Ok, what I want to take and what I will take are two different things. My clothes, due to my size, take a great deal of space, especially considering my available luggage. Even taking the light day pack and the duffel bag, a necessity, I will need to be very picky and leave some things. I suppose this is where ideas hit reality and I learn a bit about practicality. This is not a problem, and I will still have several food, water, and clothing options along with an extra sleeping option.
I am not sure what type of work we may be called upon to do, yet I am satisfied that I will be able to do it. Beyond a native strength and store of energy upon which to draw, having been working out has really added to that strength and depth of energy, even if it does not look like it. Actually, it is the long drive which will be more challenging. I would guess we will be driving around 300 miles, on top of work and then unloading the goods. So, it will end up quite a long day.
It was raining very heavily when I awoke this morning. Though I hope it does not warm up and become a mug pool state, I also hope the rain will at least slow so as to facilitate a safer trip and allow us to work outside if that is what is needed. This being Iowa, there is no telling about the weather. My nurse should be here in a bit, so I will go.
Oh, I might add, I have some small suspicion. I almost wonder if the nurse and the home maker are allowed because my numbers (blood pressure and blood sugar) are so astronomical, even now, that they suspect I am going to keel over. I almost wonder if they plan on me being dead and they just want to have some way of checking. Call me paranoid (then quit, you might be right *laughs*). She will be here soon. I hope to blog Sunday or Monday about this weekend. Have a great weekend yourself.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ok, I missed one.
Last night was my first slip-up. When I went to work out, I realized at my level of exhaustion that the task was unwise. To be honest, it would have been dangerous to attempt to work out. I could not concentrate or keep focus and balance was an issue. How much was muscular I cannot say, though I think that was a more minor part of the issue. Still, it was a full day. I was up and going and on the road by, 10:00 or 11:00, was it? And, I had made brunch before that, and showered, and all. After leaving the house, I did not return until after 18:00, then went out again. Only to return and make a full supper then clean up. Some days I just will not be able to exercise the way I had planned. And, really, if it is not too often, I think I can live with that.
I think my day yesterday was a bit too busy though. I could not sleep until 4:30 or 5:00, I just could not do it. I was having a very difficult time getting out of bed today, as might be expected. My friend and I went together on a tent recently, and she received it several days ago. We went together on it, as one of us almost for certain would want it and either we could then buy the other out or share it since we rarely camp at the same time. She had been hoping for a sunny day to put it up outside, but that had not happened and it does not look to be imminent. So, today, she set it up in her living room. She wanted me to take a look at it, and so called and woke me up in the middle of waking up process, revised wake up process anyway and at about 9:00. I assured her I would be over promptly. And, I may have been, in my dreams. I dunno. But the next thing I do know is that the phone was ringing and it was 11:00 and she sounded like an unhappy chipmunk. So, I got up, showered, and drove over. It is a really nice tent, actually. It is an REI, it has two “doors”, it is very comfortable for me (enough so that I could probably rest comfortably with one or even two other people in it, most “3 man” tents only and barely fit me), and it is well outfitted. However, and this is just the way the world works, we have both ended up taking our vacations at the same time. Only one of us will get to take it. I have suggested she take it as I have a tent (two actually, as I could take her other one or my old one), and because she actually needs a tent every night on her trip, while I could use one or just flatten my Xterra’s inner areas out and sleep in there, if I camp at all in any case. Still, I know she will yo-yo about this until she leaves on her trip (first, the 14th of June, I leave around the 18th but she will not be back yet).
I finally checked on the farmer john wetsuit return. I found the email address with which to send a query regarding the order and then sent an email including several specifics from the order definition email they had sent to me as the order was shipped. I did ask for a phone call, and gave them my phone number. I suggested that either a phone call would need to be had and that the phone call would have to include a conversation with an experienced wetsuit buying guide or that a simple return would be made and I would go on to find assistance of this nature from another source. I am hoping for a quick reply, though I am dubious. By Monday I will either have made contact somehow or I will order from another source. Time is becoming a bit critical on gear, with enough time for one more return and re-order cycle without getting into extremely expensive shipping. Even that would be questionable beyond one to two more order cycles.
