Winter 2014 January 20 Monday

Bryant, Arkansas, 34 degrees, 39 degrees in Memphis.  Overall great day weather wise.  Good drive in to Lakeland.

Picked up bike, (general maintenance and checkup), be good to get on the bike again.  I hope to start building up my stamina so I can start riding in some longer rides and eventually my "ride with the summer".  May even try it this year.  

Aliene's mother passed 3 years ago on this date.  It was really sad, she was flying back to see her before she died and she was called on the plane, just after she fell (didn't hurt herself).  Although she knew her mother's time had come, she wanted to be there just in case her mother knew she was there and it could help her in the transition.  

Decisions are looming.  So far, I have been able to allow my future to be guided by events, soon, I am going to have to guide the events, depending on what happens in the next 40 days.  I expect to hear tonight or tomorrow about the Texas project, if I will be considered for it or not.  

I take naps throughout the day, normally one when after breakfast before I go to work and one after work, occasionally one at noon.  These are short "power" naps.  They really help keep me alert and I enjoy them.  I take about a nap every two hours when I am driving.  Not a long nap, normally five minutes or so.  It really refreshes me and I actually enjoy the sound of the traffic going by as I drift off for my break.I don't know if I will need to take cat naps when I ride my bikes on longer rides etc.

Started listening to Doris Kearns Goodwin's "The Bully Pulpit".  It is a good book, I am also going to read it.  It is interesting to read and listen to a book in the same time frame (as I am doing now with "Get Rich Slowly" by Jim Cramer.    I saw Doris Kearns Goodwin speak at a conference once (in Pittsburgh) and then she sat down right next to us at the airport.  We just told her we had enjoyed her speech and she was very nice.  (I should have gotten all of my books by her autographed!)  

I have thought about riding my bike on a longer ride, maybe the "Ride across Tennessee" or the "FreeWheel Oklahoma".  It would be good practice for my "Ride with the Summer".  

Winter 2014 January 19 Sunday

27 degrees, OKC, 39 degrees Memphis.

Sunday, January 19, 1997, Aliene and I met and actually started what resulted in us getting married.  We didn't actually have a date for a week.  We actually had known each other for two years (through a dance club), but the stars didn't align right until this date, exactly 17 years ago!  We got married, June 7, 1997, so things worked right fast!

Birthday breakfast this morning, enjoyed it. 

Took car back to Hertz.  I always have a little sense of relief when I get the rental car back, even though I have insurance on it.

Drove through Dallas, to look at another possible project.  I don't recall there being so many ramps and overpasses before, even just on I-635, wait outside of downtown Dallas!  We drove I-30 east to Arkansas, and I always surprises me at how big Texas really is.

Speed limit in Texas on rural Interstates is 75, which usually means everyone automatically goes at least 80:).  However it didn't seem to be that way today, most cars (with emphasis on most) drove at or just slightly above the speed limit.

Winter 2014 January 18 Saturday

39 degrees this morning, 23 degrees in Memphis.  

Cool, but nice day yesterday.  Enjoyed visiting with Angela and Kali and Katherine, we ate at "Paddywagons", which was good.  Good swim this morning, I would really like to set it up so i could walk, bicycle and then swim every day or at least most days!

Time marches on.  January 18 already.  The days just tend to flow, even with special events here and there.  it seemed like I was preparing so much for Thursday, and it is now past and I need to start preparing for the next project, and i don't have any idea when or where or if I even need a new project!  

Supposed to be a beautiful day today and tomorrow.

Went to Harrah today, hadn't been out there for several years (I was City Manager there for 12 years).  I was very, very pleased to see the main park had been beautifully completed and it was being well used by a large number of people.  The Park Board, residents and Commission got really involved in the park and worked together to provide a great asset for the town.  Mayor Glen West (who passed a young age several years after I went to Lakeland) spent many hours of time on a bulldozer working on the park.  It was great to see the success the community had accomplished.  

In addition, they got their dream of a Historical Museum completed and I noted a large number of houses have been built in the past 12 years.  Shows what can be accomplished when the residents work together.  

Winter 2014 January 17 Friday

36 degrees this morning (39 degrees in Memphis).  

Feel project was successful in that at least I did the best I could.

