| Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format |
| MacGyver Online Forums > MacGyvering Your Life > The MacGyver Life |
| Posted by: Maclover 15 September 2015 - 08:58 AM |
| Is it just me or does everyone here want to live on a houseboat, and have a weekend haunt of a log cabin by the side of a lake in the middle of no-where and be a free spirit with a load of friends that are there when they need them? |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 15 September 2015 - 09:02 AM |
| Nope, don't even care for waterbeds. I do live in the woods, though ... but have done so long since MacGyver first aired. |
| Posted by: MacsJeep 15 September 2015 - 09:13 AM |
| I've always wanted a log cabin, but we don't really do wilderness here like you guys in the states, so I have to make do with a caravan by the coast. I'd love to be more of a free spirit, I truly hate my job and the confines it brings with it, but I don't have Mac's ingenuity, so I'm stuck! I do drive a 4x4, but not a Jeep, so I guess that's as close as I'm going to get. |
| Posted by: Maclover 15 September 2015 - 09:51 AM |
| MacsJeep, ditto on the lack of wilderness - those Stateside don't realise how lucky they are do they? Also, ditto on the Job front, I wasn't going to raise the issue first, but it seems remarkable how few people actually end up doing a job they enjoy - me I'm tethered to an office chair too and no easy way out either so I fully understand where you are coming from! |
| Posted by: MacsJeep 15 September 2015 - 10:41 AM |
| Ah, are you a fellow Brit then? I work in electronics. Its sooo boring - although maybe Mac would like some parts of it, when he's in geek mode hehe! I'd love to do something more on the road, or outdoors. Not sure I'd be very good with a house boat as I can't swim! I am considering moving the caravan to a little place that's less commercial and more in the country, and it is by a nice big fishing lake (I don't fish, though) I guess that's a bit more like a cabin than where it is now at the seaside, and definitely more "Mac". I'm off tomorrow for a few days to check the place out. |
| Posted by: Jediferret 15 September 2015 - 01:27 PM |
I always thought living on a houseboat would be really cool! I've always loved the idea of houseboats, log cabins and Jeep Wrangler's... of course.  In fact, two of my favorite hotels are both lodges. One is the White Face Lodge in Lake Placid, NY and Disney's Wilderness Lodge in Florida. I have a friend that lives in Minnesota, and we've been throwing around the idea of renting a cabin out there. Seems like a great set up for a bad slasher movie. XD The Minnesota Hockey-stick Massacre!!! MacsJeep: Take pictures!!! |
| Posted by: Maclover 15 September 2015 - 01:34 PM |
| MacsJeep - Yup, another fellow Brit and overjoyed to see Mac back on Brit TV. I only ever remember catching odd episodes when I was a teen - I must have been out when it was on, but remember being fascinated that here was a hero using science - for many years I have tried to recall the series and then lo and behold MacGyver returned to our screens this year and made me yearn for a simpler life that I was in charge of. I've certainly enjoyed the escapism of watching the series as a 'teen' again and just don't concentrate on pulling apart the science too much LOL |
| Posted by: denizen 15 September 2015 - 08:26 PM |
| In this country ( No doubt every country), a simpler life means more money which I don't have. Maybe one day I will win the lottery and then decide on a simpler life.  |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 16 September 2015 - 05:56 PM |
The grass is always greener ..... , isn't it? I have a sister who lives in the heart of MacGyver filming country in BC, and wants to return east. That old adage, "As a rule a man's a fool, when it's hot he wants it cool, and when it's cool he wants it hot, always wanting what is not ... is probably spot on.  As far as the money, occupation thing is concerned ... my Engineering School Dean probably gave me the best advice of all in my final days at University. He said, Joe, if you think you're studying days end here, think again because if you stop ever stop learning and educating yourself ... there's a kid (he points to an elementary school through the window and across the field) that will have your job in 12 years. Great advice to keep adjusting through education & with the times and so that you at least have more of a running chance to control your own destiny. Not always possible, but the more education/skills/vocational macgyverisms in your bag and/or that you can bring to the table ... the better! |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 16 September 2015 - 10:40 PM |
| No truer words ever spoken. That's the joy of Mac....constantly learning, improvising, and looking at life from a different angle. |
| Posted by: Maclover 16 September 2015 - 11:18 PM |
| Joe SAKic OK, so maybe no truer words spoken, but it is frustrating to get yourself locked into a boring situation with responsibilities which seems to have no real solution other than to do what I've always done - meet them! The trouble is you don't get any younger in terms of experiencing all the things you want to do! I think denizon is correct about that lottery win - the next 6 figures are mine.....or maybe the next set......ditto ad infinitum. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 17 September 2015 - 12:34 AM |
| I understand that....about the only option is to meet them head on. The situation doesn't change, but how you see yourself in it can. As I get nearer to 50, I'm learning more and more about this....it's a real change of pace for me! |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 17 September 2015 - 12:30 PM | ||
