Summer 2014 August 22 Friday (Anticipation)

82 degrees this morning.  Summer finally arrives in late August!  Walk 54:57 minutes this morning, biked about 30 minutes yesterday.  No earthquakes  today (at least none showing up on my app.)  My bike ride has been shorter since there appears to be a problem with the tire or chain, or maybe a problem with my legs not in shape yet!

Bike ride has changed a little with the arrival of the school buses (school is just starting here) and the crowds of children either standing on the corner or slowing making their way to the bus stop.  

Tomorrow will mark two months since our move.  Even though we have gone back on a fairly frequent basis and greatly enjoy our visits with friends (during these visits it is almost like we haven’t moved, it is kind of a shock when we end our visit and realize it is not a regular event anymore, which I guess makes it even more treasured), it is almost like we have never lived there.  

In a sense, we have never lived in Lakeland as it exists today, and I’m not sure we would want to, since it is basically changing to a “non-city”, where the general concept seems to be to provide as few public services as possible and make it a city that is primarily “business friendly” at the expense of the residents.  

I felt the same separation last November when I was no longer working for the City.  After a week or so, it was like I have never worked there, on a psychological basis.  

I remember the story about President Reagan, when we was in the last stages of his illness.  He saw a replica of the White House and looked at it and said “I used to have something to do with that”.  I always thought that was sad, and I was surprised at how fast I felt the same psychological separation.  

It kind of goes back to my favorite saying “The World Without End is Ending”.  The world of employment, a residence continues until it is over, and then it is over.  

Kind of like the cartoon in the paper I saw recently.  The family is moving and the little boy looks around the house and says “this used to be our house but now it is just a house”.  

After receiving my newspapers at the “normal time” all week,(around 3:30 a.m., or at least they are here when I complete my walk), the newspapers are “late” today (probably will be here at 6 a.m.).  I really wish they would not deliver them early, if they aren’t going to do it all the time, it just ruins my routine.  

Of course, as a friend recently a advised me, all I need to do is just read the paper when it is a day old, that way I would always have it when I wanted it and I would have my routine!  It actually makes sense, but somehow I have to read the paper as soon as it arrives or it is like “what’s the use!”.  

Kind of like mail, I have always loved to receive the mail.  Evan as a child, I can remember walking down to the mailbox and waiting for the mail, even when I didn’t expect anything and my disappointment (that I still feel today) when I don’t get anything!  I am a regular checker of e-mail, it is like getting mail on a 24 hour basis.

Kali (my granddaughter) is going to a concert with a friend this weekend.  They are staying overnight in another City.  It is one fo the first stages of her establishing her own life and probably one of her first adventures from her parents.  She saved her own money for the trip and has been anticipating this since early in the year.  I hope it is everything she anticipates.  It is wonderful when it is, a learning experience when you realize that anticipation is frequently 90% of the fun.

i think that is why I enjoyed China so much.  I anticipated the trip for about 5 months and it was everything I anticipated and more, in fact, much more.  It was not a matter of anticipating something and suddenly it is over and you wonder what you really anticipated.  

That’s it for today, Friday, August 22, 2014.

Summer 2014 August 15 Friday (Shorts, Tee Shirts and Scandals-Summer of 14)

Summer 2014 August 15 (Friday)

63 degrees this morning. 

Thinking yesterday that it is probably the first time since I can remember that I spent most of my summer days wearing shorts, a tee shirt and scandals, with some exceptions when I wore a suit or “business causal “ for a specific meeting.  Probably the last summer I will do so for years also.  I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed it!  

Completed the next to last appointment on my “tooth implant” procedure.  It was more uncomfortable than I expected and about twice as expensive as I anticipated.  Ouch!  The final procedure is scheduled in two weeks, which means it will be just a few days short of a year long process.

Read this morning about private investment firms again “betting” on the misfortune of the “common person”, this time “betting” on electoral outages and “winning’ millions of dollars in a day.  Sounds familiar to the banks that “bet” on people losing their houses and then generally taking actions to make sure it happened.  When is this going to stop?  The money is coming from customers who can’t afford to keep supporting these rackets!

