Start here.
Hic incipit.
This is the first day of my eternity.
Hic est primus dies mei aeternum.
I will rise to greet each day.
Ut salutaret rum per dies resurgam.
My dreams will follow the twilight with magic.
Somnis magico umbra sequitur.
Hic incipit also translates as "this begins".
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Friday, March 02, 2018
Well ...
Well ... it has been a while.
So what has changed since the last post? A lot! I retired on December 24, 2015. Yay!
The Spanish study has continued with my tutor and it has expanded to include an hour a week of Advanced Spanish Conversation at the local library. Learning has also included me attending the local adult high school so that I will finally, at age 63, graduate! Longer term goals include getting a Spanish degree either here in Canada or in Colombia.
I require 3 courses to graduate. I am studying grade 12 English and grade 11 Social Sciences. (Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology). This summer I will study Introductory French. That will be followed in September with grade 12 Social Sciences. (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology).
My Spanish tutor supports herself as a French teacher. Let's call her Sylvia. Sylvia is a polyglot. Besides being fluent in English, French, Spanish and German, she is an Ancient Greek Scholar and an Ancient Latin Scholar. Sylvia is a genius on account of her photographic memory! She has three degrees. One in Linguistics and two in Anthropological Linguistics. In addition to tutoring me in my Spanish studies, she will tutor me with the French Summer School. I will get her to assist me in my Social Studies also.
The other big part of my local life is the Tanzer 28 sailboat. It will be a weekend boat while I am in summer school. A nice place to study.
I like learning.
So what has changed since the last post? A lot! I retired on December 24, 2015. Yay!
The Spanish study has continued with my tutor and it has expanded to include an hour a week of Advanced Spanish Conversation at the local library. Learning has also included me attending the local adult high school so that I will finally, at age 63, graduate! Longer term goals include getting a Spanish degree either here in Canada or in Colombia.
I require 3 courses to graduate. I am studying grade 12 English and grade 11 Social Sciences. (Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology). This summer I will study Introductory French. That will be followed in September with grade 12 Social Sciences. (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology).
My Spanish tutor supports herself as a French teacher. Let's call her Sylvia. Sylvia is a polyglot. Besides being fluent in English, French, Spanish and German, she is an Ancient Greek Scholar and an Ancient Latin Scholar. Sylvia is a genius on account of her photographic memory! She has three degrees. One in Linguistics and two in Anthropological Linguistics. In addition to tutoring me in my Spanish studies, she will tutor me with the French Summer School. I will get her to assist me in my Social Studies also.
The other big part of my local life is the Tanzer 28 sailboat. It will be a weekend boat while I am in summer school. A nice place to study.
I like learning.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
And Then There Were Some
Time has been flying by, tearing along at fast pace!
January was an exciting time even more so than usual due to the fact that I had three weeks vacation and Adam visited for just over a week. We went to a Habs-Sabres game and had a fun time following that up with a visit to Grumpys. It was open mic night for comedy and a bunch of laughs were had by all. Sara Quinn performed and it was a hoot getting to finally see her live.
The day after the game Adam and I headed up to Quebec City to walk around the old town and to see the ice sculptures. Quebec City is worth a visit any time of the year. We had a good visit there.
Then it was a late night drive back to Montreal. Friday we rested at home in Perth. The Saturday night we went to Kanata to see the Sens tangle with the Blue Jackets for another out of towner win!
Then we had a few days of watching the first 3 seasons of Game of Thrones.
What a great time with my son!
Earlier in the month I hiked and snowshoed at Frontenac Provincial Park for 5 days in an 8 day period. On the 24th I did a 10 km hike, (with 12 kg pack), along West Arkon Trail to the Bufflehead Trail and back. During the return portion on Big Salmon Lake Rd. I spotted what I surmised was a huge porcupine climbed upon a tree trunk. My glasses were fogged up but that didn't stop me from seeing once I got closer that the huge porcupine was none other than a black bear. Alls well that ends well because bears are extremely fast. They gallop at 35 miles per hour! As my presence here today proves, the bear stayed in the tree. And I am grateful.
I also attended a Winter Camping Clinic and a fun Snowshoe Clinic at the beginning and end of the week there.
I got back to work in February for one trip that was followed by a 2 day strike. I was hoping for 2 weeks, but I'll be grateful ... no matter how much of a character test that is!
The snow finally fell in February. We have plenty now.
I'm going to stop there. All in all it has been an exciting start to the year with lots going on a so very different what I had initially planned. Gotta love the spontaneity.
January was an exciting time even more so than usual due to the fact that I had three weeks vacation and Adam visited for just over a week. We went to a Habs-Sabres game and had a fun time following that up with a visit to Grumpys. It was open mic night for comedy and a bunch of laughs were had by all. Sara Quinn performed and it was a hoot getting to finally see her live.
The day after the game Adam and I headed up to Quebec City to walk around the old town and to see the ice sculptures. Quebec City is worth a visit any time of the year. We had a good visit there.
Then it was a late night drive back to Montreal. Friday we rested at home in Perth. The Saturday night we went to Kanata to see the Sens tangle with the Blue Jackets for another out of towner win!
Then we had a few days of watching the first 3 seasons of Game of Thrones.
