5867

Made it to the QS dance last night. Again, had to leave early since I got tired. Spent a lot of today horizontal as well. Found that I was having trouble remembering some of the older dances.

As I said, I spent most of today recovering from last night. Food was regular fare--Breakfast: oatmeal with fruit, sugar and butter. Lunch: frittata. Dinner: pear with cottage cheese. Energy picked up after dinner and now that it's cooling down some.

Did get up and do Qigong movements, ate and walked. But that was nearly the extent of my activities other than getting out for lunch.

Tomorrow have a treatment scheduled over in SC. That will be good to do despite the drive. Still taking supplements and believe that they're helping clear up my dry skin condition.

Talked with a dancer, J, last night who's brother has PD. She told me about a conference coming up in San Jose later this month. Not sure I want to attend for the whole day. There's a break out session on nutrition that might be helpful.

Have the concepts from the Living and Dying book rattling around in my thoughts a lot today. Impermanence and the mind. Trying to grok what is being talked about. Want the experience now--not after lifetimes--story of my live(s).

About cool enough to lie down and read some more. Bringing the mind home!

5868

Went dancing again tonight. Felt clumsy and brain-dead. Managed to dance a few dances, but was really rusty. Also got tired early. I left after being there for about 2 hours. Feels good energetically, but have a long way to go.

Ate simply again today--Breakfast: cereal with fruit and almond milk. Lunch: fruit and cottage cheese. Dinner: DeeDee's (Indian food--no roti). Drank a dose of triphala a few minutes ago. It seems to have settled my digestion this week (along with changing my food mix).

Got up a bit later than usual today (slept solid from dancing last night). Did Qigong, ate and went for a walk. Walk went smoothly. But ended up resting/sleeping until I got up for lunch (late--2pm). Then, went back to bed until it was time to start cleaning up before dinner and heading to the dance.

For the most part, feel OK when I am moving/doing/dancing. Feel badly (depressed, tired, weak, etc.) when I'm collapsed. Have to find more/other active things to do and take shorter rests--so I can build strength. Also, need to look at my diet and figure out how to maximize protein intake without clogging my system. In the morrow--time to read and sleep.

5869

Dreamed last night about going to a location in the mountains where I had been before. There was a cave at the location when I first went there. Now, the place was a tourist site and there were buildings where once there was only forest and nature. When I arrived at the place, there was a woman sitting at one of the tables. I seemed to know her from somewhere. I went to sit with her and a guy I once knew came and sat between us. It was TB from long, long ago at SRI.

We talked and I mentioned how much the place had changed. I mentioned the cave, but no one seemed to know anything about it. We ordered some food, but it took forever and it never came. The waitress apologized and said a big order had come in just ahead of us and it took the cooks all the time to get that order made. We told her to cancel our order and we started back.

I recalled a path that would take us on a direct route to the parking area. I charged off on the path and near the end we had to climb down a steep hill using some makeshift steps that had been affixed to the face of the hill.

I kept thinking of the cave and what had happened to it. The dream was exceptionally detailed and lengthy.

Went dancing tonight! First time this year! Was a good experience. Got tired early, but it was good to see everyone and do some dancing. I was really rusty! Feet didn't want to move smoothly, but managed a few dances. Some were old ones that came back. Some were newer ones that I had learned in class. Clearly need to do more--have to retrain the brain!

PG and his wife S offered me a bed and dresser. Sounds like a good deal even if the dresser is big.

A Tibetan lama once noted that all one really needs to do is eat, sleep and defecate. The simple life! Sleep I have mastered. Eating and eliminating are being worked on--mostly simplifying what I eat so that elimination is not a problem.

So today's menu was--Breakfast: oatmeal with fruit, sugar and butter. Lunch: burrito (baby sized) with carnitas, black beans, rice, pico de gallo. Dinner: pear and cottage cheese (yum)!
Snack: 1/2 tangelo. These foods are agreeing with me and smoothing out my system. Also continuing to take triphala at night.

Reading the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Impermanence! Seeing clearly how everything changes--seeing the illusion--noticing samsara. Really good book! Fits well with where I am and what I am about right now.

5870

Now it's a heat wave! Really warm today. Breakfast: cereal with fruit and almond milk. Lunch: DeeDee's (Indian cuisine). Dinner: fruit and yogurt. Snack: juice and 1/2 tangelo. Triphala at bed time.

Went to chiropractor today. Dr. D wasn't there; worked with substitute. His adjustment seemed to quiet my tremor--either that, or lunch, or the heat did something. Unless my continuous prayer that I be relieved has been answered.

Didn't go to dance class tonight. Felt like staying quiet and went for a long walk as things cooled down. Felt good to just be moving even though I was a bit stiff and jerky. I need to extend my walks though so that I strengthen my legs and muscles.

Also need to figure out how I can eat more/different foods and not clog up my system. I don't think I'm eating enough to increase my weight. I'm maintaining, at best, and probably still losing a bit now and then.

