Summer 2014 August 8 Friday (Death)

81 degrees this morning.  Very muggy also. My “wicking shirt” was overwhelmed during my walk, but still more comfortable than an old style jeresy.   Walk was 55:35 minutes, also did sit-ups and weights.  Didn’t ride bike yesterday due to light rain.

Attended funeral yesterday.  It made me think about the forms of death we encounter.

The funeral itself was very interesting.  Apparently, the person had lived a life of her own choosing and the services reflected some of the favorite parts of her life,including a song I have never heard at a funeral before (Trashy Women,by  the group Confederate Railroad).

The service also reflected some of the difficulties she encountered in life.  Maybe some of the lyrics of the song reflect that, such as the following:

I like 'em sweet, I like 'em with a heart of gold.

Yeah an' I like 'em brassy, I like 'em brazen and bold.

I actually felt a lot of admiration for her as I learned about her life.  I never met her (and obviously never will), but she apparently lived life on her own terms.  

Thinking about death, I thought about how moving (another job, another City) is a lot like death in a sense.  You are moving on to another stage of life.  While, unlike physical death, you can visit where you moved from, you can never really return no matter how hard you try.  It is simply different.  (I always liked the title of the book “You Can’t Go Home Again”).  Not bad, just a change.  

It’s not that I don’t enjoy the visits and find them rewarding, it just that it is a different experience.  It is not living there.  I wouldn’t want to miss the visits, but it is never the same.

I even learned that when I was a child, and I was gone for a week or so.  When I returned, I was amazed that life had gone on without me!  I’m not quite sure what I expected when I returned, but I was surprised at how I felt.  I can’t even put it in words now. I remember I always felt I was missing something when I was gone, even though I was having my own experience.  

I think when you move, you are feeling the death of routines, the death of friendships (even if continued in a new or revised form or relationship), the separation from the physical house you lived in, relationships with neighbors etc, relationships with Doctors, and the person who does your hair, even the feeling of loss from places you enjoyed eating at or shopping at.  Even though I never said one word to them, I even felt the loss of the people I exercised with in the morning.  There was a feeling of attachment, even though we never spoke.

I have mentioned before that a friend of mine used to say “Live is a series of Hello’s and Goodby’s”   I always hated it when he said that, even though I realized the truth to it. I guess physical death is the final goodby.

Of course, changing of jobs/job lose and  moving also brings along with it the thought of separation and loss, major changes in your life and your realize your life will never be the same.  The changes are permanent, which is a form of death.

Oddly enough, I finished listening to “The Bully Pulpit” this morning, which of course concluded with the death of Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft.   (The book said Teddy Roosevelt “died in his sleep, which is probably the only way death could happen to him, if he had been awake he would have fought it!”).  

Of course, death also means you start another stage of life.  When I think about it, I realize every day is a series of deaths and renewals, we just notice the significant deaths and renewals. 

Death of one stage and starting of another stage isn’t necessarily good or bad, it just is.  

(Change of thoughts here!)  Scheduled for Apple store session today, I always enjoy them and learn something new every time.  

That’s it for now, Friday, August 8, 2014.

Summer 2014 July 2 Wednesday (Smoke Alarm Sadism)

Summer 2014 July 2 Wednesday (Smoke Alarm Sadism) 

75 degrees this morning. 

Head a loud obvious “beep” this morning around 2 a.m.  Of course I knew whatever it was, it wasn’t good.  The smoke alarm decided on this time to start the loud obtrusive “beep” of a low battery.  I can imagine the shouts of glee in the smoke alarm factory when the sadists who make them discover a particularly loud “warning” of a low battery and program it to go off at the worst possible time.

For us it is the worst possible time, considering that the smoke alarm, for some reason, is placed on the highest place on a “vaulted” ceiling in the master bedroom.  (The last place any smoke would reach.)  Of course, the only furniture in the house is two folding chairs and an air mattress, not even a stick or tool to knock the smoke alarm down.  It currently has stopped, but who knows when it will start again.  Obviously the last occupants didn’t follow the rules about chaining the smoke alarm batteries.  