Frequently feel a sense of aimlessness after finishing an important project or an event I have been anticipating for a long time. Aimless in the sense that I can't get going on another project for a day or two.  Haven't felt it this time, maybe  because I have so much to do.  

Looking forward to my first swim in a long time.  I enjoy swimming, although I am not a good swimmer as such (I just paddle around and play "shark").  Just feels good being in the water. 

Need to start watching what i eat (or rather I need to really limit what I eat) after the last few days.  I try not to say I'm on a diet as such, I just try to eat reasonable.  I do try to avoid bread and potatoes and "carbs" except carbs from fruit and vegetables, where I ignore carbs.  

Looking froward to seeing and visiting with everyone this weekend. 

(A little later):  Enjoyable swim.  I would love to have an indoor swimming pool near!  I really enjoy the swimming pools with the "salt" filters instead of chorine.  Not sure how it works, but it feels so much cleaner.  I especially like a swimming pool with a hot tub (or sauna) close. 

Winter 2014 January 16 Thursday

33 degrees this morning, 31 degrees in Memphis  

This is the day I have been preparing for for several weeks now, and thinking about for almost a month and one-half.  The completion of the project, or the beginning of another project, depending on how everything goes.  Yesterday, I prepared for it all day and really have been working on it almost full time since last weekend, and especially since I got some new questions on Monday.  It has been an interesting process, regardless.  I feel privileged to have been selected for it for up to this point, no matter how it turns out.

In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  An interesting City.  I am staying near the "Bass  Pro" shops, or whatever it is called.  Where one is built, there seems to be many other restaurants, hotels and small retail.  More power to them.  

After this, going on to Oklahoma City to visit family.  

As I wait for the day to begin, I always wander what makes the "moment of trial" either a success or a failure.  I think practice and preparation is 80% of it, with temporary factors concerning how you feel etc. about 15% and other factors 5%.  The environment and your "competition" could play a larger role than that, but I can't help but feel practice and competition is most of it.  I remember when I competed in sports in high school there was always that "moment of truth", much as when a sports player has that moment when you either do it.... or your don't.  In my situation, it is more of a matter of do the best I can and I can't control the competition, so I just wish them the best also, and go on.

Watching an article on CNBC about the "second machine age".  I love technology, but sometimes I feel like the chess champion who said he would beet the worlds best computer chess player by "bringing along a hammer".  

Winter 2014 January 15 Wednesday

30 degrees this morning, 37 degrees in Memphis.  At Hampton Inn in Van Buren, Arkansas on way to an project and then on to OKC for a visit.  Stay wasn't as good this time as it has been in the past, the refrigerator was noisy and the heat didn't work good.  Fortunately that is rare in Hampton Inn and this is the first time for this one.  Did I report it?  No, I"m sorry to say I didn't.  I didn't want to mess with it when we got there and the next morning, it seemed rather pointless to complain.  I was going to mention it when I was leaving, but the desk was on the phone.

Good drive this morning, weather was good.  Also, generally good drive yesterday, some light rain and the normal nuts driving between Little Rock and Conway, one of the areas I consider to have th most aggressive and worst drivers in the world.  25 miles of hell, almost no matter what time you drive it.  

Working for tomorrow. I got some additional work Monday and I have been working "A & E" on it ever since.  Essay type questions are so  difficult because I can alway find a better way to word something or a simply mistake may be hiding someplace, so there is no real end until the deadline has come and gone.

I don't feel like I have much chance tomorrow, but I feel good I was invited to participate.  

March 2014 January 14 Tuesday

39 degrees this morning.  Looking to be a beautiful day.  In about a month and 1/2, the first signs of Spring should be appearing!

Bicycle in for maintenance/repairs.  Not a lot needs done, another chain, routine maintenance etc.  All I do to my bicycle is ride it and change the batteries (or charge them up) for the lights.  I have tried to learn to change tires etc. My skills simply don't run that way.  I wish they did, but I finally quit butting my head against a wall and admit I am simply a mechanical nincompoop.  (I haven't used that word for a long time!  However I tried to look it up and apparently I misdeeds it.  It says-it actually is in the dictionary-a "stupid or foolish person".  That isn't what I was trying to say, I was just saying I lack basic mechanical skills or abilities.  Anyway:)

However, my lack of skills in fixing the bike limits my bike riding, including my "ride with the sun".  I thought this might be the right year for my "ride with the sun", but I think I need to wait.  We are hoping to go on a trip to China to attend an International City Managers Association  (ICMAI) meeting, probably my one chance to visit China relatively inexpensively and partly tax deductible also!  

