Summer 2014 August 6 Wednesday (Happy Birthday)

79 degrees this morning.  Walked approximately 57:28 minutes, 40 sit ups, 20 lb barbells.  Bicycled about 41 minutes.

During my bike ride yesterday, I came across “Snake Lane” and “Bonner Pass” in my addition (or at least in the neighborhood I ride in, it actually isn’t my addition). I know I wouldn’t want to live on “Snake Lane”, and Bonner Pass (if my memory is correct) also may have it’s difficulties.  

Some wind during my walk, probably will have to deal with wind during bicycle ride.  Some time ago, I decided I prefer hills to the wind.  The wind is a lot more difficult to deal with.  Yesterday, completed a full schedule of exercise with a bike ride of about 41 minutes and a swim of 26 minutes.  Neither one is all that impressive as I only average about 11 mph on the bike and just kind of dog paddle in the pool, but I have fun and get some exercise.  

When I turned 60, I noted hat in 10 years I would be 70.  I am now 70% towards that milestone., if it is actually a milestone.    

Reflecting on my 67 years, I have to say, I am “where I am meant to be” (whether it is where i wanted to be or not)  and I will have to do the best I can to deal with whatever my situation is.  

Some time ago, a friend mentioned that the words of the song “You may not always get what you want, but you get what you need”, had special significance.  I am still thinking about that one!  I’m still trying to decipher the meaning of it and how it impacts on me.

Obviously the highlight of the past year has been the trip to China.  Seeing the culture(s), meeting the people and observing was really an interesting experience. I would love to go back sometime.  I really enjoyed the discussions with the other city officials and looking at the cultures of the different areas.  I think I am still trying to assimilate all of it as I go through the pictures and notes of our experiences.  The international nature of the conference was also interesting (of course Chinese, and also Australia, England, Russia, and Canada). 

While I regret not being in Lakeland and especially our house, back yard and friends, I couldn’t work for someone I have absolutely no respect for and that I expect will end up leaving in disgrace. 

Aliene mentioned, and I agree, the hardest  part of the past year has been losing some of the routines we had developed that we had enjoyed, that involved all aspects of our lives, including valued routines with friends, and just our daily routines that we valued.  

I recently read that PTSD (or something like that) can result from any sudden change in your life style and sometimes it takes time and effort to deal with it, sometimes it just isn’t doable. I’ll have to do some more reading on that.  But it doesn’t just result from battle, or being the victim of a crime, it can create problems from any stress that “life isn’t safe or secure” anymore and I think a change in routines certainly qualifies as a stressor. 

The Ebola crisis reminds me of a book I read years ago about Ebola (I believe it was called the Hot Zone.)  I was shocked to read that such a disease existed and there was nothing that could be done about it.  I really admire the Doctors and other persons who help the persons with Ebola.  I don’t know what the incentive is, but it must take a special type person to to deal with that.  

Starting a new year.  A blank slate that gets a little smaller each year!  However, I have to think that this year I have a lot of opportunities I have had in previous years and I need to take advantage of the opportunity.  Much like Aliene mentions, she said (and it is true), we couldn’t have gone to China if I had been working, and I would have missed a major experience in my life.

Looking forward to the year  ahead, whatever it may bring.

That’s it for now, Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

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.