I did listen to music (Enya in this case).  I realized how long it has been since I have simply listened to music, and not while was driving, walking, reading, talking or something else.  I realized again how close to poetry music is.  

Hung out at McDonalds for about 3 hours Tuesday morning using their internet, drinking coffee and eating a parfait.  I probably mentioned before the parfait is wonderful and only $1.00. They also have nice background music (kind of a jazzy classical sound) and some interesting characters who apparently hang out there.  McDonalds internet is  a lot easier to access than Starbucks.  Not sure why, but I log on the McDonalds with no problems, while sometimes I have to fight with Starbucks internet, although eventually i always get on.

Overall good day yesterday, weather was good, went to the Apple Store for a short session on “iPhoto”.  Watched the US soccer game, and ate “Hideaway” pizza (their pizza is a real treat).

We anticipate at least a partial unload of our household goods today (hopefully our tall ladder will be on the truck). It has been nice to be able to have time to get things done (including reading etc.) without having the “shoulds” looming over your shoulder.  I think we will also be glad to get into a routine, although the routine we have had (even with no internet, TV or furniture) hasn’t been all that bad, as long as that darned smoke alarm stays off.  Of course, we know (or at least hope) it is temporary.

It will be so nice to get my bicycle  back.  I miss it and walking.  We are not in a “walkable”/“bicyclable” area, but I can design routes for each.  (I expect I will get lost a few times in the neighborhood, the planners went nuts on this addition.) I will also be glad to get my weights etc.  I haven’t used the “heavy bag” or punching bag for years, but I will try it, if I don’t use it i’m sure i know people who would love to have it.  

I thin that is what makes donating books bearable, I think the books will have the opportunity to be read by someone who will enjoy them, perhaps the books I donate will play a role in someone enjoying or changing their life.

I was thinking, my future is wide open, as I begin to fully realize I have a lot of options I can look at.  Realistically, I have a good 10, probably 15 years of work life left and I may was well do something i enjoy and is rewarding.  Money is important, but secondary.  It was a great 12 years. I am even thinking of going to school to get some additional skills if I need to.  

The next part of our journey is beginning with the delivery of our furniture.  We will place the furniture and then the furniture will start placing us as we adapt to our new environment and life.  

Direct from McDonalds, that’s it for now, Wednesday, July 2, 2014. (Actually, the wi fi in McDonalds was so poor this morning, I went to the Starbucks!)

Spring 2014 June 17 Tuesday

72 degrees this morning, and a lovely morning it is.  Sitting on the patio listening to the birds and sipping coffee.  Life couldn't be better!  I even decided to eat breakfast later so I could spend more time on the patio during the best times.  Also, I may eat less throughout the day if I eat later!  Four more days until Summer starts.

A story this morning about a "robocopter" experiment in England reminded me of the appalling lack of progress in transportation, at least in my opinion.  I remember as a child looking at an advertisement and seeing a car going down the road with 4 people playing cards and no driver.  This was over 55 years ago and we are still driving basically the same way!  Obviously the cars are much improved (although some would disagree with that, I don't, I feel they are much improved), we still basically drive them the same way.  All of the progress in other areas, but we are still basically driving like we did over a century ago!  

I believe at least 14 years ago, I learned that the technology existed to the effect that you could walk out to your backyard, get in a small airplane/helicopter, and just sit there as computers and GPS handling taking off, flying it, landing it at your destination, all without any effort on your part!  Yet we still drive the same way and flying has even gotten worse than it was 14 years ago.  

Not only are are driving and flying the same, only recently have "alternative" methods of transportation (such as walking trails and bike paths separate from other vehicles been a priority.  (Well, with the exemption of Lakeland, where the new spoiled brat politician mayor and his toadies turned down a grant for a million dollars that would have made Lakeland truly bikeable and walkable, but that is another story.)

Actually, when I was a child, I truly thought we would probably be transporting ourselves (that isn't the right word, but the effect of just changing your form so that, for example in a matter of seconds, I could go from Lakeland to Kansas City).  While researching what this actually is on Google, I saw some interesting articles on transportation, as far as bicycles, even rickshaws I'll have to read when I have time.

