Weird Gadgets

Lu stumbled across a jab at the worst gadgets to clutter your life with:

Camping Ice Cream Maker

Do you use an ice cream maker at home? Then why would you need one in the woods? If you're going to make ice cream while camping, you're going to have to lug a 5 lb. bag of ice, cream and sugar into the forest. Where will you get those things? The same store that sells Ben and Jerry's. $24.95 from REI.com.

I actually like REI, more so 30 years ago when it was a real co-op instead of another yuppie gear store. The absurdity of lugging the raw materials into the woods gave us a good laugh. We did a lot of pathetic ill prepared aborted camping in our youth.

What I need is the Tank Chair to get into the woods.

Tank Chair

Finally, a wheelchair fit for the Popular Mechanics reader. Those wishing to turn themselves into human-powered Mars Rovers should be able to pick up this track-powered behemoth later this month ... for a hefty $15,000.

Relationships, Experiences and Time

Just what is it that make one feel fulfilled? I noticed that as I have aged that has changed, but there are a few steadfast somewhat philosophical descriptors that keep popping up. Friends are almost always involved. We tend to be experiencing life with an enhanced richness, even if circumstances are rather mundane. Solitary creativity pops up, but rarely in total isolation. Sharing that pathetic scratchy twinkle twinkle little star with my friends added immensely to the experience of learning to play the violin (all over again after 30 years). There has been a morphing through acquisition, accomplishment, and spirituality into relationships and experiences.

Given time, which implies a certain level of financial security to not have to "work" so much just to eat and sleep that you can't have relationships and experiences, you are left with potential. What is it that tips potential toward manifestation? Why do I so often stumble on happiness? Why is it after half a century fulfillment feels elusive? Are folks in the happiest countries (1. Denmark, 2. Switzerland, 3. Austria, 4. Iceland, 5. The Bahamas, 6. Finland, 7. Sweden, 8. Bhutan, 9. Brunei, 10. Canada [ref, see also]) living a more fulfilling life? They do tend to be healthier, more educated and wealthier than less happy peoples. but they are less preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness. Maybe the pursuit itself instills a state of lack or wanting which robs one of the state of being or knowing happiness. I have never visited several of the top 10. I am looking forward sharing a few adventure rich with experiences with my best friend, Lu!!

Here are a few internet experiences people shared with me this week. This will spark a smile and warm your curiosity in the world we share Gorillas in a Tryst. This will make you laugh (if you grew up in the US during the 70's: Great Olan Mills photos If you happen to live in Florence (hint hint Margaret - get it with Chili powder!) you might want to experience an incredible cup of Vestri hot chocolate. (Borgo Albizi, 11r, Tel: 055-234-0374) Lu and I shared a mock up on Tuesday at Pano's on Elmwood Ave. [recipe] Go listen to some music with a friend while on route to yet another great experience, maybe some nice hot chocolate on a blustery winter day.

MM dx

Lu told a story last May at a Gilda's luncheon about that dreaded pea soup fog you find yourself in when hit with a diagnosis like multiple myeloma. My analogy involved getting into the head of happy go lucky squirrel going about his care free life. All is simple, easy and pretty straight forward. Find the nuts, eat the nuts, save some nuts, eat some more nuts, and find another squirrel to make little squirrels with. Bliss. Then one day there is this bizarre out of this world contraption coming at you faster, bigger, louder and scarier than anything has ever been before.

Welcome to your MM diagnosis day. That contraption shows up from time to time. Like during the Superbowl. :-) Now I feel more empathy for the folks around me who still get all freaked out (not that I don't have bad days!)