wishful thoughts!

But what to do?

Hey, if you know how to get a hold of me, we should do something! What do the kids play these days?

Mario Kart Tour

Come play Mario Kart with me? I haven’t really explored gaming in other platforms, but some have been mentioned in passing. Maybe some of that Mario 35th anniversary gaming may prove fun. Also, I may throw steam back on my computers. There should be something fun out there right?

Give me sugguestions!

Apple event tomorrow!

What will be new? And what will I pine for?

I know my next apple purchase will be an Apple Watch, but rumours state that there will potentially be a new low cost model based off the Apple Watch 4! Who knows if that entry model will win my heart?

I know you don’t need it for running!

Ah, a truthful jab if ever there was one. But yes, I want an Apple Watch? Why? Here are some reasons!

• Apple devices fit my ecosystem
• Step counter
• Fall detection and emergency calls
• Activity reminders to stand up and move
• Handwashing timer?

I’m sure there are other reasons I may have missed, and I’m sure my expectations are not exactly how it will pan out, but I am excited none the less! Maybe I’ll carry around my phone less? Maybe more?

Not possible!

Sure, not more. I hardly ever get up without putting g my phone in my pocket. I used to, but then I had a wonderful day where I fell outside the washroom, no one was home, and I didn’t have my phone!

Tragedy!

I was also working, and my coworkers got concerned when I was gone for more than 30 minutes! Someone even called my wife! Emergency contacts for the win! I did also manage to drag and crawl my way into our bedroom where I pulled an old iPad down from the nightstand. It had been charging so it had a nice cord to yank on.

Well that’s a relief!

Well, yes, but it also wasn’t configured for messenger, Facebook, or FaceTime! Oh the “floor” configuring. Luckily I knew my passwords or it would’ve been a fruitless labour! Anyway, iPad configured, people alerted, and I think I eventually managed to get myself up? Or maybe my wife came home and braced a leg? I can’t really remember the recovery as well as the fall.

I want to blame the trauma?

So, I feel validated in wanting an Apple Watch. Am I wrong? Not really sure what else will be announced, but I guess if the Apple AirTags get to be a thing, we may need a couple of those handy dandy things! Ooo, we could sew one into the kid’s lunch bag! Or something. Probably not ideal if they require semi-frequent charging.

Ooo, how hard would kinetic charging be? They got that in watches don’t they? Yeah, that’s a good final thought.

Puzzling?

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle?

I know I love them. Mostly I have been sticking to video game puzzles, like sudoku and nonogram. I would do large scale puzzles if I had time, space, and an actual puzzle!

That last one’s an easy fix!

It sure is, but I find my puzzles where I can find them. Currently a “fun” on that has actually been a benefit to my work, is completing missing data! I realized this tonight as I was editing some entries on thetvdb.com.

My kid decided he finally wanted to watch Puffin Rock, and when looking up their entry on the open database, it was lacking! I’m actually going through it right now and setting the runtime on each episode and setting the Canadian content rating. I took a little break for medicine and figured I’d blog my post for the day.

Are we spilling tea?

No, but as a little experiment, to reinforce my beliefs, I decided not to vape a THC:CBD blend of cannabis before driving up to the resort we stayed at this weekend. I had the regular amount of restless legs I usually get in a long car ride. Basically that nagging pain behind the toes, right before the ball of the feet? That causes discomfort in travel and a need to constantly adjust or move my legs.

One long draw…

And I didn’t care about my feet because I felt my pain melt away. Now that isn’t a long term fix, but my feet are a puzzle, and it’s like I found a latch on the puzzle box that provides forward progress, but it keeps snapping back into its original position.

Massage and chiro are the same temporary relief.

The topic of this particular paresthesia came up recently, and a common solution presented itself. Magnesium. Well, in order to avoid adding to my oral medication routine, I investigated foods high in magnesium. A familiar dietary item reared it’s head and demanded to be my breakfast cereal of choice. Shredded wheat. Now not being fully onboard with the huge biscuit of sadness, it’s Mr. Mini-Wheat looking to be allowed back in my life.

Discussing this food choice with my partner, it was agreed that my pain seemed to be less, sleep and bowel were happier, and the sugary coating wasn’t as bad as a lot of other things that I’ve eaten and felt worse for.

Starting tomorrow, big bowl of dry mini-wheats!

Yes, I’m a dry cereal eater. Does it make me a monster? It’s like a snack food, and I can eat it with my hands. That’s good for MS finger dexterity training right? A spoon is more effort than it’s worth. I can’t honestly recall when I became a dry cereal eater, but I’ve never enjoyed milk. I also used to eat instant oatmeal dry, or cooked up with the least possible amount of water to saturate the oats.

Puzzled yet?

Balanced THC:CBD oil good, mini-wheats yum, I like puzzles.

Have a good night.

Have pharmacy, will travel

Last full day at resort. The kid appears to have had a wonderful day filled with swimming, walking along the break, mini golf, sneaking up on ducks, BBQ, fancy noodles, and s’mores!

I’m exhausted reading this!

And exhausted I am. Lots of walking and fresh air. I truly hope I sleep well tonight. I figure 2nd intermission in the Vegas Dallas game.

Exhausted!

K, so. Going to take my medicine and chill.

Pharmacy

Recovered and running away

The lunch box has been found!

There really wasn’t a doubt. We knew where it was forgotten, and his name is all over it. The afternoon bus driver was kind enough to return it to the school after his run.

Great success!

So with that, the first week of school is over! Now to run away to Oak Island!

Yar, there do not be treasure there!

And that statement is true until proven false! Will they ever find treasure there? Seems like a flight of fancy that has gotten well off the rails. I’m thinking if there ever was anything there, it had been recovered. But I honestly don’t know enough of the lore to really have any valid opinions of the subject!

Please ignore me.

I’m quickly writing in some fake necessity to write daily because I arbitrarily decided to before even writing one post!

Let’s talk about Oak Island!

No, but this resort does have one of the most accessible rooms I’ve been in to date! There is a hand rail beside the toilet, a no barrier shower area with a fold out chair, handles, and handheld shower head. The bathroom even has a chair. The sink looks wheelchair friendly with no undersides.

Should make for a great weekend!