Weight Controllingness.

Static weight is nigh impossible. Keeping your weight within a certain box is certainly doable. The devil is in the details.

I am having a tough time transitioning from a sloth job to an active one. I used to sit on my butt for a good 7 hours a day at work. That was reduce from 40 hours to 34. The rest of the time I would put my butt on other weight bearing devices. I did walk, then run to and from work, adding an hour of heart pumping goodness. Later I took to running two to five miles in the morning, prior to work and on days off.

Now I am on my feet for eight hours. If I am in early (opening) or late (closing) I spend one to four hours pulling pallets, stacking boxes and moving TV's around. My days off tend to reflect the ass on things. Oh, I am riding my bike to and fro nearly every workday adding 40 minutes of heart pumping goodness into the mix.

You can probably see how my old caloric intake of 1400 to 1800 calories can not fuel me. Getting the right amount of Cals into me has been a see saw of too little and too much. I would find myself exhausted with two hours left on my shift, only to down 200 calories and be back up in fighting shape.

I think I have come up with a gooder plan, but I am still looking for the gooderest.

According to my handy RMR calculator I need 2000 calories on my days off and 2600 on work days. This would be to maintain a 185 pound frame. My kyptonite has been snaking after dinner due to hunger then gluttony?? A want for a taste of something, regardless of its value...

My feeling is that waiting till 10:00 AM to have breakfast then eating every two hours for supplementation of fuel is a good route.

I have my egg burrito (280 cals), then at first break yogurt and Nutragrain bar (80 cals and 140), lunch, sandwich and Lean Cusine (150 and 230 calories), last break nutragrain bar (140 calories). Which puts me at 1020. Leaving 960 or 1560 depending upon the day.

What to eat?

There is a significant difference in sitting at a desk for eight hours and standing and walking around for eight hours. Merely standing burns 800 calories pretty easily.

At 49 years of age 5'11.5" tall and 185 pounds my RMR for sedentary is 2081 calories.

At work it becomes very apparent when I do not have enough food. My energy levels drop and I feel fatigued and lethargic.

I need to find brown bag foods that will last a week in the fridge, that give me good quality energy at a reasonable dollar. Further they should be easily consumable in a 10 minute period and have approx. 300 calories.

Personal best 10K time!

I ran my personal best 10k today. Not really all that impressive, as it was my first 10K run today. My video crew filmed a bit near the end, in which I have been running an hour.

Time: 1:00:06

Shoes: River shoes (see previous blog entry)

Style: Forefooted running style (aka: barefooted style)

Calories burned: 890

Distance covered: 6.21 miles (10k... duh)

Aftermath:

Cardiovascular system, no issues, I had plenty of wind. Lower back, Forefooted style is with a straight back and level head, no issues. Knees, no issues. Shin splints, no issue. Ankles, no issue. Feet, nothing structural. I did suffer some blisters on my big toe. Next time I will need some socks to wick away the sweat in the river shoes. Yes, I said next time. Calf muscles, strained and sore. In getting the running style down I have a tendency to not let my heel touch the ground at all. I believe I have this issue resolved.

I cannot recall needing to ingest food like I did after the race. In a good way. More to follow, I have to go ride bikes with Connor now.

The Government is causing Obesity!

My buddy Flying Van is hostile towards school lunches. I believe he feels that the government is spending his money incorrectly. A point I am in agreement with.

The idea behind the lunch entitlement is that poor people can not afford to buy food or they care so little about the kids they have they choose not to feed them or they lack the training on how to purchase and prepare food. Seeing how kids are required to go to school, this makes it a logical place to feed these poor starving kids, who must be thinking about their empty stomachs instead of learning reading, writing and arithmetics.

That is to say your brain needs calories to function. Add to that the fact that hunger is a distraction and you have a prime example of the Government aiding education!

One of the primary problems with the above idea that people are starving. No doubt there are people in the US, who cannot access the cornucopia of goodness. If someone is starving the human thing to do is to get them fed, then have them to feed themselves. Finally have them help feed those who are starving.

So holding a parent responsible for providing for their child gets jettisoned. Having a community wanting to help the less fortunate is also jettisoned. And the chance of the child learning to feed themselves is shunted towards letting the government feed you.

