.
.
Okay, so I got busy with my procrastination. At least there was some movement. But I also never got my cookies. Trade-offs, you know. Today I have to get the bike in, then return in time to take Sam in. I hate making two trips but that is just the way of things. It is far too hot to leave Sam in the vehicle. And yet, without having a clear idea of how long a visit with the bike-man of Walcatraz might take, I can't just leave Sam at the vet and try to do that. Plus, the timing might be off. I am about to call, hopefully getting to speak directly with the wrench wielder, to set up a good time to catch him (though it might reasonably be later in the week).
While I was sorting something, I found unopened shirts I had meant to send back. When I first tried them, I realized I would never fit them. Quite a bit too small last I checked. After losing just 15 pounds in water weight though they fit perfectly. Maybe even a bit loose, though washing should fix that. I had to measure my chest, out of curiosity. Hmm, that doesn't make sense. When I moved here I wore, plus or minus just a bit depending on the day, XXLT (two extra large tall). I am now a LT (large tall). Hey, I love this sign language stuff (stuff). Never mind. Measuring my chest though... I have only lost one inch in chest size. I went from 52" (fifty two inches) to 51" (fifty one inches). (No, I'm not going to do that all day and everywhere (everywhere).)
Ah, goofy moods in the morning are fun. They might not be worthy of sharing. Though some people might get a kick out of it. Beats more whining? Not more wining, which is it's own thing, at least if you aren't in the search for a 12-step group. Been there done that but I got better. Some really can't on their own. I have always wondered how real anything is. Of course I doubt anything "psychiatry" and "psychology". Heck, I doubt officially, academically, standardized common medicine, and on into holistic and homeopathy for the most part. Mom's remedies often worked (though weren't always the best, either). I don't know if any of you had this, but my mother would put butter on burns. It always worked out, but in a more serious burn, the butter will insulate the area and cause the burn to go deeper than it otherwise would, potentially making it more serious. Then again, I think she switched to just cold water... or the butter was for someone who wouldn't use the water? Something. Anyway, that's my goofy brain on 'morning'. Hey, but even after a later night I am up a bit earlier again.
They have me journaling my bp and weight. The nice thing about that, beside what it does for them, is that it makes clear what time I am getting up, and patterns, as I decided to log the time as well. Perhaps that is, or will, help get me on track. I see I am battling a bulge toward noon. Two days of earlier rises in a row. It is such a struggle to fall asleep though, at times. Other nights I just can't seem to get enough good sleep.
I did email the maker of the solar oven, by the way. I doubted, since the latest post was in '08, that I would receive a response, or a timely one. In my email this morning was a response. I had indicated what changes I would make and he thought those sounded reasonable. Though he won't be in contact much this summer, he is about to take a bike ride. He certainly has no clue how 'fast' I work, so no need to worry about a cross country bike ride interfering! But that is all good. I jumped the gun a bit on that, but since I had already started on design plans and was already shopping for aluminized mylar last night, I thought maybe, just maybe, I might actually move on this. I am motivated to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to get me up, out, moving, doing. Something I don't fear as much as other things I am curious about or which are on my list. Fear of money, time, timing, effort, coordination. Something I might be able to do piecemeal, as I can afford, but really move fairly quickly on.
For example, the roof on the coop will require, in addition to what I have already laid out, the rental of a construction dumpster, the moving of construction materials to the site, a complete teardown of what is on that roof, a rebuild of base wood (perhaps even rafters if they look/feel bad), a tar paper type layer over that, drilling of several various holes (which I am not sure my cordless will manage and it's a bit far for my cord I think, so I might have to consider a more powerful cordless drill (and two batteries)), and probably some weather sealing around the screws (which I am unsure about, though I think perhaps some type of clear calking). Yeah, okay. Well, the first part, ordering in a construction dumpster? That is, from what I have heard, around $200 (and I'm not even sure if that is for a week, a month, or what, nor am I sure if there is then a removal fee). If it is a week, that would require a hellalot of work to be planned, coordinated, and completed in a hurry (though I could do the teardown ahead of time, but that is risky with the beasties in the pen, for them without building a small fenced area to keep them out and then being careful in the teardown), or several weeks of rental (which I don't want to afford). And, actually, I haven't even checked for wasps again yet. Yeah... it gets complicated and potentially very expensive very fast. That's all. I just didn't see all that up front until I had most of the materials and was really thinking I would begin digging in. I need something just a wee less... immense, for now. I'll be into a new roof for... heck... a thousand dollars, maybe two, and work. Something. But I will have all the junk off the property, I will have a functional coop, I will have a good roof on it. Not a bad price but too much for right now to quite see myself through, in many ways.
Well, on to the day. I best get finding out about the bike-man before he flies the coop or it gets too late. If you are having a bright cheery sunny day, super. Just understand... You probably don't know what is going on. Wish I could join you! Bah, but have a great day.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A road trip.
.
.
I hated starting up the vehicle for such a short trip. After doing a search for aluminized mylar online, I decided to see if Walmart carried it. No deal, they had nothing like it, save perhaps tape that was similar. It may be a special order item, or even only really available online. If D.C. is correct, and I believe him I just like... checking, than the design I am considering, with the mylar, might get well above the 400 F temps offered by the mirrors. A 5% to 10% increase might not apply directly to temp, but it would have an impact. But more, mylar would most likely be cheaper, easier to install, and last longer than glass mirrors. All good things.
The dishes are probably ready to wash but... Okay, fine, I do procrastinate on some things. I will do at least what I have soaking, three loads worth, before I go to bed... Mom. I'm still running a bit hot, not felt temp but my energy levels have taken a bump. Those meds really do something. And I am on half doses until my medicine arrives or I can get in for my next appointment, since I am low on meds. I suppose I could call in and get meds here in a flash. But to be honest with you, and since it was my fault, I hate to add expense to what they are already doing for me. Oh, sure, I don't trust them. But I am starting to think they are doing the best they know how. And, yes, that means something. Perhaps as my head clears, or as I get to know them, I do actually feel that they are trying. We have slightly different goals, or sub-goals, and different beliefs about some things, but our ultimate goal is the same.
Or they have gotten into my head, like they Xavier did to Wolverine. Well, actually, I know they are and try. And, I let them a bit. Well, doctor, it all started with my mother. She said things like, "You really don't want to do that". Now, I knew I really did want to do that. Between fear and love and need, I started saying, "You are right, I really don't want to do that". And, I started, at first just in her sight, then later on my own, not to want to do that. And yet, I always still really wanted to do that. The layers after that are... unfathomable. Shut up already. ;P
A bit of tinkering to cool down, some dishes, then bed time. I hope you are busy unwittingly swallowing your nighttime supply of bugs. Happy dreams.
.
I hated starting up the vehicle for such a short trip. After doing a search for aluminized mylar online, I decided to see if Walmart carried it. No deal, they had nothing like it, save perhaps tape that was similar. It may be a special order item, or even only really available online. If D.C. is correct, and I believe him I just like... checking, than the design I am considering, with the mylar, might get well above the 400 F temps offered by the mirrors. A 5% to 10% increase might not apply directly to temp, but it would have an impact. But more, mylar would most likely be cheaper, easier to install, and last longer than glass mirrors. All good things.
The dishes are probably ready to wash but... Okay, fine, I do procrastinate on some things. I will do at least what I have soaking, three loads worth, before I go to bed... Mom. I'm still running a bit hot, not felt temp but my energy levels have taken a bump. Those meds really do something. And I am on half doses until my medicine arrives or I can get in for my next appointment, since I am low on meds. I suppose I could call in and get meds here in a flash. But to be honest with you, and since it was my fault, I hate to add expense to what they are already doing for me. Oh, sure, I don't trust them. But I am starting to think they are doing the best they know how. And, yes, that means something. Perhaps as my head clears, or as I get to know them, I do actually feel that they are trying. We have slightly different goals, or sub-goals, and different beliefs about some things, but our ultimate goal is the same.
Or they have gotten into my head, like they Xavier did to Wolverine. Well, actually, I know they are and try. And, I let them a bit. Well, doctor, it all started with my mother. She said things like, "You really don't want to do that". Now, I knew I really did want to do that. Between fear and love and need, I started saying, "You are right, I really don't want to do that". And, I started, at first just in her sight, then later on my own, not to want to do that. And yet, I always still really wanted to do that. The layers after that are... unfathomable. Shut up already. ;P
A bit of tinkering to cool down, some dishes, then bed time. I hope you are busy unwittingly swallowing your nighttime supply of bugs. Happy dreams.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Hmm, interesting.
.
.