I hope to buy another bike soon.  My last bike was a "mountain bike" and I prefer the seating posture of the mountain bike to my present bike.  Not that I don't really like my current bike (a Trek 7500), I really like it.  It has been very reliable and is fun to ride.  I have been riding more lately (other than my daily early morning commute to the gym) and am really enjoying it. 

Too bad the City of Lakeland turned down a $1,200,000 grant for bike paths.  It was  a very poor, shortsighted decision in my opinion.  In addition to eliminating a major danger area for both walkers and bikers, it would have opened up employment and shopping opportunities for all of the residents of that area (about 3,000 people).  Most cities are making this a priority, but....

I have been busy writing and preparing responses.  It takes a lot of time, since I always feel like I can word something just a little better etc.  Even now, after numerous revisions and reviews, I still see an obvious misspelled word!  Part of the problem actually is spell check, which does make some obviously bad interpretations.  

Winter 2014 January 13 Monday

55 degrees this morning.  An unexpected rain.

Radio station at ATC Fitness this morning was absolutely horrible.  The announcer must have stopped growing in maturity at about 6 years old and his callers are worse.  Playing stupid "tricks" which are vicious and not funny at all.  Music is really horrible and not gym music at all.  I don't know why ATC Fitness can't have better music.  Otherwise, it is great, always clean and well maintained etc.  and really can't be beat.  I don't notice it that much when I ride my bike, but when I drive (like this morning when it was raining), it is horrible.   

I am really enjoying the warmer weather.  Hopefully it is a pre courser to an early Spring.  

Listening (and reading) Jim Cramer's (Mad Money) book " Get Rich Carefully".  I enjoy reading it and enjoy watching it when I have time.  I used to record his podcast and listen to it as I walked the next morning so it was timely, but I missed the opportunity to listen to other books.  I primarily listen to non-fiction books when I walk, sometimes I buy the book (like The Willpower Instinct) or listen to it several times.  I have listened to some interesting books, everything from Lincoln, the Civic War, an entire book (and very interesting!) on perfume, one on the history of the search for uranium (this one will shock you), ad the Aztecs (this one will really horrify you),  Audiobooks vary widely, I was really looking forward to a book about the building of the Panama Canal, but it was disappointing.  I don't know if it would be better if I read the actual book or not.  I am currently listening to and reading "Get Rich Carefully", which is interesting.  I see what I missed in one when I hear or read it in the other!

I have loved reading about and studying investments since i was in the 8th grade.  I have long given up hope of "getting rich" whether carefully or not, but I still enjoy reading about it.  I actually started when we got an afternoon paper when I was in the 8th grade.  I'd grab it and read the comics (at the back) and my Dad said (i doubt if he was serious, but....I thought he was back then) that if all I was going to read was the comics he was going to cancel the paper.  So, I started faking reading it and begin my lifelong love of newspapers, politics and the stock market and investments.  

I am always surprised when I look back and note the small events which later became major factors in the way my life has been effected.

Hopefully the rain will stop and the sun will reappear, but right now it doesn't look it it!

Winter 2014 January 12 Sunday

36 degrees this morning, more of a "normal" winter temperature.  Actually, I don't know what the "normal" temperature is.  I used to track the "normal, high and low" for each day.  I'm not sure why I stopped, maybe because it was a waste of time since the information would always be available anyway, except for record temperatures!

Looks like it is going to be a great day today, as high as 60 degrees.  More of the type of Memphis/Lakeland winter I had come to expect!

Just thinking, while I fortunately don't know what it is like to be told i have three months left to live, I understand it really focuses you.  Being aware that I have three months of pay and benefits (primarily medical ins.) and realizing that that time is 50% through next Tuesday certainly is starting to focus me, more on thinking about medical, assuming I don't have another position by them with medical coverage.  Fortunately, I can afford to be selective in what I do next in life, I just need to plan.