No, that's fair ... but 'adventures' are rarely punctual, are they? I work for myself now, 100% freelance .... mostly because I inherited that gene that prohibits one from working for somebody else.  The transition was not easy, there were repercussions, and some hardship .... but the end result has been favorable. We all have characters/skills that are unique; discovering, honing and tailoring them can be the difficult part ... but where there is a will, there is a way! However, there are a million things you can have in this world, and million things that you will never have - the sooner in life we accept this, the better! The world according to Joe!  |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 17 September 2015 - 01:42 PM |
| You're spot on Joe! |
| Posted by: MacGyverGod 18 September 2015 - 04:16 AM |
| I'm more of a city guy actually. I like to have everything I need close by. Further more maintaining Mac's lifestyle is quite a challenge. Especially if you want do it full time. It's already hard enough to maintain my own lifestyle. I think I just add the touches where I can from the MacGyver life. I can see the appeal in wooden cabins and lodges though but I can't see myself live in or near forrest, just yet. I moved to the city a few months ago and each time I go out the door I'm stunned of all the life and movement that's there. I actually live next to the shopping and restaurants part of the street and on the other side of the block there's nothing but bars and there is always something to do in the city. A festival of some sort or a theme night. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 18 September 2015 - 08:40 AM |
I grew up in the woods but have always had an affection for the sea. When I llived near a harbor town, there were tons of houseboats (and tugboats!) that I thought would be awesome to live on. Could it be the fact that they aren't attached and they appeal to the wanderlust in us? The cabin would be the security of always having a place to come back to. Don't know for sure, but count me in if Mac's houseboat ever crossed my way!  |
| Posted by: MacGeezer 19 September 2015 - 07:55 AM | ||
What a great thread, and great posts! The power of positive thinking can not be denied. "If you do what you've always done,you'll get what you always got." - Mark Twain “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ― Henry Ford “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” ― Henry Ford “Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” ― Henry Ford Many of my childhood heroes were positive thinkers. The fictional character of MacGyver is a favorite of mine. Watched the first episode at 18, in a hale storm of life changes and crossroads. Positive entertainment to watch. Mac embraced the positive. Attempting when possible, to change his condition and immediate environment for the better. I like to believe the fictional Mac read a bunch of Twain, Ford and Franklin. MacGyver is a state of mind. BTW- Sincere thanks to the mods and members who make this a wonderful oasis on the web! |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 19 September 2015 - 01:52 PM |
| I agree entirely! I've always thought of Mac as the ultimate TV hero, overcoming all obstacles thru the power of positive thinking. It really hit me after watching him take off in that crashed Cessna on Final Approach. I think that one even amazed him! Thanks for the quotes! How do you like your Swisstool? I've always wanted one! |
| Posted by: Maclover 19 September 2015 - 02:10 PM |
| MacGyverGod, it's funny how different people 'see' things. Your comments about life in the smoke mimic those I have heard many times from others in the same situation. Yet, if I have to go up to the smoke 2 days running and any more than 3 times a year it loses any novelty value it may have for me and just becomes hard work I guess it is very much what you make of it. What I am after is independence and freedom to do what I want, when I want without constantly being at someone else's beck and call. That is what Mac had, although he responded to other folks problems once he was in the field he made his own decisions in his own time. As 50 approaches for me I am realizing that I am running out of time to do all I want and I must start filling in some blanks. I want to make a difference and to use some of the many skills I have rather than just drive a desk, the trouble is that I can't break of where I am to do so. I think this is why I am enjoying the escapism of watching Mac again at the moment even if it is far fetched. |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 19 September 2015 - 04:31 PM |
| Maclover, you've got plenty of time to do what you want to do. That time/pressure thing is something we humans put on ourselves. We are also guilty of trying to live up to other's expectations a bit too much. Never recommended. You do need to get your thoughts/priorities organized though ... the sooner the better. Do one thing, for a couple of bucks, buy a used copy of Anthony Robbins' 'Unlimited Power' ... that's it. Do all the exercises he presents ... if you do, it should set you well on your way & in the right direction for the goals you want to achieve. I bought when it first came out, and it worked wonders for me and in setting/planning a strategy. Gold food for thought and all for the price of a few dollars. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unlimited-Power-Science-Personal-Achievement/dp/0743409396 |
| Posted by: MacsJeep 20 September 2015 - 12:51 AM |
