I remember the first time I picked up a bowling ball. I was 11 years old and in 5th grade at Mary Morrison Elementary School in Groton, CT. Someone in my classroom was joining a league at the local bowling alley and I thought it might be fun to give it a try. I had just finished up with Judo for the year and was looking for a new activity. So I joined the league and have been bowling off and on ever since.
Back in the day bowling alleys were dark, musty, smoky places with beat up old pins, wooden lanes and loud, piped in music.
When I bowled back in the day, you really had to know a little somethingsomething about the game because you were truly on your own when it came to scoring and keeping track of your pins. To this day I’m quite sure I gypped myself and my teammate out of points due to sheer ignorance. Plus, quite honestly, focusing on keeping track of the score took most of the fun out of the game.
Conversely, what I like today about the modern bowling alleys (outside of the fact that they are both glamorous and sexy) is that everything is electronic and therefore soooooooo easy (smile). Music videos play on large wall areas in between the lanes. The lanes are now synthetic (low maintenance!) and feature automatic scoring systems which take the guesswork out of fully knowing the game. At these modern bowling alleys you simply put on your bowling shoes, enter your name(s) in the keypad of your assigned lane, take your photo(s) with the built-in camera and (this is optional) sign onto your social media account(s). By the way I tried signing onto my social media account and did not like this feature as it felt too intrusive as every spare, strike or pin I knocked over was instantaneously posted to my Facebook timeline so I shut it off…At the end of your games a tally of you and your bowling party’s scores are handed to you. Easy Breezy!
Today bowling alleys are sleek and modern and easy to navigate
There’s even a snack bar with real food if you get hungry, an arcade if your kids need more stimulation, a bar for adult beverage recreation and a lounge featuring flat screen TVs.
I also like the fact that it’s a great way to spend quality time with family and/or friends. And it’s fun!
Here’s the best part: Check your Groupon app as there’s almost always a Groupon for bowling and shoe rentals at a location near you. For example: Two games of bowling for 4 people with shoe rentals included is just $25 dollars — you know how much I love Groupons :)) A real bargain compared to a lot of other entertainment options today…You’re welcome!
Life was simple and good back in 1986. I was in my early 20’s, fresh out of college and working my first “real” job in media as a Television Sales Assistant at WTNH “Action News 8” in New Haven, CT.
I made $16,500 a year which sounded like a lot of money to me back then as, up to that point, I was used to hearing how much I would make per hour, not per year…
As it turned out, it was enough money to afford me a $375 a month studio apartment in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, CT. It was not, however, enough money for me to own a car, as that required maintenance, gas, insurance, etc. Thankfully for me I lived right on the bus line so I could easily catch a bus to and from work. To save money I brought my lunch to work and ate in the lunchroom, or outside on the New Haven Green when the weather was nice. Dinner was simple: Happy Hours! They were everywhere back then and these bars/restaurants gave you real happy hour food, not chintzy bites like today. Who could forget 368 State (Street) with their free juicy, delicious steak, The Palms Restaurant (right next door to the Shubert Theater) with their appetizers of the Italian variety, or Boppers on Crown Street with their “free parties for you and 200 of your friends” which included lots of hearty appetizers and cheap drinks. ‘Free’ was the operative word back then and me and my friends were on it like moths to the flame!
At work I typed contracts on a real typewriter using messy white out, sent out “twixes” to our rep firm in NYC and answered the phone for 3 tv sales managers, 6 to 8 Account Executives, and our new Research Director, ‘Tony Baloney,’ as I affectionately called him. Tony started one year after me and we both reported to the General Sales Manager. I can’t lie, I couldn’t help but wonder what the heck was I doing with a college degree working as a glorified secretary when I had the talent and drive for bigger and better things (smile).
Then, in year 2, things got really exciting! The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, a national television talk show arrived and would now be taped out of WTNH’s New Haven, CT studios…Our lives would never be the same…
It was the first real professional talk show I had seen up close and personal in our local New Haven, CT studios and it was sooooooo much fun to watch!
Every morning, when I got off the bus, I was greeted by a super long line of people the SJR Audience Coordinator, Jackee B., had arranged to be in Sally’s studio audience on that particular day.
Once I came upstairs and got to work, me and my co-workers would then sneak back downstairs around mid-morning to watch the pros at work. They had a full staff of people working on the show and we marveled at how they put together this 30 minute television talk show complete with a studio audience 5 days a week! I also met and/or came into contact with a whole bunch of famous people who were at the tv station to serve as guests on SJR’s show or as guests on our own Action News 8’s newscasts. Phones did not take pictures back then or else I would have a whole bunch of selfies as proof (smile) as I had the pleasure of meeting then President Jimmy Carter and his wife Roslyn, Donna Rice, Suzanne Somers, Marlo Thomas, and Dana Plato, just to name a few…
As a matter of fact, I’m thinking I stayed in the support position I was in for 3 1/2 years simply because I was having too much fun (smile). Every day was unique and different and you never knew what to expect. I get bored easily at work so this new change was very exciting to me. Although I did not work directly for the show, I benefitted by virtue of my proximity. And, as luck would have it, I worked with a lot of like-minded fun and young people (Janna, Connie, Judi, Debbie), just to name a few.