I realize there are major barriers, including safety, etc. to all of this progress, but it is amazing that things really haven't changed for a century, at least, we are even still using mostly gasoline.  

Speaking of safety, I read this morning that robots killed over 30 people last year.  I realize the "robots" didn't really do it, lack of safety engineering in the robot operations did it, but it still is a sobering thought that you can be killed an an errant robot.  As they search for more ways to utilize robots, the safety factor is a major barrier (perhaps as in driverless cars and planes).  I also thought robots would be used a lot more although, perhaps, with the numerous small computers in use, it may be that we are using robots in a different context and form than expected.  I  read where they are trying to make robots more "appealing"  (I'm not sure if that means human  or like a cute puppy, or maybe even a cute machine).  Creatively couldn't hurt.  

Some other technology that I thought would take off faster than it has is nanotechnology.  I read "Prey" and though this would really tai off, but I haven't seen a lot about it.  Of course, if I put nanotechnology into a search engine, I may be proven wrong.  I also thought solar would be used much more than than it has been.   

Getting my tooth implant area "opened" today, the last process before the new teeth (actually crowns over the posts) are installed (I guess that is the right word) in about two months.  That will make the whole process a year long process.  A lot has happened since I first had the two teeth pulled on September 6, 2013 to prepare for the implants.

Also going to the Apple Store,  For some odd reason, my iPhone won't ring, which creates a log of voice messages and embarrassment when I don't answer my phone.  Also going to work on my iPhoto some more.

That's it for today, Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Spring 2014 5 28 Wednesday

66 degrees this morning.  Some rain last night, also somewhat cloudy this morning, but no problem with walking or bicycling.

Thinking this morning about "X+1".   I heard the story about Test Pilots were asked how many times they could flout the rules when they tested their new airplanes (I expect you don't expect a test pilot to follow the rules) and their answers was "X+1", with X the number of times you did it and +1 when you got caught or wrecked!  

I always enjoyed this concept and have used it in many different situations.  I think the "+1" is the reason that you keep on living and pushing regardless of the situation.  Anyway, it is fun to think about it and apply it in different situations.

Currently my status is "Change is coming".  No matter what, the "World without end is ending" and some type of change will take place, especially in the career situation, where we live and other factors.   I look forward to change and like variety and stimulation in daily life, but I also like the stability of a regular job and knowing I am going to live somewhere for at least a while.  It is likely we may be moving in the near future and my job status could change suddenly (or not), which will make the Summer of 14 the time of the most changes in our lives since the Fall of 2001.  In that case, the change was structured and I/we were in charge of the change.  This change is wildly unstructured and we have final action of approval of any change, but we don't really have any control over the change.  If that makes any sense.

My MacBook Air is back, but the problem still isn't fixed.  All they can say is they "can't replicate" the problem.  I understand that but it seems like there has to be a reason.  I haven't really searched the Internet yet for answers and that may be the key.  I'm sure I'm not the only one having this problem.  It is good to have it back, although I am always pleased at the versatility of the iPad when I have to use it.

Back to changes in our lives, I really expect we will be moving sometime in late June.  Where or why we don't know yet.  It may depend on a job, it may depend on the house being sold, or there is a good chance it could depend on both. 

I both look forward to the change and regret the loss of some of the routine and friends I have come to enjoy as part of the fabric of my daily life, knowing that the change will be a major loss and change for us as well as others.  

The trees in back of our house are in full "leaf", which provides a completely different atmosphere from Winter.  I am stilling on the patio, enjoying the patio and the trees (I call it the forest) and the birds welcoming the day.  Some morning I will record the birds and post the sound track.  The birds beautify the air with a burst of sounds in the morning, unlike later on in the day.  

I spend several hours at the Apple Store yesterday, getting ready for my iPhoto structuring.  I'm not sure how I will find time for it if we are packing etc., but I expect I will work on it a bit at a time.  I decided to do the latest events first, since I will remember them better and maybe it will put my mind in shape to structure the earlier events.  I am putting all my photos on a hard drive and working just off that hard drive.  

I am working more on Evernote.  The support staff has been good about analyzing my problems/questions and suggesting thoughtful answers. I still feel like I'm not using it to it's full potential, but then that is true of all my computer problems!  