| Well, back from my little trip, and we didn't like the place for the caravan after all. There is one in the Derbyshire Dales I've been offered, we may go to look at that, but its still not quite what was in my heart. As for my job, well, I don't think ANY job was ever going to cut it for me after my "dream" job was taken away from me. I always wanted to be a police officer, but I wear glasses. I checked, and yes cops can wear them. It never occurred to me that you had to actually have a certain amount of vision in each eye WITHOUT your specs to get in, though. So I happily went through school, got good exam results and thought I was off to join the cops when I left, only to be bitterly disappointed when I found out it was never going to happen.  So I ended up in electronics making parts for the likes of Mclaren, Tesla, Jaguar etc. I don't know if I'll ever force myself out of the rut I'm in, as I have responsibilities to think of, but watching Mac again has certainly made me want more from life, even if it is only a bit of a dream! Maclover, I found Mac on CBS Action, but couldn't wait for them all to air, so I bought them hehe! It's great to relive those teen years, isn't it? |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 20 September 2015 - 02:15 AM |
| I really believe, now after I came to realize that my job doesn't equal me, that we can live and contribute a whole lot more outside of work, no matter what we do. The world is in dire need of good hearted people that are there to help, a lot like Mac did in addition to his job. The biggest message I get from Mac is that there's always hope. As long as you believe, you can make this world a better place! |
| Posted by: Maclover 20 September 2015 - 03:55 AM |
| MacsJeep, when I left school I too wanted to be a police officer - I had a visit from a couple of them at home and they told me that although they couldn't discriminate against those that wore specs they had a sufficient number of applicants that they could afford to choose those that didn't - thus I gave up on that as an idea like you did. What I still rather fancy is becoming a paramedic, but it wouldn't pay me enough. I've done St Johns Ambulance and works first aider, but don't have a permanent office job these days (work from home), and couldn't continue St John's through lack of time. However, I've done my share of RTA's when no-one else has volunteered and I do believe that one day, if not on two occasions I saved a life which is rather nice. These days I have discovered that I enjoy working as a STEM ambassador in the schools which ticks a lot of boxes for me. I'd still like my own MacGyver (RDA was gorgeous when younger), but I've had a good day today. I've got the ladder out and fashioned some crawling boards onto a tin roof experimented with a hose and determined that the way to stop a shed leaking is to remove some tatty gutter that was overflowing at the back and let the next sloped roof deal with the water instead (quite a revolutionary train of thought that less could be more!), then I've turned off the water stripped down reamed out the sealing plate and re-washered and 'O' ringed a kitchen tap and got the water back on, I then found my faulty torch and decided to properly test the bulb although it didn't look blown to the naked eye, my trusty multi-meter soon proved otherwise and a magnifying glass helped me work out which replacement I needed to order (I nearly had to get a piece of paper and pencil to take a rubbing it was so difficult to see!). This afternoon I am checking the car over prior to it's service so they don't charge me a small fortune for things like screen wash. It's amazing what you can accomplish without having a man around if I put my mind to it. Now if only I could find out where I've misplaced my smaller SAK I'd be an even happier person. Joe SAKic - I've ordered the book :-D |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 20 September 2015 - 04:52 AM |
| Macsjeep, I am a police officer. I didn't get on the job until later in life, and wear glasses now. I have to say, I have a deep respect for everyone that makes the world go round in what they do. I find an incredible feeling of amazement and satisfaction in watching the MacGyver episodes, possibly because they are a positive in my world, which exposes me to so many negatives. My job has a tendency to shade your outlook in a negative way, and it takes work to keep positive. Like you, I have been passed over for jobs that I really worked hard to get, and it took me a long time to get beyond that. I don't know about England, but there are alot of ways that you might still be able to become involved, i.e. emergency medical tech, police auxiliary, firefighter, etc. If you'd like, let me know if I can help! I would say that it sure sounds like its time to try to find something that brings you what you are seeking, but often that can only be found from within. I just spent the last 3 years trying to figure this out, and I'm finally beginning to get it. As for reliving the teens, I'd love to have the experience and wisdom I have now with that teenage body!! Maclover, I'll help you find that misplaced SAK if you will help me find my missing arrows!! LOL |
| Posted by: Maclover 20 September 2015 - 09:24 AM |
| Barry it's a deal! LOL Can't think of a nicer sounding chap to go and hunt arrows with!! Trouble is we've missed the boat I was in PA about 4 weeks ago for the first and probably the only time in my life ha, ha. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 20 September 2015 - 01:47 PM |
| Blast it, I wish I'd have known!! Let me know if you make it this way again, and we can set it up! |
