Summer 2013 August 29

74/77 degrees this morning.  Relatively coolish, almost too cool to sit out on my patio (but not quite).

The book "The Willpower Instinct" reviewed this morning the technique of "surfing the urge" as a way of willpower, either the "will" or the "won't".  Interesting concept, I have actually used it myself and it is effective.  I finished listening to the book and started listening again, although I will probably get the book to read and listen to something else.

I like my quiet time in the morning when I sit down to write this Blog.  I feel a sense of being unhurried.  It doesn't really matter how much or what I write, but it is the opportunity to do so, the fact I make the time to be able to write something if I want.

I think that is also why my walk is so important (I can think what I want and think through problems etc.) and my cycling.  My stationary bike riding gives me the chance to catch up on my reading (especially the daily newspapers) and my nap provides the opportunity to meditate and escape for 27 minutes (or whatever!).  

What is great about writing this is that I can write about anything I please, and as much or as little as I want!

3-day weekend coming up.  I am looking forward to just hanging out. 

Summer 2013 August 28

72/74 degrees.  Coolish tinge to the weather.  I was surprised when I was at the Courter Reunion in Kansas in July how much more hot and muggy it is at night and in the morning.  It is almost always relatively pleasant here at night and early morning no mater how hot it gets during the day.

Listening to "The Willpower Instinct" still.  Today involved the power of  the "white bear" (trying not to think about a White Bear, and of course that is all you can think about) and how it relates to willpower as far as behavioral changes regarding smoking, dieting, spending etc.  It is a great book and I am going to buy a physical copy so I can study it.  

August is almost over.  I really noticed this morning how it gets light in the morning so much later than it used to.  The passage of time, something you can't control.

I am about to "upgrade" my New York Times subscription to 7 days per week, (now I have only Friday, Saturday, Sunday), a decision I may regret, due to the lack of time.  I am just amazed I can get the latest edition delivered to my door step at 3:30 a.m. each morning!  That is just amazing.

Actually have no evening meetings until next Tuesday and that is the only one next week.  And Monday is a holiday!