I am cleaning my new cooking and eating equipment. I am also going through my gear, ferreting out what I want to take on the trip to a tornado torn area of Iowa and what will not be needed is being set apart in an orderly manner. It is good to be going through my gear and seeing exactly what I have, how much of what, and to set my mind to ease knowing where things are. I will end up taking two sets of clothes, with extra socks and an extra set of thermals (I will also be wearing one set), cooking and eating gear, water treatment and personal water storage, leather gloves, a personal hygiene kit including a smaller fast drying camp towel, several means of lighting a fire, both to light the little stove or to start an actual camp fire, my sleeping back, and a few other small odds and ends. Hopefully, other than the sleeping bag, it will all fit in a smaller day pack or medium duffel. Maybe better to just start with the duffel, as it will handle the sleeping bag too? Oh, of course, plenty of water, several food items (some needs to be cooked, some can be eaten as is, some can be done both ways, while some should not be cooked). I am probably doing overkill, but it is fun to do, and it will be interesting to see if any of it ends up being needed.
It seems that the loading of the van is off for the night. We will have to do what we can tomorrow, as the van needed some work and is in the shop. Which, as it turns out, is a good thing. My lady friend suggested she might be over this evening. So, I asked if she might be interested in one of her favored cuts of beef. It seems she might be, so, I headed to the store and picked up this, that, and the meat. I then stopped at the coop and picked up a few items (some for the trip, Clif Bars and a few assorted other items). So, I should be able to make a fine meal tonight, again. I hope she brings a movie or something, or at least is prepared to play a few board games. I think the meal with be: Delmonico steak with fresh garlic and mushrooms, fresh steamed kale, a salad, and fresh strawberries as desert. As usual, coffee for the lady, whole milk for the buffalo.
I must admit to being intensely curious about the monastery. All I have to go on is the stories of old regarding such establishments. Most of what I know, I have told. The daily mass, the seven bells (though, why seven, hourly minus the hour for mass?), and just that it is a monastery. What I did not pass on was that this place is within the largest contiguous (old?) woods in Iowa and that as their means of producing income, they craft coffins. I only worry that I might miss a bell, caught in a daydream or having fallen to a nap. I fear not being able to sleep or awaken properly. I fear being a burden, one way or another. Call me fickle, but, and though I know I am not, I like to feel somewhat in control and able to dismiss my duties as I may or must at times. With others, a clock, and many unknowns, I am being tested a bit. I am sure, one way or another, I will do fine for the short time period. Yeah, I know the rafting and all, but that is a little different. My rafting mates will probably not have the ability to excommunicate me! *laughs*
I think my day yesterday was a bit too busy though. I could not sleep until 4:30 or 5:00, I just could not do it. I was having a very difficult time getting out of bed today, as might be expected. My friend and I went together on a tent recently, and she received it several days ago. We went together on it, as one of us almost for certain would want it and either we could then buy the other out or share it since we rarely camp at the same time. She had been hoping for a sunny day to put it up outside, but that had not happened and it does not look to be imminent. So, today, she set it up in her living room. She wanted me to take a look at it, and so called and woke me up in the middle of waking up process, revised wake up process anyway and at about 9:00. I assured her I would be over promptly. And, I may have been, in my dreams. I dunno. But the next thing I do know is that the phone was ringing and it was 11:00 and she sounded like an unhappy chipmunk. So, I got up, showered, and drove over. It is a really nice tent, actually. It is an REI, it has two “doors”, it is very comfortable for me (enough so that I could probably rest comfortably with one or even two other people in it, most “3 man” tents only and barely fit me), and it is well outfitted. However, and this is just the way the world works, we have both ended up taking our vacations at the same time. Only one of us will get to take it. I have suggested she take it as I have a tent (two actually, as I could take her other one or my old one), and because she actually needs a tent every night on her trip, while I could use one or just flatten my Xterra’s inner areas out and sleep in there, if I camp at all in any case. Still, I know she will yo-yo about this until she leaves on her trip (first, the 14th of June, I leave around the 18th but she will not be back yet).
I finally checked on the farmer john wetsuit return. I found the email address with which to send a query regarding the order and then sent an email including several specifics from the order definition email they had sent to me as the order was shipped. I did ask for a phone call, and gave them my phone number. I suggested that either a phone call would need to be had and that the phone call would have to include a conversation with an experienced wetsuit buying guide or that a simple return would be made and I would go on to find assistance of this nature from another source. I am hoping for a quick reply, though I am dubious. By Monday I will either have made contact somehow or I will order from another source. Time is becoming a bit critical on gear, with enough time for one more return and re-order cycle without getting into extremely expensive shipping. Even that would be questionable beyond one to two more order cycles.