What a great time with my son!
Earlier in the month I hiked and snowshoed at Frontenac Provincial Park for 5 days in an 8 day period. On the 24th I did a 10 km hike, (with 12 kg pack), along West Arkon Trail to the Bufflehead Trail and back. During the return portion on Big Salmon Lake Rd. I spotted what I surmised was a huge porcupine climbed upon a tree trunk. My glasses were fogged up but that didn't stop me from seeing once I got closer that the huge porcupine was none other than a black bear. Alls well that ends well because bears are extremely fast. They gallop at 35 miles per hour! As my presence here today proves, the bear stayed in the tree. And I am grateful.
I also attended a Winter Camping Clinic and a fun Snowshoe Clinic at the beginning and end of the week there.
I got back to work in February for one trip that was followed by a 2 day strike. I was hoping for 2 weeks, but I'll be grateful ... no matter how much of a character test that is!
The snow finally fell in February. We have plenty now.
I'm going to stop there. All in all it has been an exciting start to the year with lots going on a so very different what I had initially planned. Gotta love the spontaneity.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Not Reacting
A lot of people spend their lives doing what they think is required of them by "they".The technical labels that apply to this kind of self-defeating behaviour are not necessary or helpful so I will dispense with them.
One of the first habits or techniques that slowly brought this type of behaviour to a stop for me was something I stumbled upon. Almost immediately I could see that it was going to be very helpful in changing my behaviour on a consistent and persistent basis.
Here is the principle: Saying nothing is always an option.
That's it! Normally most of my reactivity was a verbal response or reaction. So by starting here I was able to learn how to "stop" automatic behaviour. Cradle behaviour. I was taught to be this way from day one. No shame, no blame.
The responsibility for "fixing", or changing this unwanted habit, is my responsibility only. I cannot depend on anything or anybody on the outside of me to do this job.
It is an inside job. Personal change, personal improvement is always an inside job. Help may be available outside of the person by way of support or knowledge, but the practical, tangible change occurs within the self-improver.
The confidence acquired by the success of practicing that self control technique led me to success with more significant behaviour control.
Expanding on the 'say nothing' option is the ability to stop myself and just wait. Breathe slowly and deeply. Do not even think, clear my head, think only of a red, octagonal, stop sign. That is the mental trigger, the helpful trigger, that allows me to practice the self control.
One of the first habits or techniques that slowly brought this type of behaviour to a stop for me was something I stumbled upon. Almost immediately I could see that it was going to be very helpful in changing my behaviour on a consistent and persistent basis.
Here is the principle: Saying nothing is always an option.
That's it! Normally most of my reactivity was a verbal response or reaction. So by starting here I was able to learn how to "stop" automatic behaviour. Cradle behaviour. I was taught to be this way from day one. No shame, no blame.
The responsibility for "fixing", or changing this unwanted habit, is my responsibility only. I cannot depend on anything or anybody on the outside of me to do this job.
It is an inside job. Personal change, personal improvement is always an inside job. Help may be available outside of the person by way of support or knowledge, but the practical, tangible change occurs within the self-improver.
The confidence acquired by the success of practicing that self control technique led me to success with more significant behaviour control.
Expanding on the 'say nothing' option is the ability to stop myself and just wait. Breathe slowly and deeply. Do not even think, clear my head, think only of a red, octagonal, stop sign. That is the mental trigger, the helpful trigger, that allows me to practice the self control.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
On Suffering
We all suffer. The good news, the silver lining if you will is this:
we can choose to suffer well! We can choose to profit from our suffering. So how do we do that?
I do that by asking, "How am I suffering right now?". The next question could be, "What can I think of right now, what can I do, right now, to change the suffering into something good, something positive?". A number of years ago I chose to accept the premise, the theory that there is always a silver lining. Accepting that sometimes it is difficult to see the silver lining through the tears.
I like to read self improvement books. Self help books. I find that genre of books teaches me the discipline, or art, of self mastery.
My life is me. True, there are other people in my life. There are relationships with other people that are important to my life. However, my ability to have good relationships with them, is mostly a result of being able to enjoy a good relationship with myself. The knowledge is obtained by doing the work necessary to have a worthwhile relationship with myself.
What is the most important relationship in my life? It is my relationship with myself. All my other relationships are a result of the condition of my relationship with "Me"!
From an early age we are compelled to conform, to react and behave in a certain manner as determined by another human being. That could be a parent, a teacher, or an older sibling. These are "Persons of responsibility" in our lives. As dependent, immature, children, that is how our lives function best. That is how we are trained to become 'civilized' or mature. The goal is to modify our behaviour to become good, contributing members of society.
Of course, as with all things in life, there are pros and a cons to that concept.
At some point in our lives, in order to achieve the goal and become a 'good, contributing member of society', we have to become our own 'person of responsibility'. Therein lies the problem. So much of our lives are spent reacting or behaving to the choices that are made by those persons of responsibility and their dictates to us. That is what we are trained to do from the cradle.
What is needed are 'persons of responsibility' that are able to teach us how to make the transition from 'do as I say' to 'do as you think'. Or we have to be able to figure it out for ourselves.
The growing or the newly mature child who is now an adult, now has to become the 'new' person of responsibility in their own life.
