My Timbuk2

Now that I am no longer commuting to work via car, I have a renewed love for my daily commuting companion.  This is my Timbuk2 bag.  It has withstood more than 5 years of abuse including many thousands of travel miles for work and pleasure.  No, it is not the most beautiful or elegant bag one could choose to carry on a daily basis, but it does everything you need it to do.  The only other bag that has ever come close to handling every situation is a LL Bean book pack.  Even those fall prey to weather being as they are not water resistant.  This has kept my items safe and dry in many inclement situations.

I recently added this Cocoon Grid-it organizer to keep things in their place.  This is a wonderful little invention for those of us who like to keep things organized while in transit.  I like to have a multifarious assortment of items with me, just in case.  The organizer keeps each item findable.  Whether attaché case, shoulder bag, messenger bag, back pack, book pack, satchel, briefcase, tote bag or, yes - for the ladies, purse there is a Grid-it organizer for you.  They even offer a luggage size.  No, I was not solicited for any kind of coverage of this product.  It is a great product for frequent traveller and commuter alike.  

Sure a beautifully crafted case is more ideal to complete the elegant gentlemanly persona I prefer, but none are as functional as my simple messenger bag.  For occasions that dictate, I use a more elegant canvas and leather shoulder bag.  There is no doubt I would rather use a beautiful leather briefcase to carry my wares to and from the office daily.  The issue there becomes: how do I multitask effortlessly?  Reading the paper is made easy with this over the shoulder bag.  Also, in the event of inclemency, there's no need to fret about any electronics in tow; moreover, I do not need to worry about the case itself being damaged.  

In sum, this messenger bag has treated me very well over the years and I don't foresee abandoning it for another option anytime soon.  I welcome your suggestions or comments on daily commuting appurtenances.

BTG

An Addition

The Modern Traditionalist and I have a new addition in our ranks.  Meet Lord Quincy.  I am not one to extol those, who treat their animals as children.  I am here proving that "dog people" can be "cat people".

Formerly named Bones, we adopted Q, as we have come to call him, just over two weeks ago from a local shelter.  He was at one time living on his own and was recovered alone from a parking lot.  Quincy has certainly adjusted from life on the street as seen below resting on his favorite cashmere throw after reading about WWI with me.

Quincy is proving to be a delightful addition to our lives.  I've always been a real "dog person".  Here it  seems, Q is cat for a "dog person".  He sees you off in the morning and greets you upon return in the evening.  Q aims to please from the moment you arrive.  What cat greets you with a wagging tail and a wet tongue?  He does.  His favorite activity is rolling on his back while receiving belly rubs.  Q enjoys showing off his hunting skills when chasing his toys around the apartment.

He simply does not act like a conventional cat.  For instance, when you call, he comes to you.  I believe he fancies himself a bird dog, a faithful labrador.  In this respect, he is picking up exactly where his predecessor, Rudy, left off.  Rudy - AKA the Furry Eccentric - was a unique feline in much the same way. We are happy to have little Q.  He is a dog in a cat's body.

BTG

Contemplations

Gratitude to Google

Ferris Bueller had it right, "life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop to look around every once in a while, you might just miss it."

Upon Reflection of recent days reserved for restoration of mind and body, I've come to realize that has not actually happened.  Days have been filled with endless list making and box checking.  I must be doing something wrong.  The particulars have amassed tremendous proportions from neglect.  We have all been overworked or busy to the point of letting things fall by the wayside.

How can I keep up with it all? Mobile devices don't seem to help, but rather further hinder your ability to accomplish tasks without interruption. They bring the worst side effect of all: inability to disconnect and shut off. I am all for the added productivity and enjoy the benefits of connectivity, namely the genius of Google anywhere.

So I suppose the answer is that you don't keep up with it.  Life is imperfection done well.  Learn to like it!  Thus, I decided on a few days ago no more box checking for me. It's R&R from here on out.

BTG

On Parenting

Gratitude to Google

I should premise this with the disclosure that I have no children.  The above picture is representative of how I remember the "fear" that governed my childhood behavior.  I was a fairly mature youth and did not require much discipline (Mom: if you are reading this...no comments please;-).  I remember one time I stuck one of my prized Matchbox cars into my dress sock before heading out to church.  Having found out who was giving the homily (I was raised Roman Catholic), I went straight for the concealed car.  It entertained me, while the oration went far beyond its apportioned period.  There was no punishment in this case because no one noticed what I was doing.  It is that simple skill children today rarely exhibit: discretion.  Well behaved tomfoolery is hardly cause for concern.

During my time off, I've seen quite a few parents with small children running about town for errands and adventures alike.  Why is it that so many children are so badly behaved...or is it that they are very badly parented?  Perhaps it's just the memory of my own childhood that arouses these questions.  For those of you reading, this is not meant to be a condemnation of all parents, only the parents who let their children run amok.

A tantrum in public was simply unacceptable in my household.  Children today seem to throw tantrums for minuscule motives.   I feared the worst should I get out of hand.  One small child recently threw a fit in the middle of the post office for the reasons completely imperceptible.  The young boy was running all around the post office without any supervision.  Worse yet, the mother did not notice at all.  How did she not notice the lout disturbing patrons by bumping into them and screaming all the while?  Once she realized he was missing, probably from a lack of piercing shrieks, she ventured to find him.  He had just made a run for the exit and nearly got away with it.  He then threw a tantrum.  I was appalled.  Yet the mother let it continue.

Suffice it to say that it would not have flown under my supervision.  This brings me to my next question.  Why, as Americans, do we seemingly put up with it rather than speaking out?  In France it would have been completely acceptable for an adult to drag the child to his parent and deliver a stern reprimand to each.  The reason must be the state of our highly national consciousness.  The thought of such a lawsuit makes me immeasurably happy that I left the idea of law school in the past (more on that another time).

I welcome your thoughts, stories and even your opposition.

"Everybody knows how to raise children, except the people who have them."-P. J. O'Rourke

BTG

Morning Brew

Few things start a morning better than a wonderful cup of espresso.  It is not a mere caffeine delivery mechanism, but rather the impetus for a better state of mind.  The experience of brewing an espresso clears my mind and perks my senses.  This prepares me for the day and all life will require of me.  Above is a quality example with perfect crema accompanied by one of The Modern Traditionalists delightful madeleines.  Cheers to a great day!

BTG

Time Off

I am enjoying a bit of repose for the time being.  It has been a hectic few weeks leading up to this, but I have this week between career moves.  The first few days were chock-full of sloth and idleness.  To be certain, I have been a slipshod blogger of late, but I intend to bounce back.  Thank you for visiting while I have been away.  Stay tuned as new posts are quickly flooding my mind.

BTG