Salad

I make from scratch some interesting salad concoctions. The one I made today had balsamic vinegar and virgin olive oil as a base. The first distinctive ingredient was a winter squash (chilled), though I'm sure any kind of mashed sweet squash would do. After that I threw in the following: red onion, sweet white onion, red bell pepper, chard, baby spinach, mixed salad greens, jalapenos, three chopped string cheese fingers, walnuts, tomatoes, celantro....then tossed it. Very good tasting. I really like adding squash or yams as it gives the salad some body and a distinctive sweet taste. Someone give it a shot and let me know.

I've got lunch box packed with a sliced turkey sandwich half, celery and string cheese, the salad mentioned above, a few pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts and lastly some cottage cheese with a sliced fresh half. It's funny but I probably eat better on my eight hour work shift than I ever have before. I am committed to six meals a day hence the reason for such an elaborately packed lunch. I am no longer a chow hound; I usually feel full and when I do eat it is out of knowledge rather than hunger pangs. This is something I never thought I could master.

Today I weighed in at 285.0 lbs. I've yet to use the fantastic weight/body fat scale that Megan and Damian sent me. I'm going to wait until I'm 280 lbs for initial weight in..........use this as something like an incentive.

Last night I rode up Mission Ave hill in eight an a half minutes starting from Butler Ave to the top of hill where the traffic lights are located. When asked by a driver how long it takes me, I estimated twelve minutes and the driver told me no way. Well, I guess it's "oh Way!" I think he is beginning to think about exercising after watching me pedal off into the night homeward bound.

I'm going to take Nancy to the park for a 20 minute tour. Last night at work I was able to fit in my "Tiger Moves" so I'll do the same tonight. Sleep tight Avery, Gramps is thinking of you:-)

Saving Joy's Foot

Monday night Heather, Joy, DJ and I went to Capazelli's for some Italian food. As we were being seated our waitress was bantering about and as she left Joy remarked that she was pregnant and how she wanted to ask her when the baby was arriving, etc... I said to Joy to be careful, because maybe she's NOT pregnant. Joy assures me that she surely is, but I persist that she not ask about any new birth assignment. As the night went on the waitress came over and was chatting about work, her family and tying down all the mundane facets of life. At the right moment I asked the waitress, "So do you plan on having any more children?" "Oh my heavens, no!" she exclaimed and we all laughed as she left with the check. All eyes went to Joy and I handed her a napkin to dab away the perspiration pooling on her forehead.

And me, the hero of the night, how did I fare the next day at the Z-Market? I'm making a beverage purchase and feeling witty and chipper. Proud of how I was able to save Joy's foot from the abyss of her mouth. So the foxy young Argentinian woman behind the deli had just finished talking to the man at the cash register. "Is that your daughter?", I asked. He hands me my change and says, "She's my wife." GULP.................I was certainly glad that I had washed between my toes the night before.

On being frank

Frankly readers, I crack myself up. Fortunately, Dougie is my sounding post and he laughs whether it's funny or not.

Crazy Stuff

I drove to Petco with Nancy riding along. I've got some far out customized (Best Buy)CD's. So I'm cruising Mission Ave. doing exactly what pisses me off about the young punksters: I cranked up the stereo to maximum volume and play Bo Diddley mean and nasty. All the while, just like the punksters, I glance around me to see if any cars have their windows down so I can drive by real cool with my eyes casually staring straight ahead while blowing out their eardrums and probably Nancy's too, but I'm still cool and laid back with my head bobbing ever so slightly. I B KOOL!

LET'S GET NAKED! No,wait hold that thought..........let it pass, whew I'm under control again. Now, where was I?

