Bagels In Texas

If this were a Sunday morning in LA there is a good chance one of the kids would ask me if I could grab some bagels for breakfast.

That is assuming I hadn’t gone out the day before to pick some up from the joint that had replaced an old favorite that had gone out of business.

But Sunday in Texas isn’t like Sunday in LA because the kids aren’t here and I haven’t found a new place to buy my bagels from.

The initial question isn’t whether I am interested in eating familiar food or enjoying brunch by myself but where to find the aforementioned bagels.

Because based on my limited experience here there are very few bagel shops and they all seem to be part of a large chain.

Take A Chance On Me

Call it coincidence or something else if you want, but as I sit here mulling over whether to make a run to the chain Take A Chance On Me is playing on iTunes.

The chain shop’s bagels have to be better than the stuff I see on the supermarket shelves but I have real doubts about whether their bagels will be as good as those from home or my favorite places back east.

On a day like September 11th worrying about what bagels to eat almost sounds obnoxious and I would understand if people rolled their eyes about it.

But my ability to focus on something so small and mundane doesn’t mean I have forgotten about the day.

If anything it reinforces the gratitude I have for being given the opportunity to focus on such a silly thing.

Others paid the price for my ability to do so.

Other people sacrificed everything so I could sit here in a tank top and shorts wondering when the rest of my stuff will be delivered so I make coffee at home and not have to go out for it.

And the reality is that there are still people working hard to make sure that we are all safe and cared for.

I appreciate them and what they do and have made a point to remind my kids to be aware of their service too.

To Boldly Go….

Abba has been replaced by music from the 2009 Star Trek movie and there is a rapid fire sequence of images flying through my mind.

Probably because the boy that lives inside my head is always moved by such music, it really doesn’t take much to get me excited about going on another adventure.

Heck when there is crazy going on elsewhere in my world I always flip back to the music or movies.

Not because I need to hide but because sometimes I need a moment to catch my breath and think about the best course of action to take.

Reminds me of a conversation I had many years ago where someone told me I needed to do a better job of accepting reality and I asked why I had to do as they suggested.

I haven’t changed my attitude about that either.

Many people aren’t real fond of change or of fighting inertia so they just accept what they are given but I am not made that way.

I don’t wear sweaters because someone else is cold nor do I automatically stand in line because everyone else is doing so.

Social conventions aren’t always useful or necessary.

I suppose the trick is determining when it is ok to break the rules and when it isn’t.

A Willingness To Take Action

A few months back my teenager told me he thought if someone shot me I would get the guy before he got to my family.

“Dad, you’d probably die but I think you’d get him before he got us.”

I told him I appreciated the sentiment and said I’d do my best not to die because I have far too much to do and to see.

He looked at me and asked if I thought I was being realistic about things and I told him I don’t care if I have unreasonable expectations.

I told him about the conversation I alluded to above and used my line about not wearing a sweater because others are cold.

He nodded his head and I told him that sometimes the hardest thing to do is to figure out when to break those social conventions.

“You have to set aside your fear of failure and have a willingness to take action.”

I don’t know if he understood what I was getting at with the sort of clarity I’d like for him to have but I think he got the general gist of it all.

What About The Damn Bagels?

Got an email a while back from a reader who said I could cut my posts in half and that if I did more people would read them.

They said they weren’t fond of the way I sometimes meander off of the initial topic and circle back.

I thanked them for their note and suggested they consider whether this blog was the right place for them.

There are no fees for reading nor any threat of catastrophe for not following at this said here.

This is just a place to share some thoughts and ideas and to dump out the contents of my mind.

I am grateful some people enjoy it and I am grateful I am able to get so much pleasure out of writing it.

But I’d be even more grateful if I could find a decent bagel place.

Got to run now because I am hungry and if I wait too much longer hunger will turn to hanger and with apologies to David Banner trust me when I say you wouldn’t like me when I get hangry. 😉

(Visited 145 times, 1 visits today)
Tweet4
Pin2
Share
6 Shares

By Joshua Wilner

Hi, I am Josh Wilner and I am happy that you have decided to visit my corner of cyberspace. I am a writer/marketer/friend and family man. My professional background includes more than twenty years in working with businesses to help them do a better job of connecting with their existing and prospective customers. More specifically I have worked with companies of all sizes from the Fortune 500 to the new start up to help them build, develop and grow their social media and marketing plans. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy music, reading, writing, playing sports and laughing.

