"I knew I could always count on you
My old friend the Blues," - Steve Earle, "My Old Friend the Blues"
As I mentioned last week, it's easy to fall into the Blues on a Sunday, however, yesterday was an entirely different animal as I underwent a regime which cured all ugly thoughts, and one that I could recommend to virtually anyone.
It started with the rain. I woke up early to the sound of it pounding down outside, and then promptly went right back to sleep. When I awoke for a second time, I decided to immediately clear the brain by running on the treadmill and then putting on the boxing gloves for some light sparring which provided a nice endorphin rush.
After a quick shower, I cooked and ate a massive breakfast followed by a pot of Kona coffee while casually reading through two Sunday newspapers.
The rain had passed by this time, and the sun began to emerge from the clouds. I drove with the top-down to my masseuse for a deep-tissue session, which took more than an hour as she kneaded me like dough, drove her elbow into various points of my back and ignored my yelps of pain.
She was a true professional. Besides having powerful hands which aren't attached to a body that resembles a female version of Lou Ferrigno, I like my masseuse because she understands the value of silence. This is a lost art as a lot of people want to consistently fill the void with chatter, and especially during a massage, I don't want to say a word except "you are about to drive your hands through my spine."
On the drive home, I felt loose and relaxed and that feeling led to an hour nap after I stepped inside my loft.
I woke up and watched some of the NBA play-offs, and read magazines. Then, I got a bizarre, yet powerful lust for Popeye's chicken and Heineken. I hadn't consumed either in a long while, and never at the same time. But I didn't think too deeply on the matter, and instead, drove to pick up both items. 
As I munched on fried chicken and washed it down with ice-cold beer, I knew life could be a lot worse.
By this time, it was starting to get dark, and I needed to get ready to meet my brother downtown for a concert. We were going to see Steve Earle, a singer-songwriter who last year was hailed as "America's greatest living songwriter" by a major UK publication. 
Earle, who is usually backed by a loud band, played a solo acoustic show for more than 2 hours, and it was excellent as the crowd was knowledgeable and the Shiner Boch was cold. Too cold and too plentiful.
Luckily, there was a lone remaining survivor of the Popeye's chicken massacre when I arrived home at midnight. I tore the delicious bird apart like a werewolf during a mating frenzy, slugged down two waters and a G2 Gatorade and then flopped down in bed, content with a Sunday which was set apart from most by a confluence of lucky events that I would love to see repeated every single week.
The only problem is that Monday morning came way too early, and the perfect Sunday repercussions are still playing out. I guess there are flaws in every plan.
-BDS
Sounds like a hell of a Sunday, lol. I usually refrain from those type of activities on Sunday, however. As you mentioned, Monday always looms.
That sounds like one of my Sundays, except I go downtown to shop and stop by my favorite PHO place.
It is the perfect cure for any Sunday Blues.....
and did you say boxing gloves and sparring? Helloooooooo.......
Hmmm, I saw a concert as well yesterday (check the blog), and followed up with a tasty plate of ribs. Though fried chicken and beer sounds good too! Happy Monday!
A workout, massage, fried chicken, cold beer and good music. You just can't go wrong with that. My cure was pizza and a bad horror movie. Not as good by any means ;)
Not sure how I got so far behind in my reading but I'm glad to catch up. Last Sunday's shopping looks great. Koalas would indeed make great pets. There is, actually, a reasonable answer to the question "don't you have enough shoes?" It's "no." Short, simply, to the point and infinitely reasonable. Well done on your Sunday! Massage, Popeyes, naps and a concert. Beats the blues any day of the week but especially Sundays! Which, I think, brings us full circle.
Heff - You're right, and I generally stay away from most of the above activities, however, they all somehow hit yesterday and I'm both better off and worse for it. Ha. I suppose we can all handle those kinds of things now and again, eh?
Anonymous Boxer - I figured you'd pick on the sparring bit. Ha. My wife bought us some cheap gloves a year ago, and most weekends, we lace 'em up and box a little around the place for exercise & aggression release. I used to have a speed bag at my old place as well, and a semi-heavy bag (the ones you fill w/ water/sand at the base). That was also fun.
Linda - I'll have to check out your concert as it was fun to see somebody on a Sunday as it feels like you're stealing time or something. And your choice of ribs was a winner in my book and might even top my chicken depending on the mood . . . Now I want some ribs.
Jlee - I felt pretty lucky indeed. And pizza is a good choice, but I'm not sure about the horror movie (title?) as I generally don't care so much for that genre. Now if I could just get another massage today to release the toxins I might just be in business. Ha.
Bostonpobble - Sometimes life intrudes on the best of intentions. Ha. And I like your full circle tilt as your answer to the shoe question was simple and clear, I'm all about Koalas and I try to live my life about being "infinitely reasonable." Sometimes, I even succeed.
your wife is smart... and I would suggest focus mitts too. I have "The Mister" hold them for me and it's much "nicer" than actually hitting him. OR, that's what he says. :-)
Popeyes and Heinekin. Sometimes the things in life that are so simple are so incredibly difficult to fathom. Two things I love yet have never actually put together. What is wrong with me? Why did I not think of that combo?
Well, regardless, I thank you very much for opening my eyes.
Anonymous Boxer - Good idea. Are those mitts those oversize looking flat gloves to punch against? We have a long rectangular pad to kick against as well (punching works too). Regardless, it's fun, eh?
WhatIgot - I know how you feel. I had spent years enjoying both of these pleasure, and then in once single instance it just came to me that they should be combined. I can recommend it without reservation. Enjoy.
Wow sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday!! (minus the massacre)
I had one massage therapist that would not shut up, even after my vague yes and no's. I only went to him once.
I'm thinking about bring back the green eyebrow look ala Lou F.
I spent all day Sunday in bed with a migraine. Your day sounds so much better :)
Why do people feel the need for endless chatter when part of the idea of a massage is to chill and relax. Who can relax when they're flapping their gums for heavens sake?
PS Thank goodness your Word Verification hasn't changed fonts like a lot of them have. I can't tell what any of the letters are and end up flouncing off in a huff.
Miss Ash - I don't blame you for moving on as people need to take a hint now and again - especially with massage as I want to relax and zone out. And massacre was probably a poor word choice where meat is concerned with you, eh? Ha.
Idig - Why not? The new Hulk movie is coming out this summer, so this time is as good as any to emulate Sweet Lou. And good to see you back around in Cyberspace too.
Gypsy - I know what you mean about word verification. I've been pissed lately, and mine crops up that way sometimes too. I hope your migraine has relented now, and with any luck you had nobody flapping their gums at you while you were recovering.