Saturday, May 3, 2008

Weights!

After taking a look around the weight room, moving a few things just a bit, and sorting a few other items, I believe the room is again a functional weight training area. That being the case, I went online tonight in order to seek a regimen. After a few false starts, promising sites that led from page to page, finally saying, just hand us your credit card and we will give you everything we have been promising up to this point. *sigh* That IS capitalism. It also sucks for such a common thing. Sell something else, not physical fitness information. Beside that, I know it is offered free if I just hunt and peck. Sure enough, I found a decent site.

It has been some time since I worked out, yet I have some notion of good and bad information. The site I chose is “sufficient” and accurate. Anyone telling you that you need to do things exactly as they do (or at least how they tell you to do them) is probably dead wrong. The more complex the regimen, as well, the more likely it is to fail. This site was simple. Though it does not offer a great deal of variance, that is not necessary initially. Nor does it need to offer variance as long as it discusses which muscle groups to hit how hard and gives a good example exercise, which this site does. There system of increasing weight both through the workout and then through time was a little complicated at first glance (and in part because I could not initially find a necessary deciphering page (which ended up being a scroll down, rather than on it’s own page)).

All said and done, after tinkering with their system and figuring out how it works, then testing my strength according to their instructions using my weights, I have set up a 6 week workout. I will be doing 7 different exercises, progressively stepped through each work out and then throughout the weeks, though I decided against two of the exercises (shrugs and squats, shrugs just cause (I do not believe I need, yet), and squats because my knees are too weak, always have been mostly). As for my legs, I think some hiking, swimming, and bowling should do the trick. I just need to focus on my kick while swimming.

I should be through this regimen, this starter regimen, by the time I head out to Colorado and Nevada. I am hoping it helps, though most likely I will not even look that much better, in truth. Something I noticed when I bowled, however, was that though I am still strong, it is not a graceful strength. I bowled more like Frankenstein less like a ballerina. Yes, I do know the difference, yes it bothers me, and yes, this might help that a bit. It is all it increments, folks. Oh, and I am being careful. I am not going near my maximums, merely, as the wise folks indicate, doing slightly more than majority percentages of maximums to begin with, and actually all the way through the regimen except for the last of the exercises the last of the weeks, by which time I will probably have new maximums in spite of continuing to percentage off the initial maximums. Though a prayer that I do not break my arm, leg, back, or neck could never hurt! Ha!

Who knows, I may have to find a good self teaching piano course and begin at the beginning again there too. Damn but if it is not a fine thing to tinkle out a classic. Baroque is calling, it always does, it is akin to the calling I received to become Catholic if a bit milder and not quite so spiritually commanding. God is tricksies. I am nervous.

She came over.

She arrived early, after having called several times this morning. And she was insistent. I had not heard the phone, but I know I heard at least a series of three or four doorbell rings, then a singular last ring. I was not sure it was her, though this is her M.O. This knowledge is what caused me to suspect the origin of the insistence. So, I jack-rabbit jumped out of bed, tossed on a shirt, and went to see. Yes, the Q.O.D. was on deck, awaiting a proper flag ceremony before boarding. It looked cool to cold and wet outside, so I decided to unlock the rat traps on the door and let the lady in, simultaneously indicating that I was not wearing pants so she could not say she was not warned, then I skedaddled back to find a suitable pair of leg coverings before returning to converse with my early guest.

It was slightly before 10:00, and I was certainly not very awake. I can bound to action without having a clue as to the cause and run on automatic until I find my pace though. So, that is what I did as I dressed, then checked my appearances in the mirror, then finally advanced to explore the causation of this early (well, awakening if not truly early) visit.

She, it seems, wished for transportation to her eye clinic in order that she make final plans for her glasses. The pair she had chosen initially had not ended up being to her liking. So, she was returning them and she had pretty much chosen the pair she was probably going to get (they had allowed her to take several frames for a few days, which she had gotten sample opinions about from friends like myself and co-workers). For my chauffer service, she would offer a fancy lunch and her splendid company. Sounded good to me, but a shower was called for, and allowed, therefore performed.

