Are apple and oranges really opposite?

People say you compare apples and oranges when they think my analogies are way off base.  However, are apples and oranges that much different?  They’re both fruits.  They’re both rounds.  They both have a slightly tangy taste.  Both have similar fluid content.  They’re about the same size.  And they both grow on trees.  Therefore, one could argue that the old saying is not a good analogy at all?

Recently, this statement has been used when talking about weight loss.  For my whole life, I battled my weight.  For the first six months of 2022, I focused on whole and natural foods, exercise, cutting out sugar, and avoiding processed food.  I have lost 14 pounds.  It does not matter what I eat; if I do not work out for hours each day, losing weight seems unattainable, unlike my brother, who never had any issue with weight.  He could eat three times as much as I do and never gain the tire in the middle.  I will never understand it?  I have read every theory possible, and I need clarification.  Is it time to seek help?

But what is help?  Do I see a nutritionist?  Do I know an expert on metabolism?  Do I see a medical Doctor?  Do I see a therapist?  Tried a nutritionist before, and she said I was one of the healthiest eaters she had ever reviewed.  Yet my weight increased by 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day.

Everyone agrees that the formula for weight loss is to eat less and exercise more, and that a calorie deficit is necessary to lose weight.  That was true when I was younger, but not now!  I think my metabolism is being destroyed; it’s more complex.

Metabolism is an adaptive mechanism; for some, we have trained our bodies to run off less fuel.  This is due to inconsistent meals that require better balance and improved nutrition.  I complain that I feel tired, have low energy, can’t sleep well, have hunger and cravings, and can’t lose weight.

I know people do Keto, low carb, fasting, or they do some drastic thing to try to get out of that holiday sugar rush that they feel like they have because they feel so gross and disgusting from the holidays.  And so they do this like a pendulum swing.  That’s the worst thing that results when we sort of swing back and forth between extremes.

That’s not healthy either, and your metabolism hates that.  It doesn’t make you feel good.  What are the best options?  Can you do a shake program for the rest of your life?  Can you do Whole 30 for the rest of your life?  Can you do Paleo for the rest of your life?  Can you do Keto for the rest of your life?  Most of us think I can’t wait to get off this to eat my favorite food. 

Many people on social media preach protein and strength training, which I often see on my Instagram or in weight loss classes.  So, I need clarification.

I will conduct research to determine the best option.  It may confuse me, as weight loss programs are like comparing apples and oranges!

Carry on, my friends, carry on.

PRIM

It is December 31, 2021

Here we are at the end of the year, and WHAT A YEAR.  Who would have thought I would experience a deadlier pandemic than the Spanish Flu in my lifetime.  But I did, and so did you if you read this post.  The COVID-19 pandemic has become the deadliest disease event in American history, with a death toll surpassing the 1918 Spanish flu.  The Spanish Flu was previously the disease event that caused the most significant loss of life in the United States; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 675,000 Americans died during the 1918 pandemic in waves of illness that stretched out roughly two years in this country.  So we are nearing two full years into COVID!  As of today, 5,452,900 worldwide deaths.

So I again say, what a year.  We thought we would see the end of the pandemic.  Well, not exactly.  Just when we thought the thing was ending … hello Omicron!  I hope you have come through it OK so far and can keep safe as we move forward.  This is depressing, so let me change the subject. 

Politics!  This has been a year unlike any I have ever experienced.  My friends say that all news media are lying; they trust Twitter and Facebook more.  I had friends, well past friends, who would not talk to me anymore and have gone so far as to try to disrupt my life because I would not believe their position.  What happened to respect and to listen?  I struggle to accept the stupidity I witnessed in 2021.  For example, some people are shown in the Daily Show Jordan Klepper series.  See it below. In some ways, this is just entertainment; people will call it lies.