As far as finances went, I had my monthly rent, my student loan, my Sears charge card, food, laundry, miscellaneous and not much left over. Vacations, in my mind, were an opportunty to put in more hours at work so I decided the only way I could afford a better quality of life was if I had extra income. Hence I started waitressing every weekend plus one or two nights during the week…
I was super busy but too young to notice (smile).
To keep up my energy level, I was a member of Bally’s Fitness in Hamden, CT which only costs me $5.00 a month for unlimited aerobic classes. Definitely fit my fast paced lifestyle and meager budget…
As I mentioned before, I took full advantage of everything that was free and/or at a reduced cost, especially when it came to my nightlife.
New Haven had a ton of Jazz and/or Blues clubs open back then (The Foundry, Jackee’s Blues Cafe, The Monterey) so me and my girls would enjoy live acts with free happy hour food and a small cover charge.
Free Jazz concerts on the Green…
We also went to free Jazz concerts on the New Haven Green which lasted all Summer long back then and were sponsored by one individual: Brian Alden (Furniture).
So here I am working full-time as a sales assistant at WTNH; waitressing part-time, and managing somehow to find time to moonlight on Monday nights. I had previously completed a radio announcer training course at Yale Broadcasting Corporation after graduating from college. This certificate allowed me to work as a Community Volunteer Radio Announcer at WYBC 94.3FM radio in New Haven, CT. The end result was having my own show on Monday evenings from 7p-9p, I called ‘Lovers Corner with Lajeune’ where I played a variety of R & B, Soul and Contemporary Jazz (love songs on vinyl) for my Greater New Haven listening audience. This was strictly a labor of love and a “resume builder” as I was not getting paid to do it…
WYBC on-air crew: I’m in the front row wearing the black sleeveless top…
WYBC on air crew – I’m in the front wearing black
Again, life was simple and good in the mid-80s. It wasn’t always “Summertime,” but the living sure was easy…
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve truly started to take note of the things that make me happy and relaxed and conversely, stay away from the things that make me sad and/or stressed out. It sounds simple in theory but in practice, not so much…
At any rate today it’s the little things that make me happy and/or relaxed. And they don’t necessarily involve a lot of money. Here are a list of them:
Sleeping in on Saturdays – Growing up Hollis, my father, Jonie B., would not allow his kids to sleep in on the weekends – he was a “military man” and sleeping in was a sign of laziness…conseqently, this is a big deal to me today…you notice I only mentioned one weekend day…
Taking long bubble baths on the weekends – Growing up Hollis and being one of 7 children, I used to have to share my bubble baths with my sister Elena to not only save water, but time…today I consider a bubble bath strictly “me time” and a luxury not enjoyed enough…
Burning incense and candles – I love to burn things in a safe way (smile) so burning candles and incense has a unique way of relaxing me when I’m feeling stressed – watching a fire burn in an indoor fireplace or an outdoor fire pit also does the trick
Eating comfort “snacky” foods – Growing up Hollis and being a “daddy’s girl” I used to pop “corn” for my father and watch Football with him so this snack has always held a special meaning to me
Reading a good book on a rainy day – There’s something about curling up on the comfy chair with a good book and cup of hot tea on a rainy day…
Spending quality time at the beach -Water has always had a way of relaxing me and making me feel at peace with the world – I grew up in the small Shoreline town of Groton, CT where we had 5 beaches so I spent a lot of time with my siblings at the beach or the public pools
Getting pampered – feet, hair, nails, etc. – love to have someone else that I’m paying do these things for me – did not know that luxury growing up so it feels extra special now…
Watching a good movie at the movie theater complete with snacks – my late mother Jean used to drop her 7 children off at the movie theater on Saturdays armed with snacks so going to the movies will always hold a special place in my heart
Spending time outdoors during the warmer months – Living in New England and dealing with such changeable weather, I love being outdoors when the weather is nice and I fully take advantage of it. Whether it is playing sports or just lounging around, the sun becomes my friend
And finally, putting on my “jammies” and slippers as soon as I get home from a long stressful day at work – I work in a super stressful, highly competitive industry so as soon as I get home I take a nice hot shower and put on my “jammies” and slippers – – I can still hear my late mother Jean’s voice telling me, ‘put your slippers on’ after an insanely busy day and miraculously, it worked!