I am cleaning my new cooking and eating equipment. I am also going through my gear, ferreting out what I want to take on the trip to a tornado torn area of Iowa and what will not be needed is being set apart in an orderly manner. It is good to be going through my gear and seeing exactly what I have, how much of what, and to set my mind to ease knowing where things are. I will end up taking two sets of clothes, with extra socks and an extra set of thermals (I will also be wearing one set), cooking and eating gear, water treatment and personal water storage, leather gloves, a personal hygiene kit including a smaller fast drying camp towel, several means of lighting a fire, both to light the little stove or to start an actual camp fire, my sleeping back, and a few other small odds and ends. Hopefully, other than the sleeping bag, it will all fit in a smaller day pack or medium duffel. Maybe better to just start with the duffel, as it will handle the sleeping bag too? Oh, of course, plenty of water, several food items (some needs to be cooked, some can be eaten as is, some can be done both ways, while some should not be cooked). I am probably doing overkill, but it is fun to do, and it will be interesting to see if any of it ends up being needed.
It seems that the loading of the van is off for the night. We will have to do what we can tomorrow, as the van needed some work and is in the shop. Which, as it turns out, is a good thing. My lady friend suggested she might be over this evening. So, I asked if she might be interested in one of her favored cuts of beef. It seems she might be, so, I headed to the store and picked up this, that, and the meat. I then stopped at the coop and picked up a few items (some for the trip, Clif Bars and a few assorted other items). So, I should be able to make a fine meal tonight, again. I hope she brings a movie or something, or at least is prepared to play a few board games. I think the meal with be: Delmonico steak with fresh garlic and mushrooms, fresh steamed kale, a salad, and fresh strawberries as desert. As usual, coffee for the lady, whole milk for the buffalo.
I must admit to being intensely curious about the monastery. All I have to go on is the stories of old regarding such establishments. Most of what I know, I have told. The daily mass, the seven bells (though, why seven, hourly minus the hour for mass?), and just that it is a monastery. What I did not pass on was that this place is within the largest contiguous (old?) woods in Iowa and that as their means of producing income, they craft coffins. I only worry that I might miss a bell, caught in a daydream or having fallen to a nap. I fear not being able to sleep or awaken properly. I fear being a burden, one way or another. Call me fickle, but, and though I know I am not, I like to feel somewhat in control and able to dismiss my duties as I may or must at times. With others, a clock, and many unknowns, I am being tested a bit. I am sure, one way or another, I will do fine for the short time period. Yeah, I know the rafting and all, but that is a little different. My rafting mates will probably not have the ability to excommunicate me! *laughs*
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
It has been a very busy day, and week really.
Today my lady friend needed a driver again. The good news is I believe we have made our last trip for the year, at least in regards to this particular project of hers. She always feeds me, sometimes she offers to pay for gas as well, and occasionally she is good company. Today, however, I fed us. Some fresh guacamole, three cheese flour tortilla melts, salsa, fresh coffee, and a few other items saw us off well, an offering from my home. Instead of a meal, then, today, she provided our tickets to the new Indiana Jones movie. I purchased waters and a few treats. Afterward, we drove to where she needed to go. This time, everything was to her liking and it was an very fast into the office and back on the road affair. I returned just in time to make the final contacts with a man from church to get a ride to the bible study. Come to think of it, she actually liked the brunch I prepared as well! A little garlic and a few other spices in the assiago seemed to have done the trick.
The bible study was quite good. I believe they had been reading the passages given for this day, what is to be used in mass that is (1st reading, psalms, and 2nd reading), three times and then discussing the material. This time a new method for thought and study was used. We read the verses, then an extended section around the verse, then the footnotes, and then discussed what we had read. It will take me some time to get back in the swing of study, yet I did have a few notions to share and the study did draw me in. I have met and I do respect the gentlemen who were present, and I think I may learn from them as well, just by being in their company. This holds promise as a means of study, socialization, and possible connections to other activities.