| Posted by: MacGeezer 20 September 2015 - 04:52 PM | ||
Thank you! I bought the Swisstool Spirit in 2009, and being a purist, let it sit in my vehicles center console for a year or more. HARD to let go of the original Champion I carried since 1981, but I attended a old friend's booth setup for a ham radio expo in 2012. We used the Spirit for 95% of the booths set up and assisted with several ad hoc antenna rigs. Several times since that event I have abused the tool. Unlike many of the other popular multi-tool makers tool steel, the Vic steel will begin to flex when too much torque is applied. It's a clear sign to back off. The majority of the other popular multi-tools will just shear and snap due to a much more brittle composition and steel temper. Now, the amount of torque this little wonder can absorb is incredible. It has become as much a "necessity" as my wallet and keys. I found a Nite Ize brand, universal pocket clip that allows it be carried in a front pants pocket unobtrusively. I don't believe you will regret the purchase. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 20 September 2015 - 09:53 PM |
| I've heard nothing but good about them. I would rather have that flex in the steel than to have them break off like a fair amount of the newer brands do ( I've had it happen!). I carried a Huntsman since 1983, so I know what you are saying about becoming attached to a certain knife, but have started to pick up more SAKs in the past couple years. The crazy part is, it used to be easier when I had just one! I'm looking forward to checking a Swisstool out! |
| Posted by: MacsJeep 21 September 2015 - 02:47 AM |
| Well, we visited another site in Derbyshire yesterday and it was gorgeous. Just what I've always wanted - a place you could actually see a log cabin being situated. The big issue is the ground is so uneven our caravan would have to be raised significantly to get it level. And that is a big no no as it would be too high for mum to get out safely. One of my dog's also has mobility issues, and the thought of him tumbling just makes me shiver. Back to the drawing board! Maclover, I'd still love myself a MacGyver too, but I don't think it's going to happen. I find myself doing all the jobs around the house myself, like you! And not always that well hehe. As for RDA being gorgeous when he was younger, he's still a fab person now. I had the pleasure of meeting him earlier this year, and he was funny, warm, friendly, and still very adorable, even if he is grey, and shall we say more cuddly Jobwise, it's back to the grindstone tomorrow. Yuck! |
| Posted by: Maclover 21 September 2015 - 09:56 AM |
| Funny warm and friendly sounds just what I had hoped for in RDA. It is always nice when fiction depicts fact and I think those traits sum up Mac. Lucky you! Barry, it's a date! I came through Painted Post on my way South to DC around the last week in August I wonder how far away I was!! |
| Posted by: MacsJeep 21 September 2015 - 10:24 AM | ||
Yep, there's an awful lot of RDA in Mac. Even down to the conservation stuff he really does. He talked about that quite a bit, and is obviously very passionate about it! I did speak to him, but the moment he put his arm around me, my mind turned to mush. I still can't recall what the heck I said, or what he replied! If he ever comes back to the UK I'm so going to try and go again! |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 21 September 2015 - 01:10 PM |
| Soooo close Maclover! Actually, I used to live only about 15 minutes or so from Painted Post on the Pennsylvania side of the line. Now, I live almost in the Geographic center of the state, just north of State College, PA. Let me know if you ever get near again! |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 21 September 2015 - 01:12 PM |
| I would love to hang out with RDA! I like how he is into causes, not just on the surface but really cares. He seems like a downright good guy! |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 22 September 2015 - 07:53 PM | ||
I should say that being an Engineer, hockey player, and world traveler back in the time it aired .... the lifestyle was not that vastly different from Mac's. Spy stuff aside, there were similarities and I think that was what most of the appeal was about, from my perspective. I mean, the series was tailored made to appease a certain demographic and 20/30 something males that were into hitech/adventure/sports etc. back then was definitely on the rise. But as for the specifics, re: clothes, hair, accommodations, vehicle, choice of women, etc. no, I think most guys sort of march to the beat of their own drum, in that respect. |
| Posted by: Maclover 23 September 2015 - 09:16 AM |
| Joe SAKic I don't only think the series was engineered to appeal to males, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it had (at least) a similar proportion of female fans. |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 23 September 2015 - 09:23 AM | ||||
 http://www.macgyveronline.com/pages/article18.html#.VgLfb5WFPb0 |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 23 September 2015 - 11:57 AM |
| I really think it is an awesome show for young people, no matter the gender or age. It really brings out the very best in everybody (and I love the creativity!). |
| Posted by: Jediferret 26 September 2015 - 02:44 PM |
| This is true. The show appeals to who it appeals to... regardless of who it was engineered for. I love the show. I love how RDA's friendliness comes out in MacGyver. With some of the crap I've been through, it's refreshing to watch a show about a friendly, optimistic fellow that actually cares about people. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 26 September 2015 - 04:38 PM |
