BRAINSTORM BLOG PODCAST 001 : Cars, Murals, Working From Home, and Children’s Party Etiquette

Alright, let's break this down.

I'm not entirely sure what this blog is going to become, or if it will become anything at all. Right now, the plan is to let it evolve naturally as we go along. Essentially, it's going to be a brainstorming session. Together, we'll explore ideas for the content and format of this show, right from the depths of my mind. Though I'm not entirely certain how it will unfold, let's embark on this journey and see where it takes us. I've tried something similar in the past, and I've found that it works best when I'm in a meditative state, like when I'm driving. It provides me with a sense of having a conversation partner, and I believe it gives you, the listener, someone to think along with. There's no formal structure or script here; it's just going to be whatever thoughts pop into my head during my daily commutes in the morning and afternoon. We might release these as daily episodes, or perhaps twice a day. I don't intend to heavily edit these recordings. While they won't necessarily be personal journals, sometimes personal thoughts might creep in. As you've probably noticed, I tend to ramble a bit. We'll be taking the easy road with less traffic, allowing us to focus on our thoughts, just like Ned Stark concentrates (if you're a Game of Thrones fan). Now, let's talk about something interesting: how you can tell which cars have been parked in garages versus those left out on the street or driveway. Have you seen those blue tints at the top of windshields? They were a thing for a while, but they seem to have disappeared. My car has a little dot pattern near the top, which probably helps reduce glare from the sun. Speaking of cars, I think it's time for me to get a new one. My current one, the "exploder," is showing its age, and I've invested quite a bit in repairs. Moving on to other matters, I recently got a new lunchbox after using the same one for almost eight years. It was a gift, but it was finally time to replace it. I also did some online shopping for lunchboxes, pens, and markers for my mural project. Working on this mural in my garage has been surprisingly satisfying. I never thought I'd find creating a mural enjoyable, but it's been a rewarding experience. Reflecting on my childhood, I remembered doodling on my walls, mostly in pencil, which would eventually fade over time. I drew various things, like the Stooges and yin-yang symbols, and even wrote on the walls. There was a kid I knew who drew the crow and its logo on his wall, which inspired me to do something similar. Back then, I was a fan of the movie "The Crow," and I still think it's a good film. Fast forward to today, and I find myself driving to work on a beautiful morning with a desire to open my window for some fresh air. The sun is shining brightly, which can be a challenge when you're driving east in the morning and west in the evening. Those sun visors with a blue tint used to help, but now I have a different pattern on my windshield. Speaking of cars again, I've realized it's time for me to make a decision and get a new one. I'm 36 years old, and all my previous cars have been hand-me-downs, which is perfectly fine. However, my current car is showing signs of age, and I've spent a considerable amount on repairs. It's a 2007 model, and it's time to upgrade to something more modern and reliable. I'm considering a Toyota Highlander or any car with good gas mileage and a warranty. On a side note, I recently celebrated my son's tenth birthday. It's hard to believe it's been ten years since he was born. He's growing rapidly and will likely be six feet tall soon. It's a relief that he's learned to take care of himself, including bathing. As a parent, you reach a point where you have to ensure your child can handle basic tasks independently. Tomorrow, we're planning an outdoor movie night with a projection screen, and it's going to be a fun time. We'll hook up a PlayStation, maybe watch a Blu-ray or a streaming option. We'll see if my wife's computer can handle it. As for the challenges of commuting, it's a relief to work from home, avoiding the daily traffic grind and saving on gas. The pandemic had its downsides, but working from home was a definite highlight. It allowed me to focus on my home life and enjoy the simple pleasures. Finally, I touched on the importance of setting boundaries, whether it's dealing with unruly kids at a party, managing people's behavior at social gatherings, or simply maintaining respect and courtesy. Boundaries are essential for creating a harmonious and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.