As a fact, tonight was a connection to other activities. One of the men indicated that he would be picking up whatever goods had been collected and delivering those goods to a city here in Iowa that has been hard hit by a recent tornado or three. At the beginning of the study, in a light-hearted manner though too with a seemingly serious undertone as well, he let it be known help would be very welcome. About half way through the group, it hit me that this was my call. And, trying not to sidetrack the study, I made it quickly known that I would be interested and that we should exchange contact information. Well, quickly and surely, and without the feeling that this was wrong, a pen and paper were provided and we exchanged personals and he informed me of what he knew to date. Afterwards, we re-initialized the study and finished on time.
Since then, he has called to update me on the plan. It seems that the material will be ready tomorrow at 19:00. He would like to load the material in preparation when it is ready. Then, Friday, after he is free from his work to travel, at around 12:00 to 13:00, we will begin the trip. Super for me, it allows me to do my workout in the morning and be showered and ready. It seems we will be doing some work, leather boots and leather gloves were recommended. We will work at one place, or from a general area I am not certain, then we will travel to another place and unload the goods.
Beyond, it seems my co-worker had been intending to go to a monastery this weekend. When all of this happened, the timing seemed to indicate that this work and delivery could happen as well. So, after I was asked which part I would help with (all of the above, and anything else needed I have indicated), I was asked if I wanted to return early or if I could handle staying on at the monastery. Are you kidding? I did not say that, I did think it. Yes, I would greatly enjoy staying. Apparently there is a mass each day and seven bells, calling for all to gather for prayers, song, and collective reflection, reunion, and praise. I have wondered about this type of life, I would not say it could be mine long term. Who knows though. In any case, that was a hidden bonus.
I cannot remember if I said, but all of my music has been washed, and 172 albums by 119 artists are loaded on my Zune. I am about two thirds the way through this task. I did finally order the gear in question. I may ask my neighbor to check while I am gone, there is nearly $400 dollars in gear. I would have ordered it in such a way as I needed to sign for it, but I did not know I would not be here. I will be taking a few pieces of gear in a day pack, plus a sleeping back, and some emergency food, just in case.
When I returned from the bible study, my lady friend was still here. So, I asked her to stay for supper. I had a t-bone thawed, she had her organic but very fresh spring lettuce, and there were fresh brussel sprouts for me and frozen broccoli for her, along with fresh coffee for her and a glass of whole milk for me. I had produced a decent vinaigrette for lunch, and so that was in play again as well. Trying to stay on target, I cleared and cleaned after supper, with only one pan (soaking though) needing finished. Then my kitchen will be clean again, probably cleaner than before.
Still, I need to work out before I go to bed. But first, I need to digest my food a bit more. I know it is late, but this has been a busy day. If I was to be here Saturday, I might float my exercises a bit. As is, I have little choice and I will not fail to do this simple task. I am tired, so I may not be able to do as well (though I will most assuredly try). I may need to take an extra break before the final reps in the final sets of some exercises, I might have to take a little longer of a break between sets, but I will get it all done. I wish I looked differently for this exercise, or even felt differently. Still, I am sure it means something somehow.
What a day. Now I really am curious about what tomorrow might bring. Maybe I am becoming alive again. I know it will be good to be doing something right and helpful to others. I had been thinking about that, but I was not sure what to do. Perhaps as I have sought to know God better, I can more easily be summoned and hear and understand his call. Goodnight.
The bible study was quite good. I believe they had been reading the passages given for this day, what is to be used in mass that is (1st reading, psalms, and 2nd reading), three times and then discussing the material. This time a new method for thought and study was used. We read the verses, then an extended section around the verse, then the footnotes, and then discussed what we had read. It will take me some time to get back in the swing of study, yet I did have a few notions to share and the study did draw me in. I have met and I do respect the gentlemen who were present, and I think I may learn from them as well, just by being in their company. This holds promise as a means of study, socialization, and possible connections to other activities.
As a fact, tonight was a connection to other activities. One of the men indicated that he would be picking up whatever goods had been collected and delivering those goods to a city here in Iowa that has been hard hit by a recent tornado or three. At the beginning of the study, in a light-hearted manner though too with a seemingly serious undertone as well, he let it be known help would be very welcome. About half way through the group, it hit me that this was my call. And, trying not to sidetrack the study, I made it quickly known that I would be interested and that we should exchange contact information. Well, quickly and surely, and without the feeling that this was wrong, a pen and paper were provided and we exchanged personals and he informed me of what he knew to date. Afterwards, we re-initialized the study and finished on time.
