.
.
That's how I am seeing it. I sanded and gave a first coat of paint to the light area in the back. It does look, however, like I will need to paint again back there. The mud in some areas just didn't take to that first coat. I probably should have sanded, again, with a higher grit? No, I think paint would stick better to the rougher surface. The mud might just have, for whatever reason, soaked in more paint in a few spots. As well, I have the spots near the front door mudded. I had to do that three or four times, and wait for it to dry between, but I do believe it is done. There were a few other things I did as well, plus I cleaned off the mud scrapers and the paint brush for use next time. And, finally, I called my friend. The game he had discussed... is on tonight. Ah well. I asked if there was anything on tomorrow, and if so would he want someone to watch it with. Oh, well, that might be good, he thought. The elder lad has a special type of enthusiasm. :p So, I need to be showered and heading out the door by noon, perhaps 11:30. I need to do some shopping first. Hmm... ten bags of lettuce mix? My friend's refrigerator is usually pretty sparse, but that is a lot of salad. It would freeze in the vehicle, over a five hour period, though. The salad dressing I am not so worried about. Hmm... I will figure something out.
Reading Prayer and the Contemplative Life continues apace. At least the questions are becoming more pertinent to my interest and actual applications. The last few have regarded prayer, what to pray about, how saints and angels (and Mary really) are involved with prayer if I thought and correctly that I had this area pretty well down. And, while the conflicting notions, when the whole question is otherwise foreign or new or technical, can be confusing, in the cases where I have some basic understandings, the contrarian thoughts actually help me see where I have gotten some of the notions I have or have held, and possibly from whom. In these areas I truly enjoy the reading. Well, I do enjoy the rest of the reading, it is more that I have nothing concrete to bring to that part of the ball game.
As well, a round of discussion about Burning Man between the chief and myself has been occuring. They have an email flier, which I had forgotten to sign up to receive, which he forwarded with a question or thought or such. The discussions began with that, then went on to other details. Have you ever heard two brothers, excited about going to the fair this summer, discussing which rides first, what food stands to hit, if the girls were going to be nice or at least whether they would have pig-tails or a pony tail by which to get their attention, and such? Yeah? Well, okay, nuff said.
While the weekend is just whizzing by, at least I feel like I am doing something this time. I am feeling it, from swimming. My shoulders, as I am even becoming able to really reach out there, are just a tad sore. And, bodily, I am a bit weary. It's not too bad, on any front. It is in line with what I actually want it to be. But I do need these weekends off, now. The little bits of work I am doing are just fine, and keep me up on things I had been slowing down with. All very good.
The Rooster of the Heights, continued...
All packed in, save for three of the five gallon water jugs, I began sorting and storing gear. Finding my flashlight by which to set up the oil lanterns and light a small fire for the night was immediately necessary. I could, probably, have done it in the near dark of dusk, having done it so often now. The risk of burning down the cabin didn't seem worth the chance. Once everything was sorted, stowed, and the day was truly over outside and in, I decided to... think.
I first got out a bottle of my fine $20 whiskey. I had three bottles, just in case. It was as good as I could afford, and then some, really. Ah well, the price kept me to the realm of the reals while drinking it. With the fire lit and the whiskey poured, I looked over the fly kit, then the gift certificate, and finally to the note. Good friends is all I could think. After that I began to think about the road. I had my laptop, of course, but no internet. Wait, actually... I wonder if my sat-phone could link up out here? My boss had expensed that for me just a year and a half ago, with trips into the desert and mountains being common and cell phone coverage being irregular to nonexistent, and deadlines being what they were. Why the road? A bit of searching found no information regarding the road. GoogleEarth didn't even seem to show what I had just driven over. Then again, do they really update as often as they suggest, especially in remote areas? Are they subject to government... suggestion? Could there be some sort of secret military base out here? Ah, but this wasn't something I was going to figure out or investigate for the paper. Not my area. Just curious. Back to the whiskey and the fire.
As I woke to the cold, I couldn't figure out why I was so cold. The furnace must be out, off, or too low. Perhaps a window broke? Getting up I realized the furnace wasn't ever going to kick in, well, until I put the wood into it and then lit that. Getting into warm morning clothes, then getting the fireplace going, then lighting the small cook stove, finally saw me returning to rightness. Coffee, first thing. My mouth was dry and that awful stale whiskey breath taste was enough for me to be begging the coffee to hurry. A few slices of bacon and a few eggs from the cooler into the pan saw to a reasonable start. Realizing I hadn't set up the shower so that would not be happening, and a cup of coffee, got me started toward what would be my day.
I grabbed my day kit, the fishing kit, the gift certificate, and headed back to town. Glen. A quick glance at the time on the dash and a bit of figuring made me almost certain I could be on the river by 11:00, noon tops. At the store I asked for Glen. He still owned, and ran, the store. He was in town, probably Salt Lake, getting supplies and running a few errands. The young woman checker, however, suggested what she had seen most of the men buying this last week. Not wanting to use my certificate on a few pieces, and uncertain information, I simply bought several of each of the types suggested. Leaving a note for Glen wouldn't really help, and he was supposed to be back later or at least by tomorrow.
As I had hoped I was on the water by 11:05. I simply... started fishing. By noonthirty I had caught my limit, if I had only kept one fish so far. A fine rainbow, not too small, not too big. Cleaned, filled with grass, and put in the basket. I had heard about trout sashimi, it just wasn't quite my thing. A small break at 3:17, for a bite to eat. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. My usual fishing fair, the only time of the year I allowed my child side to choose my cuisine. That and a coke I had snagged in town. Another hour of fishing, one more perfect trout, another rainbow, in the basket, and looking forward to a few more hours on the water when something came crashing toward me on the far side of the river.
Whatever it was it must have been massive. It seemed to be coming right toward the water, and really, directly toward me. There was simply too much undergrowth, too many trees, to get a view. It was some distance away, a hundred yards and closing? I saw small trees go over, some of which didn't seem to pop back? Had an elephant escaped the zoo? My heart was beginning to pick up the pace. I felt a bit cool as I gathered my things and started backing toward my vehicle. At first I was moving so seemingly slowly, but as the... creature... approached, I picked up speed. By the time it was within 50 yards I was packed, engine lit, and driving down the road. But, which direction was I heading, where did I want to go, what should I do? A thousand other thoughts and questions all clamoring for answers or consideration.
As it turned out I was driving deeper into the valley. I had hit the accelerator, but kept checking my rear-view mirror to see if anything appeared even when it would have been impossible to see anything at the point I had been fishing. What the hell was that? A bear? An elephant? Should I drive to town and ask? I had my .357 at the cabin. Would that even wound such a beast? I wasn't as desperate as I had been on the road on the way in, but I was shaken and upset again. Again, I thought, as if an echo was needed. Someone in town would have heard something, unless it really was an escaped elephant or tiger or such. I really didn't want to slow down, nor did I want to drive back past the spot. Something had really spooked me. The speed, the size, the sound, the trees, all of it. I realized I had to turn around! The valley dead-ended and I was beyond the turn off for the cabin. Fuck.
The drive back to town was without incident. While I didn't mean to, I did slow as I passed my fishing spot, scanning for... anything. A large animal, prints, downed trees, trampled scrub. I then wondered if it had crossed the road and about shit myself while spinning my head like a frightened kid checking under the bed. Nothing, no sign. What a trip! I sped up for the rest of the drive, cautiously, jumping at nothing from time to time. The growth on the sides of the road, something I hadn't noticed coming in, would make for easily hiding a large predator. I had to stop this nonsense, and keep my head on clear. I drove right by the cabin turn off, and my pistol. Then again, as I had wondered, would such a caliber even hurt a large beast? I bought it for... bravado? I had only shot it a few times. It went on fishing trips, otherwise collecting dust. It was the only gun I knew about and all I knew about guns.
Where to stop? The station? No. I had worked with he man before if I didn't really know him. I didn't really want to open up about this at the diner, either. Glen! He would know. He fished that stream several hours just about every day of the week. He spoke with the local and tourist fisherman. He would know if anybody would. What time was it? I had a hard time focusing, first looking at the dash but not seeing it then feinting to my watch, and back, before I realized I was in a state, calmed myself a bit, and looked cleanly at the dash. Was it really already 7:30? I think the store was open until 8:00. If Glen was going to be back today, he would be back. The store was locked. A sign on the door indicated the cashier would be back in 30 minutes but closing time was in 30 minutes. I waited, just in case. No one returned in an hour, and just as I was thinking of going to the diner for a little company to sooth my nerves, I saw the waitress... Janice, was it... stepping out of the front door, locking up behind her. Damn. Plus a dark drive to the cabin.
Well, we are getting there.
Good night.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
A bit of work, now some waiting.
.
.
The sun is out, the curtains all about are opened, and the mountains are a wondrous sight. There is just enough snow on the drive from yesterday to be irritating to my notions but not enough to do anything about. While it means no sweeping, it does induce some moaning and groaning. I thought about what task to do first, and decided that a bowl of chili would top the list! That is simply good chili. I love the taste of beans and meat, and the heat is perfect in accentuating the brew. I worried that the chili would slow me down, or even stop work. No such luck.
I decided that sanding the ceiling would be the next most logical step. Some of what I had already painted would have to be sanded. And an area I had just patched could use it as well. I started with 60 grit. That took the vast majority of excess and mud-ugly off without a hitch. I then stopped at 60 grit. Good enough, and it is. I suppose I could hove tried to make the ceiling perfectly flat, but I worried about other problems from trying, so I left it at "really good". I then painted. The paint match, by the way, at least for that area, is spot-on. It looks to have been painted with either a roller by a perfectionist or by a condensed air sprayer. I have been using a simple 3" brush, but taking my time, cross sectioning it, feathering, and such, so that when it dries the brush strokes, to my eyes, are almost invisible. After the first coat there, I decided to mud the patch by the front door. I am simply waiting, now, for that and the paint to dry. If my last painting session is any good as an example, I probably won't need a second coat.
I also looked over my back door. I have having problems, it seems, with that door hitting the wall as well. The spring-rod door catcher at the bottom of the wall has failed, having lost the rubber stopper. I have a couple of door catchers remaining. I will, eventually, see to that as well. It looks like the paint in the back hallway is the same paint used on the back ceiling in the washroom, so I should be good that way. Oh, and I did put a load of dishes to soak, if I haven't quite gotten to the wash yet. Still, I am pleased with the progress so far.
Back to the dream...
The Rooster of the Heights, continued...
Finishing my meal, leaving a tip of some note if to an odd reception, I left the diner. Getting into my rig, I considered what to do next. I wouldn't need anything, food or otherwise, from the general store, having packed for seclusion and to save pennies, and my tank was still three quarters full, while the sun was beginning to head to it's rest, I decided to just head to the cabin, unpack, and settle in... with a few shots of whiskey. What a drive!
The cabin belonged to my first editor in chief from the last place I wrote. The paper had been bought out and then the works had been transferred, to some odd place. We had all been bought out, if on a nickle. Philip was ready for retirement, so it was no skin off his nose. I found a job rather quickly, though, with his help. Having worked there from right out of college, for a bit more than a decade, as the star reporter in the end, I had come to know him well. When he knew I was pretty beat, and knew what my budget could afford as to a vacation, he opened his cabin to me. Keys are under the mat, is what he would say when it was time for me to take off. The third year, returning looking a bit too plump for his eyes, he said nothing. The disapproving look on his face, though, was sure. The following summer, when I got to the cabin, I found a couple of fly-fishing rods, a fly fishing video, and a gift-certificate, hand written, for the local store. A note suggested that I speak with Glen, the owner of the store, about which flies to purchase, as he fished himself and would know what is working, it said. The advice that I not sit out my week was clear. I hadn't talked to Phil in... three years? I honestly wasn't sure if the old codger was still alive. A quick call and the familiar... "The key is under the mat". No need to tell me twice. He was a man of fewer words than were necessary, usually, so it was never an issue with him.
The cabin, itself, was a few and a half miles further into the valley, then up the side of a mountain.The drive was easy, unless the valley had changed as much as the drive in? Fear crept in, and I found myself in a mild sweat at the notion. I was still disoriented from the road. I couldn't believe a road could even be made at such steep inclines. What had they used to pave, an airplane? I drove out of town, past the garage. About a mile outside of town the road returned to the road I remembered, a graveled dirt almost two lane road, heading on back into the valley. Well before the sun went down I found myself up the north slope, off in it's own section of land surrounded by some sort of government owned land, at the familiar cabin. A miner's claim, kept by a family member, sold multiple times, having the taxes kept current, made the plot available to Philip when he had been my age... when being a reporter paid a bit better or when land was cheaper.
I prepped my gear and food for a fast pull and unload, not wanting to mess with the cold of the night or the dark. Grabbing the first of what I suspected would be three loads not including water, I headed toward the cabin. The key, as always, was under the... you guessed it. I entered, took my gear to the smaller of the two main-floor rooms, I noticed something on the table. Setting my gear in it's place in the room, I hurried to the table. Something long and thin, wrapped and with a bow, plus a card. My first thought was that Philip had a friend in the area who had left something for him, I was about to head out for the rest of my gear when I decided to look at the card. It was addressed to me. I decided to get the rest of my gear in first, again with trying to beat the night, but I burned with curiosity. Upon getting the last of my gear, and one of the five gallon jugs of water in, I went straight to the table again. "I doubted you remembered. Philip" was all the card said, plus another hand written gift certificate for the local store. A fly fishing rod, and a very good quality one was in the package. I had to grin, then I wondered if Glen was still around. He certainly did know what was catching fish.
...more later... It's actually fun to write out the memory of the dream. This isn't even close to the meat, but I'm getting there. No, I'm not ad-libbing a bit. My dreams are rather... detailed. Later.
.
The sun is out, the curtains all about are opened, and the mountains are a wondrous sight. There is just enough snow on the drive from yesterday to be irritating to my notions but not enough to do anything about. While it means no sweeping, it does induce some moaning and groaning. I thought about what task to do first, and decided that a bowl of chili would top the list! That is simply good chili. I love the taste of beans and meat, and the heat is perfect in accentuating the brew. I worried that the chili would slow me down, or even stop work. No such luck.
I decided that sanding the ceiling would be the next most logical step. Some of what I had already painted would have to be sanded. And an area I had just patched could use it as well. I started with 60 grit. That took the vast majority of excess and mud-ugly off without a hitch. I then stopped at 60 grit. Good enough, and it is. I suppose I could hove tried to make the ceiling perfectly flat, but I worried about other problems from trying, so I left it at "really good". I then painted. The paint match, by the way, at least for that area, is spot-on. It looks to have been painted with either a roller by a perfectionist or by a condensed air sprayer. I have been using a simple 3" brush, but taking my time, cross sectioning it, feathering, and such, so that when it dries the brush strokes, to my eyes, are almost invisible. After the first coat there, I decided to mud the patch by the front door. I am simply waiting, now, for that and the paint to dry. If my last painting session is any good as an example, I probably won't need a second coat.
I also looked over my back door. I have having problems, it seems, with that door hitting the wall as well. The spring-rod door catcher at the bottom of the wall has failed, having lost the rubber stopper. I have a couple of door catchers remaining. I will, eventually, see to that as well. It looks like the paint in the back hallway is the same paint used on the back ceiling in the washroom, so I should be good that way. Oh, and I did put a load of dishes to soak, if I haven't quite gotten to the wash yet. Still, I am pleased with the progress so far.
Back to the dream...
The Rooster of the Heights, continued...
Finishing my meal, leaving a tip of some note if to an odd reception, I left the diner. Getting into my rig, I considered what to do next. I wouldn't need anything, food or otherwise, from the general store, having packed for seclusion and to save pennies, and my tank was still three quarters full, while the sun was beginning to head to it's rest, I decided to just head to the cabin, unpack, and settle in... with a few shots of whiskey. What a drive!
