Winter 2014 February 9 Sunday

43 degrees this morning, Sedona, Arizona.  Beautiful place.

Aliene still sick.  Went to a wonderful breakfast in the hotel.  Coconut steel cut oatmeal, parfait, bread w/peanut butter and a wonderful view and service.  I'm sorry Aliene missed it, since they had a lot of Gluten free products (including gluten free pancakes and bread).

Aliene sick, but we drove to Quartzsite.  We drove around and feel in love with it.  A wonderful town and, better yet, wonderful  people and a wide diversity of people.  Better yet, it is about 84 degrees! 

Aliene still not feeling well so retired early.  

Project is tomorrow (Monday morning), see how it goes.  I really like this Town, it is something you need to experience!

Winter 2014 February 8 Saturday

23 degrees this morning.  Feeling much better this morning, if a little shaky.  I am watching what i eat and am avoiding anything that may resemble meatloaf.  Bumpy flight on the way to Phoenix, glad I was feeling better.  

Beautiful weather in Phoenix, but now Aliene is feeling sick.  Drove to Sedona.  

I thought of the many times I have driven  throughout my life and where my life was when I drove it. My life has changed, but the land has not changed.

Feeling much better now, but now Aliene is sick.  At least I am definitely understanding of how she feels.

Sedona is a beautiful area, I am sitting and watching the sunset on the moutons while Aliene sleeps.  Although we didn't see any of it, (other than through the hotel window), it is nice to be here.

Winter 2014 February 7 Friday

-2 degrees this morning.  

Slept most of day yesterday up to this morning.  Ate breakfast (a little only!) this morning, small bit of illness this morning, but started feeling better.  Drove to the project city to look around, then, feeling effects of being sick (weak) went to hotel.  

Hopefully will feel better for my flight to Phoenix tomorrow morning.  I know I couldn't have flown Thursday morning.

Glad to get to a Doubletree Hotel.  Still slept a lot.  Haven't slept this much in years.

Winter 2014 February 6 Thursday

-2 degrees, Denver area

Ate some meat loaf last night and started vomiting all night.  it was not good.  Developed dirahar in the morning.  Set around all day and slept.  Hope I feel better Friday.  Didn't eat anything all day.  Miserable.  Without meaning to sound crude, there was vomit all over the bathroom.  I cleaned it up the best I could.  Hope they don't charge me for the towels and they clean up.  I felt better after each time, there it would start again.

Stopped vomiting in the morning, but extremely week and slept, slept, slept.  It is like a wild dream.

Winter 2014 February 5 Wednesday

-14 degrees this morning (yes, that is minus)  Temperature seemed to vary between -5 to -23.  Near Denver Colorado.

Project today.  Overall, project seemed to go well.  Picked up at 7:45 a.m., back around 8:30 p.m.  Enjoyable staff.  Don't know how I did, don't feel like I always made my point well.

Change is difficult.

Went across the street and had meat loaf.

Winder 2014 February 4 Tuesday

30 degrees this morning.  Stayed at Marriott Courtyard so could catch flight to Denver in spite of possible bad weather .  Southwest Air flight to Denver went through Chicago.  Flight delayed in Chicago so late getting into Denver.  Light snow, which I am definitely not used to driving in.  Temperature was around 7 degrees, but it didn't seem that cold.

Drove to project area scheduled for Wednesday, but snow didn't really make it all that effective.

I decided I have prepared enough for the project tomorrow.  I am going to relax and try to let the information jell in my mind.

Cold weather here isn't near as cold as Memphis or OKC or Washington D.C. weather  (where I froze at 20 degrees).  Even 7 degrees here didn't seem that cold, when I had to leave my hands out, or touched something left outside, it seemed cold.

Hotel is ok for the price (Comfort Suites), but I prefer Hampton Inn.

Written February 4, posted February 10

Winter February 3 Monday

27 degrees this morning.  Thought it was going to be slick out based on "freezing rain", but wasn't bad at all.  Did my usual exercise routine, except  riding the bike outside.  Some of the small trees and plants do have ice on them and the trash cart was frozen shut.  Our weeping willow looks like it has laid down and fallen asleep.  (It is still small, but is large enough to be a real pain to try to tie so it is straight).