That's it for Wednesday, May 28, 2014.  

Spring 2014 April 17 Thursday

37 degrees this morning.  

Learned more about iMovie yesterday at the Apple Store.  It is a fascinating program and can really do a lot.  I learned aspects of it I didn't have any idea even existed.  Of course, I don't take video that often, (except by accident), but I do have fun with it and it will be entertaining.  Probably use it more for work.  

The special effects, the music, maps etc. you can put with it is relatively easy, just a matter of time and learning.  My problem is I get stuck on something minor and there I am.  The Apple Store has a good answer for this with their "Open Session" where you work on a project and ask for help when needed.  (The 1 to 1 is literally a single teacher instructing you in the subject, which is wonderful.)

Probably will accept a contract on our  house today (or at least a counter-offer).  We love the house and hate to think of leaving it.  It is a wonderful house in a wonderful location.   On the other hand, we've only had it on the market for two weeks, so we may wait.  We are in no hurry to move, unless I get a job somewhere outside of this area.

Picked up my beloved MacBook Air yesterday.  It is nice to have it back. I got along fairly good without it, but I am glad to have it back.  It is so much more convenient, and actually a lot faster than other computers.  (Something to do with the flash drive, I think.)  I worked on iMovie on it and it is  very fast. I think the problem with my iMac is that iPhoto ran amok with "faces"  (I ended up with almost 60,000 pictures and got rid of 20,000, but I still have 40,000 pictures) and I think it is using up all of the processing power.

Evernote sounds like such a good idea, I just can't seem to get used to using it.  I used to to keep my car mileage and things like that on it, and the books I wanted to read, but that is hardly using it at it'll highest capacity.  Kind of like using a computer as a glorified typewriter, although I don't even know if they make typewriters anymore.

By the way, I need to praise Staples Office Supply.  After becoming throughly frustrated at FedEx Office trying to make up a business card with two sides (one English, one Chinese) and being stymied by FedEx bureaucratic requirements to use their templets, colors etc. and the inability to insert the Chinese Language, and wasting several hours on this, I went to the Staples web site and ordered a double-sided business card in exactly what I wanted in a matter of minutes!  A wonderful representative (I wish I had gotten her name) helped me when I realized my order wouldn't get to me before a meeting, she even redirected my order so I would get it prior to the meeting!  THAT is customer service!  

We're still thinking about the contract on the house. It is for less than we really want for the house, but there is some other factors which would increase the value of the offer to us.  A hard decision to make.

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 April 16 Wednesday

35 degrees this morning..... all time low is 30 degrees in 1950!  I went ahead and did my exercises routine, not too bad.  Sunny day this morning.

Working on "iMovie" on the Mac, have another instruction period at the Apple Store today.  While I  rarely watch videos, I think I need to learn how to compose smoother and better quality videos. It is amazing what you  can do with just the basic "iMovie" structure.  (Notice, I said "you" not "I", at least yet.  I actually got pretty good with Keynote (Apple's PowerPoint) and enjoyed doing it, but there wasn't a lot of demand for slide presentations!  I do use it for business and sometimes just for fun for myself.  It is like a lot of things, the more you learn the more you know you don't know.

I have probably mentioned this before, but the app "WeChat" is truly amazing. The main restriction (like Apple messaging and FaceTime) is the other person needs the program, but the app is available for any cellphone platform.  You can message, call, walkie talkie, video etc.  I am still learning it.  So many apps promise a lot more than they deliver (or there is really no purpose to the app, or other apps or programs simply do it better), it is always fun to find an app that delivers and actually has a purpose.  

Tax day is past.  Computer programs have really saved time on taxes . Plus the fact that Aliene is so will organized, I spend very little time on fling taxes.  I always enjoyed preparing tax returns, and the computer takes away a lot of the paid.(still don't help on the pain of paying the taxes!)

The Tennessee City Managers Association (TCMA) is having a session on "Lincoln's Leadership Lessons" at its Spring Conference.  I am looking forward to these sessions.  The Conferences have become a lot more informative and valuable since the current Executive Director (a retired City Manager) took over.  