The cabin belonged to my first editor in chief from the last place I wrote. The paper had been bought out and then the works had been transferred, to some odd place. We had all been bought out, if on a nickle. Philip was ready for retirement, so it was no skin off his nose. I found a job rather quickly, though, with his help. Having worked there from right out of college, for a bit more than a decade, as the star reporter in the end, I had come to know him well. When he knew I was pretty beat, and knew what my budget could afford as to a vacation, he opened his cabin to me. Keys are under the mat, is what he would say when it was time for me to take off. The third year, returning looking a bit too plump for his eyes, he said nothing. The disapproving look on his face, though, was sure. The following summer, when I got to the cabin, I found a couple of fly-fishing rods, a fly fishing video, and a gift-certificate, hand written, for the local store. A note suggested that I speak with Glen, the owner of the store, about which flies to purchase, as he fished himself and would know what is working, it said. The advice that I not sit out my week was clear. I hadn't talked to Phil in... three years? I honestly wasn't sure if the old codger was still alive. A quick call and the familiar... "The key is under the mat". No need to tell me twice. He was a man of fewer words than were necessary, usually, so it was never an issue with him.
The cabin, itself, was a few and a half miles further into the valley, then up the side of a mountain.The drive was easy, unless the valley had changed as much as the drive in? Fear crept in, and I found myself in a mild sweat at the notion. I was still disoriented from the road. I couldn't believe a road could even be made at such steep inclines. What had they used to pave, an airplane? I drove out of town, past the garage. About a mile outside of town the road returned to the road I remembered, a graveled dirt almost two lane road, heading on back into the valley. Well before the sun went down I found myself up the north slope, off in it's own section of land surrounded by some sort of government owned land, at the familiar cabin. A miner's claim, kept by a family member, sold multiple times, having the taxes kept current, made the plot available to Philip when he had been my age... when being a reporter paid a bit better or when land was cheaper.
I prepped my gear and food for a fast pull and unload, not wanting to mess with the cold of the night or the dark. Grabbing the first of what I suspected would be three loads not including water, I headed toward the cabin. The key, as always, was under the... you guessed it. I entered, took my gear to the smaller of the two main-floor rooms, I noticed something on the table. Setting my gear in it's place in the room, I hurried to the table. Something long and thin, wrapped and with a bow, plus a card. My first thought was that Philip had a friend in the area who had left something for him, I was about to head out for the rest of my gear when I decided to look at the card. It was addressed to me. I decided to get the rest of my gear in first, again with trying to beat the night, but I burned with curiosity. Upon getting the last of my gear, and one of the five gallon jugs of water in, I went straight to the table again. "I doubted you remembered. Philip" was all the card said, plus another hand written gift certificate for the local store. A fly fishing rod, and a very good quality one was in the package. I had to grin, then I wondered if Glen was still around. He certainly did know what was catching fish.
...more later... It's actually fun to write out the memory of the dream. This isn't even close to the meat, but I'm getting there. No, I'm not ad-libbing a bit. My dreams are rather... detailed. Later.
The Dark Queen and the Rooster.
.
.
Two different tales.
The Queen of the Mad.
The woman, affectionatelylessly and fraudulently known as the Virgin Queen as time passed, was set to take the thrown. Her sister, actually the current queen, had been captured and merely awaited execution, after some sort of formality trial. Many courtiers, nobility, and royalty shared the train with the new queen to be on the way to the unholy place of her coronation. It was these who would be forced to spill royal blood for King, Country, and God Himself. The plot had been under consideration for some time as it had become apparent that her rise and the successful conquest of her sister were brought about by a devil artifact, one that gave her powers equaling some of the greater demon lords, perhaps stepping even on Satan's toes.
To that end, the gentlemen of nobility, royalty, and a few vampires of pedigree, debated for hours, days, to hatch the plan to remove the queen-to-be from her life. A simple straight attack, of course, using what she thought were her guards. But that could not be counted on by itself, not with the talisman. It was decided that four groups, including the guards, the pair of vampires, a group of the nobility, and some of the lesser royalty, would attack all at once, in different ways, from different directions. A diversion to distract attention had been arranged as well. I, being considered one of the primaries to restore the throne to it's rightful heirs, had been left from all but the planning.
I do not know what went wrong, being kept off the scene, all I know is the Dark Queen, the Skirt Dictator, the Terror of England, did indeed become queen, to the woe of all. Ah, the dream was much more intricate, but I am losing it as I wake.---
The Rooster of the Heights
I was a reporter with a small to middling paper, somewhere south of Salt Lake City. I headed out on vacation, or more a personal wandering, through and to an area I knew in the hinterlands. I did have a lead for a story out that way, if I had no real intention of following that lead, at that time, if you never know what incidental information can be gathered just through gab. Still, being known to be a reporter has a way of quieting those who know and emboldening those who know nothing to talk wildly as if they did know. I wasn't going to blow my cover. Just a simple plainsman taking in the sights and sounds, fresh air and heights, and time away from the hectic life in the city. That was my story and I was sticking with it. Oh, and I was a minor actor in publishing, no one who knew anything, just a cog paper-pusher. That should do. Having heard enough lies and fibs, telling them seemed second nature. A tool in the kit, for many reasons, already and anyway.
I headed up to the area. The commute just to the far side of the great desert city was just one more reason to enjoy finally seeing the far side and then the city in the rear-view mirror. Splitting off the interstate to a highway, then from there to a paved but winding road up to my destination were simple joys. Less and less for more and more, I thought to myself, without even knowing or caring what that meant. As I got within fifty miles of my destination I was amazed to find that the roads had been paved since the last time I drove this way. How long ago was that? I had to think. Odd, it has only been five years, and the roads weren't just paved, they were vastly improved. These had been rough graveled dirt simple two lane roads, if that at points, slow stretches of a long dusty drive. Had some major interest brought demand? In five years? A pair of five star ski resorts, or even the reinvention of one of the dying little communities into a resort area? Being a reporter, and covering these things, I thought I would have heard about this. Perhaps, though, a pipeline had come through and the road was part of the price?
I drove further. Nearing the community in which I had planned to spend my three day weekend, with the possibility of extending my stay for any and all pretenses, or even just because, depending on how things went, I started wondering if I was... somehow... completely lost! While the roads remained extremely high quality two lanes, they started climbing at very odd and frightening angles. My vehicle was actually built for off-roading, but these roads were taxing it's eight cylinder muscular ability to climb! On some of the more serious climbs I prayed to God in heaven that the road not have a bend in it, not even a little one. While I was not experienced in off-roading, I was certainly alive enough to know when a plain to the parallel horizon had been bent enough to be a serious risk. But... this was not where I had been, where I was going, was it?
I continued on. I suppose I could have looked at the map, or tried to connect my smart phone to the satellites. But I knew I was on the right highway by the signs. And the highway postings indicated the town which was my target was just a score of miles before me by the time I thought to reconsider the notion. I was literally sweating most of the trip, the stench of fear born on the body odor of it. Like a soldier too fixed on his objective to realize the danger, I drove on. It wasn't bravery, it was simply that I didn't even have the time away from the fear to think about what other choices might be available.
There it was! The town I had so looked forward to visiting. I was on the low end, the shallowing spit of the last terrifying peak of a road before I saw it. I had to stay my course or otherwise I would have pulled aside, gotten out, fallen to my knees, kissed the ground, and given thanks to God in heaven for the picture perfect town that lay before me. Not being a Christian mattered little. Not an atheist, just... not a believer, in anything, save coin perhaps. Still, some things bring back the old superstitions that others hold, somehow.
As I drew closer I could easily see that the town was not improved in any way. The collection of ramshackle abandoned homes, barns, and stockades, dotted between the obviously lived in homes and homesteads... the small fishing tackle, bait, and general store at this end of town along the road, the weary anachronistic diner in the center of town, and the gas station and auto service station a bit past that, all seemed just as they were on my last visit. This was the last town on this road, as the road went further up the valley but ended where the ranges closed in at the far end of the valley, creating a boxed canyon. Nothing I had seen would have indicated a resort on the way, if sheer terror at times might have stolen all my concentration save what I could lend the road?
To the diner. I wasn't sure a meal is exactly what I needed. A pot of coffee is what I wanted, with whiskey, if that would have jumbled my nerves the more. Perhaps just whiskey. Fie, I thought, a cup of java or two and a piece of pie. Anything else would be too heavy on my still tight gut, I thought, as I entered the greasy spoon. The place was laid out like so many others. The floor plan was more like an aisle in a store, with an L at the left end, the bathrooms at the dead-end on the right, where a pay phone used to hang off to the side of the restroom doors. The side closest to the windows consisted of booths, one next to the other as tightly fitted as possible. The row along the counter was dotted with single serve seating, no-back, fixed, twist-seats. I ought to see if there is a single word for those, sometime, I thought to myself. Words, of course, being part and parcel to my trade. Although no matter if there are words for things, sometimes the word isn't sexy or interesting enough to bother with.
I chose one of the twist-o-seats. I had my pick. There were two booths occupied, one by what looked to be grandparents, one of their daughters perhaps, and a grandson. The other booth that was occupied held a solitary man in some sort of business uniform, such as a gas reader or even perhaps a delivery man, his name probably embroidered on a name patch on his chest, but his back was to me so I didn't know for certain. With no vehicles, save mine, on the road in front of the diner, they must have been locals. An older, almost pretty, tall woman approached. After a bit of looking me over, she suggested that their special was s.o.s. on mashed potatoes, with a side of cheesy broccoli, and soup or salad. Before I thought, I took the deal. In spite of my earlier thoughts, I actually was hungry. Coffee, too, I said. And who knows, pie might still fit in there afterward I thought to myself. Whiskey later, absolutely no doubt on that.
As she finished scribbling, and before she could escape as she seemed about to do, I asked when the road had been upgraded? She looked at me blankly. It has always been here, she suggested. Always? How long have you lived here, I asked? Oh, four or five years, I think, she replied. Perhaps my memory was wrong, perhaps it had been longer since I had been here. I would try to nail it down later. I let her go, though not without sizing her up as a source of information, with a few general questions, within the limits of her time here. Learn, check, verify, prove, write. For a newsman, that is supposed to be the way of it. It certainly was my way.
... the rest of the dream soon... or not? :p
Quite some dreams. I laid down at about 7:00 and slept until about 9:30, waking to some... interesting material. I'll try to get to some work now. Oh, the rest of that last story was much more interesting. I hope I remember it. I lost most of, and the rest of, the queen story. Ah well. I certainly enjoyed them.
Later.
.
Two different tales.
The Queen of the Mad.
The woman, affectionatelylessly and fraudulently known as the Virgin Queen as time passed, was set to take the thrown. Her sister, actually the current queen, had been captured and merely awaited execution, after some sort of formality trial. Many courtiers, nobility, and royalty shared the train with the new queen to be on the way to the unholy place of her coronation. It was these who would be forced to spill royal blood for King, Country, and God Himself. The plot had been under consideration for some time as it had become apparent that her rise and the successful conquest of her sister were brought about by a devil artifact, one that gave her powers equaling some of the greater demon lords, perhaps stepping even on Satan's toes.
To that end, the gentlemen of nobility, royalty, and a few vampires of pedigree, debated for hours, days, to hatch the plan to remove the queen-to-be from her life. A simple straight attack, of course, using what she thought were her guards. But that could not be counted on by itself, not with the talisman. It was decided that four groups, including the guards, the pair of vampires, a group of the nobility, and some of the lesser royalty, would attack all at once, in different ways, from different directions. A diversion to distract attention had been arranged as well. I, being considered one of the primaries to restore the throne to it's rightful heirs, had been left from all but the planning.
I do not know what went wrong, being kept off the scene, all I know is the Dark Queen, the Skirt Dictator, the Terror of England, did indeed become queen, to the woe of all. Ah, the dream was much more intricate, but I am losing it as I wake.---
The Rooster of the Heights
I was a reporter with a small to middling paper, somewhere south of Salt Lake City. I headed out on vacation, or more a personal wandering, through and to an area I knew in the hinterlands. I did have a lead for a story out that way, if I had no real intention of following that lead, at that time, if you never know what incidental information can be gathered just through gab. Still, being known to be a reporter has a way of quieting those who know and emboldening those who know nothing to talk wildly as if they did know. I wasn't going to blow my cover. Just a simple plainsman taking in the sights and sounds, fresh air and heights, and time away from the hectic life in the city. That was my story and I was sticking with it. Oh, and I was a minor actor in publishing, no one who knew anything, just a cog paper-pusher. That should do. Having heard enough lies and fibs, telling them seemed second nature. A tool in the kit, for many reasons, already and anyway.
I headed up to the area. The commute just to the far side of the great desert city was just one more reason to enjoy finally seeing the far side and then the city in the rear-view mirror. Splitting off the interstate to a highway, then from there to a paved but winding road up to my destination were simple joys. Less and less for more and more, I thought to myself, without even knowing or caring what that meant. As I got within fifty miles of my destination I was amazed to find that the roads had been paved since the last time I drove this way. How long ago was that? I had to think. Odd, it has only been five years, and the roads weren't just paved, they were vastly improved. These had been rough graveled dirt simple two lane roads, if that at points, slow stretches of a long dusty drive. Had some major interest brought demand? In five years? A pair of five star ski resorts, or even the reinvention of one of the dying little communities into a resort area? Being a reporter, and covering these things, I thought I would have heard about this. Perhaps, though, a pipeline had come through and the road was part of the price?
I drove further. Nearing the community in which I had planned to spend my three day weekend, with the possibility of extending my stay for any and all pretenses, or even just because, depending on how things went, I started wondering if I was... somehow... completely lost! While the roads remained extremely high quality two lanes, they started climbing at very odd and frightening angles. My vehicle was actually built for off-roading, but these roads were taxing it's eight cylinder muscular ability to climb! On some of the more serious climbs I prayed to God in heaven that the road not have a bend in it, not even a little one. While I was not experienced in off-roading, I was certainly alive enough to know when a plain to the parallel horizon had been bent enough to be a serious risk. But... this was not where I had been, where I was going, was it?
I continued on. I suppose I could have looked at the map, or tried to connect my smart phone to the satellites. But I knew I was on the right highway by the signs. And the highway postings indicated the town which was my target was just a score of miles before me by the time I thought to reconsider the notion. I was literally sweating most of the trip, the stench of fear born on the body odor of it. Like a soldier too fixed on his objective to realize the danger, I drove on. It wasn't bravery, it was simply that I didn't even have the time away from the fear to think about what other choices might be available.
There it was! The town I had so looked forward to visiting. I was on the low end, the shallowing spit of the last terrifying peak of a road before I saw it. I had to stay my course or otherwise I would have pulled aside, gotten out, fallen to my knees, kissed the ground, and given thanks to God in heaven for the picture perfect town that lay before me. Not being a Christian mattered little. Not an atheist, just... not a believer, in anything, save coin perhaps. Still, some things bring back the old superstitions that others hold, somehow.
As I drew closer I could easily see that the town was not improved in any way. The collection of ramshackle abandoned homes, barns, and stockades, dotted between the obviously lived in homes and homesteads... the small fishing tackle, bait, and general store at this end of town along the road, the weary anachronistic diner in the center of town, and the gas station and auto service station a bit past that, all seemed just as they were on my last visit. This was the last town on this road, as the road went further up the valley but ended where the ranges closed in at the far end of the valley, creating a boxed canyon. Nothing I had seen would have indicated a resort on the way, if sheer terror at times might have stolen all my concentration save what I could lend the road?
To the diner. I wasn't sure a meal is exactly what I needed. A pot of coffee is what I wanted, with whiskey, if that would have jumbled my nerves the more. Perhaps just whiskey. Fie, I thought, a cup of java or two and a piece of pie. Anything else would be too heavy on my still tight gut, I thought, as I entered the greasy spoon. The place was laid out like so many others. The floor plan was more like an aisle in a store, with an L at the left end, the bathrooms at the dead-end on the right, where a pay phone used to hang off to the side of the restroom doors. The side closest to the windows consisted of booths, one next to the other as tightly fitted as possible. The row along the counter was dotted with single serve seating, no-back, fixed, twist-seats. I ought to see if there is a single word for those, sometime, I thought to myself. Words, of course, being part and parcel to my trade. Although no matter if there are words for things, sometimes the word isn't sexy or interesting enough to bother with.
I chose one of the twist-o-seats. I had my pick. There were two booths occupied, one by what looked to be grandparents, one of their daughters perhaps, and a grandson. The other booth that was occupied held a solitary man in some sort of business uniform, such as a gas reader or even perhaps a delivery man, his name probably embroidered on a name patch on his chest, but his back was to me so I didn't know for certain. With no vehicles, save mine, on the road in front of the diner, they must have been locals. An older, almost pretty, tall woman approached. After a bit of looking me over, she suggested that their special was s.o.s. on mashed potatoes, with a side of cheesy broccoli, and soup or salad. Before I thought, I took the deal. In spite of my earlier thoughts, I actually was hungry. Coffee, too, I said. And who knows, pie might still fit in there afterward I thought to myself. Whiskey later, absolutely no doubt on that.
