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Saturday, February 28, 2004

Hello, weekend. Nice morning here, chilly but mostly clear. I am ready for the walk to The Coop and the good food trip for the next week. The walk helps the diet somewhat, and the food does even more. I have no medical next week, so the diet comes into focus. Have made no progress forever, so am looking forward to warmth and opportunity.

Friday brought the first insurance bill on a personal basis. Not a shock, but a wakeup call to try to focus a bit. There is a period of higher premiums, than a complete cutoff. That is months away, but still ahead. Spent some time last night pondering the future. Did not see The Dude at all this week, which is a first. Missed him terribly. It remains his call, however, and I am hearing it. While he adds a great deal to my life, he only will if he wants to do it. I can just wait and wonder.

So today I am off to the store, a nice length of walk. Can do the bus, but the exercise usually feels good. I hope the days of ice are over for a few months. This town is very pleasant during the warm stretch, with nice streets and a porch for reading. Should help my medical condition, too. And one hopes drive the diet to the goal. While The Dude is training for his big race this summer, I am not up to that after surgery. Just plan to keep walking, watching the foods, and keeping on keeping on. The future sure is a mystery, but then again a challenge. I keep noticing all The Dude has contributed. So much of what I do we started together.

Thursday, February 26, 2004

Not sure why the Wed. blog failed to post. It shows up right below as usual. Anyway, just returned from Winco. If the weather continues so nice, I should be able to complete part II of the diet and catch The Dude. Yes, his success so fast bothers me, but on the other hand, congrats. He looks terrific.

Today was a bit slow. Did not get much done. However, all the garbage mess got taken care of. Empty cartons and packing stuff really clog the garage. It is nice to see everything moved in now and a chance to move on.

I received an e mail from my consultant pal. He has finally decided to seek an employee for his business. Wonder how that will play out. The nicer weather perks up my attitude, let me tell you. The afternoon sun is a real plus. I did not see the Dude for lunch today, so skipped it. Should help???

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Long time between entries. The afternoon is stormy, with pounding winds. Cats are thankfully inside sleeping. I am struck since I came home what percentage is spent sleeping. The older cat does not surprise me, but the younger one keeps right up! There is time for affection, however, and it makes my day. We all get along very well, even if the cats have just a bit of tension. Due to the long lives of my animals, there have been just 4 cats at my house, with 2 still here.

Read the blog from the Dude. He ate Merican today, which sounds pretty good. A place not far from here, too. He has declared himself vegan, though I get the picture that "exceptions" will not be rare. He ate meat during the holidays, which was our major vow. But I suppose if you win the bet, what does it matter?

As for myself, the dr visit yesterday was a success. I am fighting high blood pressure, and so far have reduced it by 91 points. That is a major drop. I am still on all the same pills and had to refill today at our favorite place, the Coop plaza. Stopped in there too, but did not have any food. Just said hello to some nice employees and walked home. Nice exercise, as I push ahead with the diet. It was not a complete success that I got a ride over, but it did save time. Nice car, too, that Honda.

I also learned that the Dude did not get promoted. It saddens me, as he is such a pistol. I cannot imagine him losing out, but I am so prejudice. I have seen him in all situations and never felt he could not handle a single one. This is from divorce to diet to dating. I always want him to win (except our diet bet, that is) and am surprised when he does not. I made the offer to write a letter in his behalf, but he did not give the OK. Might have helped!

Today was quiet here. After the hike home with the pills, I had a quiet afternoon rearranging. There is time now to put things in order, which I do also to calm my nerves and further lower the b p. Now that we are within the right range, I would like to achieve our goal. Hope the Dude realizes how hard it has been. My other battle seems to be going well, too, so I am thinking more about the bp. Two tough fights!

So life centers around this home. It is comfy, central, and an excellent starting point for the adventure of life. I still hope the Dude is on the road with me, but we shall see. It takes a commitment, and that is being tested. I still have high hopes, but when I see promises broken, it worries me.

Friday, February 20, 2004

Friday morning. Just read the Dude's blog about surgery. Seems happy so far to ditch those glasses. I will follow closely, as we discussed doing it together. Since insurance does not cover the costs, it is a big chunk of debt. I decided to pass until a full report shows up.