The task was not so quick as one would suspect. Once in the glasses selection area, she needed to check many more pairs, and again. As well, I requested that she try several pairs. In the end, she stuck to her guns. Of course, her sunglasses were a difficulty. Apparently they had not been correct the first time, and she set some things in motion so that they would be correct this time. She does things in an odd fashion, however. She is very indirect, though insistent. In any case, I think she was set well and will be satisfied with her glasses.

Then, to lunch. The name of the place is a capitalized “twelve”, but in Italian. Deditches perhaps, at least phonetically. We both sampled the soups offered, and both chose the hand made tomato soup, though we chose different sandwiches. They had her fancy coffee, and one of my favored sparkling waters (of Italian origin, of course). However, there was a type I had not tried before, so I grabbed it (turned out to not be sparkling water, however, and to my regret). Still, it was a very pleasant lunch. A trip to a candle store seemed in order, and I found several candles I could use. She found a few items she had been looking for as well. We stopped at several boutiques on the way home. We both picked up a few more items, but in sum, we mostly browsed and talked. It ended up being a pleasant day.

I returned a bit late to be ready for church. As well, I am still a bit stiff from bowling. Falling to my knee and on my right knee actually was not and is not a problem. Certain muscles seemingly only used in bowling, however, are a bit cranky. Odd and interesting. Still, I mean to go bowling again, this coming week. Perhaps I will go Monday or Tuesday so as to be in a better shape come next Saturday.

I have heard a bit back from my friend in Nevada, a bit from a lady I have asked to travel with me this summer, and am planning to contact some other folks beginning Monday. The road trip is looking stronger, and more realistic. I did not doubt it, it is just a new thing, and cannot be seen as probable until contacts are made, finances are examined, travel arrangements come into their own, and other subjects begin to be tended or receive their due attention.

Life is moving right along. Oh, I am about ready to put ribs to broast. Broast? A wet roasting (raised on a rack, with some water in the basin of the roaster). Supper will be yummy tonight.

Friday, May 2, 2008

I had a little fun today.

My nurse visited today. She seemed pleased with my performance regarding medicine. Obviously, I was not perfect. It was far better than I was doing on my own, and simple as it seems, it means with a little help I can do better. As well, the place looked a lot better. And, I had prepared for her visit a bit last evening by setting up our visit area and bringing my medications and pill boxes to the area for quicker and easier use. I explained how the house cleaning had gone, and discussed my hope for the early summer travel and activity. People like to hear hope, especially if it that hope has some basis in reality, with planning, and a reasonable amount of work already having gone toward a successful outcome. I must admit, I was not sure what time she was to be here today, so I got up as early as I could and stayed up until she came, at around 9:30.

I had hoped to take some courses this summer, but I have not heard from V.A. Voc. Rehab. And, yeah, I am waiting for that. My doctor indicated he had an actual conversation with the administrator, and they had agreed to let me try again. I will, in the next few weeks, get in touch with that administrator. I am not sure I trust him, I think he would rather I not continue. I might have to push, but now that I have a definitive limit, I understand the game better. But I am not going to let him set me aside in spite of having agreed to go ahead with this plan.

I wrote an email to a friend I would like to visit on my way to the white-water trip this summer. Everything is tentative, as I told him, yet I am going to try and talk to as many people as I can as soon as I can, and try to see who will be where, doing what, in time to make some kind of plan. I am also needing to contact the Xterra group and my foster mother. I am hoping to ride with the group. And, I have not seen my foster mother in many years. If she is going to be there, I might spend a few days between the weekends, and or a few days on my way out of the state. Beyond that, I am considering whether I should visit my birth mother or not on the way home. Yeah, I have a lot of moms. The upside to visiting my foster mother on the way, then visit my birth mother as well, is the line of travel that would take would allow me to visit my adopting mother as well, which would save me a bit on housing, break up the return trip, and of course, it never hurts to see mom. All of them, regardless if they are dingy broads too.