Case in point: If you are on food stamps the USDA added incentives and other changes that targets the link between Obesity and Food Stamps with an idea to trim rampant obesity rates among low-income groups. Obesity is not caused by starvation... Right?

So we know that food stamps, from the government, are making poor people fat. Now I read that school lunches are not just making sure that hungry kid has sustenance to insure better performance. No our School lunch program, from the government, are making hungry kids Obese.

I never got\purchased school lunches. My mom made me a sandwich with some fruit and veg for quite a number of years. Sadly, many of those lunches were never eaten. Sometime around third grade I was responsible for my own lunch. Which means I had breakfast and dinner at home and ignored lunch. In HS I was on swim team and had instant breakfast (beats upchucking). Again, if I did have some lunch it was not everyday.

Basically, I was too lazy to make a lunch and too busy to bother with lunch. When I did eat, I made up for the missing meals. I did a pretty good job of burning off any extra calories as well.

Now my daughter needs to have regular intervals of food intake or she gets listless. My nephew would have to eat a certain nutritional balance to avoid nasty headaches.

To my way of thinking. Yes, we need to feed habitually hungry kids. The parents need to be held responsible or face some kind of consequence. Funding a Union does not seem to be covering the basic need.

Schools = social experiment with no outcome requirement.

Assume you are married and have a child who has a driving license a car which they support. Further, said child has an issue with driving too fast. As a parent you want to make sure they are safe and obeying the law.

What are the degree of options?

Do not allow them to drive is at one end with Do nothing at the other. I propose that most parents will do something within those parameters. I can think of a handful of discussion and demonstrations that would be pretty persuasive. In other words I would be inclined to have a sliding scale starting with discussion and education, which falls closer to the Do Nothing end.

The above analogy is a pretty typical problem solving exercise. Analogy? Oh, did I forget to mention this is about Childhood Obesity?

Obesity does have a number of health risk factors. It is a problem. So how to solve that problem?

Same degrees of options apply Do nothing to incarcerate the individual until they show proper health habits...

Seeing as how we do have mandatory schooling in this country and, to me, this is an educational issue. How about evaluating each kids health and informing the parents?

Or Having a class on exercise and health benefits, with Instruction, Hands on and Reading components makes a certain degree of sense.

If you wanted the same thing but done private sector you could push that burden to insurance companies with something like lower rates if your fit, or some insane idea like that.

Federally you could impose a Fat Tax on anyone obese. (okay, getting to much on the sillier end of things).

Of course you do need to factor in that being Fat does not pose health risks to everyone. (Here is the layman term press release of same). There are "thin" people with the same health issues as fatter ones. So why target the fat? Why not target the unhealthy? or why target anyone? Why not target everyone?

At Connors school the decided to eliminate the icing from the cinnamon rolls (because 48 less calories will solve obesity in children?). They also made the soda machines carry non-sugar\low sugar beverages. Anyone who has met Connor can see he is not in the fat category. If you spend a day with him, you know he falls into the fit category as well. Further he has a very tough time with Change. So I get a phone call from a lunch lady (who apparently loves Connor's demeanor) asking permission to add icing to his cinnamon roll. Curiously, I was not consulted to remove said icing.

As for the soda machines, what was the outcome? Jr. High students left campus to the corner store and bought a 64 ounce soda, instead of the 12 ounce they were drinking. So kids drank MORE SUGAR!

Foodism

Once upon a time I chose to become vegetarian. There are a plethora of reasons for this choice, some reasons better the others. That being said it was a personal choice and while I have little issue with advocating I do not proselytize.

Food choices become draconian with the understanding of awareness. Knowing something is bad is not the same as choosing something different. There is something in human nature that desired forbidding fruit. The concept that some kind of food is bad seems rather simplistic.

Is milk good food or bad food? If you Google this topic you will find lots of different viewpoints, some backed by studies. My daughter, for example, has an intolerance to the sugars found in milk. They cause discomfort to the point that she avoids Dairy products. In other words, she acts on her awareness.