I decided to run a test while out in public.  I would ask questions like, "Can you name the Avengers?" I typically received four to six items without hesitation.  Then I ask, "How many presidents can you name?" I was surprised that none of the under-35 individuals could name more presidents than Avengers.  I even asked a co-worker if they supported Richard Cater, Bill Obama, or Barack Clinton as President.  I had two of seven correct me.  One stated that Carter was outstanding, but the other two were not Americans and shouldn't have been presidents.  I asked how many State capitals they could name.  One did not know the Capital of Minnesota.  A random person I spoke with while waiting in line at Target.

I wish I were kidding.  I need to gain faith in the general intelligence levels I encounter.  Or is it that I am the one who is now keeping up with the current trends and needs to gain knowledge of events today?  Like those on Facebook?  How can I respond to this?  And then I hear people saying storming the Capitol is free speech.  Where will it end?  I also had people criticize me for getting the vaccine and putting unknown and unproven medicine in my body.  All while they eat their Cheetos and Taco Bell and drink Mountain Dew?  Imagine what is really in those products?  As my grandfather once said, you can't control stupidity! 

Well, those were two depressing discussion points? What could be a positive discussion? 

I've ditched Zwift and now use Rouvy for my indoor rides.  There is much more variety and much less crowded.  I have been indoors for five weeks (no outdoor riding in the snow).  Cycling is a low-impact aerobic activity that can benefit a person's health and fitness.  It is a valuable exercise that many people can incorporate into their daily lives as a mode of transport, an everyday activity, or a competitive sport.  It is a popular physical activity that is relatively easy to start and suitable for most fitness levels.

I averaged just under five rides a week, ranging from 6 to 20 miles per ride. I linked it to my Strava; a sample ride can be seen here. Unfortunately, most of my activities in Strava are not public, so the general public cannot view all rides. I know the regular workouts are hard, and I feel better. Here is to continuing into 2020.   

I will get some additional exercise in the next two weeks. We had a massive tree fall and just missed the house. It must have been earlier this week when we had 50 MPH winds. I will not do any cutting tomorrow as the temperatures are forecast to be -6 as a high and -20 as a low.

I really need to get back into Photography. Work has decreased to about 48 hours a week over the past three months, down from the 60+ hours I have experienced over the past few years. I am finding ways to balance this more, especially as I am over two years from retiring. I continue to pray I make it to retirement, but with the pandemic and stress, we never know.

Enough ranting and typing without word continuity.  Overall, hope you are healthy and alive.  We can get through this someday.  Happy NEW YEAR!

Carry on, my friends, carry on...

Getting cold, crashed again

 I am fully aware that we are nearing another winter.  The high temperature later this week is in the 40s.  Yet, the clarity of the season's holds evades me as I have read so many "projections." One thing is for sure, as George Carlin would say, "I guarantee it will get colder followed by warmth in the future."

I think the outdoor bicycle season has ended—not a moment too soon, as I crashed the second time in two weeks.  The first resulted in many baby bruises, but this one took some flesh.  It hurt less than the first one.  The excellent aspect is that there was no significant damage to the bicycle, and I will heal. 

I have the Wahoo Kickr set up with my Surly Long Haul Trucker.  I currently have my Zwift account active, and today, I joined Rouvy for 6 months. I will drop the Zwift account soon.  They are both solid; I have many more route options in Rouvy.  Here is the last ride data.  https://www.strava.com/activities/6230292557  Rouvy has significantly more data, but I'm just wondering how to give public access.

One welcome life highlight is that work demands have slowed.  I feel so much better with the whole 48-hour work week and one weekend day off!  I have already logged over 2,100 hours of rate per year, and this decrease in demand was needed.  I have been walking the burnt tightrope.

I did spend the last 10 days with the dog while Shelley was in Arkansas, spending time with her new grandchild. While there, she was able to experience the grandsons. With so many grandkids, I often wonder if we will ever do anything together again. That is life, not a complaint. The dog and I are accustomed to being in the big house alone. 