| Right on Jedi! It's a flavor that is sadly lacking in most of today's shows, and it has made me a better person! Since I really got back into the show and the forum, I've gone creative crazy.....making elevated playhouses out of scrap wood for the boys, the duct tape creations, etc. I really like Mac (and RDA). Pure class! |
| Posted by: MacsJeep 27 September 2015 - 05:34 AM |
| It may have been engineered for the guys, but I know way more gals who watched/watch it here in the UK than guys hehe. (Can't think why ) It seriously is a feel good show for anyone, though, and that is what I love about it. When I've had a bad day, I stick a Mac on, and it always brings a smile to my face. Meeting Richard and seeing how wonderful he really is just added to the fun of it, because you kinda think to yourself your watching a real person (even though I know I'm not) if that makes sense? Meanwhile, mum and I have finally found our little MacGyver retreat to take our caravan! It's only 45mins from home in the Derbyshire Dales, but is definitely somewhere you'd imagine a log cabin! It can't go until next season as the plot it stands on is being resurfaced over winter, but I'm very excited! |
| Posted by: Viriato 28 September 2015 - 02:00 AM |
| Great thread and great reading! One of the many thing that appeals to me in the "MacGyver Life" is that late 80's early 90's nostalgia the show conveys, back when life was simpler and the world was not so digitally connected as nowadays. Tomorrow it will be 30 years since it first aired and to me that's all I need as an excuse to start watching it from the pilot episode on and "relive those teen years"!  |
| Posted by: KiwiTek 28 September 2015 - 02:10 AM | ||
Yes it certainly was a simpler time. I think the quest to simplify our lives is probably one of the main things we're looking for when we look for the MacGyver life. We're looking to emulate that simple carefree life style he had. |
| Posted by: Maclover 28 September 2015 - 02:18 AM |
| Personally I feel the urge to backpacking with just me, a tent and bare essentials, the trouble is that I can't leave the kids and I don't know how safe a woman is hiking by herself these days. Somehow TV hero's don't seem to suffer from these hang-ups :-( |
| Posted by: KiwiTek 28 September 2015 - 02:35 AM | ||
I took mine with me when they were younger. Every week-end we were off hiking and enjoying being out in nature. It's a great way to introduce them to the fundamentals of a MacGyver life. Interestingly my youngest (now a teen) made a comment a few weeks ago about how spending time out in the woods doing all that outdoor stuff had made him much more observant and aware of his surroundings with regards to always knowing where he is and always having his bearings. |
| Posted by: Viriato 28 September 2015 - 03:28 AM | ||
I know... Responsibilities!  What I some times do is get my bag pack and spend a day all by my self in the mountains close to where I live! The misses doesn't mind me doing it by my self, she knows I need it from time t time and we also go together kids and all most of the time. I guess its my way of doing the "MacGyver life" the way I can!  Here is a photo of the place!  |
| Posted by: KiwiTek 28 September 2015 - 03:43 AM |
| Wow! Nice place. |
| Posted by: Jediferret 28 September 2015 - 04:13 AM |
| I wish I had the courage to camp on my own. I've never gone camping. My parents weren't the biggest on that sort of thing. At most we did hikes every now and again (mild ones) and/or picnics at Shenandoah Mountain. My mother was too much of a city gal... so camping wasn't her idea of fun. My friends and I have been talking about maybe going camping sometime, but it's in the early planning stages at this point. Anyone got any advice for this inexperienced one? Ya know... so I don't accidentally set myself on fire? |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 28 September 2015 - 05:04 AM |
| I've done a fair amount of it over the years, thru my son's involvement in Boy Scouts. In order to get Eagle Scout, you have to have a great deal of camping time under your belt, so I got to enjoy some cool mornings out and about. I like having a warm sleeping bag....I froze one trip due to a light bag, so I'm all about low temp rating bags like 25-30 degrees F lol. There's nothing like an old fashioned perculator coffee pot and warm coffee from a tin cup in the morning! I can smell that roast now lol. Honestly, for me this is the best time of the year to camp...the bug population is way down and the stars are clear at night. My pack is calling me right now! Love that pic Viriato! |
| Posted by: Viriato 28 September 2015 - 05:46 AM | ||
Hey thanks Barry!  |
| Posted by: Maclover 12 October 2015 - 01:06 PM |