I work on 100% commission Monday through Friday in media ad sales in an extremely competitive, super stressful industry so on the weekends I am always looking for new ways to de-stress. I also like to save a buck or two so Groupon has become a frequent and reliable source. I recently stumbled upon a “Groupon” for Saltana Cave & Spa in Ridgefield, CT. One of my girlfriends (Christine) went there last year and told me what a great time she had so I bought 2 for $25.00 each, normally $40 each, and invited my S.O. James. Initially James resisted because he felt like this date was something I should be going to with one of my gf’s but then he changed his mind and said he would go. I honestly believe he started thinking about all of those Marvel and DC Comic Book movies I have sat through with him (in 3D no less!) and had a change of heart (smile).
At any rate, I made our reservations via email with Anna, the owner of Saltana Cave & Spa, for Saturday, February 20th at 9am. We were told to arrive 10 minutes early and either bring or wear white socks. Those were the only instructions we were given. So James and I looked up FAQ’s on their website (saltanacave.com) and read that neither food nor drink were allowed, that no picture taking was allowed, that the cave was about 70 degrees Farenheit inside and that it takes about 6 treatments for someone to receive the full benefits of the salt therapy. Apparently these salt cave treatments may help improve symptoms of Asthma, Allergies, Lung Infections, Sleep Apnea, ADHD, Sinuses, Weakened Immune Systems, Arthritis, and more. Breathing in the salt particles in the cave also allow you a sense of peace and serenity which was my number one reason for going.
I’m glad I did. It took us an hour to drive to Ridgefield, CT and Anna, the owner, was a gracious host. The whole experience from beginning to end lasted a little over an hour. James and I shared our “cave” that morning with a mom and her daughter from Newtown, CT. We all laid back on ‘zero gravity’ lounge chairs swathed in our blankets and were greeted by a soothing male voice from a recording above. This voice welcomed us to the “cave” and gave us the history of the Himalayan Salt Caves in Europe and how they were able to simulate the experience for us at Saltana Cave & Spa, one of only two salt caves in the state of Connecticut. He also went on to talk about all of the benefits of salt therapy and why we should include it in our daily lives. It was fascinating and I learned a lot. When he stopped talking, we continued to listen to soothing music designed to relax you to the point of slumber.
The session lasted for 45 minutes and I must say I felt completely relaxed and ready to conquer the rest of my day (smile). The ironic part is that in real life I don’t care for caves at all and find they make me feel claustrophobic but I shall return to Saltana Cave & Spa as this was not only a pleasant experience, but also a unique stress-buster.
I think, and this is just a thought, that everyone from my generation has, or knows someone who has, a Bug story.
This is my story. I grew up in the small town of Groton, CT (latest population: 40,000) The town of Groton was a great place to raise families in as it appeared, back then, that everyone was married with children. My parents had seven children (5 girls, 2 boys) so if we couldn’t find anyone to play with, we always had each other.
When I turned 16 I decided that not only did I need a license, but also a car to get around in. Groton was not known for public transportation so you really needed either your own car or access to one to get from point A to point B as everything, and I mean everything, was spread out.
As much as I wanted to get my license at age 16, I wound up getting it at age 17 as outdoor track practice got in the way of Drivers Education. Yes, Driver’s Ed, as it was called, was “free” back then and part of the high school curriculum. I recall having 6 hours of instructional behind-the-wheel activity but needing 9. I also recall having the hardest time doing a Y turn and being terrified at the prospect of driving over the Gold Star Memorial bridge.
I took my state of CT license exam in the town of Old Saybrook, CT as I heard the driving test there was soooooooo easy and did not require Y turns. Consequently, I passed with flying colors. With license in hand, it was now time to find a car.
I had saved a whopping $800 from working part-time at Bonanza Steak House restaurant so I felt rich :)) My father was ‘out to sea’ so I convinced my older sister to take me to a used car dealership to purchase my first car. I had no idea what I wanted to buy, just that it had to look good and have a nice radio…
I was so impatient back then! I was on a mission to purchase a car that Saturday afternoon and neither Hell nor high water could get in my way. I don’t remember actually test driving anything, all I know is that I saw this Bug on the lot that looked like “me” and was completely sold on it. It was silver blue, a little beat up looking, an “automatic standard” which is an automatic car with a stick shift, and possessed a ‘new car’ smell. I fell in love and had to have it.
I talked the salesman, Frank, down to $700, signed the paperwork, and was asked to come back the following weekend to pick up my ‘new’ Bug.
My first red flag appeared while I was driving it off the lot the following week: it chugged and sputtered all the way home…
My second red flag was that I had to feed it oil on a regular basis. And then the majority of the oil wound up on our driveway…
My third red flag: my Bug could only go up to 60 miles per hour before the whole car started shaking…
I had clearly been had. And I aged that Summer – suddenly I was no longer 17, I felt like I was 25, or worse 30, with real life problems. My thought: if I got rid of the car, I could have my carefree teenage life back…
So I ditched the car as quickly as I could. I sold it to a junk dealer for a song and went back to being a teenager…life was good, once again…
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