I hope you all stay healthy, happy, and wise.  

Carry on, friends, Carry on...

Over 9 months?

Nearing the second full year of COVID-19 issues, I pray all remain healthy. Striking a few years have nearly passed, and I can only wonder.  Minor updates are well overdue.  Major updates?

In the spring of 2020, I decided to stop looking at Facebook. The divisiveness caused by friends and emotions was not healthy. I made a political joke and immediately had a few friends and blocks. IT WAS A JOKE.

In November 2020, I stated I would not cut my hair or shave until I was vaccinated.  In early April 2020, I shaved and had a haircut.  Here are some images to chuckle over,

Three weeks before I cut my hair.

My son said he thinks I resemble someone?

I bet I would be questioned about getting on an airplane.

This summer, I have attempted to bicycle as much as possible.  However, working from home and being busy meant about twice a week. I had lost 10 pounds since last summer compared to today when I went to the doctor for the annual checkup.  Of course, it's not a good time to go for a yearly checkup, as I crashed the bike on Friday.  Slight concussion and the body was bruised severely.  I was disoriented and took a few days to feel better in the head.  I went right over the handlebars, and the rear tire followed me.  A long story of how it happened, a summary that was too fast and had a limited sight distance.  Below is a picture of my left leg; the right is slightly less beat up.

Some things I miss and learned along the way.

• Do I no longer see Maria Barton strolling by the house on her runs in the morning? I hope she is still doing fine.
• I no longer see the people in the neighborhood as much as we all crawled into a cave.
• The bullying and divisive tactics of the past President have created a divide among friends.
• Never imagined families who once were great friends now hate each other over a vaccine.
• I do not see events where old friends can catch up and enjoy a day.
• The cancel culture has us all afraid to talk.  I even had someone chastise me for opening a door for a female.  They said I was saying she was a weaker person and an insult.  So, I guess that is not appropriate?
• I was told that complimenting someone on their literacy was a microaggression and never to say that again.
• I miss people caring for one another instead of making themselves look better by bringing others down.

I took some time off after losing over 120 hours of vacation from March 2020 to April 2021. In April, I flew to Houston to help my son and his Girlfriend move to Cary, North Carolina, a GREAT city. I desire to visit Cary more than I ever did Houston. That was a challenging yet lovely two weeks.

My Girlfriend Shelley had a tough year.  Her life enjoyment was over the top as both her daughters lived close by, and she could see the granddaughters and grandsons whenever she wanted.  Then, her oldest daughter moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and about nine months later, her youngest moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas.  She has lost so much of her happiness and cries often.  She puts on an excellent front for her daughters, significantly changing her.  And not for the better.  It was not like they had to move; they all had great jobs; they just desired to relocate.  I wonder if they will ever understand the pain they caused their mother?  I doubt it, and I want to tell them, but what good will serve.  I hate to see Shelley so sad.

I could say so much more, yet it may get too long. As I assume many, there are more downs caused by COVID-19 and the politically divisive atmosphere than ups. The main point is that despite highs and lows, we are still alive and taking each day as a gift.

Carry on, my friends, carry on!

Covid, 2020, work and Grandpa

The entire world is trying to move on from 2020 as we near 2021. 2021 has an appropriate meaning as the end of a bad year. This is because COVID-19 and 2020 really ruined so many activities and minimized maintaining friendships. So when I get to 2021, I will emphasize that 2020 won! It was the year that kicked the bottom out of everyday life.

The year had some bicycle riding, but something different from the previous year.  I completed 168 rides for 1,937 miles and just under 126 hours.  That is almost half the 3,567 miles and 267 rides in 2019.  Much results from working from home due to COVID-19 for about 7 months.  I purchased a Whahoo Kickr trainer and joined Zwift a year ago, but I rode only a few hundred miles.   2021 will find time for more enjoyable rides.  Work has created the most significant roadblock.  That has been true for the past 5 years, but 2020 was worse.

