#2650, Friday, April 23, '21: New car

Post 2650

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 113 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

Today I pulled the plug on leasing a new car.

I got a 2021 Modern Steel Metallic (gray) Honda Accord Hybrid.

I did have to do some budget reconciliation, because I needed more money up-front than if I would have bought a car, but I'm getting a brand-new hybrid car where I was going to get a 3-year old regular gas model, and my monthly payment is one hundred dollars less. 

I pick it up Wednesday. I hope the Kia lasts five more days, it's traded in. 

I'm grateful for the wherewithal to manage my life.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    200.3 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/22/21):         200.3 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.0 lbs.

Diet Comment

Thanks to the saltiness of my late dinner, I didn't realize my hoped-for loss, but that's okay.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
6:35pm: Oatmeal, with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds and kefir. Veggie sloppy Joe (Quorn grounds, Wegman's Grandpa's sauce, spinach and kale) on a cauliflower pizza crust.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
Skipped.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 1;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 56+ oz.; 

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#2649, Thursday, April 22, '21: Busy day

Post 2649

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 112 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

It was a busy day.

Beginning with a call at around eleven in the morning - my car was ready. But... They noticed that a driver-side brake caliper was 'stuck'. My POS Kia Soul was going to be a bitch to the very end.

That meant I had to bring it to my mechanic right after I picked it up. And, I had cardiac rehab at 2pm - that meant I had a scheduling problem. 

I decided to slightly reduce my rehab time, to meet my mechanic's best late-afternoon time. Still got a great workout

I dropped off the rental at the collision shop, picked up my... car (I desperately want to drop negative adjectives in front of every mention of my... car) and got to the mechanic's exactly when I wanted to.

And, some good luck! A little adjustment, and my brakes were declared "nothing wrong". I was so sure I was going to drop some hundreds into the car the day before I got rid of it, but no!

When I got home I found a new microwave popcorn maker had been delivered. I burned the first batch, which I will smell forever, before getting it right. I'll need to experiment more. 

Then, before I knew it, it was time for the first of two of the night's open mics, both of which disappointed, resulting in an unusually early night, given that I did get to play at both. Quality, not quantity, is what's important.

I got a phone call from a friend, told him about my plans vis-a-vis my car, and he suggested I look into leasing - which would be a new experience for me. So I spent the rest of the night looking at those options, and decided that's what I would do.

I'm grateful for solutions to even small problems.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    200.3 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/21/21):         201.5 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 1.2 lbs.

Diet Comment

Better. I'm hoping for more regression to the mean and weight below 200 tomorrow. That's my hope.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
12:35pm: Ultimate overnight oatmeal, with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds, Greek yogurt, kefir, and whey protein powder.

Lunch
5:30pm: Popcorn (plain, no butter, oil, or salt) and a Quest bar. 

Dinner
12:10am: Chopped salad (Chicken breast, shaved parmesan, arugula, beets, cabbage, chard, kale, spinach and balsamic vinaigrette) and a bag of pork rinds.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 22 oz.;  Water: 76+ oz.; and a shot of Jameson's Irish whiskey

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#2648, Wednesday, April 21, '21: No comment

Post 2648

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 111 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

I've got nothing to say, but it's okay.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    201.5 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/20/21):         200.3 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     + 1.2 lbs.

Diet Comment

Admittedly, I ate a lot yesterday, including a fairly high carb count, but I still think this weight loss is more from previous meals while I was in Buffalo, combined with a couple of days of poor sleep.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
1:15pm: Instant oatmeal, with peanut butter.

Lunch
6:30pm: Celery and peanut butter. 

Dinner
12:10am: Cheddar-horseradish cheese with macadamia nuts and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 22 oz.;  Water: 72+ oz.; 

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#2647, Tuesday, April 20, '21: 4:20

Post 2647

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 110 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

I have deliberately never talked about pot in these comments, out of a desire to protect myself from any legal or social consequences out of using an illegal substance - participating in criminal activity.

I have been a toker for more than fifty-five years. 

At no time did I ever believe I was harming myself with its use. At no time have I ever believed there was a legitimate reason behind its prohibition. At no time, when it suited me, did I have difficulty not smoking, either - here have been periods, months, and, in one instance, years, when I didn't get high. 

At no time did I feel free in my use, though. I saw the danger of it being a banned substance - that is to say, the laws against it created the only danger in its use. 

I have been smoking pot daily the entire time I have been writing this blog. During that time, I have eaten healthily and well. True, my genetics caught up with me, requiring that quintuple bypass last August, but by all accounts I went through that with amazing ease and speed. I used pot (edibles) daily, and it was a big part of my recovery.