| Jediferret, I haven't done any backpacking, but I've 'holiday' camped loads in family sized tents and plenty of gear on organised camping sites loads of times. My idea of comfortable 'holiday' camping is a 10 man tent for me and the two kids, 4 season sleeping bags, airbeds, table, chairs, and a stand-up 3 ring gas cooker!! Under such conditions I am happy to live for at least 2 weeks even in the worst weather a UK summer can throw at us. I much prefer it to a hotel. I am sure with sufficient organisation you would be fine. However, back-packing still beckons to me, and it would be good to just be me and a tent and maybe some friends without the responsibility of looking after the kids (I think my 50's beckons with kids as young adults doing their own thing. I shall just have to get fit enough to enjoy them). Our big problem is that in the UK it is very easy to be 200 miles from anywhere interesting enough to visit regularly for interesting outdoors things - Oh, to live somewhere like in that photo Viriato. JoeSakic - my Ultimate Power book turned up yesterday - I don't get much reading time, but I'm on chapter two. I just hope that it's still worth applying the principles at my age. I'm fairly open to things like psychology and methods of dealing with people. I've done dozens of days of management courses and always tried to approach them with an open mind - it will be interesting to see where the book gets me. I was open enough to the possibility of getting over a fear that I did once try an hypnosis audio tape to conquer the fear of skiing and that worked brilliantly, so it is possible that I will get something from the book. I have already decided that I had better sort out trying what I want to try before it is too late. I have been and investigated a climbing wall and will visit when I am able to (never done anything remotely like climbing before), I am also going to phone a local centre to experience scuba diving which has been on my wish list since I was a teenager - I hope I like it as much as I expect to and find that I can schedule in training for a proper scuba 'ticket'. I'd also like a motorcycle licence in the next 3 years, and when I can find a stray £5K a Private Pilots licence would be great to train for. I've also recently started Karate and want to be well on my way to a black belt by the time I'm 55. Well all the training courses say you should write down what you want so that's my list, I just hope that you are sill allowed lists when you are middle-aged. Quite what I'm going to do with all these skills when I have them I'm not quite sure, but I fancy doing something to inspire and give confidence to young women. I'd like a group of special friends that I see regularly - male or female, but these don't seem so easy to sort out - a good alternative would be making a difference to a group young people. P.S. Didn't find the SAK Barry and decided that although it will turn up I was wasting time looking for it so I ordered a new one!! |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 12 October 2015 - 02:18 PM |
| Robbins' did a lot of research from all the previous positive thinking and motivational books. I'd be surprised if he doesn't light a mental fire or two within you .... including the diet section which was well advised by whoever advised him on it. And no, I can't see that there's any age restrictions to his plan. Just do it!, as they say. Sounds like you're well on your way, anyway, to erasing any minor rut that you might have fallen into. Go for it!!!! |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 12 October 2015 - 05:23 PM |
| Way to go Maclover!! A motorcycle license is on my list of things to get done, and I would love to have a private pilots license, too, but it's waaaaay too pricey over here as well. Nice thing about SAKs....once you start, one is never enough lol. |
| Posted by: Maclover 21 October 2015 - 01:58 PM |
| I am enjoying a relatively new role visiting schools to give talks and am really interested in my latest enquiry - I hope it comes off. I have volunteered to visit a school that specialises in students with learning challenges. So far I've only done mainstream schools, but I always get on well with young people with special needs so I volunteered when the request came though. I will consult with their teaching staff to make sure what I do is appropriate, but I am really looking forward to the challenge. I'd be interested if anyone has done anything similar and might have some useful comments. |
| Posted by: Maclover 26 October 2015 - 04:50 AM |
| It's funny how people say the key to reaching your goals is to write them down (see my previous wish list). In my quest to take on an do all things I've long fancied doing, I've just signed up for a try Scuba diving session with a view to going to complete a PADI open water course if I like it. They can't fit me in until the end of November, but it is actually booked!! |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 27 October 2015 - 10:24 AM |
| I do volunteer time with the Boy Scouts and at church, and really enjoy working with people. I love to give speeches! I feel like I"m giving back when I spend time helping out. In some way, I feel like Mac doing it! |
| Posted by: Maclover 12 November 2015 - 03:13 PM |
| So here is a related question. Do close TV style friendships develop in real life, like Mac and Pete enjoyed. I'm not talking the sort of relationship you have with spouse or long term partner. I mean the sort of strong platonic friendship where you would put yourself at risk for the sake of the other and view the loss of that person as you would a close family member. I would love to have someone like that, but wonder if TV presents ideals with things like this that never happen in real life. Has anyone got a Mac or Pete in their life, or their female equivalents? I also wonder îs it really possible for men and women to truly enjoy a close platonic friendship? What do you think? |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 12 November 2015 - 03:58 PM |
| Maclover, I would like to have a friendship like Mac and Pete probably more than anything else! I don't know if it's possible, given all of life's distractions and obligations, but it would be awesome! |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 12 November 2015 - 04:51 PM |