With work from home, 2020 did not bring a healthy year for a work/life balance.  I worked just under 3,000 hours and lost several weeks of vacation.  I am to blame as the work from home resulted in a loss of productivity.  The budget cuts eliminated most overtime options, so the two of the staff who are not eligible for overtime, me being one of them, pick up the slack.  Sure, I could get behind, but in many cases, people wait on our reviews to achieve a long-term goal or start a job to feed the family.  I am not comfortable saying just wait because we are busy.  I have the deep, stubborn North Dakota farm boy in me and care for other people who are impacted positively by getting items completed.  I once had a college professor, Curtis Arthur Amlund, say, "Londell, I am so glad you're not a woman; you can't say no to anyone."

On a lighter note, I heard a great joke I had to share last week.  Some rolled their eyes, yet I really loved the humor.  It goes like this:

What two men routinely hang out near a window?  Curt and Rod - if you do not get it, say that fast.

Well, that is the type of humor I enjoy.  

On December 19, I don't know what caused the flurry of emotions.  I felt strongly about my grandfather, and I felt like I needed to talk to him.  My grandfather was instrumental in teaching me many things I know about life for those who do not know.  He was a remarkable man.  So, on short notice, I decided to skip my girlfriend's small family gathering and drove to Glover, North Dakota.  It was a lovely day, and I took pictures with a sample below.

It was a great visit, yet confusing.   The gravestone had a last name that was not spelled the same way. Conducted additional research and found that when my great-grandparents emigrated from Germany, the World War created some animosity toward Germans.    o, the German last name Pies was changed to Pease. Was astonished!

Carry on, my friends, Carry on.

It's my birthday?

Yesterday was my 58th day on earth.  The day before, I took a day trip with Shelley to the north shore for hiking and photo opportunities.  The weather cooperated fully, and we could hike for several hours.  Due to COVID concerns, we left home at 6:00 AM and made the destination by 10:00 AM.  We slowly started to drive back, hitting several hiking stops and returning home just before 9:00 PM.  I will share some photos later.

There was nothing strange about that trip except Shelley's father called a day early to say happy birthday.  My son called on my birthday but asked what I was doing for my birthday and what I wanted.  He did not say happy birthday.  My oldest son sent a text and asked if it was my birthday, and he said happy birthday, just in case.

What was strange is that, other than those stated above, no one else called to say happy birthday—not my parents, sister, girlfriend's daughters, or anyone I would consider family.  In the past, they all called or texted to say happy birthday.

How do I feel about that outcome? Is everyone focused on COVID-19 and forgot about it? I'm unsure of something that upset them, and they did not want to celebrate another year for me on earth. Was it a strange coincidence, or have I lost touch with those who make up my little family?  

Either way, it is what it is, and I need to move on without letting it bother me, but it does.

In other news, anemia has affected my teeth and me.  I always want to chew ice.  When this gets worse, I know as I chew more and lose focus to avoid the activity.  Since battling Anemia for three years now, I am now on my third implant as I have destroyed some teeth.  With COVID, I avoided getting the needed labs.  In June 2017, which resulted in a hospital stay, my Hemoglobin was 6.8.  With three infusions, it increased to 15.3 by August.  In August 2018, Hemoglobin was 12.1; another infusion increased to 15.1.  In March 2019, Hemoglobin was 12.2, and another injection increased to 16.2.  

I started feeling bad in December of 2019, and due to a change of insurance, I could only get labs once I set a relationship with the new care provided under the new insurance program.  After a few months, I finally had that scheduled for Late March 2020.  The COVID causes a cancellation from the provider.  It was in July of 2020 that I was able to get in, and the Hemoglobin was 11.8.  This physician needed to be higher, even with my history, to get another infusion.  Instead, they told me to take iron tablets for a few months, even though that causes a more significant problem with stomach pain.  

