Holidays and Wasting Time
I'm listening to a song called "Tighten Up" performed by The Bamboos right now. They're a funk band out of Australia that I got turned onto tonight. "Tighten Up" is an old song from the 60's originally written and performed by Archie Bell, a soul singer from Galveston who had a few hits back in the day. I played a few shows with him in my funk band, the most memorable one at the old Balinese Room in Galveston. That was a cool show, mostly because of the history of the place. Galveston used to be a swank resort city back in the day, and Sinatra, Martin, and more used to play there.
Of course, past glories don't often equate to current standards, and it was a bit depressing to think of the contrast of the more opulent past with the worn and slightly dingy present. Such is life, though. At any rate, "In the Bamboo Grove" is a song to check out by The Bamboos, and it's on the album "Step it Up". They have a great infectious groove, but I'm waiting to hear a solo. C'mon, guys. :)
As far as holidays go, this one has been mostly relaxing, although I'm tired of having multiple holiday meals. You'd think I'd be used to it after this long, but this Thanksgiving just seemed more taxing than normal. Either way, it's time for another break. Fortunately, I have a quick one coming up next month back in Scotland. Oh well - any more of this, and I'm about to start whining.
I read a quote a few days ago that's been on my mind:
"To spend time is to pass it in a specified manner. To waste time is to expend it thoughtlessly or carelessly. We all have time to either spend or waste, and it is our decision what to do with it. But once passed, it is gone forever."
Bruce Lee wrote that. It makes me think of how much time I waste, and prods me to look at what needs changing in my life. There are a few things, that's for sure. I skate by too much, and while it yields satisfactory results, it's cheating myself from what I could be doing. Story of my life, but am I finally tired of it to where I'm willing to make those changes?
This goes hand in hand with another quote, this time from Hillel:
"If not now, when?"
Indeed.
