.
.
Well, we finally got out. My former neighbor could not make it, he had a tooth come out and needs to see the dentist. We drove up the Logan Canyon a bit, pulled into a camping area with fire rings, gathered wood, talked quite a bit, cooked brots and such, and then ate. My newer friend is a bit uptight, I think. He needs to learn how to relax, I mean really relax. He is always on edge. I wondered if it was his program, he is working on his doctorate. But I am beginning to think it is just him. If we get together, I think I might be able to show him how to take life as it comes. I stress on some things, but no longer allow myself to twitch at everything, or even most things. He sometimes thinks a snapping branch is somehow aimed at him. No, I am not laughing, mostly. I have been there, done that, and quit it over time.
I pray he gets talked into doing more with his teeth. He really needs about $1400 to $2000 and he will be set for, most likely, the rest of his life. He has been quite reluctant, and I think for a number of reasons. Now he has to step in and the dental shop may work with him a bit more. I might be able to put some decent money on this, next month. I want to start building a reserve for the house and in general, and this is my first easy money month, so if he will just get them to give him a real new quote, I will have something to work with. Depending, I would be willing to put $400 up front and promise $600 to $800 in $200 a month payments. It would help him a great deal.
My newer friend and I are planning on going skiing next weekend. I do not think he could handle the whole enchilada, then again I did not think I could. He is nervous about the downhill, but then so am I and I told him. I suggested we just do that first 1/3rd or so, and if still in good shape, do it twice. He likes the plan. He is a sharp guy, if he can learn to relax a bit, I think he might learn to enjoy life a bit more. Exercise sort of forces you to relax by taking the hot air right out of you. Ha! Works for me. Life looks different on the other side of physical exhaustion and comfort. Cold, tired, wet, and even a hot dog warmed over fire sounds good.
I ought to get a few things sorted out. And, actually, I think I will. Nothing can be done until Monday, save perhaps a little list being created. A few things are actually in the works, but the two big things would be contacting the school (and maybe getting in this term) and contacting the broker about a house. There are other things, but these are the most pressing or time sensitive.
That is it. A new year, a new day, and a new week dawning soon enough. Take care.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!
.
.
I can only hope you can enjoy this day and celebrate in some fashion. If it is only real on paper, arbitrarily picked to some degree, it is still a second chance, a beginning, and the close of the last year. I thought to buy a bottle of champagne, nothing fancy but not cheap either. It was not to be had, I waited too late to look. I decided on a sherry. It was not my usual brand but it is a nicer one or so my wallet says.
Staying up until midnight may not be my thing. Nor, probably, will I consume the whole bottle. A few sips and I think I will be off to bed early tonight. So, cheers! And, good night.
.
I can only hope you can enjoy this day and celebrate in some fashion. If it is only real on paper, arbitrarily picked to some degree, it is still a second chance, a beginning, and the close of the last year. I thought to buy a bottle of champagne, nothing fancy but not cheap either. It was not to be had, I waited too late to look. I decided on a sherry. It was not my usual brand but it is a nicer one or so my wallet says.
Staying up until midnight may not be my thing. Nor, probably, will I consume the whole bottle. A few sips and I think I will be off to bed early tonight. So, cheers! And, good night.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A drive, dinner, and success.
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.
My friend and I started out about noon. He had called ahead to our first destination and there were primers available. Up to a box of 1,000 primers could be purchased at the first store, but they only had them in small pistol and a few magnum types. My friend purchased 500 of the CCI, all they had. He skipped on buying a whole box of Remington, though I think he gets a bit confused or is merely quietly sure and cannot always hear and or respond (to me or clerks).
We decided to go to Ogden, he wanted bullets for his 9 mm and I was hoping for large rifle and large pistol. Sure enough, and unusually, they had them. The first place we stopped though, was a mess. They initially said we could buy three little boxes (100 per little box) of the various types. We both thought they meant say, CCI and Winchester large pistol or large rifle. Not so. Good thing we checked our bags before we left the parking lot. Neither of us can use large magnum pistol or rifle. We did get 9 little boxes of large rifle (somehow) and 6 little boxes of large pistol between us. It was messy, they did not want to give us what we wanted, I felt tricked, and then they were not happy about the returns. Done and out of there though.