The wheels are smoothly rolling along for a home purchase. (I just remembered, I have to get a phone fax source). Hey, Collin, when you read this I have an established goal: When I am under two hundred pounds and can do a minimum of 20 push ups, I want to climb Edward's Crack with you or John leading and me in the middle. I think the 20 push ups is a good safety factor. Soon I will be able to say I live in the "avenues area" of Cheyenne. I'm ready for the cowboy factor. I've already told Denise how to recognize a "real cowboy".......with three in the front seat of a pickup truck, the real cowboy is the one in the middle. You non-cowboy people eat your hearts out, 'cause I ain't (cowboy talk) givin' any cowboy secrets away and that's that! Specially since them horny toads from Brokeback Mountain started sharing their shit with the public.

So Avery here's the deal: I'm going to own the Mission Ave./Airpot Road hill climb, but here's the real deal........by the time your cousin is born, I'll celebrate the event with a Foussat Road climb. Can you feel it? I'm getting psyched up all ready!

Sunday Bicycle Ride

I awoke this morning and thought I had overslept going to Unity. Fortunately, I misread my watch and saw that it was 9 and not 12, go figure. Anyway, on my bicycle I leaped and away I went. I was cruising coast highway when this mountain bike (all purpose) passes me. Not to be denied I stepped it up a notch and passed him. I glance at the rider and recognize him as a passenger I drove for two nights ago. So now I'm out in front and WHOOSH, he scoops me. I bide my time until a slight downhill appears and I turn it on. SCOOPED HIM BIG TIME......so long punkster! Damned if he didn't scoop me on a slight uphill climb, but I faked it and acted like I had reverted to cruise control and I was just out for a fresh air ride. I guess this explains that stealth not strength is what oldsters do best.

Speaking of bike rides. Man, did I ever revert to young and insane.......I mean, it couldn't be brushed off as a senior moment. I've got the Marines Corps running cadence CD blasting away into my eardrums, jacked up from coffee and exercise and then the rush of Megan's phone call. This resulted in a downhill charge that made me quiver. I had cut in front of a truck because I was just plain out speeding him, then the next car was slowing down for an off set zig zag designed to slow cars down. I took the opposite side and flew by them and cut back to the right entering a ten degree curve at around 35 mph. I couldn't hit the brakes or I would have lost it so I just leaned over to the left and let tire traction do the work. Not over with craziness I went opposite side again sailed by another car. By this time the Marines were "fussin' and a fightin' yada yada yada and I made it to the four-way stop intersection at 20 mph and pedaled through a left hand turn in top gear. YES, way to go Gramps. Now this was clearly not a controlled moment, this was absolute insanity, but I must admit that it rocked. In retrospect I will never do that again......unless there's a really slow ugly car, maybe then...............I'll have to cogitate a tad more :-)

Great News!

Megan called me around 1:30 p.m. yesterday and what a great surprise! As she spoke, while Damian drove, she was holding their daughter, Avery Madison Smith, riding home from the hospital to take up residency on NW Sunset Circle in Portland, Oregon. Oh Avery, I hope you come to understand the meaning of "lucky ducky" because you just made Megan and Damian very lucky ducks and they will try to do their utmost to make you a "lucky ducky" too. By the way Avery, Megan and her brother, Collin, loved to go to the park to feed the ducks in Glenmere Park, so be sure to ask them to do the same thing in Oregon. Hopefully, they do have ducks in Oregon.

I look forward to being in the Unity congregation tomorrow and share the joy I am feeling at this moment. Reverend Julie is very special leader.

Avery, this blog is for you and I want you to know that I dedicated my ride home from work to you. I rode up the Mission Ave. hill faster than any other time, because December 22nd was a special event for me, you inspired me to get in shape and be healthy so that I will see you grow into womanhood. Oohah (that's a military thing)

Scrabble With Megan

Last night when I got home I found Megan up and online so we attempted a scrabble game. I wouldn't say things went swimmingly, however progress was made on how to bring up, stay up, select, undo, ask, cry about the intricacies of setting up. Finally we got rolling. Megan allowed me to go first. All seven of my letters were consonants (with power too) so I had to pass. Eventually Megan hit the rack so I assume that the game is in limbo. It will be fun once I don't have to plead my way onto the game room.

