The Road by Cormac McCarthy

I first heard about The Road by Cormac  McCarthy when it was picked by Oprah Winfrey’s book of the month a few years back. I didn’t see the program where McCarthy was interviewed. What peaked my interest was the plot and characters. A father and son travelling along a road in postapocalyptic America. I think in most cases this genre is usually of the science fiction realm and perhaps not taken serious by the mainstream media. The fact that it was part of “Oprah’s book” club said this wasn’t your ordinary post disaster book. Even after reading this book over a month ago it still stays with me in my thoughts.

 

The Story

The story is about a father and son traveling along a road in postapaocalyptic landscape. What has  happened isn’t exactly explained and kept vague. Even the names of the father and son are never spoken or made known. We catch glimpses of the mans life before the unknown disaster happens from his dreams. The boy we learn was born on the eve of the disaster that wiped out civilization as we know it. The mother/wife commits suicide for reasons I’m not quite sure of or at least I didn’t quite understand. We see her character in the mans dreams which I helps give the man some depth of character. That he wasn’t always what he is today and he knew the world before it had become bleak and burned out.

In the beginning their hope lies in travelling south along the road to reach the coast. There they hope that they would find some relief from the colder winter that is soon approaching. They have to scavenged for food, fuel and shelter along a burnt out landscape. They also have to avoid bands of cannibalistic gangs hunting for more victims. They have one gun with two bullets for protection or suicide if capture seemed imminent.

The key focal point of course the father and son relationship. To each other they mean the world to one another. The father does what he has to do to keep him and the boy alive. He himself is ill but he keeps going on for the sake of the boy. They talk about “having the fire inside” them and remind themselves that they are the good guys. The boy is what keeps the father going despite his ill health. The boy in many ways keeps the man in check of his sanity and to stay on the side of good.

The Book

The book itself is intense although reading this can be very easy. I read this through in about a day which is very unusual for me. I’ve read some critics say it starts off too slow. I do agree with that to some degree but found that after the thirty to thirty five page marks it really grabbed a hold of me and didn’t let go until the end. McCarthy's style of writing almost matches the landscape it describes with it’s bare bone punctuation and lack of traditional chapters. The story moves along in what can be described as a series of snapshots or moments in the journey.

The Movie

Of course a book of this acclaim and stature was made into a movie in 2009. One part of me was curious how this would translate to film and the other was nervous to actually see it translated to film. Would it it serve the book justice? How would it be seen visually? How the horrors of cannibalism be handled? Would the story be twisted like many other novels turned to film? Well I eventually saw the film and I must say it’s one of the better translations from book to film I’ve ever seen. The film stays with the book almost verbatim. I noticed more was left out from book than was added into the film that wasn’t in the book. Some scenes from the book that were left out of the film were not essential to the story. Though I believe the ending of the movie ties more of the story together than the book does. I don’t to spoil it much so I’ll leave it at that.

Myself

As fan of post-apocalyptic fiction  I was hooked to this story. One story that comes to mind is the Stephen King novel The Stand which also describes a apocalyptic event and the aftermath.  I also remember the film “Omega Man” starring Charlton Heston in a zombie filled wasteland of Los Angeles. I’ve read others that I can’t recall the names of that describe a world after everyone is gone. I thinks it’s a curiosity I have with a world with very few people left in it. What would society or the world be like. What kind of footprint would we leave on this Earth.

Being a father of two sons this book has hit me on a personal level. In a way I see it as an symbolic of father and son relationships on a deeper level. A father trying to prepare his sons for the harsh world in which his days are numbered. The boy represents hope for the future after the father eventually passes along. I know it’s made me look at my sons in a different light. It has made me think of my own mortality and what will I pass along to my boys. Will it be enough for them to survive in this harsh world we live in?