The next place offered a single box (1,000) large rifle, if meant for bench rifles they will work for any rifle. That was all they had, so I took them. The final place only offered large pistol primers, but we could buy 2,000 of them. I bought 2,000, he bought 1,000 and some powder. It was a fine day for getting my stock somewhat closer to my goals. He was not disappointed either, coming away with brass polisher, large and small pistol primers, bullets for his 9 mm, and more powder. I should be set up to begin when I get to a place where I can develop a reloading station of a more permanent nature. I will still look, just not as hungrily, and my list has grown noticeably shorter. *cheers*
So, we went to dinner at a place called Maddox. The place I have bragged up before. This time, when the waitress came by with the check, she asked how things were. I told her what I wrote here last time, that their steaks equal the next best steak I have eaten in my career of ribeye consumption, and at about 1/3rd the price. I thought it would end there, but she went and told the owner on me. Thankfully he did not come and visit, it would have embarrassed me. But she did say that my comment made his day and he knew the town I was talking about (Ithaca, N.Y.), and perhaps the steak house as well, though she was not sure. She thanked me for the compliment and I suggested that there was no need to thank me, that they had earned the compliment. She was a very happy waitress. A good end to a good day.
I am tired though. The Xterra drives well on the sometimes snowy, icy looking at times, roads, but I worry about other drivers. On the way back there was a warning to drive in four wheel drive or use chains. I shifted down to it and drove slower. I was very surprised to see little cars which could not possibly have had four wheel drive whiz by me. No skin off my teeth, I decided to go slow and low. But driving with drivers like that on roads like that, and worse in the city, wears me out more than standard driving. Home safe and sound, as I said, I am a bit tired but elated to be in better standing regarding primers as well.
Good night.
.
My friend and I started out about noon. He had called ahead to our first destination and there were primers available. Up to a box of 1,000 primers could be purchased at the first store, but they only had them in small pistol and a few magnum types. My friend purchased 500 of the CCI, all they had. He skipped on buying a whole box of Remington, though I think he gets a bit confused or is merely quietly sure and cannot always hear and or respond (to me or clerks).
We decided to go to Ogden, he wanted bullets for his 9 mm and I was hoping for large rifle and large pistol. Sure enough, and unusually, they had them. The first place we stopped though, was a mess. They initially said we could buy three little boxes (100 per little box) of the various types. We both thought they meant say, CCI and Winchester large pistol or large rifle. Not so. Good thing we checked our bags before we left the parking lot. Neither of us can use large magnum pistol or rifle. We did get 9 little boxes of large rifle (somehow) and 6 little boxes of large pistol between us. It was messy, they did not want to give us what we wanted, I felt tricked, and then they were not happy about the returns. Done and out of there though.
The next place offered a single box (1,000) large rifle, if meant for bench rifles they will work for any rifle. That was all they had, so I took them. The final place only offered large pistol primers, but we could buy 2,000 of them. I bought 2,000, he bought 1,000 and some powder. It was a fine day for getting my stock somewhat closer to my goals. He was not disappointed either, coming away with brass polisher, large and small pistol primers, bullets for his 9 mm, and more powder. I should be set up to begin when I get to a place where I can develop a reloading station of a more permanent nature. I will still look, just not as hungrily, and my list has grown noticeably shorter. *cheers*
So, we went to dinner at a place called Maddox. The place I have bragged up before. This time, when the waitress came by with the check, she asked how things were. I told her what I wrote here last time, that their steaks equal the next best steak I have eaten in my career of ribeye consumption, and at about 1/3rd the price. I thought it would end there, but she went and told the owner on me. Thankfully he did not come and visit, it would have embarrassed me. But she did say that my comment made his day and he knew the town I was talking about (Ithaca, N.Y.), and perhaps the steak house as well, though she was not sure. She thanked me for the compliment and I suggested that there was no need to thank me, that they had earned the compliment. She was a very happy waitress. A good end to a good day.
