Life in the slow lane.

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Trying to pick up some speed but between my heavy butt, little opportunity, and holding my breath to save some green, it is tricky. I have found that when I have major financials in the works, the rest of life can come to a screeching halt while I am seeing what will, can, should, and does happen. Yeah, money does dictate what I may and may not do. No, no, I am not poor. But I certainly am not rich. I could probably sell what of my life I have and obtain a decent penny, but it would be at the cost of all else. At least, as things currently sit.

At least I am allowing one major purchase, probably early this coming month. Skis, bindings, boots, and poles for cross country, telemark, touring/back country, or some such. I have yet to figure out what I want. I know what each does, mostly, though I would like real input from a real person. The internet is fine as far as it goes, but without the ability to answer MY questions after reading the bits, it just does not fill the whole void. I am hoping one set will see me to my short and medium term skiing goals of cross country, a bit of downhill, and maybe light trailblazing. What would be even better is to have it so that some of the equipment might work for more of the goals. As an example, maybe the poles and boots could work on all the setups I am viewing, or the skis would work with a mere change of bindings. I realize I might have to surrender optimal for subpar, but with versatility I would pay that price. Still, I want optimization in my gains and losses, and that will require a real ski guru. No complaints, this task gives me a task that is real, reasonable, doable, and present. Either this month or next, I should have the decisions made and either have the kit or have it on order.

Skiing is definitely on Sunday. I may have to call my friend Saturday afternoon. Actually, I he wants me to anyway. I plan on gifting him with some thermal long underwear and a thermal undershirt. He is planning on all cotton (two pair of jeans), and I do not want him getting sick or frostbitten. The more realistically comfortable and safe he is, the better the chance of a repeat performance. I will be going on my own as well, still, I do not wish to go solo all of the time. Hey, who knows, maybe he will strike it rich and be grateful. He is the new kid on the block, and I know what that is like. What I spend on him is quite minor, in the scheme of things too, so it is not a strain (buying a house, two rents, and such, those are strains).

Well, I need to get ready and visit the ski shop. And, the electric smoking device for my mother is in. So, it is off my buns and into the snowbank for me. Have a great one. Always remember, you have friends. Just ask. Just ask me if nothing else. I am not a great friend, more like a stuffed teddy bear. But uhrm, sometimes that is all people need. Auri voir. lols

Another day, some progress.

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It looks like I will have a skiing partner for this weekend, just Sunday instead of Saturday. I will be checking the ski rental shop to see if they offer crossover bindings on some skis for rent. Bindings where the heel detaches or attaches for whichever terrain is present. If not, I may need to buy them. Downhill on cross country skis is a bit risky. Doable but risky. I will not lose weight with a broken leg or punctured lung, probably. :p

I keep trying to catch up with cleaning, but make more messes than I clean. Nothing major, I just prefer home cooked foods. I have the cooking down, but the cleaning... not so much. There is a dishwasher here, I just do not like the way things come out of them. Dreary, with spots, and I have not found how to fix that. I have not tried all of the soaps, but the ones I have do not succeed at their claims. Glasses (real glass) and silverware are my main issues. Those need to be (look) spotless. It is just one of those things for me.

I was at the tobacco shop today and it was odd. The people who work there look like hippies, give or take. Oh, they are nice. I always chat them up. The guys and dolls are rather nice and inviting, really (unlike they often were in Iowa City, though I did not mind that either mostly). But they were unhappy with the current prez. It seems he is doing things which is hurting their business. I guess the latest is deciding that flavorings for an electric cigarette are to be banned because they "entice children to smoke". Wait until they get the full load of what the crimi-in-charge is doing. They will beg for Bush, who did not care what they do so long as it is reasonable, or at least quiet. Who would have thunk? Well, other than those who think.

Well, that is all for today. Return tomorrow, or the day after, or... *sigh* My blogging has kflopped. (kflopped is a stolen and mutilated a bit German language thing) Have a great day, and weekend!

Life is going slowly.

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I had hoped to get more done this week than what has been done, but so goes life. Not just for me I believe. I have gotten out a few times, made some plans, and have some ongoing projects in the works. A few orders have been placed and are either on their way to final destinations or just coming in. The place is beginning to look normal again, give or take, after my visitor. Shopping has been done and cooking is resuming. Oh, and my body is back to normal and has been for a while.

I am not sure if my friend will be skiing this weekend. He was called to do something Saturday, so he cannot, though perhaps Sunday he says. I will rent the skis Saturday afternoon and go Sunday, alone if I must. He has full weeks, and when he is called on Saturday, I have doubts about trying to push one more day by skiing Sunday. We have limits. When I go to the ski shop this time, I am going to ask if they have crossover skis, good for cross country (heals are not bound) and down hill (heals are bound). I know they make such bindings, if I cannot remember what they are called. They may not rent them though, they are rather pricey. I will see if they offer them for sale in their shop. I would like to rig for trail breaking, but that is a bit heavy for standard trails and probably a huge leap out of my league at this point. So, I will probably go with standard to medium and worry about the heavy gear if I get to that point.

We have an inversion, locally, it seems. That, from what I gather and put simply, is when fog comes in and stays, low and thick. When the warning is red, heavy outdoor exercise is advised against as the air is bad. Vehicle exhaust, factory smoke, and such cannot escape. We have had that two or three times this winter. Since I am mostly a house pet, it does not concern me too much. I am not sure if this is a problem where I ski, though I should ask. Then again, there are other places to ski which would not be affected, if I am unfamiliar with them to date.

