December 16, 2013: Quote from "And the Mountains Echoed"

"Now I was free to do as I wished, but I found the freedom illusory, for what I wished for had been taken from me. They say, Find a purpose in life and live it.  But, sometimes, it is only after you have lived that you recognize your life had a purpose, and likely one you never had in mind".

Fall 2013 December 16 Monday

32 degrees this morning.  I thought it would be warmer, so I was a little surprised, but it is supposed to warn up later.

Sometimes there is a sense of unreality as another day starts.  Years of "making things happen" are suddenly changed to "waiting for something to happen", at least as far as major life changes go.  I can only go so far and then I have to wait for a decision by someone else.  However, meanwhile, I do have plenty to do, catching up on organizing etc.

I still have items from my Mother to review and it has been 16 years since she passed on.  However, that isn't a matter of procrastation as much as just having to face the emotion reaction I get from seeing my mother (and some degree my dad) from the perspective of them as young people full of dreams and knowing how it ended.   Somewhat of an "Our Town" reaction.  Not that  my Mother and Dad didn't have an enjoyable full life, but I don't think it is what the envisioned when they were in the 20's, 30's, 40's, or even 50's.  Of course, who am i to judge?  When I went to visit them after they retired in AZ, I always had a good conversation with them, perhaps until the old parent/child relationship returned.  I think it is seeing them age that bothers me as much as anything when I look at their papers from their youth.   Maybe it is best to not look at the papers, just give them to my brothers and sisters, but then I would miss knowing about a major part of my heritage.  Dilemmas in the middle of life.  

Reading Khaleo Hosseini  "And the Mountains Echoed".  At first i had a hard time getting into it and I almost quit, but now i am really into it.  I really enjoyed the  "Kite Runner", in fact it helped me get through skin cancer surgery, but i never did get into the second book at all and quit reading it.    

Because of time limitations, I have gotten a lot more selective in what I read (and watch or listen or whatever).  I have pretty much quit reading the "boiler plate" fiction and are basically the same plot.   I have too many "things to do" hanging over me to waste time reading something that isn't meaningful or even entertaining.  (I make an exception for Lee Child and Jack Reacher)

My Dad started reading light reading when he was in his (I believe) early fifties.  I discussed it with my Mom a little and both of us were puzzled, but we both figured if he enjoyed them, he deserved it.  He had worked hard and maybe found something that he enjoyed.  I owe my love of classical music to my Dad, one of my memories is him listening to "Music from the Masters" on WIBW redo on Sunday afternoons, and later his record collection.  

Oddly enough, I used to hate Country Music.  In fact, I joke (only partly) that the reason I moved to Oklahoma City (when I took the City Manager position at Harrah) was because the only radio station in town where I was played ply Country Music.  There was a restaurant next to City Hall called "Maggies Kitchen" and a cafe about a block away called "Country Kitchen".  I would take a break and get some coffee and they were always playing Country Music, so I gradually developed a liking for Country Music that developed into a deep appreciation for most Country Music.  Of course, I always liked fiddle music of any type, so maybe I just had to experience some Country Music to really enjoy it.  I remember going to a meeting (it was the last snow of the winter) and turned to a Country Music station and realized I really liked it.  I've liked it (for the most part) ever since.  

Fall 2013 December 15, 2013 Sunday

34 degrees.  Caught me by surprise, I thought it was going to be warmer.  

Now that "every day is a Saturday except for Sunday", I continually have this nagging feeling I used to get on three day weekends or vacations, the feeling like I need to be working on something for work.  There actually was always a project I could be working on and there actually is now, but it is different.  Perhaps the difference is that the projects are now somewhat internal to my life whereas previously a majority of the projects were external.  I have been blessed that I have kept busy the past two weeks.  I still haven't had time to catch up on my reading or weeding out stuff and organizing items (and projects), but maybe that time is coming. 

Actually, I hope the time never comes when I feel I have time to fill.  

i am puzzled by all of the "apps" and e-mails offering to "help me decide which organization to donate money too" ?  The same with all the stores that ask you to "give a dollar"  (or whatever) for some cause they want to donate to?  They used to ask and get huffy when I told them no, I made my own decisions on giving to charity or whatever.  Apparently they got feedback on that because now it is more diplomatic in most cases now.    We just decided, no matter what, we were going to "just say no" regardless of the charity or event (with a possible except for a local situation or project).  If people want to donate, fine, but we were going to make our own donations directly to the organization or person.  