It's been a long time since I tried to make a schematic from written instructions. First, getting the aspect correct, then fitting two boxes inside each other sort of separately. Oh, just a spatial nonity to be sure, but a puzzle for a beginner. Just an embarrassing thing to have forgotten for me. My engineering professors might have chuckled at that, anyway. I don't have those particular materials, though I think, if I get the correct insulation, the materials on hand will do nicely. I might even have enough for the two boxes. I will probably do things a bit differently in one regard. I will probably set the thing on wheels on front or back, legs on the other side, so that the thing is mobile. While I like the notion of fixing it, I don't have the right place with sure sun access. I am not going to plant the thing in my front yard. A little further out in the country, that might be reasonable. I simply couldn't find a reasonable house such as that. Compromise, always and everywhere. And, yes, I looked at homes for two years.
I've been looking since, too, for a possible next home. A little improvement in this one, if it pays at all, would make that doable. And homes are quite cheap anymore. I saw some excellent homes, I mean just plain nice, with 10 acres, in the $250K range. Why so low? They are out in the middle of where I would sort of like to be, nowhere. Well, there is no such thing, quite, as nowhere here in Utah (save wilderness, to a degree), just like Iowa. Small town dot the land, as farming states often have it. If I could build this house up $50k over purchase, pay down a bit more (push), and in five or ten years I could probably upgrade. The prices of houses here, below $250k and above a million are rock stable. It's that middling market that has seen the hit, and that only somewhat mildly. Rather than prices being hit more than a bit (from what I have been seeing and hearing), it's the length of time to sell for the middling range homes that has been hit.
Dishes, too, are soaking. I should have a load or three, maybe even double loads, done by the time I sleep. Sleeping late, I just can't help it. I have noticed something though. When I got back on the reservation (medicine) my tolerance for heat has increased... greatly. I am, however, still sore. That is just odd to me. It might be explained by a lack of oxygen in non-vital areas when my heart isn't being helped by the medicine to pump out enough. At an refraction ejection of 15%, what that boils down to is a heart functioning at 20% to 30%, perhaps worse when I sleep. That means some areas will be oxygen deprived. The medicines, even on the lightest doses, seem to do the trick, though, because the pain does go away and definitely. With sleep apnea the pain won't go until the machine is in use, though that may only be for more sever cases? Another plug for the probability I no more have sleep apnea than I have cancer of the petunia. Still, I will play that game for just a bit. Who knows? They don't and I obviously can't be sure. Mostly.
Oh, right. I forgot my darned cookies! Oreos. I'm a pig for them. I try to limit myself, and actually do. No more than 9 at a time, sometimes only 6 if I just ate, and a 16 ounce glass of cold whole milk. Drink the milk, leave the 'stach. Has anyone ever really gotten a milk mustache? If so, I... I am almost certain you are drinking the milk wrong. Hey, there are a lot of groups of 6 to 9 in a bag. So hush it, Mom. Hmm, since I have the basic schematics done, and the soak water is still too hot, I think I'll walk to the post office and pick up my mail. No, too late to walk. While I hate the notion, I think I will drive. My medicine might have arrived and I have other business that might be showing up so that I may do even more business. Isn't that always the way? I just hate walking close to homes this late at night. I don't like people coming that close this late myself. Yeah, that will do.
Good night. Or later.
.
It's been a long time since I tried to make a schematic from written instructions. First, getting the aspect correct, then fitting two boxes inside each other sort of separately. Oh, just a spatial nonity to be sure, but a puzzle for a beginner. Just an embarrassing thing to have forgotten for me. My engineering professors might have chuckled at that, anyway. I don't have those particular materials, though I think, if I get the correct insulation, the materials on hand will do nicely. I might even have enough for the two boxes. I will probably do things a bit differently in one regard. I will probably set the thing on wheels on front or back, legs on the other side, so that the thing is mobile. While I like the notion of fixing it, I don't have the right place with sure sun access. I am not going to plant the thing in my front yard. A little further out in the country, that might be reasonable. I simply couldn't find a reasonable house such as that. Compromise, always and everywhere. And, yes, I looked at homes for two years.
I've been looking since, too, for a possible next home. A little improvement in this one, if it pays at all, would make that doable. And homes are quite cheap anymore. I saw some excellent homes, I mean just plain nice, with 10 acres, in the $250K range. Why so low? They are out in the middle of where I would sort of like to be, nowhere. Well, there is no such thing, quite, as nowhere here in Utah (save wilderness, to a degree), just like Iowa. Small town dot the land, as farming states often have it. If I could build this house up $50k over purchase, pay down a bit more (push), and in five or ten years I could probably upgrade. The prices of houses here, below $250k and above a million are rock stable. It's that middling market that has seen the hit, and that only somewhat mildly. Rather than prices being hit more than a bit (from what I have been seeing and hearing), it's the length of time to sell for the middling range homes that has been hit.
Dishes, too, are soaking. I should have a load or three, maybe even double loads, done by the time I sleep. Sleeping late, I just can't help it. I have noticed something though. When I got back on the reservation (medicine) my tolerance for heat has increased... greatly. I am, however, still sore. That is just odd to me. It might be explained by a lack of oxygen in non-vital areas when my heart isn't being helped by the medicine to pump out enough. At an refraction ejection of 15%, what that boils down to is a heart functioning at 20% to 30%, perhaps worse when I sleep. That means some areas will be oxygen deprived. The medicines, even on the lightest doses, seem to do the trick, though, because the pain does go away and definitely. With sleep apnea the pain won't go until the machine is in use, though that may only be for more sever cases? Another plug for the probability I no more have sleep apnea than I have cancer of the petunia. Still, I will play that game for just a bit. Who knows? They don't and I obviously can't be sure. Mostly.
Oh, right. I forgot my darned cookies! Oreos. I'm a pig for them. I try to limit myself, and actually do. No more than 9 at a time, sometimes only 6 if I just ate, and a 16 ounce glass of cold whole milk. Drink the milk, leave the 'stach. Has anyone ever really gotten a milk mustache? If so, I... I am almost certain you are drinking the milk wrong. Hey, there are a lot of groups of 6 to 9 in a bag. So hush it, Mom. Hmm, since I have the basic schematics done, and the soak water is still too hot, I think I'll walk to the post office and pick up my mail. No, too late to walk. While I hate the notion, I think I will drive. My medicine might have arrived and I have other business that might be showing up so that I may do even more business. Isn't that always the way? I just hate walking close to homes this late at night. I don't like people coming that close this late myself. Yeah, that will do.
Good night. Or later.
Something to tinker with.
.
.
Yeah, I know, I am not even doing what I want to be doing, so why go messing with other projects. Why indeed. Because I need to get doing something and maybe finding the right project, one I think won't break my bank or back, one that might be fun and immediately useful, something to give me hope for more success. I may have found it. I keep looking at solar ovens. And while bought pre-built solar ovens are fine, and I have seen one used and to good use (baked a dozen potatoes over the course of the afternoon), I do note that they are small, very expensive, and rather delicate.
So, while I was sitting here today, I started to think. I have quite a bit of wood around. Between what I have brought in and what the previous owner left, odd sizing and all, there is some decent wood stock around to at least begin such a product. I have saws, a hammer or three, nails, screws, and even a sander along with sand paper. But finding a good larger, sturdier, truly functional design... that is another story. Don't make a solar oven out of cardboard and expect to use it much or for long. Don't use newspaper as your insulation. Many do not even know, or at least use, the formula for optimal reflector angle, based on reflector and glass size. *sigh* But, after a bit of looking, I may have found... if not a legitimate design at least the outline for one. Enough of the specs are there, a picture of the final product, and the thing will heat to around 400, in December (if, I do believe, they live in southern Texas which may or may not have an affect).
Oh, right, here is a link to the device. Further, here is a link to their homepage, if you don't see it at the bottom of that page, as I didn't. Don't feel stupid, either. My job. Urhm, you can take that either way! There is some hinky stuff there, for preppers, homesteaders, and those thinking of going off-the-grid. For me, one project at a time.
I am going to look for engineering paper, go over what information they offer, fill in the blanks with common thicknesses, and try to develop a plan. It'll be hockey until I learn through experience. Perhaps I will keep a running update on the plans, and when I complete it, and test it, if it is indeed successful, I will offer the plans to the originators and, if they allow, publish them. How about them apples? Well, I'm off. Hmm, might even soak dishes and wash some later. Dishes are worse than having to wash behind my ears and stuff! *stomps off sobbing* Can I have a cookie? Actually, yes! Hahahaha It's good to be king.
Later.
.
Yeah, I know, I am not even doing what I want to be doing, so why go messing with other projects. Why indeed. Because I need to get doing something and maybe finding the right project, one I think won't break my bank or back, one that might be fun and immediately useful, something to give me hope for more success. I may have found it. I keep looking at solar ovens. And while bought pre-built solar ovens are fine, and I have seen one used and to good use (baked a dozen potatoes over the course of the afternoon), I do note that they are small, very expensive, and rather delicate.