There are interesting reactions to a dietary lifestyle, all the more so from the level of information this is based upon:

• Direct observation of a small sample: "I have a friend who is vegetarian she looks sickly and frail"
• Confusion of nutritional sourcing: "Where do you get protein?"
• Misunderstanding of the concept: "I'm vegetarian too, but I eat fish, chicken and lamb"
• Defensive acceptance: "I don't eat much meat"
• The fallen: "I used to be Vegetarian"

Of course these are conversational in nature designed to show interest in the topic or person. The repetition over time from vastly different individuals is where my curiosity lies.

Of Animals.

Defining hypocrisy when it comes to animals can be quite confusing.

First off I am a Vegetarian, for a number of reasons. My personal view is it is a choice and not one that should be forced upon anyone, nor do I think it is superior, other then certain health related aspects when compared to other dietary choices. I do enjoy knowing the positive oblique benefits from my choice. That being said...

A dog being killed (ala Michael Vick). Is ville and horrible. Unless your in Japan where this is legal entertainment. Butchering a horse, is lauded. Yet both Horse and Dog are protein sources in many countries. Pigs are pets and food simultaneously, we do not seem to care about pigs in the same way we do Dogs. Dolphins are highly intelligent and Food in Japan and used to be included in Tuna cans.

So where is the line drawn?

If you travel around the world you find culture's go from eating anything that moves to worshiping animals as sacred. Clearly this is a huge grey area morally and ethically.

In meat production in the USA has difference in Factory Farming to Hunting in the wild. I know hunters who will not buy meat in the store they only eat elk or venison. There is a claim that it is superior and more healthful. One hunter was telling me this over a bucket of Kentucky fried.

How important is animal suffering? This day and age do people really want to know where the food comes from (hint, it does not JUST come from the supermarket). Or is it enough that it is a short trip away? Is there a hypocrisy of ignorance?

Let us take the case of the Vegan Peta member, who is protesting any harm coming to any animal. First off if they own anything made of Leather, you have a case of hypocrisy. Set that notion aside for a moment and say they are consistent in protest message and lifestyle. Let us further say they are a spokes person and equate meat consumption with rape.

That is a pretty hard line harsh line.

Natalie Portman is the person I described above. Her hypocrisy? Supporting Roman Polanski.

Shopping heard around the world.

Food shopping has come under my dominion. That came hand in hand with meal planning. You would not think the two are mutually exclusive. At one point in time we would look for something to make one night only to discard idea's due to a key ingredient missing. Or there would be a drive to the market prior to execution of supper.

In Europe, I understand, there is a daily shopping that occurs. While there may already be a concept for the weeks food, the bulk of items are shopped that day.

Once upon a time, going shopping would mean going to various shops. Either a Butcher, or Fishmonger, produce, canned goods and sundry items. There are quite a few people who have a nostalgia for that even view it as a superior ideal. My thinking is that idea jaundiced by retrospect. Most of the shops had very limited selection, so your meals would be a tight rotation of meat and potato's or something that was localized.

Personally I like having my two weeks of meals listed with full list of ingredients that I can check my pantry then fill in the blanks at the store.

Is it better or worse then EU or the 'good ol days'?

Having been asked:I do not think that simplistic of a question is appropriate in the complexity or in the assumption that there is an issue.

Planet saving diet.

First off I am a vegetarian, I am a registered Republican and practicing Catholic. I believe the amassing evidence that Man Made emissions have little impact on climate change.

However, if you are one of the MMGW zealots and your not a vegan, you are by my definition a hypocrite.

The production of one calorie of animal protein requires more than ten times the fossil fuel input as a calorie of plant protein. This means that ten times the amount of carbon dioxide is emitted as well.

The United States imports roughly 200 million pounds of beef from Central America every year. Aside from the fuel used in transport, grazing land is needed for all of these animals. Where does all that land come from in a densely forested region? The answer: from clear-cutting forests and rainforest

Animal production consumes an amount of water roughly equivalent to all other uses of water in the United States combined. Besides grains, animals need water to survive and grow until they are slaughtered. One pound of beef requires an input of approximately 2500 gallons of water, whereas a pound of soy requires 250 gallons of water and a pound of wheat only 25 gallons.

The most effective way to fight the global warming crisis is to stop eating meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Smithsonian Institution, "Smithsonian Researchers Show Amazonian Deforestation Accelerating," Science Daily Online, 15 Jan. 2002.