As I review this post, I again see an emphasis/focus on body. Not enough attention to mind and soul. Continuing to read some in the Mind as Healer book as well as The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. They are trying to provide perspective on the illusions created by self regarding the physical plane and the body.

Onward to reading I go!

5871

Mixed energy day. Last night, came back from dancing energized, but stayed up late reading. Made today a muddled mix. Did laundry, but didn't do a walk today. Also didn't nap, so am beat right now.

Quick food summary-- Breakfast: oatmeal with banana, sugar, butter. Lunch: frittata. Dinner: middle eastern plate with hummus, tabuli, feta cheese, vege roll, veggies, and falafels.

Heading to bed now. Need some sleep. Feeling ragged. Drank some warm water with triphala again tonight--seems to be settling out my digestive system. Health food store carries it in bulk.

5872

Dance class was a tough one tonight. Reviewed an older dance with lots of syncopated hip-hop moves. Cognitively, it was tough to learn. Legs didn't want to move as fast as the music and didn't want to do the steps. I stuck it out just to see what would happen and it was an interesting experience.

Been a lot of focus recently on my body--what it's doing, not doing, behaving, feeling, and so forth. So in the midst of this focused attention, I pull up this quote today on the Rigpa site--one of their daily glimpses:

At present, our body is undoubtedly the center of our whole universe. We associate it, without thinking, with our self and our ego, and this thoughtless and false association continually reinforces our illusion of their inseparable, concrete existence. Because our body seems so convincingly to exist, our "I" seems to exist, and "you" seem to exist, and the entire illusory, dualistic world we never stop projecting around us looks ultimately solid and real.

When we die, this whole compound construction falls dramatically to pieces.
--from Glimpse After Glimpse for today's date (4/25)

So much for a focus on my body. Food in, food out, tremors, symptoms, what it can do or not do, age, and so on ad nauseam. Been eating carefully these past few days--going back to foods that seem to assimilate well. Dense (and not so dense) protein seemed to be causing problems.

Had oatmeal with banana, butter and sugar for breakfast. Lunch: cashew shrimp Chinese plate with soup, egg roll, and fortune cookie. Dinner: fruit and yogurt. Stomach and system doing better with these simpler foods.

But, I ramble tonight. A bit tired from dance class. Didn't get to yoga class again today. Felt tired in the afternoon and didn't want to do too much. Will try again next week (since I won't have an 8AM appointment like today).

Took a dose of triphala last night. Will do the same again tonight. It seems to calm the Stomach Channel.

Nearly through reading McCaffrey's two novels about Talents. Interesting stories, but not as richly crafted as her dragon series. Tomorrow is a library day--take some books back and pick up some others. Weepy sleepy time now though! Goo night all!

5875-5873

Didn't make daily posts over the weekend. Went to the beach instead. Was a bit chilly there, but fresh air was great to breathe.

Had lunch with my daughter on Saturday. Didn't make it to the dance on Friday night, but should make it this coming weekend. Been having problems with the supplements and diet changes. My system doesn't like the protein, or so it seems. Had to back off today and go back to yogurt and fruit plus a lunch at DeeDee's (veggie Indian food).

Remember part of a dream over the weekend--I was helping someone with some work and I had to write some notes. I couldn't write clearly and the person I was working for noticed what I had scrawled. He said he appreciated my help but that he required someone who could write clearly. I recall feeling really sad over being let go and not being able to correct the circumstances.

I noticed that today I walked my 1-mile+ loop as quickly as I've ever done it. I suppose I should make the loop a bit longer so I get enough exercise. Today, I was back home so quickly that it almost seemed that I hadn't left.

Spent a lot of the weekend dealing with my diet, supplements and intestinal issues. Hopefully, with those things adjusted/moderated I can get back to focusing on continuing to restore/recover--and dancing, and yoga, and reading, and visualizing healthy visions.

Have a dental appointment at 8AM tomorrow morning--Why'd I do that? Oh, well! Will catch a new view of the world. Wake up and smile!

5876

Dance class last night felt really good. I got tired, but it was that good kind of tired feeling. Also was energized. L is feeling queasy--she's been fighting off some kind of bug. Debating whether I go to the dance tonight or not.

Got up this morning feeling fine. Did Qigong and went out for breakfast. Bumped into K at the Country Sun. We exchanged stories of what's been happening for both of us. Her daughter is now 18! How they grow! Her mother had a stroke and is in a wheel chair undergoing physical therapies. Her daughter recently moved out on her own. K also just lost her job. She seems to be adrift right now, weathering the storms.

Went to Barrone's for breakfast. First time in months. Felt good! Grabbed a sandwich for lunch (egg salad) and made a smoothie for dinner. Lots of protein today. See if it kicks in.

I came back from breakfast and went for a walk. My left leg was creaky today, from dancing most likely. After lunch, I came back and slept for several hours.