I rode up Butler Ave. in a straight line from the bottom of the hill at Mission Ave. to the intersection at Todd Ave. Never had done that before. I just about tried for the whole enchilada and do the section between Todd Ave. and Mesa Drive, but figured I'd wait for the return of the Marines running cadence CD I sent to Collin so I can get just a tad of motivational juices into my system. Love that CD!

Lots of packages beneath the tree. We're sending the San Diego Super Shuttle to pick up Heather and friend rather than drive down. I was going to call in sick and do it, but I'm probably going to call in sick in a couple of weeks so I didn't want to push the issue. Besides it is a more convenient way of travel since they will be delivered right to the home porch.

We were pre-approved for a house loan. We're now awaiting delivery of a DVD that Collin and Denise took of the house.

Ashamed to say I am still getting ready to clean my room. Who's kidding whom, it doesn't bother me that much, but it does tweak Joy a bit.

Since I am trying to become more spiritual in outlook and practice I feel it only correct to let all eyes know that you are being prayed for. Something in the Bible says something about praying in a closet as well as not beating one's chest while in the course of supplication. So prayer is what the eyes get, not for whom, what, where or when....nothing more; just enjoy knowing that I love you.

Christmas Tree

Yesterday we drove to Home Depot and picked out a five foot Nobel Fir. With the tree on the car rooftop and Nancy in the backseat we were a joyous sight to behold. The tree was decorated last night between plays on Monday Night Football, swigs from green bottles Grolsch beer and chit chat with Joy. As I type this my head is adorned with a festive red and white Santa hat. Christmas is here and all is really well.

I am posting the following from the Transformetrics website:

Make the Choice!

“There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” -- Denis Waitley

The decisions you make in life, day after day, moment by moment, will make the difference in the quality of life you enjoy. Nowhere is that more evident in health and fitness. Americans are, by and large, obese, out of shape, and unhealthy, because of the little choices they make day after day.

Little do they know that, with some simple nutritional choices and as little as fifteen minutes per day of basic exercise (like the Tiger Moves), they could transform how they look, how they feel, and how long they’ll be around.

Each one of my books in the Transformetrics™ Ultimate Training System series—The Miracle Seven, Pushing Yourself to Power, and Isometric Power Revolution—are designed to help you make those little choices on a daily basis. They are choices that will help lead you to health, fitness, and a quality of life you may never have thought could exist for you.

Actually, I’ve found that when individuals make the choices to turn around this one part of their lives, it very often leads them to success in other important areas of life, as they choose to succeed rather than fail.

The point is, changing the cycle of failure in life to a cycle of success means making a start and enjoying little successes. As the prophet Zechariah counsels us in the Old Testament, do not despise small beginnings. They will inevitably pay big dividends if you stick with them.

Think about it. – J.P.

Today I have to push myself a bit to get over to the park. My plan to step it up a notch to PUSHING YOURSELF TO POWER hasn't started yet so I'll have to give myself a pep talk over in the park as I take Nancy for her walk. She really helps me stay on the exercise routine, because she needs to be exercised and therefore the window is wide open for me jump through and complete my "Tiger Moves."

Got an email from Al Grams telling me about his grandson being invited to spring training with the L.A. Angels which is very hot stuff! I'm guessing two more years in the minors and he may get more then just an invitation to workout with the big leaguers. What a grind to finally get to the big show.

We're expecting a callback from a Wyoming bank loan officer giving her approval for a "pre-qualified" home loan. Then we'll take the next step and make an offer. We trust Denise's judgment and expertise in making this purchase happen.

Gotta rap this up and get to the recycling center as well as the park.............and then there's the bedroom mess, damn!