Overall

This book(and movie) has the the ability to stay with you for a long time. It has the ability to horrify you, depress you but still in the end leave you with a glimmer of real hope. I’ve read the book over a month ago and the movie about two weeks ago yet it still stays with me almost daily. This is certainly a story that you’ll be thinking about long after you read it. If your a Dad this is a must read for you. You’ll look at your kids in a different light, especially if you have boys. I don’t mean it to sound that it’s exclusively for guys. It is wonderfully written and well paced. I think it’s one of those books that will be used as an example of a masterpiece novel that is a classic many years from now. Perhaps in the same vein as Catcher in Rye, Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice an Men  and so on. If you’ve been on the fence about reading the book (or seeing the movie) take the plunge you won’t be disappointed. My only regret is that I hadn’t read it sooner. I still feel as if I haven’t absorbed everything this book has to offer.

Up in Smoke : Day 142

Today marks my 142nd day without smoking. Hard to believe I made it this far. Thank you to all who have wished me well. I couldn’t have done it without the support of others,  especially my wife and family. She and others had hoped and prayed for years that I would decide to quit smoking.

I’m glad I decided to take the leap and make the commitment. It really does come down to a commitment. It wasn’t the drug Chantix that was the miracle cure. I had made up my mind before using the pill. It was a tool that helped accomplish the task. Don’t get wrong though, it did help tremendously. It got me through the initial stages of quitting. This is usually the hardest period of quitting and where I usually faltered in the past. The first few weeks were the hardest for me in the past.

I do get urges for a cigarette from now and then. They occur less frequently as time goes by. I notice now that they generally occur at times when in the past I would have smoked. It’s not that I actually need a cigarette but, was something I did in similar situations in the past. When the urges do occur I do think to myself do I want to throw away all I’ve accomplished for a drag on a cigarette? What does it really accomplish other than satisfying a craving? Cravings were gone a long time ago anyway. The urges generally last only a short moment and then forgotten.

What have been the rewards of this? Taste buds and sense of smell are gradually returning. Ironically I find that cigarette smoke does indeed smell bad. Saving money has been big. I’ve saved close to a thousand dollars so far. I got the iPhone I’ve been wanting for quite some time along with a 71 VW Super Beetle I’m working on. Neither of these would be possible while I was smoking.

To wrap this up I want to address smokers and non-smokers who wish others close to them to quit. First to non-smokers, be patient and supportive. It’s OK to let smokers aware of your opinion of smoking but, the worst thing to do is to nag. This will just put them on the defensive and not want to quit already. Yes they know it’s bad for them. Secondly they have to decide for themselves to quit. You can’t do that for them. It just builds resentment anyway.

To the smokers: It can be done. I smoked for over twenty-five years and I did it. I understand what your going through and you have my support. This is a decision that has to come from within yourself. No one else can make up your mind for you. Though my method worked for me it may not for you. I urge you be patient and persistent. If one method doesn’t work, regroup and try a different way. The biggest factor is to make up your own mind to do it then follow through with it. I wish you the best in your journey.

Up in Smoke : Day 29

This is my fourth week using Chantix to aid me quitting smoking. It also marks day 22 of quitting. Technically I should be done with my first installment of Chantix but along the way I forgot a few pills so I still have a few left. I’ve still got to call my doctor to get the second installment. I’m partly debating whether to continue with the Chantix.  I’m open to any comments about this. No I’m not starting smoking again but just thinking whether to continue with the pills. Yes It’s gotten be this far but the nicotine addiction passes in the first few days. The rest of the addiction is in mind. For those that don’t smoke may not realize how deeply ingrained this habit becomes after many years of smoking. It in a sense becomes part of who you are. It also becomes a friend of yours. So when you quit it can be like breaking of a long term relationship.

For the most part I’m feeling well. I don’t weigh myself regularly so I couldn’t tell you if I’ve gained any weight. I think I gained a few but then I’ve always had a few extra pounds on me so I’m not exactly losing sleep over it. The pills do give me a touch of nausea if I don’t have some food in my stomach. No weird dreams or suicidal thoughts as the warning label reads.  My lovely wife has noticed though that I’ve not been irritable so much but, I’ve been more apt to communicate  about stuff that may be bugging me.  This may be due to not having cigarettes to hide my true feelings or put them off.