Among my friends, pot smoking is more prolific than cigarette smoking or alcohol use, which I believe is a healthy situation. 

In my travels, I have found pot smokers everywhere I've gone.

It's 4/20/21 - Pot Day, 2021. Pot is legal in New York now.

I'm grateful for that.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    200.3 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/15/21):         197.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     + 3.3 lbs.

Diet Comment

After five days of seriously off-plan eating, I've got to say I'm really happy I only gained a kilo-and-a-half.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
3:45pm: LEGO (lox, eggs, greens [kale and spinach] and onions). Oatmeal with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and Greek yogurt.

Lunch
7:30pm: A Quest bar. 

Dinner
11:15pm: Cheddar-horseradish cheese, carrots, macadamia nuts and pork rinds.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 72+ oz.; 

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#2646, Thursday, April 15, '21: Mini-vacation, near tragedy, car decision

Post 2646

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 105 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

Last night, I took advantage of an opportunity to gift myself some gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

On my way to pick it up, I hit a deer. The deer scooted away, apparently unharmed, except maybe for a little bit of its tail I found in the grill, so there's that. But my car wasn't so lucky.

My first thought was, "Oh, no - is this going to mean I'm not going to get to Vicki in Buffalo on Friday?" Luckily, no. On the spot, my insurance company got me an appointment (today) to drop my car off at a collision shop and pick up an Enterprise rental (covered by Geico, thank you, Gecko). Which leads me to announce that I'm going to go to Buffalo Friday, and will likely be there until Wednesday. 

Between now and then, no posts. Probably. You never know - maybe I'll bring a scale with me; I'll definitely be bringing a computer. So probably no posts until Wednesday's. 

And then, there's one of those freaky-deaky, new-agey, Universe-is-listening things around the accident as well. When I woke up yesterday, I started checking out cars, thinking maybe I'll trade mine in, because I haven't liked it for all of the eight-plus years I've owned it.

On my way to the collision place, I made up my mind to fix it and then trade it for  something else. Like a used Honda Accord.

And I finished the night by getting a little too high (hahaha) at the Penny. I got a little playing in. Finished the night talking to Vicki.

I'm grateful for all the wonderful things I get to do.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    197.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/14/21):         199.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 2.0 lbs.

Diet Comment

Wowee! Low weight of the year, thanks to last night's limited eating.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
12:35pm: Ultimate overnight oatmeal, with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds, Greek yogurt, kefir, and whey protein powder.

Lunch
6:45pm: Chopped salad (chicken, shaved parmesan cheese, arugula, beets, cabbage, chard, kale, spinach and balsamic vinaigrette). 

Dinner
12:30am: Macadamia nuts and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 22 oz.;  Water: 60+ oz.; Jameson's Irish whiskey

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#2645, Wednesday, April 14, '21: Tell-all

Post 2645

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 104 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

Today I announced Vicki and I are a 'thing'.

At least, I did in private conversation and an email thread.

Now my best friends and my family know. 

I'm kinda thrilled, myself. And everybody's happy for me. 

Now begins the logistical nightmare, as we live 2-1/2 driving hours apart, she in a really cool scene in Buffalo, me here in Syracuse.Although... there is a camper parked in-between us near Vickis son's house, where we can sometimes stay.

I've never been so close to a woman who brings so much to the table - art, music, experience. She has stories! And she likes me.

I'm so grateful.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/13/21):         199.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.0 lbs.

Diet Comment

Third day at this weight. That's a good thing.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
1:30pm: LEGO (lox, eggs, greens [kale and spinach] and onions) and Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted grain bread/toast.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
10:40pm: Macadamia nuts.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 22 oz.;  Water: 60+ oz.; 

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#2644, Tuesday, April 13: New (more-than) friend

Post 2644

April 8, 2021

- 11 years and 103 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

What a great time I had in Buffalo.

Vicki and I got close(r). I was introduced to a really cool scene, made new friends.

Even though it was physically a little uncomfortable due to Vicki not yet being in her actual apartment, living in her studio (no bathroom or kitchen, or much free space at all for living), that was a minor consideration compared to the fun I had with Vicki. 

And I had forgotten how cool Buffalo was, too, not having been there since early in 1972. 

My relationship (I'm comfortable calling it that) with Vicki is developing nicely. We have feelings for each other, and every new and shared experience seems to bring us closer.