Actually, we give few donations.  Some years ago, I got a call from a group that I won't name.  I found out the "fundraisers" got 80% of the donations!   While most charitable organizations do a lot better than that, a high percentage of donations frequently goes to donations or to pay for getting more donations, which again is ok if that is what someone wants to donate too.   We decided, with some exceptions,  we are going to "tip" extra to the lower paid people who are working and may need the extra help.  We have and we feel good about it.  We don't give a lot extra, just an extra dollar or two (more when it is a continuous relationship and someone we deal with all the timeI), but we hope it helps.  Just a personal decision everyone has to make.

One good thing about the time off the past several weeks, I do keep up with my newspapers and my magazines (well, I kind of keep up with the magazines, but I usually read it before I get the next one.  I have a hard and fast rule I throw away the current magazine when I get the new one regardless of whether I have read it or not.

If I can ever get Evernote to work right, it will also make my "story clipping' much easier.  Currently, I either tear it out of the paper or, mor likely, go to the on-line version of the newspaper and save it.  Right now I save it either on the site or as a pdf, but it would be so nice to just save it to Evernote and then be able to access it at any time.  Evernote says you can, but....

I'm supposed to get some news from several places next week.  We'll see.

Fall 2013 December 14 Saturday

43 degrees.  Almost seems warm!  Rain most of night, still some rain this morning.  Supposed to be a good week, weather wise, here next week.

We finally made a decision on the "Christmas t-shirts" yesterday.  (It is a secret).  Every year, we purchase a t-shirt for the adult children, grandchildren etc.  It has to be a place we have actually been, so one hint is it is in Memphis or Lakeland!    

I am looking forward to attending "Toastmasters" again.  I haven't attended for a long time since there weren't any meetings around that were close and even reasonably convenient.  I always enjoyed the meetings and speaking and am looking forward to attending some meetings.  I have kept my membership although I have a feeling it may have lapsed when I didn't get an invoice.  For those of you in Toastmasters, I was an ATM-S.  I understand this has all changed, and after 12 years it probably will be good for me to start all over anyway.

Still working on "Evernote".  I hope I can find a short course in it.  I think it could be valuable, but it seems to have some flaws, although maybe they are "user" flaws!  I have a hard time investing the time in learning a program I may not use, although if it works as claimed, it would be wonderful. I still haven't found the article I saved to Evernote (about Evernote!).  

ATC Fitness had a good music station on this morning.  I really like they way they keep it clean and replace items (like shower curtains) on a regular basis.  

I have to admit, NFL Pro Football just isn't getting my attention this year (or really even for the past several seasons).  I watch and think "so what, it's only about the money".  I still enjoy college football and college basketball.  Somehow pro football just isn't interesting any more.  Like they are going through the motions.  Maybe it will get better as the playoffs approach.

Fall 2013 December 13 Friday

25 degrees this morning.  I'm starting to sound like I just repeating the temperature!  This is about as long of a cold spell as I can remember since moving here.  

Went to a "Breakfast Briefing" yesterday morning.  I was good to get out and visit with people and learn something.

Need to update my journal for the International City Managers Association (ICMA)  "Credentialed Manager" designation.  I have to attend (and report on) 40 hours of training each year to maintain it.  It is a great program.  I have prepared my notes, just need to put them in the journal and get it uploaded by January 1.  It provides me with a good summary of what I learned during the year and how I used it.  

Still learning how to use "Evernote".  I read an article in the New York Times yesterday and made me want to expand beyond the little I use it for now.  It is valuable to pay for it, but I really don't feel I even come close to using it's full potential.  For example, I saved the article on Evernote to Evernote, but now I can't find it!  I will keep trying.  The article mentioned doing one small task at a time.  I always tell purple who want to learn computers or programs to "decide what you want it to do" and they will learn better.  I strongly  believe that, I just need to start practicing what I preach!  I will save this to Evernote every day just to help myself learn it.  

Only a few more days until Winter and the "shortest day of the year".  December 21, I believe

Fall 2013 December 12 Thursday

25 degrees this morning. 

Thursday, have a variety of activities planned today, including breakfast meeting (although I eat breakfast before I go since I have to desire to eat a breakfast of rolls and bagels, plus I am used to eating around 6 a.m.  Appreciate the effort though and I can always drink coffee.

