Text and lead photo by Juan C. Ayllon You'd think that with the mandated Stay at Home orders in effect, that I'd be all over my high fidelity system playing music 24/7. However, after being stuck at my house for the better part of six weeks, there are whole days that I don't give it the time of day. Hold the phone! Why's that? I'm glad you asked. Several reasons come to mind. First, hunkering down in my family room and listening to music was a way to wind down after a long day at work; it soothed me and helped wash the emotional grime from the office. But, since home has been my office, my mainstay local from waking to plopping my head on my pillow, I can't -- I just won't -- let my listening sessions become hum-drum and the next thing I'm dreading. Nowadays, I'm itching to get out of the house, and I don't want this lovely pastime to be sullied by that association. So, instead, I go outside when I can, I take a ride, or spend the evening watching TV in our living room upstairs that, although it has a crappy receiver, Bose cube speakers and sub combo with our TV armoire, it's sunnier and has a much better vista of the outdoors. Second, I am actually working from home, and I have a lot to keep me busy as I adapt, learn new methodology and technology to facilitate effective distance learning as a full-time teacher. And, with the possibilities that this way of teaching may continue into the fall, I am looking to develop more materials to accommodate the shift in curriculum. I have my hands full! Third, as Belle and others remind me, I already need to lose weight, and spending the greater balance of my waking hours sitting on a couch will only make things worse. Visions of becoming a doppelgänger for Austin Powers' nemesis, Fat Bastard, don't sit well with me. So, I walk, I do chores, I tinker in the yard and look for new ways to be active. Movement is key!
Fourth, I know this may sound morose, but when I pass, I don't want it to be written on my tombstone, "He listened to music -- all the time." I mean, surely that would truly be a waste. I remember a fun conversation with an audio magazine publisher at the last AXPONA, and as he talked about his experiences in the industry, he basically stated that he felt it was his solemn purpose to inform the general public on how best to spend their hard-earned cash on audio-video gear. Something funny happened: as excited as I was talking with this successful entrepreneur, my heart sank when he said that. It was weird. I love audio, but as I pondered my reaction later, it dawned on me that I believe that I was created for a purpose and that's just not it. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy it, and I love writing, so this gives me a wonderful opportunity to combine both passions. Moreover, this is a lovely hobby, a passion if you will, and even though I can be very obsessive about my interests, bottom line, when it comes down to it, this just isn't my end-all, do all. Fifth, when I do listen, I want it to be more special. Belle and I enjoy eating meals at restaurants. In fact, from early in our relationship on up to our first year or two of marriage, we enjoyed it so much that we dined out easily four or five times a week! It also helped that my middle brother, a chef, owned his own restaurant but, after a while, though, we realized this was unsustainable financially. Moreover, by sating our desire so much, it lost a lot of its luster. It wasn't as fun; it was something to do, like taking the dog for a walk. Nowadays, we stay in more and when we do go out, it's more special. Sitting here tonight, my feet up on the ottoman, listening to the warm, lush strains of Anthony Wilson's guitar and his Trio playing over my stereo, it's good. In fact, it's very good, as it should be.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
May 2024
Categories |