When I was a teenager (I think around 15), I heard a song by Pete Seeger, something to the effect of "Little Boxes made of ricky-tacky, little boxes all the same".  It actually had a big influence on my life and, looking back, I think I adopted it as a concept.  It isn't necessarily something to avoid but just something to be aware of as you live your life.  I actually saw him in Oklahoma City, I believe in 1989, and heard him sing the song.  My meaning on it is to be aware of your choices and don't just do something because it is "expected", not that there is anything wrong with it.  I admit, when I was 15, I probably took a different meaning from it.

It is nice to see signs of the coming Spring, even though it is at least a month and 1/2 away (at least in this area). 

Winter 2014 January 11 Saturday

54 degrees this morning.  

Sitting in Starbucks on a Saturday morning.  Sun is actually shining, supposed to warm up.

Been working on taking pictures of my Hot Wheels collection.  Current efforts are at  http://robertwherryhotwheelscollection.tumblr.com.  Just getting started posting the pictures so there may/will be some revisions later.  Note that I probably have over a thousand Hot Wheels, so it will be awhile before I get it completed, in fact I will probably never get it completed, as such.  Even if I get all of the cars on there (which is a big maybe), I will be continuing to add and revise.  I still buy them, and occasionally, when I am in Oklahoma City at the right time, I go to a Hot Wheels show, which is really nice.  I was surprised when I took my granddaughters to the show several years ago (they are 14 and 11 now, so they were probably 12 and 9 then), and they both loved it.

Not sure why, at my age, I still buy them and enjoy them, but I figure is it a relatively inexpensive hobby when each one is less than $1, at least in most cases.  I tend to target more now, buying race cars an Ferraris and any car like one I have ever owned or even liked for that matter.  I also like to buy construction and public safety vehicles/equipment Hot Wheels if they are well done.

By the way, it isn't just "Hot Wheels", I also have a lot of Matchbox and some other brands/generic ones that I have picked up over the years.  If I like them, I buy them, but I normally get Hot Wheels.  I also have some larger ones that I will post also.  

This is a project I have been working on for some time.  I think the right equipment (an iPad miniI) and time (Tumblr) has arrived.  I probably will try to upload the pictures to Blogger and Google Plus also.  It is fun right now, as time goes on it could become a hassle (when I learn how to do it!), so I am just doing a few at a time so I don't get tired of it. 

Almost the middle of January.  We will have some decisions to make shortly which will have long term effects.  Still have  a couple of opportunities I will see if anything comes of.

Our weeping willow tree was bent over from the ice storm (the ice broke the stick that kept it straight), so I need to figure out how to get it straightened up before the growing period begins.  

Winter 2014 January 10 Friday

46  degrees this morning.  Seemed cooler than that.  Walked, but drove to ATC rather than biked since streets were still wet.

 I am always surprised at who the minor events in life are so important.  This morning my newspaper delivery was late (but came right as I was leaving for the the gym), but, more important, the carrier accidentally gave m a USA Today instead of the Wall Street Journal.  While I am on the stationary bike, I normally read the Memphis Commerical Appeal, then the Wall Street Journal and then the New York Time.  So all morning, it just seemed like something was out of place!  Add in the fact I drove (rather than  cycled to the  gym.

As I have mentioned previously,  the Wall Street Journal has the worst on-line newspaper, so I am always disappointed when it does't arrive. For some reason the on-line version is very difficult for me to read, just the way it is organized (or not organized).

Today is Friday.  I still am surprised that the week goes fast, even when "every day is a Saturday except for Sunday")  There is a definite difference between the weekdays, and especially between the workdays and weekends that are more defined than I expected. 

Speaking of the Book Club I noted yesterday, I enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would.  It is interesting to be around intelligent people who like to read and have read the same book and take the time to discuss it.  We know we have an hour and we know we are there to discuss a specific book, so there is no hurry and it gives a chance to really discuss it.

I can remember reading "Catcher in the Rye" when I was a kid (probably about 14) and thinking that there are other people out there who have weird thoughts also!  (Not exactly the same, but not the standard either.)  I read a lot of books when I was a kid.  When I was in the 7th Grade (and later) I read any book I could sneak past my Mom, although I continued to read a lot of standard library books.  We would go to the Library (in Holton, Kansas when I lived n the farm and in Russell when I was in the 8th through 12th grade.

Watch the "Frontline" report on the fraud at the SAC Capital Fund.  It was somewhat discouraging to see the large scale cheating, especially when I remember 2008 and how none of the individuals actually were punished in any way, especially for the mortgage fraud.

