With a new year comes many changes, so we’re tryin’ something new on Mile High On The Cheap. We’re looking to have a little more “personality” and find more ways to interact with readers in 2016. So we decided to start “Bryan Blathers.” No set schedule — just whenever the whim strikes. The post is an attempt to share a thought, experience, personal discovery, favorite thing (watch out, Oprah!) or money-saving tip — maybe even the occasional rant or movie review. (We might even have a guest columnist or two — Hello, Laura!) One thing for sure: It won’t be anything controversial or political. Of course, we want readers to share their take or thoughts by commenting. You can also always reach me directly at bryan@milehighonthecheap.com. I don’t profess to be clever, humorous or, even, smart — just a 40-something, overweight (I hope to lose weight in 2016! I think I made the same proclamation in 2015 *smile*) guy trying to save money and laugh as much as possible. (I’m pretty sure I was born a cheapskate. It’s just in me — I refuse to pay full price for anything and am never without a coupon!) As an introduction, my friends, here are some of my favorite things (in no particular order):
1.) PRINCE — I have been a die-hard fan, since my older brother brought home a cassette tape of “1999” in the early 80s. I commandeered it and played it until it broke. I’m still mad at my parents for refusing to buy me the “Prince pirate shirt” at Merry-Go-Round. I also wanted the “When Doves Cry” jacket, but, at $100, it was never going to happen. The man has so many amazing songs in his catalog. My all-time favorites are “The Beautiful Ones”, “Sign ‘O The Times”, “Sometimes It Snows In April”, “Joy In Repetition”, “She Always In My Hair”, “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man”, “Sweet Baby”, “17 Days”, “Little Red Corvette” and the list goes on and on and on… FUN FACT: I once danced with (actually, just near) the purple icon on stage in Las Vegas. He even gave me a fist bump! (For the curious, he was sparkly and smelled like flowers. He does actually exist!)
2.) BANANAS — I love anything banana-flavored, especially candy or gum. It’s hard to find, trust me. I’m always on the search for new or limited-edition products. Nestlé once offered a banana-flavored chocolate bar, as part of its tie-in to Disney’s “Tarzan” movie. Darn limited-edition products! If you find any, please let me know immediately. Really, I mean, like, right now!
3.) CATS — Yes, I am a proud cat-loving man! I, like so many others of my gender, thought I would always be a “dog person” until I met Riley. Now, I can’t get enough of him and his furry relatives. If only you could hear all of the “baby talk” that goes on in my condo, you would either laugh or feel sorry for me. (Either way, I’m okay.)
4.) MOVIES — I love the movies! (No, not sitting at home watching a movie on some device, but actually going to the movie theater. I’ve always enjoyed the whole experience, since childhood.) Last year, I saw 70 movies. My favorites were “Brooklyn”, “Trainwreck”, “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (Truth be told, there are some years when I have seen more than 100 flicks. Can anyone say “sad and lonely”? *laugh*) I prefer Regal Cinemas, mainly because of its Regal Crown Club. I just reached 16,000 points. (I don’t know why I’m so proud of it, but I am. How silly, right?) Given you earn a reward every 50 points, I’ve earned 320 freebies, so far — that’s lots of FREE movies, popcorn and soda.
Oh, yeah…I love Diet Coke. I won’t tell you how many I drink in day, but it’s not in the single digits! (Yes, it’s a habit I sorely need to break.) Plus, I’m a stickler for good grammar in my own work and that of others. I love to sit at home, pop open an ice-cold Diet Coke (or enjoy a piping hot chai tea), take out my trusty red pen and correct junk mail — a perfect afternoon! Remember, the power of good grammar — “Let’s eat, grandma!” is much different from “Let’s eat grandma!” Oh, the difference a simple comma makes! (I just realized that I use far too many exclamation points in my writing!)
Did you know I used to be a loyal reader, just like you? I remember learning about MHOTC via a blurb in 5280 Magazine in late 2010. Laura and Claire got “tired” of me sending tips and finally asked me to just join the team. Of course, I accepted and never looked back. Getting paid to find deals, write a column for The Denver Post and attend media events — dreams do come true!
I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)
Hi Bryan! Great list, and thanks for sharing with us. Regarding your love for bananas, have you tried the new banana milk? It’s called Sir Bananas, and you can find it near the chocolate milk at the grocery stores. I’ve seen it at King Soopers. Yes, it’s marketed to children but so what!
Michelle – Yes, I bought it a few weeks ago and loved it! -BKC
Welcome Bryan. You had me at “cat guy”. Most pet lovers pray they aren’t being secretly recorded. Would be quite embarrassing for others to hear and see what we say to our furry critters.
This is a great idea Bryan. Will be delighted to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, Party City usually has banana candy, like taffy but often very hard because stale. Still, great to let sit in your mouth to soften.
Oh, Bryan! A man after my own heart. Thanks for starting this.
Speaking of good grammar, did you ever read Eats, Shoots & Leaves?
I loved Diet Coke too up until the time I tried Coke Zero. They are a close #1 and #2.
Laffy Taffy has banana flavor. Maybe next Halloween you can buy a vat of Laffy Taffy and pick out all the banana ones for yourself and hand out all the rest to the kids?
Kim
Kim – Yes, it’s one of my favorite books! -BKC
Nice! I thought it might be boring, but I couldn’t stop reading! I, too, am a grammar natzi. ;-)
Thanks for sharing about yourself. I laughed when I read about your being a grammar stickler…I usually claim the expression “grammar snob.” Typos in the Denver Post drive me nuts–quite some time ago, I actually complained to an editor (I’d collected many examples.) and offered my proofreading skills. Don’t know why they didn’t jump at the chance : )
Thanks for sharing :) It’s fun to know more about the author(s) behind the daily read. Also, no such thing as too much exclamation points! !!!!!!
Saw this and thought of you. http://lifemadefull.com/monkey-poop-a-k-a-chocolate-peanut-butter-banana-bites/
Michelle – Thank you. I’m making some today! -BKC