Confessions Of A Couch Potato

When I finally live on our sailboat ... I'll gladly trade the couch for the cockpit!

I admit it.  Until I have potlucks and sunsets to distract me, I love being a couch potato.  Until I have to do without, I enjoy my sofa and my air conditioning after a day's work.  Truth be told, I'm kind of an introvert and dealing with people all day wears me out.  I need my time with just Ken, or myself.  Of course you know what comes with being a couch potato ... the television.  Yep, I'm guilty of watching too much tv.  In my defense, I'm learning stuff!

The majority of television shows suck.  Reality tv ... the drama, the lack of morals and the lack of reality make me question my intelligence after watching a few minutes.  I refuse to watch it.  Ken and I enjoy a few crime/drama shows, but when I find myself alone with the remote I love watching documentaries.  The Discovery Channel, History Channel, TLC ... just about any documentary grabs my attention. 

The past couple of weeks I actually came across several interesting topics.  During "Shark Week" (which is starting to have a little too much "reality" itself) I was comforted to learn that bull sharks reside in Lake Pontchartrain.  Yep, the same Lake Pontchartrain that we sail in, swim in, and that flows into our backyard canal.  Actually, I had already heard that those aggressive sharks were out there, but I try to forget about that.  It was interesting to see folks from UNO doing research in the lake (I swear I saw our old waterfront neighborhood in the background) and placing tracking devices on the sharks to find out if they ever leave the area.  The researchers are thinking they never leave, but are waiting to see what the devices show.  As long as I don't hear about an attack or see a fin, I'll keep swimming.  Oh, but I'd better keep my head out of the water because there's that brain-eating bacteria going around that enters through your nose.  Geez!

Then there was the special called "WEED" by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.  He used to be against pot, but after learning more about it he couldn't ignore its medicinal effects.  He couldn't ignore the story about the little girl whose life was consumed by seizures, and whose body was worn down and near death.  Now that she's been receiving doses of marijuana (before you judge, the little girl doesn't get high off the weed - a low THC variety) she's a normal kid, with very few seizures.  Dr. Gupta also learned that a lot of research is going on in Israel and get this ... the old folks in the nursing home smoke pot that is provided by the government!  It seems that smoking pot helps delay dementia, as well as slow down brain degeneration.  It also helps with uncontrollable shaking and muscle spasms, as well as reduces nausea (cancer patients come to mind).  Of course, some folks do smoke too much which can cause addiction and way too much slacking off.  However, it seems that it's about time to stop ignoring the possibilities that this plant may bring.  Heck, one of my favorite pair of pants are made from hemp ... they're really comfortable.

When my mom called to tell me that a special narrated by Richard Gere (love him) about "The Buddha" was coming on, I had to watch that too.  I started taking a real interest in Buddhism about 7 years ago, and for me it's not so much a religion as a way of life.  The Buddhist teachings are about simplicity and empathy, with no room for ego, envy or materialism.  The special told the story of Buddha, who didn't have a miraculous conception or rise from the dead.  He was just a normal man ... a very rich man in the beginning, but normal.  I don't want to drag this post on, so I'll write another post soon about his story.  I think it's pretty interesting.  While I agree with the Buddhist teachings and do my best to follow them, I'm not gonna lie ...  I still have a problem with having compassion for everybody.  Most people sure, but all people ... I don't know if I'll ever get there.   I just have a hard time having compassion for those who don't help themselves.  As far as living without ego, envy or materialism ... I'm good.  Heck, I'm trying to sell everything and live on a small sailboat named "Nirvana".

Oh, and I haven't watched recently but I love "Ancient Aliens".  It's a weekly show on the History Channel that's shares theories about aliens visiting our planet many years ago.  Whether you believe or not, there's some really interesting facts on the show ... along with the theories.  One show was about Hitler and his obsession with aliens and flying saucers (who knew?!).  Some folks believe his fascination with aliens gave him insight into creating weapons, including the infamous "Bell" ... a multi-dimensional motor that neutralized gravity.  Dare I admit ... since I was a teenager I've always thought that aliens could very well be the "missing link".  Think about it.  I'm not saying it's a firm belief, but just a thought.  I'm open-minded enough to consider it.

Being lazy and vegging out isn't all that bad.  See what I learned while being a couch potato?!

Hasta luego ... until then.  Mid-Life Cruising!