If I do not like it, I have mostly decided to let school go for the semester. With so many things happening this fall, another move, visit preparations, and a dozen other little things killing my time, sapping my energy, and causing general confusion, I am simply not in "the place" for it. As well, knowing I will have to move in the spring immediately after school would get out does not sound fun. I keep looking at it, trying to figure a way, though. I hate to let another semester pass, for a dozen reasons. But it might be quite foolish to attempt such an endeavor so off-kilter. One more slop shot and I will not have the temerity to return. I must be ready for a last run at the thing. Yes, and I do mean temerity. All medical has absolutely advised against me going to school in the first place. One more plug for the medical field, if you needed more about that from here.

I hope your winter is not too harsh? Bah, if it is, move! :p

Cooking out.

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Well, we finally got out. My former neighbor could not make it, he had a tooth come out and needs to see the dentist. We drove up the Logan Canyon a bit, pulled into a camping area with fire rings, gathered wood, talked quite a bit, cooked brots and such, and then ate. My newer friend is a bit uptight, I think. He needs to learn how to relax, I mean really relax. He is always on edge. I wondered if it was his program, he is working on his doctorate. But I am beginning to think it is just him. If we get together, I think I might be able to show him how to take life as it comes. I stress on some things, but no longer allow myself to twitch at everything, or even most things. He sometimes thinks a snapping branch is somehow aimed at him. No, I am not laughing, mostly. I have been there, done that, and quit it over time.

I pray he gets talked into doing more with his teeth. He really needs about $1400 to $2000 and he will be set for, most likely, the rest of his life. He has been quite reluctant, and I think for a number of reasons. Now he has to step in and the dental shop may work with him a bit more. I might be able to put some decent money on this, next month. I want to start building a reserve for the house and in general, and this is my first easy money month, so if he will just get them to give him a real new quote, I will have something to work with. Depending, I would be willing to put $400 up front and promise $600 to $800 in $200 a month payments. It would help him a great deal.

My newer friend and I are planning on going skiing next weekend. I do not think he could handle the whole enchilada, then again I did not think I could. He is nervous about the downhill, but then so am I and I told him. I suggested we just do that first 1/3rd or so, and if still in good shape, do it twice. He likes the plan. He is a sharp guy, if he can learn to relax a bit, I think he might learn to enjoy life a bit more. Exercise sort of forces you to relax by taking the hot air right out of you. Ha! Works for me. Life looks different on the other side of physical exhaustion and comfort. Cold, tired, wet, and even a hot dog warmed over fire sounds good.

I ought to get a few things sorted out. And, actually, I think I will. Nothing can be done until Monday, save perhaps a little list being created. A few things are actually in the works, but the two big things would be contacting the school (and maybe getting in this term) and contacting the broker about a house. There are other things, but these are the most pressing or time sensitive.

That is it. A new year, a new day, and a new week dawning soon enough. Take care.

Happy New Year!

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I can only hope you can enjoy this day and celebrate in some fashion. If it is only real on paper, arbitrarily picked to some degree, it is still a second chance, a beginning, and the close of the last year. I thought to buy a bottle of champagne, nothing fancy but not cheap either. It was not to be had, I waited too late to look. I decided on a sherry. It was not my usual brand but it is a nicer one or so my wallet says.

Staying up until midnight may not be my thing. Nor, probably, will I consume the whole bottle. A few sips and I think I will be off to bed early tonight. So, cheers! And, good night.

A drive, dinner, and success.

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My friend and I started out about noon. He had called ahead to our first destination and there were primers available. Up to a box of 1,000 primers could be purchased at the first store, but they only had them in small pistol and a few magnum types. My friend purchased 500 of the CCI, all they had. He skipped on buying a whole box of Remington, though I think he gets a bit confused or is merely quietly sure and cannot always hear and or respond (to me or clerks).

We decided to go to Ogden, he wanted bullets for his 9 mm and I was hoping for large rifle and large pistol. Sure enough, and unusually, they had them. The first place we stopped though, was a mess. They initially said we could buy three little boxes (100 per little box) of the various types. We both thought they meant say, CCI and Winchester large pistol or large rifle. Not so. Good thing we checked our bags before we left the parking lot. Neither of us can use large magnum pistol or rifle. We did get 9 little boxes of large rifle (somehow) and 6 little boxes of large pistol between us. It was messy, they did not want to give us what we wanted, I felt tricked, and then they were not happy about the returns. Done and out of there though.

The next place offered a single box (1,000) large rifle, if meant for bench rifles they will work for any rifle. That was all they had, so I took them. The final place only offered large pistol primers, but we could buy 2,000 of them. I bought 2,000, he bought 1,000 and some powder. It was a fine day for getting my stock somewhat closer to my goals. He was not disappointed either, coming away with brass polisher, large and small pistol primers, bullets for his 9 mm, and more powder. I should be set up to begin when I get to a place where I can develop a reloading station of a more permanent nature. I will still look, just not as hungrily, and my list has grown noticeably shorter. *cheers*

So, we went to dinner at a place called Maddox. The place I have bragged up before. This time, when the waitress came by with the check, she asked how things were. I told her what I wrote here last time, that their steaks equal the next best steak I have eaten in my career of ribeye consumption, and at about 1/3rd the price. I thought it would end there, but she went and told the owner on me. Thankfully he did not come and visit, it would have embarrassed me. But she did say that my comment made his day and he knew the town I was talking about (Ithaca, N.Y.), and perhaps the steak house as well, though she was not sure. She thanked me for the compliment and I suggested that there was no need to thank me, that they had earned the compliment. She was a very happy waitress. A good end to a good day.