I have been reading about the CES show.  It is amazing (and sometimes disturbing, but always amazing)

Winter 2014 January 8 Thursday

34 degrees this morning, light misting rain.

Sobering thought:  "In 1970, less than 1% of taxi drivers had college degrees.  Four decades later, more than 15% do".  (Wall Street Journal, Thursday, February 9, 2014, page A13)

Not that taxi drivers have an easy job.  I tried to do it in graduate school (in Wichita) as a part time job and, believe me, it is a tough job.  I admire taxi drivers and always try to add an extra dollar or two to the tip, especially the good ones.  It it not an easy way to make a living.  All the more that the figure is scary for college students find it as the only way they can make a living.  If they enjoy it, great, but I doubt if that is the case.

I am backing off a little about the Logictech "ultra thin" keyboard.  I still don't like it, but I don't like the standard cases even less.  At least I can separate this.  I'm looking for one like I had before, if I can't find one, I may need to make do with this.  I can't understand why, when they can make something wonderful like the iPad, they can't make a decent case or keyboard.  Apple does make some great products (and some real duds).  Two of my iPod shuffles (at least 6 years old) are still going strong, as is my original 6 year old iPod.  My "3" iPhone is still be used as a iPod touch and it has to be at least 5 years old.  And, my "original iPad", although woefully obsolete works so well I can't bring myself to give it away.  I don't use it for much, but is still is great as a somewhat giant iPod Touch I can use for music and audiobooks.  (It is a little slow for e-books).

I used to make 8 cups of coffee in the morning, I am now making 10 cups due to the extended morning.  Coffee is may last vice, and a good one I enjoy!  

Speaking of e-books, as much as I hate to admit it, e-newspapers e-magazines and e-books are getting better, or at least I am getting used to them.  The Commercial Appeal actually has the best e-newspaper, and the New York Times has made some major improvements.  I prefer the printed edition, but it makes it nice when I am traveling for need to check on something to have the New York Times and Commerical Appeal have such nice e-newspapers.  Strangely enough, the Wall Street Journal e-addition is very hard to read and I usually simply avoid it if i can't buy or snag a copy.

Discussed "Catcher in the Rye" at our book club yesterday.  It is so nice to be around other people who love to read and want to discuss what they have read!

I see signs that the light of day is lasting longer!  Spring will be here shortly!  (Maybe in more ways than one!)

Winter 2014 January 8, Wednesday

23 degrees this morning.  Good to get back to regular exercise etc.

Two product evaluations that I feel deserve negative comments:

-Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the iPad Air is not good.  First, it doesn't say you can use it only in one position.  I was ready to forgive that until the magnet failed and I almost dropped my iPad Air.  Back to Apple for a refund!   It is as bad as the Apple "Smart" cover where the magnet also never held, ln that case I dropped and cracked the iPad.  Apple kindly charged me $300 to fix that (actually I got a reconditioned one).  I don't think they have perfected the magnet technology yet.  I know, many people love it.  I'm just advising of my experience, it is a no go and is going  back for a refund.  I don't know who gives it all the "5 star' reviews.  

-Performance bike equipment.  I bought (at a relative expensive price) some biking jackets.  The material is great, it is warm in winter (I wear it in 16 degree weather) and in summer (I wear it up to 75 degrees or so).  However, I have four worthless jackets, because the zipper fails, almost as soon as I bought it.  I had the zipper replaced and it failed again, so I am going to go somewhere with a decent return policy and buy one!  I blocked Performance from my e-mail and throw away their catalogs without looking at them.  In my opinion, they sell junk.

On a more positive note, I am still listening (or listening again) to the "Willpower Instinct" on my morning walk.  They made a point this morning about the "future self" being seen as more flexible, having more time, and more willpower than the "present self".  Of course that makes sense.  Actually being able to think that way is different.  You always think you will have more time, money and feel more relaxed in the future and than the future suddenly gets here and it is just like the present!  (Or something like that).)

I was surprised what studies have found is the primary aspect of willpower-what you think everyone else is doing!  For example, they did a study on recycling, energy conservation etc. and, regardless of their views on this, the primary factor was what they thought everyone else was doing.  On utility bills, people who see they use less than average electricity, start using more electricity etc!  Rather surprising (and perhaps discouraging) if true!