That is why the relationship with 'self' is the first and most important relationship throughout life. That and the fact that there are periods in our life when, for whatever reason, we are totally alone. So now we have to modify our own behaviour. We, as individuals have to 'fix' ourselves. The amount of work required to do that, is dependent upon how responsible, and mature we are.
Some of us are good to go right from the start. However, some of us may require extensive therapy, psychological counselling, or other intensive re-training. Some of us, in extreme cases, may be 'beyond salvage', temporarily or permanently.
When the individual reaches that place of self responsibility, hopefully they will be a healthy thinking, well adjusted psychologically, well balanced person.
Even people who originate from good, supportive and healthy situations with exemplary 'persons of responsibility' to guide them through the early years, can flounder in life.
We see it all the time ... addictions, crimes, insanity or suicide. And yet a sibling from the same set of circumstances soars from an early age.
That is why I believe it all comes down to self. Self image. Relating to 'me', to the inner person, the one that nobody ever sees or gets to know.
If I expect to have good relationships, first and foremost I need to have a good one with me. Who I am is who I will spend my life with.
So what about this suffering? Suffering gives us the chance, the opportunity to learn how to cope. To learn how to think clearly. Obstacles teach us how to navigate life. True we can adopt a victim mentality and sabotage our own lives. Sometimes some of us do choose to suffer in the role of victim. Quite often people get tired of the pain and start to learn from it. They change. They change their lives from painful to painless. They improve inside. They become real. They understand how their 'inside' works.
It takes an interest, an involvement, an obligation for responsibility towards our own lives.
Be grateful that there is something in your life that you are not comfortable with. You can change it.
One of the things that we excel at as humans, is also one of the things we resist the most: Change.
If I suffer, I may change. My life has become much simpler and happier since acquiring the ability to embrace and enjoy change.
we can choose to suffer well! We can choose to profit from our suffering. So how do we do that?
I do that by asking, "How am I suffering right now?". The next question could be, "What can I think of right now, what can I do, right now, to change the suffering into something good, something positive?". A number of years ago I chose to accept the premise, the theory that there is always a silver lining. Accepting that sometimes it is difficult to see the silver lining through the tears.
I like to read self improvement books. Self help books. I find that genre of books teaches me the discipline, or art, of self mastery.
My life is me. True, there are other people in my life. There are relationships with other people that are important to my life. However, my ability to have good relationships with them, is mostly a result of being able to enjoy a good relationship with myself. The knowledge is obtained by doing the work necessary to have a worthwhile relationship with myself.
What is the most important relationship in my life? It is my relationship with myself. All my other relationships are a result of the condition of my relationship with "Me"!
From an early age we are compelled to conform, to react and behave in a certain manner as determined by another human being. That could be a parent, a teacher, or an older sibling. These are "Persons of responsibility" in our lives. As dependent, immature, children, that is how our lives function best. That is how we are trained to become 'civilized' or mature. The goal is to modify our behaviour to become good, contributing members of society.
Of course, as with all things in life, there are pros and a cons to that concept.
At some point in our lives, in order to achieve the goal and become a 'good, contributing member of society', we have to become our own 'person of responsibility'. Therein lies the problem. So much of our lives are spent reacting or behaving to the choices that are made by those persons of responsibility and their dictates to us. That is what we are trained to do from the cradle.
What is needed are 'persons of responsibility' that are able to teach us how to make the transition from 'do as I say' to 'do as you think'. Or we have to be able to figure it out for ourselves.
The growing or the newly mature child who is now an adult, now has to become the 'new' person of responsibility in their own life.
That is why the relationship with 'self' is the first and most important relationship throughout life. That and the fact that there are periods in our life when, for whatever reason, we are totally alone. So now we have to modify our own behaviour. We, as individuals have to 'fix' ourselves. The amount of work required to do that, is dependent upon how responsible, and mature we are.
Some of us are good to go right from the start. However, some of us may require extensive therapy, psychological counselling, or other intensive re-training. Some of us, in extreme cases, may be 'beyond salvage', temporarily or permanently.
When the individual reaches that place of self responsibility, hopefully they will be a healthy thinking, well adjusted psychologically, well balanced person.
Even people who originate from good, supportive and healthy situations with exemplary 'persons of responsibility' to guide them through the early years, can flounder in life.
We see it all the time ... addictions, crimes, insanity or suicide. And yet a sibling from the same set of circumstances soars from an early age.
That is why I believe it all comes down to self. Self image. Relating to 'me', to the inner person, the one that nobody ever sees or gets to know.
If I expect to have good relationships, first and foremost I need to have a good one with me. Who I am is who I will spend my life with.
So what about this suffering? Suffering gives us the chance, the opportunity to learn how to cope. To learn how to think clearly. Obstacles teach us how to navigate life. True we can adopt a victim mentality and sabotage our own lives. Sometimes some of us do choose to suffer in the role of victim. Quite often people get tired of the pain and start to learn from it. They change. They change their lives from painful to painless. They improve inside. They become real. They understand how their 'inside' works.
It takes an interest, an involvement, an obligation for responsibility towards our own lives.
Be grateful that there is something in your life that you are not comfortable with. You can change it.
One of the things that we excel at as humans, is also one of the things we resist the most: Change.