I am coming to the realization that the Apple iCloud is probably basically useless for documents from word processing etc., when compared with Dropbox or even the Amazon Cloud or even Google Drive.  It is super for the calendar, notes, reminders etc. and worth it just for that, but I was hoping it would be at least as good for documents, but it is basically useless, as far as I can tell.  I've scheduled a 1 to 1 at the Apple Store on it, but expect ti will be bad news.  I am surprised they released an iCloud that is several generations behind Dropbox and Amazon.  

I have tried to used Android products (Google Chrome, Matrix 7 etc.), but they just don't compare with Apple projects in my opinion.  Of course, for me, the main thing is that I can got to an Apple Store and get assistance.  

I keep thinking I will ride my bicycle now that I have time, but I really haven't had the time, with the variety of other activities, plus the cold weather.  I'll make time when better weather comes!  I ride some almost every day, but it is a short "commuting" trip to the gym.  I need to work on my stamina 

Fall 2013 December 11 Wednesday

25 degrees this morning.  Normal low is around 38 degrees so this really is unusual and not "normal" for this area and this time if of year!!  Walked and rode bicycle to ATC Fitness.  I enjoy going there, they normally keep the exercise machines, showers etc. clean and in good repair.  There are actually quite a few people there (on weekdays) when I go, i recognize many "regulars", although I don't really talk with anyone (I read my newspapers and listen to music, most listen to some sort of music or read).

Have a "breakfast" this morning, the first event I have gone to like this since I am "in transition".  It will seem strange to go to a breakfast meeting and then the day is done.  

(Later):  Breakfast meeting this morning was great.  Food was good, discussion even better.   Another breakfast meeting (a seminar) tomorrow morning and am looking forward to that.  

HVAC (actually heating system) checked out and maintained today.  In this kind of weather it is good to know that everything is working ok and maintained.  

Fall 2013 December 10 Tuesday

28 degrees this morning.  However, it was dry and I was able to do all of my exercise including walking and cycling to the ATC Fitness Center.  I was relieved to get back on my normal exercise schedule, cold though it may be!  Actually it didn't seem as cold this morning at 28 degrees as it did last night at 32 degrees, although I think the wind was the reason.

Ophthalmologist yesterday (Dr. Passons).  Eyes are good, thank goodness.  He advised the cataracts he saw developing when I saw him about 11 years ago are still there, but are still very slow growing.  Everything else looked ok.  I did get a prescription for new glasses, although he advised me it was only if i needed a new set of glasses, or just wanted them.  I will get a new pair.  It has been at least 4 years since my last pair.  He is a super Ophthalmologist (he is packed and has about a 4 month lead to get an appointment), but I still don't like the drops in the eyes or the light examination or the dilation of my eyes!  I like it because both the doctor and the staff are all excellent.  

Looks like a sunny, nice day today, although it will remain cold.

Went to the Apple Store yesterday.  As almost always, a great experience with  the "1 to 1" program.  That is the major reason I buy Apple products, and the heck with Android or any other phone, iPad, iPod or computer, regardless of the price!  They really care.  Also, I have two "gumstick" iPod Shuffles (one cratered on me, I originally had three) that the battery is still good on, after at least 7 years and an iPod (80 GB) that the battery is still good on.  Plus an old iPhone 3 and 3s that make an excellent iPod touch since the battery is still excellent!  On the other hand, I do have an ancient Nokia phone (at least 6 years old) that the battery is still good and it makes a low-cost phone to take on my exercise with me.  Also, on the the other hand, in my opinion, the Apple iPod Shuffles after the "gumstick ones" aren't very good and they languish in my drawer (I only purchased one of each).  

Soon it will be Winter officially.  At least that means the "shortest day" of the year is over and the days start getting longer! I am always surprised at how the forest at the back of my house changes with the seasons.  In the winter I can literally see right through it, in the Spring and Summer, it is a complete mystery.  

Fall 2013 December 9 Monday

32 degrees this morning.  

Although there was no ice this morning, there were a few wet splotches, so I drove to ATC Fitness Center.  I was disappointed they'd changed to a totally inappropriate radio station for a gym (or anything else for that matter).  Usually I can block out the music, but when I have to take a shower there, (when I drive, when I bicycle, I shower at home) I take the blunt of the junk radio station.  