So, while I was sitting here today, I started to think. I have quite a bit of wood around. Between what I have brought in and what the previous owner left, odd sizing and all, there is some decent wood stock around to at least begin such a product. I have saws, a hammer or three, nails, screws, and even a sander along with sand paper. But finding a good larger, sturdier, truly functional design... that is another story. Don't make a solar oven out of cardboard and expect to use it much or for long. Don't use newspaper as your insulation. Many do not even know, or at least use, the formula for optimal reflector angle, based on reflector and glass size. *sigh* But, after a bit of looking, I may have found... if not a legitimate design at least the outline for one. Enough of the specs are there, a picture of the final product, and the thing will heat to around 400, in December (if, I do believe, they live in southern Texas which may or may not have an affect).
Oh, right, here is a link to the device. Further, here is a link to their homepage, if you don't see it at the bottom of that page, as I didn't. Don't feel stupid, either. My job. Urhm, you can take that either way! There is some hinky stuff there, for preppers, homesteaders, and those thinking of going off-the-grid. For me, one project at a time.
I am going to look for engineering paper, go over what information they offer, fill in the blanks with common thicknesses, and try to develop a plan. It'll be hockey until I learn through experience. Perhaps I will keep a running update on the plans, and when I complete it, and test it, if it is indeed successful, I will offer the plans to the originators and, if they allow, publish them. How about them apples? Well, I'm off. Hmm, might even soak dishes and wash some later. Dishes are worse than having to wash behind my ears and stuff! *stomps off sobbing* Can I have a cookie? Actually, yes! Hahahaha It's good to be king.
Later.
Redirect.
.
.
The bike guy wasn't in today. I still have to go to town but I wanted to pick up some topo maps, if possible, today. A little time looking over hiking trails online and taking some notes. As well, I found one of the hiking books. The other hiking book is the one I really want. After searching for it numerous times though, it just isn't to be found. Ah well, I have a couple of ideas for the maps I want. After doing my business, I may see if those maps are available. The 'store' may be closed already though. I have to be in town again tomorrow in any case, for Sam and for the bike. Nothing ever quite happens as it should. So many things end up in some kind of redirect.
I did find some books to read, however, in the interim of making a list then making purchases for my economic bibliotheca. I never did finish the Chesterton pr Lewis books. I did read some of them. That should get me in better shape for more reading in any case. And they are still on my list. I have been contemplating reading out loud, if not all my reading. Oh, I have my reasons. Nothing nefarious mind you, I have heard there are reasons to do so and would like to test the theory.
Oh, but I should get going. I do have things to do and only just so much time to do them. Plus, a meal I don't have to prepare would be good for a change. Later.
.
The bike guy wasn't in today. I still have to go to town but I wanted to pick up some topo maps, if possible, today. A little time looking over hiking trails online and taking some notes. As well, I found one of the hiking books. The other hiking book is the one I really want. After searching for it numerous times though, it just isn't to be found. Ah well, I have a couple of ideas for the maps I want. After doing my business, I may see if those maps are available. The 'store' may be closed already though. I have to be in town again tomorrow in any case, for Sam and for the bike. Nothing ever quite happens as it should. So many things end up in some kind of redirect.
I did find some books to read, however, in the interim of making a list then making purchases for my economic bibliotheca. I never did finish the Chesterton pr Lewis books. I did read some of them. That should get me in better shape for more reading in any case. And they are still on my list. I have been contemplating reading out loud, if not all my reading. Oh, I have my reasons. Nothing nefarious mind you, I have heard there are reasons to do so and would like to test the theory.
Oh, but I should get going. I do have things to do and only just so much time to do them. Plus, a meal I don't have to prepare would be good for a change. Later.
Oh, right...
.
.
Something, as I am improving, I would like to begin digging into is economics. And politics a bit. No, not really the political doings of the day, I already have my eyes on that. If I think it is more for entertainment purposes. So, I have been looking for a beginners list of solid economic chewies. For example, I am most certain "The Road to Serfdom" will be on the list. What I want to do is put a list of, say, twenty books (give or take) on a queue, and begin buying them one way or another and consuming what they offer. Even if my body isn't perfectly stable yet, my mind remains rather licit and cogent. And, I don't mind reading one, two, and three off books. Reading just the so-called good ones isn't my deal. I would like to start with a few 'right' ones, then go off center and beginning looking at the options. No, I don't plan on becoming an economist. This is purely hobby, though there may be real life implications, personal implications.
At some point, after getting my head wrapped around some things, whether twenty books into it or more or less, I will go completely off the reservation. I will begin researching my own questions and doubts and problems. I probably have the math background to at least start a serious undertaking. And, if my mind remains good, I have some serious capacity to dig through skin, meat, organs, gristle, and right into the bones of the matters. I have wanted to do this for a long time I simply did not have enough on the ball to begin... just begin. Now I do, perhaps, but I am not sure where to start. Looked at Vox's place, Mises Institute, found a few lists (which I am not sure about), looked on line... I just want to start it on the right foot.
Off. I need to get going. Really this time. Good day.
.
Something, as I am improving, I would like to begin digging into is economics. And politics a bit. No, not really the political doings of the day, I already have my eyes on that. If I think it is more for entertainment purposes. So, I have been looking for a beginners list of solid economic chewies. For example, I am most certain "The Road to Serfdom" will be on the list. What I want to do is put a list of, say, twenty books (give or take) on a queue, and begin buying them one way or another and consuming what they offer. Even if my body isn't perfectly stable yet, my mind remains rather licit and cogent. And, I don't mind reading one, two, and three off books. Reading just the so-called good ones isn't my deal. I would like to start with a few 'right' ones, then go off center and beginning looking at the options. No, I don't plan on becoming an economist. This is purely hobby, though there may be real life implications, personal implications.
At some point, after getting my head wrapped around some things, whether twenty books into it or more or less, I will go completely off the reservation. I will begin researching my own questions and doubts and problems. I probably have the math background to at least start a serious undertaking. And, if my mind remains good, I have some serious capacity to dig through skin, meat, organs, gristle, and right into the bones of the matters. I have wanted to do this for a long time I simply did not have enough on the ball to begin... just begin. Now I do, perhaps, but I am not sure where to start. Looked at Vox's place, Mises Institute, found a few lists (which I am not sure about), looked on line... I just want to start it on the right foot.
Off. I need to get going. Really this time. Good day.
Okay, keep pushing.
.
.
I didn't get up as early as hoped but earlier than usual, again. I think I can keep doing better. I am fighting for it. If I can use both directions of the clock to affect my sleep cycle, I have more of a chance at becoming more 'normal'. I didn't expect this to be easy. It has been decades since I could pull this little trick off. Oh, don't look cross-eyed at me, it gives me a perfect target to through something wet, stinky, and squishy. I might be in a cage, but there is no shield up. *splat* Talking monkey indeed.
My body is hurting. It has for the last few days, all day. My guess is stopping medicine for two days has... had some kind of effect. I realize more and more than my health issues were directly linked to my heart condition. For twenty years they treated what should easily have been seen as a real medical problem as a psychiatric problem. What idiots. They really don't know or don't care what they are doing, do they? They had to know. The pains are decreasing but slowly.
I am hoping to get out and get that bike set up today. I need to call to make sure the guy is in today. I hear he gets one weekday off. I still have to go to town for other reasons, but there is no need to haul the bike around if I can't get it fixed. I could take it to a shop, but they will charge an arm and a leg, might not be able to see me right away, and might not show me how to do a few things. Money, money, money, that is the way it goes. Sue me if I am dubious.
Tylenol... I had forgotten about that stuff. I might have to take a small handful of the junk again. I have just been suffering through this, but... why? Why? Because I simply didn't think about it. I best get going. Have a good one.
.
I didn't get up as early as hoped but earlier than usual, again. I think I can keep doing better. I am fighting for it. If I can use both directions of the clock to affect my sleep cycle, I have more of a chance at becoming more 'normal'. I didn't expect this to be easy. It has been decades since I could pull this little trick off. Oh, don't look cross-eyed at me, it gives me a perfect target to through something wet, stinky, and squishy. I might be in a cage, but there is no shield up. *splat* Talking monkey indeed.
My body is hurting. It has for the last few days, all day. My guess is stopping medicine for two days has... had some kind of effect. I realize more and more than my health issues were directly linked to my heart condition. For twenty years they treated what should easily have been seen as a real medical problem as a psychiatric problem. What idiots. They really don't know or don't care what they are doing, do they? They had to know. The pains are decreasing but slowly.
I am hoping to get out and get that bike set up today. I need to call to make sure the guy is in today. I hear he gets one weekday off. I still have to go to town for other reasons, but there is no need to haul the bike around if I can't get it fixed. I could take it to a shop, but they will charge an arm and a leg, might not be able to see me right away, and might not show me how to do a few things. Money, money, money, that is the way it goes. Sue me if I am dubious.
Tylenol... I had forgotten about that stuff. I might have to take a small handful of the junk again. I have just been suffering through this, but... why? Why? Because I simply didn't think about it. I best get going. Have a good one.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I have to push a bit.