Other than an urge occasionally I’m doing very well.  Thanks to all who have supported me with your messages of encouragement. They do have an impact. Have a great day!

Happy New Year’s Day 2010 !

I want to wish all my friends, family and guests to this website a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Usually New Year’s day is a day of parties and resolution’s. For me it is a time to spend with family without much fanfare.  This past year has been a challenge but we made it through which we can be thankful. We lived through the challenge of bringing up my new son Sam(in his first year) and my oldest son Josh who still wants the same amount of attention as before.  I don’t have any new “resolution’s” to reveal. I’m still continuing along with the goals I’m working on. They include to continue with my quitting smoking with Chantix, to get an “A” in every class I take at New England Tech and not to forget to love and support my family throughout the year.

I actually think New Year’s day should be the day of thanks instead of Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for my wife bearing the brunt of raising  two son’s and running a household. Thankful for a job that has been steady and keeps food on the table and a roof over our heads. I’m also thankful to new and old friends and family I’ve met through Facebook. I hope you all have a……..

Happy New Year!

Up in smoke : Day 17

Now that the dust has settled after the Christmas rush time to get back in the swing of things. It has been now 10 days since I’ve quit smoking. I’m not sure if it’s the Chantix but I feel as I’ve got the knack of this. Besides the first day I’ve had the feeling that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Occasionally  a thought passes my mind to have a cigarette but it soon passes. I’ve got enough butterscotch and Wurther’s hard candy to last a few weeks now.

The Chantix does cause me some nausea if I don’t eat something with it. Other than that I  haven’t noticed any physical effects. My wife has noticed that I’ve become a a little more out spoken recently. I guess I don’t have smoking to hide behind anymore. I’ve read before that smokers tend to keep or hide stuff inside them. So my reaction makes sense. My wife actually see’s this as a good thing since I tend to be on the quiet side.

I’m hoping to finally clean my car out this week. I do notice the “smoke” smell when I first get in the car. I did add an air freshener” but the smell is still underneath. Thanks for coming by. I’ll check in later this week.

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! This clip is from one of my favorite Christmas movies Scrooged starring Bill Murray. It is the ending clip of the movie which can be touching at times. It sums up the holidays spirit nicely.

A lot of people say that Christmas is just for kids. I agree but, with a twist. I believe that were all still kids at heart. We are still that same person we were when we were kids and couldn’t wait to open presents. Then we grow older and become wiser and mature.We get caught up in “grown up” concerns and worries and can lose the spirit of the holidays. I think many times we are the ones who keeps us from having a good time during the holidays. Enjoy yourself wherever you may be. That kid who used to wake your parents up early to open presents is still inside you and for one day let them come to light. Merry Christmas!

Up in smoke : Day 10

I’m now on my 3rd day of not smoking. I made it through the weekend which was an accomplishment. The first day was the toughest I have to admit. It was constantly on my mind and I found it hard to concentrate on much else. I napped a few times just to get my mind off it. Ate tons of butterscotch candies. On Sunday I spent much of the day cleaning up after the snow storm. It was less on my mind than the first day.

Today will be the first day at work not smoking. I usually smoke driving to and from work and at lunch break. This will be another hurdle I’ll have to jump. I expect it’ll be much like the Saturday was but, after that it should be ok. I’m still taking the Chantix twice daily with no side effects. I actually was late taking one last night. I completely forgot about it. Maybe that’s a good sign. Thanks again for those with the words of support encouragement. They are appreciated.

Up in smoke: Day 1

Recently I decided I wanted to try and quit smoking again. I talked to my doctor recently and he recommended I try Chantix to help me stay quit. It hasn’t been an easy decision to make. It’s a major commitment on my part. I know my wife and kids support me in my decision. It has been a part of my life for close to 30 years now. The time just feels right to renew battle against this stuff. My wife suggested that I could blog about my experience. So I plan to blog here every so often to give everyone updates on my progress(or not).

