Thanksgiving 2006 thoughts

November 17, 2006 would have been my Dad’s 100th Birthday. I like to think about how he would have reacted to some of the recent technological advances! Thinking of 1906, I expect he lived through almost as much of a change in perceptions and living as many of us have. The common ownership of automobiles, air travel, computers, international terrorism, major cultural changes, television etc. all developed during his relatively speaking first stage of life. (I’m not sure about international terrorism.)

I have developed the habits of riding my bike at least 4 times a week (depending on meetings and weather) and walking almost every morning. Combined with an emphasis on eating properly, I have now lost about 25 lbs from my “high” that I recorded. (At one point I didn’t record my weight due to a desire to avoid reality, or at least not record reality!. However, writing down my weight has been a real factor in helping me lose weight.) Of course, my eating was helped by that fact that I realized I had “GERD” (sometimes called reflux) and needed to watch what I eat.

I stopped taking Prevacid when I discovered it lowered my immune system. I found GERD affects me by causing my voice to get hoarse and coughing. I always attributed this to allergies, but now found it is related to what I drink and eat!

I reduced coffee to about 2 cups per day (probably down from 20) and have almost stopped all carbonated beverages. I also eat a lot lighter and really avoid fat. Peanut butter and strawberry ice cream/shakes are still a weakness.

I realized now my Dad probably had GERD and probably reacted the same way I do, with a hoarse throat and coughing.

Cold temperature is settling in, to my dismay. However, I am just glad I live in Lakeland, where the weather is mild. It also means I can continue to walk and ride my bike almost all winter, with a few exceptions. I have accepted the fact that I have to ride my bike in the dark and have adopted a number of methods of trying to make sure motorists see me. I probably look like a Christmas tree going down the street, but better safe than sorry!

Work continues to be very busy. Better busy than not, but I am trying to get some long term projects done and it is difficult!

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! One of my first memories is of Thanksgiving. If I remember correctly, relatives came over, and I went out with my cousin, Chuck, and we kicked a tire tube for sport. It started snowing and became a blizzard.