Since then, he has called to update me on the plan. It seems that the material will be ready tomorrow at 19:00. He would like to load the material in preparation when it is ready. Then, Friday, after he is free from his work to travel, at around 12:00 to 13:00, we will begin the trip. Super for me, it allows me to do my workout in the morning and be showered and ready. It seems we will be doing some work, leather boots and leather gloves were recommended. We will work at one place, or from a general area I am not certain, then we will travel to another place and unload the goods.
Beyond, it seems my co-worker had been intending to go to a monastery this weekend. When all of this happened, the timing seemed to indicate that this work and delivery could happen as well. So, after I was asked which part I would help with (all of the above, and anything else needed I have indicated), I was asked if I wanted to return early or if I could handle staying on at the monastery. Are you kidding? I did not say that, I did think it. Yes, I would greatly enjoy staying. Apparently there is a mass each day and seven bells, calling for all to gather for prayers, song, and collective reflection, reunion, and praise. I have wondered about this type of life, I would not say it could be mine long term. Who knows though. In any case, that was a hidden bonus.
I cannot remember if I said, but all of my music has been washed, and 172 albums by 119 artists are loaded on my Zune. I am about two thirds the way through this task. I did finally order the gear in question. I may ask my neighbor to check while I am gone, there is nearly $400 dollars in gear. I would have ordered it in such a way as I needed to sign for it, but I did not know I would not be here. I will be taking a few pieces of gear in a day pack, plus a sleeping back, and some emergency food, just in case.
When I returned from the bible study, my lady friend was still here. So, I asked her to stay for supper. I had a t-bone thawed, she had her organic but very fresh spring lettuce, and there were fresh brussel sprouts for me and frozen broccoli for her, along with fresh coffee for her and a glass of whole milk for me. I had produced a decent vinaigrette for lunch, and so that was in play again as well. Trying to stay on target, I cleared and cleaned after supper, with only one pan (soaking though) needing finished. Then my kitchen will be clean again, probably cleaner than before.
Still, I need to work out before I go to bed. But first, I need to digest my food a bit more. I know it is late, but this has been a busy day. If I was to be here Saturday, I might float my exercises a bit. As is, I have little choice and I will not fail to do this simple task. I am tired, so I may not be able to do as well (though I will most assuredly try). I may need to take an extra break before the final reps in the final sets of some exercises, I might have to take a little longer of a break between sets, but I will get it all done. I wish I looked differently for this exercise, or even felt differently. Still, I am sure it means something somehow.
What a day. Now I really am curious about what tomorrow might bring. Maybe I am becoming alive again. I know it will be good to be doing something right and helpful to others. I had been thinking about that, but I was not sure what to do. Perhaps as I have sought to know God better, I can more easily be summoned and hear and understand his call. Goodnight.
Monday, May 26, 2008
A lot done while doing nothing.
Though I woke up later, it being a holiday and all yet not so late as to be unseemly, I still had a great day. Getting out of bed a little after 9:00, having taken my medicine around 7:30. The day was slow at first. I tried to figure out how, or more what, to write about this weekend and my experience with it. After writing several drafts, and then dumping those and rewriting, I finally hit on something that felt at least ok.
After this and that, I started to do this and that, and then wrote about it. As the day progressed, so did my accomplishments. I have copied 78 albums to my hard drive, cleaned the CDs, alphabetized them (and all the other CDs), and then installed those 78 albums on my Zune. I then worked out. This week is the last week I increase weights until my return from out West. It was a tough workout, but I felt good. I was able to push through all the reps, save one. During this time, I was also doing laundry and ended up completing two and a half cycles (one load just needed dried). Then, after working out, I made some homemade guacamole. I, at first, was not sure what to do about the rest of supper. After a bit, while making the guacamole, I hit upon it. Two quarter pound (made from raw meat, not fast food) hamburgers with some onionified buns, guacamole on the hamburgers (plus a dab for chips), along with corn chips and salsa (not homemade, but good). Adding in a glass of milk, I had a decent supper. Now, as the last load finishes drying, the kitchen now also cleaned up again, and Andromeda Strain on the tube, the day is closing to success.
I had not set out to do work, or much work, or certainly not this much work. But it did not seem difficult, I was able to do two or three things at a time for the most part, and it all just… happened. I am not at all tired either.