I didn't think it would take me long to read the on-line edition of the USA Today this morning (I read it while I eat breakfast) since it appears to be all about the Super Bowl, Super Bowl ads etc. that I could care less about.  I'm not much of a pro-football ban anyway (I probably hold the record for falling asleep while watching every Super Bowl ever held!  I feel asleep at the 1965 Super Bowl and at least dozed during every one since.  I'm not making fun of it, I can understand the passion for it, especially if your team is in it (I was for Denver, but....)  I feel that way about baseball, but pro football just isn't my favorite sport, although I enjoy college football.  

Back to the on-line edition of the USA Today, this morning they had some very informative stories this morning that took me longer to read than normal, they were so good.  I "saved" them and hope the app doesn't crash before I get the info.  USA Today actually has some excellent articles, among a lot of fluff.  I enjoy skimming the News, Monday and Tech sections (and occasionally the travel).

For example, it has an article about the "digital" news organizations basically being pyramid schemes (pump them up and sell them high) since the advertising support just isn't there.  (I always wondered where they thought the advertisers were coming from.)  Another about 'on line consultants" that will be valuable in the future, another about health (100 years ago, giving birth was almost as dangerous as breast cancer now, the average American RETIRES at age 62, 100 years ago, the average American DIED at AGE 51!!!  Amazing, if true!  In addition, the average person had 35 years of leisure (Holidays, vacation, retirement etc.) in 1990 and in 1870 the average person had 11 years of leisure!  If you earn $70,000 you are in the top .1% of the WORLD.  (This is from a story by Motley Fool).  

Still like my "Fitbit Force".  I am starting to wear it instead of a wrist watch (I can get the time by punching a button, but then every cell phone, computer and other gadget has a clock on it also.)  It seems to be a little too eager to count my steps (or I walk a lot more than I think I do.).  I did change the settings for sleep to "sensitive"  (and immediately saw my "time actually asleep"  (i.e., not awake or "restless") drop by an hour, but it isn't supposed to change the step counting.  

Busy day ahead.  May be some tough decisions to make in the next week.  

Winter 2014 February 2 Sunday

37 degrees this morning. Rain and wind.  Started to walk, but finally had to come back since the rain was just coming down too hard and I really had to question myself if it was worth it!

In spite of the time saved by not talking my all, the morning "hyper time" and my piddling around created time problems again, even on Sunday morning!  As discussed previously, I am amazed at how much time small activities end up consuming.

Forecasting snow here today, I believe the first actual snow in a winter of very cold (for this area) weather. 

Sometimes I get the largest insights just be chance.  At least it may by an insight.  A friend was talking about how she too Sylvan Learning Center since her reading comprehension was poor.  She said they taught her to "understand the first line before she went on to the next line".   Sounds simple, but i expect it is a major building block of reading comprehension.  (I'll have to look up their techniquesI).  I haven't tried it yet, but I intend to on certain material.  She said it made a major difference in there reading comprehension. 

I think I may have had the same enlightenment about writing when I was in high school.  I learned about the "5 W's and the H", and about how to structure a news story.  I feel that has always helped me with writing.  I literally never get "writers block" and I think a major reason is that there is a structure and I just need to fill in the blanks, to a point.  I mentioned to a friend once that I frequently compose a memo or letter while I am riding the bike or walking and I just physically type it out when I get back.  While my  reading comprehension is ok (Of course, I love to read, but that doesn't mean my comprehension is always good, and I can use the technique of "understand the first line before going on".  Of course, that assumes there is a reason to understand the first line!

Went to Apple Store yesterday.  As I usually found, I received outstanding, even better than outstanding service.  I am impressed by 90% of the Apple personnel, how dedicated they are.

Our big adventure awaits. 

Winter 2014 February 1 Saturday

55 degrees this morning.  Actually the forecast is for colder weather, although it should reach 60 degrees today.  In my "second place"  (Starbucks) on a Saturday morning. Busy weekend and week of preparing for several events.  

While computers are wonderful, sometimes it is just easier to read printed material, so I got a new toner cartridge and printed out some material I need to review.  