When LA Fitness comes, I may well switch to there just to avoid the radio station!  This morning there was an especially sick caller, don't know who was more sick, the caller, the dj's or the radiot station for allowing it.  (Or the listeners for listening to it.)

Nothing more exasperating (other than maybe trying to spell exasperating) than losing your car keys, even when you KNOW they HAVE to be here!  I finally deduced they HAD to be in my easy chair and of course they were.  Obviously there are a lot worse things that could happen, but that is one time wasting event I don't need in the morning.  I usually use a "silent butler" to put all of my stuff (keys, wallet, phone, watch etc.) and it not only saves time, but also helps avoid "losing" items.  While morning isn't quite as time constrained now as it has been, I am not changing any of my habits.  

Apparently came through the ice storm with our "Weeping Willow" tree bent over.  Hopefully I can get a stick put it in to get it straight again.  

I found a really helpful "pronunciation" "app" for my iPhone and iPad.  It is wonderful for pronunciation but also for finding the correct spelling for a word, it is that intuitive. 

Fall 2013 12-8-13 Sunday

30 degrees.  Light drizzle, but doesn't seem to be affecting the roads etc.  (It is gathering on the trees etc.)  Walked my usual walk this morning and drove to ATC without any problems.  Papers came right as I was leaving, which is  relief, although I always have plenty of reading material.  

Listening to music this morning, the "Orange Blossom Special" reminded me of my experience with the fiddle/violin.  

In OKC, I went to see Jana Jay perform at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.  I can still feel the shiver that went down my back as she played the Orange Blossom Special" and other fiddle works.  Another time I was at an event in Kansas (can't remember what city, but one of the border cities near Tulsa).  The fiddle player broke into the Orange Blossom Special and I really got into it.  He noticed and we connected (via the music) as he seemed to be playing directly to me.  Not sure how long this went on, but I literally felt like I was part of the music.  I go to fiddle/violin events when possible and have assembled quite a collection of "Orange Blossom Special", "Faded Love" and "Ashokan Farewell" versions.  I also have a collection of "Amazing Grace".  

I tried to play the fiddle/violin for 10 years, but finally gave up when I moved to Lakeland.  A matter of time, hand problems and not having a teacher..  I never was that good but I enjoyed it.  I kept a fiddle I bought and also a Viola I bought thinking ti was a fiddle!

The Sunday papers were HUGE this morning, I guess with advertising.  They came right as I was backing out to go to ATC, so it was very welcome.

I have the best newspaper deliverer I have ever had (yes, I will remember his well at Christmas) and I dread the day he leaves or I move and no longer can get it delivered doe early.  I am always surprised at how important small delights are in life.  

On the other hand, maybe it isn't since a small delight.  I spend at least 36 minutes a day with my newspapers (Wall Street journal, New York Times and Commercial Appeal) and another 10 or 15 minutes with the electronic edition of the USA Today.  I get the electronic version of the other papers also, but enjoy reading the actual paper. 

Indulging in my secret vice, watching Country Music videos (at least they are on while I read or work on my computer), watching the video (Mumford and Sons,  "I will Wait") which I love to hear and plan on purchasing.  (no fiddles in the band though).  I don't know what attracts me to the song, but I loved it the first time I heard it. 

I like "CMT Pure" because they don't have  talkative "video jockey" (or any type of announcer) and I tape them so I can fast forward through most of the commercials and announcements.  

We'll see what Sunday brings.  Hopefully the freezing drizzle has stopped.

Fall 2013 December 7, 2013 Saturday

24 degrees this morning.  The good news is the "freezing rain" wasn't really a problem.  I woke up this morning expecting to see at least frozen streets etc.  Hardly disappointed I didn't, I was glad it was relatively nice.  I did my walk and almost road my bike to ATC, but decided I would drive to ATC since I didn't know if I could see frozen areas fast enough.  While it is cold, it really isn't that bad.  

Saturday.  I am glad it is a relatively good day so we aren't stuck inside.  At least on December 21, I will know we are on the way to Spring!  I had planned to have to be inside all day, but I think (unless it starts freezing rain) that it will be a cold, but nice day.

I walk almost every morning and walk past a neighbor that is involved in my current situation. This morning, I was thinking, I hope he is enjoying counting his 30 pieces of silver (figurative speaking).  He is probably a little too close to (and his head to far in) the "seat' of power, again figuratively speaking, to smell the roses or see what is really going on .