Finished up unpacking Mom's stuff yesterday and hung 2 pictures today. As I expected with all the moves and retirement needs, the items of any real value were gone. Just sentimental things showed up. You know, old letters, photographs, travel souvenirs, etc. Found room for it all without having to move a thing. Just not that much, though my brother took his time to get it packed right. Excellent job, perhaps even overdone. However it is great to finish this up and move on.

I thought of the Dude as I opened stuff. Would have been great to have him just sitting in and seeing what he could after the eye surgery. A real comfort. As it was, the big problem was finding room for the newspapers, which really consumed the living room. Earl really packed each little item with an issue! Glad to be done with it. After several years, there was sentiment, but the pain had passed.

Today looks open. Hope to somehow see the Dude, as he is goofing off. Needs to do drops, but seems pleased with the results. I can hardly remember not wearing glasses myself, it was the grade school years after all. I do remember hardly seeing the board. I hope the long run is successful, as research is limited on how long things stay the same. I have not researched it, as I am sure Dude has. He is always thorough. But I can "enjoy" just waiting and seeing (pardon the pun).

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Checkup day. Teeth and surgery. All OK in both areas. I spent the morning being poked and survived. Dude provided the ride, and it was great seeing him. Miss our kidding badly. Just like a member of the family.

Rest of the day has been kind of wasted. A bit of shopping, "work" at this grand "new" computer, and cat petting. Rainy day, but so much warmer. Snow washed away. While the area looks pretty in the winter, the hint of spring is just awesome. I am a diehard gardener and much enjoy our summers. Even the trips to The Coop are more fun if I can sit outside and watch the folks.

Decisions, decisions. First, congrats to the decision by the Dude to attempt a marathon. Awesome! He has about made our goal (oops), so is looking for other challenges. Cannot say the same, but just warn him I do plan to achieve our goal by next winter. I got half the way, but surgery nailed me. Just lacking the energy, but it is returning. And walking is getting easier. Of course I am thrilled that our vow during lunch paid off so well for him. I love it. But a "win" by the Dude does not mean a loss for me. I have the energy to hit the pot (stomach that is) and beat it. Looking forward to seeing losses once again. And, darn, I did manage to finish a gift of 3 boxes of candy/cookies. Did not mean to even start, but gosh.

So we are closing out a Wednesday. I was pretty jacked about the appts, and am ever so relieved they are over. Always nice someone cares enough to offer a ride. Makes me feel wanted. Hope I can do the same for my best dude in some other way. But betting on 26 miles? Get Real!

Monday, February 16, 2004

Good holiday morning. Of course I am off anyway, but still a holiday feels special. Working again at configuring the new PC. Sure a nice machine. No comparison with the Aptiva. Keyboard actually works! With all I do here, I needed a better PC. Thanks to my two friends who made it all possible.

Have already made The Coop this morning. Did not sleep well. I suppose it is natural to wake up and begin worrying about the uncertain future. Then back to sleep for a good rest. Thought of The Dude and wondered what he is doing. Phone rang Sunday, but I do not know if he called. Would be nice to see my best friend. It gets lonesome, as much as I like it in the home office. Feels more professional now with a computer from this century! Anyway, I think most of my stuff is configured or just won't be!

Nice walk today before the rain. Have all the pills now - hope they work. Bought a new plant - always a treat. The house is filled with flowers and candy. The latter is the problem, as good as it is. Just will not let The Dude win the bet without a fight. Have nibbled, but not really dug in. Maybe he will share??? He has been known to cheat - shhhhhh. With the ice gone now, I hope to do more exercising. Dude claims he is jogging, but he has said that before. Willpower seems to be lacking. He launches his challenge, then gives in. Despite all his "faults," I love him anyway. Nobody's perfect!

Sunday, February 15, 2004

Good Sunday morning. Snowy again, rather pretty. I am hard at the "new" computer, a much larger version. Have to re-install programs, but the first one went fine. Started yesterday, did not work out, but did today. PC whiz, eh? And the keys do NOT stick!

Looked at the neighbor's candy dish this morning. Two pieces are gone, and I am NOT cheating on the diet. In fact, doing well for a weekend. So I can only guess The Dude snuck in and helped himself. He thinks he is a sure winner. Bring on warmer temps, and it is a race again.

Nice to have a three-day weekend, even if I am still recovering. Need to refresh the pills and hope they are working. Tips in the paper, too, but nothing new. I have tried to handle this problem for a year. Anyway, I hope to do something with The Dude, like a long coffee break Monday. I realize he has his own agenda, and I am proud of him. Interesting review of a new product on his page. He will always be #1 with me, and I value our times. He is my main man.