David Pimentel and Marcia Pimentel, “Sustainability of Meat-Based and Plant-Based Diets and the Environment,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 78.3 (2003)

Andrew Pierce, "Global Warming Is Mankind’s Greatest Challenge, Says Prince," The Times 28 Oct. 2005.

H. Steinfeld et al., Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options, Livestock, Environment and Development (2006).

David de Rothschild, The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook: 77 Essential Skills to Stop Climate Change (Rodale Books, 2007) 66.

NewScientist.com, "It's Better to Green Your Diet Than Your Car," 17 Dec. 2005.

"Global Warming: Methane," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 8 Mar. 2006.

"Sources and Emissions: Methane," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2 Jun. 2006.

US Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. Report to Congress: Nonpoint Source Pollution in the US Office of Water Program Operations, Water Planning Division. Washington, D.C.

Merritt Frey, et al., Spills and Kills: Manure Pollution and America's Livestock Feedlots, Clean Water Network, Izaak Walton League of America and Natural Resources Defense Council (August 2000)

And again

Sabotage? Possibly.

Weeks and weeks of calorie counting and exercise and I got sick and tired. I did not do the stuff I needed to do, as much as I hate to admit weakness.

I let the weekly calories sneak up to a sustainable level for my size. I have some doubts to the RMR .vs. my true blue RMR (which I understand can be actually calibrated). While I have not gained massive amounts, I had stopped short of my goal.

So I gave up for a week and just ate. Overate, as well. My system seems to have revolted a bit. Gastronomically I just do not feel all that great. As fun as that was, now it is back to the counting and loosing. I put in quite a few miles walking this week even with the gluttony.

I scrubbed my spread sheet and I am starting it up again today for a 10 week run that will have to take into account Thanksgiving and Christmas. At least I will have some challenges eh?

As is tradition in the Autistic mind (pictures)

Trevor making the "Angry face." Note the Dremel pumpkin tool we got at Lowes.

This is my assigned "Smile" pumpkin, I went for a Mater look...

This one is Connor's design. Not sure if he assigned himself anything. He likes the results.

Mom got to do the "Love" face. Which came out the best.

Tops Day Info

Weight 208

Calories this week: 11,500

Calculated RMR: 15,528

Should have lost ~ 1.15 pounds

Walked 15 miles.

Biked 15 miles.

Enthusiam timorous

Connor had a fever. With a bit of debate I opted to stay home with him. Regular monitoring of his temperature, keep him warm and quiet. Also get plenty of liquids.

I was able to set up a routine with the thermometer, we have the old classic glass with mercury model. Showing him how to get it under his tongue, then keep it there until the timer beeps was interesting. After the first time and setting up the routine the rest was pretty easy. We have an old office chair with dirty mustard colored faux leather coverings. On telling him it was time to take his temperature, he would dutifully sit on that chair and hold the thermometer in place while I set the timer. The duration of metering was punctuated by giggles on his part. Followed by a fever reducer and more liquids.

We have found sports drinks to be pretty good hydration when our kids are un-well. As Connor was set up on the couch with cartoons playing, I exercised his our newfound skill set of leaving him alone for short periods of time. When working with an autistic child you have to realize that they do not catch on to life lessons obliquely. That is to say, he has not been exposed to enough situations to know how to properly react. For example, "home fire drills."

As a good custodian of your family having a plan in place for what to do in case of a fire and were to meet afterwards can save the lives of young kids. Now consider that the concept of the house on fire is very difficult to convey. This can trigger a lot of fear in the sense, Connor could either understand that this COULD happen versus it WILL happen. So suddenly this place he feels safe is now a source of anxiety. If the exercise is not handled correctly.

So, I headed down to the nearby store and bought some sports drinks for Connor. The round trip is about three miles with a total travel time of five minutes, add to that another ten to get into the store, pick up the items and buy them. I figure ten to fifteen minutes passed in total.

Upon arriving home, I see Connors beaming face through the kitchen window. I also note the stove is on, which increases my heart rate. He has never turned the stove on before...

