5533

Became still last night right before going to bed. Continue to experience the symptoms in a daily pattern--not so prevalent in the mornings, there in the afternoons, and subsiding in the evenings. During the afternoons, I have to rest/sleep some--the amount varies. But, there seems to be a pattern--plus or minus external variables--like the carpet cleaners in the unit below me today.

April Fool's day tomorrow and the beginning of April. Will there be April showers? Or will Spring continue to not happen? Trees are in bloom. There's a brilliant purple plum tree in blossom down the street. The color's so intense!

Didn't win the MegaMillion lottery last night, but no on else did either. So, I'll get another shot on Tuesday.

Enjoying the quiet now. Everyone's probably eating dinner. I'm craving an ice cream! May skip out for a cup in a little while. Then, reading time!

5534

Crash day! Came back from lunch/shopping and went out for several hours. Had a good rest, but not much getting done.

Dreamed last night about getting together with the men's team. It was some kind of anniversary and we were supposed to gather, eat and camp for the night. Everyone got there, but several were late and some wanted to leave and return the next morning. I was a bit disappointed, but let go of that and enjoyed who came and the food.

The next day we got into a van and drove to a place where we could fish. It was on the Canada/US border and we had to get special one-day licenses to fish the area. There were somewhat long lines, but we joined in and soon had our licenses and gear. We went upriver for a while and then scattered out to fish.

It was warmer last night. I read until it was near midnight and awoke a bit late. Felt good when I awoke, but hit the afternoon energy snag.

Was reading the news story about the nun who recovered from PD through John Paul II's intercession. Her case will be used to establish his beatification. After four years of debilitating symptoms, she went to bed and woke up symptom-free. I'm partly there in that I have periods of symptom-free activity--but also periods of symptom-intense episodes. Her story, though, makes me believe that I'm on the right track. She recovered fully! It's a miracle! That's what her doctors are saying.

Have my MegaMillion lotto ticket for tonight. Now, there's a miracle I could use! May it be so!

5535

Just a quick post to say that I feel like I'm getting back in gear--after several weeks of thrashing with bad ribs and lack of exercise. I'm still fairly on/off, but I'm improving now that I'm able to exercise some.

Weather's been odd. Cold nights and really warm days. No winter, really, but some fairly cool nights. Keeps me shuffling to try and compensate.

Got note off to Rebecca regarding her report (finally) and confirmed that I should do the two tests she discusses. Best to know one way or the other about having active infections from the two parasites that show up in the saliva tests.

Time to read some before snoring out. May tomorrow continue to expand for me and for everyone!

5536

It was cold this morning! It was especially cold around 6:30AM when I met RB for breakfast. Took me most of the day to shake off the shivers and recoup from getting up so early, and so forth.

I'm somewhat settled down now, but it took most of the day. Had to sleep in the afternoon. But, did my afternoon exercises for the first time in a week or so. Felt good (and balancing) to be doing them again. Now, to just keep on doing them and integrate the SRF bio-energetics.

Was good to see RB. It's been a while since he's been around and we've talked. I could tell he was being circumspect about pushing me on my medical issues. He wants to honor my choices, but I'm having such a difficult time he's wondering why I don't look into more of the conventional medical options. As I said, he was circumspect about it all, but the questions were in the air.

I'm still looking at the 7-to-11 good days I just had and seeing progress--despite the downhill slide I've been experiencing more recently. I want another set of clear days, but this time with me more conscious than I was during the last run. Over a week with reduced symptoms was significant. I'm working to see what the next break period will be like--as well as waiting for the downhill run to turn around.

Spoke with my daughter last night. She's got a new man-friend and this one is sounding more serious than previous relationships. She's met his parents! Hmmm! I'm happy for her, but also have natural fatherly concerns. Made me think of how I need (want) to be recovered sooner rather than later. Many thoughts! Made it a little difficult to settle down last night after hearing her news.

She's most likely not going to run the marathon she talked about doing. Too much on her plate! Time enough for marathons as life unfolds.

5537

Went to the chiropractor today. Good work! Helped relax the remnants of tension in the rib areas. Left me a little tired though and rest of day has been spent resting and napping. Cool weather isn't helping. Keeping the tremor activated.

Meeting RB for breakfast in the morning. 6:30AM! It was the only time he could meet. Will be a new experience for me. I've not gotten up that early in over a year or more. Should be fine--a break in the routine.

Will head for the bed early tonight, read some, and try to fall asleep early so I can arise early. Supposed to get fairly cool tonight--in the high 30's!

Dreamed last night, but dream slipped back into the dream pool. Digestion/assimilation off track a bit. I ate some different foods to see what would happen (and because I'm getting bored with the same things)--and found out stomach processing is still fragile. I'm not fully assimilating what I eat so I'm not getting all the nutrients and my energy levels aren't being boosted. Is a puzzlement! I've gained a bit of weight (mostly as a small spare tire). What is the magic food/supplement that will turn everything around?