I feel comfortable with her, and easy with her, and she seems to feel the same. She is unique among all the relationships I've ever had in bringing so much to the table - her talent, art, humor, adventurousness, gregariousness; her musicality (not a musician, but a true fan).

And, she seems to like me a lot. I'm grateful to and for her - once again, I'm very lucky. She discovered me. and she took an interest in me. I'd be missing out on a lot if she hadn't.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/8/21):          199.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.0 lbs.

Diet Comment

I have a hunch my weight went up and down over the Vicki Day four-day weekend. I didn't eat a lot in Buffalo, but some of it was 'way off-plan. And then, there was the travel-eating (less than two-and-a-half hours drive, it felt like one of my eight-hour marathons). Anyway, there was no damage done.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
2:10pm: Ultimate Golden milk oatmeal, with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, kefir, 'golden' spices (turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) and whey protein powder.

Lunch
6:10pm: Pork rinds. 

Dinner
12:10am: Manchego cheese, coleslaw, carrots, and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 1;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 56+ oz.;

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#2643, Thursday, April 8, '21: I know what I said, but...

Post 2643

From April, 2018

- 11 years and 98 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

When I said I wouldn't be posting today, I didn't realize I would eat the entire day's meals before I went to my cardiac rehab class, and that I would have a bit of time Friday morning to recap the night.

My date with Vicki was a success, if I can go by how I felt and what she said.

We met up a little later than I expected, chatted for a while, and then set out to a new open mic's debut at a club, The Penny, unfamiliar to me before this (although I had passed its downtown location a thousand times). 

I was almost as excited about the open mic as I was meeting Vicki, in person, for the first time. My very favorite local guitarist, Mikal, who excels at jazz, soul and blues, was co-host, along with good friend, jazz trumpeter and vocalist Nick, who has run several enjoyable open mics in the past. 

And it was a memorable evening - best friends Debbie and Frank (lead guitar for Black Uhuru, and bandleader I have played with more than anyone else in recent years), came, and I got to see Frank from the audience with a jazz-oriented rhythm section, then I got to do a few numbers with him, too.

I got good playing time, and was mostly pleased with the music - one 'train wreck' when a tune was called by a guitarist who didn't know the tune's structure was over and forgotten without spoiling the vibe. Musically, it was one of the better jams I've been involved in. 

Vicki, meanwhile, was great. She really got into the music, dug the vibe, and introduced herself to everybody in the bar.

Later, we went to a convenient motel and spent the night. I'm going to take today (Friday) off, and tomorrow, go to Elk Castle in Buffalo, where she lives and teaches art.

This time I can say, definitively, no post until Monday.

I'm grateful to Vicki for finding me and letting me get to know her extraordinary self.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/7/21):          199.5 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.5 lbs.

Diet Comment

The weight gods giveth, and the weight gods taketh away, part 2. That's that same half pound. Pretty random.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
12:45pm: Golden milk oatmeal, with turmeric, cinnamon, coriander and cloves, oat milk, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds, Greek yogurt, kefir, and whey protein powder.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
Skipped.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 72+ oz.; 

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#2642, Wednesday, April 7, '21: Anticipation

Post 2642

From April, 2018

- 11 years and 97 days since I started this blog -
 
Daily Comment

I haven't been on a date in more than a dozen years.

That changes tomorrow.

I am a little anxious. Anxiety comes from living in the future. My anxiety is reflexive, as something out of the ordinary is coming.

I'm not worried, though. I've already worked through that part. 

My anxiety comes from questioning myself - do I feel pressure to meet expectations? I do. I wish I didn't, but my wishes aren't relevant, because I do. I'll get over that by going through it, tomorrow. 

In the meantime, I've done a wash, borrowed some things I might need that I don't have. I'm ready.

I think Vicki's going through exactly the same thing. I tell myself what I have told her: "It'll be fine."

Note: No post tomorrow, and possibly until next Monday, if I go to Buffalo on Friday. Vicki lives in Buffalo, at a deconsecrated church that is becoming an arts center. I'm looking forward to visiting, but I don't know whether it will be Friday or Saturday.

I'm grateful for all the wonderful possibilities with an unknown, unknowable future.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.5 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/6/21):          199.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     + 0.5 lbs.

Diet Comment

The weight gods giveth, and the weight gods taketh away. Pretty random.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
1:05pm: Scrambled egg sandwich on Ezekiel 4:9 Flax sprouted grain bread, coleslaw, and golden milk chia pudding.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
11:10pm: Chopped salad (Chicken, shaved parmesan, arugula, cabbage, chard, kale, spinach, walnuts, homemade creamy Italian dressing), and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 84+ oz.; 

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#2541, Tuesday, April 6, '21: Stupid day

Post 2641

From April, 2018

- 11 years and 96 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

It was one of those days.