.
.
Several days in the hole, with nothing going forward. A missed appointment, not getting to town today to deal with the bike, not much of anything. The days have been in the 90's, but with humidity in the 17 to 37 percentiles, and it stays warm until late. But that isn't it, not all of it. Whatever, I have to figure things out and get back on some kind of track. I have things to do!
I really want to push those pedals and see the world a bit. And I want to put on the gear I bought for it. Yeah, small but fun. Front and rear lights that are actually seemingly functional for more than just being seen, an additional flashing front light (which works well for a flasher but not for a headlamp (glad I ordered both, at this point)), an expanding clip-on container and the tools I might need which fit in there (along with a little food), either a mud-flap or a rear facing platform to haul things, and a u-lock with a cord for the other tire and a bracket to keep it on the bike when not in use. Perhaps I will buy a new seat and seat shaft, one with a shock absorber, as the bike is a hardtail. Depending on how she rides. Though any additions will have to wait until next month. Which is fine, that gives me time to know if I really need those thing. I will buy a water bottle holder for it, though, when I go in to have it looked at. I decided against fancy... anything, actually. I tried to just buy what would be reasonable as I saw things. My goal is to bike up to five, even ten miles, a few times a week. And perhaps to begin checking my mail more regularly to boot.
It is wonderful to look out my front window and see the clouds just barely making it over the mountains. Oh, sure, they had low clouds in Iowa from time to time, they just didn't have a measuring stick to give you an idea of how low or high the clouds were. And the measuring stick is free of charge. Sometimes, when the clouds are just right, and an opening appears just so, the setting sun reflects off the clouds and spotlights the peaks in the fading gloom. I keep expecting to see a symbol for the Holy Grail up in there or something. Ah, Monty Pythonitis aside, it is a beautiful thing to behold.
Have a great day. Go look at something that gives you reason to marvel. A kid, a mountain, the sky, or even a busy city if that's your thing. Then... marvel.
.
Several days in the hole, with nothing going forward. A missed appointment, not getting to town today to deal with the bike, not much of anything. The days have been in the 90's, but with humidity in the 17 to 37 percentiles, and it stays warm until late. But that isn't it, not all of it. Whatever, I have to figure things out and get back on some kind of track. I have things to do!
I really want to push those pedals and see the world a bit. And I want to put on the gear I bought for it. Yeah, small but fun. Front and rear lights that are actually seemingly functional for more than just being seen, an additional flashing front light (which works well for a flasher but not for a headlamp (glad I ordered both, at this point)), an expanding clip-on container and the tools I might need which fit in there (along with a little food), either a mud-flap or a rear facing platform to haul things, and a u-lock with a cord for the other tire and a bracket to keep it on the bike when not in use. Perhaps I will buy a new seat and seat shaft, one with a shock absorber, as the bike is a hardtail. Depending on how she rides. Though any additions will have to wait until next month. Which is fine, that gives me time to know if I really need those thing. I will buy a water bottle holder for it, though, when I go in to have it looked at. I decided against fancy... anything, actually. I tried to just buy what would be reasonable as I saw things. My goal is to bike up to five, even ten miles, a few times a week. And perhaps to begin checking my mail more regularly to boot.
It is wonderful to look out my front window and see the clouds just barely making it over the mountains. Oh, sure, they had low clouds in Iowa from time to time, they just didn't have a measuring stick to give you an idea of how low or high the clouds were. And the measuring stick is free of charge. Sometimes, when the clouds are just right, and an opening appears just so, the setting sun reflects off the clouds and spotlights the peaks in the fading gloom. I keep expecting to see a symbol for the Holy Grail up in there or something. Ah, Monty Pythonitis aside, it is a beautiful thing to behold.
Have a great day. Go look at something that gives you reason to marvel. A kid, a mountain, the sky, or even a busy city if that's your thing. Then... marvel.
Oh, I hinted...
.
.
In a comment, I indicated that I have... a little problem. I take a molehill and turn it into the Rockies and the Andes, combined. Oh, I don't know what causes it. As I suggested, it might be a genetic thing. One of my most famous ancestors had a similar problem. Here, take a look through the way-back tele machine...
If I do so, and make a mistake. I am awfully sorry. Then again, when I don't do that, I might just underestimate and ignore warnings and portents. As shown by my ancestor's boss, here.
Sometimes I can't win for losing in this game called life. But if you bear with me, I would appreciate it greatly. I'll afford you the same courtesy, as I am able, in any event.
.
In a comment, I indicated that I have... a little problem. I take a molehill and turn it into the Rockies and the Andes, combined. Oh, I don't know what causes it. As I suggested, it might be a genetic thing. One of my most famous ancestors had a similar problem. Here, take a look through the way-back tele machine...
If I do so, and make a mistake. I am awfully sorry. Then again, when I don't do that, I might just underestimate and ignore warnings and portents. As shown by my ancestor's boss, here.
Sometimes I can't win for losing in this game called life. But if you bear with me, I would appreciate it greatly. I'll afford you the same courtesy, as I am able, in any event.
Yeah, it's the heat.
.
.
It does keep me up later and later. Until I do something about it, life will be a bit of a struggle. And, this coming winter, I will probably be keeping the house warming during the day. While I can manage extremes, I don't function as well. Duh. But what also happened is, with the medicines being possibly short, I had meant to ration them. I had a mental block on taking them until I did, but doing so was delayed by a lack of focus, so I missed a few days of medicine. It seems stupid, and is, but in the situation it sort of makes sense... with the givens. Hmm, wasn't as bad as that first time I dropped the meds a day though, thankfully. Well, I did proportion those so I can get 16 days out of them, if needed. More should be on the way and I have an appointment early next week.
The heat does more than mess up my sleep, it also puts me into a more active state, just as the cool and cold of winter can retard activity. I know, it all makes sense, but putting everything that makes sense together coherently takes a basic level of function, a thing that has only come to me recently after a 20 year hiatus. I am figuring everything out that you had probably not only figured out but now have somewhat automated and do without thinking, for the most part. I honestly am amazed I didn't just freeze to death in there somewhere. Seriously.
By the way, did you know if you behead a cockroach that it will not die for days? It only dies from a lack of water. The more I read about them, the more I think they have to be Democrats. And, the bugs that came in have gone. I don't know what they were or where they went, but they have completely deserted my home. They took their many dead with them. I have stuff I put around the house, inside and out, that keeps most bugs out. But these flew in, while I was doing things outside. Whatever. I still haven't figured out what they are. Cockroaches (mostly) don't fly and certainly not in swarms. Some weird kind of beetle? Bah!
.
It does keep me up later and later. Until I do something about it, life will be a bit of a struggle. And, this coming winter, I will probably be keeping the house warming during the day. While I can manage extremes, I don't function as well. Duh. But what also happened is, with the medicines being possibly short, I had meant to ration them. I had a mental block on taking them until I did, but doing so was delayed by a lack of focus, so I missed a few days of medicine. It seems stupid, and is, but in the situation it sort of makes sense... with the givens. Hmm, wasn't as bad as that first time I dropped the meds a day though, thankfully. Well, I did proportion those so I can get 16 days out of them, if needed. More should be on the way and I have an appointment early next week.
The heat does more than mess up my sleep, it also puts me into a more active state, just as the cool and cold of winter can retard activity. I know, it all makes sense, but putting everything that makes sense together coherently takes a basic level of function, a thing that has only come to me recently after a 20 year hiatus. I am figuring everything out that you had probably not only figured out but now have somewhat automated and do without thinking, for the most part. I honestly am amazed I didn't just freeze to death in there somewhere. Seriously.
By the way, did you know if you behead a cockroach that it will not die for days? It only dies from a lack of water. The more I read about them, the more I think they have to be Democrats. And, the bugs that came in have gone. I don't know what they were or where they went, but they have completely deserted my home. They took their many dead with them. I have stuff I put around the house, inside and out, that keeps most bugs out. But these flew in, while I was doing things outside. Whatever. I still haven't figured out what they are. Cockroaches (mostly) don't fly and certainly not in swarms. Some weird kind of beetle? Bah!
Now what.
.
.
While petting Sassy, she 'cat yelped'. I wasn't sure what was wrong, so I looked closely. She has an open wound about half the size of a dime, maybe a little smaller! It is high on her body, right side, above her hind leg and a little forward of it. It might have been a bite, or near bite? I don't know. I will keep an eye on it. And, I seem to be having a bug invasion. These things aren't cockroaches. I have looked at every type of roach of which I could find a picture. They fly, they are in large numbers, they aren't afraid of me, the cats, light, or... anything I can tell. They do fly, they were swarming the light near the back door when I had it on for a bit yesterday. I also looked at "waterbugs". I came up empty there too. Did I mention... I HATE BUGS! With such a wet year, and we are still in the water because of melt, I suppose bugs are going to be everywhere.
