December 30

Post 1041, Day 364 of 2013
- and 1094 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

My only real, nothing-to-do day of the end-of-year vacation I've given myself, and I abused it by watching the first short season of Breaking Bad, the supposedly best show on TV ever, which I had never watched.

Damn good. Apparently, everybody knew but me.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         203.2 lbs

Previous Weight:        204.8 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 1.6 lbs

Diet Comment

Will I make my 'goal' (I just decided I had a goal: To end the year at the same weight or better as I ended last year)? I'm close, and today's down day gave me the opportunity to fast a bit, so I think I'm going to make it.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Skipped.

Lunch
Skipped.

Dinner

A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  0 oz.   Water: 48+ oz. 

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December 29

Post 1039, Day 362 of 2013
- and 1092 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

A rare i am Fool daytime rehearsal, then a full night of playing at my longest-running open mic stops. Lots of holiday cheer going around. I know a lot of people who are hopeful for, and hoping that, 2014 is a better year than 2013. 

For me, 2013 would be hard to top, but its do-able, and the year is starting off much, much better than 2013 did, with a bunch of gigs, so I am "unguardedly" optimistic.

Yes, on a day when I get to hang out with musician friends and play for hours, it is easy to feel good. I'm just going to enjoy that, and look back at 2013 with fondness, and look forward with gratitude for whatever comes.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         204.8 lbs

Previous Weight:        202.2 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      + 2.6 lbs

Diet Comment

Well, that's not good, but also, given the way I ate yesterday, I'm just happy it wasn't worse.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Skipped.

Lunch
A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Dinner

Egg salad on Ezekiel 4:9 toast with a salad of baby kale, baby spinach, chard and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Snack

At Rooter's Tavern blues jam: chili, pepperoni, cheese.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  22 oz.   Water: 80+ oz. 

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December 28

Post 1038, Day 361 of 2013
- and 1091 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I watched the Three Stooges for the first time in 20 years. Finally, I get it.

Just kidding.

In other news, I got to sing more than usual at tonight's gig with the Chad Bradshaw Trio. and may have gotten a little carried away with that. What fun that was!

I don't think I'm a particular strong singer (to put it mildly), but I really like doing it. The songs I can sing to while playing bass adequately are limited, and not the usual jam-fare, so when I encountered a decent guitar dirt-cheap on a stupid-deal-of-the-day I bought it. It's back-ordered until I have no idea when, but when it arrives, maybe I'll start showing up at some open mics without a bass.

We'll see how that goes.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         202.2 lbs

Previous Weight:        204.8 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 2.6 lbs

Diet Comment

There we go! Unfortunately, I went shopping stoned and hungry, and bought a bag of nut-fruit-chocolate mix - and ate the whole bag between lunch and dinner. That is going to wreck my progress; tomorrow's early daytime practice with i am Fool will mean further regress.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs, greens (baby kale, baby spinach, chard), onions and peppers, and quinoa-lentil pilaf.

Lunch and Dinner

Second Nature Wholesome Blend: peanuts, cashews, almonds, raisins, cranberries and dark chocolate.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  22 oz.   Water: 118+ oz. and a post-gig shot of Jameson's

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December 27

Post 1038, Day 361 of 2013
- and 1091 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

Last day of work for 2013, and I am really looking forward to the weekend - again, thinking out of 'now'. But still, enjoying it. 

I'm beginning to see the ramp up for i am Fool, as we booked another gig for January, 2014. We will be playing out 4 nights in January. That is 3 more than I would have guessed just two weeks ago.

I also have 3 gigs with Chad Bradshaw.

Life is good.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         204.8 lbs

Previous Weight:        204.2 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      + 0.6 lbs

Diet Comment

I didn't think a little candy at yesterday's party would have too much effect, it wasn't that much. Maybe it was the cheese. Probably only the saltiness of the pepperoni and cheese, which means it will be gone by tomorrow since today's sodium intake was low.