What are my goals?

First of course is to stop smoking for good. I hadn’t made a serious attempt in quite awhile. The Chantix is suppose to be a 12-week program. I smoke the first week while starting to take the pills. It’s suppose to give your body time to adjust to the medication and then to stop smoking on the 8th day. My day will be next Saturday December 19, 2009. My wife even asked why so so soon? I said why not, I had pretty much made my mind up to do this.

Secondly I hope to inform and help those that may be thinking of quitting using this method. Even if they choose to try something different perhaps it will serve as encouragement.

Chantix also has a support program called GetQuit. I signed up online which they’ll give me activities to do, email and phone support. Today’s activity is suppose to keep a log of where and when I smoke for 24 hours. I’ll begin that today when I wake up(I’m writing this is in wee hours of the morning). When I wake I plan to start keeping my log and pill in the morning(with beverage and food as recommended).

I’d love to hear about any other people who have tried this. I’d welcome your comments.

Lessons from Iacocca

I’m a firm believer if you want to learn about being productive and successful you can learn a lot from those that are. Recently I’ve been reading Lee Iacocca’s autobiography. I’m amazed by how much can be learned from him. I haven’t got to fifty pages yet and almost every other page seems to be a how to guide for business and management. Many of the tips and advice comes from people he encounters through his life. He was also shaped by the times he grew up in which was during the depression and going to college during World War II. This seems like a self help book disguised as an autobiography. Here are some examples:

• His father preaches not to worry about what has happened in the past.
• He tells how to he got through college and work by concentrating his efforts Monday through Friday and  leaving his weekends for other pursuits like family and leisure.
• Good attendance. One time he got an “A” in a class that few showed up for on a Saturday morning.
• He also credits his studies in psychology(a favorite subject of mine) while at college as one of the keys to his success.
• A tip he got from Robert McNamara(soon to be Ford President, and then future Secretary of Defense)was if you have an idea was to first put it into writing. He would say that if you haven’t written it out you haven’t really thought it through.

These are just a few of the little tidbits you may pick up from the book. The book also has it’s human (and humor) side also. If your looking for a self help book but, your tired of the ordinary books this could be a nice sidetrack from them. At the same time you’ll be learned from someone who has lived through success and failures.

Don’t sweat the small stuff….

Yesterday after soccer and Friendly’s for lunch we ended up at a Goodwill store because my oldest son wanted some new books to read. So we stopped in to check it out. I’m not ashamed to say we shop there at times. You can find some cool stuff for cheap. I immediately hit the electronics section at first. If your in desperate need of a printer there only $5 you just have to add ink. Not to mention I almost got a tape deck for my garage stereo for another $5, maybe next week.

The most popular section was the book section. For $.99 or $1.99 you can pick up some decent books. Of course my son picked out a handful and of  course I browsed too. I did find some cool books. My wife had to drag me out of there before I spent the whole day there. Here are the ones I picked up:

• Don’t Sweat the small stuff… and it’s all small stuff – By Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
• Iacocca, An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca/William Novak
• Understanding Psychology by Robert S. Feldman

I believe I read “Don’t sweat the small stuff” many years ago when it first came out. Lee Iaccoca is an interesting figure from our times. The psychology book is actually a textbook. I find psychology an interesting subject so I thought it would be great reading and for reference. I’ll write more about these later. I’ve got to go for now .

The Greatest Generation

Recently my wife got the sad news that her grandfather had passed away. At the same time a close friend lost theirs too. It kind of gave me a moment to reflect on grandparents and their generation.Both were members of what has been popularly known as the “Greatest Generation”.  I was talking to a friend today and he told me of a saying that when an older person passes away an encyclopedia of knowledge and experience goes with them. As a kid we may think of these people as just as our Grandparents who may shower us with affection, understand us when our parents don’t, or hug us when were down. At some point as we grow older we may come to understand who they are and what there experiences were. Why perhaps they may hold different values then us and think were crazy at times.