If I suffer, I may change. My life has become much simpler and happier since acquiring the ability to embrace and enjoy change.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Where Is The Spring?
Well thank goodness it is the end of the first week of February! Another sixty days from now it will be early April. It may even be warm enough to go camping, ha ha ha!
Actually, I believe I will get out for a two night sleep out before then.
It will only be my second time camping alone but I look forward to it. I enjoyed last summers solo trip more than I thought I would!
I am going to consider getting a site for the season at the river campground. It's only a car camping facility but it is pretty and I can still take off into the back country when time allows. That will give me the opportunity to keep my camping skills up to snuff with the basics. Yes, it is only May until October, but hey! Something is better than nothing! An added bonus is that I can have visitors!
That is a wonderful thought, I am thinking.
Speaking of camping ... I have obtained the topographic maps and marine charts for this summers kayak trip to northern Georgian Bay. I can hardly wait! I am it enjoying already.
I am still going to find a kayak community. There seems to be a somewhat sizable club about an hour away that I will check out. It starts up at the end of February. I am expecting there will be some kayak trippers there.
Life is a dream, enjoy the ride!
Actually, I believe I will get out for a two night sleep out before then.
It will only be my second time camping alone but I look forward to it. I enjoyed last summers solo trip more than I thought I would!
I am going to consider getting a site for the season at the river campground. It's only a car camping facility but it is pretty and I can still take off into the back country when time allows. That will give me the opportunity to keep my camping skills up to snuff with the basics. Yes, it is only May until October, but hey! Something is better than nothing! An added bonus is that I can have visitors!
That is a wonderful thought, I am thinking.
Speaking of camping ... I have obtained the topographic maps and marine charts for this summers kayak trip to northern Georgian Bay. I can hardly wait! I am it enjoying already.
I am still going to find a kayak community. There seems to be a somewhat sizable club about an hour away that I will check out. It starts up at the end of February. I am expecting there will be some kayak trippers there.
Life is a dream, enjoy the ride!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
November 27, 2013 Today's Walk
This evening's walk:
Distance-7 km.
Time-01:30
Steps-7,302
Calories-488
Avg. Spd-6.2
Weather: -8 wind chill -16
Wind 23 km out of NW, gusts to 38 km/hr.
Distance-7 km.
Time-01:30
Steps-7,302
Calories-488
Avg. Spd-6.2
Weather: -8 wind chill -16
Wind 23 km out of NW, gusts to 38 km/hr.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Morning Walk November 26, 2013.
Distance-7 km.
Time-01:10
Steps-7,000.
Calories-533.
Avg. Spd-6 km/hr.
Temperature minus 1C. Wind out of the south @ 14km/hr.
Cloudy.
Time-01:10
Steps-7,000.
Calories-533.
Avg. Spd-6 km/hr.
Temperature minus 1C. Wind out of the south @ 14km/hr.
Cloudy.
Monday, November 25, 2013
November 25, 2013, Evening Walk
This evenings walk details:
Time-0:39
Distance-3.8 km
Steps-3,883
Calories-277
Avg. Spd-6 km/hr.
Time-0:39
Distance-3.8 km
Steps-3,883
Calories-277
Avg. Spd-6 km/hr.
November 25, 2013 Walk
This mornings walk truly was an enjoyable experience.
My son called and we both had time to chat.
And he talked! It was enjoyable. The weather was good November weather ... -12C, wind out of the south west 15 km/hr., gusts to 28 km/hr.
Through Stewart Park to the bank of the Tay River and back.
One set of 10 push-ups.
Distance 5.948 km.
Steps 6,733.
Time 1:22.
Calories 440.7.
On the way home I met a couple, Paul and Marilyn, from Carleton Place, Ontario.
We chatted about otters, golf, Marilyn's beautiful 3/4 length Arctic Goose down coat-which was an appealing gentle red colour. Paul had been a commercial diver for a number of years so we talked about kayaking also.
My winter running shoes are excellent!
My son called and we both had time to chat.
And he talked! It was enjoyable. The weather was good November weather ... -12C, wind out of the south west 15 km/hr., gusts to 28 km/hr.
Through Stewart Park to the bank of the Tay River and back.
One set of 10 push-ups.
Distance 5.948 km.
Steps 6,733.
Time 1:22.
Calories 440.7.
On the way home I met a couple, Paul and Marilyn, from Carleton Place, Ontario.
We chatted about otters, golf, Marilyn's beautiful 3/4 length Arctic Goose down coat-which was an appealing gentle red colour. Paul had been a commercial diver for a number of years so we talked about kayaking also.
My winter running shoes are excellent!
Letter To A Friend
Goodbye for now #24!
Recently, I almost had an opportunity to rent a house.
It was an opportunity I had been hoping to find this last month or so.
Here is why I didn't end up renting the house.
Firstly, it was ideal. I was waiting for the call to sign the lease.
The call came but it was not to sign the lease.
It was the property owner calling to explain to me why she would not rent it to me because she had decided to rent it to another party.
The property owner is a friend. A very good person. That is why we are friends.
There is a family that is going through a challenging job loss/financial situation.
This couple had already viewed the home. They wanted to rent it for six months. However, they had to sell their home first due to the financial issues/income loss they are dealing with.