Saturday is my Friday

Today is my final day of a five day work week. It's a different route, but roughly the same hours. Work is going well, aside from the head on crash I barely avoided a couple of weeks ago, the job is a piece of cake. My body is still adjusting to the late shift hours, but I'm used to odd sleeping hours. Everything I've read says that continuous sleep is very important for one's health, but I just deal with weird and varied sleep patterns the way I have for nearly forty years.

I weighed in at 286.2 lbs today. My weight will go back up four pounds in the course of a day due to water retention, but the fact I got to 286.2 means that in one more week I should be doing the rear view mirror routine to anything over 285 lbs.

Not a whole lot planned for the weekend. I keep reminding myself to clean up my bedroom, but it is still a mess. Maybe I'll accomplish that task by Monday night.

We're going out to breakfast, shopping chores at PETCO and a romp in the park with Nancy before mounting the bike for the downhill run to NCTD.

A health tip for anybody reading this: An Exercise You Can't Do Without: Squats! (HALF SQUATS UNTIL YOUR FANNY TOUCHES THE SEAT OF A CHAIR) my emphasis........ "They strengthen all of the major muscles of the lower body, including the gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves." Taken from an online source.

287.4

Alright, the 290's are in the rear view mirror! Weighed in at 287.4 this morning. The first reading was 288.2 and that was satisfactory, but I went back to bed thought about it for a while and decided to go back to the scale for a reread and presto, somehow .8 of a pound mysteriously dissolved (no bathroom break in between either :-).

Just got through contributing $25.00 to Congressman Wexler's (Florida) campaign, because he has the huevos to pursue impeachment hearings against the Dickster. This nation is in peril and this administration still does anything it damn well pleases without any kind of dissent from the public. The right wing pundits cry out about a left wing press....... Question: If our newspapers are so left winged then why aren't headlines screaming for impeachment?

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Spurned_by_major_newspapers_Dem_Congressman_1214.html

Joy and I are on the same page in regards to buying a house in Cheyenne. I keep running through various scenarios with her as to why we shouldn't and no reasons come up. We can swing it and still stay where we are for the foreseeable future. We would plan on renting it out until the dust settles around here. So as of this moment I'm acting as if we have acquired some rental property.

Tomorrow I will attempt to incorporate some or all of the features in the book, PUSHING YOURSELF TO POWER. The main thing for me to do is provide time in order to work a sensible program.

Part of a prayer that I am remembering: "I understand that I am on a journey of self-awareness, inner healing, and spiritual growth, with lessons to learn, issues from the past to heal and Divine Ideas to bring into expression. With God's help I will resolve anything that comes my way so that I may demonstrate greater good in my life!" I feel comfortable with Unity Chirst Church in Carlsbad.
.

More BS from the White House

The White House gives the go ahead to destroy video tapes of water board interrogations in order to "protect the identity of the agents." Huh? Does this mean that the CIA doesn't possess the capability to alter video tapes in order to protect its agents? Again, huh? If so, we are in deep doo-doo.

Got in a good 50 minute bike ride in last night as well as getting my Tiger Moves in too. This morning I weighed in at 289.2 so this may signal the end of the 290's forever, AMF!

I'm floating the idea of buying a house in Cheyenne. It's only floating at this point, but one never knows. We would keep this place. Which reminds me that Joy and I have to talk to Megan, Heather and Collin about our Oceanside property.

Lentils

Last night another concoction was made in the crock pot. I assumed the lentils would cook overnight, but such is not the case. They were still crunchy, edible but still crunchy. Note to self: precook lentils before adding to the crock pot. Each batch has a different taste. I added more olive oil this time around.

I've noticed my eating habits are changing and this is a very positive sign. In the past I've been a chow hound, but now because of work and diet I find that I am eating five to six small and varied meal portions instead of the basic three squares a day. Yesterday, Joy and I went to Coco's for lunch. I ordered a hamburger and upon arrival of the order I found myself scraping off the cheese and not eating the bun. Just meat and the trimmings. What is so unusual is that afterwards, as we drove home, I found that I was not feeling stuffed, but pleasantly and comfortably without any hunger, a very good feeling.