These two gentlemen lived through quite an historic period of time in our country and the world. They grew up in the depression, fought World War II, lived through the “Cold War”, Korean War, Elvis, Kennedy assassination, The Beatles, Vietnam,  and Watergate to name a few. They do in fact have an encyclopedia's worth of experience. Most of these things are but, things we read about in history books and movies. They lived through them first hand. The fact that they lived through it all is amazing feat. Its a privilege and an honor to have known them.

Many of them were humble and rarely spoke about what they had lived through. I spoke to a friend who’s father had been a World War II veteran in the Navy. Growing up there father rarely spoke of his experience. One day while watching a film(I believe it was Tora!Tora!Tora!) his father spoke up and described in detail how the airplanes were so low that they were killing sailors in the water with their propellers. He had been at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. Even his wife had not heard him talk of this before.

What will be the great events of history we’ll be telling our children and our grandchildren? They almost seem insignificant in comparison of what this generation went through. As we go through our lives we go along raising families, working, playing and living a life. Perhaps that’s the idea, it was that they were just trying to live a life and dealt with as it came.

John Lennon

What can be said about this man that hasn’t been said before? I was just beginning to learn about him when he was taken away from us in 1980. I can’t give any first hand accounts of him when he was with us. We live in the shadow of John Lennon. I only remember the media coverage and reaction to his death. The only one that compared to it was the passing of the “King” Elvis just a couple of years before.

John of course was an essential member from the most influential pop/rock group in history, The Beatles. I knew very little of his personal life before his passing. I learned much of his post Beatle years in the days (and years) after his death. Media coverage at the time was extensive. Newspapers, radio and television were saturated with news and  music of his work. I believe the recent passing of the “King of Pop” pails in comparison. Many at the time felt they lost a family member or close friend. Can that be said of the gloved wonder? I doubt it, unless you’ve got a demented family.

What I learned about since is that he was a human being prone mistakes. He married a woman he loved, though few understood it(she didn’t cause the Beatle’s split but, she didn’t help matters either.). Extremely gifted artist and musician. He spoke his mind with his biting wit.  He used his celebrity status to campaign for world peace.  He was also a father too, was he a good Dad? That depends on which son you talk too. I also believe he grew up with a lot of anger and sadness, which at the time of his death he was beginning to work through.

One can only imagine(pun intended) what he would think of today's world.

Happy Birthday John! Thank you!

October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980

Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans…

-John Lennon “Beautiful boy(darling boy)”

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Living in the past

You glorify the past when the future dries up – “God Part 2” U2

As I’ve entered my fortieth decade I’ve found myself more looking into my past. Facebook has fueled this fire recently with the ability to look up old friends from as far back as 1st grade. Even my musical tastes tend to be those from past like my recent “Beatle” phase. I’ve begun to wonder if I dwell on the past too much. Is it a good thing to analyze past events or should my eye be on the future?

I think there is a good case for looking into your past. Just like in history books, lessons can be learned from the past. If not we can be prone to making the same mistakes over and over again. It’s a part of the learning process to look at how and what we’ve done in the past. It can also serve as a benchmark as to where we’ve been to gauge how far we’ve come in life.

On a personal note it’s been fun reconnecting to people I went to school with in my youth on Facebook. Some I remember vividly with others needing a memory jog. I remember there faces as they were over three decades ago. They range from grade school friends to high school sweethearts. I’ve also managed to gain some new friends along the way.

On the flip side we can become to involved in the past and not take care of the present and future. A balance must be struck to keep an eye on the future. Be open to new things. I’ve seen many people get stuck in the same rut. They are reluctant to try to branch out. It seems like they are in there comfort zone and won’t come out. Keeping an open mind to new things is a must. Don’t be afraid to learn and branch out of your comfort zone. Be willing to challenge yourself and try new things. Remember things of the past but, look to the future.