I am tired though. The Xterra drives well on the sometimes snowy, icy looking at times, roads, but I worry about other drivers. On the way back there was a warning to drive in four wheel drive or use chains. I shifted down to it and drove slower. I was very surprised to see little cars which could not possibly have had four wheel drive whiz by me. No skin off my teeth, I decided to go slow and low. But driving with drivers like that on roads like that, and worse in the city, wears me out more than standard driving. Home safe and sound, as I said, I am a bit tired but elated to be in better standing regarding primers as well.

Good night.

A new day, a little more going on.

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Sleep is good, lately. Neither too much nor too little. Timing, as usual, can be a little off and yet it has generally been a day schedule. I woke unusually early this morning, rising at about 03:00 hours almost on the dot. I have simply been tinkering in that game I enjoy so much, filling out the last bit on my newest character. When that character is completed, I will have 8 characters who have done all missions in 3 campaigns (campaigns are equivalent to games, but are connected), plus an add on which might also be called a campaign. Though the add on is shorter, it is a good deal more difficult, evening it all out.

My friend will be contacting some sources of primers today. More local sources. If they are not available, we will travel. Heck, even if they are available, we may well hit the road just to see what else we can find. He likes to get out, as do I. The summer is easier for him, this cold is a bit much these days. I think if he could find a way south, he would take it. The difficulty of moving and the proximity to family and those who know him make such a venture, at his age and in his health, a non-starter. He has seen other places, lived in California, but he is where he needs to be to finish his days, I think.

I am doing a bit better with my lady friend's visit completed. As minor as it seems, it was an epic event for me. Cleaning, purchasing, rental, tickets, luggage, cooking, and being a host used every resource and trick to get myself going I could use. I must be honest, I did not end up doing everything I had hoped, some of my plans simply did not work, and not all of my cleaning chores were completed. But it was enough. She called me this morning to talk about the luggage and some other things and to, once again, thank me. And, that does make it worth it. Imagine being well and truly alone on this planet, because of your nature and history and sex. She is in a place few but fools could envy.

However, this was a one time thing. If she wishes to come out in the future, she will not be a guest but merely a visiting friend. She will be on her own a good bit of the time. I will neither cook specifically for her nor wait on her. I will do this once for each person who visits me, their first visit. After that, they are simple guests and will need to make due on their own to some larger extent. I will, of course, provide provisions. And, when I cook, they will be welcome to my offering. My mother is probably the one exception. Not that I will be subservient on her visits, merely that we have a long time relationship and it does not fit in these systems. God sort of created that parent child thing, we just developed our own system around that, and so it is.

With the stress of the visit and Christmas over, mostly, I am finding that there is a little more going on for me. I am beginning to function better and hope to be up and running a bit better in no time. I might even begin looking for the last bit of paperwork to take in to school and see about all that stuff. I am a bit nervous about it all, but school for engineers is maddening to say the least. This spring or next fall, or to put it another way soon or late, I will be back in school if they will accept me. I want it like someone with appendicitis wants surgery. Very much so and not at all. Ha!

Well, a quick nap before my friend calls and I should be in good order. Oh, I just checked. I have gained 5 pounds over Christmas (so far). I doubt if I will gain more as I am running out of goodies. I am back to drinking regular Coke, but I have been doing that for several months. I tried to use it as a method of gaining energy and because nothing else tasted good (along with the fact I was running out of CO2 cylinders for the water, was worried about money, and was having difficulty keeping bottled water on tap as I was not able to get out as much as I had been). Diabetes must be insanely out of order, but then it always was. The medicine, as I have said, did nothing or caused drops below 60. I know, I know, fasting. But I do that from time to time simply due to the nature of my stress exhaustion. Two and three days can pass without so much as a cracker passing the palate.

Anyway... nap time. Have a great day.

Skiing may be on.

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I spoke with a friend of mine, and I do believe he wishes to partake in my newly found adventure. He is very interested in losing some weight. To that end he is considering going vegetarian (I will work on that, but for the moment...). I asked if he would still indulge in my twice monthly meals, as I have bone-in ribeye and a very nice roast in the queue. He did not have to think long, suggesting that it would be rude (or something) not to indulge. In any case, I think the skiing will help both of us lose some serious weight.

This weekend we will be doing a cookout, brots and fixings, cooked over an open fire somewhere in Logan Canyon, I believe. I will bring chips, sauerkraut, and soda. I took him and his roommate some of my Mom's Christmas breads and cookies and gave another friend some. It was too much for one guy to eat and I hated the thought of her hard work going to waist. It felt like being back in the Navy... when someone received a care package from home, they would split it out with their bestest buds. I also gifted them with a little money to help with a chainsaw they want (for the cookouts). I think the simple gesture really was meaningful to them. All good, all good. My first months here were quite rough financially and in most ways, I understand.

My lady friend received her luggage almost immediately. She was quite thankful, and yet will remember the losing of the luggage for a long time. Hopefully too, though, she will remember that they remedied it rather quickly and painlessly both times. The last time, somehow, it had not even been tagged and they found it and returned it that same day (they now deliver the luggage right to the front door, hotel, or where ever indicated). I hope the trip gave her some time to enjoy a little life, to imagine a better life, and to work towards it. I worry about her but I can only lead a horse to water, with ideas, the horse has to drink all on her own. I am not suggesting a relationship other than what we have, only some things she could do to not live in such a retched financial and social state.