Getting inside I observe he has set up everything needed to make some Box Macaroni and Cheese. Also, he is quite proud and stated that he was going making the food. He had the right size pan and it was filled with the correct amount of water. He turned on the right burner as well (something I have an occasional issue with). So now comes the quandary. Do I chastise him for daring to cook food, or do I point out how to be safe when cooking Mac?

I decided that teaching would be the best route and was quickly overwhelmed at the number of factors that are just taken for granted. Trying to cover everything and insure comprehension is nigh impossible. Looks like there is lots of repetition of safe cooking Mac in my future.

Calorie information might not influence fast food choices

Calorie information might not influence fast food choices

Lesson in well intentioned interference by the government not yielding any results. Do not get me wrong, I like being able to look up nutritional information.

I tend to avoid places that do not allow me to check them out (especially when I am on a goal to get my weight down). Making an informed choice is a good thing.

Obesity is a problem. Is it a government problem? Is there a government solution? With the government take over of Health Care, you can bet they are going to exert all the control they can. Already we see regulation after regulation on how to make food. Talk about taxing certain "bad" products to stop consumption. Imagine what was done to smoking, but on food choices.

Results never seem to matter with Government. The effort to do "whats right", regardless of the outcome, regardless of what freedoms are lost, regardless of the Damage.

All comes back to the horrid excuse of humanity: "I only had the best of intentions"

**UPDATE: Todays Wall Street Journal

Acai Berry: Miracle weight-loss fruit or big fat scam?

Scam!

Oh it does have some good stuff, great nutritional value, Like most berries, acai is rich in antioxidants, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

It also contains phytochemicals and flavonoids, which may help prevent certain cancers.

"There is no competent scientific research that demonstrates any of the claimed effects of Acai berry, including weight loss, detoxification and increased energy and vitality," -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

Caveat Emptor

Ridin' de bike mon!

This AM I opted to go on a bike ride. I have a goal in the back of my mind for riding up to Eugene. So this was the start of that, if you will. It was cloudy and cold but not threatening. The weather appeared to be cooperating. Dressing for success I went with the sweats with windbreakers and my handy gloves. I had a backpack in case I needed less layers. I filled a flagon of H20 and loaded the bike into the van. My route was pretty simple, start at Tinas work and ride home. I like the concept of going home better then a destination as it seems more relaxing at the end.

The drive was quick enough, we kissed goodbye and I mounted up. Immediately my eyes must have gotten very sad, as the tear ducts started flowing. This was followed by my nose. I made sure I was not crying with a quick mental check and continued onwards. I abated the flow of mucus from said nostrils by circling my breathing. In through the nose out through the mouth. This produces an amusing amount of steam. It was 42 degrees, so thats to be expected. Soon my various body parts figured out crying was no good and they settled down to a less embarrassing, internally containable flow.

My scientific mind would attribute the change in environment from the warm car to the cold air required biological adjustments, and as my body preformed them that particular function was running as required.

The town of Sutherlin quickly vanished as I rode past houses with increasingly sized yards in various states of tidiness. There was one sculptured lawn that gave me some mental notes for my own wild overgrowth. Soon I was on the lonely highway. Just me my bike and those few vehicles. I was actually moving along more quickly then I had considered. I was keeping a good 16 mph pace. At the 15 minute mark I stopped and drank some water, as I understand hydration is very important.

The hills were not difficult but they did require some effort and reduction in gearing. As I have not a clue what the shifting is supposed to be (as I am sure there are a multitude of opinions and facts on the subject) I kept the left gear on 2 (options being 1, 2, 3) and the right gear on 6 (options being 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). For the hill I dropped down to 4 and on the flats got back up to 6. My MPH suffered a bit. The all to brief downhill did not play too much of a part in the entire trip.

Near our community collage is the bigger hill. At the top is a rural fire station. This gave me pause to drink more fluid. In anticipation of the next hurdle. The Umpqua bridge. This is a narrow two lane bridge that Trevor had much angst about the crossing. He recounted there being a near impossible turn, I myself was unsure of the height of the siderails, the thought of having a mishap over the edge was a minor consideration, but a consideration nonetheless.

As it turns out the rail was high enough, the sidewalk was single file narrow but ample for a deliberate rider. The turn at the end was easy to ignore with a bunny hop back to the pavement. This took me into the town of Winchester (don't blink!). I pit stopped for some calorie intake and found my legs stiffened up. Not sure if that was a good or bad idea, sitting there like that.