In late August, I called to get an appointment due to stomach pain and was told that my preferred provider has no opening until January 2021.  So, I guess my Hemoglobin will just go down until I am hospitalized again.  I think my stomach is possibly bleeding from the iron, which I assume will make it worse?  Ultimately, insurance and I will pay 10 times as much to treat the known issue.

I am not sure about much except one thing.  COVID has not killed anyone I know.  I would say "yet" as I wonder if it is just time that will kill someone I love or me.  Like no family members wishing me happy birthday, I can't dwell on the fact of COVID-19, either.  

Carry on, my friends, carry on...

Amateur I am

I enjoy photography.  I have posted some of my photos in the past few years.  I do my best to capture scenes and events that, when people see them, fill them with thoughts or emotions.  Sometimes, it is a running event where they can feel the pain or effort of the athlete.  Sometimes, it is a waterfall or nature scene that provides serenity.

This past week, I had the chance to photograph my girlfriend and her two granddaughters meeting the four-year-old baby sister/granddaughter for the first time.  I was nervous!  Could I capture the emotion?  Could I get that perfect image that you sense the feeling every time you see it?

Below are some of the shots; I am proud of the result.

What do you think?  Did they create emotion or thoughts, or are they just another image?

Carry on, my friends, carry on!

Family, yea they care?

A little over 31 years ago, my ex-wife's labor began in earnest one April evening in 1989, and in the middle of Murphy Brown, over 30 hours later, a child was born.  I've wanted to freeze time, to capture the perfection of a toothy giggle or a cozy morning snuggle for all eternity.  Fruitless feelings, of course, but such is parenthood.  So many things are out of our control, which is liberating and terrifying.  That's not to say there is no warning.  For me, weekends are a dress rehearsal for empty nest syndrome: the children sleep all day and disappear in the evenings.  I wouldn't know they lived here if they didn't take money from my pockets.

Fast-forward to numerous changes.  Thirty-one years later, I find myself in possession of loneliness.  This intensifies as I hear my girlfriend preach about the importance of family.  She tells me that my lack of appreciation for a family is unfortunate.  Family is important, yet when it comes down to the basics of life, we are all individuals and will do what is best for ourselves.

This has intensified recently.  My girlfriend's daughter had a baby girl, to the great joy of my girlfriend, although they lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, and we were in Minnesota.  Her daughter moved back to Minnesota with sheer delight when her only grandchild was one year old. 

Since then, there have been two more grandchildren, and she was so happy.  She emphasizes the importance of family and how this was heaven.  Then, she was informed they were moving to Tennessee.  My girlfriend was crushed.  For several weeks, she cried in sadness over the move.  She became less happy, and this has impacted her significantly.  We had talked a little about it, and it has been about a month since an old friend called her, and she was talking about her OUTSTANDING time with her grandchildren.  Then she broke out in tears.

I am not much help as I reminded her what I said when they moved here.  I reminded her that people do not genuinely care about their families; they do what they want for the next adventure, and they will leave.  She said her family is close, and they would not do that.  Now, she's wrong, 

I guarantee her grandchildren will be sad not seeing Grammy several times a month. But it confirms my statement that a family is second to each one's desires. I've been there, chasing self-improvement and advancement over the family. As I age, I see things differently, and that is a fact.
My point in all this?  The fact is nothing is confident in life.  People will come and go, but we will always remember some.  Physical illness will go away, and weight loss seems impossible.  The only sure thing is that each of us controls our destiny; seldom does that include any care to the family.  A family becomes an excellent family, different from 50 years ago.  I fear relationships and family have been sliding downhill for decades, and I see nothing to give me hope that will change.

Enough ranting.  I am just frustrated seeing someone I care deeply about often cry because of the actions of the one she usually referred to as the daughter who puts family first.  And being the cold, heartless jerk I can be sometimes, I just said, "Oh right, the importance of family" is not reality.

CARRY ON MY FRIENDS, CARRY ON