I have some plans for tomorrow. My lady friend requested my chauffer services for the first part of the day. After that, I hope to add another pile of CDs to the computer and then on to the Zune. As well, I would really like to get out for a hike or walk. Oh, I need to check about a return of the farmer john dive suit and about ordering that other gear I have mentioned. I emailed them again, as they had not gotten back to me as they had indicated, and they said they would get back to me soon (apparently they have a holiday today too (Britain)). As well, I found that I have an appointment June 11th, so I will have to be back by the 10th, which also means I can easily set an appointment with Vocational Rehabilitation June 12th, and I wish to do so in order to ensure I will have a timely meeting and time enough to do the rest of my college preparations. It is almost silly how easy things seem, though in truth, I still have to push mightily sometimes, like every morning, sometimes to work out, and often to stay on track and make those calls and take those actions. As each fear or doubt is overcome, however, the continuation of successes make the next time easier, easier, and even easier… but not quite yet assured. Closer.
After this and that, I started to do this and that, and then wrote about it. As the day progressed, so did my accomplishments. I have copied 78 albums to my hard drive, cleaned the CDs, alphabetized them (and all the other CDs), and then installed those 78 albums on my Zune. I then worked out. This week is the last week I increase weights until my return from out West. It was a tough workout, but I felt good. I was able to push through all the reps, save one. During this time, I was also doing laundry and ended up completing two and a half cycles (one load just needed dried). Then, after working out, I made some homemade guacamole. I, at first, was not sure what to do about the rest of supper. After a bit, while making the guacamole, I hit upon it. Two quarter pound (made from raw meat, not fast food) hamburgers with some onionified buns, guacamole on the hamburgers (plus a dab for chips), along with corn chips and salsa (not homemade, but good). Adding in a glass of milk, I had a decent supper. Now, as the last load finishes drying, the kitchen now also cleaned up again, and Andromeda Strain on the tube, the day is closing to success.
I had not set out to do work, or much work, or certainly not this much work. But it did not seem difficult, I was able to do two or three things at a time for the most part, and it all just… happened. I am not at all tired either.
I have some plans for tomorrow. My lady friend requested my chauffer services for the first part of the day. After that, I hope to add another pile of CDs to the computer and then on to the Zune. As well, I would really like to get out for a hike or walk. Oh, I need to check about a return of the farmer john dive suit and about ordering that other gear I have mentioned. I emailed them again, as they had not gotten back to me as they had indicated, and they said they would get back to me soon (apparently they have a holiday today too (Britain)). As well, I found that I have an appointment June 11th, so I will have to be back by the 10th, which also means I can easily set an appointment with Vocational Rehabilitation June 12th, and I wish to do so in order to ensure I will have a timely meeting and time enough to do the rest of my college preparations. It is almost silly how easy things seem, though in truth, I still have to push mightily sometimes, like every morning, sometimes to work out, and often to stay on track and make those calls and take those actions. As each fear or doubt is overcome, however, the continuation of successes make the next time easier, easier, and even easier… but not quite yet assured. Closer.
I have not been completely inactive.
One of the projects getting attention this weekend has been transferring my CDs to my computer’s hard drive. That is at least one half of the process depending on whether I just transfer whole CDs directly to the Zune or whether I filter the music to transfer a bit or a lot from each album to the Zune. If time gets short, I have the memory to store it all on the Zune. Now, figuring out how much space the music would take required some trial and error. I tried to do a direct one-to-one recording of the music (I believe, called “noloss”). It was the best recording quality, I believe. Yet I found that a mere 30 CDs took 7 Gb. My machine only has 110 Gb on both drives and the Zune only has 80 Gb. So, I had to cut back the rate, twice. Which also meant recording those 30-ish CDs twice, then erasing them! As is, 300-400 CDs will consume between 50 and 60 Gb. I suppose, if I wanted to pick and choose while recording, I could record in the best format. Simply put, I do not have that kind of time, for sure anyway. As well, I am looking to have as complete a back-up of my music as possible. Meaning I wish to have the complete CDs somewhere. This offers another reason to update my computer… I had thought to just get one 500 Gb RAID, but I am thinking 2, or even 2 separate Tb RAIDs. Especially since I have not even seen how much memory movies will take!