The story in the New York Times was the first time I had ever read of the “betting” on electrical outages.  What a racket!  I am sure, that just like the “special tax preference” that “private equity” firms receive, it is a result of “political contributions” and “connections”.

A recent story by he New York Times on a Starbucks employee and the irregular hours apparently is resulting in Starbucks starting new policies on employee scheduling. Again, computers are used for scheduling resulting in employees working on extremely short notice, being sent home after only a few hours of work and then called back etc.  Again “financial profit targets” are used to justify this.  (I’m not sure what to think of this yet, except I can see the frustration and inconvenience it creates for probably the lowest paid personnel, especially persons with families.  On the other hand, I can see the point of businesses that they can’t pay personnel just to sit around.  Seems like there is a good answer someplace that is fair to both parties.  Maybe businesses aren’t planning very well and need to plan better and utilize personnel better.

On another subject, I often (will, occasionally anyway) wonder about the little certificates attached to gas station pumps and elevators.  Who really inspects these?  What does the certificate really mean?  I don’t think I have ever seen a gas pump shut down, so I wonder who really inspects the pumps for correctness?  While I expect gas stations owners are generally honest, when I see the number of gallons sent through the gas pump, only “cheating” by a small fraction could raise a substantial amount of money.  

I’m sure it has happened, but I have never seen a gas station owner charged with having mis-measuring gas pumps!  I will run an internet search on it and see what I find.

Same with building elevators.  I wonder who actually inspects them?  Are they like airplanes, they have to do a certain amount of preventive maintenance each year?  I don’t obsess on this, but I wonder about it enough that I occasionally have a queasy feeling when I get on an elevator that creaks and moans.  Again, I need to do an internet search on this!

I think it is easy for me to say, concerning the above, especially the electrify racket, and how to schedule personnel that ‘“I can’t do anything about it, so I won’t worry about it”, but if I don’t worry about it, who will?  Nothing would ever get corrected with that attitude!

Looking forward to visiting with some friends this weekend.  Good food, good friends, good coffee and warm weather.  Hard to beat that combination! 

That’s it for now, Friday, August 15, 2014.

SUMMER 2014 June 21 Saturday (A Lull in the Life in the Midst of Chaos) The Deed is Done

75 degrees this morning, still a little coolness in the air.

Life in the midst of moving boxes. We are currently living in "travel mode" since most of our belongings were packed up yesterday.

The deed is done.  We have officially sold our beloved house, with the wonderful patio, and must move by Monday. We "closed" Friday afternoon, with possession until Monday night. The next three days will be a period of goodbyes and final steps.  My wi fi continues, unaware it will permanently end on Monday, as with the phone service.  Thank goodness we have them over the weekend!

Walk this morning, two Sheriff patrol vehicles drove through.  Not sure if I should feel safe or scared!  Shelby County does an excellent job of patrolling the city, another aspect of life in Lakeland I will miss.  

The Lease for the house we planned to lease arrived, and we realized it contained provisions unacceptable to us so we will be "homeless" as of Monday night with until July 3 to find a home for our belongings.  The proposed lease we received contained a provision that the rent increased 10% after one year! and provisions on how we were responsible for all kinds of items most landlords take care of routinely.  It was one of those national businesses that bought up a homogenous number of houses in foreclosure and is now renting them out.  Nothing wrong with that, but they apparently need to work on their business practices.  I can't imagine anyone signing a lease like that.

This morning I realized I had coffee and a coffee maker, but no filters.  A quick trip and that matter was settled!  I didn't have any coffee yesterday at all, and I was in the mood for some coffee.  As I say, coffee is my only vice, and I am going to enjoy it!

Sitting outside on my patio, as I enjoy it for the last few times.  I can't imagine being able to get anything like it at another house (I haven't seen anything anyway), so I will enjoy it while I can.  I will miss the singing (and some simply noise) of the birds and the occasional deer and the silly antics of the squirrels.  Right now, I can even hear a deer, but can't see it.

The much anticipated first day of Summer has arrived, with little fanfare.  Of course, there is always that felling in the back of my mind that the days will now start getting shorter with the descent into Winter, although there is a lot of time left in Summer.  

I am trying to figure out how to forward mail etc. when I don't know my forwarding address.  It sounds kind of suspicious to say "no forwarding address"!  Actually, I fully expect to have something within a few days, but it means our priority has become finding a reasonably good house.  We really liked the one we had picked out, but many others are comparable or close and we may find something even better.

