Boomer Randomness

She looks pretty good, doesn’t she?     And a little familiar.   Maybe you saw her in the five episodes she played in Mad Men a few years ago.   She also had brief roles in ER, House and others and even played in that stupid short-lived TV show based on the Cave Men from the GEICO commercials. This actress had also appeared in some movies and on stage at various comedy clubs in Los Angeles.  Here is a picture of her from a Mad Men episode.  Recognize her yet? OK, CLICK HERE to see why you think she looks so familiar.   I would never have figured it out.

Do you ever think about toilet paper?   Serious question.   OK, maybe not serious, but it is a product you probably use daily.   Where did it come from?   What is its history? These questions occurred to this history enthusiast for a moment this morning.   The state of the product is excellent and efficient these days but I remember less pleasant versions of toilet paper in my youth.   I wonder what is was like in my parents’ youth.   What was used further back, say in the Civil War era?   Back even more, what did the signers of the Declaration of Independence in the 1700s wipe with?   Columbus?   The first Pope? Being the curious person that I am, I did some research.   The Chinese came up with the first manufactured ‘paper’ used for this purpose in the 14 th century.   It came in 2 foot by 3 foot sheets.   Wow.   Leaves, stones, sand, snow and the left hand were often used before that.   Yuck. ...

It is almost a challenge to feel this happy.   My life is definitely moving in the direction I envisioned for several years.   Each time I take another step toward ‘living the dream’ I realize I really am living my dream.   There have been a few stumbles and obstacles but I have mostly succeeded at the beginning stages of every endeavor.   Happy, happy, happy … which has not been my norm for a long time. I surprised my boss the other day.   I showed her this picture of me and my new guitar and told her I am starting lessons in a few weeks.   She smiled and said something to the effect of ‘you are really living the life you always wanted.’   Yes, I am.   Wow.   I can hardly believe it myself. Oh yeah, I bought a guitar last week.   Did I mention that?   And signed up for lessons at a place in my very walkable neighborhood.   Call it another thing that has fallen into place. Did you read my last blog post? ...