Back to iPad covers, the last good one I had was a "fitted" keyboard cover and the iPad just fitted into the keyboard cover.  I'll have to look for one of those for my iPad or just go bare, except I do like having a keyboard and I don't like the thick cases around.  Why have a thin iPad and then buy a thick cover?  (I guess you can that about a lot of things!)

Winter 2014 January 7 Tuesday

5 degrees this morning.  (yes, five degrees, single digit!).  This is the coldest it has been since we moved here, I can't actually rememberer the last time it has been this cold.  Walked this mooring, not bad.  I don't bicycle out of caution.  I did ride yesterday in about 14 degree weather, and it really wasn't that bad, except for my fingers getting cold.  +15 libs over my target weight today, although only the Monday weigh-in is recorded.

Apple store today to try to figure out my iPhoto photos.  I have a lot of photos to delete and organize.  I am also going to try a new keyboard for my iPad which is connoted with magnets. I haven't had a lot of luck with magnet conniptions, but I couldn't really find anything else.  I bought a "smart cover", which turned out to be an absolute disaster, one of the worst products Apple has ever made.  (I dropped the iPad twice due to the defective "smart cover".  Even Apple personnel recommended I go to Office Depot (not specifically, but to another store) to get a decent case. Hopefully this will work out better, but I have 14 days to take it back.  

Noted in the WSJ this morning that "ginger" may help asthma.  I need to let Angela know about that.  I have "exercise induced" (which is made worse by cold weather) asthma, but it really isn't that bad.  I cover my mouth when I exercise in the cold and do the 'puffs".

The "puffs" are a perfect example of environmental stupidly or maybe a payoff some place.  The "puffs" were working find and were cheap to buy.  THEN to minimize the "environmental impact" of all of those puffs (probably  one minute of a small jet from all of them together), the FDA changed the standards and only one company could meet the standards.  Of course the price went sky-high and it doesn't work near as good.  I strongly believe in environmental improvement, but his was simply stupid, someone had they head in a place it shouldn't be.  To be honest, I don't know for sure that this explanation is true, but I know it went from a very effective drug to a lot less effective and substantially more expensive.  A pharmanist told me about the FDA and the reason for the change was the "environmental damage" caused by the aerosol. 

"Weeded out" two file drawers yesterday.  A lot of memories in there, but very little I really needed.  I thought about scanning all of it before I tossed it, but decided not to. Probably, after not looking at it for at least 7 years, I will need it tomorrow!  There are a few items I will send to "shoeboxed" to get scanned.   I am going back to try to weed one book per day.  It is hard to do, believe it or not. 

I looked at the "Apple" remote control Ferrari on the Brookstone web site, and, sure enough, I get this creepy message about the item in my Facebook news feed.  Makes you want to get disconnected, at least don't give your real name.  I'm sure I will start getting junk mail and junk phone calls now about it.  One reason I NEVER use the "sign in with Facebook" option.  

Need to go through my papers today again and start sorting stuff out.  Actually hasn't been that bad yet.  One good thing I don't have to weed stuff, I just want to slim it down a little!

Winter 2014 January 6 Monday

16 degrees this morning.  A slight wind made it seem cooler, but no snow etc, so it was cold.  Exercised this morning (including walking outside) but did not ride the bike outside.  It's not really that bad.

Strange occurrence yesterday, looked at "Brookstone" for a keyboard and then went to Facebook.  Lo and behold, an ad (they call it a "sponsored post" or something like that) popped on my timeline for a keyboard from Brookstone!  Really crreeped me out and I decided I wasn't going to buy anything from Brookstone.  That is even worse than Amazon.com's creepy "suggestions" which almost never make any sense as something I would be interested in.  Sometimes when you buy an item, (one that you wouldn't buy another one for a long time, if at all), they will keep e-mailing you about sales on that item!  Crrepy, even though I realize that no human being  actually is involved.

Monday, the official end of the "Holidays" and the real start of 2014, as far as work activities go.  I am committing myself to work my normal schedule etc. I haven't changed my exercise schedule and intend on setting up an office here depending on what happens.

I am starting to notice the days "getting longer", which helps me create a positive frame of mind, knowing that Spring and Summer are coming, although probably the worst of  Winter will be in the next two months.