They are a family, a couple with children. The husband is gone all week working far from home and that job will end in the near future also.
They are trying to survive an economic crisis in their lives.
They had informed the owner that they would be in contact to commit to the rental by last Wednesday ... if their house sold. If it didn't sell then they would have to seek shelter with friends and family at separate locations.
So less than an hour before I was to sign the lease this past Saturday, my friend called and started to apologize and explain.
Within a sentence or two it was obvious this family needed this temporary rental.
Yes I liked it very much. It would have been wonderful to be there by this December first.
But ... I have a roof over my head!
I am not in crisis. I do not need this property to keep my family or life intact.
Friend is very complimentary, grateful and apologetic.
Helping people is not an option. Not for people like my friend.
Where possible and necessary it is required behaviour as part of our moral commitment, isn't it?
What a wonderful friend.
Recently, I almost had an opportunity to rent a house.
It was an opportunity I had been hoping to find this last month or so.
Here is why I didn't end up renting the house.
Firstly, it was ideal. I was waiting for the call to sign the lease.
The call came but it was not to sign the lease.
It was the property owner calling to explain to me why she would not rent it to me because she had decided to rent it to another party.
The property owner is a friend. A very good person. That is why we are friends.
There is a family that is going through a challenging job loss/financial situation.
This couple had already viewed the home. They wanted to rent it for six months. However, they had to sell their home first due to the financial issues/income loss they are dealing with.
They are a family, a couple with children. The husband is gone all week working far from home and that job will end in the near future also.
They are trying to survive an economic crisis in their lives.
They had informed the owner that they would be in contact to commit to the rental by last Wednesday ... if their house sold. If it didn't sell then they would have to seek shelter with friends and family at separate locations.
So less than an hour before I was to sign the lease this past Saturday, my friend called and started to apologize and explain.
Within a sentence or two it was obvious this family needed this temporary rental.
Yes I liked it very much. It would have been wonderful to be there by this December first.
But ... I have a roof over my head!
I am not in crisis. I do not need this property to keep my family or life intact.
Friend is very complimentary, grateful and apologetic.
Helping people is not an option. Not for people like my friend.
Where possible and necessary it is required behaviour as part of our moral commitment, isn't it?
What a wonderful friend.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Living
Well it's November 20.
Life is happening day by day. And it truly is a wonderful life.
I was supposed to be married this past September but we clearly did not pass the test of time.
That's okay. Actually it's better than just "okay".
Now that my life is what it is, it is great.
I've adjusted well into living my life alone. I started the kayaking program which has enhanced my outdoor life immensely. It's a great fit with the camping.
I can retire in twenty five months if like. Being single is something I am very familiar with. Approaching retirement as a single will be a plus. I can plan with all the flexibility I need.
My house in London is a consideration. I think of it as a component of pension financials. It is also a good place to land if health becomes an issue.
As I peer into my retirement future I see a used motor home of about $10,000.00. Also a small used sailboat costing $5,000.00. Of course I have two kayaks already.
These toys could be easily stored if I am out of the country for 8 to 10 months at a time.
I intend to continue my kayak qualifications on an annual basis.
By 2016 I hope to be qualified to teach kayak instruction at the novice level.
My goal is to work part time teaching kayaking.
So I will build relationships in the kayak hobby.
Life is happening day by day. And it truly is a wonderful life.
I was supposed to be married this past September but we clearly did not pass the test of time.
That's okay. Actually it's better than just "okay".
Now that my life is what it is, it is great.
I've adjusted well into living my life alone. I started the kayaking program which has enhanced my outdoor life immensely. It's a great fit with the camping.
I can retire in twenty five months if like. Being single is something I am very familiar with. Approaching retirement as a single will be a plus. I can plan with all the flexibility I need.
My house in London is a consideration. I think of it as a component of pension financials. It is also a good place to land if health becomes an issue.
As I peer into my retirement future I see a used motor home of about $10,000.00. Also a small used sailboat costing $5,000.00. Of course I have two kayaks already.
These toys could be easily stored if I am out of the country for 8 to 10 months at a time.
I intend to continue my kayak qualifications on an annual basis.
By 2016 I hope to be qualified to teach kayak instruction at the novice level.
My goal is to work part time teaching kayaking.
So I will build relationships in the kayak hobby.
Life is good. Moving on is always good.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Learning, Enjoying, Exercising.
Well it has been a very good 112 days.
It that time I was at the cottage in Fisher's Glen. I kayak/tripped for 3 nights at Doe Lake. And in early October, I had an overniter at my son's in London.
Of course, the kayak project recently was taken to the next level by the performance of two kayak rolls ... the first one on Oct. 16 and the second on the 18th.
All the rolls on the 20th were paddle float rolls, but they are extremely important and necessary to the production of technically correct rolls.
In short, the path of having fun and learning continues.
It that time I was at the cottage in Fisher's Glen. I kayak/tripped for 3 nights at Doe Lake. And in early October, I had an overniter at my son's in London.
Of course, the kayak project recently was taken to the next level by the performance of two kayak rolls ... the first one on Oct. 16 and the second on the 18th.
