Saturday, April 18 - Countdown T-minus 197 days

Still feeling slightly ass, but my bud Alex called today around 2:00 to grab some chow and wander down to the Georgetown waterfront to soak up some rays (and kitten watch of course). I was debating whether to go to bed when he called, and I'm glad he did, it probably would've been "smarter" to sleep, but staying in all weekend really wasn't going to sit right with me. So we grabbed some Pho, shot the breeze, then walked out into the beautiful spring afternoon. The walk to Georgetown was a feast for the senses, and as always it's a pleasure to catch up with Alex. Not much to report, did a lot of people watching, got sun (a little too much, did not remember the sunscreen), walked back, then pretty much hit the sack. As god as my witness, I've got to kick this allergy/cold/whatever, it's becoming a serious bummer.

Friday, April 17 - Countdown T-minus 198 days

Man, I don't know what's wrong with me, but I feel terrible. Almost called in sick today, but figured it was going to be such a beautiful day, nobody would believe me and I'd wind up having to deal with much ribbing. As it turns out, I had to split around 2:00, and while I did take a moment on the way home to get a haircut, it was straight to the sack.

Thursday, April 16 - Countdown T-minus 199 days

Okay, something's plain not right, this is the second evening I didn't get to the gym after all my histrionics about getting back on track. Throat's feeling raw, lips are peeling like a yellow onion, and I feel like someone hammered a quarter pound of colby up my nose. But that thing that's really bugging me is feeling tired, I really don't like it when my body doesn't work properly, I'm not used to it and I make a terrible patient. Bah!

Wednesday, April 15 - Countdown T-minus 200 days

I don't know what happened to me today, but coming home from work, I was WIPED. Barely made it to my couch to collapse, which is kind of strange cuz' I don't feel bad, just exhausted. Which doesn't bode well, since I had plenty of sleep. Whatever. Not much to write about, though I do think I'm getting some traction at the office, and may well have planted some seeds that will result in everyone getting a lot more out of the efforts they put forth.

Tuesday, April 14 - Countdown T-minus 201 days

Again, I found getting out of the sack this morning way too difficult, the rain and chill air more than a match for my resolve. Whatever, I have stopped chowing down on chips, pastry and candy before bed, which is really what my primary behavioral change goal is. Not sure when I slipped into that pattern, but that's what it is, a behavior pattern. No different than the behavior pattern of exercise, except one makes your pants tight at the waist, and takes zero discipline. I really feel for people who don't like to exercise, I love it, and it's still hard to drag my ass out the door into the sweat palace.

Vignette: Coming back from Ballston Common on a beautiful spring afternoon, I pass the Goodyear tire and move through the Wilson Blvd., Kirkwood Rd. intersection, and see a cute outfit coming toward me on the passenger side sidewalk. As I drive forward, in the scant second or so that she's in view, I see she's crying, staring at her cellphone. Sadness is bad enough, but when you're doing the walk-and-cry, you are seriously sad.

Monday, April 13 - Countdown T-minus 202 days

Jesus, day one and I derailed before I got started! Worked out late yesterday, which messed with my sleep, resulting in a late rise, resulting in no morning workout. So, rushed home to ensure no waffling, and had a decent evening workout, so while not fully "on track", not bad. 

Vignette: a few weeks ago, I hit 7-11 (to grab snacks I did not need to be grabbing), and out of the corner of my eye I saw a random hot girl in a short dress as a blur of motion in my peripheral vision toward the back corner of the parking lot, and almost didn't bother to turn my head. Then I became aware of the photographer and the lighting assistant, they were just kids, students obviously, doing a shoot for a class. A fashion shoot by the looks of it, and you could feel the energy coming off them, the raw future dream, of wealth and glamour, that all this schooling was going to bring them. As the young model danced and posed, the photographer (likely angling for a closer collaboration, if I know my photogs) energetic and and with a vision. It almost felt like I was being voyeuristic, like I was peeking in on something intimate, but then I remembered I was in a 7-11 parking lot, and folks don't have much of an expectation of privacy. I grabbed my donuts and cheddar Ruffles, and eased the truck onto 29, and caught sight of the lithe model prancing on the median, urged on by her urgent shutterbug. Beauty comes in many forms, none more compelling than feeling the dreams of others, and having them energize your own.

Sunday, April 12 - Countdown T-minus 203 days

I'd be remiss if I didn't open this journal entry (the first in many months) without mention of my birthday on the 1st of April. Most importantly, hearing from so many family and friends was the best, then the wonderful feast prepared by my Mother and having so many of the local family able to make the trip to join me. I love all ya'll and I really appreciate the remembrance and good wishes.

Now, to the business at hand, I've set an ambitious course of action for the coming year, and I've learned the hard way not to get all fired up only to lose focus. So, week one is about getting the diet and exercise routine back online. I've been averaging about two workouts a week for the last six weeks or so, which is really hilarious given what my goals are. So, beginning today, back to the 7 day aerobic/5 day lift routine that I find the most effective. Two things I've allowed to weaken my resolve, weather and that faux-exhaustion that hits me when I don't eat properly. As it stands, this is a simple 7 day goal, and next week will be another 7-day goal. One step at a time baby.

Note to self: I've been ruminating on how the more money you make, the less connection you have to the people you work with. Also, the level adventures goes down as well. Working the movie theater, hotel, gym, hell even working labor on construction, all resulted in truly fascinating windows into humanity, not to mention nutty action outside of work. During my "professional" life, I've had my share of action, but its been on a steady decline since 1997. Will need to explore this further.