Anyway, should be an interesting day. Supposed to warm up. And I am bundled up playing with my "new" computer. Joy!!!

Thursday, February 12, 2004

Been a few days, mainly due to keyboard probs. Still foggy and cold. Quiet day at AC. The main topic is the compuiter coming Friday Much newer, much faster, and I hope with a newer keyboard that does NOT stick. So I have been getting ready and will do more tomorrow.

The marriage bill passed the House in 20 minutes. Lots of discussion for such an important issue! Bravo again to The Dude for his fine discussion of it and support against it. Seems to be heading for a vote in the fall. The Dude is a good thinker and knows where the vote lies on this turkey.

Also, The Dude had a photo posted that he took recently. Good shot, funny readerboard, and nice piece of luck to be picked. I am, as always, proud to know him. Hope to do coffee this weekend and catch up. Now that we no longer work togther, it takes more effort. We still have the diet thing going, and to my surprise he is coming back from his low. He nearly put away our bet, then discovered chocolate. I am holding until better walking weather appears. Still going to make it, even if a year later. The Dude charged, then cheated. Sums it up.

Anyway, long weekend coming up. Lots of time for fun. Then I see the dr again. One never knows. Anyway I am really thankful for a better PC and for good friends.

Sunday, February 08, 2004

P S What do you say to a longtime friend who supports the marriage bill??? This is for The Dude.
Whatever the topic was going to be, it got blown away by The Dude's editorial. You know, in the 4 years I have known him, we have never disagreed except the noon he picked a fight over PETA, admitted it was a fake, and started our successful diet phase. My bud has shed 60 pounds - imagine that and imagine how proud I am of hm. I remain at 30, half the way. But never did a "fight" pay off so well.

You know, I cannot recall a single argument between us, good friends and allies always. He once said he had to fake it to come up with anythng. Boring, never! The Dude makes even agreement interesting. We discuss the angles anyway.

The Dude tore apart the straight marriage bill coming out of commttee. Bravo to the no votes for something so dumb. He listed names and parties. Well, The Dude is always special to me, but never moreso. He knows where I am coming from, and we agree 100% as usual.

It feels so damn great when a close bud takes a tough and unpopular issue and blasts it out of the park. A big round for The Dude, who is a real, pardon me, straight shooter.

Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Started my morning with the Elegantsquid, a very entertaining blog by my best friend. He really tells it like it is, with more editorials and less personality than mine. He also supplies photos and somewhat distastful cartoons. Oh, well. He is one of a kind for sure!

Today starts with a confession. My keys are sticking so badly it takes forever to type this. Cannot wait for the replacement! Hopefully later in the week. As The Dude harpooned previously, the boob furor is just stupid. Have not seen the "obscene" video yet, but the space devoted to Janet's boob is totally dumb.

I rarely do an editorial, unlike The Dude, but this stunt really wins the prize. With all going on in our world, ripping a bra seems small potatoes (sorry, Janet). If I were to touch someone in the wrong place, it would be major, major. But Justin's stunt, while dumb, was just what it was. Not worth a major mea culpa and further bannng. Our value system is most interesting, where true love is legally banned, but seems less important than a childish stunt on national TV. If folks paid less attention, probaby so would the news.

Snow today. Hope The Dude can get his wheels started and up my way. Could use a nice lunch and sharing of the news. Hope he is ready for his new job. I sure am ready to lead the cheers.

Sunday, February 01, 2004

Sunday at home, new week, new month, new me. Hope to bag a new PC this week, faster and without sticking keys. Takes forever to type this now.

Well, I did not see The Dude on Saturday. Had the coffee, did the shopping, and came home alone. Missed him. Always enjoy being challenged, and think my progress means better reactions. It was a very nice day with the two cats and all. Continue to arrange, clean,and orgaize. Today has snow back, so plans are up in the air. I am bothered The Dude is whacking me on our diet pledge, but his starvation will lead to piling it on after the finish line, so I shall return. Time for me to do more, if I can walk easily anytime soon.

The future sure sure is a mystery. When The Dude told me I was not returning, it was not a shock, but a closed door nonetheless. Now I am turning to the future. Nice in the short run perhaps, but perhaps tricky later. Will try to think more of the near term.

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