10 comments

  1. TheJackB – Someone complained that this page doesn’t tell you what to expect to find here in this blog so I aim to rectify this with the next line. I am a father who writes about life, parenting, business, politics and fiction. I don’t use an editorial calendar because I don’t map out what I am going to write that far in advance. The primary focus will be on things that relate to children and parenting. But the nifty thing about that is that encompasses a wide range of things. Sometimes I work with companies on their PR/Marketing efforts. If they provide products or services I will disclose it. Here is an incomplete list of companies that I am currently or have recently worked with: Nintendo, Philips Norelco, Subway, Frigidaire and Mattel. Want to know more about me, keep reading. If I wanted to provide a professional description it would looks similar to this: Jack has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California State University Northridge. He has been writing for print and web publications for more than twenty years, covering a wide range of topics including: business, technology, parenting, politics, education, sports and religion. That is far too serious so I prefer to use something like: The Jack B. is a writer and author of 39 unpublished books and three screenplays. A former athlete and would be superhero he still fights for truth, justice and the American Way. Though he may look like a grown man, don’t fool yourself he is still a boy at heart. When he is not engaged in Walter Mitty like fantasies he is a husband, father and friend and blogs at TheJackB. Hmm…obviously I have since moved from Random Thoughts over to this place, but that is ok. This page is a work in progress which is a good description for me. I’ll probably tweak this on a regular basis so feel free to keep checking back in because you never know what might show up. I am a prolific writer and update frequently so don’t forget to scroll down the page to see what nugget of wisdom you just might have missed. Here is a short selection of posts to get you started. A Father Describes Parenting A Father’s Burden How Sister’s Helped to Train A Father of “Daddy’s Girl” Inside the Blogger’s Studio- A Dream, Er Nightmare The GermoPhobe What I Dream About I am In Love Becoming a Dad Dad’s Most Important Job A Decade of Dad Grandpa Donuts Why Your Post Sucks and Everyone Hates Your Blog A Letter To My Children- Things That Matter A Letter To My Children-2011 Dad Balances Fear Versus Reality Q&A With Daddy Blogger JackB Save The Last Dance For Me- 75 Years of Marriage An Uncertain Certainty Four Generations & A Wedding The Best Thing My Father Ever Said To Me 1 Foolproof Way To Become a Better Writer The Story Of A House- The Final Days He Died A Hero Twenty-Five Links That Will Make You A Better Writer/Blogger Thanks for coming by, I hope you like it. If you want to reach me use the contact form or try talk-to-jacknow-at-gmail-dotcom You can also find more information by clicking About Me and reading my profile there. Also, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter using the form on the top right hand side of the page.
    Joshua Wilner says:

    I’ll check it out.

    Reply
  2. Jayme Soulati Blogging at Soulati-'TUDE! – Jayme Soulati is a hybrid PR professional blending digital, content and social media marketing with core PR and message mapping. She is an award-winning professional blogger and author of Writing with Verve on the Blogging Journey.
    jayme says:

    Please ensure you’re registering to vote in your new home.

    Reply
    1. TheJackB – Someone complained that this page doesn’t tell you what to expect to find here in this blog so I aim to rectify this with the next line. I am a father who writes about life, parenting, business, politics and fiction. I don’t use an editorial calendar because I don’t map out what I am going to write that far in advance. The primary focus will be on things that relate to children and parenting. But the nifty thing about that is that encompasses a wide range of things. Sometimes I work with companies on their PR/Marketing efforts. If they provide products or services I will disclose it. Here is an incomplete list of companies that I am currently or have recently worked with: Nintendo, Philips Norelco, Subway, Frigidaire and Mattel. Want to know more about me, keep reading. If I wanted to provide a professional description it would looks similar to this: Jack has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California State University Northridge. He has been writing for print and web publications for more than twenty years, covering a wide range of topics including: business, technology, parenting, politics, education, sports and religion. That is far too serious so I prefer to use something like: The Jack B. is a writer and author of 39 unpublished books and three screenplays. A former athlete and would be superhero he still fights for truth, justice and the American Way. Though he may look like a grown man, don’t fool yourself he is still a boy at heart. When he is not engaged in Walter Mitty like fantasies he is a husband, father and friend and blogs at TheJackB. Hmm…obviously I have since moved from Random Thoughts over to this place, but that is ok. This page is a work in progress which is a good description for me. I’ll probably tweak this on a regular basis so feel free to keep checking back in because you never know what might show up. I am a prolific writer and update frequently so don’t forget to scroll down the page to see what nugget of wisdom you just might have missed. Here is a short selection of posts to get you started. A Father Describes Parenting A Father’s Burden How Sister’s Helped to Train A Father of “Daddy’s Girl” Inside the Blogger’s Studio- A Dream, Er Nightmare The GermoPhobe What I Dream About I am In Love Becoming a Dad Dad’s Most Important Job A Decade of Dad Grandpa Donuts Why Your Post Sucks and Everyone Hates Your Blog A Letter To My Children- Things That Matter A Letter To My Children-2011 Dad Balances Fear Versus Reality Q&A With Daddy Blogger JackB Save The Last Dance For Me- 75 Years of Marriage An Uncertain Certainty Four Generations & A Wedding The Best Thing My Father Ever Said To Me 1 Foolproof Way To Become a Better Writer The Story Of A House- The Final Days He Died A Hero Twenty-Five Links That Will Make You A Better Writer/Blogger Thanks for coming by, I hope you like it. If you want to reach me use the contact form or try talk-to-jacknow-at-gmail-dotcom You can also find more information by clicking About Me and reading my profile there. Also, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter using the form on the top right hand side of the page.
      Joshua Wilner says:

      State is turning blue.

      Reply
      1. Jayme Soulati Blogging at Soulati-'TUDE! – Jayme Soulati is a hybrid PR professional blending digital, content and social media marketing with core PR and message mapping. She is an award-winning professional blogger and author of Writing with Verve on the Blogging Journey.
        jayme says:

        cuz you’re there!

        Reply
  3. Holly Jahangiri – Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle; A Puppy, Not a Guppy; and A New Leaf for Lyle. She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young at heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, J.J., whose love and encouragement make writing books twice the fun.
    Holly Jahangiri says:

    Try Panera. It’s a chain, but their bagels (and other breads) are good. Or Einstein Bros., but I have plenty of Panera’s near me and would have to go much farther to find Einstein Bros.

    Reply
    1. TheJackB – Someone complained that this page doesn’t tell you what to expect to find here in this blog so I aim to rectify this with the next line. I am a father who writes about life, parenting, business, politics and fiction. I don’t use an editorial calendar because I don’t map out what I am going to write that far in advance. The primary focus will be on things that relate to children and parenting. But the nifty thing about that is that encompasses a wide range of things. Sometimes I work with companies on their PR/Marketing efforts. If they provide products or services I will disclose it. Here is an incomplete list of companies that I am currently or have recently worked with: Nintendo, Philips Norelco, Subway, Frigidaire and Mattel. Want to know more about me, keep reading. If I wanted to provide a professional description it would looks similar to this: Jack has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California State University Northridge. He has been writing for print and web publications for more than twenty years, covering a wide range of topics including: business, technology, parenting, politics, education, sports and religion. That is far too serious so I prefer to use something like: The Jack B. is a writer and author of 39 unpublished books and three screenplays. A former athlete and would be superhero he still fights for truth, justice and the American Way. Though he may look like a grown man, don’t fool yourself he is still a boy at heart. When he is not engaged in Walter Mitty like fantasies he is a husband, father and friend and blogs at TheJackB. Hmm…obviously I have since moved from Random Thoughts over to this place, but that is ok. This page is a work in progress which is a good description for me. I’ll probably tweak this on a regular basis so feel free to keep checking back in because you never know what might show up. I am a prolific writer and update frequently so don’t forget to scroll down the page to see what nugget of wisdom you just might have missed. Here is a short selection of posts to get you started. A Father Describes Parenting A Father’s Burden How Sister’s Helped to Train A Father of “Daddy’s Girl” Inside the Blogger’s Studio- A Dream, Er Nightmare The GermoPhobe What I Dream About I am In Love Becoming a Dad Dad’s Most Important Job A Decade of Dad Grandpa Donuts Why Your Post Sucks and Everyone Hates Your Blog A Letter To My Children- Things That Matter A Letter To My Children-2011 Dad Balances Fear Versus Reality Q&A With Daddy Blogger JackB Save The Last Dance For Me- 75 Years of Marriage An Uncertain Certainty Four Generations & A Wedding The Best Thing My Father Ever Said To Me 1 Foolproof Way To Become a Better Writer The Story Of A House- The Final Days He Died A Hero Twenty-Five Links That Will Make You A Better Writer/Blogger Thanks for coming by, I hope you like it. If you want to reach me use the contact form or try talk-to-jacknow-at-gmail-dotcom You can also find more information by clicking About Me and reading my profile there. Also, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter using the form on the top right hand side of the page.
      Joshua Wilner says:

      I am a bit of a bagel snob. Panera and Einstein are ok, but they are not as good as some of the places that really know how to make them.