I received my four month bid assignment which starts in January. I'll work the extra board with Sundays and Mondays off. It was hard to believe I was able to get a Sunday off, because anytime an officially paid holiday occurs the work schedule automatically reverts to the Sunday work schedule which in my case means I never have to work on any holiday. I am #302 of 312 coach operators on the seniority list so I didn't think I'd have chance, go figure!

Today I'm going to call a place that professionally puts up Xmas lights. If it doesn't seem to be too high an expense I'll go ahead and purchase the service. Extension cords, electrical outlets, burnt out bulbs isn't my cup of tea.

That's all the news from Lake Wobegone. Readers, I assume you do occasionally listen to Garrison Keeler of PBS Radio if not, for shame.

Last Day of work

Saturday has finally arrived and after this workday, I can savor two days off. Today will be a 10 hour stint. There is a bid today and I honestly don't know anything about anything. I think this attitude stems from the fact that I am ten from the bottom in seniority (out of 350) so not much will be left to decide what I choose. My gut tells me I'll be on the extra-board with a couple of days off during the week.

I did the Tiger Moves while at work last night. I had a 25 minute break so I was able to squeeze in some vitals, a bathroom break and two sets of Tiger Moves. When I got to Escondido at 2210 hours I was able to complete the last set of TM. I think I'll go to the park after this blog and do TM's, and then go to work.

I've completely forgotten to do any kind of relaxed meditation. I am praying now and consciously making an effort to see things from a spiritual perspective, but the 20 to 30 minute seclusion in silence is not yet a habit. It's funny how I have such difficulty compartmentalizing my time for various tasks. It's not like I have any pressing obligations. This is a problem, but oh how sweet a problem it is! Life is good.

I have estimated that I am losing .23 lbs per day which means a weight loss of 84 lbs per year. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" I WILL attack the hill!

Close Call

Last night while I was entering an intersection in Escondido a car attempted a left hand turn in front of me while I had the green light right of way. To make matters worse I did not see him until he was eight feet from me, because it was a small car and it was obscured by a larger car making an opposite left hand turn and I was passing on the outside lane. The occupants were a couple of young teenagers oblivious to anything but themselves. We both applied maximum brakes and must have ended up within a foot length's distance from a collision.........dumasses from damasses.

FINALLY! This morning I weighed in at 289.6.

Bicycling around town

Rode to the doctor's office in Carlsbad and back for approximately eleven miles. I'm at 292 lbs. Her test showed that I had lost five pounds of fat and gained two pounds of muscle. Blood pressure reading was 122/68! So something is going on inside of me.

Megan said a package with my name and her address had arrived at her residence. I think there was a mistake on the part of a volunteer who took the order and a computer that showed I done a similar thing a couple of years ago.

Work last night was easy with the exception that the bus lost power in the middle of heavy traffic, but I was able to nurse it to the side of the road and reset the electrical circuitry and everything went well afterwards. This is the kind of run I like, efficient work with ample time for rest.

Had to ride home after midnight, but took a back way so missed almost all car traffic. This run will work out nicely for me.

Power Breakfast

Last night I did the crock pot potpourri, i.e., oatmeal, quinoa, pinto beans, lentils, chicken breasts, onions, green peppers, yams, celery, jalapenos, herbs and spices, etc.,..then this morning take a portion of the concoction and place it in a skillet to heat while frying an egg, add Tabasco sauce and Power Breakfast is served!

Workouts are going well, approximately 26 days out of 30 I recorded some kind of exercise with COWS. Getting psyched up to begin a different kind isometric regimen probably starting on December 16th. Same trainer, just a bit more focused and advanced than the Miracle Seven. My weight is hanging around the the 293 range (have to quit drinking wine and beer at night after the workouts). Body is definitely rearranging itself. I did two regular pushups today, first time since 1993!