 No.I mean as kids we had 'best friends' who shared common interests but as you get older life kind of gets in the way, we become more diversified in our jobs/activities, possible more refined, often more persnickety, and don't suffer fools nearly as well. (kidding about the last one, sort of). Actually, it's kind of good to get out with a group of old friends to play hockey or go to a ball game etc. from time to time, but to hang out with the same (male) friend who also happens to be your colleague cum superior, is way over the top in my books and not common practice in this corner of the world. Give me some space for gawdsakes!!! Love the MacGyver concept but that 'buddy buddy' relationship might well have been better handle with a female buddy buddy who's more easier on the eyes than the office boss. |
| Posted by: KiwiTek 13 November 2015 - 12:14 AM | ||
Not in my experience. It's probably worth noting that Pete and Mac may have gone for long periods of time without seeing each other. There's an interesting scene towards the start of Renegade when Pete and Mac meet each other in the reception area at Phoenix. Pete's reaction is like they haven't' seen each other for a while. |
| Posted by: MacGyverGod 13 November 2015 - 02:46 AM |
| I think it kind of depends on how you meet each other. Mac and Pete met in rather funny circumstances. Pete was already a secret agent and Mac showed his cunning and scientific knowledge in the taxi. That's like something they don't learn during DXS-training and it proofs it's something to respect. If you see someone taking out two bazookas with a diversion wouldn't you offer him a job? And if you are already friends before getting the job and not employer-employee I think something nice can develop. I had friendship like that once with a woman. We really bonded. We understood and respected each other. Something that isn't even there with my other friends. We also worked together as colleagues, that's how I knew her. I was more of her assistant. Helping her out whenever she needed it, always there. We had great times and we were always honest with each other if there was something we didn't like. I never had a close relationship like that with someone before. Than she got fired over something she never did. But at work they never treated her right and especially not in the last years we were there. And to be honest, I should've quit after she got fired. I stayed two more years there but it wasn't the same. I should've quit out of respect for our friendship and the work we did and for myself but I didn't. She also talked me a bit out of it, mostly to protect me though. We called each other for almost a year. Calls became mails, mails became texting. Now there still is the occasional texting but I haven't seen her in almost two years now. And I don't want to accept the fact that I could've lost the closest friendship I ever had because of work. If that happens I'd take it as a personal loss. And I have seen them treating peoples the way you wouldn't treat a dog. I mean they really owe apologies to a lot of peoples. I stayed there two more years and I ended up with burn-out. I've been out of job for almost six months now. I just wish I could see her a little more often, every now and than. She has new work now and two kids to take care of so I understand she can be really busy sometimes but not seeing her at all anymore because of what happened, I can't accept that. Maybe I should I don't know but I'd see that as if the people at work suddenly decided we can no longer see each other because they say so. That is really unacceptable. She was too important for me. She was the very first person I could really open up to and actually be myself. She knows me in ways no other person ever did, not even my family. I'll stop rambling about it here. In order to answer the question; yes I do believe friendships as we see on tv or as with Mac and Pete can happen. I think it happens more than you think, if you spend a lot of time together, even with colleagues. You can care deeply about them and I still think about her almost every day even after the two years I haven't seen her. I'm sure that means something. |
| Posted by: Maclover 13 November 2015 - 02:28 PM |
| MacGyverGod that is interesting to read. 10 years ago I left a job that I had been in for many years and people I had worked with since leaving school. I felt a really close bond with them and still think of them of almost every day. I can't go back in time, but I wish I could. As with you contact has dropped away to occasional emails and Christmas cards, as much through lack of effort on my part as theirs. On the rare, once in ten year, occasions that we meet we can still pick up conversations that we were in the middle of previously, but they seem to have their own interests in life now and somehow I doubt that I am in their thoughts everyday as they are in mine. That group still remains as close as Mac/Pete friends as I think I have ever had. I still don't know how I manage without them and it still brings me to tears to think that I can never get that back. Unfortunately I haven't found anyone else that I have bonded with since and I miss such a relationship in my life massively. I just wondered was I alone in that and it appears not. Given the apparent lack of such relationships from the answers above, I wonder if this why the friendship meme is played out so massively in fiction. Maybe because it is something that we all aspire to. Tonight I started to think of fictional films, TV shows, books and whether their stories revolve around friendship (romantic or otherwise) - it's astonishing how many do so - it is far harder to think of films/books/TV shows that don't. I reckon its an underlying need that we as a species have, even if it is difficult to fill. I'll stop rambling now........... |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 13 November 2015 - 03:49 PM |