As she finished scribbling, and before she could escape as she seemed about to do, I asked when the road had been upgraded? She looked at me blankly. It has always been here, she suggested. Always? How long have you lived here, I asked? Oh, four or five years, I think, she replied. Perhaps my memory was wrong, perhaps it had been longer since I had been here. I would try to nail it down later. I let her go, though not without sizing her up as a source of information, with a few general questions, within the limits of her time here. Learn, check, verify, prove, write. For a newsman, that is supposed to be the way of it. It certainly was my way.
... the rest of the dream soon... or not? :p
Quite some dreams. I laid down at about 7:00 and slept until about 9:30, waking to some... interesting material. I'll try to get to some work now. Oh, the rest of that last story was much more interesting. I hope I remember it. I lost most of, and the rest of, the queen story. Ah well. I certainly enjoyed them.
Later.
Huh? Gah!
.
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Waking this morning at 3:00, I tried to get back to sleep. Getting up to use the bathroom, then trying to snuggle back into my covers proved useless. By 3:30 the covers had become cloying and sleep was beyond redemption. The girls were sleeping around about, but that is easy to fix. "Food!" That gets them going quickly. This morning it was a lie, but they knew that. I won't feed them until 7:00 or 8:00 or they will be begging hard for a fourth feeding... a no-no. Any more than two or usually three feedings a day and Sam gets ill and Sassy gets fat.
My big left toe hurts. I've been tinkering with it, in an attempt to figure out exactly what it is that is causing the pain. A bone spur? A touch of arthritis? I simply can't be sure. I doubt arthritis, as I have no other trouble with joints. Although years of stubbing that toe might lead to a localized event, I am dubious. A bone spur is possible. There is a serious callus on the side of that toe (if swimming has been shrinking that, odd?). If I had to guess, I would go with bone spur. It isn't serious, and doesn't impact my gait or ability to walk great distances at speed. It is an end-of-day pain. I am actually hoping exercise will tend to it. If, in the next year, it gets worse, I may have it fixed. As is, it's just a complaint.
Today? I am pretty sure a nap will happen, hopefully no later than 11:00. Even if I don't feel like it right then, I may simply try to take it and get it out of the way. A full day that lasts from 3:00 to 21:00 is simply too long and, while I could do it, would lead to very little getting done. And napping later can easily throw my day-schedule off, a very risky thing for me. As is I plan on nothing serious until after the nap. After the nap I am hoping to actually attend the load or two of laundry remaining, finish the sanding, and do some mudding. How far those will go forward depends on my ability to focus on checking the drying process of mud. Painting will wait until the mud is dry, and will, again, depend on my ability to focus on the drying process. Still, I do hope to finish those things up this weekend. As well, I am hoping to find the instructions for the camera and any information I might have for that little computer. If I can get those things together, I will at least get the camera instructions to my friend, while I work out how to clean and clear the computer before handing that over. Hmm, maybe after a bit of tinkering, I could read a bit more too. That is a nice easy... wait.... St. Thomas? Let me amend. That is a nice low-impact high-functioning punch in the nose to work with. It isn't that bad or I wouldn't be doing it. But it isn't easy.
Of course, Sunday, I have Mass and the dinner. I sent an email suggesting that I would be happy to handle the salad, buying the stuff and then being reimbursed. I also asked a few questions concerning that. I have no idea how much lettuce to buy, how much salad dressing, or the like. I could do a search but I would rather receive ideas from the guys who have specific experience with such. I have not received a reply, so perhaps I did something wrong. I will send out another email while I am thinking about it this morning. As well, I may call my friend today and ask if he has the game time down, later this morning... or more after the nap as he isn't an early riser, always. If it looks to be the right time, I may just see him first, Sunday. A few beers, instructions for the camera if I have them, and maybe some microwave popcorn or other foods in hand. Game day requires consumables, no?
Gah! This won't be a weekend at all! Then again, aren't weekends for all the other work that you are too busy to do on the weekdays? Double Gah! If, in truth, I am liking that I not only can, but often am, doing more. I am actually doing real work, furthering projects, making repairs, and figuring things out. I am even still collecting, drying, then storing coffee grounds. Hmm, reminds me, I need to grind more coffee. Love that stuff.
Good morning. Get to it!
.
Waking this morning at 3:00, I tried to get back to sleep. Getting up to use the bathroom, then trying to snuggle back into my covers proved useless. By 3:30 the covers had become cloying and sleep was beyond redemption. The girls were sleeping around about, but that is easy to fix. "Food!" That gets them going quickly. This morning it was a lie, but they knew that. I won't feed them until 7:00 or 8:00 or they will be begging hard for a fourth feeding... a no-no. Any more than two or usually three feedings a day and Sam gets ill and Sassy gets fat.
My big left toe hurts. I've been tinkering with it, in an attempt to figure out exactly what it is that is causing the pain. A bone spur? A touch of arthritis? I simply can't be sure. I doubt arthritis, as I have no other trouble with joints. Although years of stubbing that toe might lead to a localized event, I am dubious. A bone spur is possible. There is a serious callus on the side of that toe (if swimming has been shrinking that, odd?). If I had to guess, I would go with bone spur. It isn't serious, and doesn't impact my gait or ability to walk great distances at speed. It is an end-of-day pain. I am actually hoping exercise will tend to it. If, in the next year, it gets worse, I may have it fixed. As is, it's just a complaint.
Today? I am pretty sure a nap will happen, hopefully no later than 11:00. Even if I don't feel like it right then, I may simply try to take it and get it out of the way. A full day that lasts from 3:00 to 21:00 is simply too long and, while I could do it, would lead to very little getting done. And napping later can easily throw my day-schedule off, a very risky thing for me. As is I plan on nothing serious until after the nap. After the nap I am hoping to actually attend the load or two of laundry remaining, finish the sanding, and do some mudding. How far those will go forward depends on my ability to focus on checking the drying process of mud. Painting will wait until the mud is dry, and will, again, depend on my ability to focus on the drying process. Still, I do hope to finish those things up this weekend. As well, I am hoping to find the instructions for the camera and any information I might have for that little computer. If I can get those things together, I will at least get the camera instructions to my friend, while I work out how to clean and clear the computer before handing that over. Hmm, maybe after a bit of tinkering, I could read a bit more too. That is a nice easy... wait.... St. Thomas? Let me amend. That is a nice low-impact high-functioning punch in the nose to work with. It isn't that bad or I wouldn't be doing it. But it isn't easy.
Of course, Sunday, I have Mass and the dinner. I sent an email suggesting that I would be happy to handle the salad, buying the stuff and then being reimbursed. I also asked a few questions concerning that. I have no idea how much lettuce to buy, how much salad dressing, or the like. I could do a search but I would rather receive ideas from the guys who have specific experience with such. I have not received a reply, so perhaps I did something wrong. I will send out another email while I am thinking about it this morning. As well, I may call my friend today and ask if he has the game time down, later this morning... or more after the nap as he isn't an early riser, always. If it looks to be the right time, I may just see him first, Sunday. A few beers, instructions for the camera if I have them, and maybe some microwave popcorn or other foods in hand. Game day requires consumables, no?
Gah! This won't be a weekend at all! Then again, aren't weekends for all the other work that you are too busy to do on the weekdays? Double Gah! If, in truth, I am liking that I not only can, but often am, doing more. I am actually doing real work, furthering projects, making repairs, and figuring things out. I am even still collecting, drying, then storing coffee grounds. Hmm, reminds me, I need to grind more coffee. Love that stuff.
Good morning. Get to it!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Two weeks!
.
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No, nothing special, I suppose. But without Ritalin, on my own two feet, I have made it in and gone swimming six times over the two weeks. I have had minor complications, such as dealing with snow in the drive, a frozen water system, and such as well. I have been reading at least daily. I have been working on a number of projects. I have visited my friend two, or more like three times now? I am slipping a bit here at home, on upkeep, but not... to badly. Oh, and I tossed in a bit of pedaling today.
In the pool I started practicing bi-lateral breathing. Okay, that is going to take some serious practice. I thought it might, now I know. I am used to breathing on my right side, and can do that slick as I like. But the left side? There were at least a half dozen times where doing that almost found me sinking to the bottom. I am just not wired that way, so it will take some work. I was getting better at it as time went by. I really did think about tossing the idea. I think I will be glad I didn't, eventually. As well, I worked with my pelvis, to gain a better, flatter, leg position. While not perfect yet, I can see improvement. It will take time to incorporate these things more fully into my strokes. I also worked on takeoffs. Yeah, a lot for a beginning, but I'm not exactly novice if I happen to be out of shape. And, really, takeoffs aren't new, at all, to me. I simply hadn't been using them since I was trying to break into swimming as an exercise, not as sprints or for endurance, initially. And, really, I think I will be able to work on three things at once, per week. Keeping up on everything? I also hit a stationary bike. Yikes! I will no more start out with an half an hour of that than I will start by working with 300 pounds! I was good to do just a few minutes of pedaling at a time, a few times. I set the machine about where I remembered my actual bicycle resistance to be. However, with such short sessions, I will probably try to put a short time at the pedal each day. Gah but that was murder! Odd?
After swimming I went to see my friend. He didn't need to do any shopping, and it was a bit chill. But I owed him $20 from our last outing so offered to buy supper tonight and again next week some time. He said there was a good football game this Sunday. If it is at the right time I might have to stop over. I need to be at the Church by 17:30, give or take. It might just work out. I know he would like a pal to watch the game with him, even one as reluctant as myself. I still, mostly, know the game, know what a flag could be, and such. And I do get into it, a bit. I know it's all rigged, whether for Vegas or mediocrity as Vox suggests, matters not a bit. Fixing is fixing and, to my mind, it shows up plain, simple, and ugly. I'm more of a mortal combat type, let the skill of the pickers, coaches, and team players decide the thing, not some Goddamned bureaucracy... public or private. I truly do hate that. Still, I can... act the part of a fan. I bet he would put me up until it was time to head to Church, too.
I didn't have much luck with women today. No, not really trying to catch one, just... I had thought to check some things out this week, but I haven't been in quite the right situations to do so. The rest of the week, however, my involvements with the fairer sex have been splendid. Imagine walking down the aisles of a store to have a half dozen women, some of them quite lovely and others still quite reasonable if not quite immediately interesting, out of the blue, strike up a conversation. Now, stop imagining! Yeah, I kept wondering if they had been talking to someone else, but... there was no one else and they were quite direct, including glances and turning to speak with me. Other good things just happened as well. Of course, women are notoriously fickle critters. On some days, if they really like you? They absolutely hate you just for that reason. Hehe A little... weighting and averaging has to take place. I still think there is a chance to find a woman. I am, however, specifically not looking for one at the gym. That's almost as bad as finding a woman at work, school, etc. If it goes bad you are stuck with it, for some period of time. Bleh. Actually, I'm not so much looking as... not not looking? Double negative? Shut up. :p
Hmm, reading then bedtime. Good night.
.
No, nothing special, I suppose. But without Ritalin, on my own two feet, I have made it in and gone swimming six times over the two weeks. I have had minor complications, such as dealing with snow in the drive, a frozen water system, and such as well. I have been reading at least daily. I have been working on a number of projects. I have visited my friend two, or more like three times now? I am slipping a bit here at home, on upkeep, but not... to badly. Oh, and I tossed in a bit of pedaling today.
In the pool I started practicing bi-lateral breathing. Okay, that is going to take some serious practice. I thought it might, now I know. I am used to breathing on my right side, and can do that slick as I like. But the left side? There were at least a half dozen times where doing that almost found me sinking to the bottom. I am just not wired that way, so it will take some work. I was getting better at it as time went by. I really did think about tossing the idea. I think I will be glad I didn't, eventually. As well, I worked with my pelvis, to gain a better, flatter, leg position. While not perfect yet, I can see improvement. It will take time to incorporate these things more fully into my strokes. I also worked on takeoffs. Yeah, a lot for a beginning, but I'm not exactly novice if I happen to be out of shape. And, really, takeoffs aren't new, at all, to me. I simply hadn't been using them since I was trying to break into swimming as an exercise, not as sprints or for endurance, initially. And, really, I think I will be able to work on three things at once, per week. Keeping up on everything? I also hit a stationary bike. Yikes! I will no more start out with an half an hour of that than I will start by working with 300 pounds! I was good to do just a few minutes of pedaling at a time, a few times. I set the machine about where I remembered my actual bicycle resistance to be. However, with such short sessions, I will probably try to put a short time at the pedal each day. Gah but that was murder! Odd?
After swimming I went to see my friend. He didn't need to do any shopping, and it was a bit chill. But I owed him $20 from our last outing so offered to buy supper tonight and again next week some time. He said there was a good football game this Sunday. If it is at the right time I might have to stop over. I need to be at the Church by 17:30, give or take. It might just work out. I know he would like a pal to watch the game with him, even one as reluctant as myself. I still, mostly, know the game, know what a flag could be, and such. And I do get into it, a bit. I know it's all rigged, whether for Vegas or mediocrity as Vox suggests, matters not a bit. Fixing is fixing and, to my mind, it shows up plain, simple, and ugly. I'm more of a mortal combat type, let the skill of the pickers, coaches, and team players decide the thing, not some Goddamned bureaucracy... public or private. I truly do hate that. Still, I can... act the part of a fan. I bet he would put me up until it was time to head to Church, too.
I didn't have much luck with women today. No, not really trying to catch one, just... I had thought to check some things out this week, but I haven't been in quite the right situations to do so. The rest of the week, however, my involvements with the fairer sex have been splendid. Imagine walking down the aisles of a store to have a half dozen women, some of them quite lovely and others still quite reasonable if not quite immediately interesting, out of the blue, strike up a conversation. Now, stop imagining! Yeah, I kept wondering if they had been talking to someone else, but... there was no one else and they were quite direct, including glances and turning to speak with me. Other good things just happened as well. Of course, women are notoriously fickle critters. On some days, if they really like you? They absolutely hate you just for that reason. Hehe A little... weighting and averaging has to take place. I still think there is a chance to find a woman. I am, however, specifically not looking for one at the gym. That's almost as bad as finding a woman at work, school, etc. If it goes bad you are stuck with it, for some period of time. Bleh. Actually, I'm not so much looking as... not not looking? Double negative? Shut up. :p
Hmm, reading then bedtime. Good night.
Sleep was tough and the snow looks deep.
.
.
I simply couldn't get to bed, then to sleep, easily. And waking took a bit longer. No problem. I suspect on slow days that might happen. Waking and beginning my day, I opened the curtains since it was already getting bright out by then. Ugh. As I said, it looks like more than an inch. I'll know for sure, shortly, as I need to get this snow off the drive and off the walks. With the snow blower, since I haven't even been able to find that better scoop my neighbor had that I liked, I should be able to remove the snow and still make it to swimming, if that is to go forward. Unless things change though, swimming will be going forward. And, those boiled eggs survived for today!
What do you know? I went out to take a quick look at the snow before writing more. Well, I decided to sweep the walk and open up a path for the snow blower, since I still don't have a push scoop. Then I thought I would get the snow blower out and ready. The rest is history, the history of snow on my drive. Done. How is that for a discovery mission?
I did find information that I can, and will, be using in my swimming sessions, finally. The first data is an article on ten elements of freestyle swimming. Some of them I... mostly knew, and think I do them to the capacity I am able at this point. Of course, all of my technique could use a little to a lot of tightening, if to some of that simply isn't possible in perfect form until I am in better shape. The one that caught me is bi-lateral breathing. Hrm? Well, breathing to your left and to your right on alternating odd strokes. That is something I will try today, but not officially begin hitting. I will do that Monday, officially. The others will be hit in the order on the list, through the next ten, perhaps even twenty weeks. Actually, they will be hit until I feel like I am doing them as well as possible, and be revisited from time to time. As well, I found this video. It seems to be a coach who knows just a bit. From what I can tell, he knows enough to be of potential use at this time. It is too much data, too fast, for more than an occasional viewing and consideration. Beside his knowledge, I tend to agree with his attitude. :p
.