Got a call from my daughter. We're meeting tomorrow for lunch.

Last night, I felt as good as I've felt in a while. Sleeping all afternoon, eating well, and then doing movement and dance just all came together. A hint of wholeness! I realized (knock on wood) that I've been incredibly healthy throughout these past months/year. I've had symptoms, but I've not had illnesses piled on top of everything. My core health (immune system) is intact and working. It's what is guiding my healing processes. It knows what needs to be done, what there is to do.

Leaning toward not going to the dance tonight. But, may change my mind! That's what all of this is about--a change of Mind! Daily Rigpa quotes have been focused on aspects of Mind--how important it is to learn about the Mind, know the Mind while we are here. The thoughts resonate with me. The healing power of the Mind! May it be found!

5877

Dental hygiene (perio) today. Had to discuss medical history and what I'm doing. Will have to do the same next week at regular dentist. Went to DeeDee's for lunch and came back and crashed. Dental work created some stress--if for no other reason than the noise of the cleaning tool.

Anyway, I came home and slept until just awhile ago.

Heading for RC dance class tonight. Got an article from a couple of friends that talked about PD and dancing--how it works well with the mind/body issues of the disease.

I've been putting a lot of my attention on seeing myself as healthy, not ill. Yesterday, in the late evening after eating dinner, I had some moments of feeling healthy, feeling whole. They were like extended moments, perhaps for several rounds of breath, where I could sense my healthy self, my healthy being. I realize that I'm going to have to spend more time in those places if I am to fully recover.

I alternate between waiting for Godot and doing things that open the doorways. Have to open more doorways--only way to go! Waiting helps when I sleep, but not otherwise. And, even sleep is starting to get ragged--too much of a good thing, or so it seems. Have to balance restoration and rest--I need both right now!

So, onward to dancing I go... Dinner (?)--probably a grapefruit and other fruit--it's too warm for a hot meal and I'm still full from lunch. Eat, sleep, breathe, and dance--keep on keeping on!

5878

Hot today! Apartment is like a sauna. Definitely need an exhaust fan to help circulate the cooler air. Too bad the place doesn't have a ceiling fan. That device would be ideal.

Breakfast: oatmeal and trimmings. Lunch: veggie burrito with black beans and pico de gallo. Dinner: small chicken salad. Snack: 1/2 of a tangelo.

Did laundry today and slept some after lunch. Was a little draggy from the heat, last night's dance class, and doing the laundry. Started feeling better late this evening once it started cooling off and I ate some dinner.

Read late into the night after dance class. I was energized and it was difficult to get to sleep. Finished the Cooke book of anecdotes about famous people (some not so famous).

Have dental appointment in the morrow--a hygiene session. Have to get up early so truncating this post a bit. I was able to focus a lot today on my healthy self. Holding that focus helps me pull my thoughts together and creates a health-based attitude. It's starting to feel like a switch that I can throw and that activates my core health. Operating from it, I feel the energies change, my thoughts clear, and my body feels lighter. Just have to keep on keeping on!

5879

Day of plenty sleep. Got up, did Qigong, had a half of a grapefruit for breakfast, went for a goodly walk, and came back and slept. Got up around lunch time, made some oatmeal with nuts and apple, and went back to sleep. Woke up around 4pm, showered, ran some errands, ate the other half of a grapefruit, and went to dance class (missed going to yoga). Danced for nearly all of the class; faded near the end. Came home and ate a banana.

Dance class was a bit difficult tonight. I wasn't feeling fully coordinated, probably from sleeping so much today. But I lasted nearly the full two hours.

I did do a fair amount of visualization work today, before and after sleep periods. It was easy to do since I was already horizontal a lot.

Got warm today--toasty warm! The heat felt good, but I'm going to need a fan to push a breeze through this place come extended periods of heat. Cooling down some tonight, but was working up a sweat in dance class.

Tomorrow looks like a laundry day--we'll see as the day unfolds (or folds as the case (pillow?) may be). Assuming that I don't sleep the day away! (sleep=healing, especially deep sleep) Have to believe my healthy self is fully in charge and knows what it's doing. Onward to recovery, I go!

Dreamed last night about starting up a cafe that had a yoga studio, a food area, a computer area, and more. Most of the dream dealt with the first week of starting the enterprise and dealing with the issues that arose. Quite a detailed dream. Very positive and energetic dream.

5880

Good treatment session today! Drove over to SC and worked with Laura. She is so compassionate. Being around her makes me feel better.

We worked on more wiring. Discovered that plug #6 was unplugged. I hadn't done much with all of the wiring Chris and I had set up. #6 unplugged was affecting the tension in my right arm. When it is plugged in, my arm is more relaxed--duh! Set up a warning light that the heart will notice if plug #6 stops making contact.