Disappointed to learn the the lack of volume in my (less than six month old) MacBook Air has a defect that Apple Computer is ignoring.  I almost never use volume on my MacBook, so I didn't even realize it was a problem until this week.  On reviewing various Apple Computer sites, I learned it apparently is a defect in the computer. However, I am heading to the "genius bar" and will see what I can find out.  Of course, as usual, the Genius Bar appointments aren't available until next Tuesday (this is Saturday), so I'll see if I can get in for a no-show.  In addition, I found out that the ocassional problem in signing out of Gmail (which is an irritation) is ALSO an Apple Computer problem that they are trying to blame on Google.  I may need to rethink my loyalty to (premium priced) Apple products after my experience last week!  

Speaking of "trolls", I was surprised to find that Google/Youtube had blocked my music on a Youtube video (which is when I learned about the volume problem on my computer) because some "copyright troll" was claiming the copyright on the music.  However, it is totally original music (with some Garage Band music that is all in the public domain).  I went to protest this and of course received a threatening note from Google that they would cancel my account if I protested and they found in favor of the copyright troll!  Welcome to 1984, except big business is the villain. I will probably protest anyway, because it just isn't right that some troll company goes around claiming copyrights they don't have.  Probably try to extort some money of "grant" me use of my own music!  And of course, Google is there helping them along, I"m sure for a good sum of money.

Reminds me of some music outfit that kept trying (in my opinion) to extort "licensing fees" from the City.  I received numerous calls that were basically veiled threats that they would attack us legally if the City didn't pay "protection" fees (sounds like the Mafia!).  Of course, they had some fancy name for it (licensing fees" or something like that).  Even an attorney said it was "easier to pay", but I never paid and won't, since there is no way the City was using any music copyrights.  The tyranny of the computers and big tech companies and, like always, someone trying to find an easy way to get money.

Winter 2014 January 31 Friday

41 degrees this morning.  

Had my stitches out of my hand yesterday. Unfortunately, the Doctor advised me not to ride the bicycle for another 7-10 days to prevent any problems.  Ouch, now that hurts!  I have gotten used to riding my bike almost every morning (and many afternoons), so it is like a major change in my routine, especially something I really enjoy.

January 31 of 2014.  I have a hard time believing 2014 is already 1/12 over.  For some reason, over my lift February 6 (or at least the general time frame) has been a harbor of major change in my life.  I won't go into the changes, but I first noticed this in 1989 and it has continued.  Not every February, but it has been often enough it is rather significant.  I wondered at times if it was somehow related to the coming of Spring, something in me that makes me change in February or-most likely-just one of those things.  This has been for both very trivial things and major life changes.  Kind of like if I go back and look, every major life change I have had involves me going through Kansas City within the six months prior to the major life change!  Of course, I have gone through Kansas City many times without any major life changes, but, on the other hand, I don't go through Kansas City all that often!  I don't quite know why this is on my mind, except that February 6 (or the time frame) as a date for major positive changes for me has been a factor over my life.  Note, I said POSITIVE change!

Continuing on my pictures of my Hot Wheels cars.  I am doing just a few a day (not more than four), so I won't realize how much time it is taking me!  At 4 per day (really every other day, say 180 days per year, I will finish in about two years.  On the other hand, as I always say, if I DON"T start, in two years I still won't have posted the pictures!  My cars are on Tumblr, "RobertWherryHotWheelsCollection". My main problem is I haven't been able to put the stats on the main picture, so I"ll need to go to iPhoto and put the stats on (such as the date of manufacture, the model, place of manufacture etc.).  

Usually that is what I feel people about college-even if it takes you four years to finish, in four years if you don't start you won't have a degree!   However, the advice applies to everything.  

Sometimes I think about the amount of time I spend on trivial type items.  (I read someplace that the average person spends a large part of their life-such as a year or so, I don't recall exactly-shaving, etc.  That is one reason I sleep 4 1/2 hours per night (plus about another hour of naps during the day).  There just isn't enough time.

Winter 2014 January 30 Thursday

18 degrees this morning.  As an example of this winter, here are the stats that prove it is colder"

High/Low Wednesday:  35/10 (Temperature in Lakeland is normally a little cooler)

NORMAL:  51/33

Record HIgh:  70,  Record low:  5

For good measure, the Mississippi River at Memphis is 5.80, flood stage is 34.  

I love looking at these statistics each day.  I used to keep track of them in my journal, but it became a time thing, and then I quit looking at them every day even though I find them fascinating for some reason.  I especially like to look a the Mississippi level and wonder how this affects people.  