After the nurse visit, a nap, a few chores, and some chow, I decided to go bowling. It has been twenty years. My first game was a 64, the next was 112 or 118, something like that. I actually fell down once, the first round, relearning how to throw the darn thing. I ended up making a few strikes and a few more spares, but I would not call it great. I had been up to 240 when I was 12. I would guess that is the best I will ever have been at bowling. Still, it is fun. I might have to go once in a while, invite a friend or two, and just enjoy it as I may. I was amazed I was able to just throw that bowling ball down the lane. I would guess, I probably need to slow it down. And, I was actually starting to see some control aspects. It costs $1.50 for shoe rental and $3.00 per game. Scoring is all automated there, but not perfect I learned. It was easy to correct the mistake though.

I am going to try and do something out of the house 4 days a week, other than shopping (grocery usually), appointments, or other necessary functions. Going to the show, bowling, fishing, and shooting top the list. As well, now that the weight room is cleared, I need to begin doing a bit. I am not sure about how to go about generating a practical weight regimen (cast iron Olympic weight system, with about 1300 pounds, three barbells, two dumbbells, and an angled short press bar). I suspect if I do light loads, I can probably do a bit each day, but what? Maybe 10 bench presses, dumbbell presses, butterflies, etc… I am just not sure what to do. It has been too long since I messed with this.

So, that is the day. I will also try to get back to my Saturday church and begin having Sundays being a stay home, do little, perhaps read the bible and such day. Well, I am getting back in the saddle, and on my way, at least as well as I can.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Wow, ok.

I was lumbering about the internet, still in my unders, and just barely awake when I hear a knock on my door. Hmm, well, I could hide like I had been doing. No, I decide, that was not getting me where I wanted to be. I could take a look from my sneaky place and then make a better decision. Well, actually, if I look, I will usually answer the door. It is just the way of things. Once my curiosity is piqued enough for me to peek, my energy will peak so that I will answer to the good, bad, or neutral door and face the knocker(s) (mailman delivering a certain medicine which must be signed for to obtain if you can’t think of a neutral knocker)(oh, and I prefer answering to a singular yet plural knocker(s)). Well, it was the lady sent to do some cleaning! Plural, but uhm, there are exceptions.

Ok, well, I knew I wanted her here, and I knew this is a very good knocker(s). I doubted if she would appreciate my near nude appearance at the door (leaving the disheveled hair out the equation totally and to boot). So, I yelled that I was on my way, but that it would be a moment. I heard something unintelligible from the direction of the door, and taking it that I had been heard if also not understood, thus at least buying me a few moments, I scurried to the bedroom and dressed quickly. Forgetting to even smooth over my fop, I hurried to the door and ushered in the lady at the door. Well, that was the intent. She held out her hand, in order that I take it and we shake hands in greeting, while pronouncing my first name in order to ensure she was at the correct place. I nodded, we shook, and she offered me her name.

As I had said, I had cleaned just a bit already. And, I had looked over the place and decided where I wanted to clean next. This time, I was ready. She asked and I showed her the place and what I had hopes of finishing. This time, I pitched right in. With her help (I use that lightly, as she did more of the work), we were able to get the cardboard boxes and other materials out of the weight room/piano room. So, I might be able to get working a bit on those. It might take a little more work, I will have to review it shortly. Then, “we” cleaned the kitchen out a bit (mostly misplaced paperwork on the table and some sweeping to do). We did several odds and ends and had a great conversation in the interim. I think it was almost house chore aerobics. She actually enjoyed the work, and thanked me. Not bad, and the place is just getting better and better.