All the rolls on the 20th were paddle float rolls, but they are extremely important and necessary to the production of technically correct rolls.
In short, the path of having fun and learning continues.
Of course the acquisition of the dry suit has extended my paddling season until the freeze up occurs. This is also a very significant learning opportunity. Cold water activity deserves the utmost respect and consideration. None the less, my three dry suit activities have been successful water lessons for me.
I am grateful for the fun and learning.
Freya Hoffmeister is on day 42 of her kayak circumference of South America.
And not so long ago Aleksander Doba of Police, Poland, kayaked from Dakar, Africa to Florida U.S.A.
He accomplished that historical feat in 99 days. He was also 65 years old when he did it!
I am humbled by Freya and Aleksander, and I also am very much inspired by their outstanding achievements.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Kayak Dreams
I took a couple of kayaking courses this past July. I had also taken a 4 hour introductory course back in 2011. I knew then that the kayak appealed to me.
There are a number of reasons for embracing the hobby of kayaking this year. I no longer had access to a canoe. Running affected my left thigh and paddle sports are a recommended substitute for running.
So this is a link to my kayak journal called Kayak Dreams:
http://kayakdreems.blogspot.ca/
So this year I acquired 2 new hobbies: walking and kayaking.
I think this is a good thing ... I could have started smoking, gambling, drugs and alcohol instead. Those are not good hobbies for me.
Walking and kayaking is worth the money I spend on them.
Just sayin' ... don't mean to sound to preachy!
Hell, I used to smoke and drink and ... well we don't need to go there!
So if you want to read about a little kayaking, help your self!
Thanks,
Jebb.
There are a number of reasons for embracing the hobby of kayaking this year. I no longer had access to a canoe. Running affected my left thigh and paddle sports are a recommended substitute for running.
So this is a link to my kayak journal called Kayak Dreams:
http://kayakdreems.blogspot.ca/
So this year I acquired 2 new hobbies: walking and kayaking.
I think this is a good thing ... I could have started smoking, gambling, drugs and alcohol instead. Those are not good hobbies for me.
Walking and kayaking is worth the money I spend on them.
Just sayin' ... don't mean to sound to preachy!
Hell, I used to smoke and drink and ... well we don't need to go there!
So if you want to read about a little kayaking, help your self!
Thanks,
Jebb.
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Sunday Run
I was out early this morning, around 0700.
The run: 5.1 km, 3.2 miles. Steps 4,039. Calories 466. Time 36:06.
Avg. Speed 8.5 km/hr.
The walk includes warm up and cool down.
3.1 km, 2 miles. Steps 3,117. Calories 242. Time 44.08.
Both yesterday and today, after the run I walk over to the Tay River and have a 5 to 10 minute swim to cool off those warmed up muscles and bones. Then back home to rinse off the shirt and shorts and then shower up. Cold shower yesterday, hot one today.
Today I will eat just enough. Fruit and water for breakfast and kale and tilapia for an early supper.
Last night was a sin meal of cheeseburger with jalapenos and seasoned fries, washed down with a 20 ounce glass of draught lager. Very enjoyable.
I turned out the lights last night at 2330, so there was not a 1 am run. I slept soundly until 0415 this morning.
There will be a nap. Maybe soon.
The run: 5.1 km, 3.2 miles. Steps 4,039. Calories 466. Time 36:06.
Avg. Speed 8.5 km/hr.
The walk includes warm up and cool down.
3.1 km, 2 miles. Steps 3,117. Calories 242. Time 44.08.
Both yesterday and today, after the run I walk over to the Tay River and have a 5 to 10 minute swim to cool off those warmed up muscles and bones. Then back home to rinse off the shirt and shorts and then shower up. Cold shower yesterday, hot one today.
Today I will eat just enough. Fruit and water for breakfast and kale and tilapia for an early supper.
Last night was a sin meal of cheeseburger with jalapenos and seasoned fries, washed down with a 20 ounce glass of draught lager. Very enjoyable.
I turned out the lights last night at 2330, so there was not a 1 am run. I slept soundly until 0415 this morning.
There will be a nap. Maybe soon.
Saturday, July 06, 2013
Running, Walking
So the running progress continues.
Only being able to achieve a distance of 4.1 km last night was noticeably humbling. Today's run of 5 km without a walk break certainly has encouraged my confidence. The mental persuasion I went through this morning to get myself to believe that it was not only possible, but actually a given, was a great process to go through. The thinking is the key. The reflexive persuasion makes it happen.
So I am very much hoping that I am not at work on the 20th of this month so that I can run in the 5k Over The Rainbow Run here in my adopted hometown of Perth.
I had planned that I would only run for 15 minutes at a time these next two weeks. Now with the impending race in two weeks, I would like to do the 30 minute 5k at least 3 times a week between now and then.
The other days of the week when I stick to the 15 minute run, I will try to add to the distance within the 15 minute time allowance. Currently I run a distance of 1.5 miles within the 15 minute window. Any increase will be appreciated by me. I am focusing on doing the best I can in a healthy fashion.
I still think of the Ottawa Half Marathon next end of May. I will train towards that goal still. I hope to compete in it.
It appears at this time I will have to run 5k tomorrow also.