Bah, bed time, in any case. Good night, for sure, Kathy, Pam, Sherry, Kristen, Shelly, and... Whatsyourface.
.
While petting Sassy, she 'cat yelped'. I wasn't sure what was wrong, so I looked closely. She has an open wound about half the size of a dime, maybe a little smaller! It is high on her body, right side, above her hind leg and a little forward of it. It might have been a bite, or near bite? I don't know. I will keep an eye on it. And, I seem to be having a bug invasion. These things aren't cockroaches. I have looked at every type of roach of which I could find a picture. They fly, they are in large numbers, they aren't afraid of me, the cats, light, or... anything I can tell. They do fly, they were swarming the light near the back door when I had it on for a bit yesterday. I also looked at "waterbugs". I came up empty there too. Did I mention... I HATE BUGS! With such a wet year, and we are still in the water because of melt, I suppose bugs are going to be everywhere.
Bah, bed time, in any case. Good night, for sure, Kathy, Pam, Sherry, Kristen, Shelly, and... Whatsyourface.
Oh, fine. Maybe so.
.
.
Last summer I seemed to handle the heat well. And, honestly, I still am. However, last summer I wasn't trying as seriously to maintain a schedule, or more, I didn't need to maintain a schedule. While I can handle the temperatures just fine, I also honestly can't get to sleep until I cool off enough. And that means I can't sleep until much later. It is still 79 F, here. Way too warm to sleep. So... I am considering finding an air conditioning unit for my bedroom. Either a floor model type preferably, or a window mounted. I will have to do a bit of research. Preferably a device I can set the temperature with, and have turn off after about an hour or two. Just to take the edge off so I can get to sleep. Between the cooling air at night and very good insulation properties of the house, my room should stay cool enough once cooled for an hour. I would guess 60 F would see me to sleep in a hurry. Cool showers don't even really help, not on a regular basis. Yeah, yeah, but for me to do what I want, I have to do what I have to do.
Bits and pieces are coming together. Figuring out this, that, and the other thing, advancing still like I have never done before. Function might still be low, compared to earlier this summer, but it is still relatively good. So many fine details, details I couldn't feel or see or sense are coming into focus. With my mind and body working together more closely, other problems may be solved.
Oh, I am not sure I will ever be totally functional again. Maybe I never was? But to have more. That is always the goal. It is said better, by a fictional peer, much better, here.
Good night. Maybe.
.
Last summer I seemed to handle the heat well. And, honestly, I still am. However, last summer I wasn't trying as seriously to maintain a schedule, or more, I didn't need to maintain a schedule. While I can handle the temperatures just fine, I also honestly can't get to sleep until I cool off enough. And that means I can't sleep until much later. It is still 79 F, here. Way too warm to sleep. So... I am considering finding an air conditioning unit for my bedroom. Either a floor model type preferably, or a window mounted. I will have to do a bit of research. Preferably a device I can set the temperature with, and have turn off after about an hour or two. Just to take the edge off so I can get to sleep. Between the cooling air at night and very good insulation properties of the house, my room should stay cool enough once cooled for an hour. I would guess 60 F would see me to sleep in a hurry. Cool showers don't even really help, not on a regular basis. Yeah, yeah, but for me to do what I want, I have to do what I have to do.
Bits and pieces are coming together. Figuring out this, that, and the other thing, advancing still like I have never done before. Function might still be low, compared to earlier this summer, but it is still relatively good. So many fine details, details I couldn't feel or see or sense are coming into focus. With my mind and body working together more closely, other problems may be solved.
Oh, I am not sure I will ever be totally functional again. Maybe I never was? But to have more. That is always the goal. It is said better, by a fictional peer, much better, here.
Good night. Maybe.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Ah ha!
.
.
Stupid bike. But! I did figure out the handle bars. They are at maximum height. The difference between this and other bikes, beside having two screws along the length of the fork is that there are spacer circlets around the shaft, from the handlebars to the fork. If you want it shorter, take out up to three spacers. As is, as I said, all three spacers are installed so it is at maximum height. As well, I adjusted the seat to the height I prefer. Further, I now know about the brakes, if I might have another issue.
This time, when I went to work on the brakes, I didn't go in thinking everything was working as it should be. The idea you gave about, perhaps, the caliper not springing back... made me think. Also, I didn't just mess with the brake in that regard, I tinkered with setting it up and further, took the whole break assembly off to tinker and get a better look at all things. Two problems remain.
The problem with the brake itself is that the caliper definitely does not spring back. After taking the whole brake assembly off, and tinkering with it, I was able to get the arm to work. As soon as I reinstalled it, I could no longer get the arm to spring back. The only nuts which might loosen whatever might be binding the arm from springing are meant to be tight. Even so, loosening those didn't seem to help in any case. I will have to take the bike in for that, and probably the other problem too.
When I was adjusting the brake, I noticed that the disc attached to the wheel oscillated in it's path. It would wobble left and right, and quite a bit. This would make braking less sure and I just didn't like it (for a thousand and one personal and mechanical reasons beside what was mentioned). Nope. So, I loosened the tire and tried to tighten it back more evenly. Nope. I tried again with negative results. I will look around online, but there is either a trick to it that isn't straight forward or there is some problem with the bike. Oh, I did check to see if the tire, when loose... or the disc when the tire was loose... whether the disc continued to oscillate. It does not and the tire is "flat", not bent. So, I am guessing I am just not tightening it evenly enough or there is a trick to it.
But, darn it, I got back out and learned a bunch. This IS why I did this. To learn, and learning I am. I am not learning for the sake of learning, I am learning so that I may maintain my own bike, and adjust it. Perhaps to help other people out too. I guess my first problem was assuming all the parts worked as they should. Ah well. Now I know. And I have a better idea of how to go about some things in the future. I only have a mechanical inclination, I really don't have mechanical experience. Thanks for the help!
.
Stupid bike. But! I did figure out the handle bars. They are at maximum height. The difference between this and other bikes, beside having two screws along the length of the fork is that there are spacer circlets around the shaft, from the handlebars to the fork. If you want it shorter, take out up to three spacers. As is, as I said, all three spacers are installed so it is at maximum height. As well, I adjusted the seat to the height I prefer. Further, I now know about the brakes, if I might have another issue.
This time, when I went to work on the brakes, I didn't go in thinking everything was working as it should be. The idea you gave about, perhaps, the caliper not springing back... made me think. Also, I didn't just mess with the brake in that regard, I tinkered with setting it up and further, took the whole break assembly off to tinker and get a better look at all things. Two problems remain.
The problem with the brake itself is that the caliper definitely does not spring back. After taking the whole brake assembly off, and tinkering with it, I was able to get the arm to work. As soon as I reinstalled it, I could no longer get the arm to spring back. The only nuts which might loosen whatever might be binding the arm from springing are meant to be tight. Even so, loosening those didn't seem to help in any case. I will have to take the bike in for that, and probably the other problem too.
When I was adjusting the brake, I noticed that the disc attached to the wheel oscillated in it's path. It would wobble left and right, and quite a bit. This would make braking less sure and I just didn't like it (for a thousand and one personal and mechanical reasons beside what was mentioned). Nope. So, I loosened the tire and tried to tighten it back more evenly. Nope. I tried again with negative results. I will look around online, but there is either a trick to it that isn't straight forward or there is some problem with the bike. Oh, I did check to see if the tire, when loose... or the disc when the tire was loose... whether the disc continued to oscillate. It does not and the tire is "flat", not bent. So, I am guessing I am just not tightening it evenly enough or there is a trick to it.
But, darn it, I got back out and learned a bunch. This IS why I did this. To learn, and learning I am. I am not learning for the sake of learning, I am learning so that I may maintain my own bike, and adjust it. Perhaps to help other people out too. I guess my first problem was assuming all the parts worked as they should. Ah well. Now I know. And I have a better idea of how to go about some things in the future. I only have a mechanical inclination, I really don't have mechanical experience. Thanks for the help!
Hmm.
.
.
I just noticed something. While I am seemingly in a down phase, my blood pressure is up but felt fluid levels are down. So perhaps blood pressure is the problem? But something else noticeable is that I am strengthening very quickly. Just the bits I do, like working on my bike, seem to add muscle very rapidly. Not that I look like the hulk, or hugely bulk up, but... from my tinkering on the bike, a few hours at a time, several times, my forearms are noticeably larger and definitely tighter. While that doesn't seem possible, I know it is not fluid somehow, and I am sure it is true. With the water gone, I am bulking up very fast. If I could focus, if I had the energy, working out, biking, and hiking would immensely improve actual strength or size or both. I am not sure if that is a natural trait to me or if it is my body doing what it can while it is able to do so, sort of making up for lost time.