Back on the bike I started the gradual climb into Roseburg. I opted to have ear coverings, I hate when my ears get really cold. With the humidity in the air and the colder temperature they would have been aching. My toes got cold through my shoes. I have considered getting bike shoes that lock into the peddles. I need to make sure they are not vented in the front. Along the zipper of my jacket I noticed the cold creeping inwards.

All in all nothing uncomfortable or unmanageable as I crossed into the annexed city line. In hindsight I should have continued my 15min ride couple min break. but, I forgot.

As I headed down the last stretch I got fatigue. I geared down to my hill climbing 4 and still was having a tougher time riding. This was VERY noticeable, as I ride this way to and from work and I do so at a very brisk pace. It was then that my mind kicked me and said (DRINK DUMMY).

I stopped in front of the former nudie bar and finished off my liquid. It is astonishing how much that little break helped. I was in better form and even made the climb back up to my driveway.

Trip was 15.12 miles taking 1:08:13. This puts me around 15 mph (which is above goal! yeah me!). I burned around 890 calories.

So now for Ibuprofen, water and not moving all that much for recovery. My abductors felt thrashed and the connecting tissue on the right outer thigh (medial collateral ligament?) seems a bit distressed. Oddest of all my sternocleidomastoid muscle (left side back of neck from behind the ear down to the shoulder), is stiffer. I guess it is from bearing body weight from the handle bars. Not sure.

Good first ride!

Where in I discuss my thighs.

My T-shirts.... *snif* my T-shirts are much to big. They have a good 12 inches of girth around them. That means they are destined for the rag pile before their time. Sad really, few things are better in life then donning a soft, comfortable, T-shirt after a good days work.

It is one of those I-lost-weight-observations that I had not considered prior to said observation occurring. Odd that...

Previously I observed my fat head, now my old hats fit without inducing a migraine. Also, it takes a substantial change to notice you "feel better" and that is a mental, not physical state. Also, riding a bike sans 60+ lbs is much more fun.

My river sandals no longer fit tight. I would be out of pants if not for my buddy Jack who lost weight as well, sent me a care package of his "fat clothes" (he went from 210 to 148).

I think my hockey roller skates will fit again. Need to test that theory out.

My shirts that fit are now being confused with my son Trevor's on laundry day.

People only give you compliments to a certain weight, then they start cautioning you. It goes from "Wow, your looking good!" to "Your wasting away."

Then the oddest observation yet thus far. Leg hair. To be specific inner thigh leg hair.

At a certain point the fatty deposits around the upper thighs can lead to a "meeting in the middle." This provides a near constant friction that will lop off the hairs at skin level. It can also lead to chaffing and other unpleasant details I opt not to elucidate upon.

Lo and behold while doing a biological function on a porcelain decedent of John Crappers lifestyle changer. I made note of a hirsute addition to my previously shorn abductors.

I pondered for a moment, as one does. Finally coming to the aforementioned conclusion.

This overall event left me both curious and fearful of what will be next.

The Bruce!

My IM (instant messenger) sits fairly dormant, it is far from a networking social tool. It is more quick access to my wife and kids and vice versa. I like it that way.

Lo and behold Robert (my childhood chum) IM'd me last week with a proposal; meet for Dinner in the PNW (pacific north west). Good Stuff! Life long friends are the blessing of my life. Growing up in post 50's So Cal Suburbs was, in retrospect, ideal for being a kid.

I joined cub scouts and boy scouts and Met Robbie and Robert. We have been friends ever since. Even though decisions made have moved us to various places on the continent, two facts allowed us to re-establish contact. The first being we are Computer mavin's, the second is we enjoy gaming as a pretext for socializing. Over the last 16 years or so face to face meetings have been few and far between, so RBG's (Robert) proposal was enthusiastically accepted.

