New Music, New Adventures 2025 #11
Friends, a new gym, and what to do with old stuff
It’s been great to be back at home this past week. The weather could be warmer though. During this first week of spring I had to wear the heaviest coat I have – something I haven’t worn since the fall. Oh well, Chicago weather changes very quickly. Soon the dreary brown trees will turn green
My biggest activities this week included spending time with some great old friends, joining a gym, and beginning the task of getting rid of the excess stuff we have at home. (We have a LOT of collectibles and other things of which I just have to ask, “why do we have this?”) First up, my friend Pat had two of our other college friends, Natalie and Christine, over for a night of catching up and enjoying some delicious tamales and black bean soup.
Tuesday night was dinner at Angelo’s in Elmhurst. We’ve been going here for decades with an assortment of friends. It’s a quiet (except when we are there) unassuming place. Someday I will write about the many experiences and conversations we’ve had there. For a lot of our local friends, this is our Italian restaurant.
Joining a gym was something I’d been wanting to do for a while. I’ve had a number of gym memberships over the years but I’d cancel them when I’d decide that I’d rather be biking or hiking. Now that I am 62 I know it’s necessary to do some resistance training with weights, so I’m back. Frank had joined Vasa Fitness in Wheaton almost a year ago but within a day fell off his bike and hadn’t been back since. So, he decided to join me for my first visit. It was particularly crowded on Monday afternoon, particularly with younger people. I’m hoping they are all on spring break and the place will thin out in the coming weeks but I may be wrong.
It’s a big facility with everything one might expect, including massage recliners, a hot tub, pool, sauna, and steam rooms. The initial treadmill warm-up I did felt great as did the weight machines. I then decided to put on my bathing suit for a nice hot tub and steam room post workout chill. They were both great but the place offers no towels and I didn’t have one which made changing back into street clothes an interesting challenge.
By the time I was leaving the place was swarming with young dudes parading around with their built-up physiques fully on display. The problem is they are loud in the locker room and exude a sense of intimidation. I felt like I was back in high school. As much as I wanted the gym experience to feel closer to what I experienced at the spas I visited in Palm Springs, there were too many young people around. I missed the adult atmosphere. Leaving, I had mixed feelings about the place but promised myself I’d go back and I did, yesterday. Great experience for the most part. It’s clear I have to go earlier in the day.
Tuesday, I also pulled together some old clothes and shoes to be given away. We also have a million mugs which is odd since Frank doesn’t drink coffee and I use the same two mugs every morning. Because getting rid of old stuff is hard for us to do, I decided to first pick out all the mugs that I have zero attachment to. Those are now ready go. There’s still more for a future purging though as I inherited all of my mother’s Broadway mugs.
My next big goal is to get rid of books. We have a loft that is filled with them, along with old videos, suitcases, computers, posters, and so on. Do people want any of this stuff? I’ll likely donate the books to a library which accepts used books. If any readers collect any of the above, let me know soon!
Three new-ish songs provided some great listening this week to accompany me on these “adventures.”
Projections – Jose Junior
Jose Junior was born in the U.S. but spent his teenage years in England. According to his website he was influenced by North London’s indie rock scene. I love the guitars and sonic sound on this track which the artist says on his Instagram “is about putting your bullshit on other people. For you it could be about anything you want.” Haven’t we all, sadly, projected our issues on others at one time or another?
Does That Include Television? – Palace Winter
These guys are based in Copenhagen but singer/songwriter Carl Coleman is from Australia. Their varied music is said to represent their unique origins. This track is from the point of view of the singer and is about an up and coming TV star just waiting for everyone to notice him. “I’ll blow your mind, just wait and see…” Those of us that have ever had big dreams can easily relate. I also love the production on this one which is slightly whimsical and neo new wave sounding.
Cats – Franz Ferdinand
This one has been floating around my playlists since the group’s most recent album was released in January. It’s one of the songs that may sound most like some of the hook-laden tracks from their first album in 2004. It’s about the need to run free like a cat as opposed to being a homebound dog. Franz Ferdinand has always been great creating quirky lyrics and upbeat pop/rock.
Link to my 2025 playlist:
A friend of mine is opening a new used bookstore in Lakeview. In fact, I’m going there next week to bring her some of my old books. She is interested in used books. She doesn’t want to be just a dumping ground, but is interested if there’s cool stuff. She’d be more than happy to take some things off your hands.
Tell Yasmeen Jeff sent you. Lilliput Books 2150 N Halstad
This old fart always appreciates new stuff recommends.