50 Reflections

Perhaps a little indulgent, but I made a list of 50 things about myself, Jim Stalker.

1. I have eaten cookie dough for breakfast.
2. I proposed to my wife in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, overlooking the Lion’s Gate Bridge. I got down on my knee (it was romantic).
3. As a child, I performed as a ventriloquist. I was good. I could say, “the doy dought a basketball!”
4. I believe my undergraduate alma mater, the University of California Santa Barbara, is the finest campus real estate on the West Coast and maybe the world.
5. I taught high-impact aerobics for over 25 years – over 5,000 classes. Today, “what’s high impact aerobics?”
6. I met my wife in one of those 5,000 classes.
7. My favorite Philosopher is Plato, primarily because he writes about the famous historical figure, Socrates. The issues he raised are timeless.
8. Jerzy Kosinski was my favorite writer for many years. Why did he kill himself?
9. If I were to do it all over again, I would do it differently to find out what that would be like.
10. Calling my parents (divorced) every week for years – has had many unpredicted rewards. Namely, I love my mom and dad in a way I never have before, warts and all. I appreciate them more than ever. Cherish your parents, whatever and whoever they are.
11. Team America and Austin Powers International Man of Mystery are hilarious movies.
12. Standard Poodles are the best breed of dog. Non-allergenic, intelligent, mellow, and regal-looking. They are also a lot like me, happy when keeping to themselves.
13. I wish I could be funnier.
14. I wish everyone were funnier.
15. Citizen Kane is a great movie. Orson Welles may have made the most audacious debut in cinema history (with a lot of help). This has never been duplicated.
16. The two most incredible pieces of guitar music are Steve Vai’s For the “Love of God” and Eric Johnson’s “Cliffs of Dover.” Both are complex while being accessible – technically stunning with every note-perfect.
17. I am surprised I became an Apple fanboy.
18. Speaking of Apple, the Beatles are the greatest band ever, still! “Beatles Love” in Vegas. Beatles Rockband. Beatles Forever.
19. Nothing beats breakfast at a friendly coffee shop with a fresh Wall Street Journal.
20. It’s better to “do what you like” than “like what you do.” Over time liking something you don’t like is exhausting.
21. It’s best to want what you have. If you have stuff you don’t wish to, get rid of it, chances are someone else wants it.
22. You can’t have too many friends. Keeping friends requires surprisingly little effort, whereas making a friend involves action and a bit of fate.
23. Roger Federer will win 18 majors and then retire.
24. I married my wife on Zuma Beach in Malibu, California. It was cold and windy. I would not change a thing.
25. Godfather 2 is the best movie ever.
26. I have taught over 1,000 spinning classes, so I told 5,000 marginally funny jokes.
27. Favorite Joke – What did the deadhead say when he stopped smoking dope? What the F am I listening to?
28. The serenity prayer pretty much says it all concerning spirituality.
29. Of the three ex-Yardbirds, Clapton is the best singer, Page the best songwriter, and Beck the best guitarist.
30. High School Reunions don’t work for me. I can’t change who I was in high school.
31. Bill Burr is the funniest comedian working today. George Carlin was the best. RIP George, and let’s all go F ourselves in his honor.
32. I can survive without sushi – although, within the world of sushi, nothing beats fresh Toro.
33. My wife and I honeymooned in Paris.
34. I was nervous about having a child, but I did it anyway. Best thing I ever did. Big lesson there.
35. My wife makes me laugh. So does my son.
36. The best cigar I ever smoked was a Montecristo #2 from 1982.
37. Most of us need a little bit of encouragement. I know I do. Friends, if you care and are inclined, please push me to be and do better.
38. Tiger Woods, big shame, a colossal disappointment.
39. Steely Dan is the epitome of pop music. Third World Man is their best song.
40. Local TV News blows hard everywhere. You have to question people who watch it.
41. I have been wrong about so many things in my life, so I am probably wrong about something right now.
42. Breaking Bad was the most outstanding TV series ever.
43. Peanut M & M’s are way better than plain.
44. There is nothing comparable to watching, feeling, and smelling the ocean. It’s worth visiting as much as possible and letting your mind wander. Maybe the Greeks were right, and Poseidon is God.
45. Yosemite Valley is breathtaking, but if you are going, do yourself a favor and stay at the Ahwahnee.
46. Lake Tahoe is sublimely beautiful but all things considered, I would rather stay at Interlaken in Switzerland.
47. I have too many opinions. Learning to keep them to myself has been a lifetime project. No matter how thoughtful and well-formed they may be, the truth is most people don’t care what I think.
48. The word is real-tor, NOT real-a-tor. If you are a Realtor, learn to say the word correctly please. It will enhance your credibility.
49. The same goes for triathlons. It is not triath-a-lon.
50. Warren Zevon was right, “Enjoy every sandwich.”