A few caveats were included, this may not occur and the timing may require flexibility. As Tina and I are most familiar with eateries along the I5 Oregon corridor I opted to hammer down the details. A quick chat with my better half afforded us maximum flexibility and a call to my sibling produced locations for the epicurious. The Taprock (pictured on the blog entry below) is a grand log cabin affair that is drenched in the best of Oregon. Even the sidewalk mimics a stream of copper salmon, various statues grace the grounds, Elk, Bear. It is perched along the bank and there is a warmth to even the cavernous interior. The staff is efficient but seemingly neophyte in confidence. It is a new restaurant, so you can give allowances. The double Decks overlook the Rogue river in a tranquil setting, the far side has a park with plenty of green and trees, which gives the effect that you are indeed in the country. The river itself makes small wet sounds that you need to be quiet to hear. The setting was a simple iron table with less then plush chairs.

RBG was able to confirm his sojourn into our realm and agreed with time and date. All systems ready for launch T-minus... Flash forward about a week and we head south in our conveyance towards the foggy town of Grants Pass, home of my Sister and various questionable civic organizations. We arrived early and scouted around a bit and was a bit surprised\worried that RBG had not arrived. The hostess confirmed she had received a phone call from someone lost. Next a cell phone call confirmed he was pulling into the drive. Curiously with a car from Idaho...

We got a place on the deck overlooking the river and got some pictures. Ordered food and set about several years worth of conversation, family, work, life, liberty, happiness (or said pursuit). The waiter was easily confused which provided me with some enjoyment. The food was good and the company was excellent. There is a degree of comfort that takes some time to develop, you are never quite sure where hidden bombshells or tripwires are, conversationally, that might lead to awkward pauses or worse the decision to become offended. When you have been around someone for 40 plus years, on and off. The foundation is pretty much solid and acceptance and tolerance is a given. Add to that 1/2 a lifetime of memories and commonality, you just "get along famously".

And so we did.

The dinner ended all to soon and Tina and I forced Robert into an after dinner death march, over the river and through the woods, through town as well. As time ticked on parental duty kicked in and it was time to depart. A bit of salesmanship could mean a few more catch-ups. So I hope he lands the contract for several reasons.

On a mixed note, I fully intended on getting the bill, but the expense account won over my frugal nature.

languorous living

There are little things you can do that make things "work better." For instance, setting up the coffee maker the night before. Somehow this act is long and drawn out in the AM. Also, putting my clothing for the work day in the same spot. Getting a routine down in the morning so you get all the important stuff done in short order. Having a key rack and a place for your wallet\purse what have you, that you actually use. Making sure your vehicle is ready to go for the morning. Taking the last few minutes of your work day to compile a list of what to start on the next morning. Using a weekly dinner menu with a coordinated shopping list, so you have what you need on hand for X number of dinners. Go through your bills and stage them so you can pay them on time.

All great stuff! Now DOING THIS and CONTINUING forward! Aye, theres the rub!

Recent surgery has precluded me from doing certain projects that I was intending on doing. Now that I am just starting to be able to walk longer and ride the bike, I feel like I am behind. This too shall pass. Last week I added a morning workout routine to my day. Push ups, curls, shrugs, rows. Nothing intense (a recent self inflicted injury taught me that), a slow progression taking my time. Rebuilding this body if you will.

So I started the Coffee Maker setup at night routine this week. And I am determined to do the weekly accounting weekly! During the typing of this missive I realize I am limiting day to day ambiguity. Providing some structure, order among the chaos, controlling that which I can so to be ready for that I cannot.

Probably just pomp and posturing, still... It has a certain satisfaction when you wake up to fresh coffee.

Fat Head

I'm nearing the 200 pound mark. Which means I weigh less now then when I got married. I had not really thought about the fatty tissue below the scalp. I guess it is obvious, but I was a fat headed guy.

Let me 'splain!

I like hats, I have a really nice Fedora, Fisherman, Russian hunter, Cowboy and a Pork Pie Hat.

I really do not like base ball caps, although I do have and wear them as well.

I wear my Fedora and fisherman's during summer walks to work. The cowboy and Russian during the rain or winter (respectively). Some time ago I found the cowboy and pork pie had shrunk. That is to say, they were smaller from my perspective. So I put them up on a shelf and went on about my business. What I did not realize was my head had grown.

So last week when I knocked the Pork Pie down from its perch I tried it on, only to find it fits wonderfully. This might explain why my river sandal straps do not tighten up enough. I think I should break out my old roller hockey skates...