Luxury

Usual Hawai'i Kai visit. Moms is doing fine. My sister-in-law purchased an automobile for my 20-year-old nephew without informing my bro prior. Apparently, the "shit hit the fan." To say that my bro was upset would be an understatement. Rightfully so, though, as the nephew doesn't even have a driver's license yet. Lots of idle threats ensued as always. I'm glad that I wasn't there. Otherwise, the usual agenda and itinerary were followed. No evening outing to Kahala.

My bro just turned 50 years of age. All he does is work and watch the tube. I have no doubt in my mind that he is not satisfied with the status quo. And, I would not doubt that the "Big Five-O" really "hit home." Sometimes I wonder if my bro will "lose it," since he seems to be perpetually grumpy. Heck, wait until the "Big Six-O." That's likely to push him over the edge of sanity.

Dinner this evening was one greasy "value menu" item at the fast food joint in Hawai'i Kai. I was privy to stand behind a couple of teenagers. They each ordered about $12 of junk food. I was dumbfounded. They have more disposable income, courtesy the parents, than I do. That's the "norm" in Hawai'i. Parents simply indulge every whim of their offspring. And, most of those offspring will reside in the family home in perpetuity.

The homeless decision is still "up in the air." Frankly, I tried to avoid thinking about the issue. I will mention that the rental listings have proven interesting lately. I have noticed that the same listings are being repeated every few days, especially the more expensive ones. Let's face it, a $1,000+ per month to rent a room in shared quarters is simply absurd. Obviously, no one wants to pay extortion money. Even the more "reasonable" rentals are not being snatched up.

My former realtor, Debbie, fowarded a few property listings. There are three studio condominiums in Kapahulu (near Waikiki) with assigned parking spots for $117,000 fee simple. The maintenance fee and property tax would be about $500 per month. The condos are listed as "investor only," so I have not made an inquiry yet. Well, at least another option to homelessness has popped up.

I have no desire to live in the "lap of luxury." Actually, affluence and luxury make me uncomfortable. Even the studio rental unit in Waimanalo is too much for my ascetic tastes. I would be satisfied with the homeless motorhome (read: luxury minivan) as long as the authorities repeatedly wakes me up at night to request documentation. I should also clarify that the minivan would not be a luxury model as previously described. I was victimized by writer's embellishment. Baha! Ha! Ha! Haaa!

I am a 60-year-old codger. In a few years, I will be a "wrinkled prune," just like the prematurely-aging Les. My time has come and gone. I have no need for anything. Yeah, that sounds ridiculous. Yet, have you seen a "wrinkled prune" driving around in a new $100,000 sports car? Is there anything more ridiculous than that? The "wrinkled prune" would be better off riding around on a motorized chair.

As I have stated previously in the "blog," I am not altogether certain that I could continue to live on in decrepitude. I am speaking of only a handful of years into the future. I will not even stand to look like the prematurely-aging Les. Oh, I don't know. Perhaps an untimely demise would befall me before then.