I simply couldn't get to bed, then to sleep, easily. And waking took a bit longer. No problem. I suspect on slow days that might happen. Waking and beginning my day, I opened the curtains since it was already getting bright out by then. Ugh. As I said, it looks like more than an inch. I'll know for sure, shortly, as I need to get this snow off the drive and off the walks. With the snow blower, since I haven't even been able to find that better scoop my neighbor had that I liked, I should be able to remove the snow and still make it to swimming, if that is to go forward. Unless things change though, swimming will be going forward. And, those boiled eggs survived for today!
What do you know? I went out to take a quick look at the snow before writing more. Well, I decided to sweep the walk and open up a path for the snow blower, since I still don't have a push scoop. Then I thought I would get the snow blower out and ready. The rest is history, the history of snow on my drive. Done. How is that for a discovery mission?
I did find information that I can, and will, be using in my swimming sessions, finally. The first data is an article on ten elements of freestyle swimming. Some of them I... mostly knew, and think I do them to the capacity I am able at this point. Of course, all of my technique could use a little to a lot of tightening, if to some of that simply isn't possible in perfect form until I am in better shape. The one that caught me is bi-lateral breathing. Hrm? Well, breathing to your left and to your right on alternating odd strokes. That is something I will try today, but not officially begin hitting. I will do that Monday, officially. The others will be hit in the order on the list, through the next ten, perhaps even twenty weeks. Actually, they will be hit until I feel like I am doing them as well as possible, and be revisited from time to time. As well, I found this video. It seems to be a coach who knows just a bit. From what I can tell, he knows enough to be of potential use at this time. It is too much data, too fast, for more than an occasional viewing and consideration. Beside his knowledge, I tend to agree with his attitude. :p
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Well, I DID have a plan.
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Very little happened today. I did make chili. And a fine chili it is. But my appetite is much smaller than it used to be. Three quarters of a bowl of that chili sank my whole day, if on top of almost two weeks of doing more including exercising. I wasn't sure much would really happen today, in any case. At least when my body was done with the chili, the chili was already done with me. That's... all I'm saying on that. I think I will freeze half of the chili, especially with my appetite so depressed.
I have continued reading St. Thomas's book. Sometimes I do get lost in it. Trying to stay focused on the arguments and the question, plus my thinking, is a bit of a test. I think it is the best way, though. If you just try to read it without betting on specific horses, my guess is that reading it would be akin to eating cardboard, even if you shredded and boiled it first. So far there have been a few things I disagree with the master regarding, if I do have other masters who seem to hold more to my thoughts. I do read the question, then contemplate my answer, before reading his or other mens take on things. St. Augustine seems to be more in line, when I disagree. And St. Augustine taught St. Thomas, up to the point of St. Thomas' launch into his own career. So, to be perfectly upright, respectful and adult about it... neener, and :p pftttft, too.
My mother called, to talk, but also to brag about them getting rain and me getting snow. Pfttft, again. We will only get, it is suggested (if they are more wrong than right usually) that we will only get an half inch, maybe an inch at the outside, and it will probably be stopping late tonight. The spooky thing is that tomorrow we might be in for snow-showers with temps well below freezing? It sounds like someone isn't sure about things or the upper air will be warmer? If the sky is spitting watery snow, and it is below freezing, I am calling tomorrow off. Simply put, icy roads are not worth tempting.
I don't know what I can do around here, to at least make up for it a bit. Perhaps I could look over a list of calisthenics? I don't have bands, if I am almost sure I could figure out something improvisationally. Of course, often, when I attempt to improvise to save time or money I end up saving neither. Ah well. Still, there are probably some things I could do. I might, actually, still be a bit too limited to do much in the way of calisthenics too. Dunno, hadn't truly thought about a snow, or ice, day... Well, at least, after a bit of digging, I did get a bit more lore regarding swimming. I found a list of ten basics that can be worked up, one per week. Drill just one per week into the sessions, adding and maintaining the new and old. Sounds good to me. I am still looking for a basic plan to extend distance, at speed. I really want the speed to go up, first, I do believe. But I am almost betting some coach or solid swimmer out there has my notions in mind, and has worked up a plan. It's simply a matter of putting in the right words for the browser to find the correct information. Yes, I do plan on 20-minute miles, by the way. Three of them is my goal. No, that isn't even world class. Some people keep that pace for 15.5 miles, on open water, so... even for me... it might be doable in a pool. Hush, that's my goal. If anything might be a problem, aside from health, it might really be age. *shrug* I guess I will find out.
It's time to cozy in, read a bit, then to dream about crash landing on some formidable planet where the politicians have gone insane and have to be taken into... Never mind. Good night.
.
Very little happened today. I did make chili. And a fine chili it is. But my appetite is much smaller than it used to be. Three quarters of a bowl of that chili sank my whole day, if on top of almost two weeks of doing more including exercising. I wasn't sure much would really happen today, in any case. At least when my body was done with the chili, the chili was already done with me. That's... all I'm saying on that. I think I will freeze half of the chili, especially with my appetite so depressed.
I have continued reading St. Thomas's book. Sometimes I do get lost in it. Trying to stay focused on the arguments and the question, plus my thinking, is a bit of a test. I think it is the best way, though. If you just try to read it without betting on specific horses, my guess is that reading it would be akin to eating cardboard, even if you shredded and boiled it first. So far there have been a few things I disagree with the master regarding, if I do have other masters who seem to hold more to my thoughts. I do read the question, then contemplate my answer, before reading his or other mens take on things. St. Augustine seems to be more in line, when I disagree. And St. Augustine taught St. Thomas, up to the point of St. Thomas' launch into his own career. So, to be perfectly upright, respectful and adult about it... neener, and :p pftttft, too.
My mother called, to talk, but also to brag about them getting rain and me getting snow. Pfttft, again. We will only get, it is suggested (if they are more wrong than right usually) that we will only get an half inch, maybe an inch at the outside, and it will probably be stopping late tonight. The spooky thing is that tomorrow we might be in for snow-showers with temps well below freezing? It sounds like someone isn't sure about things or the upper air will be warmer? If the sky is spitting watery snow, and it is below freezing, I am calling tomorrow off. Simply put, icy roads are not worth tempting.
I don't know what I can do around here, to at least make up for it a bit. Perhaps I could look over a list of calisthenics? I don't have bands, if I am almost sure I could figure out something improvisationally. Of course, often, when I attempt to improvise to save time or money I end up saving neither. Ah well. Still, there are probably some things I could do. I might, actually, still be a bit too limited to do much in the way of calisthenics too. Dunno, hadn't truly thought about a snow, or ice, day... Well, at least, after a bit of digging, I did get a bit more lore regarding swimming. I found a list of ten basics that can be worked up, one per week. Drill just one per week into the sessions, adding and maintaining the new and old. Sounds good to me. I am still looking for a basic plan to extend distance, at speed. I really want the speed to go up, first, I do believe. But I am almost betting some coach or solid swimmer out there has my notions in mind, and has worked up a plan. It's simply a matter of putting in the right words for the browser to find the correct information. Yes, I do plan on 20-minute miles, by the way. Three of them is my goal. No, that isn't even world class. Some people keep that pace for 15.5 miles, on open water, so... even for me... it might be doable in a pool. Hush, that's my goal. If anything might be a problem, aside from health, it might really be age. *shrug* I guess I will find out.
It's time to cozy in, read a bit, then to dream about crash landing on some formidable planet where the politicians have gone insane and have to be taken into... Never mind. Good night.
Now THAT was chili!
.
.
I started with about 3 pounds of hamburger, added three cans of beans, and perhaps six cans of tomatoes (actually 5 cans of tomatoes, one of them was diced carrots but that was just fine as it turned out). The hamburger is quite lean, so I added four tablespoons of lard with which to fry the hamburger. I also spiced the meat by itself. I never have found how to get cooked meat, otherwise, to truly take on spices. After that was ~85% cooked, I added tomatoes and beans (and carrots... I saw what it was but the can was already opened, so... what the heck?). I spiced everything again. Spices? Ah, for the hamburger itself: a teaspoon of ground cumin; a tablespoon of pepper flecks; a half a teaspoon of smoked paprika; urhm, a lot of garlic; a teaspoon of very hot cayenne; three quarter teaspoon of ginger; a gunch of black pepper; a teaspoon and an half of salt; and some... other stuff? Nope, I think that was it. After all ingredients went in I added another: lot of garlic; another teaspoon of really hot cayenne; more black pepper; two more tablespoons of pepper flecks; another teaspoon of cumin powder; a teaspoon of ginger; and then three (more like five) tablespoons of my home-made habanero sauce.
Hot? Well, it did have a bit more than one dimension of heat, and at a reasonable leavel, at least for me. But, no, not truly hot. It had a nice level of heat, though, at every area of measure. (As I write, I am almost convinced my mouth would set off a geiger-counter, if it is pleasingly so to me.) The nose noticed that the tongue, belly, and such, where about to be awaken. Then the mouth got hit as I breathed in the fumes while the spoon approached the lips. The lips suggested to go slow, between mechanical and chemical heat they were suggesting danger, Will Robinson, danger! The teeth saw no problems, but the gums felt the chemical heat like a sore back will notice mentholated salve. The tongue sensed that this was not simple fair, and began to explore. The back of the throat enjoyed the slow burn. And, finally, the stomach got a solid punch. All good, every single place you can know heat, knew it. It wasn't too much, for my taste. It was a nice solid medium-hot. I have to guess the mixture, even if most of it is less, combines to more, than the habanero sauce by itself. Yum!
Urhm... *Rut Rho!* I just realized the last place that might... notice the heat!
.
I started with about 3 pounds of hamburger, added three cans of beans, and perhaps six cans of tomatoes (actually 5 cans of tomatoes, one of them was diced carrots but that was just fine as it turned out). The hamburger is quite lean, so I added four tablespoons of lard with which to fry the hamburger. I also spiced the meat by itself. I never have found how to get cooked meat, otherwise, to truly take on spices. After that was ~85% cooked, I added tomatoes and beans (and carrots... I saw what it was but the can was already opened, so... what the heck?). I spiced everything again. Spices? Ah, for the hamburger itself: a teaspoon of ground cumin; a tablespoon of pepper flecks; a half a teaspoon of smoked paprika; urhm, a lot of garlic; a teaspoon of very hot cayenne; three quarter teaspoon of ginger; a gunch of black pepper; a teaspoon and an half of salt; and some... other stuff? Nope, I think that was it. After all ingredients went in I added another: lot of garlic; another teaspoon of really hot cayenne; more black pepper; two more tablespoons of pepper flecks; another teaspoon of cumin powder; a teaspoon of ginger; and then three (more like five) tablespoons of my home-made habanero sauce.
Hot? Well, it did have a bit more than one dimension of heat, and at a reasonable leavel, at least for me. But, no, not truly hot. It had a nice level of heat, though, at every area of measure. (As I write, I am almost convinced my mouth would set off a geiger-counter, if it is pleasingly so to me.) The nose noticed that the tongue, belly, and such, where about to be awaken. Then the mouth got hit as I breathed in the fumes while the spoon approached the lips. The lips suggested to go slow, between mechanical and chemical heat they were suggesting danger, Will Robinson, danger! The teeth saw no problems, but the gums felt the chemical heat like a sore back will notice mentholated salve. The tongue sensed that this was not simple fair, and began to explore. The back of the throat enjoyed the slow burn. And, finally, the stomach got a solid punch. All good, every single place you can know heat, knew it. It wasn't too much, for my taste. It was a nice solid medium-hot. I have to guess the mixture, even if most of it is less, combines to more, than the habanero sauce by itself. Yum!
Urhm... *Rut Rho!* I just realized the last place that might... notice the heat!
Swimming, how to go farther, faster?
.
.
Okay, a bit of research to see if there might be something to add to what I am doing, or change something I am doing wrong. After enough reading I realize... the bottom line is... If you want to go farther, swim more. If you want to go faster... urhm, swim more. *laughs* Oh, I am sure a solid swimming coach could attempt to retrain some of my efforts, to enhance efficiency. Barring that, a thing that is not available to me, then simply working on speed, then distance, and back and forth, with breaks from any conscious attempts at improvement, are the way to get there (no, swimming lessons don't count, they aren't that specialized). Why take breaks from improving? Like anything else, whether it be swimming, jogging, weight lifting, or other exercise, no one can simply improve day over day, week over week, month over month, and year over year forever. Beyond the increased risk of injury comes the limits of returns. Once muscle, lung capacity, and the rest, have been improved to some point, the body might well begin to deteriorate if pushed further. Once the body has acclimated to the new muscle and other improvements, then another round of improvement may go forward.
Two weeks of swimming has made me a professional, don't you know! :p Some of what I do know, however, is borrowed from the past. It isn't complete, it probably wasn't perfect back then, but it was rather ingrained. As I read things now, much of what I knew is coming back. I don't see any glaring mistakes, but my memory isn't complete and is rather general, mostly, too. I am looking forward to getting the okay, should it happen, from the doctor to begin lifting weights again. Most likely I would fit that in Wednesdays. In the warmer months, when I can do it here at home, I might try to get that to twice a week. I have some doubts about doing it three times a week. Then again, that might have been pushing it.
It still amazes me that no matter how technical, well done, or true a paper is on the subject, the best advice regarding improving whatever it is you wish to improve is "just keep swimming". Oh, I suppose I knew that. I was just hoping for a word of power or three that might allow me to jump the hurdle, getting from struggling on a dozen or score of laps to pushing a mile under my arm in the same time period, overnight. Nope... one week, one day, one lap or half lap as the case often still is, at a time. Oh, I'll get to some distance again. I'll get some speed back. I'll improve in all ways and in general. It just won't be tomorrow, well, not quite literally.
Did someone say lunch! I think so, though my belly has been known to use a form of ventriloquism on me before. Lunch it is! Hmm, but what? Never mind, I'll figure that out on the way. Good day.
.
Okay, a bit of research to see if there might be something to add to what I am doing, or change something I am doing wrong. After enough reading I realize... the bottom line is... If you want to go farther, swim more. If you want to go faster... urhm, swim more. *laughs* Oh, I am sure a solid swimming coach could attempt to retrain some of my efforts, to enhance efficiency. Barring that, a thing that is not available to me, then simply working on speed, then distance, and back and forth, with breaks from any conscious attempts at improvement, are the way to get there (no, swimming lessons don't count, they aren't that specialized). Why take breaks from improving? Like anything else, whether it be swimming, jogging, weight lifting, or other exercise, no one can simply improve day over day, week over week, month over month, and year over year forever. Beyond the increased risk of injury comes the limits of returns. Once muscle, lung capacity, and the rest, have been improved to some point, the body might well begin to deteriorate if pushed further. Once the body has acclimated to the new muscle and other improvements, then another round of improvement may go forward.
Two weeks of swimming has made me a professional, don't you know! :p Some of what I do know, however, is borrowed from the past. It isn't complete, it probably wasn't perfect back then, but it was rather ingrained. As I read things now, much of what I knew is coming back. I don't see any glaring mistakes, but my memory isn't complete and is rather general, mostly, too. I am looking forward to getting the okay, should it happen, from the doctor to begin lifting weights again. Most likely I would fit that in Wednesdays. In the warmer months, when I can do it here at home, I might try to get that to twice a week. I have some doubts about doing it three times a week. Then again, that might have been pushing it.
It still amazes me that no matter how technical, well done, or true a paper is on the subject, the best advice regarding improving whatever it is you wish to improve is "just keep swimming". Oh, I suppose I knew that. I was just hoping for a word of power or three that might allow me to jump the hurdle, getting from struggling on a dozen or score of laps to pushing a mile under my arm in the same time period, overnight. Nope... one week, one day, one lap or half lap as the case often still is, at a time. Oh, I'll get to some distance again. I'll get some speed back. I'll improve in all ways and in general. It just won't be tomorrow, well, not quite literally.
Did someone say lunch! I think so, though my belly has been known to use a form of ventriloquism on me before. Lunch it is! Hmm, but what? Never mind, I'll figure that out on the way. Good day.
Looking back.
.
.