I am tired though. The Xterra drives well on the sometimes snowy, icy looking at times, roads, but I worry about other drivers. On the way back there was a warning to drive in four wheel drive or use chains. I shifted down to it and drove slower. I was very surprised to see little cars which could not possibly have had four wheel drive whiz by me. No skin off my teeth, I decided to go slow and low. But driving with drivers like that on roads like that, and worse in the city, wears me out more than standard driving. Home safe and sound, as I said, I am a bit tired but elated to be in better standing regarding primers as well.
Good night.
A new day, a little more going on.
.
.
Sleep is good, lately. Neither too much nor too little. Timing, as usual, can be a little off and yet it has generally been a day schedule. I woke unusually early this morning, rising at about 03:00 hours almost on the dot. I have simply been tinkering in that game I enjoy so much, filling out the last bit on my newest character. When that character is completed, I will have 8 characters who have done all missions in 3 campaigns (campaigns are equivalent to games, but are connected), plus an add on which might also be called a campaign. Though the add on is shorter, it is a good deal more difficult, evening it all out.
My friend will be contacting some sources of primers today. More local sources. If they are not available, we will travel. Heck, even if they are available, we may well hit the road just to see what else we can find. He likes to get out, as do I. The summer is easier for him, this cold is a bit much these days. I think if he could find a way south, he would take it. The difficulty of moving and the proximity to family and those who know him make such a venture, at his age and in his health, a non-starter. He has seen other places, lived in California, but he is where he needs to be to finish his days, I think.
I am doing a bit better with my lady friend's visit completed. As minor as it seems, it was an epic event for me. Cleaning, purchasing, rental, tickets, luggage, cooking, and being a host used every resource and trick to get myself going I could use. I must be honest, I did not end up doing everything I had hoped, some of my plans simply did not work, and not all of my cleaning chores were completed. But it was enough. She called me this morning to talk about the luggage and some other things and to, once again, thank me. And, that does make it worth it. Imagine being well and truly alone on this planet, because of your nature and history and sex. She is in a place few but fools could envy.
However, this was a one time thing. If she wishes to come out in the future, she will not be a guest but merely a visiting friend. She will be on her own a good bit of the time. I will neither cook specifically for her nor wait on her. I will do this once for each person who visits me, their first visit. After that, they are simple guests and will need to make due on their own to some larger extent. I will, of course, provide provisions. And, when I cook, they will be welcome to my offering. My mother is probably the one exception. Not that I will be subservient on her visits, merely that we have a long time relationship and it does not fit in these systems. God sort of created that parent child thing, we just developed our own system around that, and so it is.
With the stress of the visit and Christmas over, mostly, I am finding that there is a little more going on for me. I am beginning to function better and hope to be up and running a bit better in no time. I might even begin looking for the last bit of paperwork to take in to school and see about all that stuff. I am a bit nervous about it all, but school for engineers is maddening to say the least. This spring or next fall, or to put it another way soon or late, I will be back in school if they will accept me. I want it like someone with appendicitis wants surgery. Very much so and not at all. Ha!
Well, a quick nap before my friend calls and I should be in good order. Oh, I just checked. I have gained 5 pounds over Christmas (so far). I doubt if I will gain more as I am running out of goodies. I am back to drinking regular Coke, but I have been doing that for several months. I tried to use it as a method of gaining energy and because nothing else tasted good (along with the fact I was running out of CO2 cylinders for the water, was worried about money, and was having difficulty keeping bottled water on tap as I was not able to get out as much as I had been). Diabetes must be insanely out of order, but then it always was. The medicine, as I have said, did nothing or caused drops below 60. I know, I know, fasting. But I do that from time to time simply due to the nature of my stress exhaustion. Two and three days can pass without so much as a cracker passing the palate.
