NUMBERS OF THE WEEK
STEPS: 2544
Abysmal, I know.
WEIGHT: Did Not Check
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Taking a Break
I have a tendency towards overextending myself and not recognizing when I need a break. Recent life circumstances: getting knocked down by Covid, followed by the loss of my Grandmother, forced me to slow down and re-evaluate things. I was recognizing the signs of burnout and decided to reduce my work hours. In the past I would feel guilty for taking time off and selfish for wanting to focus on myself, but now I feel relief and empowerment.
For the next few weeks, I will have Tuesday’s off. It will be nice to wake up without an alarm, tend to neglected things around my house, and refocus my efforts on getting back to my goals.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
The Cure: Songs of a Lost World
With smeared red lip stick, black eyeliner, and crazy hair, Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, is easily recognizable. Since the 1970’s his look is consistent and the band continues to serve consistent melodic pop/rock music. Honestly it was the fun early 80’s Brit Pop style of Love Cats that got me interested in The Cure when I was about 10 years old watching videos on the brand new channel, MuchMusic. What kid wouldn’t love a bunch of stuffed cats being puppeted around playing piano?
On November 1st The Cure released an album of new music for the first time in 16 years. I listened to it a couple of times. It reminded me of Pink Floyd and Tears for Fears. Kind of big and orchestral with long ambling intros that would uncover raw personal lyrics. I definitely prefer their earlier punk pop vibes. However, I can appreciate the meaning behind an album completely written, composed, and arranged by a 65 year old musical icon. So for that I say “Well Done”.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Dead Zone: Stephen King
Stephen King is well considered to be the “King of Horror” but he writes a lot of everything . . . fantasy, sci-fi, non-fiction. The Dead Zone is a great work of science fiction that tells the story of Johnny, a young teacher from Maine with a unique gift (or curse) that is uncovered after a car accident puts him into a coma that he eventually awakens from after 5 years. His journey eventually dovetails with that of the protagonist Greg Stillson, a successful businessman, who has his eyes set on becoming President of the United States of America. The uncouth Stillson has taken many years to build a cult-like following of bigoted grifters willing to do his bidding at the wink of an eye or flick of finger. It’s hard not to make comparisons to what is currently happening in the US.
However, I digress. . . .
I really enjoyed reading this book and I was very excited to learn that it was also made into a movie in 1983 by the great Canadian Director, David Chronenberg starring Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen and Tom Skerrit. So that’s going on my list of movies to watch!!