I have also been cleaning a bit, and trying to get caught up on laundry while planning to launder some of my specialty clothing (silks, wools, rain-proof, etc) in my run up to the trip. As well, this week I will have the dishes complete when my help arrives, even if she arrives early. I will probably wash my CDs while I am at it today. Then when dry, I will restore those, initially, back into the CD books (which is great as they needed sorted back to the alphabet). I am considering putting the CDs back into their original cases, which I have kept for the most part. I am also interested in clearing a few more of the storage spaces in my apartment as the rest of the place is starting to really shape up. I am also hoping to clear out the front room, before I go, in order to clean the carpet. Well, either the front room and hall, or my bedroom and the hall carpeting. The weight room (a spare bedroom, technically) and the front room will be the most difficult to clear, so those might have to wait. My workout regimen allows a week long break for every six weeks of working out. I probably will not be able to get the carpeting in that room done this time, (the week preceding my vacation) but maybe next break. Beyond that, I am hoping to really push and clean and clear everything stored, hanging clothes, all my drawers, and the garage. I cannot swear I will get to all of that, but I have a shot at it, even while I do the music transfers, exercises, getting out of the house, normal shopping, remaining planning, and church. I may be shooting high, but honestly I think this is all doable, and easily.
If I was not disabled, this would not even be considered a difficult set of tasks. Most people do this (or can do it) and work, while often with religious, familial, and social duties, responsibilities, and pleasures added in there. As I grow stronger, as my life begins taking a solid wholesome shape, as my health improves, as I grab the reins and take command, my illness weakens, shrinks, and becomes a concern rather than my whole life. How far I am along that rise I cannot tell. If it is permanent, long lasting, or sustainable, only time will tell. I only know this is the absolute best I have done in 20 years. My worst days are now better than my best days of most of those previous years by a vast stretch. My life, work, and workouts are becoming easier in doing even as they become very much harder and more complicated in fact.
So, in spite of what I might otherwise have called a weak showing this weekend, I enjoyed the time off and the reflections of life, death, family, and country. The perspective is something I am grateful at having been able to know this year. I do regret not living close enough to take a trip to my main family’s primary graveyard. If this life has become a graced event again, and this year sees the advances of the last year added to this years gains or even maintained, I may have to put a visit in my schedule. I think it would be nice to gather my mother, an aunt, a few cousins, and a roomful of memories, and then as a group go visit some of those who helped create those memories yet who can no longer come to us.
I have also been cleaning a bit, and trying to get caught up on laundry while planning to launder some of my specialty clothing (silks, wools, rain-proof, etc) in my run up to the trip. As well, this week I will have the dishes complete when my help arrives, even if she arrives early. I will probably wash my CDs while I am at it today. Then when dry, I will restore those, initially, back into the CD books (which is great as they needed sorted back to the alphabet). I am considering putting the CDs back into their original cases, which I have kept for the most part. I am also interested in clearing a few more of the storage spaces in my apartment as the rest of the place is starting to really shape up. I am also hoping to clear out the front room, before I go, in order to clean the carpet. Well, either the front room and hall, or my bedroom and the hall carpeting. The weight room (a spare bedroom, technically) and the front room will be the most difficult to clear, so those might have to wait. My workout regimen allows a week long break for every six weeks of working out. I probably will not be able to get the carpeting in that room done this time, (the week preceding my vacation) but maybe next break. Beyond that, I am hoping to really push and clean and clear everything stored, hanging clothes, all my drawers, and the garage. I cannot swear I will get to all of that, but I have a shot at it, even while I do the music transfers, exercises, getting out of the house, normal shopping, remaining planning, and church. I may be shooting high, but honestly I think this is all doable, and easily.
If I was not disabled, this would not even be considered a difficult set of tasks. Most people do this (or can do it) and work, while often with religious, familial, and social duties, responsibilities, and pleasures added in there. As I grow stronger, as my life begins taking a solid wholesome shape, as my health improves, as I grab the reins and take command, my illness weakens, shrinks, and becomes a concern rather than my whole life. How far I am along that rise I cannot tell. If it is permanent, long lasting, or sustainable, only time will tell. I only know this is the absolute best I have done in 20 years. My worst days are now better than my best days of most of those previous years by a vast stretch. My life, work, and workouts are becoming easier in doing even as they become very much harder and more complicated in fact.