There are a number of persons who live along the Mississippi River (the largest i am aware of near Memphis is across the river on the Arkansas side).  They live in RV's, campers or tents and when the river floods the area you see the Rv's, campers and cars (many of vintage age to say the least) parked along I-40 out of the flooded area.  Not a bad life I guess. (Most of them have jobs etc, they just prefer alternative living arrangements.  

I always think about time, since it is always so scarce.  I am amazed at how much time I waste on "doodling" or just doing small tasks.  For example, some days it takes me 20 minutes after I get up to actually hit the street on my morning walk.  There is no reason I couldn't do it in five minutes, but....  Maybe I need the time for some reason. 

Currently, I feel reading my four favorite newspapers (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Commerical Appeal and the on-line USA Today-Sections News, Monday, Tech and Travel only!) take too much time but it is frankly worth it to me.  Some time it may not be, but it is the favorite part of my day.  Responding to e-mail takes a lot less time now.  Facebook takes a few minutes, My fitness Pal takes a little etc. and soon I am out of time for other things!  It is amazing how much time the little things that fill my day takes.  

I had a friend once who emphasized that you have to "delete some events/tasks/habits etc. to add new ones".  I realize it is true, but I don't like it, any more than I like the comment that "Life is a series of Hello and Good-by".  Obviously this is true, but it doesn't mean I have to like it or ever accept it!  

Having just endured a big "Goodby", I can testify it is no fun.  Of course I say "hello" and "goodby" to all kinds of events, items and people.  No matter what I am saying "hello" to Thursday, January 30, 2014 and will say "Goodby" as of midnight, no matter what.  

I always liked the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. I can remember when I first read it (I believe in the 3rd grade or so in one of my brothers high school literature books.  My Dad didn't believe in tv, so I read anything I could get my hands on after I finished my library books!

The Library trip was our favorite.  We would almost always check out the maximum number of books on our weekly trips "to town".  I am always pleased to see the Holton, Kansas Library still there and still well-maintained.  My other primary library memory is the Russell, Kansas library.  If memory is correct, someone donated the funds to the Library for the new building (Kansas has an independent library system, which works well and is a progressive way to fund libraries).  It was a wonderful library, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Russell, Kansas and Holton, Kansas for their wonderful libraries and the Librarians who tolerated 7 children and 2 adults checking out the maximum books each week!  (I don't know that my Mom and Dad checked out the maximum or not, but all of us kids did.)

Strange that I now live in a city without a Library, although I have excellent access to a number of libraries.  

Winter 2014 January 29 Wednesday

5 degrees this morning.  No wind, so wasn't really that bad. Did't ride bike outside (due to hand injuryI), but did go to gym for stationary bike.  Felt good, I missed it.

For some reason ATC (Around the Clock) fitness center insists on playing this horrible music with some dh's who have the maturity of a 4 year old (and that is giving them some).  I can block it out when I am exercising with my music, but when I take a shower there, I have to list to this blather I really get angry.  I'm not sure if I'm angry I have to listen to it, or that such junk even exists.  The logical thing is to just take my shower at home, but that really isn't the point.  LA Fitness is coming that that may be the answer.

Speaking of airlines, Sunday, I checked airfares from Memphis to Denver.  The lowest fare was $409 (Which I thought was great!), with Delta at around $650 and Southwest Air at about $850, which said a lot about Delta and SWA.

Last night I checked, and the lowest price was $339 (I didn't bother to check Delta) and SWA was $115 up and $115 back for a total round trip of $230!)  I grabbed a ticked for myself and tried to buy Aliene one.  SURPRISE, the ticket is now $335 ONE WAY, a $220 increase in one minute!  I called Southwest Air and they politely told me that I had apparently got the last ticket and they could care less about my opinion on this!

This morning, the lowest fare is not $235 round trip  (American, and Frontier).  GO FRONTIER!!  Apparently that is the reason the fares are so low, Frontier just entered the Memphis/Denver market!  (I just checked Delta fares, they are $1,274 or something like that, or over $1,000 over the lowest fare!  If I owned Delta, I think I would sell it! Delta's greed is unbelievable.  

Enough ranting for the day.  In spite of the cold, looks like a nice day.  I have an appointment to look at my tooth (or teeth) implant and than we will set the big day when the "posts" will be implanted.  I will be glad when the process will be completed.  (After the posts heal, I need to go back to my regular dentist for the final part, which is basically two crowns on the posts.)