It is so nice to look out my back window and see the "forest" greening up again.  It seems like forever since they were last green.  This has truly been the "Winter of our Discontent" and a long, hard winter, both in actuality and in spirit.  Spring is coming!

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 April 11 Friday

66 degrees this morning.  A "cool"  66, but it's getting there. The sun is shining and the trees and grass are greening up.

Starting to take pictures of some of my "things" that it it time to get rid of.  I am starting on some hats which have long seen their useful life.  I wear them for exercise etc., but I have many more than I will ever need.  So a picture will maintain the "event" status of the hat (and in the future t-shirts, even books etc.) but I won't have to lug it around anymore and hopefully someone else can use it!  I haven't decided where to post them yet, I will keep them in a folder on iPhoto until I decide.  

Had a physical this morning.  It was interesting, a technician actually came to my house and did the physical.  Overall it was good.  

I am considering starting a "writing" business, if I can decide how to market it and if there is even a demand for it.  I enjoy writing letters etc., and I can (I'll brag on myself a little here) can whip out a letter or document in several minutes that takes others hours.  Maybe there is a niche I can fill someplace and supplement my income also.  It would take a while to build a clientele, but it may be worth a try. 

Preparing for the China trip has been fun.  I even downloaded some Chinese language lessons for my iPod and I will listen to them while I walk instead of my usual books and maybe in the car etc.  I have also read several books about the Chinese culture (including "On China" by Henry Kissinger, which have been fascinating.  As part of the conference and pre-tour, I will get to visit with Chinese officials of several cities etc. which ought to really be interesting.  We are also taking some side tours, assuming this will be our one and only trip to China, although you never know!   We area also meeting with a Chinese native who will review the culture and language with us.  We are also eating at the only "true" Chinese restaurant in the Memphis area to get familiar with the food, especially with Aliene's eating restrictions.

Strange how chance plays such a major role in life.  I was mulling over the China Conference when I went to a "breakfast" sponsored by the Memphis Chamber.  There, I happened to sit with a person who owned a business that worked with local companies on helping international workers become familiar with the US culture, English language etc.  I mentioned to her we were considering going to China and she encouraged me to do so.  When I decided to go, I contacted her company, which advised me of the restaurant and the person who could help us adjust to the culture.  

We have probably spent more time planning the trip than the trip will take, but it has been a lot of fun!  We completed most of the details yesterday at AAA as far as tours and in country flight.  (We are going to Shanghai, XI'an, Beijing, Wangzhou and then Shanghai before we depart!  

Going to the Apple Store this afternoon for follow up work on iMovie.

(Later):  In my "third place"  (the Apple Store) doing open training (meaning I work on my own until I get stuck, and then there is an expert there to unsnag me.  I do love this place!

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 April 5 Saturday

(Written Saturday morning, somehow not posted)

43 degrees this morning.  Ouch! It is even getting worse, 37 degrees right now, although it is supposed to warm up to 63 degrees or so.  I am tired of the cool weather and ready for Spring/Summer.  Many years it doesn't really warm up until early or even mid-May before it really starts getting hot.

In my "Second Place" (Starbucks).  I really like Starbucks coffee and their overall attitude, but there breakfast just isn't very good.  Not good and frequently well prepared.  (I'm talking about their breakfast sandwiches, not their wonder cookies, cakes etc. that I don't eat, even though I would love too.  Very rarely, I will get a cookie.  

I try to follow a "low, slow carb only" diet.  I try to avoid the "fast" carbs (I need to look up how to spell it) of pasta, bread (especially processed bread), potatoes etc. and I generally do.  I don't worry about the carbs in fruit, berries, or oatmeal etc. I think it is a matter of "balance".  

"Balance" was a major discussion item with some friends some years ago, as to how much "balance" was good, what to "balance" etc.  A "balanced" life, diet, etc. was the goal.  I still agree with that, if it can be defined.