Life is definitely good here. I need to get back on track toward more improvements in my life. Getting out skiing and cooking out will help. Maybe checking in on school to see where I fit and whether I should wait or not might be good too. Though still a bit stiff and sore, I have found that sitting around is much worse than getting busy, even if I am tired. As I said, whether I do things or not, I am tired anyway. So I might as well get out and do something, anything. This Wednesday, my shooting friend and I are going to look around for primers. I am getting low and he is pretty much out. If we cannot find them locally, we will head for Ogden and see what they have in stock. Lucky or not, we will at least be getting out and doing something.

Yes, life is good. Be well.

Merry Christmas, if late as usual!

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I had meant to post a Christmas themed something a few days before Christmas itself, however, life tended toward way to busy.

My lady friend was probably going to be visiting, I had gifts to buy, food to arrange, a vehicle and place to clean, and a few other odds and ends. I thought I had it pretty well in line. Thinking and reality sometimes diverge at the most inconvenient of moments. Some tasks which I had thought would take an hour, or even a half an hour optimally, ended up taking 3 or more. Tasks I had thought done came undone. Gifts I thought would have taken but a visit to one store... *sigh* Some gifts have yet to be located!

On the good side, I was thanked by the Queen of Darkness, for such a wonderful time. She did not thank me once, she thanked me in and throughout and even after the visit. I remembered her favorite foods and her requested foods, I took her comfort and interests to heart, I ensured she had what she needed and some of what she wanted, my gifts were appropriate and appreciated (save one, but uhrm, I came out ahead on that one and it is bound to happen). That in spite of us having vigorous disagreements about the same old things. Though I think I "expanded" her mind on these things too. She was getting upset, as she usually does, so I suggested she attempt to not take the debates personally. I have no difficulty with becoming passionate, I do that myself. But I do not need her to agree with me, nor do I care what she believes if I will not tolerate her version of intolerance without a struggle. I think she is actually thinking about my techniques of dealing with such hardy arguments. I fling and forget, give or take, there are no wounds to heal at the conclusion. She seems to get in fits. Good thing SHE does not have high blood pressure. Ha!

And more, I did successfully get her out to "cross-country" ski. I use quotation marks because our cross-country journey was more like hiking, mountain hiking at that. Our trip took us over 4 1/2 hours, but closer to 5 hours, to complete. Half of it was up a mountain, the rest was downhill skiing, neither is quite what I think of when I hear "cross-country" skiing. I swear, she really does want to see me dead. I found first a second wind, then a third, and the last quarter of the trip up the mountain I was going on faith alone. Downhill, I knew, if I could survive it, would be much quicker, a good deal easier, and much more dangerous regarding broken limbs, body, and such.

I did amazingly well as inactive as I have been since my friend is not so interested in getting out in the winter weather. I would guess we did about 4 or 5 miles up and in, and then back that same amount. Quite an amazing deed, for my condition. I fell less than she did. I fell about 7 times. The last one was fancy though. It was on one of the steepest of the downhill sections and near the end of the downhill part. I meant to do it because I was pretty sure I could not make the slight curve of the path ahead and did not wish to go off the path into a tree or rock. I hit very hard, at about 20 miles per hour if I had to guess. I landed on my side as I had intended, bounced into the air several times, and rolled while bouncing so that my skis did what I call helicopters. Meh, I was built well. I am, so far, only muscle sore in the legs from the exhertion, no bruises and the elbow I thought might just be tenderized is quite fine instead. The fall(s) did not damage my corporeal goods.

I really was correct about my bear like nature. I did not wear a hat or other ear coverings. The weather was sunny (and actually shining for the top 1/3 of the run) but below freezing. No frostbite. I think I will do more skiing, now that I know where to rent (and only about $12 for a day), where to go to ski, and have learned a bit, once I recover a bit that is. I will not go quite so far though. I would like to practice that bottom third, where the steepest run is. Both for getting up it and for learning to do the downhill part. I figure, if I do that section, if I am tired I can go home, have lunch, and maybe hit it later. If I am not tiring, I can hit it two or three times. I get the most demanding section right there near the bottom. Plus, if I really break something, I have an easier time getting help from other skiers and from medical. Though too, my pride will often be bruised more than anything else.

No camera went with, quite by memory failure. It turns out that was a good thing. The camera would most likely be no more. As I learn, and become sure of myself, I will bring it along at some point. I know, promises promises. And, true, it may end up being broken, but understand that it is in my list, just like the skiing. We will see. I have asked one of my newer friends if he would like to go. It would be good to have someone to go with from time to time. Though, as I have learned in the past, it is best not to rely on friends.

Nothing religious this Christmas, other than loving people who do not necessarily love me. She really does detest me, you know. She does not understand that I am offering her a chance to love someone between her neighbor and her enemy. If she can see her way to it, she has more of a chance at life. I, too, get the idea that my former neighbor really does not like me at times. He was from a rough crew, he was always trouble I think, and he does not understand or appreciate my lawful, religious, respectful nature. If he likes me, he likes me situationally, partially, something. But inside, too, I sense a deep scorn or resentment. He does not like rules, much like my lady friend. Never mind, that is not the point.

I do, sometimes, feel quite alone. No, not lonely, though from time to time there is that. Simply, I feel as if there is no one on the same page. Conservatives who hate cops (I understand some skepticism, but damn it, not hate), or Christians who believe the Church (the fundamental guidance, not necessarily one particular priest/preacher/minister or congregation) is a bit dated or not really a factor in their lives, and such are supposed to be mine so are very frustrating. Liberals do not really get me upset, I understand they are completely blind. It is rare to find someone with a simple honest view of the world and themselves in it. Most seem to want to do only what they wish to do, and often that is to make themselves feel good, never mind the rules, laws, traditions, or such. I believe in these things, these rules and such, so long as they are just and right and follow God's wishes. I understand too, that as broken as I am, I can still lead. As such, I choose to lead in the right direction as far as I am able. If I am leading an army or just myself, it is a lonely place.