About stamina? I don't really have a way to measure that yet. With the bike going, I might be able to ascertain quality and quantity of that. Though I think it is adjusting upward if at a slower pace. I also don't seem to be losing a lot of fat. I had hoped more regular small meals and simply being even more active than after my initial move here would help with fat loss. I think I have plateaued as far as simply being more active and weight loss, and then lost all the water weight I will. The rest will take a effort. I don't want to lose it all, just to drop another twenty pounds and I will be good. For a bruiser I have a pencil neck, so that measure of BMI doesn't work for me. I have to go by weight and function.
I also wonder if bulking up causes me to tire more easily, odd as that may sound. The body doesn't just order out for muscle, it builds it. It takes raw materials, finds damaged muscle fibers, and through a chemical process heavily in need of protein (a prime substance in what I eat) knits muscle. I am tightening everywhere, but whichever part sees the most work gets the most size... forearms, in this case, currently. Or, I could be all wrong. It has happened, you know. Maybe my eyes, and other senses, are going bad. But I think it is true.
.
I just noticed something. While I am seemingly in a down phase, my blood pressure is up but felt fluid levels are down. So perhaps blood pressure is the problem? But something else noticeable is that I am strengthening very quickly. Just the bits I do, like working on my bike, seem to add muscle very rapidly. Not that I look like the hulk, or hugely bulk up, but... from my tinkering on the bike, a few hours at a time, several times, my forearms are noticeably larger and definitely tighter. While that doesn't seem possible, I know it is not fluid somehow, and I am sure it is true. With the water gone, I am bulking up very fast. If I could focus, if I had the energy, working out, biking, and hiking would immensely improve actual strength or size or both. I am not sure if that is a natural trait to me or if it is my body doing what it can while it is able to do so, sort of making up for lost time.
About stamina? I don't really have a way to measure that yet. With the bike going, I might be able to ascertain quality and quantity of that. Though I think it is adjusting upward if at a slower pace. I also don't seem to be losing a lot of fat. I had hoped more regular small meals and simply being even more active than after my initial move here would help with fat loss. I think I have plateaued as far as simply being more active and weight loss, and then lost all the water weight I will. The rest will take a effort. I don't want to lose it all, just to drop another twenty pounds and I will be good. For a bruiser I have a pencil neck, so that measure of BMI doesn't work for me. I have to go by weight and function.
I also wonder if bulking up causes me to tire more easily, odd as that may sound. The body doesn't just order out for muscle, it builds it. It takes raw materials, finds damaged muscle fibers, and through a chemical process heavily in need of protein (a prime substance in what I eat) knits muscle. I am tightening everywhere, but whichever part sees the most work gets the most size... forearms, in this case, currently. Or, I could be all wrong. It has happened, you know. Maybe my eyes, and other senses, are going bad. But I think it is true.
If you are going to mess up...
.
.
Fix it. And I did. Right away, more or less. I had to get my head screwed on right. Between missing appointments, not sleeping well, doing too much last night with too little to work with, and trying to keep balance while I stumble around in the dark, life has been rough this morning. It took a long time to get my feet under me again. But when I did, it has been grand so far.
I contacted the V.A. heart clinic. They had been about to call me. They were actually worried. Wow, they really do think I am about to kick the bucket. This isn't a mild condition, at this level, for most people. Sure, I am only operating at 30% on good days, but I shouldn't be operating at all. This level of heart failure floors most people, and kills a good chunk of them to boot. No, don't even worry. Won't happen. I've got decades left. Of course, that means decades more of whining about it, so don't go getting all happy.
I made another appointment, assured them I was fine, apologized profusely (which seemed to amaze the operator), and am back in good standing. I also called and made an appointment to set up the CPAP after the cardiology appointment. I got directions and have a general idea where they are. I even put these into my smart phone already.
What a little bugger-boo can do to help get one off on the right foot. It seems a little hot and muggy, and I am still reeling from the mistake, so I will give myself a few hours before getting to the bike. From 17:00 to 20:00, if it takes it. I would like to go in to town again today, but will hold off until tomorrow. I will do a ton of business when I take the bike in, if it fits in the X. Bah! Everything is conditional, based on things you can't know, regarding things you aren't sure about. While you can know any one or two or three things, the rest of it is a blur. Or, is that just me? Never... mind... *huff*
.
Fix it. And I did. Right away, more or less. I had to get my head screwed on right. Between missing appointments, not sleeping well, doing too much last night with too little to work with, and trying to keep balance while I stumble around in the dark, life has been rough this morning. It took a long time to get my feet under me again. But when I did, it has been grand so far.
I contacted the V.A. heart clinic. They had been about to call me. They were actually worried. Wow, they really do think I am about to kick the bucket. This isn't a mild condition, at this level, for most people. Sure, I am only operating at 30% on good days, but I shouldn't be operating at all. This level of heart failure floors most people, and kills a good chunk of them to boot. No, don't even worry. Won't happen. I've got decades left. Of course, that means decades more of whining about it, so don't go getting all happy.
I made another appointment, assured them I was fine, apologized profusely (which seemed to amaze the operator), and am back in good standing. I also called and made an appointment to set up the CPAP after the cardiology appointment. I got directions and have a general idea where they are. I even put these into my smart phone already.
What a little bugger-boo can do to help get one off on the right foot. It seems a little hot and muggy, and I am still reeling from the mistake, so I will give myself a few hours before getting to the bike. From 17:00 to 20:00, if it takes it. I would like to go in to town again today, but will hold off until tomorrow. I will do a ton of business when I take the bike in, if it fits in the X. Bah! Everything is conditional, based on things you can't know, regarding things you aren't sure about. While you can know any one or two or three things, the rest of it is a blur. Or, is that just me? Never... mind... *huff*
Dang it, again!
.
.
I missed my appointment today. I did get the trash out, changed litter, and did a few other things. But I simply could not get going and it ended up that the chores were done late. I then could not cool down to sleep, which I simply could not skip this time. I did set the alarm but might as well not have. Waking at 8:00, far too late to make a two hour drive and far too out of things to do so even if the drive was shorter, I went back to bed until noon or so. I will call and figure things out shortly.
And it is already becoming too late to take the bike in. So, I will tinker with it today. D.C. has been offering advice on it. The thing is, this bike is not standard. Some of it makes sense, like not using the top bolt on the handle bars. I know that from having had to install it. The top bolt loosens the front tire shaft from the handle bars. But there are two bolts on the column instead of one. Now, in this instance, the advice makes sense because I know. In others, what does what, where it is, how it works, is all unknown. I keep tinkering though. Dratted thing. Then again, the reason I wanted to try this, assembling it myself, was to learn. And, if slowly and painfully, I am learning. *grins* I love pestering you all. But I really like pestering myself too. Thing is, I need to get this bike up and running, so tomorrow I will get that bike in if it kills me (assuming I don't somehow get it going today). Well, maybe even then to have it checked out.
I will let you know some of the answers (why the "w" in answer... just... aking) to some of your questions, D.C. I hadn't been able to get to working on the bike and didn't know when you queried. I will know later today. About the swing arm, and some other things.
Well, have a great day anyway. I will try. Hey, it's the first appointment I actually missed without calling in six months or a year (uhrm, with a few oddities excluded... not misses, just... reconsiderations or such). Good day.
.
I missed my appointment today. I did get the trash out, changed litter, and did a few other things. But I simply could not get going and it ended up that the chores were done late. I then could not cool down to sleep, which I simply could not skip this time. I did set the alarm but might as well not have. Waking at 8:00, far too late to make a two hour drive and far too out of things to do so even if the drive was shorter, I went back to bed until noon or so. I will call and figure things out shortly.
And it is already becoming too late to take the bike in. So, I will tinker with it today. D.C. has been offering advice on it. The thing is, this bike is not standard. Some of it makes sense, like not using the top bolt on the handle bars. I know that from having had to install it. The top bolt loosens the front tire shaft from the handle bars. But there are two bolts on the column instead of one. Now, in this instance, the advice makes sense because I know. In others, what does what, where it is, how it works, is all unknown. I keep tinkering though. Dratted thing. Then again, the reason I wanted to try this, assembling it myself, was to learn. And, if slowly and painfully, I am learning. *grins* I love pestering you all. But I really like pestering myself too. Thing is, I need to get this bike up and running, so tomorrow I will get that bike in if it kills me (assuming I don't somehow get it going today). Well, maybe even then to have it checked out.
I will let you know some of the answers (why the "w" in answer... just... aking) to some of your questions, D.C. I hadn't been able to get to working on the bike and didn't know when you queried. I will know later today. About the swing arm, and some other things.
Well, have a great day anyway. I will try. Hey, it's the first appointment I actually missed without calling in six months or a year (uhrm, with a few oddities excluded... not misses, just... reconsiderations or such). Good day.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
A good day.
.
.
I made it to town. I had not choice. I was out of tobacco and the cigars just weren't cutting it. I couldn't find my pipe tobacco either, which might have worked better. While in town taking care of my vices, I decided to stop at the store. With some checks loaded into my account, I was able to buy enough meat to last me through the month... or close to it. I should be set for food, though milk might become a bit shy.
