Hot Wheels and How I Unwind

My full time job has been cut to 30 hours a week. I've got a house payment, a truck payment and my shop sales are still on the puny side. So what are we going to do this Saturday afternoon?

We're going car shopping.

Oh yeah.. I know how to live on the edge.

The Amazon is hell bent on buying a car today and I've had it up to my nose hairs with trying to be the voice of reason, so if and when she ever drags her lazy keister out of bed awakens from her peaceful slumber, I reckon we'll be hitting the Big City car lots. I imagine I'll be popping Valium and swiggin' a wine cooler by nightfall.

Ya'll keep your fingers crossed, pray or run out in the woods to perform the Pagan ritual of your choice for me that things will go well. I'd rather have a tooth pulled than shop for vehicles.

Moving on...

Born in the mid late sixties, I was part of the latchkey kid generation. By the fourth grade I was going to school with a house key on a string hanging around my neck, like most of my friends. We'd come home in the afternoons, let ourselves in, call Mom at work to let her know we hadn't been abducted on the way home, then raid the kitchen for junk food. We were under strict instructions not to go outside or have anyone over, so most of the afternoon was spent parked in front of the television.

I blame those years for the way television has become such a part of my life today. As long as someone is awake, it's usually on, but mostly just in the background. It's unusual for me to find the time (or the attention span) to sit down and actually watch anything in it's entirety anymore. I was thinking about this the other day when I decided to keep a log for one week of shows I actually sit down and devote my undivided attention to on the boob tube.

The following list isn't in any particular order, I didn't keep track of times or channels.

Sanford & Son This was one of those shows from my childhood that I quote often, cracking myself up, although no one around me seems to know what the hell I'm talking about, so I just end up looking a little insane ("IT'S THE BIG ONE ELIZABETH!!!") In this episode, Aunt Esther was entering a beauty contest, coached by Fred. They performed together in the talent portion, giving us a peek into Redd Foxx's other talents.

VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy, Ratt and be still my heart... David Coverdale, slinging their AquaNet coiffed heads to and fro to gut rumbling bass beats and axe burning guitar riffs. And ya'll know how I feel about men in spandex and black eyeliner. Nuff said.

The Children's Hour Holy monkey toes Batman! Who knew they were making racy movies like this back in 1961?? An evil little spawn named Mary spreads rumors of lesbianesque frolicking by two boarding school teachers, leading to the eventual demise of the school. Of course, none of it's true.. or is it?

Run's House As a rule, I don't like "reality" shows, but this is an exception. It's obvious that a lot of this is staged, but I can't help but love this family. My favorite episode so far? When Kid Rock sneaks a Hooter's bumper sticker on the Rev's prized car.

The Big Bang Theory Currently, this is my one, can not miss, I don't care if it's a rerun, I love it to pieces show. Monday nights, CBS. If there is one iota of geekness coursing through your blood, if you're married to someone even slightly nerdy or if you spend any time at all on social networking sites, you'll get humor of this show.

The Ellen Degeneres Show Now that I'm getting off work at three every day, I get home in time to enjoy a little day time television. I'm cheating a little with this entry, I didn't watch the entire show on this particular day, I tuned in to catch an interview with Depak Chopra.

Dreaming of Tibet A great documentary airing on LinkTv about Tibetans fleeing their homeland to escape the oppression of the Chinese government. When you can't afford to get your nails done or the new soccer shoes you need for Little Precious are putting a strain on your wallet, spend some time watching this little film. You'll have a new perspective.

My Name is Earl If they made a show about the people of Frog Pond Holler, this would be it, only the holler is way smaller. It's just funny. Lulu's favorite character is Joy and I have to agree. She makes the show.

There you have a roundup of the shows I found interesting enough to sit down and unwind with this week. Did I miss anything really juicy? Let me know your faves in the comments.

And now.. I'm heading out to Big City. Wish me luck.

Later Taters!