It seems strange that, on the 27th of January, I was waking at 23:00 but by the 1st I was waking by 7:00, and further beginning to swim? That is an eight hour shift in my swiftly changing sleep pattern, in four or five days depending on how you count it, and then stopping the ~2 hour per day shift, plus it has stuck (so far). Then again, at some point a few weeks before that I had been in utter disarray regarding sleep, sleeping or staying up as much as in a two real day cycle per sleep cycle or having as many as three days per actual day period. No problems, it just amazes me how well I have recovered. I think I finally went to sleep around 22:00, but I tossed and rolled and didn't get to sleep easily or well. But the alarm did get me out of bed by 7:30 or so. Another rough morning, physical complaints abound. Never to worry. I think I am of a mind and body to get to things. As I may have mentioned before, sick or sore, those things won't trouble me. It is when my mind is gray that problems occur as to getting something done. Mostly.
I did note a study indicating diet, and other sodas too I believe, might lead to depression. I actually think the people who did the study are confusing depression with problems that might present as depression. A sluggish mind, a sluggish body, and a disconnect between the body and mind, is not necessarily depression. I think "depression", as a psychological term, needs to be re-evaluated and, along with psychology itself, tossed. Most depression, even the kind people feel, is more likely a symptom of physical, social, emotional issues and problems. Depression are easy to fix, unless they add medication or people believe their doctors that such things are "just the way it is". Work, sunshine, if married a little intimacy, and just doing stuff, will fix things. I've been stuck in a mostly dead body for many years, and once I figured out what it was about, I have lead a rather pleasant, if little, life. Actually, if something has been a problem, I will hand that to soda and medicine!
In any case, it seems coffee drinkers have the best of life, being happier people. For my part? I am going to go with what they are suggesting. I have noted far fewer problems regaining control of my various life variables when I drink more coffee. Drinking a soda or five (diet, Splenda in my case) on the side a week seems to be just fine. When I slow up my coffee production and drink more soda though? Yeah, I start running into troubles. Just a thought for you all, and something I mean to pass on to my mother. Put your doctor on hold, drop those "anti-depressants", set your soda aside, and grab a good hot or iced cup of joe, then shut the hell up about your personal problems. :p Cheers. If you don't drink either, and believe in medicine, I guess there are always witch doctors and voodoo pills... if I think those will keep you locked into your "illness". Show me one person that medicine has cured, or even really helped. One. They get good for a while, perhaps, as much as a placebo affect, then, bam, back to the usual. Oh, but maybe that one isn't the right one, and the chase for the cure begins. Bleh. Oh, and look at the suicide rates for people on those pills. Well, and find a mass murderer who hasn't been taking some type of "help" pill. Just... think about it.
Hmm, on to waking and then my day. Good day.
.
It seems strange that, on the 27th of January, I was waking at 23:00 but by the 1st I was waking by 7:00, and further beginning to swim? That is an eight hour shift in my swiftly changing sleep pattern, in four or five days depending on how you count it, and then stopping the ~2 hour per day shift, plus it has stuck (so far). Then again, at some point a few weeks before that I had been in utter disarray regarding sleep, sleeping or staying up as much as in a two real day cycle per sleep cycle or having as many as three days per actual day period. No problems, it just amazes me how well I have recovered. I think I finally went to sleep around 22:00, but I tossed and rolled and didn't get to sleep easily or well. But the alarm did get me out of bed by 7:30 or so. Another rough morning, physical complaints abound. Never to worry. I think I am of a mind and body to get to things. As I may have mentioned before, sick or sore, those things won't trouble me. It is when my mind is gray that problems occur as to getting something done. Mostly.
I did note a study indicating diet, and other sodas too I believe, might lead to depression. I actually think the people who did the study are confusing depression with problems that might present as depression. A sluggish mind, a sluggish body, and a disconnect between the body and mind, is not necessarily depression. I think "depression", as a psychological term, needs to be re-evaluated and, along with psychology itself, tossed. Most depression, even the kind people feel, is more likely a symptom of physical, social, emotional issues and problems. Depression are easy to fix, unless they add medication or people believe their doctors that such things are "just the way it is". Work, sunshine, if married a little intimacy, and just doing stuff, will fix things. I've been stuck in a mostly dead body for many years, and once I figured out what it was about, I have lead a rather pleasant, if little, life. Actually, if something has been a problem, I will hand that to soda and medicine!
In any case, it seems coffee drinkers have the best of life, being happier people. For my part? I am going to go with what they are suggesting. I have noted far fewer problems regaining control of my various life variables when I drink more coffee. Drinking a soda or five (diet, Splenda in my case) on the side a week seems to be just fine. When I slow up my coffee production and drink more soda though? Yeah, I start running into troubles. Just a thought for you all, and something I mean to pass on to my mother. Put your doctor on hold, drop those "anti-depressants", set your soda aside, and grab a good hot or iced cup of joe, then shut the hell up about your personal problems. :p Cheers. If you don't drink either, and believe in medicine, I guess there are always witch doctors and voodoo pills... if I think those will keep you locked into your "illness". Show me one person that medicine has cured, or even really helped. One. They get good for a while, perhaps, as much as a placebo affect, then, bam, back to the usual. Oh, but maybe that one isn't the right one, and the chase for the cure begins. Bleh. Oh, and look at the suicide rates for people on those pills. Well, and find a mass murderer who hasn't been taking some type of "help" pill. Just... think about it.
Hmm, on to waking and then my day. Good day.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Not bad. No, I should think it's all good.
.
.
Swimming is going well, little projects are coming along at a right pace, sleep and waking are well on track with the addition that days and night are static and reasonably lengthy. I have even continued reading. I wonder how long it takes to actually put a body back into shape, serious shape? Of course, my body still being sick, I have to believe that there will be real hard-cap limits? I simply do not know and I doubt if my doctors can give me any real serious information. They have seen this and that, but rarely have they seen someone 25 years into extreme heart failure come back. I guess I will simply have to be the text book on the matter?
By the stats, I am 11% of the way through my first St. Thomas book. I don't think this will be a really fast read. Like with food and exercise, the heavier of each, the longer between them and themselves. This reading is heavy duty, but too it fits my style of thought, so it isn't as foreign as it could be. I simply need to get my timber and rhythm in line with the tempo of the book. Some of the answers aren't of my interest, however, like math, the things you don't have an interest in can certainly be useful in another area or on another question. I am working out, as I may, whether I agree with the theses or with one or more of the arguments. At this point it is more of an exploration into his methods, for when I get to the meats I like. I have also found that trying to swim against the current is much better than just going with the flow, even in his book. But, when you read against the design it is work. As I have said though, I truly enjoy work. So, working the book is more relaxing and pleasurable, especially since I am not on a DEADLINE. Hehe
Tomorrow? I have been getting lazy on my off days. I would like to change that tomorrow. I would like to mud a few areas, sand the area I want hit in the back room and, perhaps if mud and paint dries fast enough back there, finish hanging the light. I might as well try to finish the last bits of laundry while I am at it. Oh, and I need to find the instructions for water cracking whole wheat berries again. I am, and am not, looking forward to eating that. It is very heavy. The thing is, it really did stick with me. I have never eaten anything quite like it. Tasty? Well, yes and no. With the heart on the mend, bp coming down, I need to begin working on diabetes. The last time I cracked that I did it with food. Whole grains and beans on the side, and meat, meat, milk, meat, cheese, and then some meat with the other meat. Seriously. *grins*
By the way, someone is screwing with my machine. I wonder if that last post got someone interested in either messing or looking. Yeah, they are watching. Believe as you wish. I can see their artifacts on my machine, and once in a while they accidentally(?) commandeer my mouse. Not sure, though, who it is. Gov or just some commie sycophant, or even just someone else? Never can really tell.
Hmm, a bit of reading then on to bed. Good night.
.
Swimming is going well, little projects are coming along at a right pace, sleep and waking are well on track with the addition that days and night are static and reasonably lengthy. I have even continued reading. I wonder how long it takes to actually put a body back into shape, serious shape? Of course, my body still being sick, I have to believe that there will be real hard-cap limits? I simply do not know and I doubt if my doctors can give me any real serious information. They have seen this and that, but rarely have they seen someone 25 years into extreme heart failure come back. I guess I will simply have to be the text book on the matter?
By the stats, I am 11% of the way through my first St. Thomas book. I don't think this will be a really fast read. Like with food and exercise, the heavier of each, the longer between them and themselves. This reading is heavy duty, but too it fits my style of thought, so it isn't as foreign as it could be. I simply need to get my timber and rhythm in line with the tempo of the book. Some of the answers aren't of my interest, however, like math, the things you don't have an interest in can certainly be useful in another area or on another question. I am working out, as I may, whether I agree with the theses or with one or more of the arguments. At this point it is more of an exploration into his methods, for when I get to the meats I like. I have also found that trying to swim against the current is much better than just going with the flow, even in his book. But, when you read against the design it is work. As I have said though, I truly enjoy work. So, working the book is more relaxing and pleasurable, especially since I am not on a DEADLINE. Hehe
Tomorrow? I have been getting lazy on my off days. I would like to change that tomorrow. I would like to mud a few areas, sand the area I want hit in the back room and, perhaps if mud and paint dries fast enough back there, finish hanging the light. I might as well try to finish the last bits of laundry while I am at it. Oh, and I need to find the instructions for water cracking whole wheat berries again. I am, and am not, looking forward to eating that. It is very heavy. The thing is, it really did stick with me. I have never eaten anything quite like it. Tasty? Well, yes and no. With the heart on the mend, bp coming down, I need to begin working on diabetes. The last time I cracked that I did it with food. Whole grains and beans on the side, and meat, meat, milk, meat, cheese, and then some meat with the other meat. Seriously. *grins*
By the way, someone is screwing with my machine. I wonder if that last post got someone interested in either messing or looking. Yeah, they are watching. Believe as you wish. I can see their artifacts on my machine, and once in a while they accidentally(?) commandeer my mouse. Not sure, though, who it is. Gov or just some commie sycophant, or even just someone else? Never can really tell.
Hmm, a bit of reading then on to bed. Good night.
Oh? Well, yeah.
.
.
I was sort of slow getting up, going, then out. No problems, really, I think the pool is pretty available most of the day. Once I got started everything went well. I wasn't sure about swimming today, just... I had an off sense of things. When I got in the pool though, everything went fine. As I was swimming, I was thinking about whether to go for maximum laps or maximum speed, or first, or predominantly. I really am not sure, at this point, though I think I want to increase speed, first, then begin using fewer rest periods. I will have to do that, over and over, back and forth, for a fairly long time in order to get any kind of swimming strength back. My lungs are doing absolutely beautifully though. My stroke is coming back. I am remembering how to kick, but that is going to take some serious work, more than the rest.
I stopped at Walmart to see what they had for seedling planting. There were a number of plates for 70 plants, and some just for tomatoes. I picked up enough, I think, for my use, and then some. Further, these are self-watering. Technically I think they are disposable, but I think they could be recycled, if washed and set to dry rightly each year. Not that they will last decades or anything, just... They should last several seasons, perhaps more. I bought some specifically for tomatoes, too. I don't know that tomatoes truly need their own kind, but maybe they do. Next month, probably, will be the time to buy grow lights.
I notice Zero is thinking about grabbing guns. I hate to say this, but if that comes down, people are going to have to be willing to take one and give one, for the team. If a big stink doesn't happen immediately, and harshly, then those with firearms will be railroaded. That will be the beginning of the end. So, if you hear on the news that a bunch of "officers" from some weird or even well know bureaucracy got shot to hell, know what is happening. Make sure to not just assume the "shooter" was the bad guy. I am hoping if someone is forced to defend their rights, that they do so well enough, and keep some of the "officers" alive, placing them under citizens' arrest. It's... come to this. Watch your ass, and your family, neighbors, and even extend to associates. Don't be afraid to link up and intervene.
.
I was sort of slow getting up, going, then out. No problems, really, I think the pool is pretty available most of the day. Once I got started everything went well. I wasn't sure about swimming today, just... I had an off sense of things. When I got in the pool though, everything went fine. As I was swimming, I was thinking about whether to go for maximum laps or maximum speed, or first, or predominantly. I really am not sure, at this point, though I think I want to increase speed, first, then begin using fewer rest periods. I will have to do that, over and over, back and forth, for a fairly long time in order to get any kind of swimming strength back. My lungs are doing absolutely beautifully though. My stroke is coming back. I am remembering how to kick, but that is going to take some serious work, more than the rest.
I stopped at Walmart to see what they had for seedling planting. There were a number of plates for 70 plants, and some just for tomatoes. I picked up enough, I think, for my use, and then some. Further, these are self-watering. Technically I think they are disposable, but I think they could be recycled, if washed and set to dry rightly each year. Not that they will last decades or anything, just... They should last several seasons, perhaps more. I bought some specifically for tomatoes, too. I don't know that tomatoes truly need their own kind, but maybe they do. Next month, probably, will be the time to buy grow lights.
I notice Zero is thinking about grabbing guns. I hate to say this, but if that comes down, people are going to have to be willing to take one and give one, for the team. If a big stink doesn't happen immediately, and harshly, then those with firearms will be railroaded. That will be the beginning of the end. So, if you hear on the news that a bunch of "officers" from some weird or even well know bureaucracy got shot to hell, know what is happening. Make sure to not just assume the "shooter" was the bad guy. I am hoping if someone is forced to defend their rights, that they do so well enough, and keep some of the "officers" alive, placing them under citizens' arrest. It's... come to this. Watch your ass, and your family, neighbors, and even extend to associates. Don't be afraid to link up and intervene.
Eggs.
.
.
I did go ahead and make and slug down another bowl of oatmeal. And, while I was at it, decided to boil a dozen eggs. Oatmeal is great, and all. No, I really do like it. But it simply lacks something... protein. I had planned to have six eggs for today and Friday. Two of the eggs slipped off the counter and down the hatch though, so I have two bags of five eggs each. I hope they survive the journey through space and time? One bag, for sure, will make it to this afternoon. The other is quite in peril! I have to have my protein.
I did, while I was thinking on it, find the nutritional content of eggs. Someone, somewhere, many someones actually, still thinks of fat as an evil. And I saw attempts to indicate that a single egg had a huge part of the fat for a day. Looking at the daily recommended chart, I noticed fat was only 8% of the daily recommended per egg. Then I remembered, on top of that, that chart is based on the dietary needs of a 140 pound, 52 year old, post-menopausal woman on, what, like a 1.2k or 2k calorie diet! Meaning the chart is effectively useless for, really, everybody else. Well, I did look. Now, I do remember a body builder who used boiled eggs as his poor man protein. He did get rid of half the yolks. But then, he was a body builder, and he ate more like 12-20 eggs per day. Neither of those things is an issue for me. Hmm... protein... I really did need that on top of that oatmeal. A half of cup of milk with the oatmeal this time just didn't cut it.
It's about time to shower and shoo. I know there are some things I would like to find in town, but... Between money and memory, I am not sure I actually want to go too far into things. Today may just be an in and out, unless my friend calls. Hmm, I might look over seedling planters/pots though, and may again look over fluorescent lamps, now that I am more sure, and I have things going with that. I don't know that I will buy anything, though. And I can look any time. Just something to keep in my mind, for today, Friday, next week, or whenever.
Later.
.
I did go ahead and make and slug down another bowl of oatmeal. And, while I was at it, decided to boil a dozen eggs. Oatmeal is great, and all. No, I really do like it. But it simply lacks something... protein. I had planned to have six eggs for today and Friday. Two of the eggs slipped off the counter and down the hatch though, so I have two bags of five eggs each. I hope they survive the journey through space and time? One bag, for sure, will make it to this afternoon. The other is quite in peril! I have to have my protein.
I did, while I was thinking on it, find the nutritional content of eggs. Someone, somewhere, many someones actually, still thinks of fat as an evil. And I saw attempts to indicate that a single egg had a huge part of the fat for a day. Looking at the daily recommended chart, I noticed fat was only 8% of the daily recommended per egg. Then I remembered, on top of that, that chart is based on the dietary needs of a 140 pound, 52 year old, post-menopausal woman on, what, like a 1.2k or 2k calorie diet! Meaning the chart is effectively useless for, really, everybody else. Well, I did look. Now, I do remember a body builder who used boiled eggs as his poor man protein. He did get rid of half the yolks. But then, he was a body builder, and he ate more like 12-20 eggs per day. Neither of those things is an issue for me. Hmm... protein... I really did need that on top of that oatmeal. A half of cup of milk with the oatmeal this time just didn't cut it.
It's about time to shower and shoo. I know there are some things I would like to find in town, but... Between money and memory, I am not sure I actually want to go too far into things. Today may just be an in and out, unless my friend calls. Hmm, I might look over seedling planters/pots though, and may again look over fluorescent lamps, now that I am more sure, and I have things going with that. I don't know that I will buy anything, though. And I can look any time. Just something to keep in my mind, for today, Friday, next week, or whenever.
