Friday Mental Massage: The big purge

After three days of near-constant downpours, the sun has come out over G-Vegas. The sky is blue, the air is cool, and it feels exactly as a South Carolina December should. As you might have noticed, I took a few days away from blogging in an effort to remain as positive as possible during the holiday season. Now, I’m going to puke all over the screen and then get on with a holly, jolly holiday season.

  • WordPress 2.7The Fat Guy lamented yet another WordPress upgrade today. I was with him, as I just did the last upgrade two days ago. This time, though, despite a few hiccups, I was actually happy with what WordPress put out. I still agree the updates could come out less frequently, but with the automatic updater, I’m happy to see the improvements.
  • For want, not need–I’ve been feeling the need to treat myself in recent weeks. I haven’t bought any toys in a very long time. My computer is nearly two years old. My cell phone is nearly two years old. The biggest thing I’ve purchased for myself in recent memory was a cheap HDTV for the bedroom. So, although I’m not 100% today, I think I may go out and buy an iPhone. Merry Christmas, me.
  • The Griddler–I think The Griddler would be a great name for a villian in a comic strip. Regardless, I got one for my birthday. This thing is pretty cool, despite my inherent distaste for George Foreman type products. It is a combination panini press, contact grill, full indoor grill, and griddle. It actually folds out for double the surface area. I’ve used it a couple of times already for some quick grilled chicken and vegetables. It burned the hell out of me once, but otherwise is a pretty useful little product. And a villian.
  • Wish I was there–Somewhere between 70 and 80 percent of my friends are on our annual trip to Las Vegas right now. I couldn’t make it for a variety of reasons. Needless to say, I’m a bit envious and more than a little disappointed. To anyone there who might be reading this: Don’t call, don’t text, don’t tweet, and don’t whatever. I’m not picking up. I’m pretending this weekend doesn’t exist.
  • L’il help–Anyone out there have any good ideas on a good holiday volunteer gig or donation for a four-year-old? I’d sort of like to get my boy in the right frame of mind about the holidays and am looking for a good (and probably low-impact) way to get him thinking right.
  • Show me…South America!–Looks like I’ll be going to Chile next month. That will be my first jaunt into South America. It has to be lower impact that Mexico, right? Right?!
  • Resolved–I’ve spent many years not making resolutions for the new year. That is going to change this year. I actually have a mental list of things I’m going to do or not do in the year 2010 2009. Here’s a preview: after a several-year hiatus, the McDonalds boycott is back on, baby.
  • That oughta do for today. Hope everyone has a happy and healthy one. And to you SOBs in Vegas, a lucky one.

    Brad Willis

    Brad Willis is a writer based in Greenville, South Carolina. Willis spent a decade as an award-winning broadcast journalist. He has worked as a freelance writer, columnist, and professional blogger since 2005. He has also served as a commentator and guest on a wide variety of television, radio, and internet shows.

    You may also like...

    11 Responses

    1. Pauly says:

      Merry Christmas, Otis!

    2. BadBlood says:

      Have Dylan go shopping for a Toys for Tots. Have him pick a present for some under priv. kid.

    3. Aaron says:

      I see someone already beat me to the toys for tots, I am sure your local food bank would appreciate a donation as well.

    4. DuggleBogey says:

      I’ve had that exact Cuisinart Griller for over a year and it’s great…looks as good as the day we bought it and it gets fairly decent use.

      And I’m with you with the McDs boycott. I used to boycott the place too, and I think it’s high time for a revival. If for nothing else, it was “the official restaurant of the Olympics.” Nothing says Olympic health and fitness like McDonalds.

    5. Jen says:

      Toys for Tots is always a good idea, as well as organizations that give gifts to children in hospitals at the holidays. Or going through the boy’s toys/books and finding things in good shape to give away to a shelter (also a good way to clear space for new things Santa will bring).

      Food bank donations are good, but maybe even consider taking the family to volunteer to help prepare and serve food one day.

    6. Dr. Chako says:

      Have fun in the year 2010. I’m resolving to get piss drunk in 2009.

      -DrC

    7. otis says:

      Er…yeah…guess I’m thinking ahead. Will join you 2009.

    8. KenP says:

      Concerning OJ (Otis Jr.)

      Have him gather up some old/unused toys and have him deliver them to the local Salvation Army Thrift Store.

      Local media news (PBS) did a story that donations are down about 25% while shoppers are up at them. So, a closet trip for the oversize Otis weeding things wouldn’t hurt either. Although, I recall your past blue jean debacle — so maybe you’d only qualify to shop there.

    9. Until this year, we always had the kids pick an angel off of the Cancer Center’s angel tree. They would look through all the names/descriptions until they found one their age and gender. They would then go shopping and pick the things they wanted most for Christmas and then deliver them back to the tree. The kids always felt a very real connection because they did it all.

      Another option is go buy a bunch of inexpensive teddy bears and head to the hospital or local Pediatric chronic illness(hematology/oncology is always a good bet) treatment office and distribute them. You would have to call the hospital social worker first to clear that though. So, it may not fall under low impact!

      One other choice is homemade Christmas cards for soldiers.

      Just some thoughts! Hope you have a great Christmas!
      Natalie
      http://www.believeinmandy.blogspot.com

    10. Kevin says:

      My 5 year old is buying tickets for the Billy Jonas concert here in Asheville on the 21st for women and children at a shelter in town.

      I know your son like Billy which is what brought the idea up in my mind.

    11. Da Goddess says:

      Toys for Tots — putting a gift HE’D like into the bin.

      Picking a name off the wish tree at your local Walmart/Kmart/Sears and buying the gift for the underpriviledged kid on the tag.

      Taking blankets and gently used outgrown clothing down to a homeless shelter.

      Low physical impact, high emotional impact. Even for a 4-year old.