Well, it was a good Christmas. A familiar face, a few gifts out the door and in, and a new sport started. I hope your Christmas was something you can enjoy for the year and which will make up for all the advertisements in poor taste, silly songs, and "ho, ho, ho"'s you have had to endure. I suppose I am a bit of a grinch, that way, but are you not? :p Yes, a little family if only on the phone, some familiar faces, a few gifts, and just maybe a good bit of thought about what Christmas really is, the beginning of the potential of heaven on earth and, truly, good will to all mankind. And further, a little look at what heaven might look like, if all goes relatively smoothly. Merry (late) Christmas. And, a Happy (early) New Year!

How can time slip by so slowly so quickly?

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I hate when I am both holding my breath and pushing forward, but it happens. These times are so odd in that time teams to be barely creeping forward at a rocket's pace. Uhrm, yes, that about covers it. Yeah, no I do not understand it.

Less than a week and my lady friend, unless she cancels, will be here. There are odds and ends to do if nothing large. I must remember to get the trash and recycling out next week the day before she arrives. I forgot this week. Then again, it is winter, anything I put in it will freeze so there is no smell. As well, neither would be more than 2/3rds full even if I pack in a bit more. I use little so throw away little. There are a few details I need to tend, one timed to earlier in the day she arrives but most just odds and ends to be done or not. A quick once around general clean on the day before she is set to arrive should see me in good stead, if I wanted to stop there.

I received a call yesterday from my newer former neighbor. He and his friend were set to go into the canyon to cook brats and asked if I would like to go. I agreed, asked what I might bring, and was told he would call at noon. He did not call at noon, so... I am sure he will let me know what happened sometime. I, for my sake, am not worried. If he does it three times in easy memory, I just do not agree to his ideas. I will still invite him over, I just will not accept invitations. Life is really easy, very easy, if one does not generate emotional attachments to everything and lives simply.

Well, enough about me. Since I do not know about you, how about we close with a prayer? For you of course, silly people! :P

Have a great day.

Living on the edge.

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I am staying busy even when there is little to do. I may actually be pushing some things a bit. Physical activity, however, is down. Getting out and doing much is limited by a foot of snow on the ground and having no one around to go out into it. Though today we went shooting. The thermometers said 36 as a high, but it felt more like 40 or 50 to me. With little snow melt, though, I suspect the thermometers were correct. I need to find friends who do go out in the cold and know what to do. I am geared for it, should I find an opening.

I have about 5 days until my lady friend arrives. Things are mostly in order. I am still looking for my mother's Christmas present. It is a frustrating search, oddly. I visited the local (or one of them, there may be others) butcher shop today. It actually has two sides, a Mexican side where only one of the people there spoke English, and and English speaking side. It appears to be the same store, with two different shops attached to one main butcher area. Weird, but so some things go. We accidentally went into the Mexican side, as my friend thought that is where we were supposed to go. He had not been there for years, everything had changed. The American "store" section of the place did not exist when he was last there. Though I will do most of my shopping in the American section, the Mexican section had certain cuts for ribs (oddly often referred to as English cut) which the American section did not so I will probably do some shopping in the Mexican section.

What have I been doing? Gaming. I do with 8 different characters in a day what some people cannot do with one character. It is an online multi-player game. WoW was ok, but brutal and as friendly as a knife in the back. This game is a little more for casual, or more casual, players. It can get as technical as you like but everything does not require technical play. Yes, I know, children's games. Yet, I do not think children could honestly play this game well. Certainly they could not master 8 types of different playing. It does keep me busy, keep me awake, make my mind, memory, and logic work (you have to figure things out when your typical way does not work). Oh well, it is something. If too, it is addictive. I have a few goals and then I will back down play again.

That is life in a nutshell. A few more things to plan for Christmas, a little more cleaning, sorting, and storing, perhaps a little greenery for the place and season, and then I am set. As is, I am mostly coasting until my friend arrives.

Have a great day!

Cleaning, today, I think.

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Today is not a fantastic day. I cannot seem to get it all working again. And yet, I never simply stop working. I will clean the bathrooms today, down to the shine. Then I will be very careful in their use and upkeep so only a small amount of work will be needed when my friend visits. If that goes swiftly and well, and it might, I will then begin working out what goes to storage and doing a bit of laundry from the old place. While I am at it, I will probably make something tasty for dinner, tasty but simple. Pasta and hamburger, a few side items, some spice, and a little imagination go a long way. As well, I suppose it is time to shovel. Either today or tomorrow. Then again, it is forecast to be in the 40's all week, so procrastination may be my friend.

Days and nights are still not straightened out. I suppose with me, there is a 50% chance of sleep in any forecast at any time of the day. Still, I get up when I can and I work as I may. I am learning to do a great deal more. I think the climate, altitude, mountains, and being nearly in my own house have lead me to do more. Actually owning my own house will expand that a great deal. There are things in this house which give me ideas, like a fully tiled shower area, little details about the place, and the sense that with a little work and money, one can turn a house into a very nice home, without being flashy or silly too.

Three Christmas presents have been purchased. Only one remains, though I will send a little money along with that one too. One gift will wait until the person it is for may choose it, or something else she likes. Since she just bought a canoe, and she likes the better gear, I have a catalog with some items she may choose from. It's good gear and it's spiffy.