We covered a lot of ground in today's session, which seemed to fly by. We worked on the area where I experienced a sharp pain yesterday and cleaned that area up. We worked on the brain. The left side appeared to be smaller than the right. Reduced it further to the size of a bean, a dried up black-colored bean connected to the right by a fragile thread. Then expanded it back to normal and it was bright and clear/clean. Left the right side looking dull. Made it look even worse--it got covered with gunk and goo (black). Had to power steam it to get rid of the gunk.

Then both hemispheres were the same size and clear and bright.

Chased down connection #4 and found a small room deep in the brain that was like a spa. There were tiny white mice in the room madly working out using gym equipment. Decided that this room was no longer of use--it had served it's purpose more when I was masking fears. With fears in the open, there's no need for all this activity. I thanked the mice for their assistance and encouraged them to look elsewhere places where they were needed. I emptied the room and blessed the space. The heart transmitted energy to the place and set up a candle there. It's now a quiet room, a sanctuary.

Also ran a cable (with some difficulty) from the heart to the large intestine.

We also talked about keeping the focus on "my health" instead of on "my illness/symptoms" and so forth. She spoke of how she always looks at a person's health and deals with that, never putting attention or emphasis on any disease. A person's health determines their healing, not any focus on disease. I'd been wrestling around with this topic a lot last week. It's almost like people have been telling me how healthy I look, and I "comment" to myself "Yeah, but if they only knew the whole story!" Be health, look for health, expect health, let health be the guide.

There was much more. She intimated that I may not need to continue sessions on as frequent a basis. She made such a prediction during the 2nd month about the 3rd month of treatments. Turned out she was right! Perhaps she's accurately predicting here again.

Had dinner with RB. Was good to see him and catch up some--been months since we've seen each other or any of the other men's team members. I'm starting to feel the effects of the day--getting goodly tired.

Oh, yes! Food report--Breakfast: cereal with apple, dried fruit, nuts, almond milk. Lunch: 2 soft eggs. Dinner: tuna salad on a bed of greens. Snacks (2): tangelo at each one (afternoon and evening).

5881

Last night's dinner was a frittata and 1/2 a piece of carrot cake.

Fell off the diet train last night and today. Breakfast: oatmeal with apple, dried fruit, nuts, butter and molasses. Lunch: Piece of broiled turkey tender with veggies. Dinner: quinoa, yams, asparagus, lamb and a glass of wine. 1/2 piece of carrot cake.

I also missed taking my supplements tonight. Did take them with breakfast and lunch.

Had a scary episode earlier today. Was trying to have a bowel movement and was having difficulty. I pushed rather hard and got a pain in my right side (liver/kidney area). The pain was sharp and made it difficult to take a breath. I lay on the floor and did some twists and stretches, which seemed to moderate the pain. It felt like an icepick had been jabbed into that area. As I said, it was scary (and still is).

Later, I went to the toilet at L's and had a movement without any pain, but I was careful with pushing and so forth. L fixed a good (but slightly diet-illegal) dinner. I decided to go ahead and eat what was there and enjoy it. I did so!

The sharp pain episode threw me off balance. While I was with L, as she prepared dinner, I kept sensing my back and side, looking for a recurrence. None came, that the heavens, but I'm still worried. I don't need any additional challenges right now.

I'm a little concerned that the pain was associated with the supplement I'm taking for gall bladder issues. In general, I'm having some difficulty taking so many of the supplements--it's not my normal style to shove large quantities of odd things into my body. I may cut back on the Bilemin as a precaution.

Treatment booked with Laura tomorrow. Will be good to see her and good to have a treatment. Two weeks seems to be about the limit, right now, of me being on my own. Less than that time with the diet, but overall I did pretty well the first week.

Aside from the strain and pain issue, day went well--especially the morning time. I stayed with a healing process mentioned in the Mind Healer book. It's relatively simple to do and covers my physical need well. I did a good walk and did some of my other practices. But, the time with L also really felt good--I'm being too much alone. Balance! Always a question of balance.

Balance and patience! Patience and perseverance! Perserverance and passion! Onward!

Nearly forgot! I had a really detailed dream last night. It involved a company and a team of people. It dealt with a new way of doing documentation where it was embedded and linked to the code elements directly. No longer would there be code elements and separate documents for system code, technical support, user guides, and so forth. They would all coexist within the code itself either as direct comments or linked items.

In the dream, I was explaining how it would all work, and how it would create an opportunity to use the techniques to start a spinoff operation that would handle the storage issues and support. I also noted how the documentation would no longer be limited to just words--images could be embedded as well.

It was an expansive, flowing dream with many people, a solid feel to it, and a sense of satisfaction associated with the work involved.

5882

What was for dinner last night? Ah, yes! Turkey chili--pretty tasty!

Rained some this morning. Been fairly clear otherwise. Did a walk before/between rain showers. When I got back to the apartment, one of the neighbors had a power cleaner going. He was scrubbing the concrete areas with it. The noise was deafening so I got out of here and ran some errands.

