Socially-Distanced Exercise

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/5.6, 1/160 sec, ISO200
“Bike and Bluebonnets” Cedar Park, 2020

Our local guidelines for living under the COVID-19 lockdown state that we are permitted to go outside for exercise, such as jogging or bicycling, and I’ve actually been doing both. Since we are supposed to stay at least 6 feet away from others, I only run on the neighborhood streets where I can easily avoid the sidewalk or go to the other side of the street. And when I go bicycling, I stick to the roads so there’s plenty of distance from pedestrians out for their walks. (I pulled my bike off the street so I could take the photo of the bluebonnets!)

For the most part, everyone has been very friendly – plenty of waves and “hello”s. Which is nice, because the reports of increased incidents of racism towards Asian-Americans have kind of kept me on-edge when I see others out in the neighborhood. Our city is pretty diverse and tolerant, but it only takes one person, right? Anyways, let’s keep it nice and cool, shall we?

Video Game Respite

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2.8, 1/55 sec, ISO3200
“Video Game” Cedar Park, 2020

Today Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a super-relaxing game, and one that I’ve enjoyed since the first version came out on the Nintendo GameCube so many years ago. I love the art, the music, and the humor. But the release of this version of Animal Crossing comes when the world is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers a much-needed respite from the uncertain and stressful real world. As you can see in the photo, Koa is taking full advantage of the massage chair while playing the game. Smart kid!

My Horror, Gore, and Violence Limit

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2, 1/125 sec, ISO2500
“Kingdom” Cedar Park, 2020

Just recently, the second season of Kingdom was released and Mariko and Bay watched the first episode tonight. As far as horror movies/tv goes, Kingdom is relatively tame. I am not a fan of horror movies, or violent movies, so I don’t watch. But I find it interesting that Bay and Mariko enjoy them, but Koa and I don’t. Actually, Koa is okay with watching them, but I will opt not to. I’m even apprehensive about watching Parasite!

Speaking of aversions, I dislike ultra-violent movies and gore in general, particularly dismemberment. Ugh. I used to enjoy Quentin Tarantino movies, but ever since I saw Lucy Liu’s character’s demise in Kill Bill: Volume 1, I cannot watch any of his movies. I recently tried to watch again with Inglourious Basterds, but didn’t make it far. I’ve heard Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is very entertaining, but just hearing about the pool scene is enough to make me say, “Not gonna happen”.

Well, that’s just a quirk of mine. I guess I won’t experience some good movies, but it’s a sacrifice I am willing to make. 😄