However, perhaps "harmony" is also a goal, with "balance" a subset goal to living a life where your different aspects of your life are "in harmony" rather than worrying about everything being "balanced" or in balance.  I also like to think of it as avoiding all extremes (including this one) in what I do, including eating, leisure, work, sleep, exercise etc.  I still remember how amazed I was many years ago when a YMCA representative mentioned that some members had to go "in patient" to deal with their addiction to exercise.  (They were letting exercise interfere with their life, work, marriage etc.)

Anger is another item that should be "in balance" and probably is part of "harmony".  Some anger can be good, but obviously too much is destructive.  (Bear with me, I'm thinking out loud, or maybe thinking with the keyboard here.)  

There is a song I like where a Law Enforcement Officer stops someone for "having too much fun".  The singer says there is no such thing as "too much fun, a girl too pretty, too much class, too lucky etc." and I can't say I disagree with these "extremes", since extremes tend to balance anyway.   I'm not sure about no such thing as "too much money", unless you link it with good judgement, but that isn't within the scope of the song.  

Wonders of the Internet, I looked it up. Hope I don't get in trouble if I include all of the information!  (I've included the lyrics at the end).

The house is now listed and being shown.  If we don't sell it, we have a place to live.  If we do sell it, we'll move to an area, hopefully to a city that believes in serving its' residents and not just serving a spoiled brat who wants his own way and who can't seem to understand the concept of what a city actually is and a Board of toadies who can't deal with telling a spoiled brat "no".   I'm sure there will be a reaction to the extreme, like there is to all extremes.  

Going to the Apple Store again this week.  I"m glad it is close, but I wish it were closer.  I try to schedule several visits together and it becomes a long visit, but fun.

Here are the lyrics to "Too Much Fun"

Daryle Singletary – Too Much Fun Lyrics
Send "Too Much Fun" Ringtone to your Cell
Blue lights flashing in my rear-view mirror
The sheriff says, "Boy I should have known it was you
You've got fourteen people in the back of this truck
I've warned you twice and now I'm writing you up."
I said, "Officer, what have I done?"
He smiled and said, "Boy, you're having too much fun."

(Chorus)
Too much fun? What's that mean?
It's like too much money, there's no such thing
It's like a girl too pretty, with too much class
Being too lucky, a car too fast
No matter what they say I've done
I ain't never had too much fun

There was a fight Friday night at the Stumble Inn
Me and ol' Harley just had to join in
Next thing you know we were both seeing stars
They threw us out and closed down the bar
I said, "The Long Branch is open. The night's still young
And we ain't never had too much fun."

(Repeat chorus)

No matter what they say I've done
I ain't never had too much fun
Give me the reins and let me run
'Cause I ain't never had too much fun
Send "Too Much Fun" Ringtone to your Cell
Songwriters: KNIGHT, T.J. / WRIGHT, CURTIS
Too Much Fun lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC

LyricFind

Spring 2014 March 27 Thursday

52 degrees this morning, but seemed much colder due to wind and mostiure in the air.  Cloudy, but since rain wasn't really fore cast until later today, I rode the bike.

Deleted 20,000 duplicate pictures yesterday at the Apple Store, but still have about another 30,000 to delete.  For some reason they are deleting so it probably means another trip back to the Apple Store.  Some kind of problem with their "faces" recognition program it causes the "faces" to duplicate.  At first I thought it was an error on my part, but now I don't believe so.  

I just realized the Apple Store is my "third place", like Starbucks is my "second place".  Of course I can't just go there and hang out, but with the open training, I can work on a project and have an expert on call in case I run into a problem. It works wonderfully, I don't know why more tech companies don't have some kind of program like that, instead of making you call and be on hold for hours while they try all kinds of time-consuming "tests" before admitting their product is defective and take it back or refund your money.

Back at my "second place" (Starbucks) waiting for Aliene to finish some items.  We are close to getting the house ready for sell, it has been a long process.  The Realtor may have us do some more, depending on what she thinks would help it sell.  

I had to stop my project of taking pictures of the Hot Wheels, since one of the rules of selling your house is no personal items like that (including stuffed bears, personal pictures etc.)  I didn't count them in the interest of getting them packed etc.  

I went by the library and saw several books I have wanted to  read, but I have too big of a stack of "to be reads" now!