Later.
Fear.
.
.
I had some worry, when I went to sleep, that today would not go forward as planned. That's, actually, not a problem, by and of itself. Simply put, an off or down day is bound to happen. Heck, a week may eventually go by without me being in the pool. I am not naive. I have my whole adult history, mostly, to peruse. That says failure is imminent and unavoidable. The question, of course, is when a failure will occur and how well, or to be strictly honest IF, I recover from it. I am just being absolutely honest. So, one day I don't make it, while it would stick in my craw, is just something I know will happen.
I went to bed right at 21:00, after reading through the second or third introduction to the book I will be reading. Really? Never mind. I realized I wasn't to the actual book, and I am not sure why there seem to be several introductions. Some of that was interesting, however, as it covered some of St. Thomas' life. It also included information about the sources of information that St. Thomas would have had and used, and noted, but noted in a manner that a modern reader may not be familiar. I was familiar with what they were talking about, just not what it was called sometimes, such as the reference to the Gloss, and various versions of it. I was surprised how many of those names I have heard and read before. Not having, directly, read any of the old masterpieces, I have certainly... become familiar, somehow, with many of these men. Chrysostom, I think, is rather common to many. But the others, at least some of them are rather obscure, including some of the authors of various Glosses and other such. The names rolled off easily. I couldn't always place them, just... I seem to have read about them somehow, sometime in the past. Which explains my affinity for Vox's novel, and Lord of the Rings, and a few other like novels.
I went in hard, if I had trouble sleeping. Rolling and tossing, my bed looks like it tried to contain an upset walrus. I did sleep well, dreaming if that is lost to memory, and woke before the alarm by a goodly bit. I am sore, as well. One shoulder feels like it dug into a titan I was trying to tackle. If so, that tackle was a losing bid. Little aches and pains all over my body this morning. And I am sleepy, if not actually tired, still. All good. I think I will make it to swimming today. I think my fear was that of the bedtime variety, not of reality, thankfully.
I keep considering a workout here at home. Truth be told I do not trust myself to do a workout at home. It is simply too comfortable and I am too patterned here at home. Plus, I don't have a workout I am sure I could do. Which sort of sucks, as even with gas prices lower it is still a hefty cost to drive in to town this often, considering that I am coming from only traveling to town a few times a month. I don't think, yet, that I am in the kind of shape, as well, that would allow me to quite put together a calisthenics routine that would be effective, either. Therefore, I do believe I will stick to swimming until I fill that half hour, then begin exploring a calisthenics routine on top of that, and maybe there, before trying to do some of my exercise at home. I know me far too well. I am also considering adding an half hour of pedaling some machine or other while there. I don't want to push things too far, or too hard. Perhaps starting on Friday and seeing how well I recover, then maybe adding it on Monday, too, if it works? Just thinking, for now.
I am also going to begin looking at the cracked wheat breakfast again. It is rather heavy, but it truly stays with me. It would serve as a solid breakfast a few times a week. Along with oatmeal, boiled or otherwise eggs, and toast, I should be able to begin having a regular and solid morning meal. And I need it as I become more active. Hmm, rice would be fine, and that stores really well too, as well. All whole grain, of course.
I do notice guys drinking protein after workouts. I have heard both pro and con on that. I do have a protein drink mix, if it is more of a prep thing than a regular thing. For my notions, if I want or need protein after a workout, I would rather have it in food form. I must admit I have been hitting up fast food regularly after workouts. I think what I am going to start doing is boiling eggs in bulk, and taking a half dozen or so for my lunch after the swim. I, simply, never believed in the hype of using more proteins than what a diet provides, if I, for my part, believe in a protein heavy diet. Certainly when I am working out. Odd how this stuff comes back to my mind from so very long ago. I remember conversations, if not with whom. Just that there was a group of us who discussed these things and often, then compared notes. I am not even sure the paleo diet, or carb loading, where terms we really knew, if we knew the principles of them. Some guys preferred carb heavy, and carb loading, some of us even then were mainly meat-eaters, I don't think we had a vegetarian type, though we discussed that without too much... rankle. I had no prejudice back then, just a preternatural hunger that matched how meats work with me, for me. Yeah, I tried carb heavy and carb loading, but I didn't see that it really worked. And we knew that what worked for one didn't always work for the next. Whole grains was a consideration, but it really wasn't available to most of us, so it was theory.
Rambling, again. Hmm, now to wake and figure out my cranky body day. Youch, found a kink in my neck!
Good morning.
.
I had some worry, when I went to sleep, that today would not go forward as planned. That's, actually, not a problem, by and of itself. Simply put, an off or down day is bound to happen. Heck, a week may eventually go by without me being in the pool. I am not naive. I have my whole adult history, mostly, to peruse. That says failure is imminent and unavoidable. The question, of course, is when a failure will occur and how well, or to be strictly honest IF, I recover from it. I am just being absolutely honest. So, one day I don't make it, while it would stick in my craw, is just something I know will happen.
I went to bed right at 21:00, after reading through the second or third introduction to the book I will be reading. Really? Never mind. I realized I wasn't to the actual book, and I am not sure why there seem to be several introductions. Some of that was interesting, however, as it covered some of St. Thomas' life. It also included information about the sources of information that St. Thomas would have had and used, and noted, but noted in a manner that a modern reader may not be familiar. I was familiar with what they were talking about, just not what it was called sometimes, such as the reference to the Gloss, and various versions of it. I was surprised how many of those names I have heard and read before. Not having, directly, read any of the old masterpieces, I have certainly... become familiar, somehow, with many of these men. Chrysostom, I think, is rather common to many. But the others, at least some of them are rather obscure, including some of the authors of various Glosses and other such. The names rolled off easily. I couldn't always place them, just... I seem to have read about them somehow, sometime in the past. Which explains my affinity for Vox's novel, and Lord of the Rings, and a few other like novels.
I went in hard, if I had trouble sleeping. Rolling and tossing, my bed looks like it tried to contain an upset walrus. I did sleep well, dreaming if that is lost to memory, and woke before the alarm by a goodly bit. I am sore, as well. One shoulder feels like it dug into a titan I was trying to tackle. If so, that tackle was a losing bid. Little aches and pains all over my body this morning. And I am sleepy, if not actually tired, still. All good. I think I will make it to swimming today. I think my fear was that of the bedtime variety, not of reality, thankfully.
I keep considering a workout here at home. Truth be told I do not trust myself to do a workout at home. It is simply too comfortable and I am too patterned here at home. Plus, I don't have a workout I am sure I could do. Which sort of sucks, as even with gas prices lower it is still a hefty cost to drive in to town this often, considering that I am coming from only traveling to town a few times a month. I don't think, yet, that I am in the kind of shape, as well, that would allow me to quite put together a calisthenics routine that would be effective, either. Therefore, I do believe I will stick to swimming until I fill that half hour, then begin exploring a calisthenics routine on top of that, and maybe there, before trying to do some of my exercise at home. I know me far too well. I am also considering adding an half hour of pedaling some machine or other while there. I don't want to push things too far, or too hard. Perhaps starting on Friday and seeing how well I recover, then maybe adding it on Monday, too, if it works? Just thinking, for now.
I am also going to begin looking at the cracked wheat breakfast again. It is rather heavy, but it truly stays with me. It would serve as a solid breakfast a few times a week. Along with oatmeal, boiled or otherwise eggs, and toast, I should be able to begin having a regular and solid morning meal. And I need it as I become more active. Hmm, rice would be fine, and that stores really well too, as well. All whole grain, of course.
I do notice guys drinking protein after workouts. I have heard both pro and con on that. I do have a protein drink mix, if it is more of a prep thing than a regular thing. For my notions, if I want or need protein after a workout, I would rather have it in food form. I must admit I have been hitting up fast food regularly after workouts. I think what I am going to start doing is boiling eggs in bulk, and taking a half dozen or so for my lunch after the swim. I, simply, never believed in the hype of using more proteins than what a diet provides, if I, for my part, believe in a protein heavy diet. Certainly when I am working out. Odd how this stuff comes back to my mind from so very long ago. I remember conversations, if not with whom. Just that there was a group of us who discussed these things and often, then compared notes. I am not even sure the paleo diet, or carb loading, where terms we really knew, if we knew the principles of them. Some guys preferred carb heavy, and carb loading, some of us even then were mainly meat-eaters, I don't think we had a vegetarian type, though we discussed that without too much... rankle. I had no prejudice back then, just a preternatural hunger that matched how meats work with me, for me. Yeah, I tried carb heavy and carb loading, but I didn't see that it really worked. And we knew that what worked for one didn't always work for the next. Whole grains was a consideration, but it really wasn't available to most of us, so it was theory.
Rambling, again. Hmm, now to wake and figure out my cranky body day. Youch, found a kink in my neck!
Good morning.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Aware of some things.
.
.
Oh, why did I never aim to be a monk, or priest? They have been heroes of thought and action. Sure, I also respect some warriors and generals, and really headed more that way. Why? Women. I knew I could not set them aside. A woman, and family, truly is a calling, just as being a monk or priest or warrior is. Actually I am envious, in a respectful manner, of those who can set aside the wish to be with a woman and focus on things, God most specifically. But to contemplate the Word, and consider specific notions in either an academic or spiritual way, would be a treasure to know. As would being a pure warrior, if to a lesser degree. Not for me, unfortunately, or... uhrm, not unfortunately. :p I have certainly gained from my loss, and I see a special beauty in having known women.
I have started reading St. Thomas' book. That is why that last came to mind. I've been dreaming of women a lot more lately, having taken control of my impulses again. Odd what medicine and health can do, and exercise? Truly strange. But it is good to know why some paths where taken and not others.
Alright, it looks like I may still be of assistance on the old works I had thought I had missed out on, for the KoC. Further, I am hoping I have corrected the email problem. As well, I got the phone number for the fellow doing the Lenten dinners and gave him a call. First I let him know I would be available, next I asked about knowing more and helping more, in the background if that was needed. He gave me a pretty good rundown on this particular meal. It seems that they have gotten it down to a science, adding art when available. The meals are short enough that I am pretty sure I can help, start to stop, with them. And I might even be able to get a vegetable dish or two in, through the course of things, as a side. All good.
Well, off to read a bit more. Monks, and women, and... Oh... God. ;p
.
Oh, why did I never aim to be a monk, or priest? They have been heroes of thought and action. Sure, I also respect some warriors and generals, and really headed more that way. Why? Women. I knew I could not set them aside. A woman, and family, truly is a calling, just as being a monk or priest or warrior is. Actually I am envious, in a respectful manner, of those who can set aside the wish to be with a woman and focus on things, God most specifically. But to contemplate the Word, and consider specific notions in either an academic or spiritual way, would be a treasure to know. As would being a pure warrior, if to a lesser degree. Not for me, unfortunately, or... uhrm, not unfortunately. :p I have certainly gained from my loss, and I see a special beauty in having known women.
I have started reading St. Thomas' book. That is why that last came to mind. I've been dreaming of women a lot more lately, having taken control of my impulses again. Odd what medicine and health can do, and exercise? Truly strange. But it is good to know why some paths where taken and not others.
Alright, it looks like I may still be of assistance on the old works I had thought I had missed out on, for the KoC. Further, I am hoping I have corrected the email problem. As well, I got the phone number for the fellow doing the Lenten dinners and gave him a call. First I let him know I would be available, next I asked about knowing more and helping more, in the background if that was needed. He gave me a pretty good rundown on this particular meal. It seems that they have gotten it down to a science, adding art when available. The meals are short enough that I am pretty sure I can help, start to stop, with them. And I might even be able to get a vegetable dish or two in, through the course of things, as a side. All good.
Well, off to read a bit more. Monks, and women, and... Oh... God. ;p
Tired.
.
.
Have you ever feel like you have been in a boxing match and didn't come out on top? I'm thinking the third, perhaps fifth, bell should have been my cue. But, no, I kept going back in. I'll feed the girls in a bit, then take a nap. I can't swear that will help but I don't see how it could hurt. I don't think I have much of an option in any case.
It's a cold day. And while not dark, technically, it is cloudy. I have been doing a lot and there is more being added to the list seemingly on a daily basis. Still, today is the perfect day to be a little tired. It's an off day. If I get nothing done, on average, I am still far ahead of my average schedule for the last 25 years, in that I slept a regular night, woke at a decent time and before the alarm, and my nap will be a real nap and not a dip into a second sleep cycle. Heck, that I am sure the nap will be just that means something significant.
Sometimes, lately, a nap has been enough to get me going later in the day. I suppose I should eat something, but to be absolutely honest I just don't have any hunger. Not being hungry isn't the only barrier, being too tired to tinker is the other part of it. Hmm, I wonder if that oatmeal is still good. That would be quick, cheap in the difficulty wallet, and good. Then a nap, or a nap straightaway if it... looks... or smells... or seems... wrong.
Later.
.
Have you ever feel like you have been in a boxing match and didn't come out on top? I'm thinking the third, perhaps fifth, bell should have been my cue. But, no, I kept going back in. I'll feed the girls in a bit, then take a nap. I can't swear that will help but I don't see how it could hurt. I don't think I have much of an option in any case.
It's a cold day. And while not dark, technically, it is cloudy. I have been doing a lot and there is more being added to the list seemingly on a daily basis. Still, today is the perfect day to be a little tired. It's an off day. If I get nothing done, on average, I am still far ahead of my average schedule for the last 25 years, in that I slept a regular night, woke at a decent time and before the alarm, and my nap will be a real nap and not a dip into a second sleep cycle. Heck, that I am sure the nap will be just that means something significant.
Sometimes, lately, a nap has been enough to get me going later in the day. I suppose I should eat something, but to be absolutely honest I just don't have any hunger. Not being hungry isn't the only barrier, being too tired to tinker is the other part of it. Hmm, I wonder if that oatmeal is still good. That would be quick, cheap in the difficulty wallet, and good. Then a nap, or a nap straightaway if it... looks... or smells... or seems... wrong.
Later.
Monday, January 7, 2013
A very long and rather busy day.
.
.
At 21:30, my day is stretching a bit. I just returned from the meeting. Yeah, well, there is old business of which I lost track. I will try to catch up on that. Although, in truth, there was little I could actually do to help. There is a meal coming up which I can help with, feeding the college kids at the Newman Center. I guess I will be getting to a prime-time Mass a little ahead of schedule, unless they move it. It was sort of dropped on us, to my knowledge, tonight. No problems though, I think we can handle it whatever the case. Mass, then a meal, next Sunday. As well, Lenten dinners will be starting next month. Fridays, and fish, of course. I think next month? Bleh. My mind goes to goo after a bit. I will be putting in to help with those. Further I am hoping to learn from the guy spearheading the process. There is no way I could solo Mother's Day lunch/brunch at this point. Perhaps getting a little closer, doing a little more, and coordinating with one of the leads for two or three meal/meal cycles might allow me to better understand things. And, lastly, I would like to start looking over the forms our council is required to fill out. I don't know if I can help, at all. But I would like to look at them and the timing. I know our council would like someone to spearhead getting those in on time. That, too, is only a possibility and for some time in the future.
For now, my involvement with the group will, for the most part, be that of a helper. And that when I can. Life is looking pretty up, as to doing things, so... I am pretty confident I can help out fairly regularly. Oh, right, I best get in to my regular store and ask about fresh fruits for the Mother's Day breakfast. I will need to do so again, as the day gets closer. It would be nice if I could get something more definitive, sooner, and just have it pretty much programmed in, but it doesn't seem like it works that way. Hmm, Wednesday or Friday would be good enough, depending on what else is going on.
If nothing else, it was good to get back into a meeting. It has been... two meetings that I have missed. My mother took one out, if it seemed to slip by both of us. And this last meeting was due to medicine recovery. Although I am not getting emails. I heard that the email sent to me, this time, bounced back. Of course, everyone thinks that, when such things happen, that they might not be welcome. Paranoia, not just a hobby! :p Oh, but I forgot to get that fixed. I will be talking to one of the more senior officers about something tomorrow afternoon, and dealing with the old business if there is anything for me to do with that at this point, along with some new business. Gah! Remember when I said that the more I am getting done, the more there seems to do? Well... Yeah... So be it. If I've got it I'll give it. And I seem to have it, at least right now.