Anyway... nap time. Have a great day.
.
Sleep is good, lately. Neither too much nor too little. Timing, as usual, can be a little off and yet it has generally been a day schedule. I woke unusually early this morning, rising at about 03:00 hours almost on the dot. I have simply been tinkering in that game I enjoy so much, filling out the last bit on my newest character. When that character is completed, I will have 8 characters who have done all missions in 3 campaigns (campaigns are equivalent to games, but are connected), plus an add on which might also be called a campaign. Though the add on is shorter, it is a good deal more difficult, evening it all out.
My friend will be contacting some sources of primers today. More local sources. If they are not available, we will travel. Heck, even if they are available, we may well hit the road just to see what else we can find. He likes to get out, as do I. The summer is easier for him, this cold is a bit much these days. I think if he could find a way south, he would take it. The difficulty of moving and the proximity to family and those who know him make such a venture, at his age and in his health, a non-starter. He has seen other places, lived in California, but he is where he needs to be to finish his days, I think.
I am doing a bit better with my lady friend's visit completed. As minor as it seems, it was an epic event for me. Cleaning, purchasing, rental, tickets, luggage, cooking, and being a host used every resource and trick to get myself going I could use. I must be honest, I did not end up doing everything I had hoped, some of my plans simply did not work, and not all of my cleaning chores were completed. But it was enough. She called me this morning to talk about the luggage and some other things and to, once again, thank me. And, that does make it worth it. Imagine being well and truly alone on this planet, because of your nature and history and sex. She is in a place few but fools could envy.
However, this was a one time thing. If she wishes to come out in the future, she will not be a guest but merely a visiting friend. She will be on her own a good bit of the time. I will neither cook specifically for her nor wait on her. I will do this once for each person who visits me, their first visit. After that, they are simple guests and will need to make due on their own to some larger extent. I will, of course, provide provisions. And, when I cook, they will be welcome to my offering. My mother is probably the one exception. Not that I will be subservient on her visits, merely that we have a long time relationship and it does not fit in these systems. God sort of created that parent child thing, we just developed our own system around that, and so it is.
With the stress of the visit and Christmas over, mostly, I am finding that there is a little more going on for me. I am beginning to function better and hope to be up and running a bit better in no time. I might even begin looking for the last bit of paperwork to take in to school and see about all that stuff. I am a bit nervous about it all, but school for engineers is maddening to say the least. This spring or next fall, or to put it another way soon or late, I will be back in school if they will accept me. I want it like someone with appendicitis wants surgery. Very much so and not at all. Ha!
Well, a quick nap before my friend calls and I should be in good order. Oh, I just checked. I have gained 5 pounds over Christmas (so far). I doubt if I will gain more as I am running out of goodies. I am back to drinking regular Coke, but I have been doing that for several months. I tried to use it as a method of gaining energy and because nothing else tasted good (along with the fact I was running out of CO2 cylinders for the water, was worried about money, and was having difficulty keeping bottled water on tap as I was not able to get out as much as I had been). Diabetes must be insanely out of order, but then it always was. The medicine, as I have said, did nothing or caused drops below 60. I know, I know, fasting. But I do that from time to time simply due to the nature of my stress exhaustion. Two and three days can pass without so much as a cracker passing the palate.
Anyway... nap time. Have a great day.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Skiing may be on.
.
.
I spoke with a friend of mine, and I do believe he wishes to partake in my newly found adventure. He is very interested in losing some weight. To that end he is considering going vegetarian (I will work on that, but for the moment...). I asked if he would still indulge in my twice monthly meals, as I have bone-in ribeye and a very nice roast in the queue. He did not have to think long, suggesting that it would be rude (or something) not to indulge. In any case, I think the skiing will help both of us lose some serious weight.