Breakfast: cereal with apple, dried fruit, nuts and almond milk. Lunch a plate of shrimp fajitas with black beans, rice, salad, guacamole and corn tortillas. Dinner is to be determined. Perhaps go to DeeDee's or such. Time will tell.

Liked what I read in the Mind Healer book. Lots of data that has to be assimilated/correlated, but thrust seems to be good. It talks a lot about attitude and the intention behind meditation and healing. I was thinking about taking a course on the topic, but may just get the book and start using it as a guide.

Easter weekend. Long lines of people at the honeybaked ham shop. Also long lines of people elsewhere, especially if it's a food store. Everyone's stocking up for the Easter feasts tomorrow. I picked up a piece of turkey so I can join the festivities in spirit.

Have to decide if I'm going to the meditation group in the morrow. Probably will do unless other options present. Kind of floating along right now on the wave of life. Feeling like I need to be more directed, but also feeling like just drifting along with things. The story of my life.

Keep coming back to what I want to have as a goal for my 70th year. 70th! Yes, the 70th! Coming soon to a body nearby. The year of the start of the 8th decade! Whoooeee!

5883

Good news from my son and his family in the South--they are pregnant! Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers!

Rains returned this morning along with cooling weather. I'm feeling a bit less restless today than I was feeling yesterday. Breakfast: oatmeal with apple, dried fruit, nuts, butter and molasses.
Lunch: cold salmon with sprouts, tomato and carrots. Haven't settled on dinner just yet.

May go to 2nd Friday dance tonight. Waiting to see how L feels and if she wants to go there.

I picked up a book at the library, The Healing Power of Mind. Have started browsing through and like what I'm reading. It's written by a Tibetan lama. I went to the library to pick up a book, The Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Dying. The system said it was on the shelves, but it wasn't. The other book, Healing Power of the Mind, was on the same shelf, so I grabbed it.

Managed to get in a walk today before the rains started. Now, the sun is shining brightly. The weather is like a Buddhist meditation--it's neither good or bad, it's just the weather.

I was prompted to look at the Dead and Dying book when I was on the rigpaus.org web site. They have a quote each day and yesterday's quote about learning about dying struck a chord and made me want to read the book. I put a hold on the book, assuming that they can find it.

That's it for today! Dinner is still a mystery--like most of life!

5884

Thursday the 13th! Change of weather day! Summer heat, a preview perhaps.

Got up a bit early when telephone rang. RB called and left a nice message. Did my morning rituals, minus a walk, and went to the chiropractor. Came back and made a late lunch and then fell asleep for 2.5 hours.

Breakfast: almond milk to down vitamins, plus cereal with apple, dried fruit and nuts. Lunch: steamed veggies and salmon. Dinner: smoothie with protein powder, frozen fruit and almond milk. Today, I've been snackless, so far.

Feeling heavy--sleepy and heavy. Think I'll skip out for a walk in a few minutes just to move the feet and legs. Back in a bit!
*************************************
That was nice! Balmy outdoors and still warm. Hint of coolness in the air.

Am reading a set of stories called The Royal Ghosts by Samrat Upadhyay. Rich stories set in Katmandu. Brings back a lot of memories of India.

Walk went well. Hip and pelvis on right side working smoothly. Credit to the adjustment today. There's a point where the chiropractor just holds the leg in gentle traction. Reminds me of work done by the PDTeam. But, I have a number of kinks and tensions in my back and ribs. Have to do some visualizations tonight (and adjust my bedding and cushions). Maybe it's time to look at new bedding.

Remarked to L tonight how quickly time seems to be going this month. Last month (and the months before) time moved slowly, like a glacier. Now it's clicking off rapidly. One half of the month expended with (what I perceive to be) only minor progress. Not true, of course! If I look back over the past two weeks, a lot has transpired (diet, dancing, making movements, taxes, etc.). It's my impatience! Breathe and relax! Let go, let go, let go!

Time to get horizontal--on the living room floor--to ease the discomfort in my back, ribs. Some mild yoga twists should do the trick. Onward to yoga I go! Been thinking some about what I want as my goal for my 70th birthday! 70th! Oh, no! Oh, yes! And so it goes.

5885

A deluge today! Rains fell in buckets! Managed to get in a walk before the skies opened. Awoke later than usual. Dance class and reading last night took its toll. Was fine given the drenching afternoon.

Breakfast: cereal, apple, dried fruit, nuts and rice milk. Lunch: curry chicken sandwich. Snack: celery and peanut butter. Dinner: DeeDee's buffet (veggie Indian dishes--did have some roti and desserts. I'm really full right now--no snack before bed.

Picked up the remaining supplements, Bilemin, for gall bladder regulation. Now, I'm fully stocked. Have my treatment schedule nailed for the next three sessions. Have chiropractic appointment in the morrow.

Awoke feeling really good. Went in and out all day, but dancing is a definite must do activity. The movement was wonderful!