I need to stock up on more short term foods, like cans of tuna, pasta, and such. I still have some rice and grains, and the beans and white rice for longer term. But canned veggies, tuna, and a few other things would be very helpful. The less prep needed, the better. Of course, in slow times, I turn to these foods heavily while being less able to get out to replenish. I'm... working on it. But right now money is a bit on the shy side. And next month I have all the 'birthday' bills, taxes on home and auto, insurance, and a ticket for my mother. I should be fine, am fine, I just don't want to get down to zero. I have a very small nest-egg, or more emergency fund. I would like to triple that, but like cases of tuna, that won't happen in the extremely near future.
With it getting so hot, and Sam staying out all day, I am now taking water out to her. I didn't get the water out until a bit past noon today and she consumed about half of those glass ramekins of water in... moments. I was absolutely amazed. I hadn't watched her do that before. Wow. I would like to take food out but she eats so little the food would just draw others, not just cats. Racoons and who knows what else, lurking around.
An appointment in the morning, early. I need to cook some food, I found a ribeye on sale, along with some inexpensive pork cuts wrapped in bacon. The other meats are in the freezer. I love cooking once or twice a week and just coasting on that as long as I can. A grill is a wonderful thing, too, in the summer. Oh, and I best get the trash out and the cat litter and boxes changed out. Those closed boxes are working quite well, once the girls decided they were okay. I never did find any poop around, thankfully. Anyway, that's it in a nutshell. Good night.
.
I made it to town. I had not choice. I was out of tobacco and the cigars just weren't cutting it. I couldn't find my pipe tobacco either, which might have worked better. While in town taking care of my vices, I decided to stop at the store. With some checks loaded into my account, I was able to buy enough meat to last me through the month... or close to it. I should be set for food, though milk might become a bit shy.
I need to stock up on more short term foods, like cans of tuna, pasta, and such. I still have some rice and grains, and the beans and white rice for longer term. But canned veggies, tuna, and a few other things would be very helpful. The less prep needed, the better. Of course, in slow times, I turn to these foods heavily while being less able to get out to replenish. I'm... working on it. But right now money is a bit on the shy side. And next month I have all the 'birthday' bills, taxes on home and auto, insurance, and a ticket for my mother. I should be fine, am fine, I just don't want to get down to zero. I have a very small nest-egg, or more emergency fund. I would like to triple that, but like cases of tuna, that won't happen in the extremely near future.
With it getting so hot, and Sam staying out all day, I am now taking water out to her. I didn't get the water out until a bit past noon today and she consumed about half of those glass ramekins of water in... moments. I was absolutely amazed. I hadn't watched her do that before. Wow. I would like to take food out but she eats so little the food would just draw others, not just cats. Racoons and who knows what else, lurking around.
An appointment in the morning, early. I need to cook some food, I found a ribeye on sale, along with some inexpensive pork cuts wrapped in bacon. The other meats are in the freezer. I love cooking once or twice a week and just coasting on that as long as I can. A grill is a wonderful thing, too, in the summer. Oh, and I best get the trash out and the cat litter and boxes changed out. Those closed boxes are working quite well, once the girls decided they were okay. I never did find any poop around, thankfully. Anyway, that's it in a nutshell. Good night.
What to do?
.
.
I used to be a sort of bison man. No, I looked and seemed gentle, sleepy, often even pleasantly stupid. So does a real bison. Until you stick your nose in his ao. Or even if he thinks you might be considering it. Or, heck, even if you look like someone who once tried it. Maybe just because. Depends on the day. I did things just as wild and wooly, but with the addition of intent and the capacity to sin. I know better and do it anyway, more so when I didn't understand, care. I have worked hard to reform my life. Okay, painting a red barely street legal hot-rod a pleasant blue doesn't really change much. Even putting on sensible sound dampening mufflers isn't going to do much, I can make up the horsepower loss by focusing on shifting just a tadge more. And, to a degree, there isn't much I can do, save indicate a different direction.
So, what to do when someone asks me about the how to's of my past. Do I say, well, punch him in the face three times, if he laughs at that mash his nads until he is bleeding through his nose, taste his drink if you like it take it if you don't spit in it, take his wallet, and ask his girlfriend out? Or am I supposed to say, well, just avoid him. And if he continues to bug you, call the police? Hell, I wouldn't do that even today. I simply am not sure whether I should be giving advice. First of all, I was lucky to survive half of it. Luckily no one decided I was too stacked so a gun was necessary, or a knife. Or, well, no one with a knife quite... got it in me, no where vital, or... yea. And, I didn't end up with any of the diseases out there, I don't have a dozen kids (that I know of), I wasn't shot beside in fights by a jealous husband or boyfriend, an angry dad, brother, or even the woman herself. Though all of those had good cause, at some point. If there is a way to do something wrong, I know it. At least in the straight and fighting world. I don't think most people are geared for it.
Whether right or wrong in my self-assessment and approaches, even if it is all fiction or all true, doesn't matter. If it works. And it does. If you do what you are supposed to do. But, do you want to? Really? Are you able to pull it off? Are you sure? If you are hesitating at all answering these questions, getting Ms. Siouxsie R. C.'s bra undone without giggling ain't going to happen. Don't mess. Yoda, again... do, or do not... there is no 'try'. I've stayed celibate for years, trying to get my head wrapped around right. I doubt it worked, then again I don't have four common and two exotic venereal diseases. I don't have 3 kids from 5 mothers, somehow, at least recently (I'm just saying, it gets a little dirty and gnarly in the love drama thing). I simply am not sure. Some people really shouldn't even have sugar! Be careful, that's all I'm saying.
.
I used to be a sort of bison man. No, I looked and seemed gentle, sleepy, often even pleasantly stupid. So does a real bison. Until you stick your nose in his ao. Or even if he thinks you might be considering it. Or, heck, even if you look like someone who once tried it. Maybe just because. Depends on the day. I did things just as wild and wooly, but with the addition of intent and the capacity to sin. I know better and do it anyway, more so when I didn't understand, care. I have worked hard to reform my life. Okay, painting a red barely street legal hot-rod a pleasant blue doesn't really change much. Even putting on sensible sound dampening mufflers isn't going to do much, I can make up the horsepower loss by focusing on shifting just a tadge more. And, to a degree, there isn't much I can do, save indicate a different direction.
So, what to do when someone asks me about the how to's of my past. Do I say, well, punch him in the face three times, if he laughs at that mash his nads until he is bleeding through his nose, taste his drink if you like it take it if you don't spit in it, take his wallet, and ask his girlfriend out? Or am I supposed to say, well, just avoid him. And if he continues to bug you, call the police? Hell, I wouldn't do that even today. I simply am not sure whether I should be giving advice. First of all, I was lucky to survive half of it. Luckily no one decided I was too stacked so a gun was necessary, or a knife. Or, well, no one with a knife quite... got it in me, no where vital, or... yea. And, I didn't end up with any of the diseases out there, I don't have a dozen kids (that I know of), I wasn't shot beside in fights by a jealous husband or boyfriend, an angry dad, brother, or even the woman herself. Though all of those had good cause, at some point. If there is a way to do something wrong, I know it. At least in the straight and fighting world. I don't think most people are geared for it.
Whether right or wrong in my self-assessment and approaches, even if it is all fiction or all true, doesn't matter. If it works. And it does. If you do what you are supposed to do. But, do you want to? Really? Are you able to pull it off? Are you sure? If you are hesitating at all answering these questions, getting Ms. Siouxsie R. C.'s bra undone without giggling ain't going to happen. Don't mess. Yoda, again... do, or do not... there is no 'try'. I've stayed celibate for years, trying to get my head wrapped around right. I doubt it worked, then again I don't have four common and two exotic venereal diseases. I don't have 3 kids from 5 mothers, somehow, at least recently (I'm just saying, it gets a little dirty and gnarly in the love drama thing). I simply am not sure. Some people really shouldn't even have sugar! Be careful, that's all I'm saying.
A little success, already?
.
.
Yep. Up earlier. For now it is considered a small victory. Should I be able to maintain waking earlier, however, it will be a downright coup against an entrenched personal paradigm. In the last two decades, while I have had better health, more function, and at times could run a regular schedule for a while, I never could reverse my sleep patterns. I could never get up earlier, on a regular basis. If I wanted to change my sleep patterns from day to night I had to change my internal clock by staying up later and later, never being able to just get up earlier. Of course, as much as I am lacking function, I am not sure what that is worth, really. Never mind, I'll take it if I can keep it. Perhaps in time all these improvements will come together all at one time.
