Comfort Zone

I got tagged by the comfort woman herself, Leigh.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Pizza and burgers never fail to cheer me up. Pizza includes Yellow Cab’s Roasted Garlic and Shrimp, Shakey’s thin crust pizzas (Friday Special, Meatlover’s or Shakey’s Special), and Napoli’s Howie’s Special (lots and lots of garlic and anchovies, yummy!). When it comes to burgers I’m either a Brothers Burger or Wham! Burger kind of guy, but I don’t mind an occasional Hotshots—so long as they have the cream cheese and garlic topping.

Damn, now I’m hungry again.

What are your comfort books?
Before I’d flip through Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs when bored, which got me familiar with the characteristics of each western zodiac sign. I would also re-read Stephen King’s short stories—easier to stop in between stories. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series, especially his “Seasons of Mist” compilation—I love it that Satan chose to destroy Morpheus by handing him over the keys to Hell.

What’s your comfort outfit?
In the house—boxer shorts and really loose t-shirt or sando (if the weather is really hot). Outside—I like my shorts, sleeveless t-shirt and Islander sandals look for really relaxed occasions. Otherwise it’s my usual t-shirt, f&h jeans and Nikes.

What’s your comfort music?
Since I take comfort in music, I had a hard time coming up with a list. So I decided to put them in categories and just give examples for each category.

For no-fail cheer-uppers, most upbeat dance songs are like a shot of sugar straight to my bloodstream. Three examples: “Lady Marmalade (Thunderpuss mix)” by Christina Aguilera/Lil’ Kim/Mya/Pink, “Spice Up Your Life (Morales Radio Mix)” by the Spice Girls and “Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-lite.

If I wanted to release some aggression, “Atomic” by Blondie, “Song 2” by Blur, “Tubthumpin’” by Chumbawamba and “Would I Lie to You” by Eurythmics are examples of what I’d love to listen to with the volume way up.

For nostalgia, “Life in a Northern Town” by Dream Academy, “Material Girl” by Madonna, “Burning Flame” by Vitamin Z, the whole December album by George Winston, and any Electric Light Orchestra.

If I’m in a funny-cynical mode, I’d love to listen to “Girlfriend in a Coma” by The Smiths, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon and most Pet Shop Boys songs (but especially “I Don’t Know What You Want But I Can’t Give It Anymore”).

If I’m in a senti-baduy mood, then the likes of “Do I Have to Say the Words” by Bryan Adams, “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles and “Weekend In New England” by Barry Manilow would do.

I never tag anyone. You choose whether you want to be tagged or not. :-)