Day 96: Our Time Down Here
"Don't you realize? The next time you see sky, it'll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it'll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the best of stuff for us. But right now, they got to do what's right for them. Because it's their time. Their time! Up there! Down here, it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket."
Welcome back, my thirsty readers, and whether you've been along for this entire journey, or just joining me now, I want to thank you for giving me your time. When we are young, we see our lives as limitless, with so much time still ahead. Later, as we grow old, our time becomes more precious, and we have much less of it to spare. The stress of everyday life can take it's toll on everyone, so it's good idea, from time to time, to take a deep breath, clear a bit of your calendar, and make time to be a kid again.
"It all starts here." That's what Sean Astin's character, Mikey, says as the gang begins their underground, treasure-hunting adventure. I'm of course referring to the now iconic 1985 adventure-comedy, The Goonies. This film is the complete embodiment of childhood nostalgia for anyone born in the 1980s. A group of kids, following a treasure map, hoping to save their town. They encounter booby-traps, are chased by bank robbers, and they learn lessons about themselves along the way. What more could you ask for?
I think what makes it work the most, is probably the combination of childlike, pirate-themed adventure mixed with the struggles of today, or at least "today" in the frame of 30 years ago. I woke up today, barely able to lift my right arm, and I was quickly reminded how I'm not quite as young as I used to be. Recently back to work, shaking up tasty libations for the masses, my body feels like it's endured medieval torture. This is to be expected, I suppose, after not working for three months. It doesn't make the reality of aging, in a career which requires a lot of physical activity, any less of a reality check.
I'm not saying "I'm getting too old," and I'm not even really complaining. I'm just using this as an example. Sometimes we can easily forget that we aren't children anymore, and something always comes along to remind us. This is all the more reason to make some times for ourselves. Recharging is a foreign concept to some, always feeling the need to keep going and to keep grinding away.
When I use terms like "This is our moment," or "Our time down here," there's always this emphasis on making a change and using all of your effort to better the world. Theses things are important, but you're no good to anyone, if you don't take care of your own mental and physical health. Maybe "our time" should refer to the time we make to take care of ourselves. I think I'm going to relax a bit tomorrow, maybe have a picnic, finally enjoying this summer weather. Who knows, maybe I'll even have a movie day and watch The Goonies.
Our Time Down Here
1oz Clairin Le Rocher
.75oz Aged Jamaican Overproof Rum
.75oz 151 Proof Guyanese Rum
.75oz Fassionola
.75oz Orgeat
.75oz Lime Juice
1.5oz Pineapple Juice
5 dashes Angostura Bitters
3 drops Vanilla Extract
Rum Barrel Mug or Large Tiki Mug
Whip shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprigs, cherries, dragon fruit, parasol, swizzle, and powdered sugar.
Maybe after a day to heal up, I'll be back in "shaking" form in no time. That'll need to be saved for later though, as I need to get ready for tonight's service soon. Tomorrow is another Sunday, so that will certainly be another opportunity to have some fun with this. The show must go! Goonies never say die after all. I'll catch you all back here tomorrow. Enjoy your cocktail, and keep shaking.