| This is a great topic...it's really been on my mind alot lately! Interesting feedback from everybody. |
| Posted by: KiwiTek 13 November 2015 - 04:07 PM | ||
True friends can go long periods of time without speaking & never question your friendship. This type of friend picks up like they just spoke to you yesterday, regardless of how long it's been or how far away they live.  |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 14 November 2015 - 01:53 AM |
| Kiwi, that picture says it all! |
| Posted by: MacGyverGod 14 November 2015 - 03:55 AM |
| I hope so. Actually I think should know that. Sometimes I'm a bit upset if I think about it that I don't hear from her like she'd forgotten all about me but that's just me. Than on the other side I know that I'll be so happy when I'd see her again. But like you said long periods of time can pass without speaking and never question the friendship. Even if we don't speak, I don't let slip away the important dates to let her hear from: her birthday, Christmas, New Year. And there's also the occasional 'how you doing?' text and I'm still happy if just replies with: 'Great.' So yeah, I think our friendship is pretty safe but I just gotta believe that more because sometimes my thoughts take over. The picture indeed says it all. |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 14 November 2015 - 02:28 PM | ||||
That whole final scene in 'The Stringer' is quite powerful, eh? The score is a perfect compliment to this final take. Imo, that is not a typical 'Pete expression' but more a true Dana Elcar expression in knowing that the series is officially over and that the routine, happenings, & camaraderie that have transpired over the past seven years will never-ever happen again. Hard to hide this noticeable emotion, impossible to script - it just comes with the territory! Notice also that RDA appears to be a bit starry-eyed as the camera pans back to him. Truly a classic! |
| Posted by: Maclover 14 November 2015 - 03:07 PM |
| Joe SAKic and in that situation it is just the worst feeling on the planet. I most definitely resist change, yet it is the most inevitable thing.. Big change I find particularly hard. When I left that job, I left not just one, but several 'Petes'. I couldn't face it and there is an associated story that I won't enter into on a public forum suffice it to say that it tore me up in a similar way to attending a funeral. Countless years on now and I still find it hard to cope with memory. Changes "suck"! |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 14 November 2015 - 03:17 PM |
| Yes, I know and yet the world we live is all about constant change, isn't it? Nothing ever stays the same, does it? Better yet, the future is full of mystery and possibilities and I'm always excited about the next new person to meet and a new & exciting path to venture down. |
| Posted by: Maclover 14 November 2015 - 03:32 PM |
| That's a different way of viewing the future, I see it has having very little to look forwards to except old age and worry and our ultimate end, at the moment I am attempting beat it with this do all I can whilst I can approach, but I don' t see the future as hugely bright. Perhaps you are younger than me, I hated turning 30, spent my fourteith in tears and now have 50 coming up way too fast :-( |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 14 November 2015 - 03:55 PM |
| Lol MacLover. Aging is a fact of life and so you just have to do some mental gymnastics & 'macgyver' your way around it. I remember John Cleese saying once why one of the reasons he went on his 'run' of American wives. It was almost exactly as to what you are talking about and (paraphrasing) because British Women were not as appealing due to their constant lamenting about the aging thing. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 14 November 2015 - 05:27 PM |
The closer I get to 50 the more I HAVE to MacGyver it!! In all honesty, tho, I really get a kick out of using past experiences and knowledge to educate the new generation. And I can honestly say, I was around when Mac was doing it the first time!  |
| Posted by: Joe SAKic 14 November 2015 - 05:46 PM |
| Yup, so was I and since it doesn't look like I'm going to suddenly reverse it all and do my best Benjamin Button impression then MacGyvering will do quite nicely. I worked several years in India and it was really a fantastic life experience. One Sikh gentleman we met & who at the time was still running half marathons in his 80s was always full of great philosophy. So I asked him one day what keeps him so young? He replied ' I've found that I never really know how old I am until I look at myself in the mirror. So I don't!' |
| Posted by: KiwiTek 14 July 2016 - 07:00 PM |
| This family is certainly living a MacGyver life. http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/82127949/us-family-reveals-what-its-like-to-live-in-a-miniscule-248-squaremetre-house http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/82127949/us-family-reveals-what-its-like-to-live-in-a-miniscule-248-squaremetre-house https://www.instagram.com/blessthistinyhouse/ |
| Posted by: denizen 14 July 2016 - 09:02 PM |
| About the size of my place. (Just kidding) Very cool. |
| Posted by: Barry Rowland 15 July 2016 - 08:01 AM |
| Actually, a local trade school is making homes just like this, with solar panels to power the home and heat water for baseboard heat and energy. As my wife and I make our way toward empty nest syndrome ( ) we've been looking at something just like this. |