So, in spite of what I might otherwise have called a weak showing this weekend, I enjoyed the time off and the reflections of life, death, family, and country. The perspective is something I am grateful at having been able to know this year. I do regret not living close enough to take a trip to my main family’s primary graveyard. If this life has become a graced event again, and this year sees the advances of the last year added to this years gains or even maintained, I may have to put a visit in my schedule. I think it would be nice to gather my mother, an aunt, a few cousins, and a roomful of memories, and then as a group go visit some of those who helped create those memories yet who can no longer come to us.
Memorial Day
For the first time in my adult life, without prompting, I appreciated this day. It is not as if those who have sacrificed through war, toil, giving, sharing, and who have loved and served my nation, my family, and myself have not been important to me. It is not as if I felt above, beyond, or beneath respect or reverence. I hold that respect strongly, and value all that goes with it. However, simply being aware that a day is a holiday has been a difficult project in the condition I often find myself.
I have considered, over the course of this weekend, those who came before and have since passed. Some important family members can be named among the remembered. Some I have met and loved, such as my Grandpa, several cousins, and a step-brother, among others. Some I never had the chance to meet except through pictures and stories, such as my Grandmother. There are other family members, cousins to uncles, great aunts to siblings, who I have known and miss. I think of the servicemen who have died for my family, myself, and our nation. Further back, I think of those who helped sew some of the seeds of my nation before the US was a nation. The noblemen who pushed for the Magna Carta for example. And further back, to Christ, who believed men were worthy enough for him to knowingly suffer and die and rise. As it is God and His notion’s which have been the basis for this nation and upon which the citizens draw their rights to freedoms. And, back further to the earliest of God’s prophets and writers, who were the very first to begin developing the idea that would one day be my nation. There are many to be remembered, many who have sacrificed and died, some close some more distant in time or relationship. And, there are others whose lives were their sacrifice, who gave the sweat off their brow, the calluses on their hands, the blisters on their feet, and much of if not all the wealth they generated to ensure their children, who became my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and so on had a chance to offer me a place in this world.
I have enjoyed this weekend. I have done very little, and enjoyed the time off. This is the first three day weekend I have actually knowingly understood fully in decades. To both appreciate the time off and be aware enough to also contemplate the reasons behind the break is something I see as a sign of a new life. I am only so glad, finally and fully, to not be listed as one to be remembered. I now have a much deeper valuation of the sacrifices men have made to allow me this chance. And, now, family means that much more as well. I now honor the dead properly. Because of this, though, I also honor the living even more. Life is so precious and rare, I cannot help now but to see things differently, especially as I begin once again to live it.
I have considered, over the course of this weekend, those who came before and have since passed. Some important family members can be named among the remembered. Some I have met and loved, such as my Grandpa, several cousins, and a step-brother, among others. Some I never had the chance to meet except through pictures and stories, such as my Grandmother. There are other family members, cousins to uncles, great aunts to siblings, who I have known and miss. I think of the servicemen who have died for my family, myself, and our nation. Further back, I think of those who helped sew some of the seeds of my nation before the US was a nation. The noblemen who pushed for the Magna Carta for example. And further back, to Christ, who believed men were worthy enough for him to knowingly suffer and die and rise. As it is God and His notion’s which have been the basis for this nation and upon which the citizens draw their rights to freedoms. And, back further to the earliest of God’s prophets and writers, who were the very first to begin developing the idea that would one day be my nation. There are many to be remembered, many who have sacrificed and died, some close some more distant in time or relationship. And, there are others whose lives were their sacrifice, who gave the sweat off their brow, the calluses on their hands, the blisters on their feet, and much of if not all the wealth they generated to ensure their children, who became my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and so on had a chance to offer me a place in this world.
I have enjoyed this weekend. I have done very little, and enjoyed the time off. This is the first three day weekend I have actually knowingly understood fully in decades. To both appreciate the time off and be aware enough to also contemplate the reasons behind the break is something I see as a sign of a new life. I am only so glad, finally and fully, to not be listed as one to be remembered. I now have a much deeper valuation of the sacrifices men have made to allow me this chance. And, now, family means that much more as well. I now honor the dead properly. Because of this, though, I also honor the living even more. Life is so precious and rare, I cannot help now but to see things differently, especially as I begin once again to live it.
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