Change is coming.  One thing about my current status is I know something is going to change so I had better get in front of it and make sure it is a positive change. 

Winter 2014 January 28 Tuesday

18 degrees this morning, wind actually made it seem colder.  Walked this morning, didn't bicycle because of wound to hand.  I am ready to start bicycling again.  I dread the day when I realize I will never bike again due to health reasons or whatever.  Kind of like when you are sick and you hope you will be able to feel how it will be to feel well again.  Actually, I should be able to bike Friday, as soon as I get the stitches out Thursday.  Assuming the  weather cooperates.  I don't ride in the rain and, at least as long as i live out here where there is little wind, I don't usually ride much in the wind, although  I'll  ride to the gym etc.

I thought this morning, I am wearing clothes I haven't worn literally for years this winter.  It just wasn't cold enough in past winters to hasten with the cold weather gear, but this winter I am glad I have it!  I have coats I have never worn for at least 12 years that I am wearing.  Not something I really  wanted to find out when I am focused on "weeding" what I own!

Pete Seeger died last night, I saw the news this morning.  As I recently mentioned, his singing (especially the song "Little Boxes" had a major effect on my life, especially on my thinking when I was a teenager. Much later, in Oklahoma City, I believe in 1989, I saw him personally and heard him sign the song.  

I am amazed at the influence of news media on your thoughts and thinking.  I know about sports figures that I never watch  or read about, "reality  shows" winners etc. that I never watch etc, it is just amazing what I pick up.  I don't specifically read about sports stars, singers or "celebrities" but I probably can remember their names or at least associate their name with what they do. 

I remember in college, in Economics, I learned for the first time that advertising can be good!  (Provides information etc).  It was a revelation to me, although I realize the truth in it.  Of course, it also pays for much of our entertainment (tv, news media etc.)!

Expect some important news today (Tuesday) or tomorrow conceding my future plans, although I have found that important news or major Change Agents have a way of jumping out at me when least expected.  

Winter 2014 January 27 Monday

46 degrees, wind made it seem much colder!  Supposed to get much colder today.

I'm having to retying two of my favorites, Apple Computers and Southwest Airlines.  

The other day I had an appointment at the Apple Computer Germantown "Genius Bar".  The "customer service" woman who checked us in was snippy to say the least and probably rude and ignorant and ageist describes her best.  For the first time in the Apple Store, I felt I was targeted because of my age.  One incident does not make Apple a bad place, but it seemed to continue with ignorant unhelpful sales persons.  I guess normally they all are so good, when you meet (what I hope) is an exception, you start to wander.  Since the Germantown Apple Store personnel always being so helpful is one of the reasons I own almost all Apple products, it is important to me.  Of course along with that is the high prices of Apple products (buts worth it so far), the increasing inability to get reservations for the Apple "1to 1" training program and lack of innovation etc.

As far as Southwest Air Lines, checking air fares the other day, the SWA fare was higher even than Delta, the king of high fares!  I found fares on "TraveloCity" for almost $400 less than Southwest and $250 less than Delta. Of course, all I need to do is not fly Southwest Air Lines or Delta on their high priced fares and I won't, but I'm just disappointed in Southwest.

Enough griping for today!  It is Monday, and in spite of the wind, expect it to be a good week! I am counting the days untilI get the stitches out of my hand where I cut my hand.  I haven't been able to ride my bikes since the incident Thursday and I am really feeling it!   It is hard to explain, but I am very aware of something missing in my life!

Winter 2014 January 26 Sunday

28 degrees this morning.  I need to start tracking what is "normal" each day to see how "normal" a winter this is.  When I first came to Memphis, I tracked the high, low and normal for each day plus the level of the Mississippi River.  It really emphasized the importance of the Mississippi to the region to me.  One thing that is truly impressive in this area (among many) is the Mississippi River.  I have taken cruises on it out of Memphis (I'm talking the hour/2hour type cruises) and Tunica County and one memorable overnight cruise from Memphis to Cape Girardeau. I kept imagining what it was like for Tom Sawyer (maybe Huckleberry Finn) to cruise down the Mississippi on raft!  