Went to WalMart's after dinner. Big mistake! With reduced rains, everyone went shopping. I stood in the 10 or less line and still took forever. Got two large bowls for $0.56 each--what a deal!

Feeling tired now, but a good kind of tiredness. Ready to read some and go to sleep. Didn't win the MegaMillion lottery last night, but neither did anyone else--so it rolls up to $220MM! I wouldn't mind winning it or even a share of the jackpot. I've got a ticket with 5 draws--so 4 more to go!

Time to roll it up! Dreams of winning the lottery!

5886

Steelcut oats for breakfast with apple, dried fruit, nuts, butter and molasses--nailed me to the ground. Ate late so had lunch late (couple of boiled eggs). Dinner was salad with sprouts and avocado, and celery with peanut butter.

Was dreary weather today so didn't get out for a walk. Also still feeling the effects of low carbs. Elected to not go out in rain to yoga, but did make it to dance class. That felt good--to move after being sedentary most of the day.

Learned two more dances and reviewed two from last week. Starting to build back a roster of dances. Got a little tired before the class actually ended, but feels like a good tiredness. Also noticed some leg muscles complaining, especially in dance with lots of turns.

Late this afternoon, I turned on the heater to chase the dampness from the place. The cold and wet was starting to bother me.

Did my regular stuff (Qigong, meditation, some yoga, some juggling, and so forth), but need to be doing even more. Managed to down all of my supplements. Will pick up another one tomorrow that's being shipped in--Bilemin. Getting used to dealing with them--just part of the meal, part of the day.

More rain predicted for the rest of the week. May have to learn to walk in it. Learning lots of things.

5887

Day was filled with counting pills, taking pills, drinking water, cooking and eating, and otherwise getting a few things done (laundry). The horde of supplements and associated food issues/focus will take some getting used to. But, I will get used to it all and I will be healthier for all of the effort.

Went for a long walk today (probably the furtherest I've walked since I was at M&E's). Felt good. Right leg still dragging some toward the end, but concentrating on movements and relaxing continues to help. There was a tree crew across the street for most of the day. They had a really loud wood chipper running most of the time. Noise finally made me want to get away so I went and did laundry.

Noticing the reduction of sugar and complex carbohydrates in my diet. Feeling some withdrawal symptoms (dullness, foggy, a bit tired). Nothing major, but I am feeling the impacts of the shift.

In addition to reading cookbooks for recipes, also reading a book by Alistair Cooke, "The Great and the Good." The book contains a series of memoirs of interactions with famous people. Interesting snapshots of these people.

First day on full supplements. Breakfast was cup of juice and kefir, and bowl of apple, nuts, dried fruit, and raisin-bran cereal with rice milk (will switch to almond milk as soon as I use up the rice milk). Lunch was a salad and two eggs with soft yolks. Snack was a glazed, old-fashioned doughnut (taboo). Dinner was a stirfry of veggies and a boca burger. Final snack will be 1/2 an apple. Drank lots of water today (but not as many ounces as targeted--this is the most difficult to do). Almost no sugars and complex carbs! A day without rice!

And so it begins! Here's to a healthier me!

5888

Good day, but not much accomplished. Have started taking some of the supplements--easing into them. Had a little stomach discomfort last night/this morning from dinner last night. Still trying to come up with ideas for various meals given the restrictions involved. Not many options for breakfast. More options for lunch and dinner, especially with using proteins (meat and other).

Picked up some books from the library that contain some ideas. Feeling fairly good today. Still a bit draggy--the elimination of sugars is being felt. As is the consumption of smaller snacks--not eating a huge amount at those times.

Went to spiritual healing group this morning. Felt good! Was good to see familiar faces and mingle some at the end. I was in a much better space than I was two weeks ago. Did two short walks today, plus a lot of moving about. I noticed that if I relaxed as I walked that my gait was more natural, less of a problem.

Food and diet are starting to consume a lot of time. Have to make sure I still get in my practices and such. It's all part of the same thing, but I need to make sure I keep doing it all--not let some parts slide while I focus on other elements.

Like drinking enough water--that one gets kicked onto the back burner if I don't watch it closely. Tomorrow begins the full scale supplements regimen along with food adjustments and fundamental practices. All on the path!

5889

Been eating organic foods, cooking in my new stainless steel utensils, and starting to consume some of the supplements I've obtained. Lots of pills with each meal--up to 13, 3x a day.

Have stopped consuming items with lots of sugar and starchy carbohydrates. Eating a lot of veggies, fruit snacks, and protein with each meal. No reports so far on what all of this is doing. I'm feeling a bit draggy, but that would be expected since I've cut off the sugars and the carbs.

Had a good walk this morning. Did a short route since I knew I'd be going shopping for new utensils. Ended up going to IKEA and getting a simple, inexpensive set of pots and pans.

Finished the Armstrong book and almost done with book about the 1996 Everest expeditions with references to the initial climb.

