The Last Post (of 2012)

[mdlbear]

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Well, not quite. I've had worse years, but losing my job of 19 years, turning 65 (the week after getting my notice), moving to Washington (at my own expense), and job-hunting for six months all added to my stress level. Let's just say "exciting".

After a couple of gigs early in the year, Lookingglass Folk hasn't done much this year, and I haven't done much except for a couple of concerts. No writing to speak of except for my sporadic blog updates. No programming to speak of outside of work. No recording at all.

My exercise has gone from almost-daily 2-3 mile walks to maybe 20 minutes a couple of times a week, and I've gained a few pounds, though not as much as I thought.

My dysthymia seems to be back, and I'm as unsocial as ever. This does not help when one is trying to make contacts and friends in a new city.

Enough of that.

I'm also living much closer to my older daughter, Chaos, and my sister of choice, Naomi. I can commute by bus, to a job where I'm learning a lot. My health is pretty good, and Colleen's is holding up -- she's walking a little more, though only a little. I've become a Wicked Landlord(TM).

Hopefully 2013 will be less exciting.

Comments

[egoldberg.livejournal.com]

Dunno if I've mentioned it (probably wouldn't work with your current work environment), but this has totally transformed my ability to get regular walking in:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006M2PJV0/ref=cm_cr_thx_view

Getting in about 10 miles per week while answering e-mails and conf calls. Losing weight for the first time in years. You're welcome to check it out if you ever want.

(it costs more like $1200 from the manufacturer)

[jcfiala.livejournal.com]

I'd be much more tempted by that... if it wasn't for the pricetag. Ouch.

But, something to think about, if a small windfall lands in my lap.

[egoldberg.livejournal.com]

I guess it depends on your reference point.

I think it's very reasonably priced at $1200-$1300 for a solid standing desk + high-quality treadmill optimized for desk usage. It's only in the past year that high-quality treadmill desks have fallen below $3,000-$5,000 and into a consumer price range.

And compared to the cost of health care/reduced quality of life from the health problems that result from prolonged sedentary lifestyles (e.g. having to have limbs amputated from diabetes caused by morbid obesity), it's pocket change.

At least, that's how I thought through the decision-process to buy it for myself two months ago, and it's definitely paid off so far - already lost 4 pounds - and during the winter, when I typically get fatter. As a side-benefit, I don't mind answering annoying e-mails from coworkers anymore since I'm burning 20-50 calories per annoying mail. ;-)

There's still pretty rare (it's mostly the executives at MS who use them) - I think I'm the first engineer in north campus to have one.

P.S. I remember you from CMU! I don't remember why typing "finger fool" into a unix prompt keeps coming to mind, though.

[jcfiala.livejournal.com]

Eh, with a sixteen month old daughter, even if 1200 is reasonable as a health cost - and I'm willing to admit I could probably use it - it's not money I have. I think for now I'll go with my plan to walk half an hour during lunch.

I'm not terribly good at remembering folks from CMU - I think you came on around the time I was leaving - and I can't imagine why 'finger fool' comes to mind. I was jf2z, after all.

However, it's nice to be remembered in any way. :)

[egoldberg.livejournal.com]

Heh. I might be confusing you for someone else for whom 'fool' resolved to their Andrew ID.

Anyway, don't mean to be trying to sell you on it (I don't actually have a vested interest in anyone else buying one) -- just explaining why it was a good value to me!

[mdlbear]

Looks like it would be better than a standing desk, but... I'll probably have to settle for a plain treadmill and a tablet for reading. I still greatly prefer walking outdoors, but I should really take advantage of my apartment complex's fitness center on rainy days.