In any event, it is my favorite river.  Isn't anything tame about it.  I used to like to call my daughter when I was crossing the Mississippi and singing a song about the Mississippi, but the novelty soon wore off (for her, not for me).  I can see myself buying a house just so I can see the Mississippi, but I think if I had the money (I never wellI) I'd just buy a houseboat and cruise the Mississippi River. Not even own a house or a car, maybe just a bike or two.  At least I can dream about it because I'll never do it!

Hand is getting better.  Still not grasping with it, so I couldn't ride the bike this morning.  Didn't take a shower of shave yesterday (due to difficulty of shaving with my left hand and taking a shower with a hand I'm not supposed to get wet), so I am feeling really grungy and will shave and take a shower no matter what.  (I always  take at least one shower or bath, usually two in a day and I always shave!  Live on the wild side for one day I guess.)  Not sure how I would do on living on the Mississippi River.

I talked with a tug riverboat Captain once.  It was interesting.  He told me about life on the Mississippi (I believe they are on for 30 days and off for 30 days, but I could be wrong).  He was avery interesting person.  

Main problem with the hand wound is the feeling I'm not keeping my hands clean enough since i can't wash my right hand due to the wound.   

Winter 2014 January 25 Saturday

30 degrees this morning, some wind made it seem cooler.  Couldn't bike due to hand wound.  Technically I can bike tomorrow, but I may wait another  day.  Sitting in Starbucks, my "third place".  (Actually, my "second place" right now!)

I am surprised at what I can do with my left hand when I have to use it (when I can't use my right hand since I can't grasp with it).  Necessity is the mother of invention, or something like that.

This has been one of the coldest winters since I have been in Tennessee since 2001.  I don't recall it ever getting below 18 degrees or so before and never to single digits, plus it was generally warmer than it has been.  I assume it is one of the cycles we go through.  One winter it warmed up in February and never got cold again.

Getting ready for a conference in China, which should be enjoyable and an experience.  I figured we may never have the time and money again.  It is an ICMA conference that is worth it for me to make some adjustments so I can afford to attend it.  I expect I will learn a lot professionally and personally and it actually is relatively affordable. I usually enjoy planning a trip almost as much as I enjoy taking it, so I am trying to figure out what we can see without committing to too much.  

Actually, I thought I would get a lot of reading done the past two months, but  I really have been too busy with everything else (different projects etc.)

Winter 2014 January 24 Friday (Wounded by scissors!)

9 degrees this morning.  Took a walk and extended it since I couldn't ride the bike (see next paragraph).

Yesterday morning while trying to remove  a SAFETY cover from a pair of scissors, I punctured my hand, in the fleshly joint between my right thumb and finger.  I have to admit it did hurt and it bled and bled.  Aliene put a bandage on it and it seemed to stop.  However, after lunch,l when she tried to change the bandage, it started bleeding again and it wouldn't stop, so I went in to to see the Doctor.

The result is three stitches, a big bandage and instructions not to ride my bike (or grip anything) for at least 48 hours.  Since it is my right hand, and I am right handed.....  Anyway, I have to look on the positive side, it could have been worse.  The Doctor (fortunately she works in a urgent care facility also so she knows her stuff!) said I may have nicked an artery, so it could have been worse.  

When that happens, i always remember the events leading up to it. I can picture my thinking just prior to doing it.  I actually changed my position to avoid any damage to the chair I was in (which I don't care for anyway) and when the cover released, I jabbed my hand.  I always wonder what my life would have been like if it happened. We would have done something else completely different yesterday and I would never have known how close I came to injury.

Dentist this morning (just a cleaning and inspection).  I have an appointment with the tooth implant surgeon next week and will schedule the planting of the "posts" for the two new teeth.  It seems like it has been a long process.  

The thing I really regret about the scissors incident is that I can't ride my bike.  While it is cold, the wind is down and there is no rain etc, so it is perfect weather to ride, in spite of the cold.

Friday, January 24.  Where does the time go?

Winter 2014 January 23 Thursday

28 degrees this morning.  The winter continues.

The "Fitbit Force" is an amazing device, with a few limitations.  For example, it doesn't recognize my bike riding at all (I knew this before I purchased it), and I still need to figure out how to relate it to 'My Fitness Pal". etc.  I just need to take the time to do it.

