The Pie Bluff Variant

Autopilot. I guess that’s where I’ve been?

No real need to report specifics on the last three years since you were there too, I assume. If not, congratulations? Since this blog was a general report on inactivity two years prior to the world pretty much shutting down, I’ll spare you the recap. Suffice to say, not much happened except my ass was parked in front of a computer and not out doing any of the things I initially started this blog to report on. There were attempts, but only in the way that one might try learning how to make bread. At first it seems sorta easy, but then afterwards you realize that your skills are a long way off and all that time and work ahead of you is maybe better focused on something a little less mentally taxing.

It’s definitely a road not taken situation though. In your head, you know that the time and work you put into all those things you know you should be doing for your physical and mental health is worth it in the end and you should take that road, but you rewrite the damn poem and your ass gets flat while wishing the time away thinking about how good freshly baked bread tastes.

To make light of it sounds like acceptance of the situation and a reluctance to change but I suppose that facing the flat-assed demons for what they are could be a step to starting. I honestly can’t remember, it’s been more than a few years since I’ve been faced with a “use it or lose it” decision staring me down but I guess it’s familiar; however, cozying up to the familiar is what got me here in the first place. On a positive note, I have rekindled a love of playing guitar and kept up with that on a regular basis. I always found it a really peaceful thing but mostly used it as a stress-reliever and let my actual skill progression plateau so that I’m more of a noodler just walking aimlessly through scales, yet another thing where I let the comfort factor supplant the hard work factor. Dammit, I’m old and things are hard.

Everything now is “twenty years ago, this happened” and well, twenty years ago, there was a lot less going on in my life and damn if it ain’t hard to find the time without keeping those new priorities ahead of it all. So, the basic approach either needs to be adjusted or the idea of comfort does. Either way, a plan to turn “get up off the couch,” into “just do it,” and then ultimately “do epic shit,” can begin.

A large span of internet silence from someone with an online presence, even a minimal one, can generally mean they’re busy with life … I guess? Not the case here. Sure, work is busier than it’s been in awhile but that’s no excuse to stop thinking, at least it shouldn’t be. And how many times does someone take a break from posting only to come back and post about not posting before it becomes annoying? Probably about this many times.

This blog is meant to be about how I workout or train for something and that hasn’t happened in awhile either meaning I’m reporting on the nothing I’m doing with myself.

BORING.

I am feeling restless and a bit anxious so that usually means I need to change something since I’m comfortable. I like comfortable, it’s easy and it feels good. On the other hand, I’m physically uncomfortable since I’m not training for anything or working out in pretty much any way. I’ve traded one nicely earned soreness for a shameful one. No real reason for it, which is also very boring. What I’m trying to get to is that life has been fairly boring and yet again here I am not doing anything about it. It’s kinda good cause sometimes boring means things are ok.

This summer has had it’s ups and downs with a couple family members health but nothing serious, just annoying. I’m actually posting this from day surgery at the nearby hospital cause my wife is in for a procedure to help out with something that flared up. Again, nothing serious but it’s really obvious that getting old sucks lately.

What I have learned in my time off is that working out improves my mood and I sleep better. I’m not by any means plagued with sleep issues but I do notice that quality of sleep is better with regular exercise. Duh. Also, digestive issues are much less. Again, duh. I’ve discovered that a small bit of experimentation with CBD oil to manage IBS has actually worked, or really seems to have helped. I threw everything at it too, all the trigger foods and symptoms seem much less. Not like while constantly working out but enough that I’m still using it. Maybe a little less stressed too because of it? Not sure … maybe.

My youngest broke his collarbone at the beginning of the summer and I thought it was going to be a big issue but he was really bounced back super quick. It was more of an issue to keep him sitting still than pain management or any kind of discomfort. We’re past the six week mark at this point so everything should be okey doke. I broke mine twice as a child but can’t remember too much about the healing process.

I’ve gotten out on my bike a bit, which has been super nice. Especially since I’ve got really nice paths nearby and it’s easier to go farther without feeling like I’m going to die (read: I’ve gotten chubby).

Blah, blah, blah, less talk, more work. Cheers!

I’ve been asking myself this question A LOT lately. And yeah, I can do better, at pretty much everything. I’m not necessarily picking on myself for anything in particular but as I assess the things in my life that matter: my family, my health, my career … I’m positive that consistently trying to improve should be my ultimate goal. Not just for myself but for the betterment of those that matter most. Because everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.

It’s hard to believe that one of the most ridiculed figures would be responsible for one of the most poignant quotes but there it is. I would very much like to believe I’ll be able to protect my family from the nasty things in the universe but that’s not only unrealistic, it’s irresponsible and they deserve better.

This post could easily evolve into a list of famous quotes, each with their own inspirational value, but that’d be too much salt in the sauce. I’m not great at picking one thing and focusing on it, making a plan and executing it to the end but when I do, things come out better than if I just rely on some sort of inspirational soup from day to day.

I can do better and will. Just one thing at a time. Until I get punched in the face.