That's it for now, may note more later depending on how the day goes. 

Winter 2014 February 18 Tuesday

37 degrees this morning.  I am so ready for Spring and Summer.

Thought I had lost a "wallet" I carry as kind of a supplemental wallet since I don't like to have "thick" wallets.  I looked all day yesterday and even checked at places where I had been .  Even though it didn't include my drivers license and my "main" credit cards, it did include gift cards.

While walking this morning, I though about it and concentrated on my movements.  When I got home I walked to may favorite chair and there it was! Just for the heck of it, I checked the contents and was surprised to discover it had over $200 in case (I NEVER carry that much cash!), about $200 in gift cards (Barnes and Noble, Outback, Starbucks etc.), my AARP Card, an American Express Card and a Discover Card and my car insurance verification.  And about $260 in uncashed checks.  I don't even want to think about the time involved in chasing everything down if I had lost it.  

I carry my Drivers License and main credit cards in my cell phone case, which works well.  Except that several weeks ago, we were about to leave for a plane flight and I realized I didn't have my drivers license.  When I drive to the gym (raining etc.), I take my Drivers License out and I had left it in my exercise clothes pocket.  I'll never do that again!  I could easily have driven tot eh airport and not had it with me and not noticed it until I was at the airport.

I am thinking of starting my own business.  I am still applying for jobs, but the thought of being in business for myself is rather alluring.  It is the perfect time for it and I could afford to start slow and build it up, if I could find the right business model.  I've thought about it all my life and I will never have a better time than now.  Something to think about.  I have several applications out, but it appears my age is going to be a barrier.  Something I found no one talks about until I mention it than I suddenly get a torrent of words about similar (age discrimination) experiences.   In some cases it has been overt and even used as a reason, so it is not hidden, and it is definitely out there.

Oddly enough, I hadn't even really thought about my own business much until after I went to a "1 to 1" training at the Apple Store yesterday.  The "Creative" who helped me was so positive and supportive, I had the brainstorm (this morning actually) that that may be a viable alternative.  There isn't any direct relationship, but somehow what we went over (actually it was on the iPad), I think it somehow unleashed my creative thinking patterns?  Or something like that.

I am now in the throes of thinking about specifically what type of business I'd like to start.  Of course, I"d gladly exchange the thoughts for a challenging City Manager job in the right place!

Winter 2013 December 31 Tuesday

23 degrees this morning.  

It was cold out there, didn't feel too cold until I came back from the gym (on the bicycle) and hit some wind going down the hill.  I usually wear a bandanna on my head, but I needed a hat this morning!  Actually, it really wasn't that bad and I was able to get my full exercise program completed.

Wonderful day today after the cold weather this morning.  We had some minor things done at our house and I went to the Apple Store (Aliene's phone developed ringing problems and they replaced the phone and I did some work on some computer programs while I was there.).  I have been working on some creative aspects of the programs such as keynote etc.

I am always pleased at the little things that happen that are so pleasing, an e-mail or call from a friend, something in the mail I was waiting for or, like the other day, I actually heard both the "Four Seasons" and "Canon in D" on XM radio in one trip!

I always am surprised when the realize the full capacity of iPads, iPods, iPhones etc.  I can actually listen to any specific song or music anytime I want to.  It is still nice when I hear a favorite song or music unexpectedly.  

As far as Resolutions, I really don't make them at New Year.  I may made some promises for improvement to myself at anytime, but I normally don't do it at this time of year.  I also never (unless requested) do "year in review" type stuff, because while I hope I learn from the past, I just normally don't have time to rethink the past.  Doesn't mean I don't note events or happenings and hope to learn from them. 

I will always remember 2013 as the year "the world without end, ended".  I knew it would happen sometime, too bad it happened in this way.  My first Mayor told me he thought of the City as a ship going down the river, people get on, people get off, but the ship keeps on going down the river.  

As far as another year gone by, I am beginning to fully realize the problem older people have in the common perception by many people of what older people can and can't do or what they are going to do.  I think everyone assumes I am going to die or retire shortly, or I don't have new ideas etc. or whatever.  I can understand some of the comments I have heard in the past. 

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 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.