Aliene is going in for a "stress test" Monday.  Probably ok, but the Doctor thought she shouldn't take a chance. She started having pains after the meeting before Thanksgiving and went to the emergency room where they didn't find any heart problems.  However, there isn't any explanation for her chest pains, other than anxiety created by the current situation.  I'm actually doing fine, since I have had time to prepare for it and I know that "what goes around comes around" (karma will happen) although it won't help Aliene or I. I have heard enough about the other persons involved to know that it won't be good for Lakeland. "65% of the vote (actually 65% of the 15% who voted, which is more like 9%) doesn't mean they are right or they voted for any specific action.  People gag when they hear that quote.

My Mom would be 101 if she was alive today.  I remember when I was a child thinking it was unthinkable that she would ever die.  Then I watched her age and I realized there is no exceptions.  She died in 1997, so it has been sixteen years.  Time goes so fast.

Fall 2013 December 6 Friday

32 degrees, light rain. Apparently going to be freezing rain later today.  

ATC today had on one of radio stations that just aren't suitable for a gym.  Thank goodness I remembered my iPod today, I can basically ignore it while I am working out.  Since I couldn't ride my bike to ATC this morning I took a shower there, and the radio station has to be one of the worst.  In addition to inappropriate music for a gym, they had a long story about some woman who was going on a date with her sons best friend.  So what?  Another reason I avoid AM/FM radio stations.

Still listening to "Start with Why".  I thought when I started it might be too surface, but it is actually an excellent book.  

Getting ready for possible icy weather (actually you can't do a lot).  One good thing is I don't have to worry about getting out for any reason, the first time in years that I don't have to worry about getting out.  

While I have been keeping busy, I already realize I am not ready to be "Retired", at least in the classic sense

Fall 2013 December 5 Thursday

70 degrees.  Rode bike this morning, got caught in the rain on the way back.  Since I don't ride in the rain much (although I'll have to learn), I took it slow and easy.

I noted with regret that the one "regular" radio station I listen to, KRXO 107.7 in Oklahoma City, has converted to a "sports talk" format.  I found that hard to believe, but it is apparently so.  What a waste.  I got tired of listening to regular FM/AM radio because of the DJ's who think laughing for long periods is entertaining, crude "jokes" on people, vulgar language etc.  I'm really not interested in their personal opinions.  Fortunately there is XM radio, iPods etc., so it works out better anyway.  I still hate that 107.7 converted, there music was always good and probably caused me to drive about 10 mph faster.  No speeding tickets due to it thank goodness.  Ocassionally XM will have a DJ, so I turn to another channel.  I called and asked them why they had a DJ and they said some people prefer it since they "want a friend" on their morning drive.  Fair enough if that is what they want, but I"m still switching to a non-dj format.  

I keep thinking some day I'll learn how to use Evernote.  I think I got it and then it gets buggy on me and I can't trust it.  I plan on taking some time every day just working on Evernote and see if I can figure it out.  It seems to crash a lot.

70 degrees this morning, but the REALLY cold air is apparently coming in.  Probably freezing rain Friday and Saturday.  Freezing rain is a lot worse than snow (in my opinion).  This time, unless it affects the electricity, it probably won't be a major factor for me (other than inconvenience) since I don't have to get out anyway.  

I have not had to adapt much to "every day is Saturday" yet since I have been busy with a variety of meetings, Dr. appointments, meal appointments etc.  i am sure it will hit soon.  

Watching a tape of "Mad Money"  Jim Cramer is truly amazing on he tv program, as much an actor as anything, but also knows what he is doing.  I also enjoy his books and other web offerings, but his tv show is really where he shines.  

fall 2013 December 4 Wednesday

61 degrees.  Due to web pavement, didn't cycle, drove to ATC.

Stil in midst of dental implant, go to Dr. today for a checkup.  Probably will settle in on date for next stage (planting the posts).  Then I have to have the new teeth (actually a crown) put on the posts to make the final "permanent" teeth.  

A letter in the Commercial Appeal this morning is the perfect example of why bullies, dictators etc. continue to get elected and maintain power.  The letter write showed his ignorance as well as his apparent inability to decide for himself, he is willing to let some bully decide for him.  Interestingly, I predicted such a letter several days ago.