Today we are saying goodbye to a number of people, tomorrow we take care of some final moving details , getting ready for the Monday move as well as saying some more hard to say goodbyes, Monday  we move to who knows where.  Interesting times.

But in the final analysis, we are glad the decision has finally been made.  Living in the never-never land of now knowing where we were going, and not being able to make any decisions, (in spite of being pleasant with our friends, the house, and the things we love about the Memphis area, which are many) was beginning to get old.  We knew we couldn't stay in the house or Lakeland, since we can't stand to see the deterioration of Lakeland into the "no where city" it is rapidly becoming. Sometimes, it is better to remember what was, than what is.  

That's it for now, Saturday, June 21, 2014, the first day of Summer.  

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 April 8 Tuesday

41 degrees, actually down to 38 degrees not, but sun is coming out.  I am really ready for Spring and Summer!

Starting to take morning "where I am" pictures again as the grass, trees and flowers start to come to life.  It got too depressing during the winter.  I know winter is necessary, but it doesn't mean I enjoy it. 

For the most part, our lives have a Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, either very long, or a large number of them depending on how you look at it.  I think I like to think of life in many cycles, maybe with a larger overall cycle, assuming ups and downs in our lives could be termed by the seasons.  On the other hand, it is depressing to think that our lives could be termed in a long term stage of "Winter" with no chance for another "Spring".  Eventually it does happen, but ....

I have been watching my weight (nothing new about that).  I seemed to have attracted two new pounds that seem to like me very well, I am having a more difficult time getting down to my "normal" weight.  My normal weight fluctuates about six pounds, but I am now two pounds over the "top" of the fluctuation cycle and I am having a difficult time getting back to my "normal cycle".  Actually I hope to reduce the "top" of the cycle by two or three pounds this Spring.  It (the extra pounds) came when we had our granddaughters visit.  It wasn't the visit from them, but the extra travel involved when I gained the weight, but I have stayed exactly  at the same weight for three weeks now.

One major problem with trying to maintain a healthy eating style is the restaurants.  There are normally "healthy" alternatives available, I just need to bear down and order the healthy items!  The "low carb" eating pattern has served me well, although it probably is more of a "low fast carb" eating pattern.  Anytime I deviate from that  I seem to get into trouble.  Peanut Butter is both my favorite as well as a problem!  I need to remember "balance".  

Seeing the AAA travel agent to finalize our China trip today.  While I love making plans, there are some things I just can't do or at least don't trust myself to do in a Country I am unfamiliar with.  There are a lot of choices.  Kind of like when you are in a City and don't know where to eat, and it is hard to make a choice because you don't want to make a bad choice, since you won't be in the city again!

That's it for now, may be more later today.

Winter 2014 January 1 Wednesday

25 degrees this morning.  

Read another story about the importance of "design", although it was in physical items such as headphones etc. rather than "design"in the concept of "design" being the interaction of the consumer and item/experience. I tried to research the concept of "design" in providing municipal services, but I haven't found anything yet.  I'm sure information is available  on this.  

It is somewhat like "big data", it just really rose to my conscious mind at a conference where there was a session (or several sessions), now I see the term "big data" all the time.  From the information I read, the "big data" concept has obviously been around for awhile.  I was aware of the general concept, but not the term.

That is strange how something (a slogan, idea, person etc.) can suddenly rise to your conscious mind (such as "drink the kool aid, throw under the bus etc.) and you hear it all the time.

The 2013 "holiday season" is now officially over (or at least by Monday), so I am looking forward to important decisions to be made in the next several months.  

Wonderful day again weather wise today again after the cold start this morning.  

Looking out over the woods at the back of the house, I am struck by how full the woods appear in the  spring and summer (when the trees are all leafed out) and how desolate and empty it appears in winter.  (See pictures).  The green leaves etc. make such a huge difference in our   experiencing the forrest  I'm not sure what that all means, but it is interesting to think about how the leaves change our interaction with the forest.  In Winter we can see through basically to the other side, in the Summer we can't see through them at all.