I lost my wallet. A bottle of soy sauce - imported, black, not brown - exploded, painting the kitchen. I knocked over a tray table with a full ashtray.

My wallet turned up in a friend's couch. 

The clean up stuff isn't as bad as it was when I made the messes, but that work will continue tomorrow. 

I'll live to make dumb mistakes in the future.

If I'm lucky.

I'm grateful for what I have, and optimistic about what's coming.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/5/21):          199.5 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.5 lbs.

Diet Comment

And, I'm back. 199 feels good to me.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
2:45pm: Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, onions and peppers, and Golden milk chia pudding.

Lunch
5: 45pm, at CoreLife: Sriracha ginger tofu salad (kale, spinach, tofu, quinoa, falafel, hummus, spicy broccoli, shredded beets, ginger, roasted peppers, carrot chili vinaigrette). Dark chocolate and nut mix. 

Dinner
10:40pm: Celery and peanut butter and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 68+ oz.; 

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#2640, Monday, April 5, '21: The weekend of nothing

Post 2640

From April, 2018

- 11 years and 95 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I haven't dealt well with the pandemic restrictions.

I have remained positive, happy even.

But I had a lot of time on my hands, and, with a few exceptions, I didn't do anything with it but keep myself amused. 

In the interest of keeping up my unflagging optimism, I will point out that those exceptions were maintaining my Spanish lessons and my investment portfolios. 

The first was a seven-day-a-week thing, the latter, five days, when the stock market was open.

But the things I could have done that I didn't are overwhelming, by comparison. I could have cleaned my apartment, and gotten rid of my clutter.

I could have improved my guitar playing, learned new songs for my 'acoustic' sets.

I could have written more.

I could have learned to work my PA system (that I was going to give away, and probably still will).

Like I said, I didn't. I did do some worthwhile things, mainly in the form of improving communications with my closest friends, and offering some comfort to some friends in need.

I thought about all this when I decided to sum up the weekend's activities, because there weren't any, to speak of. I had phone conversations, cooked, ate, did my Spanish, went grocery shopping once, and watched TV. That was my weekend.

Nothing.

Not to say I'm not grateful for my life that permits such extravagance.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.5 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/2/21):          199.1 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     + 0.4 lbs.

Diet Comment

Oh, well, not too bad, even if not good. It's within the range of statistical noise.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
2:45pm: Scrambled eggs, oatmeal with hemp seeds and bananas, and Golden milk (turmeric) chia pudding.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
11:10pm: Vegetarian sloppy Joe over steamed brussels sprouts, an ounce of Peruvian 68% chocolate, and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 1;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 56+ oz.; 

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#2369, Friday, April 2, '21: Weekend preview

Post 2639

- 11 years and 92 days since I started this blog -

From March, 2018

Daily Comment

I have not a single plan for the weekend.

Today I had to pick up some prescriptions and I did some grocery shopping.

I prepped some food and ate it (see below). 

And, over the course of the day had hours of phone calls and text conversations with friends and my virtual-about-to-become-real friend (I single her out because she is unique in my life and history). 

The weather forecast is not particularly promising - today was pretty and pretty cold, the rest of the weekend looks a little warmer, but wetter.

So what will i do? More of the same.

While being grateful for it all.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.1 lbs.

Previous Weight (4/1/21):          199.5 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.4 lbs.

Diet Comment

A nice little downturn confirming the trend, and making this a very successful week.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
2:45pm: Overnight oatmeal, with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds, and Greek yogurt. One egg, over easy.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
19:40pm: Curried kale, spinach and lentils over riced cauliflower, and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 1;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 48+ oz.; 

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#2638, Thursday, April 1, '21: No comment

Post 2638

- 11 years and 91 days since I started this blog -

From March, 2018

Daily Comment

I've got nothing to say, but it's okay.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    199.5 lbs.

Previous Weight (3/31/21):         199.5 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.0 lbs.

Diet Comment

It's the third day in a row at the same satisfactory weight. April is officially off to a good start.

 

Food Log

Breakfast
2:45pm: Overnight oatmeal, with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and kefir; also, scrambled eggs with mushrooms, onions and peppers.

Lunch
Skipped. 

Dinner
10:35pm: Chef's salad with buffalo chicken breast, shaved parmesan cheese, walnuts, arugula, cabbage, chard, kale, spinach, avocado and creamy Italian dressing.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 72+ oz.; 

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