This weekend we will be doing a cookout, brots and fixings, cooked over an open fire somewhere in Logan Canyon, I believe. I will bring chips, sauerkraut, and soda. I took him and his roommate some of my Mom's Christmas breads and cookies and gave another friend some. It was too much for one guy to eat and I hated the thought of her hard work going to waist. It felt like being back in the Navy... when someone received a care package from home, they would split it out with their bestest buds. I also gifted them with a little money to help with a chainsaw they want (for the cookouts). I think the simple gesture really was meaningful to them. All good, all good. My first months here were quite rough financially and in most ways, I understand.
My lady friend received her luggage almost immediately. She was quite thankful, and yet will remember the losing of the luggage for a long time. Hopefully too, though, she will remember that they remedied it rather quickly and painlessly both times. The last time, somehow, it had not even been tagged and they found it and returned it that same day (they now deliver the luggage right to the front door, hotel, or where ever indicated). I hope the trip gave her some time to enjoy a little life, to imagine a better life, and to work towards it. I worry about her but I can only lead a horse to water, with ideas, the horse has to drink all on her own. I am not suggesting a relationship other than what we have, only some things she could do to not live in such a retched financial and social state.
Life is definitely good here. I need to get back on track toward more improvements in my life. Getting out skiing and cooking out will help. Maybe checking in on school to see where I fit and whether I should wait or not might be good too. Though still a bit stiff and sore, I have found that sitting around is much worse than getting busy, even if I am tired. As I said, whether I do things or not, I am tired anyway. So I might as well get out and do something, anything. This Wednesday, my shooting friend and I are going to look around for primers. I am getting low and he is pretty much out. If we cannot find them locally, we will head for Ogden and see what they have in stock. Lucky or not, we will at least be getting out and doing something.
Yes, life is good. Be well.
.
I spoke with a friend of mine, and I do believe he wishes to partake in my newly found adventure. He is very interested in losing some weight. To that end he is considering going vegetarian (I will work on that, but for the moment...). I asked if he would still indulge in my twice monthly meals, as I have bone-in ribeye and a very nice roast in the queue. He did not have to think long, suggesting that it would be rude (or something) not to indulge. In any case, I think the skiing will help both of us lose some serious weight.
This weekend we will be doing a cookout, brots and fixings, cooked over an open fire somewhere in Logan Canyon, I believe. I will bring chips, sauerkraut, and soda. I took him and his roommate some of my Mom's Christmas breads and cookies and gave another friend some. It was too much for one guy to eat and I hated the thought of her hard work going to waist. It felt like being back in the Navy... when someone received a care package from home, they would split it out with their bestest buds. I also gifted them with a little money to help with a chainsaw they want (for the cookouts). I think the simple gesture really was meaningful to them. All good, all good. My first months here were quite rough financially and in most ways, I understand.
My lady friend received her luggage almost immediately. She was quite thankful, and yet will remember the losing of the luggage for a long time. Hopefully too, though, she will remember that they remedied it rather quickly and painlessly both times. The last time, somehow, it had not even been tagged and they found it and returned it that same day (they now deliver the luggage right to the front door, hotel, or where ever indicated). I hope the trip gave her some time to enjoy a little life, to imagine a better life, and to work towards it. I worry about her but I can only lead a horse to water, with ideas, the horse has to drink all on her own. I am not suggesting a relationship other than what we have, only some things she could do to not live in such a retched financial and social state.
Life is definitely good here. I need to get back on track toward more improvements in my life. Getting out skiing and cooking out will help. Maybe checking in on school to see where I fit and whether I should wait or not might be good too. Though still a bit stiff and sore, I have found that sitting around is much worse than getting busy, even if I am tired. As I said, whether I do things or not, I am tired anyway. So I might as well get out and do something, anything. This Wednesday, my shooting friend and I are going to look around for primers. I am getting low and he is pretty much out. If we cannot find them locally, we will head for Ogden and see what they have in stock. Lucky or not, we will at least be getting out and doing something.
Yes, life is good. Be well.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Merry Christmas, if late as usual!
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.
I had meant to post a Christmas themed something a few days before Christmas itself, however, life tended toward way to busy.