L asked me if I had a goal, a plan, for something special I'd be doing when I was 70. I hadn't thought of such a thing, but it's getting close enough to consider. My first thought was to say I'd run a marathon. Such a feat is prompted, no doubt, by the books I've been reading. But, I've also been feeling like I want to start running once again. Training for a marathon that's 3.5 years away may be just the thing to do. I'm pretty sure I don't want to climb Everest.

Something to make a note of and see where it takes me.

There's a cat outside my door. Someone must have it for a pet. It's not a stray. I've thought I've heard a cat meowing several nights ago.

I'm fading fast tonight. Like I said, no sugars to keep me going. Nearly time for final rituals and into the bed.

5890

Here's what happened yesterday with the nutritional work -- Rebecca did an incredible job of correlating all of the data I gave her on the forms that she supplied. There was a food journal, a questionnaire/survey regarding symptoms, a health history and one other document where I ranked symptoms. In addition, there was the results of my blood work.

She evaluated all of these data and boiled everything down to a ranking of likely issues and the severity (priority) for each item. Based on that, she used applied kinesiology to identify which areas of my body was asking for intervention.

Once she identified where interventions were needed, she then began an exhaustive testing of supplements to see if they (a) were something my body could handle, (b) how much was needed, and (c) if the substance had any interactions with the other substances being selected. She did this for all of the supplements that seemed to be needed, including the supplements that I'm currently taking.

This process took quite a bit of time and a lot of concentration. The process was initially stalled when I gave contrary responses (involuntary) to the basic calibration tests. After some thought, she asked if I had anything on my body (watch, telephone, metal jewelry). I had none of these items. All I had was my wallet in my left front pocket, which had several cards with magnetic strips. When I gave her my wallet, suddenly the calibration tests worked correctly!

Apparently, my energy channels were being affected by the magnetic fields of some of the cards in my wallet. The implications of this finding are far-reaching. It appears that I'm impacted by low-level magnetic fields such as those on the cards. What about a mobile telephone? Or a laptop computer? Or my DSL wireless modem? As my friend JON would say, "Crikey!"

In addition to the supplements, I also have to address my collection of cooking utensils (need to be inert--either glass or stainless) and my foods (lots of water, no complex carbohydrates, minimize sugars, eat more protein, and much more). All of these changes/additions are in place for a month and then we'll reevaluate everything, adjust supplement levels and adjust the foods I'm eating. This first month is focused on a "cleansing diet" that is meant to normalize the various systems and detox from sugars, carbohydrates, certain fruits, and so on.

I'm fortunate that I can take the time to deal with all of these issues. I don't know what I'd be able to do if I were working.

Anyway, that's the gist of what happened yesterday. I already had my first meal with no complex carbohydrates this afternoon--no rice! Will have to be cautious if I go to DeeDee's and not put mounds of rice on my thali tray--everything if moderation or even slightly less than that.

Much of my postings for the next month will revolve around my diet and what effects it has on my recovery. And anything I discover about my sensitivity to electro-magnetic fields. Nah, nah, nah nah! Perhaps I'll have to start putting tin foil in my hats.

Rains returned after nearly two days of really spectacular skies--brilliant blue skies. Managed to get my walk in earlier today before the rains commenced. Had a good, long trek today.

Just remembered that the nutrition session yesterday was not without some upset. There was a 5pm client scheduled with Rebecca. We got started late and she was so absorbed that she didn't notice the time. After sitting in the waiting area until 6pm, the client needed to return to his hotel room. I felt badly for him having to wait for so long and then not get a treatment. He was there for rebellious Qi work. Rebecca drove he and his wife back to their hotel and then came an completed with me. If was good to complete what we needed to complete, but I still carry an image of the man shaking as he left--he got no relief last night. I hope he got some today.

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Have a nutrition plan and lots of supplements! Too late tonight to record the details, but will do so in tomorrow's post. The process was detailed and amazing! A lot different than I expected and also very surprising. More in the morrow!

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As someone pointed out at 1:02:03PM today it was 1:02:03 on 4/5/06. I was eating a burrito when that event took place.

Got a Health History form filled out this afternoon and evening. Long sucker! Part of the preparation for the nutritionist. We meet tomorrow. Looks like rains are abating for the time being.

Got up really early today and went to the coffee shop to say hello to whoever was gathering there. The early arising, the wet chilly weather, the stress of listening to people talk really fast and loudly, and yesterday's adventures (yoga plus dance class) prompted me to go home and sleep. I slept for 3+ hours before getting up and dealing with the Health History form.

Took a break at dinner time and went with L to the new Afghan place. Had their lamb pilau (basmati rice, carrots, lamb knuckles, raisins, almonds, with a hot and mild sauce and pita bread). Was good! Nice place! Made finishing the Health History form easy to complete.