      I don’t know if it is the water or what, but there is a difference. So while I will eat bagels at both of those places, they’re missing something.

      Reply
      1. Holly Jahangiri – Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle; A Puppy, Not a Guppy; and A New Leaf for Lyle. She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young at heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, J.J., whose love and encouragement make writing books twice the fun.
        Holly Jahangiri says:

        You could learn to make your own. With imported, bottled water. Wait – where in Texas are you? If in Dallas/Ft. Worth, you’re so right – it’s the water. Dear lord. You might need to make your own with bottled water. Or at least filtered.

        Reply
        1. TheJackB – Someone complained that this page doesn’t tell you what to expect to find here in this blog so I aim to rectify this with the next line. I am a father who writes about life, parenting, business, politics and fiction. I don’t use an editorial calendar because I don’t map out what I am going to write that far in advance. The primary focus will be on things that relate to children and parenting. But the nifty thing about that is that encompasses a wide range of things. Sometimes I work with companies on their PR/Marketing efforts. If they provide products or services I will disclose it. Here is an incomplete list of companies that I am currently or have recently worked with: Nintendo, Philips Norelco, Subway, Frigidaire and Mattel. Want to know more about me, keep reading. If I wanted to provide a professional description it would looks similar to this: Jack has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California State University Northridge. He has been writing for print and web publications for more than twenty years, covering a wide range of topics including: business, technology, parenting, politics, education, sports and religion. That is far too serious so I prefer to use something like: The Jack B. is a writer and author of 39 unpublished books and three screenplays. A former athlete and would be superhero he still fights for truth, justice and the American Way. Though he may look like a grown man, don’t fool yourself he is still a boy at heart. When he is not engaged in Walter Mitty like fantasies he is a husband, father and friend and blogs at TheJackB. Hmm…obviously I have since moved from Random Thoughts over to this place, but that is ok. This page is a work in progress which is a good description for me. I’ll probably tweak this on a regular basis so feel free to keep checking back in because you never know what might show up. I am a prolific writer and update frequently so don’t forget to scroll down the page to see what nugget of wisdom you just might have missed. Here is a short selection of posts to get you started. A Father Describes Parenting A Father’s Burden How Sister’s Helped to Train A Father of “Daddy’s Girl” Inside the Blogger’s Studio- A Dream, Er Nightmare The GermoPhobe What I Dream About I am In Love Becoming a Dad Dad’s Most Important Job A Decade of Dad Grandpa Donuts Why Your Post Sucks and Everyone Hates Your Blog A Letter To My Children- Things That Matter A Letter To My Children-2011 Dad Balances Fear Versus Reality Q&A With Daddy Blogger JackB Save The Last Dance For Me- 75 Years of Marriage An Uncertain Certainty Four Generations & A Wedding The Best Thing My Father Ever Said To Me 1 Foolproof Way To Become a Better Writer The Story Of A House- The Final Days He Died A Hero Twenty-Five Links That Will Make You A Better Writer/Blogger Thanks for coming by, I hope you like it. If you want to reach me use the contact form or try talk-to-jacknow-at-gmail-dotcom You can also find more information by clicking About Me and reading my profile there. Also, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter using the form on the top right hand side of the page.
          Joshua Wilner says:

          I am in the DFW area.

          Funny you mention making my own, I have thought about it more than once.

          Reply
          1. Holly Jahangiri – Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle; A Puppy, Not a Guppy; and A New Leaf for Lyle. She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young at heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, J.J., whose love and encouragement make writing books twice the fun.
            Holly Jahangiri says:

            Yep, the water there is nasty. Now, if you come to Houston, it should be just fine – but you need a GOOD filter or just give up and buy bottled. Get your own watercooler. I’ll ask my sister in law what she got installed – I think she’s switched from the gigantic bottles to a filtration system. It works. DFW water from the tap is undrinkable. Almost impossible to shower in. Not everyone notices – I mean, it’s safe enough, and my husband thinks I’m like the Princess with the Pea, but I just can’t.

          2. Holly Jahangiri – Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle; A Puppy, Not a Guppy; and A New Leaf for Lyle. She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young at heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, J.J., whose love and encouragement make writing books twice the fun.
            Holly Jahangiri says:

            Try Sparklett’s – you can get everything set up at Costco.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Exit mobile version