My lady friend was probably going to be visiting, I had gifts to buy, food to arrange, a vehicle and place to clean, and a few other odds and ends. I thought I had it pretty well in line. Thinking and reality sometimes diverge at the most inconvenient of moments. Some tasks which I had thought would take an hour, or even a half an hour optimally, ended up taking 3 or more. Tasks I had thought done came undone. Gifts I thought would have taken but a visit to one store... *sigh* Some gifts have yet to be located!
On the good side, I was thanked by the Queen of Darkness, for such a wonderful time. She did not thank me once, she thanked me in and throughout and even after the visit. I remembered her favorite foods and her requested foods, I took her comfort and interests to heart, I ensured she had what she needed and some of what she wanted, my gifts were appropriate and appreciated (save one, but uhrm, I came out ahead on that one and it is bound to happen). That in spite of us having vigorous disagreements about the same old things. Though I think I "expanded" her mind on these things too. She was getting upset, as she usually does, so I suggested she attempt to not take the debates personally. I have no difficulty with becoming passionate, I do that myself. But I do not need her to agree with me, nor do I care what she believes if I will not tolerate her version of intolerance without a struggle. I think she is actually thinking about my techniques of dealing with such hardy arguments. I fling and forget, give or take, there are no wounds to heal at the conclusion. She seems to get in fits. Good thing SHE does not have high blood pressure. Ha!
And more, I did successfully get her out to "cross-country" ski. I use quotation marks because our cross-country journey was more like hiking, mountain hiking at that. Our trip took us over 4 1/2 hours, but closer to 5 hours, to complete. Half of it was up a mountain, the rest was downhill skiing, neither is quite what I think of when I hear "cross-country" skiing. I swear, she really does want to see me dead. I found first a second wind, then a third, and the last quarter of the trip up the mountain I was going on faith alone. Downhill, I knew, if I could survive it, would be much quicker, a good deal easier, and much more dangerous regarding broken limbs, body, and such.
I did amazingly well as inactive as I have been since my friend is not so interested in getting out in the winter weather. I would guess we did about 4 or 5 miles up and in, and then back that same amount. Quite an amazing deed, for my condition. I fell less than she did. I fell about 7 times. The last one was fancy though. It was on one of the steepest of the downhill sections and near the end of the downhill part. I meant to do it because I was pretty sure I could not make the slight curve of the path ahead and did not wish to go off the path into a tree or rock. I hit very hard, at about 20 miles per hour if I had to guess. I landed on my side as I had intended, bounced into the air several times, and rolled while bouncing so that my skis did what I call helicopters. Meh, I was built well. I am, so far, only muscle sore in the legs from the exhertion, no bruises and the elbow I thought might just be tenderized is quite fine instead. The fall(s) did not damage my corporeal goods.
I really was correct about my bear like nature. I did not wear a hat or other ear coverings. The weather was sunny (and actually shining for the top 1/3 of the run) but below freezing. No frostbite. I think I will do more skiing, now that I know where to rent (and only about $12 for a day), where to go to ski, and have learned a bit, once I recover a bit that is. I will not go quite so far though. I would like to practice that bottom third, where the steepest run is. Both for getting up it and for learning to do the downhill part. I figure, if I do that section, if I am tired I can go home, have lunch, and maybe hit it later. If I am not tiring, I can hit it two or three times. I get the most demanding section right there near the bottom. Plus, if I really break something, I have an easier time getting help from other skiers and from medical. Though too, my pride will often be bruised more than anything else.
No camera went with, quite by memory failure. It turns out that was a good thing. The camera would most likely be no more. As I learn, and become sure of myself, I will bring it along at some point. I know, promises promises. And, true, it may end up being broken, but understand that it is in my list, just like the skiing. We will see. I have asked one of my newer friends if he would like to go. It would be good to have someone to go with from time to time. Though, as I have learned in the past, it is best not to rely on friends.