This afternoon will be my new driving assignment for the next six weeks. Should have a pretty solid workout program since I'll be walking up the (Fousat Road) hill when returning from work. I'm not real keen on riding up the hill on Mission Ave. at night.

Joy and Nancy are fine. Joy's outside bundled up against the morning coolness working her daily soduko while Nancy is cutting Z's on the leather couch.

Megan's baby crib selection was an excellent choice. My imagination goes wild in anticipation of the great event!

Inspiration and mystery

Cylinders, I need more cylinders, hence, the mystery:......cylinder, wtf is meant by cylinders?

Finished my last day on the 321 route and I now begin a three day rest before beginning a six week gig on the night shift and the 302 Oceanside to Escondido run.

Oceanside has received a goodly amount of rain over the past 24 hours and I think all concerned are appreciative. Water levels are down in the storage areas.

Feeling good. No exercise today, felt I needed a rest. My mind has accepted the fact that the Miracle Seven routine is here to stay for me, but with other alternatives as I become stronger at my age; (OH YE WHO HAVE EARS) hear this: whilst you have your youthful strength, build on it.

Hill Reaquaintance

I'm riding the bike up the hill again. It's getting easier, not easy, but not real hard either. I use the Marine Corps CD running cadence to spur me up the hill. I figure if they can say it while running I should be able to listen and pedal. I'm staying in the low 290's, but I can feel that I have added some muscle, because of the way I move and fit into my clothes. Still fat, but not mushy fat.....beer belly fat. The hill will take care of that problem. Still doing isometrics. Yesterday I went to the park with Nancy and she got behind me so when I got to the place where I exercise I turned around and couldn't see her. Then I see a man sitting on a park bench a couple of hundred feet away and who is seated right next to him? Oh yeah, just snuggled right next to him. It was such a funny sight. It was the bench where she and I often sit and gaze out towards the ocean.

I've got a new run assignment starting on December 4th and ending on January 12th. It's a night run to Escondido (about 20 miles from Oceanside). 1600 until 0001, Tuesdays thru Saturdays.

Took Joy to Coco's Restaurant tonight; nice to get out once in a while.

I now sponsor a five year old Filipino boy living in the Philippine Islands. He has a real family so I am not exactly sure what's going on, but I should find out more in a week or so.

Another Crock Pot Success!

I love making up recipes for the crock pot. The standard is usually: lentils, pinto beans, tomato sauce, chicken broth, onions, celery, brocholli, olive oil, an assortment of herbs and spices and an occasional experiment such as adding 1/2 cup coffee. The batch I made yesterday will be enough to last throughout the week. It makes packing lunch quite easy when I use the small plastic containers.

My liquid breakfasts are usually made in the blender with steel cut oats, quinoa, (these are soaked in boiled water from the kettle for 3 minutes on up) Ultra Meal Plus (Metagenics), Triple Greens Powder (Purity Products), cinnamon, powdered milk, 1/2 pear, 1/2 banana, add ice cubes and water then blend. A powerful drink.

Check out quinoa. Supposedly quite a bit of nourishment compared to other grains.

Called in sick

Called in sick about an hour ago, not sick; I just didn't want to go into work. I am really jacked with my decision to attend Unity. It really feels like a fit. So after attending Unity I went to Best Buy and burned a great CD, Jesus centered from modern gospel groups along with a modern beat. After that I returned home and watched the Chargers win and then watched the Bears barely win against the Broncos; The Eagles just about pulled it off against the Patriots, but not to be at the final gun. This truly is a great team, but it is so hard to imagine that they would dominate the likes of the '85 Bears or the Miami 17 and 0 team way back when.......which means that defense dictates: Keep the offense off the field and they can't score. As I recall the two teams referenced were absolute terrors on defense.

I'm now listening to Rose Mary Clooney's, Hey There, and it reminded me of my past: my mother and father.........after she had returned after a summer excursion with her sister and brother-in-law in the east. A sandhill too steep.