My "timing" has been off, and my usual rhythms aren't fully in gear yet.
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This weekend, RQS came up on Friday, and we enjoyed each other's company as usual. On Friday, I met RQS at the train station as Mario, and we proceeded to have an early dinner at a nearby Mexican joint before going to BJ's to buy a new TV for the bedroom.
In the past, TV's were very dumb - one would change the channel, and no one would know what stations you were watching. No one could narrow cast advertisements to the home. This has changed with the internet, where "Smart TVs" have become the rage. Why is this? We have become the product. Once we set out TVs up, our viewing habits are monitored by the likes of Google, and we receive narrow-casted advertisements in exchange for "subsidized" lower cost TV sets. (I'd rather spend the money NOT to be spied on, but "Dumb TVs" are no longer available in most stores anymore.
Once we got home, I started to set up the TV, and found that it was no longer the simple "plug and play" process I had with my old TVs. I had to set a log-on code with my TV's maker, then go through adding a limited number of apps to the TV (all likely providing revenue to the TV manufacturer for viewer data) before I could even start watching anything on the TV. AARGH! I'd rather pay much more for a dumb TV that respects my privacy. Too bad that they don't exist anymore.
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Saturday came, and I was finally out as Marian again. This time, we ended up taking a walk on a rail trail near New Paltz before taking a leisurely drive home. Although I was tempted to stop by Aldi, so that RQS could compare this store against my nearby Trader Joe's, we went straight home and relaxed. The next morning, we both woke up late. By the time we finally went out for our pedicures, it was almost 3:30 pm. It was nice to have our feet pampered again, as my toenails desperately needed trimming. Now, they will likely look nice until month-end.
Monday came, and RQS suggested that she stay over until Tuesday. Of course, I liked this suggestion, as we wouldn't be apart until her eye doctor got the chance to work on her eye mid-week. This was another Marian mode day where we decided to walk along the Hudson river, enjoying one of the last spring days before it gets too warm to go out walking without working up a sweat.
On the whole, it was a good weekend where we both had the chance to relax. This coming week, we will be up to our eyeballs in things we have to do....