I now have three pairs of running shoes: the Asics Kayano 19's which are starting to wear out. The Nimbus 11's and today's purchase of the GT 2170. Apparently the 2170's are the best selling running shoe in North America. The coach was kind enough to shave 10 bucks off the price so I paid just under $170.00. The support in that shoe is very significant. I should be able to wait until October before I need to purchase shoes again. The Kayano 20 comes out then.
This evening I celebrated my 197 pound body weight by going out and having a burger, fries and a large beer.
I was home just before ten, so I should be able to get out and run by 1 in the morning.
Running ... chasing the dream.
Good luck with your passions. Good luck to Sara who is training to run in a half marathon this September and started running just this past April.
Only being able to achieve a distance of 4.1 km last night was noticeably humbling. Today's run of 5 km without a walk break certainly has encouraged my confidence. The mental persuasion I went through this morning to get myself to believe that it was not only possible, but actually a given, was a great process to go through. The thinking is the key. The reflexive persuasion makes it happen.
So I am very much hoping that I am not at work on the 20th of this month so that I can run in the 5k Over The Rainbow Run here in my adopted hometown of Perth.
I had planned that I would only run for 15 minutes at a time these next two weeks. Now with the impending race in two weeks, I would like to do the 30 minute 5k at least 3 times a week between now and then.
The other days of the week when I stick to the 15 minute run, I will try to add to the distance within the 15 minute time allowance. Currently I run a distance of 1.5 miles within the 15 minute window. Any increase will be appreciated by me. I am focusing on doing the best I can in a healthy fashion.
I still think of the Ottawa Half Marathon next end of May. I will train towards that goal still. I hope to compete in it.
It appears at this time I will have to run 5k tomorrow also.
I now have three pairs of running shoes: the Asics Kayano 19's which are starting to wear out. The Nimbus 11's and today's purchase of the GT 2170. Apparently the 2170's are the best selling running shoe in North America. The coach was kind enough to shave 10 bucks off the price so I paid just under $170.00. The support in that shoe is very significant. I should be able to wait until October before I need to purchase shoes again. The Kayano 20 comes out then.
This evening I celebrated my 197 pound body weight by going out and having a burger, fries and a large beer.
I was home just before ten, so I should be able to get out and run by 1 in the morning.
Running ... chasing the dream.
Good luck with your passions. Good luck to Sara who is training to run in a half marathon this September and started running just this past April.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Goodbye Country Walking
So now I am walking in town due to the luxury of a level, even surface. The difference is very noticeable. No ankle pain or discomfort whatsoever.
The second reason is that now when I walk, I also run for ten minutes during that walk time. Thirdly, I can now do night walks/runs in town with the advantage of lit streets. Night walking/runs were not possible up until now.
Run one was a time of 10:22. Distance was 1.6 km or 5,249 feet. Steps 1,180. Calories 148. Average speed 9.3 km/h.
Run two was a time of 11:20. Distance-1.8 km or 1.19 miles.
Steps 1,346. Calories 166.3. Average speed-10.0 km/h.
The plan is to maintain runs of 10 minutes duration for this week and next. Every two weeks I will increase the run time by 5 minutes. That means the last week of August will be the first week of running for 30 minutes at a time. That means I should be able to run 9.7 miles in 72.75 minutes. With a race time of 90 minutes that leaves a remainder of 17.25 minutes for walk breaks if necessary.
The Glen Tay Block Race on August 29 is 9.7 miles. They want runners that are capable of running that distance in 90 minutes or less. So do I register or not? It may already be full. Some races fill up months in advance.
I may look for a race with a less ambitious distance, like 5 km.
With the 5 minute increase in running time every 14 days, that means by the beginning of January, I should be running for 100 minutes every time I run. If I never increase the speed between now and then, I should be running 12 miles per 100 minutes.
That makes a 13.1 mile half marathon race at the end of May extremely possible, barring any injury/health issues.
The goal is set.
The second reason is that now when I walk, I also run for ten minutes during that walk time. Thirdly, I can now do night walks/runs in town with the advantage of lit streets. Night walking/runs were not possible up until now.
Run one was a time of 10:22. Distance was 1.6 km or 5,249 feet. Steps 1,180. Calories 148. Average speed 9.3 km/h.
Run two was a time of 11:20. Distance-1.8 km or 1.19 miles.
Steps 1,346. Calories 166.3. Average speed-10.0 km/h.
The plan is to maintain runs of 10 minutes duration for this week and next. Every two weeks I will increase the run time by 5 minutes. That means the last week of August will be the first week of running for 30 minutes at a time. That means I should be able to run 9.7 miles in 72.75 minutes. With a race time of 90 minutes that leaves a remainder of 17.25 minutes for walk breaks if necessary.
The Glen Tay Block Race on August 29 is 9.7 miles. They want runners that are capable of running that distance in 90 minutes or less. So do I register or not? It may already be full. Some races fill up months in advance.
I may look for a race with a less ambitious distance, like 5 km.
With the 5 minute increase in running time every 14 days, that means by the beginning of January, I should be running for 100 minutes every time I run. If I never increase the speed between now and then, I should be running 12 miles per 100 minutes.
That makes a 13.1 mile half marathon race at the end of May extremely possible, barring any injury/health issues.