Some time ago, I read a book (I believe by Scott Peck).  In a way the book was disappointing as compared to his earlier books, but he said something about time that really grabbed my attention and to some degree has significantly changed my behavior. He mentioned about fixing something on his car and mentioned that that he could figure out anything, "if he chose to take the time to do it, but he didn't feel that was the best use of his time". 

After reading this, I kind of forgave myself for my complete lack of technical skill, something I have always admired in other people.  It just takes me too much time to figure out how to fix something, it just isn't a good use of my time.  I did figure out some technical things, and was satisfied I COULD do it, but the time involved was substantial.  I happily chose to use my skills in the areas I am good at so I could hire a skilled person to do the items I had difficulty doing.  It has actually worked out well, the major problem is finding people who are good at the tasks and available .  I always say if I was a good handy person (home repairs etc.), I could make a million dollars just by showing up and billing reasonably, but then I don't have the skills and I"m sure running your own business has a lot of billing and collection problems I'm not familiar with

Winter 2014, January 22, Wednesday

16 degrees this morning.  Not particularity bad, since there was no wind.  I did my regular exercise (walk about 30 minutes, bike to ATC, stationary bike etc.)   Main problem is the amount of extra time it takes to dress for the weather.  An extra layer etc., it all starts to add up.

Newspapers arrived on time, which was good.  It gives me a good start on the day to be able to read them early, usually as I ride the stationary bike at ATC Fitness.  I just started using my "Fitbit Force". It is interesting how it keeps track of everything and "syncs" wirelessly, as long as I have the toggle in my computer.

I downed "box", which is similar to "dropbox", cloud (Amazon), Skydrive (Microsoft) and iCloud (Apple).  I like them all, although I use dropbox and cloud the most right now.  I got 50 GB free on box, which was enough to decide me to switch to Box to store a lot of items!  I still need Apple iCloud to sync my information between all my apple devices (it actually automatically syncs my iPhone, iPads, laptop and desktop so everything I do on one is reflected on the other.  

I feel like today is going to be a great day!  Nothing wrong with being positive! Some years ago, I did decide I was going to have to stop "living in the future" and start "living in the present", mainly meaning I wasn't going to put off so much to some "future self".  I guess that is about the same as was discussed in the "The Willpower Instinct" when a person feels they will have more time, have more willpower, be more confident etc. in the future.  Maybe it's not all that related after all, but it is somewhat the same concept.

Working on "weeding" "things".  Very difficult.  It is a littler easier if I am giving them away, at least I feel the item may have a useful life elsewhere, so to speak.  

As far as the weather is concerned, I'm glad there isn't any snow involved.  I can deal with the cold.

Winter 2014 January 21 Tuesday

43 degrees this morning.  However that is probably the high for the day as the weather is already noticeably colder.  It is now 34 degrees with wind and is supposed to go down to  28 degrees by 11 a.m.!  There is also a wind that makes it seem colder.   

Newspapers arrived late this morning, around 6:30 a.m.  I may or may not read them today, but if this is the new schedule I am canceling all three of them!  I assume the normal Commercial Appeal carrier, who is normally so reliable was ill or may have had car trouble.  A  good news carrier is wonderful.

Reentry into the normal world again after a trip out of town.  It is always a time of finding things again, remembering where you packed them and dealing with the aches and pains of a long car trip  (or a cramped airline seat, but a long car trip this timeI).  

The wind is up and howling, which makes it seem colder.  I am ready for Spring.  I always think that around this time of year we need to take a long trip somewhere that it is hot, hot, hot, or at least reasonably warm!  My Uncle John and Aunt Ruth (if I remember correctly) always did that and I thought it was a great idea. 

Indulging in my secret vice of watching Country Western videos.  I don't actually sit and watch them, they are on and sometimes they catch my attention.  Keith Urban just had a really good one on.  I tope them so I can avoid some of the more toxic commercials, primarily the ones from "Progressive" insurance with "Flo".  A good reason I will never buy Progressive insurance, probably wouldn't anyway since I am an Allstate fan (converted from a State Farm fan after a traffic accident where I was blown off.  Aliene had Allstate and I had State Farm so we knew we had to go with one anyway, and the customer service failure by State Farm made it easy to change.  Funny, the same thing happened to my Dad with State Farm when I was in the 5th or 6th grade.  Maybe the culture of State Farm hasn't changed much.  All I know is, the few claims we have had, Allstate has always come through without any hassle and State Farm has always been some kind of hassle.