At least the meeting I missed, where I thought I would have to fill in as the recorder, the recorder ended up being there, so... One less thing on my conscience. I do what I can. Sometimes that is absolutely nothing and sometimes what I am doing is all I can do. All good. I think God will still take what I offer as a sign that, yeah, I hear... and obey. From paupers, pennies.
I had a meal set up yesterday, leftovers. I wasn't sure when I would get to it. It looks like... right now! At least I called my neighbors, to let them know not to bring dinner. I'm almost getting the hang of things, almost squaring those corners, almost... getting it. Almost.
Good night.
.
At 21:30, my day is stretching a bit. I just returned from the meeting. Yeah, well, there is old business of which I lost track. I will try to catch up on that. Although, in truth, there was little I could actually do to help. There is a meal coming up which I can help with, feeding the college kids at the Newman Center. I guess I will be getting to a prime-time Mass a little ahead of schedule, unless they move it. It was sort of dropped on us, to my knowledge, tonight. No problems though, I think we can handle it whatever the case. Mass, then a meal, next Sunday. As well, Lenten dinners will be starting next month. Fridays, and fish, of course. I think next month? Bleh. My mind goes to goo after a bit. I will be putting in to help with those. Further I am hoping to learn from the guy spearheading the process. There is no way I could solo Mother's Day lunch/brunch at this point. Perhaps getting a little closer, doing a little more, and coordinating with one of the leads for two or three meal/meal cycles might allow me to better understand things. And, lastly, I would like to start looking over the forms our council is required to fill out. I don't know if I can help, at all. But I would like to look at them and the timing. I know our council would like someone to spearhead getting those in on time. That, too, is only a possibility and for some time in the future.
For now, my involvement with the group will, for the most part, be that of a helper. And that when I can. Life is looking pretty up, as to doing things, so... I am pretty confident I can help out fairly regularly. Oh, right, I best get in to my regular store and ask about fresh fruits for the Mother's Day breakfast. I will need to do so again, as the day gets closer. It would be nice if I could get something more definitive, sooner, and just have it pretty much programmed in, but it doesn't seem like it works that way. Hmm, Wednesday or Friday would be good enough, depending on what else is going on.
If nothing else, it was good to get back into a meeting. It has been... two meetings that I have missed. My mother took one out, if it seemed to slip by both of us. And this last meeting was due to medicine recovery. Although I am not getting emails. I heard that the email sent to me, this time, bounced back. Of course, everyone thinks that, when such things happen, that they might not be welcome. Paranoia, not just a hobby! :p Oh, but I forgot to get that fixed. I will be talking to one of the more senior officers about something tomorrow afternoon, and dealing with the old business if there is anything for me to do with that at this point, along with some new business. Gah! Remember when I said that the more I am getting done, the more there seems to do? Well... Yeah... So be it. If I've got it I'll give it. And I seem to have it, at least right now.
At least the meeting I missed, where I thought I would have to fill in as the recorder, the recorder ended up being there, so... One less thing on my conscience. I do what I can. Sometimes that is absolutely nothing and sometimes what I am doing is all I can do. All good. I think God will still take what I offer as a sign that, yeah, I hear... and obey. From paupers, pennies.
I had a meal set up yesterday, leftovers. I wasn't sure when I would get to it. It looks like... right now! At least I called my neighbors, to let them know not to bring dinner. I'm almost getting the hang of things, almost squaring those corners, almost... getting it. Almost.
Good night.
Ugh! No real complaints though.
.
.
Yeah, I did get my gear, including the computer, collected and ready, then got a shower in, remembering to dress for Mass. After that I almost sat around too long. I did hit my fingers and toes with the toe-nail clipper though. Swimming, unlike before, is truly helping, already, to clear up the toe nails. They were better already, from being out here in the dry, though. But swimming is putting the finishing touches on them.
It was quite good to be at Mass again. Father is looking healthy. I will have to remember some things a bit better, but for now, just like with swimming, being there is the trick. My goal, with Mass, is to reaclimate myself to being in the pew for a few weeks, then hit a Saturday or perhaps Sunday Mass. I am thinking the first big Mass should be on a Saturday so that I can get to confession which is held the hour before Mass that day. As I have said, it has been my goal to make Sunday Masses for some time. And, being up at 7:00, if still pushing it considering health, makes that a possibility. If not, Saturdays will work.
Swimming was good. I really feel some strength returning. Oh, it will take a very long time to get anything serious back. Even swimming a mile in an hour is pretty... lame. And I am certainly not even there. But for my age and health? I simply don't know. After this week I will begin tinkering with the heart monitor watch, to see about keeping my heart rate at certain levels. Burning calories is one goal, increasing strength and stamina are two other and possibly separate goals, regarding heart rate readings. I won't really worry about that, like I said, until I am at a point where I have enough marbles in the game for planning to matter. Now, something I am considering, is continuing to go three times a week, but to use one of those days for a elliptical workout. I might get more out of my swimming too? I don't know, yet. Just a thought. It would be good to have some medical advice regarding this, a medical coach. A standard coach might not be wise and a doctor just doesn't know either.
I was extremely hungry after the swim. The oatmeal did well at filling me right up until it utterly failed. HU NG RY! I slipped into Walmart and grabbed enough cat litter and wet cat food to fill the "use" larder. Next time I shop for them I will pick up the refills plus one last shot of mid-term larder extras. I wanted to go get the charger right then, for the mini-computer, but my body vetoed me like a woman heading to a sale. FOOD! Absolutely no choice. A double quarter large meal, with a McRib on the side. Too much, but you couldn't have debated me out of it at the time. Then to the other store, for a charge cord, which they did happen to have. I'll tinker with that after I rest up a bit. This hunger, by the way, was not a sugar thing. This was a pure belly hunger. It was... good to feel that, and even resist it a bit.
Not bad. Not at all. I even brought the bins in from the curb, when I returned home. I even though about checking the mail but decided once or twice a week was good enough for that. Wednesday will do. What next? I did suggest sanding the ceiling and tinkering with the mini-computer. I honestly don't know if even one more thing will happen. Even if not, I am satisfied. More is better, and tomorrow is an off day, but sometimes enough is cutting over into too much. Time will tell. Later.
Oops... KoC meeting tonight. Can I make it? Can I! Hmm, am I supposed to bring refreshments? I forgot to ask. Of course, if I bring them and they aren't needed, they can simply go back into the larder for next time. Yes, yes... I can certainly make it. That means little else will happen, but... I wasn't thinking much else was going to happen as is. Hehe... Now I have a Real excuse!
.
Yeah, I did get my gear, including the computer, collected and ready, then got a shower in, remembering to dress for Mass. After that I almost sat around too long. I did hit my fingers and toes with the toe-nail clipper though. Swimming, unlike before, is truly helping, already, to clear up the toe nails. They were better already, from being out here in the dry, though. But swimming is putting the finishing touches on them.
It was quite good to be at Mass again. Father is looking healthy. I will have to remember some things a bit better, but for now, just like with swimming, being there is the trick. My goal, with Mass, is to reaclimate myself to being in the pew for a few weeks, then hit a Saturday or perhaps Sunday Mass. I am thinking the first big Mass should be on a Saturday so that I can get to confession which is held the hour before Mass that day. As I have said, it has been my goal to make Sunday Masses for some time. And, being up at 7:00, if still pushing it considering health, makes that a possibility. If not, Saturdays will work.
Swimming was good. I really feel some strength returning. Oh, it will take a very long time to get anything serious back. Even swimming a mile in an hour is pretty... lame. And I am certainly not even there. But for my age and health? I simply don't know. After this week I will begin tinkering with the heart monitor watch, to see about keeping my heart rate at certain levels. Burning calories is one goal, increasing strength and stamina are two other and possibly separate goals, regarding heart rate readings. I won't really worry about that, like I said, until I am at a point where I have enough marbles in the game for planning to matter. Now, something I am considering, is continuing to go three times a week, but to use one of those days for a elliptical workout. I might get more out of my swimming too? I don't know, yet. Just a thought. It would be good to have some medical advice regarding this, a medical coach. A standard coach might not be wise and a doctor just doesn't know either.
I was extremely hungry after the swim. The oatmeal did well at filling me right up until it utterly failed. HU NG RY! I slipped into Walmart and grabbed enough cat litter and wet cat food to fill the "use" larder. Next time I shop for them I will pick up the refills plus one last shot of mid-term larder extras. I wanted to go get the charger right then, for the mini-computer, but my body vetoed me like a woman heading to a sale. FOOD! Absolutely no choice. A double quarter large meal, with a McRib on the side. Too much, but you couldn't have debated me out of it at the time. Then to the other store, for a charge cord, which they did happen to have. I'll tinker with that after I rest up a bit. This hunger, by the way, was not a sugar thing. This was a pure belly hunger. It was... good to feel that, and even resist it a bit.
Not bad. Not at all. I even brought the bins in from the curb, when I returned home. I even though about checking the mail but decided once or twice a week was good enough for that. Wednesday will do. What next? I did suggest sanding the ceiling and tinkering with the mini-computer. I honestly don't know if even one more thing will happen. Even if not, I am satisfied. More is better, and tomorrow is an off day, but sometimes enough is cutting over into too much. Time will tell. Later.
Oops... KoC meeting tonight. Can I make it? Can I! Hmm, am I supposed to bring refreshments? I forgot to ask. Of course, if I bring them and they aren't needed, they can simply go back into the larder for next time. Yes, yes... I can certainly make it. That means little else will happen, but... I wasn't thinking much else was going to happen as is. Hehe... Now I have a Real excuse!
Monday? Absolutely indeed.
.
.
I slept well, and long again. I did, finally, finish the last story in Summa Elvetica. No, no complaints about there being three tales. Especially since they all stemmed easily from the main story. They answered direct questions or filled in some backdrop. They fit, whatever else the true reasoning for the cases might be. I believe I will be hitting Prayer and the Contemplative Life next. It is a less bold, soft-food for weak gums and teeth intellects, for those who are out of mind-shape, introduction to St. Thoma Aquinas logic, thinking, beliefs. While I think I could simply go ahead with Summa Theologica, with the reading key I found, I believe a little homework first would be in good order. And, actually, I did start it in that manner and found no real difficulties save a few caveats which I haven't worked out quite yet. I decided on another tack. Gosh, you know, I just realized. I haven't just been working my body this last week, but my mind as well. Beyond just reading, I kept looking for clues in the book and my mind about who a particular character might be, historically. You have no idea how many men I have studied, been fascinated with. Many of them lived quite humble lives, ate gruel often, wore simple "dresses" as I liked to poke fun at their garb at times, and only ever had sandals on their feet (plus many are *gulp* vegetarians!)... (damned hippies!). :p Pacifists too, many of them. Yeah, yeah, I'm like an onion. And, sometimes, it IS because I stink. But, urhm, not always. At least many of them also drank beer.
I did not get the trash out last night, and there is still a load of laundry in the dryer. The rest of the clothes have been folded or hung and put away, at least. Along with the clothes that I folded but did not put away from the last wash day. Hey, it... happens. I think I woke and got to it early enough today, though, for the trash and recycling to make it out. But with just two bags in each, it is difficult to become too distraught if I happened to miss that (though I am sure I didn't). I have decided to keep the cat litter at least one more week. It really, seriously, does last a very long time, especially since I use three litter pans for my two girls and clean it out usually every day. I have to be cautious about throwing away good money, so to speak. Further, that litter can be hard to find. I will check the store today. I need wet cat food as well, anyway. Those things and a power cord for the mini-computer, then home. Mass then swimming are the highlights for today.
Thinking about my out-of-control diabetes, and the fact that the medicine for that is doing nothing, I have decided to make a strong attempt to go back on the diet I had been on. Meat and whole foods, for my part. Going without food is unwise, and I still couldn't cook, and stay on top of my dishes, myself, so I have to continue with the meals I receive. I personally think they are just fine, though. I actually don't believe in the recommended diet for diabetics, as my efforts with that have disproved the notion. But for those meals I cook, back to the basics that I did find to work. To that end I cooked whole oats this morning. A friend suggested that, the problem with oats and other gruel, is the notion of sugar. I suggested, for him, honey, if he liked it. I also suggested he investigate sugar a bit more. As with (other) carbohydrates, some are better and some are worse, and it may not be what many think. I recently saw a bit of research where a theorist found himself disproving his own theory, and not happily to a degree (as it doesn't follow the 'natural is better' line that is foisted on them and they try to pass on). For my part, this morning, sweet didn't sound good so I went modestly savory. Adding a pat of butter, salt, and pepper. But, really, I would like to explore various spices and herbs as well. I may have to see what others liked in that vein and revamp it more my way. The nice thing is, having sampled between three and four dozen herbs and spices, various salts, and different "black pepper" types and methods, so as to be able to mix and match those for very particular meals and tastes, I do have a bit of a... deep flavor profile stored away. It might be rusty but it is definitely not dead. It would be a good time to begin cracking whole wheat berries again too. Yes, yes...
My gym bag is repacked, and set up better than ever. I seem to have lost one pair of goggles. They must have been set out, either at the gym or here at home. I will check their lost and found today, and look around the house over the next several days. I have found that, if I clean a bit while I look for things, cleaning is easier while finding is surer, unless finding is vital at which time I need to clean after. An extra pair of underwear, a spare t-shirt, several trunks, clogs, two pair of goggles (I should try the old goggles to see if they are still watertight) and a back-up towel. I think I have my swim watch in there, too. I might take that out for now. I have my own kick-board in the vehicle. It was bought after speaking with a knowledgeable young man while considering the various board designs. In his opinion, this is the one designed or at least more useful in the actual strengthening of the kick. I can't remember what he suggested about the other boards.
Bit by bit, life is truly moving along quite nicely. I am still, to be absolutely honest, trapped in a little room. I remember, at one time, being a free man and a man of action. And while it doesn't seem that much different, and more it would seem I am freer now, the truth is that while I didn't do all I could then I did choose what to do of the things available and simply did them. At this point I am just beginning to explore doing what I did just as a side or base-line then. I can't simply choose and do, at this point. And I am doing so as a very weak man, not as a lion. I simply don't know if I will ever hit 20 minute miles, or stacked three together, for example, then decide whether to go on a three day hike or bike the shoreline for something to do on the weekend. Well, I am alive. I am back in the pool. I will do what I can. It just strikes me as odd, at times, to see the old me and the me-right-now, juxtaposed. I had no choice in letting it slip. If you do, don't let it slip away. If you let it slip, get it back. It kills me to be waking up to my future in such a state. Hehe, well, maybe not kill, exactly. What is the opposite of kill? It 'lifes' me doesn't quite sound right! Although... :p
Hmm, a bit of reading and waking, a shower, clipping my talons, then on to my day. Good day.
.
I slept well, and long again. I did, finally, finish the last story in Summa Elvetica. No, no complaints about there being three tales. Especially since they all stemmed easily from the main story. They answered direct questions or filled in some backdrop. They fit, whatever else the true reasoning for the cases might be. I believe I will be hitting Prayer and the Contemplative Life next. It is a less bold, soft-food for weak gums and teeth intellects, for those who are out of mind-shape, introduction to St. Thoma Aquinas logic, thinking, beliefs. While I think I could simply go ahead with Summa Theologica, with the reading key I found, I believe a little homework first would be in good order. And, actually, I did start it in that manner and found no real difficulties save a few caveats which I haven't worked out quite yet. I decided on another tack. Gosh, you know, I just realized. I haven't just been working my body this last week, but my mind as well. Beyond just reading, I kept looking for clues in the book and my mind about who a particular character might be, historically. You have no idea how many men I have studied, been fascinated with. Many of them lived quite humble lives, ate gruel often, wore simple "dresses" as I liked to poke fun at their garb at times, and only ever had sandals on their feet (plus many are *gulp* vegetarians!)... (damned hippies!). :p Pacifists too, many of them. Yeah, yeah, I'm like an onion. And, sometimes, it IS because I stink. But, urhm, not always. At least many of them also drank beer.