The goal is set.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Runner
So once again I have been gifted by life. I am a runner. Yesterdays run stats show that the run accomplished:
Steps=1,052
Distance= 1.2 km.
Time= 09:14
Calories= 106.4
Avg. Speed= 7.7
The stats for June 28 show:
Steps= 497
Distance= 0.6 km.
Time= 04:19
Calories= 50.3
Avg. Speed= 8.1
Yesterday after my run I did walk to Jebbs Creek and back. A distance of 10 Kms.
I enjoy walking/jogging out on the country roads but the slope of the road shoulder causes my left ankle pain due to the unevenness of the roadbed. The simple cure is to stay on sidewalks in town or due laps at the park or a combination of both. Such is a runners life!
Another bonus to the exercise program are the people I meet. Yesterday I met two people on my workout. Dave is a retired British Army intelligence officer. With reference to running, he represented the army in running meets. Obviously he is very accomplished.
The other very interesting person I met was Erica the dog-walker. Erica left retail after many years because she no longer enjoyed it. She happily pointed out that now she gets paid to exercise and she also gets to spend time with pets on a limited basis.
I have noticed that sometimes walking to Jebbs Creek and back sometimes gives me slight lower back pain/discomfort. I will see if my new level ground walks/runs in town alleviate this.
Walking and careful nutrition are still the basis of my health improvement/weight loss program. Once I am running at my goal level I will be able to gauge the results. Regardless, walking will always be a basis of my program.
I am training for two races for 2014: the Ottawa Half Marathon at the end of May and then the 8 Km. Perth Kilt Run in June. Of course whether I race or not is irrelevant. I train for health and nutrition and the learning process.
I am enjoying the passion immensely. I have lost 26 pounds so far.
Life is good! I am grateful!
Steps=1,052
Distance= 1.2 km.
Time= 09:14
Calories= 106.4
Avg. Speed= 7.7
The stats for June 28 show:
Steps= 497
Distance= 0.6 km.
Time= 04:19
Calories= 50.3
Avg. Speed= 8.1
Yesterday after my run I did walk to Jebbs Creek and back. A distance of 10 Kms.
I enjoy walking/jogging out on the country roads but the slope of the road shoulder causes my left ankle pain due to the unevenness of the roadbed. The simple cure is to stay on sidewalks in town or due laps at the park or a combination of both. Such is a runners life!
Another bonus to the exercise program are the people I meet. Yesterday I met two people on my workout. Dave is a retired British Army intelligence officer. With reference to running, he represented the army in running meets. Obviously he is very accomplished.
The other very interesting person I met was Erica the dog-walker. Erica left retail after many years because she no longer enjoyed it. She happily pointed out that now she gets paid to exercise and she also gets to spend time with pets on a limited basis.
I have noticed that sometimes walking to Jebbs Creek and back sometimes gives me slight lower back pain/discomfort. I will see if my new level ground walks/runs in town alleviate this.
Walking and careful nutrition are still the basis of my health improvement/weight loss program. Once I am running at my goal level I will be able to gauge the results. Regardless, walking will always be a basis of my program.
I am training for two races for 2014: the Ottawa Half Marathon at the end of May and then the 8 Km. Perth Kilt Run in June. Of course whether I race or not is irrelevant. I train for health and nutrition and the learning process.
I am enjoying the passion immensely. I have lost 26 pounds so far.
Life is good! I am grateful!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Walking Tall
Jebb here. (I am Jebb, Jebb I am.). As a matter of fact I walked through Jebbs Creek on todays walk to Port Elmsley Road and back. It was beautiful. For my last two walks I travelled the Glen Tay block. The Glenn Tay block is the 16.5 km journey that starts and ends in Perth, Ontario. It consists of walking, Christie Lake Road to Glen Tay Road and then the Scotch Line back to Perth. The geography is very forgiving, mostly flat.
Rideau Ferry Road provides the opportunity for a more intense walk. It is a rolling road with a number of knolls and a hill as well.
Both routes display the stunning natural geography that is so prevalent in this area.
Today's 3 hour and 11 minute walk burned 1,860 calories. It was 25,656 steps, 20.53 kms which is about 12.75 miles.
I have lost 20 pounds. My nutrition has improved a lot.
The best thing is that walking has turned me into a good sleeper. What a huge difference that is making in my daily life.
So it is a triple benefit: weight loss, good nutrition and healthier sleeping habits. Another plus is maintaining good posture. I also like the fact that walking is lower impact than jogging. That is something to consider as I approach my fifty-eighth birthday.
Chao for now.
Rideau Ferry Road provides the opportunity for a more intense walk. It is a rolling road with a number of knolls and a hill as well.
Both routes display the stunning natural geography that is so prevalent in this area.
Today's 3 hour and 11 minute walk burned 1,860 calories. It was 25,656 steps, 20.53 kms which is about 12.75 miles.
I have lost 20 pounds. My nutrition has improved a lot.
The best thing is that walking has turned me into a good sleeper. What a huge difference that is making in my daily life.
So it is a triple benefit: weight loss, good nutrition and healthier sleeping habits. Another plus is maintaining good posture. I also like the fact that walking is lower impact than jogging. That is something to consider as I approach my fifty-eighth birthday.
Chao for now.
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