The things causing me to drag, at this point, are school, house, getting my banking switched over, and getting this place in order for my visitor. There always seems to be more on my plate than I can really do, and much of it is out of my hands. But that is as it is. Pushing does not seem to help, either them or me. Life could be good here, or I should say, it could be even better. I am seeing my way to that.

Just yesterday my former neighbor and myself were out doing a bit of shopping. We met another shooter who just moved here from southern Utah. We talked guns and life for a good hour, right there in Walmart! Should have gone for coffee, but why? Anyway, I took his number. I think we might end up with a small shooter's club. Hunters, shooters, and reloaders weclome, to be sure. Of course, we are all of the liberal bent. Ha! Any guy who buys a gun for his girlfriend, and she likes it, is good in my book. So, I am beginning to network. Oh, and I told my former neighbor this too, if this new guy has a gal, she will know other women. Odd the way that works. And, if they come for a meal some time, and his gal sees poor lonely guys, she might just figure things out. Women are like that, sometimes. Anyway, it is a thought. Capitalism, for me, does not stop at the store or bank!

Well, that is that for now. Stay warm and safe.

Up too late.

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Yes, I am just now considering going to bed. I did sleep some last night. Not much, I do what I can. I would like to place a few calls this morning. My Mom needs a call and I would like to find out if cross country skis and whatever other equipment needed is available to rent. If I do those things, and pay a few bills, I will be satisfied today. It is not much but it could keep me sane, or happy, or whatever.

Oh, and writing a bit on the blog. I still have too many unsorted things and only time will sort some of them. Too many nagging little chores, loose ends, and untidy business yet to be sorted. If they were things I could do myself and be done with, they would be done. As is, all I can do is call or write and... wait. Arghhhhh! Lucy keeps moving the ball, too.

Well, have a great day!

Update: All completed. As completed as I can do things. The bills are paid, ski equipment rental has been found and a system set in play regarding that, and I have tried to call my Mom several times (starting last evening, actually). I am now considering trying to stay awake through the day to kick start a schedule modification. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. If I can pull if off, it is worth the effort just for the efforts own sake. Or I like to think that.

Plans and more plans.

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Whoever thought my cooking ideas might actually begin taking off. I doubt if I will ever quite be the food host of hosts, but to be thought of as a resource and occasional dining spot is good enough. Next is roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and perhaps a pie of some sort. I will have to see if I can get everyone to agree to one type of pie or consider making two types. After that, I think I would like to do a breakfast. Whether it is eaten in the morning is not important. I occasionally enjoy bacon, egg, toast, and perhaps sausage and corned beef hash out of it's usual time slot, having it for dinner. And I do not think I am alone.

This week I need to check about ski rentals, perhaps a Christmas tree (which she and I might figure out how to decorate more simply as a holiday event), and I do have several other pieces of business to attend. I really need to get off my bottom and get back to work. Oh, I need to see why my checks are not arriving at my new bank. That is irritating, especially when the agencies involved know my new address through my change of direct deposit slips now. Slow is one thing, this is sloth, but on their part.

I truly enjoy having an actual house in which to live. There is no one around to help in the case of trouble, but then anyone who shows up here is trouble and can be dealt with. The people whom own the place, through some contact locally, sent me some jam or jelly they made from fresh fruit on their property in Hawaii. I am saving that to share over Christmas. It was quite nice. I think it humorous, being that they are atheists. But Confucius covers that notion well too. Still, I must grin. It may have to do with me, when I realized their mail was really coming here and I had missed tending it, that I sent what they had (minus fliers and other junk) 1-day. A pricey option to Hawaii. Still, I felt duty bound. Then again, it may be just who they are. They really seem like pleasant people.

Pretty bland writing and material, but it takes a bit for the flow to come back. Still spotty, but I will try to write more. I am nearing a thousand posts in 3 years, that is nearly a post a day, averaged out. And few of them are word, or even paragraph, shy, either. Although, I doubt if half of them have been read widely, and for good reason. Though some of you seem to appreciate from time to time:)

Be well. I hope your Christmas plans are pulling together and you at least find a place to share even if you have to pull a couple of low down out-of-staters in via bribes and tickets. :p

Chili went well.

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I finally got it all together, planning worked, and everyone got over the jitters of joining for a meal. We are a land of individualists, and at my age, this is more prevalent than ever. No one was sure of anyone else, and as I said, I did not care. The group actually did well. Everyone seemed to get along, and in private conversations it seems that my observations were correct. As well, people liked the chili. I went very basic, made sure I salted the beans enough, and used traditional spices though adding cayenne for a little extra throat-bite. I usually do not even add chili powder. This time I went with it. I usually do not have a problem with gas either. This time I did. I think chili powder is the culprit.

I consider it a major success. So, I would like to begin doing this more regularly. Next time I think roast beef is on the menu, though I would like to figure out how to do gravy. I had worked on it a bit with enchiladas, but have forgotten. A call to my Mom should fix that quickly. Oh, and I finished cleaning up by the next day!

I am not doing much else, spending too much time gaming. And my nights and days are just a few hours off, sleeping into the early afternoons again. Little else is going on, my former neighbor is not hot on winter weather. I would go and do but doing things alone is more of a chore than anything. If the weather is not too retched, the new guys I invited over go into the canyon and camp and cook out. So, that may be something to do in time. Perhaps even hiking a bit with the younger one. We could leave the two older gents in camp while we youngers go seek trouble on foot.