I am +16 libs on my weight goal.  I decided to establish a new goal, now that I have been at my current weight for a year (a 45 lb loss).  I will make a note of how much I have to lost every Monday.  In fact, I will make it a separate post (right after this one)

I'm not sure how long I have been keeping this daily on-line journal now, but it has been long enough it is a habit.          

Winter 2014 January 5 Sunday

48 degrees this morning.  Supposed to be much lower later today (in single digits).  It was supposed to rain at 4 a.m. this morning.  I even saw the little green clouds coming this way.  So I didn't ride my bike to the gym.  Of course, it is now 7:21 a.m. and it still hasn't rained!  Not that I will ever complain that it's not raining that day (although I realize we need rain).

Sunday morning, tomorrow is the first day after "the Holidays"  Eight of the 11 holidays actually fall from November 11 to mid-February.  

Started reading a book by Alan Greenspan, 'The Map and the Territory".  Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised that it is so readable and informative, but I am .  It actually is an excellent book if you want to learn about the financial crisis.  Other books i have lined up and ready to read includes  Jim Cramer "Get Rich Carefully"  (CNBC "Mad Money); Christann Brennan, "The Bite in the Apple" and Jefferson Bass "Cut to the Bone".   The last is a "body farm" mystery.  These are just the library books I am reading, I have about five others ready to go.  Of course, I never have enough time, so I end up reading about a book every week.  I've had to cut out a lot of what I'd like to read, but I"m just glad I have the opportunity to read.

The "Body Farm" novel revolves around a real "body farm" around Knoxville (there are also a few others) that study changes in bodies etc. to help law enforcement.  I thought about, and probably will donate myself (after death of course) for the cause.  I like the idea of being outside instead of underground or burned up.  Not that I will probably care at that time, but who knows?

A lot of projects this week, primarily going through my stuff and trying tow weed out what to throw away, give away, sell or donate, if anything.  I also have some other projects (writing etc., training at Apple) I am working on.  Also plan on starting back at Toastmasters if I can find a club in a reasonable distance at a good time.

See three deer out back in the trees.  That is one reason I love this house.

Read this morning about an "all digital" library (all computers and iPads).  No problem with that but I hope they don't forget the traditional books.

Winter 2014 January 4 Saturday

28 degrees this morning.  Actually felt colder than yesterday when it was 18 degrees.  Walked, but drove to ATC.  Currently, looks like it will be a nice day, although supposedly rain, snow and extremely cold temperatures are coming, just in time for school starting again!

Working on a variety of projects that are keeping me busy.  Trying to fit in some reading and having a hard time finding the time.  Usual!.  Trying my best to keep up with "My Fitness Pal", so at least I am aware of how much I eat.  My goal is to be down another 10 lbs by late February or early March.  If I don't get there by then I'll re-evaluate my program and decide if I simply need more time or if I need to make some changes.

Sitting in Starbucks on a Saturday morning.  I really enjoy it here.  I love their coffee, but find their food to be less than satisfactory, at least what I have tried.  (I'm not counting their oatmeal or peanut butter cookie.  I am referring to their breakfast food, especially the wraps.  They are almost uneatable.  The oatmeal is ok, but....  In spite of that the coffee and atmosphere and staff are excellent.  I don't know whey they don't have a better breakfast.  They do have a bunch of sugary food I don't eat anymore, unless I am really desperate.  I don't know why Starbucks can't develop a better breakfast, and more variety of healthy food.  Also, it is weird and strange that they don't have any recycling containers!  They need to start walking the talk.  But the coffee and atmosphere more than make up for any failings in the food, I just don't eat their food.

Reading this morning about the "death" of the print media.  Probably correct, although I really hate to see it.  Of course I read it in print, so it isn't completely dead.  Buffet's thesis was that print media will continue to thrive to provide local news.  Maybe.

Speaking of "walking the talk", many apps for smart phones, tablets etc. (iPhone and iPad in my case) don't "walk their talk" and I delete them after they either don't hold up to their promises, continually crash etc.

Temperature was forecast at 18 this morning, hopefully the forecast will be better than forecast.