Oh, she noticed my bastard sword. She was curious about it, and whether I just collected. I indicated that I could swing the steel half well, and would show her (with the scabbard on so that she could remain comfortable). She suggested I do show her, handed me the sword, but indicated there would be no need to keep it sheathed. Handing it to me, she bared the steel a bit to look at the blade. I think she was surprised it had live steel, with a bite to it. Anyway, I gave her a brief show, and I think she enjoyed the event. No, no, as she noted and I understand, she is older and this was not flirtation. But, it was fun to have some company, get some help in cleaning, and be able to show off a skill. How many people have and can use a real bastard sword these days? The thing is almost as tall as she is. Ha.

Well, I should do a thing or two more, take a shower, then get to the store. I am out of splenda soda, milk, butter, and a few other essentials. I need a sandwich first, and I am getting a bit tired, so, who knows if the store will see my face today. Hmm, better call about the waterproof car mats though. Dang, almost forgot that.

It is good to be home, mostly.

I was too tired to really appreciate being home yesterday. Still, I moved around and sorted things a bit, back in my own fishbowl. I left the laundry near the front door near the washer and dryer (all clothes which were taken since my mother smokes), I did get everything in from the car (save the fishing rods and tackle box, which will be staying out in the garage), I made a couple of sandwiches through the evening, beef and cheese first, then a peanut butter and low sugar strawberry preserve sandwich as the hours became larger numbered. And, I checked email, posted on my blog, visited a few blogs leaving comments where I seemed destined to drop a line, then, slowly, I retreated from exhaustion first into my chair, moving less and less. Then into my mind, thinking about fewer certainties, possibilities, and hopes. Finally, I retreated to my great solace, sleeping before I really knew that I had had to retreat that far. What a pleasant sleep it was.

I went to bed around 1:30-ish. The numbers just were not sticking in my mind by that time, but I am almost certain it was past 1:15 but not yet 1:45. I had, earlier, set my alarms for 7:30 and 8:15 or so, hoping I would begin to regulate my days again right off the bat here at home. Such was not the case, I did not arise until a bit past 11:00. My mother seems to prefer mornings to herself, and I do not have an alarm clock there (nor would I take one and interrupt her schedule or sleep). So, my days ran a more natural course there, one in which I rise in the late morning and then rest again later in the night or early in the morning. This would be fine, should I surrender to permanent retirement. I just have not, after twenty years, quite given up. Odd, really. I think most would have curled up and found some bottle, painkiller, or something to fill their time until death in some great satisfaction at having cheated their way to oblivion. I suppose dragons just cannot do that. And, I suppose, I am a dragon, if an ill one.

What to do! I have many plans, some will be successful, some will be partially completed, and others will go nowhere. It is the way, both a blessing and a curse, that detailed certainty above. Every goal done would leave no time for live, yet every attempt ending in failure would be disastrous for one’s will and hope, and only partial failure and success would leave life dull and uncertain, weak and unfulfilling. A splendid success (my calculus III course), a devastating failure (my last course), and the middling continuation of my academic aspirations all lend to a more balanced enjoyment of life. Fubar! I want it all. I do not concede in kindness, modesty, or civility, only in truth. I wish to win every time, every way, and handily. Just in case you wondered.

Well, I have cleaned the place just a bit today. I will clean a bit more, later. I am hoping that by the time the cleaning lady returns, her chores will look more practical and doable. Perhaps she will see some hope and this will drive her to do more. After seeing the worst, watching improvement, seeing a segment that she can do, and have it pull others into the work sharing, life must feel good. I hope that those who work with me, doctor, nurse, or house cleaner, walk away saying, “You know, I think I improved his lot enough that he grew to help me help him”. If that is all one has, at times, it can be enough.

It has been so long since I wrote. I feel the need to write again. I am trying to stay just a bit ahead of any lethargy that might exist as I return home. Oh, I really need to begin planning for my visit to the western states. I need to contact the X-terra group, contact the white-water yahoos, and make sure my friend will be in town when I head out to Las Vegas. Oh, I had best contact my doctor as well, and let the crew there know the score. Perhaps they will decide to jump-start a new regimen in order to reduce the blood sugars and increase energy levels just a tad bit. I do think they are trusting me more and more, especially as I attend to their wishes, abide their regimens better (as I can), and continue to work with them. The reverse is true, I suppose I have some belief in the medical field again. They earned it, I think I have, but it is an on-going reevaluation, as it should be? Yes, I think so.