Nothing religious this Christmas, other than loving people who do not necessarily love me. She really does detest me, you know. She does not understand that I am offering her a chance to love someone between her neighbor and her enemy. If she can see her way to it, she has more of a chance at life. I, too, get the idea that my former neighbor really does not like me at times. He was from a rough crew, he was always trouble I think, and he does not understand or appreciate my lawful, religious, respectful nature. If he likes me, he likes me situationally, partially, something. But inside, too, I sense a deep scorn or resentment. He does not like rules, much like my lady friend. Never mind, that is not the point.
I do, sometimes, feel quite alone. No, not lonely, though from time to time there is that. Simply, I feel as if there is no one on the same page. Conservatives who hate cops (I understand some skepticism, but damn it, not hate), or Christians who believe the Church (the fundamental guidance, not necessarily one particular priest/preacher/minister or congregation) is a bit dated or not really a factor in their lives, and such are supposed to be mine so are very frustrating. Liberals do not really get me upset, I understand they are completely blind. It is rare to find someone with a simple honest view of the world and themselves in it. Most seem to want to do only what they wish to do, and often that is to make themselves feel good, never mind the rules, laws, traditions, or such. I believe in these things, these rules and such, so long as they are just and right and follow God's wishes. I understand too, that as broken as I am, I can still lead. As such, I choose to lead in the right direction as far as I am able. If I am leading an army or just myself, it is a lonely place.
Well, it was a good Christmas. A familiar face, a few gifts out the door and in, and a new sport started. I hope your Christmas was something you can enjoy for the year and which will make up for all the advertisements in poor taste, silly songs, and "ho, ho, ho"'s you have had to endure. I suppose I am a bit of a grinch, that way, but are you not? :p Yes, a little family if only on the phone, some familiar faces, a few gifts, and just maybe a good bit of thought about what Christmas really is, the beginning of the potential of heaven on earth and, truly, good will to all mankind. And further, a little look at what heaven might look like, if all goes relatively smoothly. Merry (late) Christmas. And, a Happy (early) New Year!
.
I had meant to post a Christmas themed something a few days before Christmas itself, however, life tended toward way to busy.
My lady friend was probably going to be visiting, I had gifts to buy, food to arrange, a vehicle and place to clean, and a few other odds and ends. I thought I had it pretty well in line. Thinking and reality sometimes diverge at the most inconvenient of moments. Some tasks which I had thought would take an hour, or even a half an hour optimally, ended up taking 3 or more. Tasks I had thought done came undone. Gifts I thought would have taken but a visit to one store... *sigh* Some gifts have yet to be located!
On the good side, I was thanked by the Queen of Darkness, for such a wonderful time. She did not thank me once, she thanked me in and throughout and even after the visit. I remembered her favorite foods and her requested foods, I took her comfort and interests to heart, I ensured she had what she needed and some of what she wanted, my gifts were appropriate and appreciated (save one, but uhrm, I came out ahead on that one and it is bound to happen). That in spite of us having vigorous disagreements about the same old things. Though I think I "expanded" her mind on these things too. She was getting upset, as she usually does, so I suggested she attempt to not take the debates personally. I have no difficulty with becoming passionate, I do that myself. But I do not need her to agree with me, nor do I care what she believes if I will not tolerate her version of intolerance without a struggle. I think she is actually thinking about my techniques of dealing with such hardy arguments. I fling and forget, give or take, there are no wounds to heal at the conclusion. She seems to get in fits. Good thing SHE does not have high blood pressure. Ha!
And more, I did successfully get her out to "cross-country" ski. I use quotation marks because our cross-country journey was more like hiking, mountain hiking at that. Our trip took us over 4 1/2 hours, but closer to 5 hours, to complete. Half of it was up a mountain, the rest was downhill skiing, neither is quite what I think of when I hear "cross-country" skiing. I swear, she really does want to see me dead. I found first a second wind, then a third, and the last quarter of the trip up the mountain I was going on faith alone. Downhill, I knew, if I could survive it, would be much quicker, a good deal easier, and much more dangerous regarding broken limbs, body, and such.