Food Log 

Breakfast

A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia gel, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Lunch

Wild salmon salad on Ezekiel 4:9 Flax bread and a salad of baby kale, baby spinach, chard, cole slaw blend and balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner

Ezekiel 4:9 Golden Flax sprouted grain cereal, blueberries, almond-coconut milk and stevia-inulin blend.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  28 oz.   Water: 64+ oz.

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December 26

Post 1037, Day 360 of 2013
- and 1090 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I am so thankful for my musician friends. I feel so connected when I play with them, and they are so very supportive and fun to be with when we aren't playing together. Especially the bass players. Just feeling it today. Just feeling the warmth.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         204.2 lbs

Previous Weight:        204.2 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 0.0 lbs

Diet Comment

Today is a push, tomorrow, better.

Food Log 

Breakfast

A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia gel, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Lunch

Roasted turkey and guacamole on Ezekiel 4:9 Flax bread and a salad of baby kale, baby spinach, chard, cole slaw blend and balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner

At a party: Pepperoni, cheese and, yes, some candy.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  28 oz.   Water: 124+ oz.

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December 25

Post 1036, Day 359 of 2013
- and 1089 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

Achieved my goals for the day: Laundry and the remaining episodes of 'The Returned'. Merry Xmas.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         204.2 lbs

Previous Weight:        206.2 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 2.0 lbs

Diet Comment

Course correction in place. I hope I didn't mess it up with a late-night snack that put an emphasis on my home-made mayonnaise.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Skipped.

Lunch

Scrambled eggs with baby kale, onions and peppers, and Ezekiel 4:9 Flax toast and quinoa-lentil pilaf.

Snack

Ezekiel 4:9 Golden Flax sprouted grain cereal, hemp seeds, blueberries, almond-coconut milk and stevia-inulin blend.

Dinner

Spring Mix greens and creamy balsamic dressing.

Snack

Egg salad and cole slaw.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  28 oz.   Water: 88+ oz.

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December 24

Post 1035, Day 358 of 2013
- and 1088 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I have spent most of today full of anticipation: first of going to work, then of lunch, then the end of work, then of my night and next day off. Not being in the moment is tiring and seems wasteful. But there it is. When it is difficult to be mindful, I'm not.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         206.2 lbs

Previous Weight:        203.2 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      + 3.0 lbs

Diet Comment

This has to be due to the saltiness of my eating last night - dinner and snack both had a lot of sodium, but were otherwise pretty much in keeping with my current eating plan.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Skipped.

Lunch

At Ling-Ling's Chinese Buffet and Grill:

Brussels sprouts, kimchee, and, from the "Mongolian Grill", my go-to dish: pork and chicken with cabbage, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and broccoli. This is the same picture, as always.

Snack

Protein bar.

Dinner

Buffalo-style chicken breast and cole slaw.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  24 oz.   Water: 128+ oz.

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December 23

Post 1034, Day 357 of 2013
- and 1087 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

An odd thing I noticed tonight: Recently, my musical rehearsals/practice sessions have been very productive and fun and a whole lot less like work. That goes for both i am Fool and Chad Bradshaw.

I don't think I've ever looked forward to rehearsals more than I do these days. 

Just another indication that things are moving in the right direction for me - it is nice when you find a new source of satisfaction and joy - and I am so grateful.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         203.2 lbs

Previous Weight:        203.6 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 0.4 lbs

Diet Comment

I can't help but think the number, which I am happy with, could have been better without the stop at the party table at Rooter's late last night.

Food Log 

Breakfast

A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia gel, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Lunch

Buffalo chicken breast on Ezekiel 4:9 Flax sprouted grain bread with guacamole, and Dal Makhtani (red bean curry) on cauliflower.

Dinner

Pepperoni and roasted vegetables.

Snack

Buffalo chicken breast, cottage cheese.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  22 oz.   Water: 88+ oz.

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December 22

Post 1033, Day 356 of 2013
- and 1086 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

Heading into the last week of the year, I'm feeling good. I am finishing the year in good health, at least as good as when the year started. 