I did some cleaning beyond what was called for, in order to prepare for the guests. It was a trial run for when my lady friend visits. It sounds as if she is fully planning on visiting. To that end, I need to do a bit more cleaning and pack some things over to storage as well. I am seriously considering buying a Christmas tree, though that is a lot of work and expense, then there is the decorating, maintaining, and disposal issues. I am rather limited at this point, but I will see what I will see. It will be nice to see her again and to show off Utah to my first guest from back home. Oh, I best get to calling ski rental shops as well, and pre-arranging rentals if snow remains. That and finding paths to ski. She has asked for that, cross country skiing.

I am maintaining the house to a degree. Better than my usual, less than what some might consider optimal, yet good enough I think. Bit by bit I am creating systems of doing things. One does not simply move into a house and there you go. From trash and recycling (which I will do here as it is both reasonable and worthwhile for several reasons), to figuring out where pots, pans, dishes, and such go and then remembering for use, to simply keeping the physical aspects functional such as replacing bulbs (and having a few on hand) to whatever. But I like the practice.

If I do end up finding a place, my mother will visit in the summer and will help me settle. She is quite good at these things. My lady friend might also pitch in. I would guess my new friends might help with some lifting and moving as they are able. I am becoming more social and active, even if I do not think it is doing much. It is far more than in Iowa. I have only spent a few days/weeks down at a time ever. Even then, I am not sleeping as much. It is sunnier here though, but that is not all of it. I do like this place. Oh, and the snow is simply wonderful! Even if we get three feet, that three feet of snow weighs less than a few inches of Iowa snow. Powder, my friends, powder. Though driving over it does the same thing here as it did in Iowa, compacts it into ice. :p

One last thing, I am seriously considering putting off school until fall semester. With having to move in spring, the plan of buying a house soon, and just getting my feet wet here, it may simply be too much to push school in there as well. I know, I know, but that is how I am seeing it. I would like to be a bit more solidly settled here before I begin taking on such a big bite. Now, true, all of the engineering school I have seen so far is the stuff they use to eliminate students. I am not sure, even so, that any of the rest of it is any easier. People have said yes, but that may just be because they became used to that kind of pace and brutality. Perhaps they are correct. I simply do not trust engineering school, at all, at this point. Even the first few years of work might well be just as bad. That is where you will actually be trained.

Just an update. I will try to do more of these, a little more often. Have a great day!

Up and going.

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My sleep, as usual, has been a bit off. I have been struggling to keep days and nights correct, and doing fairly well all in all. But I was beginning to lose that battle. I think the fighting has tipped in my favor again. Stress, or certain stresses, really mess up my programming. When I have too many things that are messy on my plate, some parts just shut down. I think the biggest mess was the apartment. The remnants of that are the next, and school. But those are relatively easy.

I am still recovering from moving, to be honest, so not a lot will probably get done today. I may try to find beans for chili, and perhaps spices and such. I have asked a couple of people for a chili meal soon. They both drink beer and shoot. One is going for his doctorate and one is retired. They are both picky, so might not like each other, and I do not care. It is about food and some social mixing. Now to get a few women to visit. That would probably shut them both up. I do not even think women looking for love would be necessary. As grumbly as we men can be, a lady or two around settles some things sometimes. I will work on that. Who knows anyway, single women who are not looking for love are sometimes the perfect women to be around to find what is not sought. Tricky that way, yes they are! Rabbits, I say, with teeth like ^^^^ this!

I have gotten back into gaming a bit. Guild Wars is the thing. Not that many would understand, but I have seven mains, 5 or 6 of them through all campaigns and able to hench and hero through most quests, missions, and caps hard mode if I want or need. There are still things in the game too technical for me, believe it or else. I have 3 characters who I could suit up for just about anything but it is not fun to have to run a perfect game. I do not wish to work (too hard) at a game. I have nearly as much money, in game, as a character can have, all the max weapons for each attribute per character, several sets of armor apiece at least, etc. I wonder how much the game would be worth. Might be a small fortune or might be nothing these days. I know one kid, back when, who sold a game account for enough to get him through college (state college, but still... an engineering prospect back in Iowa City).

Oh, I have been praying a bit more regularly as well. Oddly, with this shut down, all communication ability seemed to shut down. I personally did not shut down and kept going if slower than I would have liked. That was a weird one. I do not think that is as bad as a total shutdown, if it has it's own frustrations.

Well, back to doing little. :P Have a great day.

Alive and 260.

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I really froze up there. Might still be a bit tight, but I think I am coming back to life. I finally did get everything moved, but I did not vacuum the floor. The rest was in pretty good shape. I had my former neighbor help. He could not do much, but just having someone there helped me do the work. It is horrible to be so distracted. I need a wife who can be bossy when needed. When needed, of course, will be debatable. :p

I am down to 260 pounds. When I headed here, I was 303 or 305. I have not been doing much differently, eating wise. Perhaps I have been eating more. But, when I am off the clock so to speak, I am still much more active. I get out of the house at least three times a week, I would say. And even at home, I am doing things. I just did not think I would still be losing weight. I think the lack of humidity has something to do with it, and maybe the altitude? Who knows, but I am loving it.

I still have a few things clogging up the brain drain, but I am working on bits and pieces of each, even if I have not been writing. I just ran into a wall here, for some reason. I will not swear that it is over, only that I think it is ending. I need to sort the boxes I brought here and put some of that in storage. I have already gone through about a quarter of it. I need to send out the chain letter to those who said they would. I need to get over to college and talk to them. I need to prepare for my lady friend's visit and get a small gift or three. I have been calling my Mom, or more, calling her back. She does worry, and fairly.