Haven't walked for a couple of days. Hopefully, can do so tomorrow before the ride over to SC and back. Tonight--more reading and sleep. The pillow beckons.

5893

Yahoo! I went to dance class tonight! First dancing since New Year's Eve party. May have learned two dances--we'll see as the weeks roll on. It was good to see everyone and hear people tell me how healthy I look. I've lost weight, but feeling/looking well.

Also went to yoga class today a few hours before dance class. I was wondering how I'd do with both activities, back to back. Seemed to do OK. I left dance class early--didn't push it. But, I feel good. Been a busy, full day.

Going to close out tonight and read some. Got up early this morning (more in tune with the clocks) so it's been a full day. Didn't walk today--too much rain--and dancing made up for it.

Had lunch at DeeDee's. Yummy, yummy for my tummy! Good grub!

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Had good session/treatment in Santa Cruz today. Good to be back on the table. A month without some direct work was a bit long (right now). I worked with Chris today and he was more directive than usual, which was a good thing.

We explored a lot of "wiring" between the heart, brain and arms/legs. Worked on moving energy to and from places (heart, brain, arm and back) with emphasis on verifying connections and making contact.

We worked on the heart/brain connection to the substantia nigra area of the brain, connection to a panel of wiring near the base of skull, and connection to Area 25 (the location where they insert the probes for deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Despite the lengthy drive and the weather, I've returned feeling energized and symptom free. I was really hungry and fixed a dinner of rice, steamed veggies and fish.

Am going to bed early tonight to see if I can start synching up with the clocks. I got up this morning, but not until 9:30am clock time. Need to reset my bio-clock so I get going earlier.

Yoga and maybe a dance class tomorrow. Also meeting with my daughter, perhaps for lunch--DeeDee's perchance!

Continue to read Armstrong's book and the one by the son of the Sherpa who climbed Everest. Different challenges, but some similarities as each story unfolds. Good stuff!

5895

Rains continue. Been reading the Lance Armstrong biography. Can't put it down. Amazing recovery story, especially his use of visualizations picturing the cancer being battled and expunged from his body. Learning a lot from reading this book. Can get an idea of what my friend, RB, went through with throat cancer and his recovery. Understand why RB looked to Armstrong as a model of what he had to do.

The book encourages me in my own recovery process. Gives me ideas of what I can be doing to foster recovery and the restoration of health.

Head over the hill tomorrow for the restart of treatment sessions (weather and road conditions permitting--lots of traffic problems with the non-stop rains). Will be with Chris whom I haven't seen for nearly two months. He was in Europe during most of my 2nd month and I've not seen anyone this past month. He's the PDTeam member I started with back in January. Will be good to meet with him once again.

Clocks all changed and body time is slowly synching up with them. But, it will take some time to fully adjust. The body knows what time it really is and will continue in the old patterns for a while.

Made it out for a long walk in between rainfalls today. But, I didn't get up in time to go to the meditation group. Slept in even though I did set the clocks to the right time. Couldn't fool the body.

The rain calls and the rain falls. Blessed be the rains!

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Guess I'll stop writing in this blog. What difference does it make if I write or don't write?

April Fool! Actually, I just noticed that I've been making nearly daily postings for just over a year now. And, more to come!

Here's an April Fool's Day Meditation--

Since everything is but an apparition,
Perfect in being what it is,
Having nothing to do with good or bad,
Acceptance or rejection
You might as well burst out laughing!

LONGCHENPA

Missed posting yesterday. Not sure why, but just didn't get around to writing anything yesterday. I finished the Coates' book of stories, watched a movie (Naked Gun--NG 2.5 is better), read some other stuff, and did all the regular stuff. Walked in between the many rainfalls that came yesterday. Tried to keep warm from the winter winds.

Keep craving food, but nothing in particular. Perhaps something sweet. Feeling antsy. Ready for something different, something new. What? No clear idea. Just flipping and flopping like a fish.

Change the clocks tonight! Spring forward! I'm ready to spring, but not sure where or in what direction.

Got my blood tests back (for my nutrition plan). Everything is "normal" except for cholesterol (ratio OK, LDL a little high, HDL a little high [good], triglycerides a bit high). Otherwise all other (50 factors) are within normal ranges. If I'm so healthy, why am I not?

Picked up some other books from library--Lance Armstrong's biography, a sherpa's story of him contacting his father's spirit in the high peaks, and a set of stories by an Asian author that look intriguing (will report after I read). Have already read about 1/3 of Armstrong's book--very well done--amazing what he faced and overcame.

Got a call from P yesterday prompting me to get back to dancing. Want to do so, but find my energy low by the time dancing begins. Like last night--it was rainy, cold, and I was not up to going. Same tonight! Didn't take a nap today so starting to fade some as the evening approaches. What would I do if I were Lance? Jump on a bike and do several hours of riding--that's what he did. Soon. Soon. Been here a month now. Time to start doing a bit more each day--along with resting as needed. Time to get moving more!