I did not get the trash out last night, and there is still a load of laundry in the dryer. The rest of the clothes have been folded or hung and put away, at least. Along with the clothes that I folded but did not put away from the last wash day. Hey, it... happens. I think I woke and got to it early enough today, though, for the trash and recycling to make it out. But with just two bags in each, it is difficult to become too distraught if I happened to miss that (though I am sure I didn't). I have decided to keep the cat litter at least one more week. It really, seriously, does last a very long time, especially since I use three litter pans for my two girls and clean it out usually every day. I have to be cautious about throwing away good money, so to speak. Further, that litter can be hard to find. I will check the store today. I need wet cat food as well, anyway. Those things and a power cord for the mini-computer, then home. Mass then swimming are the highlights for today.
Thinking about my out-of-control diabetes, and the fact that the medicine for that is doing nothing, I have decided to make a strong attempt to go back on the diet I had been on. Meat and whole foods, for my part. Going without food is unwise, and I still couldn't cook, and stay on top of my dishes, myself, so I have to continue with the meals I receive. I personally think they are just fine, though. I actually don't believe in the recommended diet for diabetics, as my efforts with that have disproved the notion. But for those meals I cook, back to the basics that I did find to work. To that end I cooked whole oats this morning. A friend suggested that, the problem with oats and other gruel, is the notion of sugar. I suggested, for him, honey, if he liked it. I also suggested he investigate sugar a bit more. As with (other) carbohydrates, some are better and some are worse, and it may not be what many think. I recently saw a bit of research where a theorist found himself disproving his own theory, and not happily to a degree (as it doesn't follow the 'natural is better' line that is foisted on them and they try to pass on). For my part, this morning, sweet didn't sound good so I went modestly savory. Adding a pat of butter, salt, and pepper. But, really, I would like to explore various spices and herbs as well. I may have to see what others liked in that vein and revamp it more my way. The nice thing is, having sampled between three and four dozen herbs and spices, various salts, and different "black pepper" types and methods, so as to be able to mix and match those for very particular meals and tastes, I do have a bit of a... deep flavor profile stored away. It might be rusty but it is definitely not dead. It would be a good time to begin cracking whole wheat berries again too. Yes, yes...
My gym bag is repacked, and set up better than ever. I seem to have lost one pair of goggles. They must have been set out, either at the gym or here at home. I will check their lost and found today, and look around the house over the next several days. I have found that, if I clean a bit while I look for things, cleaning is easier while finding is surer, unless finding is vital at which time I need to clean after. An extra pair of underwear, a spare t-shirt, several trunks, clogs, two pair of goggles (I should try the old goggles to see if they are still watertight) and a back-up towel. I think I have my swim watch in there, too. I might take that out for now. I have my own kick-board in the vehicle. It was bought after speaking with a knowledgeable young man while considering the various board designs. In his opinion, this is the one designed or at least more useful in the actual strengthening of the kick. I can't remember what he suggested about the other boards.
Bit by bit, life is truly moving along quite nicely. I am still, to be absolutely honest, trapped in a little room. I remember, at one time, being a free man and a man of action. And while it doesn't seem that much different, and more it would seem I am freer now, the truth is that while I didn't do all I could then I did choose what to do of the things available and simply did them. At this point I am just beginning to explore doing what I did just as a side or base-line then. I can't simply choose and do, at this point. And I am doing so as a very weak man, not as a lion. I simply don't know if I will ever hit 20 minute miles, or stacked three together, for example, then decide whether to go on a three day hike or bike the shoreline for something to do on the weekend. Well, I am alive. I am back in the pool. I will do what I can. It just strikes me as odd, at times, to see the old me and the me-right-now, juxtaposed. I had no choice in letting it slip. If you do, don't let it slip away. If you let it slip, get it back. It kills me to be waking up to my future in such a state. Hehe, well, maybe not kill, exactly. What is the opposite of kill? It 'lifes' me doesn't quite sound right! Although... :p
Hmm, a bit of reading and waking, a shower, clipping my talons, then on to my day. Good day.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Weekends are WAY too short!
.
.
This is one of the few weekends where I actually, you know, did something during the week before, pretty much since college. If I remember right I felt the same then as I do today. Way... too... short. I didn't get to as much as I had hoped but more than I actually thought today. I've washed three loads, the last one is still in the washing machine. I also washed dishes and made a lunch. Supper arrived earlier, so I am good that way. Meat dishes both times, too! I didn't mess with mudding the walls or sanding, but I did clean off the putty scrapers, which I realized when I went in there this morning, really needed cleaning, along with the mud pan. Yeah, well, that sort of killed that work, or some of it. However, it was required before I did one more thing with the walls... Uhm, okay, I could have sanded the ceiling, but... the whole thing with the scrapers just sort of killed that for me.
Tomorrow? Mass, then swimming. My friend called and said he was booked tomorrow. Okies. He asked about the instructions for the camera. Oh, yeah, well... no. Not yet. Gah! I will take that little computer in and see about a power cord for it. Other than that, nothing else tomorrow, in town. I am hoping to sand the ceiling and tinker with that mini-computer, but I think that will be it. Oh, another thing. I called my mother today. She was ill this last week but is feeling better. She asked if I was *gulp* scraping the wallpaper off the kitchen walls yet. Urhm, no. I do have some time, but that seems to be my next project. Grrrrhhhhh! The more I do the more I find I need to do, and then on top of it comes things I want to do. And I still don't have what I should do in there! hehe Ah well. As usual, I will do what I can and the rest will just have to fix itself, get worse until I am forced, or... something.
A little more to do with the clothes, then I'm going to hit it hard, and hopefully on time. I really need sleep tonight. I am hoping, however, that I begin waking before the alarm. I won't force it though. I am pushing, even if it doesn't feel like it. I suppose until I get used to it, or my heart gets better, or some such, I may simply have to sleep ten hour shifts. I will keep it up as long as I can though. All good. Oh, trash and recycling has to go out tonight. And I need to pay utilities tomorrow for sure! *sigh* Way... too... short...
Good night.
.
This is one of the few weekends where I actually, you know, did something during the week before, pretty much since college. If I remember right I felt the same then as I do today. Way... too... short. I didn't get to as much as I had hoped but more than I actually thought today. I've washed three loads, the last one is still in the washing machine. I also washed dishes and made a lunch. Supper arrived earlier, so I am good that way. Meat dishes both times, too! I didn't mess with mudding the walls or sanding, but I did clean off the putty scrapers, which I realized when I went in there this morning, really needed cleaning, along with the mud pan. Yeah, well, that sort of killed that work, or some of it. However, it was required before I did one more thing with the walls... Uhm, okay, I could have sanded the ceiling, but... the whole thing with the scrapers just sort of killed that for me.
Tomorrow? Mass, then swimming. My friend called and said he was booked tomorrow. Okies. He asked about the instructions for the camera. Oh, yeah, well... no. Not yet. Gah! I will take that little computer in and see about a power cord for it. Other than that, nothing else tomorrow, in town. I am hoping to sand the ceiling and tinker with that mini-computer, but I think that will be it. Oh, another thing. I called my mother today. She was ill this last week but is feeling better. She asked if I was *gulp* scraping the wallpaper off the kitchen walls yet. Urhm, no. I do have some time, but that seems to be my next project. Grrrrhhhhh! The more I do the more I find I need to do, and then on top of it comes things I want to do. And I still don't have what I should do in there! hehe Ah well. As usual, I will do what I can and the rest will just have to fix itself, get worse until I am forced, or... something.
A little more to do with the clothes, then I'm going to hit it hard, and hopefully on time. I really need sleep tonight. I am hoping, however, that I begin waking before the alarm. I won't force it though. I am pushing, even if it doesn't feel like it. I suppose until I get used to it, or my heart gets better, or some such, I may simply have to sleep ten hour shifts. I will keep it up as long as I can though. All good. Oh, trash and recycling has to go out tonight. And I need to pay utilities tomorrow for sure! *sigh* Way... too... short...
Good night.
Secular fail?
.
.
I have to suspect so, unless of course there was an intent in the song that was never brought forth. Listening to music today, just as I had downloaded them and then partially ordered them, a particular song began to play. The first time I remember hearing this song was in Navy bootcamp. Some of the men really liked it, others didn't, and some of us had never heard it. The cool guys seemed to think it was about a misguided woman, who was headed for doom, or simply lost and alone in a world of faery tales. I never could get that sensation, no matter how sadly it was sung or how many times I heard it. And yet I could not quite figure out why the song didn't bother me, or at least not in the manner it seemed to be intended to disturb. That changed today.
As I listened, playing cards in the foreground, my mind started... dissolving the notions, rearranging, looking for patterns, accessing memory, and cutting and pasting things into various patterns. Before the song was half way finished, my mind sent out the signal not unlike the microwave beep when it has run it's cycle, that the notion was ready to review. Some notions need tweaking. My mind can run too deeply into theory, theology, or even be purely practicum, so I have to clean up the edges from time to time. Some notions don't make conscious consideration. Not so much this time, as the notions seemed rather solid, as is, mostly.
The idea that the woman is doomed, a fool, or lost is only possible if God is not true. But, as the tale goes, the woman's faith is quite grand. Such a true faith will undo even the most learned or wise. The faith of a child, or in a child like way, is a penultimately powerful thing. Further, I am quite sure when she gets to heaven, if the stores are all closed, she will most certainly get what she needs with just a word. The angel offering her the object with a deep and honest bow, perhaps even prostrating in honor to one so faithful. Buying the stairway heaven is quite easy, it is as inexpensive as seeing everything that glitters as gold. Mayhap there is more to it. But as far as the story goes, I can easily see her pardoning her way past others to get to the store there. As it turns out, my sadness is for the disbelief of the singer/songwriter. Now I get it, after decades it finally makes sense. Sadness indeed. And joy too.
A few things going on, a load of wash in the washer and probably about ready to switch out. Hmm, lunch of some sort, I think. I'm really hungry, still. Later.
.
I have to suspect so, unless of course there was an intent in the song that was never brought forth. Listening to music today, just as I had downloaded them and then partially ordered them, a particular song began to play. The first time I remember hearing this song was in Navy bootcamp. Some of the men really liked it, others didn't, and some of us had never heard it. The cool guys seemed to think it was about a misguided woman, who was headed for doom, or simply lost and alone in a world of faery tales. I never could get that sensation, no matter how sadly it was sung or how many times I heard it. And yet I could not quite figure out why the song didn't bother me, or at least not in the manner it seemed to be intended to disturb. That changed today.
As I listened, playing cards in the foreground, my mind started... dissolving the notions, rearranging, looking for patterns, accessing memory, and cutting and pasting things into various patterns. Before the song was half way finished, my mind sent out the signal not unlike the microwave beep when it has run it's cycle, that the notion was ready to review. Some notions need tweaking. My mind can run too deeply into theory, theology, or even be purely practicum, so I have to clean up the edges from time to time. Some notions don't make conscious consideration. Not so much this time, as the notions seemed rather solid, as is, mostly.
The idea that the woman is doomed, a fool, or lost is only possible if God is not true. But, as the tale goes, the woman's faith is quite grand. Such a true faith will undo even the most learned or wise. The faith of a child, or in a child like way, is a penultimately powerful thing. Further, I am quite sure when she gets to heaven, if the stores are all closed, she will most certainly get what she needs with just a word. The angel offering her the object with a deep and honest bow, perhaps even prostrating in honor to one so faithful. Buying the stairway heaven is quite easy, it is as inexpensive as seeing everything that glitters as gold. Mayhap there is more to it. But as far as the story goes, I can easily see her pardoning her way past others to get to the store there. As it turns out, my sadness is for the disbelief of the singer/songwriter. Now I get it, after decades it finally makes sense. Sadness indeed. And joy too.
A few things going on, a load of wash in the washer and probably about ready to switch out. Hmm, lunch of some sort, I think. I'm really hungry, still. Later.
I needed that sleep.
.
.
I did get to bed about an hour late. I suspect the late nap did it. Still, I was happy with that. I set the alarm for 7:00, and slept to and woke to that. Which was fine as well. I don't really like sleeping ten hours, or even the nine hours last night, but I would much rather sleep long and sleep regularly than tumble through sleep and wake -scapes like that odd bullet that clips a branch shortly after being fired, never knowing which way is up and down, or when I will see one or the other. It is harsh not having any control or regularity, and that has been most of my adult life.
I am feeling a bit better. I will try to get to things today. The dishes have already been set to a fresh soak, bp was taken along with all the normal morning things. Trash is scheduled to go out either tonight or tomorrow, as I will be changing the cat litter, I hope. Let me see, what else is on the menu? A call to my mother, perhaps another attempt to call my brother, mudding the divots in the wall by the door, a reconsideration of the back ceiling. While I did paint, there is one area that still looks pretty rough, so I may sandpaper that before going on. Plus I have to finish mudding the dings I created while pulling a paint sample. Dishes, not many but an irritating small group, irritating because I keep soaking and forgetting. Doing two or three loads of laundry would also be nice. Can I do it all? Technically, yes. Probably? No. Is that, however, always the point.
Oh, Brigid, beside being a great place to pick up some jazzy foodie notions and sister of wisdom type, is often a gadget girl for us regular Joe types. To that end, she introduced a flashlight on her blog that simply needs to be introduced to a wider audience, in my humble opinion. I have tried many flashlights. I simply won't consider a $200-$500 dollar flashlight, especially knowing that it needs to be recharged (not with rechargeable batteries but usually some proprietary scheme device) after even as little as a few hours of use. Simply it isn't prep-compliant in my book. This, however, is perfect. And, with C batteries being completely rechargeable, if the solar rechargers might be feeble and perhaps with some risk (typical of all rechargers?), they are available. And C batteries can be used for many other things, so they are multi-use. At $20 per? Yes, I can have two or three of them around. The C flashlight I currently have is, to a degree, less powerful than some of the AA flashlights I have. Gah! While perfect for my needs and wallet, truly perfect? What is. What I know is it spits out some serious light, uses batteries that can be restored without electricity, and the price is very good, even adding in good rechargeable batteries and a recharger or two, two or three of these flashlights are very reasonable and prep-worthy. I can begin with a pack of C batteries and two of these, the rest is already on my list. It does have one problem though. It is out of stock online and in every store I have seen listed. *sigh*
On to my day.
.
I did get to bed about an hour late. I suspect the late nap did it. Still, I was happy with that. I set the alarm for 7:00, and slept to and woke to that. Which was fine as well. I don't really like sleeping ten hours, or even the nine hours last night, but I would much rather sleep long and sleep regularly than tumble through sleep and wake -scapes like that odd bullet that clips a branch shortly after being fired, never knowing which way is up and down, or when I will see one or the other. It is harsh not having any control or regularity, and that has been most of my adult life.
I am feeling a bit better. I will try to get to things today. The dishes have already been set to a fresh soak, bp was taken along with all the normal morning things. Trash is scheduled to go out either tonight or tomorrow, as I will be changing the cat litter, I hope. Let me see, what else is on the menu? A call to my mother, perhaps another attempt to call my brother, mudding the divots in the wall by the door, a reconsideration of the back ceiling. While I did paint, there is one area that still looks pretty rough, so I may sandpaper that before going on. Plus I have to finish mudding the dings I created while pulling a paint sample. Dishes, not many but an irritating small group, irritating because I keep soaking and forgetting. Doing two or three loads of laundry would also be nice. Can I do it all? Technically, yes. Probably? No. Is that, however, always the point.
Oh, Brigid, beside being a great place to pick up some jazzy foodie notions and sister of wisdom type, is often a gadget girl for us regular Joe types. To that end, she introduced a flashlight on her blog that simply needs to be introduced to a wider audience, in my humble opinion. I have tried many flashlights. I simply won't consider a $200-$500 dollar flashlight, especially knowing that it needs to be recharged (not with rechargeable batteries but usually some proprietary scheme device) after even as little as a few hours of use. Simply it isn't prep-compliant in my book. This, however, is perfect. And, with C batteries being completely rechargeable, if the solar rechargers might be feeble and perhaps with some risk (typical of all rechargers?), they are available. And C batteries can be used for many other things, so they are multi-use. At $20 per? Yes, I can have two or three of them around. The C flashlight I currently have is, to a degree, less powerful than some of the AA flashlights I have. Gah! While perfect for my needs and wallet, truly perfect? What is. What I know is it spits out some serious light, uses batteries that can be restored without electricity, and the price is very good, even adding in good rechargeable batteries and a recharger or two, two or three of these flashlights are very reasonable and prep-worthy. I can begin with a pack of C batteries and two of these, the rest is already on my list. It does have one problem though. It is out of stock online and in every store I have seen listed. *sigh*
On to my day.
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