Music: Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band - Remastered

What can possibly be written about this album that already hasn’t been said. It is The Beatles masterpiece. They pulled out all the stops on this one. To be honest I haven’t listened to this album in many years. My one copy on a cassette(yes that dates me) was well worn and was lost quite awhile ago and never replaced. So this is a revisiting of an album I’m somewhat familiar with.  I must admit I got a bit caught up in the recent Beatlemania with the Rock Band Beatles game and re-release of The Beatles albums on  September 9, 2009(9-9-09) and I ordered my CD from Amazon.

After listening to this in it’s entirety I’m simply blown away. I had forgotten how good, I mean great this album is. From the opening orchestra sounds to the fade out at the end of “A day in the life” you are taken away to a different world than the one your in. To enjoy this properly I believe a set of headphones and a block of time to listen to the whole album from start to finish.

One thing that strikes me is how much I forgot that The Beatles were at heart a rock and roll band.When I went through my adolescent and young adult years I put them on the backburner in favor of more modern rock music of the time. Again I find my self re-discovering them. The beauty of The Beatles is that they went beyond the traditional arrangement of guitar,vocals,bass, drums and brought in many different instruments and sounds.

Well back to the CD itself. If your like me and haven’t listen to this album in awhile it’s worth it pick this one up and give it a listen. If your new to The Beatles this is a good start. If your a hardcore fan it’s still worth it I believe with booklet inside with notes about the album and an additional 5 minute video included on the CD(computer needed to view). This is still rock album that all others must measure up to.

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9/11/01

This was a day that each one us will remember for the rest of our lives. It is the “December 7” of our age. Most of remember where and when we heard the news or saw the horrible images on TV. Who could imagine on September 10, 2001 that something of this magnitude could happen?

For a short period of time our nation was united across all lines. Flags flew everywhere and there was a sense of unity that hadn’t happened in recent memory. The attack was not only targeted at the Trade Centers and Pentagon, it was targeted at our hearts and minds too. In a sense it was an attack against all Americans.

A prayers should go out to all the victims and their families on this day as I’m sure they are still missing the loved ones lost that day. A thanks should also go out to all the police, firefighters and emergency workers who responded that day. They were on the frontlines that day and were overwhelmed and did the best they could do. Nothing more could be asked of them. They have my utmost respect.

I think eight years later that it has become a day of reflection and tribute to those lost. I’ll forever identify the Enya song “Only Time” with Sept. 11. I believe CNN(or other news agency) used it first and is used with many tribute videos on YouTube and other video sites. I think it speaks for itself. God Bless all those were lost that day and to all who helped that day, and may God Bless America!

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Write a letter

I just got to thinking today who actually sends out written letters these days? I know I can’t personally remember the last time I wrote someone a personal note or letter. I’ve occasionally had to write a letter but, they’ve usually pertained to business matters. Nowadays everyone is texting, Twittering, Facebooking, IMing each other. These are generally short messages not more than a few sentence long. Proper grammar or punctuation is almost nonexistent. I’m not exempt from this either.

I remember back many years ago when I wrote home from my stint in the Army I wrote home constantly. Sometimes I’d write my girlfriend at the time several in one day. I’m not even sure if she read them all when she got them. I’d probably die of embarrassment if I saw one of them today. I believe I wrote my wife a few but, that was before we were married(ten wonderful years ago, you never if she’s reading this.). I think she read them because she married eventually. I’ve slacked off in writing her much lately. It’s hard to write a letter to someone you see every day. She’d probably love to get one.

An actual letter is a lot of work these days compared to email or texting. It must be hard to imagine actually writing on paper(or typing it out), folding and stuffing it in an envelope, finding an address, finding a stamp and finding post office. Then it may take days for it to get to it’s destination. Then you never know if they’ve got it or not. Seems like forever in this instant gratification society we live in.

I’m curious to know how often others write family or friends a letter these days.

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