While today is a day of rest, as I have said before, since I am sort of resigned to rest on far too many days, if I can work today, I will. God has to understand that. I think D.C. probably gets some allowance too. Oh, and perhaps you there. You know who you are. There is no way He couldn't. While some are quite stringent, and should be if they lead a typical life, I have to give allowances. Oh, I probably won't get to putting the roof on the coop, mind you. Simply dishes. If I could find a way to finishing those up today, I will. And, I am going to look the bike over. Damned brakes! I won't give it more than an hour of time though. I am thinking about seeing if I can fit the thing in my vehicle. If I can, and then use bungee cords to secure it, I will take it on my trip. I should be back through town early enough to take it in to the bike assembler. Besides, I have other questions. The handlebars are supposed to be adjustable, for example, height-wise. I would very much like them higher than what they are. I really didn't find that to be the case if I became 'violently' distracted by the brakes so I haven't dug into it. And I am curious about how to set it up for more serious inclines, should I get to that point. I will probably never truly mountain bike, and I don't think this would be the rig to run with that, so I simply need ideas to optimize this for a street, or at most gravel, and some hills, bike. Keep it stupid, Simple! :p
While in town I will do a bit more shopping. I skipped meat the last time I shopped. I had some here at home, if just a bit, and my money was a little shy last time. So, I went with cheap and easy, save for a true old school Italian sausage (cold cut variety). I still had plenty of cheese and crackers. Carrots, apples, milk, celery, and a very few other things, price calculating as I went, saw me through $36 of the $39 in my pocket. Ah well.
While looking at various livestock last night, I hit upon a notion. I have been wanting a haul trailer, of some sort, for a while. If I start buying and perhaps selling goats, or even a cow, and with a horse on the wish list, I looked for trailers. I saw one horse trailer, last night, for less than any of the haul trailers I have seen, in excellent shape, which could easily work for anything I would need. I don't quite have the money currently, but I now have an idea that could cut certain expected expenses substantially. I could easily haul furniture, branches and leaves over to the city drop site, and any of the animals I might purchase, probably sum total, in an older but well maintained four horse trailer. Sure, quite a large item to tow, but... not even all that if designed a little wider and shorter.
When you seem at wits end about some things, there always seems to be a way if you are patient (and rich). :p Ah, in time. And a good thing. Too much money could get me in way over my head faster than lightening. Still, if I had the cash, and after looking the thing over to make sure it was as solid as promised (now I honestly have some capacity to do that, meaning I would take my heavy rubber mallet to check... the tires and for rust under paint and thinned walls/flooring), I would buy that. A steal at a little under $4k (if all true). And I bet if "all I had" was $3k, I might even be able to walk with it. Well, not REALLY walk with it. Work with me people!
Have a great day.
.
Yep. Up earlier. For now it is considered a small victory. Should I be able to maintain waking earlier, however, it will be a downright coup against an entrenched personal paradigm. In the last two decades, while I have had better health, more function, and at times could run a regular schedule for a while, I never could reverse my sleep patterns. I could never get up earlier, on a regular basis. If I wanted to change my sleep patterns from day to night I had to change my internal clock by staying up later and later, never being able to just get up earlier. Of course, as much as I am lacking function, I am not sure what that is worth, really. Never mind, I'll take it if I can keep it. Perhaps in time all these improvements will come together all at one time.
While today is a day of rest, as I have said before, since I am sort of resigned to rest on far too many days, if I can work today, I will. God has to understand that. I think D.C. probably gets some allowance too. Oh, and perhaps you there. You know who you are. There is no way He couldn't. While some are quite stringent, and should be if they lead a typical life, I have to give allowances. Oh, I probably won't get to putting the roof on the coop, mind you. Simply dishes. If I could find a way to finishing those up today, I will. And, I am going to look the bike over. Damned brakes! I won't give it more than an hour of time though. I am thinking about seeing if I can fit the thing in my vehicle. If I can, and then use bungee cords to secure it, I will take it on my trip. I should be back through town early enough to take it in to the bike assembler. Besides, I have other questions. The handlebars are supposed to be adjustable, for example, height-wise. I would very much like them higher than what they are. I really didn't find that to be the case if I became 'violently' distracted by the brakes so I haven't dug into it. And I am curious about how to set it up for more serious inclines, should I get to that point. I will probably never truly mountain bike, and I don't think this would be the rig to run with that, so I simply need ideas to optimize this for a street, or at most gravel, and some hills, bike. Keep it stupid, Simple! :p
While in town I will do a bit more shopping. I skipped meat the last time I shopped. I had some here at home, if just a bit, and my money was a little shy last time. So, I went with cheap and easy, save for a true old school Italian sausage (cold cut variety). I still had plenty of cheese and crackers. Carrots, apples, milk, celery, and a very few other things, price calculating as I went, saw me through $36 of the $39 in my pocket. Ah well.
While looking at various livestock last night, I hit upon a notion. I have been wanting a haul trailer, of some sort, for a while. If I start buying and perhaps selling goats, or even a cow, and with a horse on the wish list, I looked for trailers. I saw one horse trailer, last night, for less than any of the haul trailers I have seen, in excellent shape, which could easily work for anything I would need. I don't quite have the money currently, but I now have an idea that could cut certain expected expenses substantially. I could easily haul furniture, branches and leaves over to the city drop site, and any of the animals I might purchase, probably sum total, in an older but well maintained four horse trailer. Sure, quite a large item to tow, but... not even all that if designed a little wider and shorter.
When you seem at wits end about some things, there always seems to be a way if you are patient (and rich). :p Ah, in time. And a good thing. Too much money could get me in way over my head faster than lightening. Still, if I had the cash, and after looking the thing over to make sure it was as solid as promised (now I honestly have some capacity to do that, meaning I would take my heavy rubber mallet to check... the tires and for rust under paint and thinned walls/flooring), I would buy that. A steal at a little under $4k (if all true). And I bet if "all I had" was $3k, I might even be able to walk with it. Well, not REALLY walk with it. Work with me people!
Have a great day.
While not sleeping...
.
.
Though I would much rather have been asleep several hours ago, it just didn't happen. So, I started researching chickens and goats. It seems the prices have come down quite a bit on Boer goats, as I am seeing purebreds in the $100 range, plus or minus $40. Big goats, but fairly docile. Great for meat. But that would mean I might need a doe or two for milk, another breed. Actually, two meat does and one milk doe would probably be my notion of correct proportions. I don't know, over time I will figure that out. As for chickens, so far I think the New Hampshire Red seems to be my pick. I will look over breeds more in the next weeks. A single breed seems fine by me, especially a dual purpose breed. But first, the roof and feed and water systems. Oh, and perhaps purchasing a solar panel to power a single light and timer for the light, for in the coop. Uhrm, oh, and getting the coop and area cleaned out and a run constructed. Bah!
During the day, in spite of realizing it was Saturday earlier in the day, I began to believe it was Sunday by mid-afternoon. Oh well, at least I didn't think it was Monday and head to SLC or something. Could have happened. I am hoping that as bad as things are is as bad as they will get. It is starting to get rough around the edges. Life is becoming complicated. Motivation is well and truly gone. Ah well, for now I at least feel good. And I am keeping up on everything but dishes. Bleh. And the cats still love me, sort of. Sassy really is still a kitty. She looks full grown, and acts it mostly, but she is still very dependent. She is also a bit more moody than she needs to be, though that might be an immature form of jealousy. But she has learned not to claw, Sam has always been quite kind about not puncturing my skin.
Good night. A bowl of cherries and a glass of milk should see me well into sleep. Good night for certain.
.
Though I would much rather have been asleep several hours ago, it just didn't happen. So, I started researching chickens and goats. It seems the prices have come down quite a bit on Boer goats, as I am seeing purebreds in the $100 range, plus or minus $40. Big goats, but fairly docile. Great for meat. But that would mean I might need a doe or two for milk, another breed. Actually, two meat does and one milk doe would probably be my notion of correct proportions. I don't know, over time I will figure that out. As for chickens, so far I think the New Hampshire Red seems to be my pick. I will look over breeds more in the next weeks. A single breed seems fine by me, especially a dual purpose breed. But first, the roof and feed and water systems. Oh, and perhaps purchasing a solar panel to power a single light and timer for the light, for in the coop. Uhrm, oh, and getting the coop and area cleaned out and a run constructed. Bah!
During the day, in spite of realizing it was Saturday earlier in the day, I began to believe it was Sunday by mid-afternoon. Oh well, at least I didn't think it was Monday and head to SLC or something. Could have happened. I am hoping that as bad as things are is as bad as they will get. It is starting to get rough around the edges. Life is becoming complicated. Motivation is well and truly gone. Ah well, for now I at least feel good. And I am keeping up on everything but dishes. Bleh. And the cats still love me, sort of. Sassy really is still a kitty. She looks full grown, and acts it mostly, but she is still very dependent. She is also a bit more moody than she needs to be, though that might be an immature form of jealousy. But she has learned not to claw, Sam has always been quite kind about not puncturing my skin.
Good night. A bowl of cherries and a glass of milk should see me well into sleep. Good night for certain.
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