Winter 2013 January 3 Friday

18 degrees this morning.  Felt it also!  I rode my bike to ATC Fitness and while it was parked outside (I am there for about 40 minutes), the moisture from my breath (on the deal I wear over my mouth to mitigate cold/exercise induced asthmaI) was actually frozen, as was the "riding" water bottle I left on the bike.  (I actually carry two bottles of water, one for on the bike, the other for whilel I am in the gym.).  Anyway, it so cold.  My hands really felt it on the way back!

Great OU (Oklahoma University) game last night.  We record the games and watch them delayed by an hour or so.  I don't let a football game get in the way of my sleep time (from 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.), so I told Aliene to ''wake me if they're winning, let me sleep if they are losing", so I got to watch the last few minutes of a wonderful ball game!  I'm not quite sure why I am such an OU fan (I have six hours of Graduate Work from OU, but it was a program offered to the Air Force (and probably all the military and companies) to get a degree.  I have only been on the campus several times, although I used to go fairly often to visit a wonderful little museum on the campus.  Anyway, I've been a rabid OU fan (in all sports and other programs) since probably the early 70's at the latest.  Of course, I am also a Wichita State fan and University of Memphis fan.   And I will always be a Memphis Redbirds fan, no matter where I live, I had so much fun attending the games and seeing the players move up to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Looks like it should be a wonderful day, after a very miserable day yesterday (windy, cold and wet).

I am going to the Apple Store to look at my "iTunes", I need to get it better organized.  

Amazon.Com is not charging Tennessee sales tax, so I feel much freer to purchase from other companies and express my dislike for the techniques Amazon uses. 

Speaking of techniques, one gouging action I really hate is the huge markups on "Premium" unleaded gas over regular unleaded.  Kroger (at least the one at Macon and Houston Levy) chafes like a .20 markup over regular for Premium Unleaded.  Recently, we were fooled into paying a .50 difference.  I know, drive a care that uses regular, or just drive off if the price is too much, but it's not quite as simple as that.  I'm not a big fan of Kroger, but at least on gas, they treat you right.

Finished reading "Catcher in the Rye" for my book club.  Kind of reminds me of "Bright Lights, Big City", with BLBC being the career version and CITR betting the teen version.  

Starting my "Hot Wheels" Tumblr blog, gradually develop pictures of all my Hot Wheels (and Matchbox etc.) cars.  At 2 a day, it will take me about three years to have pictures of all of them (I'll take a picture of the new ones when I get them), but if I don't start, in three years I won't have any pictures also!  I can't even count how many there are.  My main problem may be not duplicating cars as I gradually get the photographs.  That is one item I don't plan on weeding.

I am tossing a lot of paper, I figure I may as well do it now.

Winter 2014 January 2 Thursday

48 degrees this morning, but rain and high (for out her) winds.  Didn't walk or cycle outside, just did the stationary bike at ATC Fitness.  I really like ATC Fitness since it is literally never closed (open 24 hours/7 days per week), seems relatively safe and clean and is maintained well.

X+1-i first heard this when a speaker said the the early test pilots (and some military pilots) had a joke about how many times you could break the rules (flying to the limit) without getting caught or crashing.   X is the number of times you do it, +1 is for when you get caught or crash!  

I really liked the general concept of describing any type of actions, not necessarily breaking the rules, but just to describe that moment or time when the variable "+1" comes into effect.  There is a lot of ways to look at it.  I guess you could even say it is the formula for when you are going to die or how long you will be employed, as well as a formula for how many times you can test the limits of an airplane.  

I discussed it throughly with a friend of mine at the time and we had a lot of fun and thoughtful discussions about the concept, as well as the concept of "The World Without End is Ending'.  Of course it could be positive also, the formula for success of the KFC Colonel Sanders in selling his formula for cooking chicken (if I recall correctly, he lived out of his car and was rejected over a thousand times before he actually sold it and later became successful), or maybe how many resumes you have to send out before you get a job.

The concept of "the World Without End is Ending" became "...has ended' in 2013.  Of course, it actually ended on September 19.  i guess if you really think about it, there is an overall "World" and a bunch of "mini-Worlds", with the overall World being your life. 

Maybe better not to to read too much into "X+1" or "The World Without End is Ending", although it is fun to discuss it and think about it. 

Miserable looking day  today.  Only good thing, it's not cold enough for freezing rain or snow.  Of course, even the best day can have it's bright spots!

Starting the dreaded process of "weeding" books, papers etc. 

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.