I bought a new chair for the computer room and it is comfortable. The chair here was fine, but being wooden and somewhat antique (and nice, actually), I did not wish to harm it. I am trying to be as good to this place as I can. The rent and utilities are fantastic for what I am getting. With someone renting the old place now, life will normalize a bit both in my mind and in my finances. It was worth an extra month's rent to get into this, trust me, and for many reasons.

I did have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with the family of my former neighbor. It was quite nice to be in a family setting with rather easygoing people over a fine meal. The food was quite good and I enjoyed the company. Our hostess needed emergency surgery the day before, but she was out of bed and there, though her daughters, husband, and son I think all pitched in to do the cooking. She was a bit pale and moved slowly and ate lightly, but gall bladder removal if better than it was is still quite a thing.

I bought and actually gave my first Christmas present today. I bought a tumbler for my former neighbor, for shining up the spent brass he reloads (ammunition reloader). He was thinking of buying that, but needed warm shirts. He was a bit torn and nervous about the money. So, I simply got him to buy the shirts and grabbed the device. I just hope he does not think he owes me. As you get older, it is funner to give than receive, especially with my tastes. I despise most gifts, as if I am going to buy something, I buy good stuff, really good. Outside of the range of most gift givers. I know, I know, but that is the way of it. And I will not wear ugly clothes! Doh! I have my Mom, my lady friend, and that is about all that is left on my list. I may do one of those tree gift things, for families in need. I will have to look at my finances first.

Well, that is it in not so much of a nutshell. I hope your lives have been good? I have been keeping many of you in my prayers. Your lives, worries, thoughts, and joy cross my mind fairly often. Oh well, perhaps I am sentimental or a bit fruity, but I like to think I just enjoy people.

Good night.

Yeah, well...

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A few things done. I did find the tools. Yeah! I also went grocery shopping and bought enough for the month. I obtained plenty of boxes. I reestablished a link with my bank online. And I canceled my donations to my old church so that I may start that with the new one. Tomorrow I hope to take the machine apart, pack those boxes, and maybe make it to Ogden so my friend can pick up his rifle. I know there are some other things to do, but... I do not think I can do more until Monday. Perhaps I could call and arrange a meeting for next week with a college guidance councilor. It depends how much time I end up having and whether I can remember to do it. Doh!

Just scribbling and trying to let the lists I put here remind me. I am not sure what else to say. Hope your lives are going well. Take care.

Things to do.

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Trying to get back to the practical. It is never easy after... some period of off time. I need to finish the move. That will mean getting a dozen boxes and the tools to tear down one piece of equipment. That apartment is 70% skeletonized I would guess, so it is not a lot of work, just several jobs requiring different things. Next, I need to reset my online access with my old account. Not knowing what is going on with my money is a big problem, internally. And, of course, being broke is too. No doubt, one will almost by necessity lead to the other. My ex-neighbor needs a ride to pick up his new .338 Marlin express. I am hoping he will not like it. Finally, I need to get organized here.

My lady friend called, it sounds like she will be coming. I know for certain, if I had not put insurance on the tickets, she would have canceled. She might anyway. That $16 takes a load off my mind. I do not mind spending for something, but not for nothing. I have been seeing much less of my ex-neighbor. I may have made another social contact, if I can keep up contact is another thing. No one has time or interest, yet everybody seems to need contact. It is one of those dilemma things. Like water, you do not miss it until or unless you really need it.

Not much going on. Last night was my first night to sleep here. Getting used to the new sounds is always a task. I just need to get my head straight and get going. I do need to check in at school and ask to speak to an adviser and maybe a professor or two. I would like to know where I stand and where I could go, and maybe where I want to go. Unless they want me to do some of the killer stuff over, I only have engineering physics II left to do for that part. The rest will be core, in which there are several difficult classes too of course. Dream dream, but it is there.

Have a good day!

No, I am not dead yet.

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Not sure what happened, but... I did not lose track of everything. Oddly, I have been dysfunctionally functional. I have been, if still slowly, moving stuff from place to place, meeting and greeting people, and this and that. But I totally became blind to much else, like posting. I am not getting everything completed which I would like completed. And I am doing nothing as timely as I should like. And yet, bit by bit, the stuff that gnaws at me is tended. I just became deaf and mute in a way. It is like my ability to communicate, online and in real life, turned off mostly. It is different here, if I have not quite been able to corner the market on the better aspects fully yet.

Nothing new or newsy to report. Well, I am not dead. I do not know what is wrong, xactly, so fixing it is a thing for time. I think not having the apartment cleaned out is bugging me and some things which where bothering me but have been cured still slog the machine somehow (like not having the apartment rented, someone will be taking it over in December (yeah!), but it is still messing with me, maybe because I cannot seem to get out! Trapped, confused, waiting, hoping, unsure, quiet, patient, befuddled... That is all I see, it is all I know, and yet... bit by bit anyway. Not bad, I will give it a solid F for effort, with the possibility of improving that with the completion of the project. I will give it an A+ for the fact that I am still walking, working, driving, loading, eating, and grooming as is possible, in spite of having no seeming connection with the world, no taste for life let alone goals, nothing going in this cold dark place in my mind but a want for sleep. Oh, and my sleep is fairly good, dreaming ended (that I remember). I am eating twice a day (though I am not, oddly, having bm's, yet I am not impacted either). I wonder if it just takes a lot more energy to run here, in the winter, in the arid climate, at this altitude. Everything is being used. I have been eating good, but only a few bm's a week. (maybe more information than you cared to know, butt...) :0

That is it. No nut shell needed. My world is smaller than a peanut. But it is a tasty one, I am sure, if I could see flavor!