Friday, October 28, 2011

Can You Guess How Long I Had to Wait at the DMV?!

Yesterday was my day to renew my photo id at the local PennDOT office. Based on past experience, anecdotal evidence and tons of jokes about the wait, I assumed it would be long and more or less painful.



Imagine my surprise when I walked into the office -- and was the ONLY customer there! Total wait time: 0, zero, nada, zilch, none.

According to modern physics, "Everything not forbidden is compulsory", on a quantum level. Apparently, that's so on a macro level -- if you live long enough.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Birth and Death

Yesterday was my birthday. Three days before that was my father's deathday. According to my spellchecker, there's no such word as "deathday". I won't correct it, since we don't really have a need for such a word.

We celebrate birthdays far more often and for far better reasons. Even the most entrenched nihilist would have no reason to observe his or her own departure from life -- unless that person had precognition.

RIP Vincent S. Runza, Sr.: born November 7, 1922 -- died January 20, 2011.

This is the way I will remember Pop -- animated, rumpled and engaging. I think he was explaining something to Mom. I won't put up the photo of her, sticking her tongue out at him. Yet.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Snowy Weather = French Toast?!

So, yesterday, I'm at the supermarket for my regular Tuesday morning shopping trip. Imagine my surprise at the crush of people (most with a thousand-yard-stare) clogging the aisles and chatting on cell phones.


I did see the weather report which predicted snow for today -- 3-4 inches. However, east of us, folks will be inundated with up to 2 feet of snow. A change in the wind, and my area could get a lot more than is predicted.

However, this isn't Miami Beach. The Poconos (and the skiing they provide) are very close. Folks should be used to dealing with winter snow.

All righty, then: why was everyone stocking up on eggs, bread and milk? Is French Toast the best comfort food for when you're snowed in?! Or is it just that "panic shopping" doesn't lead to the best decision-making?

Sheesh!