Listening to a relatively interesting  book during my morning walks, "Start with Why".  I will need to start summarizing what I hear each morning.  

I am amazed at all the leaves in our yard and in our back patio and we don't even have a tree in our yard! There are a lot of leaves, I"ll try to get a picture of it. I wish there was a practical way of allowing leaves to return to the soil and not having to cart them off to landfills etc.  

I hope I can use this period to expand my practical knowledge of computer programs.  I want to to be able to use technology better to save time and be more efficient in the future and also to be able to do more creative programs, such as composing music in "Garage Band".   Also want to expand my practical knowledge of investments.  

Fall 2013 December 3 Tuesday

51 degrees this morning

Good to get back to my exercise routine this morning.  I think I will delay reporting my weekly weigh-in this week after the Thanksgiving weekend!  I thought I maintained my eating habits fairly well but obviously the scales say I didn't!

I start my new Life style today, although actually I have a 4 hour training session this morning so I can maintain my continuing education credits for my Certified Municipal Financial Officer (CMF)) certificate.  It it an intensive (eleven 8 hour classes followed by a graded test) to obtain the certificate so I am making sure I maintain the 24 hours of continuing education each year to maintain it!   Then Aliene has a Doctors appt., so at least it will be a relatively busy day.

Looking out my window I realize it is truly winter, or rather late fall, the leaves are either completely off the trees or brown.  I probably won't be here (at this house) to see the wonderful colors or Spring come in for 2014, although you never know.

I decided it is best to maintain my routine, at least my early morning routine and I will set up a true office where I will work out of.  I really don't want to bother Aliene in her routine.  

For some reason Hertz has, for the third time, substantially increased my bill after my "confirmed reservation rate" is much less.  In Wichita, I had to actually take my computer in to show her.  This time, I decided I'll just call the head office and after this I will print out a copy of my reservation and bring it with me. 

Fall 2013 December 2 Monday

53 degrees this morning.

Thanksgiving is over, December is here and 2013 is almost over.  It was a good Thanksgiving, with lots of visiting.  It is enjoyable to see the entire array of family members and friends, from babies to whatever age.

Aliene spent Monday morning in the emergency room, with chest pains, but Anyway, she is ok, no heart problems. May be a reaction to some medicine or a possible reaction to some of the events here.

Time takes on a special significance on holidays, in emergency rooms, and at funerals.  Now I will also discover how time acts when I don't have a job to go too, I hope it doesn't last all that long!  I know how events and projects tend to expand to fill the time available.  It will be interesting and I am looking forward to new challenges and events while regretting leaving many of my staff, neighbors, friends and residents.  It is too bad the whole matter couldn't have been handled in a more classy manner, but then I have to consider who was leading the charge on this and his toadies.

I have always thought if this happened, I hoped it would be in the Spring when I could enjoy my time "on the beach" outside in good weather, but I can't have everything!  

Fall 2013 December 1 Sunday

45 degrees this morning.

Thanksgiving is almost over.  Like many things, you look forward to them and suddenly they are over.  I did enjoy the Holidays, it is just hard to believe that it is already Sunday and they are almost over.

Aliene birthday party  this afternoon, the last event of Thanksgiving.  It was a nice event.  it will seem strange to not have to go to work tomorrow.

Fall 2013 November 30 Saturday

41 degrees.

Saturday morning, Thanksgiving Holidays are over, weekend begins!

Missed the opportunity for a trial period of all of the upgrades available for Wordpress.  Didn't even notice the blog until early this morning (Saturday) and it was only available Friday.  I would like to try upgrades to this (Wordpress) and now would be a good time.  Hopefully they will extend it.

I actually am clearing my calendar of all work related meetings etc.  It is strange to think that next week I will actually have a free day (although not until Thursday, since I have other meetings, medical, appointments, training etc. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Probably will seem even stranger to not be in a hurry to get back to the office after work.

Thinking some more on comments about "not personal just business" statements.  The more I think about it, the more I wonder about the ethics and morality of someone who would make such a statement.  Eliminating the "personal" from decisions is a cop-out and a sign of failure to think.  The same decision can be made, just consider all aspects of what you are doing.

I wonder where popular sayings come from and how they become popular.  For some time now, no matter what part of the country, I hear a lot about "throwing someone under the bus" and "drinking his/her kool aid".  All ages, all parts of the country, all cultures are using these expressions.  I thought it was just the situation in Lakeland (where a lot of people were getting "thrown under the bus" and a lot of people were "drinking the kook-aid", but it is all over.  One day, they will suddenly become old hat and anyone using the term will be looked at with alarm.