Hey, lovely ladies and kind gents! Have a good day. I hope you prep something fun for the weekend and still find a way to successfully fill the rest of your week. Remember, work is NOT work, it is what you do that makes you valuable to someone (many someones), even if he, she, they, and especially you do not always realize it. As for me… I am work. :p

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

A good visit, a day late. (tobacco free since January 7th)

Hello!

I am sure you are as surprised as I am. Perhaps I should explain. You are surprised because, after popping in from time to time, you finally view a new article. As for myself, I am always surprised, in some strange way, when today is truly different from yesterday. Merely by writing this that is so. I think. It depends on how you view fundamental reality, free will, and all that jazz. Setting that all aside and just assuming now is unique and hitherto unidentified, then this is a different thing on a new day. I.. I think.

As I said, the visit was a good one. Though we did not do everything I had hoped, we were able to get some things done, we did survive each other, and we had some fun along the way. A few odds and ends were completed which had not been contemplated previously as well. We each had a few grumpy moments, no problems there as we are both getting older and therefore more deserving of our grumpiness. I did little cooking, though I think my Mom prefers her kitchen to herself. It is the place she feels she is the queen and from which she may still hold some command. So be it. As I said, it was a good visit.

I returned today, obviously or not. I had thought to return today, the 28th, so that I would be ready for my nurse today on the 29th. She called this morning and asked if I was ready for a visit. I said sure, tomorrow morning. She suggested I consult a calendar. Ok, so women can be right from time to time. That is where the “day late” fits in. I think I had planned well, set things up (things to do) by the calendar, then as that last thing I needed to do slipped a day, I skipped my calendar and missed my return date. I needed to get my Mother’s computer set up Monday, but it was not ready. So, without realizing it, I missed the return date. I still would have needed to stay, however, I would have been able to call and reschedule rather than have the embarrassment of being called and needing to apologetically reschedule. At least she had not stopped already, she merely called ahead (apparently having heard of my “delicate nature”).

That has been rescheduled to Friday. I will also need to schedule another cleaning visit. I am hoping to get this place tip-topped within the next month. With a little help, that is actually possible. I also need to pick up my rain mats at the dealership (they forced the cleaning crew to buy another set, and rightly). Of course, I will also need to do some grocery shopping. An army crawls on it’s stomach, and so do I. I should also visit my neighbor and see if he has some time to go fishing or shooting. Though it is remaining a chilly spring, I still want to get out and go. Chilly is not the same as snow bound. Now that I am not snow bound, I do not wish to be stuck inside. Might have to go alone if I cannot get anyone to tag along or take the lead.

I am pretty tired. I am not sure why I am so tired tonight, even with the drive. The drive was pleasant, brisk enough to theoretically keep me awake (though I kept nearly nodding off). It might just be the right kind of day for sleep and my body is pulling that way. Though, too, I think I am on too little Ritalin. Since my doctor asked me to take it at least a week (and though I had), I decided to not increase it until I returned home. Well, after two weeks of taking my medicine fairly well (missed the first 2-3 days, then hit every med time after that), I am pretty sure I am on too little. So, I will let him know. Oh, my blood pressure is coming down again though, into right numbers. However, the blood sugar just will not budge (and yes, I ate correctly).

There you have it. A few notions, some facts, a curiosity and question or two, and of course, notification with my vocabularistic bona fides to stamp the thing original in my nature of writing. (if not necessarily proofed time wise (Obomba Hussein dissing his communist racist minister, the one who has guided his religious thought for 20 years and made obvious by his cutthroat approach to all including his minister... muslim to the last!) Hmmm, that might do it.)

Have a good day or night.