Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 1, Chapter 2

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Uncertainty. A lot of people fret over what’s going to happen on the 20th, and that includes those that place bets in The Casino of Emotions, aka Wall Street. I have a little bit of money on the sidelines, so if the markets pull back this week I just might go bargain shopping for stocks.

There's also another matter that's making me uncertain. More on that later.

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED THIS WEEK

Romana Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 (Total Wine, $31.99). 

This one was memorable when I sipped it before a meal, and it really enhanced the flavors of both the baked salmon and sautéed chicken dinners I paired them with. It’s a great splurge item to drink alone or share with a special someone, but it’s better suited as that bottle you’ll bring to an intimate gathering to impress others. 

WHAT I WATCHED

This season’s anime selections are decent, but I only watch it during my lunches.

WHAT MADE ME SIMULTANEOUSLY LAUGH AND CRY

The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce on a Tuesday, and then they fired general manager Tom Telesco on a Thursday because of course the team can’t figure out what the hell’s going on. If Tom Brady is indeed calling the shots, then he better get the new hires right.

WHAT I BOUGHT

Not only does this Amazon Basics wine rack fit perfectly on a coffee table shelf, I bought the following wines to stock it:

• Tres Llaves Winery 2023 Syrah Rose (Dudley’s Bakery, $35)
• Heritiers Benoit Pepe Maurice Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2022 (Total Wine, $19.99)
• Kendall Jackson Winemaker’s Block 2022 Chardonnay (Total Wine, $20.99)
• Greyrock Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Total Wine, $21.99)

WHERE I’M GOING

I’ve been dying to lunch at sweetgreen one of these days. Maybe today’s the day?

WHAT I LISTENED TO

Patty Loveless. I used to listen to her music all the time in the 90s and it was nice to hear it again this week. 

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (In progress)
• DC vs Vampires, World War V #6
• Deadpool/Wolverine #1
• Birds of Prey #17
• The Avengers #22
• You Must Be This Tall To Propose!, Volumes 2 & 3 (final volume)
• You Like Me? Not My Daughter?!, Volume 5
• Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, Volume 18
• Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie, Volume 19

Also from J-Novel Club…

• The Hero And The Sage: Reincarnated And Engaged, Volume 3
• The Poison King: Now That I’ve Gained Ultimate Power, The Bewitching Beauties In My Harem Can’t Get Enough Of Me, Volume 3 (finished)
• An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups: This Gyaru Is Head Over Heels For Me!, Volume 9 (finished)
• Duchess In The Attic, Volume 3  

WELCOME TO SLAPSVILLE…

I don’t have anyone this week. Moving on…

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

The local MINI dealership did a great job with the after market glass at the beginning of the week. I took Miku through the car wash a few days later and there were no problems. Assuming the window doesn’t get out of adjustment, she’ll handle rain like a champ.

WHAT’S UP WITH MY HEALTH

The road to better health is paved with potholes, and I’ve struck one. I gained 1.8 pounds this week and only half of that was muscle. Ara ara!

I doubt the wine is the culprit, so I’m asking myself the following questions:

• Too many calories? 
• Not enough protein? 
• Am I stressed over current events, dating or family issues? 

I’ll make small adjustments to my dietary habits and figure out what’s going on. I’ll also start weighing myself midweek so I’m not “surprised” on a Saturday morning.

My knees are back to 100% and I did full weight training and indoor bike workouts so it's not all bad news this week. Just lots of uncertainty.