Didn't pay a lot of attention to "black Friday" sales.  I did find a good sale on a "Fittbitt Force" that I wanted (saved about $35 from Walgreens, plus  $5 from Discover card.  I have been wanting to try it for a long time, but decided to wait on buying the "Fitbitt One" (or maybe the "Fitbitt Flex, I never can keep them straight) until an upgrade came out, since they had been out for awhile.

Apple products now have websites that will advise you when to buy a product based on the product cycle.  After getting burned on Apple products for years (buying my iMac5 right before they went to Intel, my Macbook right before something else etc.), I have found them accurate and I just won't buy an Apple product after a certain period of time since they have no compunction about throwing you under the bus (how about that, I used it!) and making a product you just purchased obsolete.  Of course, I have long drank Apple's kook-aid (two in the same paragraph!), so I have to play the game.

I really love the Apple service.  I subscribe to the "1 to 1" program, which means a year of education on Apple programs.  For the most part, the advisors are outstanding and really dedicated.  Makes you feel good to know that someone is actually trying to do a good job.

Speaking of bad work,  home repair contractors etc. must be the worst.  Don't show up, don't call back, do bad work and won't fix it (In my opinion, English Garden, a landscape company, is a prime example of never coming back to fix inferior work).

Went swimming.  Wonderful Pool.  Spa was out of order, which was disappointing, but still a nice swim.

Fall 2013 November 29 Friday

30 degrees this morning.

A very Happy 14th Birthday to my wonderful Granddaughter, Kali!.

Holidays are always strange as I try to decide how to lose unexpected available time and it is even more so this weekend, since I no longer have work to do, while before I could always work on a work project.

Thanksgiving was nice, I ate enough, but not too much.

Looking for work after you have spent years hiring other people is like hunting and having the animals suddenly start hunting you.  Actually, I don't hunt, so I don't know exactly, but I am reminded of "The Most Dangerous Game" story.

Driving down the interstate listening to electronic music, feeling a sense of freedom.  Maybe I should do one of "bucket list" items, either go to Dubai (I wanted to visit there ever since I read "The World is Flat") or visit New York City or the Panama Canal.  New York City is out, Dubai or the Panama Canal are possibilities.  Fun to think about it, but....  Kind of reminds me of when I got out of the Air Force and I spent months planning walking back to Kansas (from Hampton Virginia).  Of course, as the time got closer, time compressed (I got out in July and if I wanted to get my M.A., I had to start in August), so I never did it.

Of course, I have been planning my "ride with the summer" (start in south Texas and "ride with the Summer" as summer arrives  north to Canada.  Maybe follow the harvesters.  I remember the Harvesters from when I was a child, coming through in the Summer and harvesting the fields.

Fall 2013 November 28 Thursday

34 degrees (22 in Memphis)

Thanksgiving Day, 2013.  I accidentally wrote down 2017 for yesterday in my "calendar notes" that I have kept since about 1988, with a few omissions.  It made me wonder that my life will be like on November 27 (or Thanksgiving) on November 27, 2017.  Hopefully, I'll still be here in good health!  If not, I guess I'll be someplace better.

I can't imagine what it will be like in Lakeland if the current situation continues to prevail.  

Thanksgiving is always a  time to reflect for me.  I have a lot of memories of Thanksgiving, including kicking a tire tube with my cousin Charles as snowflakes started to fall (I don't know what I remember that oneI), heavy snows that made relatives get a hotel room since they couldn't  drive home, and years later, Thanksgiving with my daughter where we ate on Wednesday night and I spent Thanksgiving by myself, one time someone laughing about seeing me at the laundry mat on Thanksgiving.  

My world is in a world of change.  I really haven't felt it yet and wont until next week, probably Wednesday or Thursday when I start to realize that I am no longer Lakeland City Manager as I ignore things I normally would have taken notes on or called to correct.  There will certainly be a lot of things I won't miss about it also.

I am geting sick of people saying "nothing personal". Kind of reminds me of "The Godfather' when they would say "just business, nothing personal" as they killed each other.  I think the "nothing personal" comments are sickening and an ethical and moral failure of the person saying such crap.