Summer 2013 August 21

72/75 degrees this morning.  Feels warmer, although my bike seat was moist while I was in the gym.  

Last Memphis Redbirds ball game last night.  We enjoyed the summer at the games.  Although their season could have been more successful, we enjoyed the games and the atmosphere.

I have noticed that political campaigns bring out both the worst and best in people, and it has never been more noticeable than in this campaign.  That is not a judgement, just an observation.  

Time flies in the morning.  In spite of combining activities, etc, I run out of time in the morning.  I call it "hypertime".  I probably plan too much and expect I will get too much done, but it is the one time of day when I can work with few distractions.

Summer 2013 August 19

67/70 degrees this morning.  Summer, where are you!

Monday, start of a busy week.  Actually have meetings scheduled every night this week, plus a full day of activities.  

Still listening to the book on "Willpower".  Not bad, I have picked up a few points  consciously and maybe some subconsiously.

I always wonder about subconscious learning.  I believe that behavior can be changed by subconscious (and repeated) suggestions, so I assume learning is the same way,  I may try it.  In the past, I have used the subconscious technique with some success.

My Granddaughters start school today. One is in the 8th grade, one in 5th.  I remember when I was in the 8th grade and I am just glad I made it out of that period alive!  Kali appears much more grounded and ready for the adventure.  I always try to remember that you raise children so they can learn to live without you and as a separate person and life.  You are successful if your children can live without you.

One month until the Lakeland election (Sept. 19).  This is a very long campaign period.  I will be glad to see all the campaign signs come down. 

Still somewhat foggy and damp this morning.  Strange weather.

The birds are noisy this morning.  I really miss watching the birds on the bird feeders, but...not the varmints they attracted.

Summer 2013 August 17

70/73 degrees this morning, maybe a warmup is coming!  In a way, this has been a "lost summer" in that actual summer weather was sporadic at best.

Listening to a book on "willpower".  My mind wanders, especially after listening to the great book  "Steve Jobs".  I believe there are some books (or maybe subjects/types of writing) which do not just translate well for listening.  Or maybe I'm just not all that interested in the subject.

They did discuss the value of "meditation".  I don't know if my naps can be considered meditation, but I value them.  I take a nap in the morning (every morning) after my exercise and shower, a nap at noon, when possible, and a nap after work.  I find that time is valuable for decision making and preparing.  

I mentioned to someone once that sometimes I could go on a walk or a bike ride and basically write a memo in the head and it would be ready for me to just write down when I got back.  To some degree, meditation is that way, except I almost always take a nap or at least fall into an inactive subconscious state where I am not actively trying to do anything (if that makes any sense).

Although form of meditation I find valuable is writing my thoughts down.  I have gone back to a private journal where I can rage and rant, not random thoughts or plan,  knowing that it is unlikely that anyone (including me) will ever read the words.  

Summer 2013 August 4

73 degrees this morning, a little cool.  Out on the patio, but a cool breeze is making it a little cool.

Birthday days are upon us!  Mary Anne, John and I.  It was always a fun time. (As I remember it anyway)

Weekend has been busy in spite of myself.  My "books to be read" list keeps growing.  I did finish "Watchers" yesterday, which is for our book discussion page.  I read an "e-book" version of it, and read it in moments when I had time.  

School starts tomorrow here.  In a way it signals the end of Summer, and is, for some purposes.  However, here, the Summer really continues into almost November (sometimes up until Thanksgiving) and the true Winter seems to hit around Christmas and last until late February and then an extremely long Winter/Spring of coolish weather that seems to last forever until mid to late May. 

Not a lot planned this weekend, working on some items for work (letters to applicants, memos, planning etc), going to the last of the Redbird ball games for the season.  I was surprised at myself that I really enjoyed attending Redbirds ball games, I have been attending (in sporadic fashion until about 4 years ago) for almost ten years now.  

While I ride my bicycle daily (except when it is raining), I haven't resumed my long distance rides (hour or more), mainly due to time.  I will need to start training soon since the time is coming for my "ride with the Summer", either in 2014 or 2015.  Perhaps I just need to go out and do it.  I am trying to figure out how long it will take me and the best routes.  My experience with biking in the same lanes as cars indicates it is NOT a good deal for the bike rider!  That is my primary concern