Tuesday, August 30, 2022

August whirlwind and Breaking Bad

If you were to go back and read former posts here, you would be likely to find many in which I made some comment about the swift passage of time. 

And I continue to be amazed at that phenomenon. 

Wife and I knew August would be crazy-busy, much more so for her than me. I won't even go into all the places she has been, but suffice it to say she has visited each adult child and respective family -- and then some. I've trailed along with her some, but have mostly kept the home fires burning. 

With the end of August comes a slowdown in all of that, I suppose, at least the travel in which we get in the car and drive. She'll be home this Thursday, Sept. 1st from her latest journey, and one week later we will make our first overseas trip since going to Italy in 2019. This time it's Scotland and the Cotswolds in the U.K., then a trip across the channel to northern France. 

I learned in '19 that I can take two straight weeks of vacation and everything at work go just fine without me, so I've decided to do it again. 

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I'm going to try and post a couple more entries before we leave. I want to comment on some current events, e.g. President Biden's decision to relieve some student-loan borrowers of a portion of their obligations. I won't preview my thoughts on that, so stay tuned. 

But speaking of being tuned in, I will tell you that during Wife's absences, I finished watching "Breaking Bad" on Netflix. Younger Son recommended it to me, and he very transparently said he was not sure if I would like it. 

I am very careful about using the word "amazing" as it is one that is, in my opinion, overused. But I really can't think of another adjective to describe this show that is at times dark, hilarious, brilliantly-acted and, most of all, habit forming! 

Any other Breaking Bad fans out there? It is, in a word, amazing! 

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I continue to have frustrations with the publication for which I allegedly write a weekly column. I say "allegedly" because it's hit-or-miss as to whether and when they post them. Sadly, I think that relationship has about run its course and I'm looking into some other options. Probably more to come on that when I return from the upcoming trip. 




6 comments:

Kelly said...

Perhaps if you part company with your "other" writing job, it will free up more time for this one. I'd love to see posts from you more often. ;)

Bob said...

I appreciate that, Kelly, but even though I post my column here on occasion, I see them as two different things. What I’m contemplating might, however, combine the two, in a sense. Not sure what the ultimate outcome will be.

Becki said...

Breaking Bad... Several years ago my sons were talking about this show, so being curious I checked it out. I was hooked until the show where someone was gotten rid of via the bathtub (I'll not say more so as to not give spoilers to anyone who hasn't watched). This episode (which was fairly early as I recall) was so disturbing I didn't think I had it in me to continue watching, but recently when my oldest son and I were talking I told him this, and he told me that was probably the worst/darkest episode of all the seasons. I haven't gotten myself back to it, but reading your comments makes me want to give it another shot. I have gotten some great recommendations for shows from my grown sons. I trust their recommendations since they know I'm not much into really disturbing or violent stuff, and they'll always give me that caveat if its warranted even if they think I'll like the subject matter. OTOH, I think they'd be kind of surprised at what I do find myself watching. I recently told same son that I recommend everyone watch at least one season of 60 Days In. If he watches it, I think he'll wonder why his mom finds it interesting. I can't bring myself to watch multiple seasons, but I think it holds value to anyone who cares about social issues, mental health, and the state of our criminal justice system.

Okay, Bob... while I'm recovering from hand surgery soon, I'll put Breaking Bad on my list of possibly good binge material. Enjoy your Europe travels!

Bob said...

Becki, just as my younger son made a disclaimer to me, I’ll make the same to you: BB is DARK. But your son is right, the bathtub episode is probably darkest of all, and that season certainly is. But the way it all unfolds and resolves is brilliant. But be forewarned!
(And good luck with the surgery!)

Ed said...

Huge Breaking Bad fan! I never saw it during serial airings but binged it after it was over. It certainly ranks up there on my list. If you haven't already done so, you need to see the prequel/sequel Better Call Saul. It is equally good and like BB, dark in places as well.

If I had to pick other shows that rank up there with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, I would go with Sopranos, Sons of Anarchy and my newest favorite, Yellowstone. Can't wait for the latest season to kick off here this fall.

I am very interested to hear your thoughts on the tuition refund. I suspect, like I do most of the time, I'm on the same page as you.

Bob said...

Ed, I have already watched the first two of Better Call Saul! I'm pacing myself now.