I did amazingly well as inactive as I have been since my friend is not so interested in getting out in the winter weather. I would guess we did about 4 or 5 miles up and in, and then back that same amount. Quite an amazing deed, for my condition. I fell less than she did. I fell about 7 times. The last one was fancy though. It was on one of the steepest of the downhill sections and near the end of the downhill part. I meant to do it because I was pretty sure I could not make the slight curve of the path ahead and did not wish to go off the path into a tree or rock. I hit very hard, at about 20 miles per hour if I had to guess. I landed on my side as I had intended, bounced into the air several times, and rolled while bouncing so that my skis did what I call helicopters. Meh, I was built well. I am, so far, only muscle sore in the legs from the exhertion, no bruises and the elbow I thought might just be tenderized is quite fine instead. The fall(s) did not damage my corporeal goods.
I really was correct about my bear like nature. I did not wear a hat or other ear coverings. The weather was sunny (and actually shining for the top 1/3 of the run) but below freezing. No frostbite. I think I will do more skiing, now that I know where to rent (and only about $12 for a day), where to go to ski, and have learned a bit, once I recover a bit that is. I will not go quite so far though. I would like to practice that bottom third, where the steepest run is. Both for getting up it and for learning to do the downhill part. I figure, if I do that section, if I am tired I can go home, have lunch, and maybe hit it later. If I am not tiring, I can hit it two or three times. I get the most demanding section right there near the bottom. Plus, if I really break something, I have an easier time getting help from other skiers and from medical. Though too, my pride will often be bruised more than anything else.
No camera went with, quite by memory failure. It turns out that was a good thing. The camera would most likely be no more. As I learn, and become sure of myself, I will bring it along at some point. I know, promises promises. And, true, it may end up being broken, but understand that it is in my list, just like the skiing. We will see. I have asked one of my newer friends if he would like to go. It would be good to have someone to go with from time to time. Though, as I have learned in the past, it is best not to rely on friends.
Nothing religious this Christmas, other than loving people who do not necessarily love me. She really does detest me, you know. She does not understand that I am offering her a chance to love someone between her neighbor and her enemy. If she can see her way to it, she has more of a chance at life. I, too, get the idea that my former neighbor really does not like me at times. He was from a rough crew, he was always trouble I think, and he does not understand or appreciate my lawful, religious, respectful nature. If he likes me, he likes me situationally, partially, something. But inside, too, I sense a deep scorn or resentment. He does not like rules, much like my lady friend. Never mind, that is not the point.
I do, sometimes, feel quite alone. No, not lonely, though from time to time there is that. Simply, I feel as if there is no one on the same page. Conservatives who hate cops (I understand some skepticism, but damn it, not hate), or Christians who believe the Church (the fundamental guidance, not necessarily one particular priest/preacher/minister or congregation) is a bit dated or not really a factor in their lives, and such are supposed to be mine so are very frustrating. Liberals do not really get me upset, I understand they are completely blind. It is rare to find someone with a simple honest view of the world and themselves in it. Most seem to want to do only what they wish to do, and often that is to make themselves feel good, never mind the rules, laws, traditions, or such. I believe in these things, these rules and such, so long as they are just and right and follow God's wishes. I understand too, that as broken as I am, I can still lead. As such, I choose to lead in the right direction as far as I am able. If I am leading an army or just myself, it is a lonely place.
Well, it was a good Christmas. A familiar face, a few gifts out the door and in, and a new sport started. I hope your Christmas was something you can enjoy for the year and which will make up for all the advertisements in poor taste, silly songs, and "ho, ho, ho"'s you have had to endure. I suppose I am a bit of a grinch, that way, but are you not? :p Yes, a little family if only on the phone, some familiar faces, a few gifts, and just maybe a good bit of thought about what Christmas really is, the beginning of the potential of heaven on earth and, truly, good will to all mankind. And further, a little look at what heaven might look like, if all goes relatively smoothly. Merry (late) Christmas. And, a Happy (early) New Year!
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