Training Montage:

So, the date still has not been set and, as far as I know, the sign-spinning sound selections have not been set in stone. But that doesn’t mean that I’m taking a holiday. I’m getting ready for the challenge! Normally, movies have training montages (it’s like a slideshow in the movie with snippets of working out and running up stairs), but how do you train for something like this?

I’ve been trying to spend at least an hour a day listening to Izzy Lyon spinning videos. Let me tell you something, it’s hard! Do you know what it’s like to try to keep your eyes closed knowing that Izzy is there in all his glory? It’s like smelling a delicious raccoon on the grill and not getting to taste it. But I got to keep my eye on the prize.

Now, I’m hungry for grilled raccoon. Heading to the chest freezer!

Izzy Spin Sound Challenge Parameters have been Set:

Okay, so you know how I was challenged by “Craig” that I couldn’t tell Izzy Lyon’s signature sign spinning sound? Well, after a bunch of wheeling and dealing at the VFW, the rules have been decided.

Rules

1. I am to be blindfolded so as not to receive any outside signals from anyone.
2. Dave is in charge of playing the selected sounds on his phone.
3. The selections will be acapella spinning sound only, no music.
4. Anyone who wants to can submit sound choices but…
5. Joyce will approve the sound list (She is the arbiter and not betting).
6. Best of 7 rounds wins.

This just got real real!

Izzy Spin Sound Challenge:

So, here’s a new one that I’ll bet no one ever thought you’d see. I was down at the VFW (My current watering hole of choice) and I’m chatting with Joyce and some new jamoke named Craig starts getting in on the conversation. Joyce told me later that he was just eyeballing me for a cheap roll in the hay. I don’t think so!

Anyway, the topic of this “blog” comes up and he starts nosing around it and got to that post from a month ago about that Izzy dream. He starts laughing. I’m like, dude, what’s your defect? He starts reading it aloud for the bar, but he’s the only one laughing. It pays to drink with people with a little common sense like this crowd. Anyway, he gets to the part where I mention the sound of Izzy spinning and he actually questions whether or not I could identify the sound of Izzy spinning as opposed to another sign spinner. I plop a Hamilton in front of him and say, “You want to bet, smart guy?”

Next thing I know, moneys flying around the bar with everyone taking sides. So, now it’s serious! We’re supposed to meet in a few weeks to hammer out the details of the challenge, but I’m confident I got this!

Weird Izzy Nightmare Dream:

So, I wanted to share a weird dream I had about Izzy Lyon last night. No, not that kind of dream, pervs! This was just weird and I’m not sure what it means.

Okay, so I’m in the middle of a big room and it’s pitch black. Not sure how I know it’s a room when it’s pitch black, but it’s a dream so who knows. Suddenly, I hear this swishing sound and I’ve watched (listened) to enough Izzy Lyon spinning videos to recognize it as the sound of Izzy Lyon spinning a sign. Then suddenly the lights start going on one at a time. It’s those terrible fluorescent tubes, you know? And they sort of flicker to life. Then, a big spotlight goes on and Izzy is there! He’s on a stage spinning a sign beneath some big machine. I start walking towards him and I notice that his ankles are tied to the floor. And then I realize what’s happening. Izzy is a prisoner and they’re using him to power all the lights! Oh jeez! I woke up drenched in sweat.

What a terrible fate that would be. Just picturing those big old wind turbine mills makes me shiver now. Okay, so I know it was just a dream, but still!

Daylight Savings Scam:

It’s that time of year again and I keep hearing people complaining about the whole “Spring Ahead” thing. It’s not real. Don’t fall for it. You’re not really losing any time and you’re definitely not time-travelling into the future. It’s just on the clocks. Don’t believe me? Don’t adjust your watch and see what happens…nothing! Everything’s the same.

Just make sure you’re not always an hour late, though. Because some people believe it’s real. Ugh!

Cocovod Recipe:

Okay, so I guess I didn’t realize that cocovod was a regional thing. Lot’s of people are asking me what it is and simply put: it’s the best way I know to chase away the winter chill. Essentially, cocovod is a hot chocolate drink with a bit of a kick.

Here’s my Aunty Bonnie’s recipe for cocovod (the one I use):

 

Ingredients

¾ cup of Whole Milk

3 tsp of Sugar

3 tsp of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

½ tsp of Vanilla Extract

¼ cup of Vodka

Heat milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, and sugar in a small saucepan, forever stirring. Make it as hot as you like, as long as the cocoa powder and sugar are dissolved, you’re fine. Don’t make it too hot or you’ll burn your tongue. Pour into a mug and add vodka.

Enjoy.

Note: I can’t find my tablespoon in case you’re wondering!

Stay Home with Frozen Izzy:

Anyone who knows me knows that I am an avid outdoorsman. So it may come as a shock to people that when I’m in the middle of winter, I don’t mind staying home and cozying up to a good book. And no, this is not just a blatant way of promoting my own book. It’s been out-of-print since my comb-binder broke a few years back. No, I’m talking about my Izzy scrapbook. I’m sure you have one too. But when’s the last time you took it out and enjoyed it?

It's time.

Make a fire. Heat up some cocovod and just relax and skim through the pages. What’s weird is that Izzy can do it all. He can make your heart race AND be a great comfort. Izzy Lyon is a person so frequently associated with movement, but to see him frozen in a photo in your scrapbook, ahhhh, bliss.

A chilly morning toast to Izzy!