This year, however, has seen a nice boost in my peace-of-mind quotient. I have a lot; most of it due to events that happened during the Summer, when, after a very busy playing schedule with i am Fool, I entered a hiatus period, during which I met new musicians, formed new relationships, and began gigging with Chad Bradshaw. This really helped fill my musical dance card. For me, it has become obvious that the more I play, the happier I am.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         203.6 lbs

Previous Weight:        205.0 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 1.4 lbs

Diet Comment

Today should start a strong finish to the year.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Skipped.

Lunch

A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Dinner

Wild-caught salmon and black bean salad on Spring Mix and cole slaw blend. Not shown: Ezekiel 4:9 Flax sprouted grain toast with coconut oil.

Snack

At Rooter's Lounge: Shepherd's pie, cookies.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  24 oz.   Water: 64+ oz.

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December 21

Post 1032, Day 355 of 2013
- and 1085 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I've been thinking alot lately about how unattached to things (both specifically and in general) I've become, and how it has changed my day-to-day attitude.

I get the opportunity to tell people that, in preparation for a retirement that, at the very least, begins with a lot of travel, I will be giving away everything I own that I cannot travel with, except for some of my music-making equipment, which will reside with Alex until I find a permanent home (or forever, whichever comes first).

I no longer enjoy shopping. Or reading catalogs. Everything I spend money on has to pass a crucial test: Will it be completely consumed within the next two years, or used to improve my life in that time period, if it is more durable.

It is amazing how few things pass that test any more.

I also, if I see something I haven't seen for a while (for instance, while looking for something else), try to make a give-it-away or throw it away decision on the spot. That only works occasionally, I still have some evolving to do.

But there are other aspects of this, that aren't about material things. I am not attached to a lot of my ideas - not my political positions, my social constructs, my work or... Well, pretty much everything.

I am far from perfect, haven't achieved any sort of transcendence, but, where it does happen, where it does influence my thoughts, or thinking, it feels good. And affirms my philosophy.

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 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         205.0 lbs

Previous Weight:        206.0 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      - 1.0 lbs

Diet Comment

I am astonished. I expected eating a whole cake for dinner would put weight on. But, no-o-o-o.

Food Log 

Breakfast

Skipped.

Lunch

Skipped.

Dinner

At Whitewater Tavern, where I was sitting in with a friend:  Prime rib, green beans sauteed with mushrooms and onions, and mashed potatoes.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  0 oz.   Water: 80+ oz.

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December 20

Post 1031, Day 354 of 2013
- and 1084 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I have completely reconciled with the Rusted Root gig. We will not end up paying anything to play. The publicity is great. I have to remember, playing is the important thing. The rest? Not worth my attention.

Please leave a comment if you visit my blog. Thank you!

 Food and Diet Section

2013 Daily Weight

Today's Weight:         206.0 lbs

Previous Weight:        204.8 lbs

Day Net Loss/Gain:      + 1.2 lbs

Diet Comment

A big, late-night snack is showing up on the scale this morning. Tomorrow, I expect ending the day by eating an entire cake will not help my cause.

Food Log 

Breakfast

A cacao-kale-hemp-chia protein shake (almond milk, kale, a large egg, raw organic cacao powder, hemp seeds, chia gel, whey powder (30g protein), cinnamon and stevia-inulin blend).

Lunch

At Ling-Ling's Chinese Buffet and Grill:

Brussels sprouts, kimchee, and, from the "Mongolian Grill", my go-to dish: pork and chicken with cabbage, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and broccoli. This is the same picture, as always.

Snack

Pepperoni.

Dinner

Oh, this is bad. Very bad. Woesome. While out grocery shopping, I got, on a crazy impulse, a chocolate cake on sale. Which I ate all of. My most spectacular fail in years.

Liquid Intake

   Coffee:  28 oz.   Water: 100+ oz.

Please leave a comment if you visit my blog. Thank you!