When I spoke with JH yesterday, he talked about the pile of pills he takes each day. Sounds like a chore, but he is really active. He runs, bikes, walks, swims, dances, and so forth--something scheduled every day. We shall see!

5538

Rain and shine! Makes it fine! Good day today! Everything settled back some, which is wonderful. Been working on my list and my listlessness. Picked up this comment from an email sent by a friend:

"That is the biggest area of breakthrough in the coming months -- in imagining vividly and in detail how we could be doing something other than what we are doing, and what that will look like, sound like, feel like and taste like. If we are unable to do that, nothing will change. But if we can “taste” the world that our hearts ache to create, then when the wall of lies crumbles -- and it will -- the seeds of functionality will have already sprouted." --Swami Beyondananda

He's usually more ironic or funny than this, but it jibes with what I need to be doing. Messages from the Beyond!

I dreamed last night that I was in a store that was part Home Depot and part toy store. I was picking up a couple of items for something I was building. One older fellow was helping me and my daughter find things. He was a jolly old soul. We got in a small cart and he drove us up a steep incline to a section that had some of the parts. The atmosphere in the place was upbeat and fun. I was happy to locate the parts, but I was just as happy to be taken about the store.

I still took a couple of naps today, but I didn't linger when I awoke. I got up and tried to work on some of my list items. Slowly but surely!

Have a chiropractic session tomorrow. His last adjustment last week has held. A bit of soreness and tightness still, but major lessening of any pains.

Working my way into the SRF bio-energetics exercises. There are 38 of them so it's taking time to learn how to do them and commit them to memory. I can see myself doing them every day once I get them down.

Made it to the library to pick up some new reading materials. Will curl up and read some tonight--like always! Talked with JH today at the cafe. He's a wonder! Mr. Always in Full Motion and always good to bump into. He brings perspective to the conversation. We talked some about a man who was one of my neighbors.

From the outside, he appeared to have it all together. He had a townhouse, a couple of luxury cars, a motorcycle, big flatscreen TV, and so on. Turns out he had to sell off everything to cover stocks he'd bought on margin, taxes, and such. He's back to square one! From the outside (from my front window), it looked good. You never know! Presumably, he's got his health. May it be so!

5540-5539

Missed posting yesterday. Fell asleep (that's novel) last night early and just rolled into bed when I had my eyes open for a moment. Had quieted down in the afternoon (both me and the surroundings) and my symptoms abated. I was enjoying the peace so much I fell asleep.

Today was somewhat back to symptoms and feeling listless. Listless seems to be the most accurate description for my state of being. I awoke feeling rested, did my exercises (with some effort), made a smoothie (and didn't spill it all over the kitchen), and went for my walk. All was good during those events. Then "listless" settled in and so it has been for the day. On and off! Up and down! But, overall listless.

If I can just awaken from this limbo state, I know all would be well. Awake! Awake, I say!

Had several dreams over the past few nights. On Friday night, I dreamed of being with a group of people (like an intentional community). There was a young man who showed up and offered his hand with things. He was really talented and could do many things. He was an asset to the place. At one point, he disappeared. He left a bundle of things in his room, but no clue as to where he went or why. I felt that I knew where he had gone. I shouldered his bundle and went in search of him. I ended up in a city (like SF) and began to look for him. I was sure I would find him.

Last night I had two dreams. One involved a group of us flying to the West coast. We were all leaving from the same place, but taking different airlines. For some reason, all of us were diverted to another airport where we saw each other. We discussed the different carriers and what it was like to fly with them. In my case, I was on the plane alone and had the run of the cabin.

This dream morphed into a sales meeting where people were making presentations. Most of the presenters were older men, who were affluent-looking. They were talking about how they had made their fortunes--what strategies they had used. Many of us were younger and were obvious the targets for the presentations so we could better sell the products. I noticed how well dressed, coiffed, and appointed the older men were.

Well, that about does it for this "spurt" of wakefulness--my short break from listlessness.

Did my taxes in one of yesterday's wakeful moments. Get to mark it off of my list, listlessly!

5541

New neighbors! Relatives of family below me moved into the vacated apartment. They have more kids. It's noisy already and they are going to add to the ambient chatter and cacophony. Makes an even more of a reason to be moving on--assuming I have the energy to do so.

I continue to be sleeping to the max. I can't reach a point where I've got extra steam. Had those "good" days recently, but didn't use those spikes for anything of substance. I was just happy to have the break. If I get in that state again (and I must do so), I'll have an idea of things I might get done while the energy is running.

Chiropractor's work yesterday did the trick. I've got some residual tightness, but the pain is gone and the spasms have stopped. Still had a rough day today with the arrival of the new tenants and with my feeling so listless (if I am listless does that mean I am without a list?).

Dreamed last night that I was at a resort. There was a device in this huge pool (more like a lake) that towed people around the edge of the water. It could build up a lot of speed and send people flying when they chose a spot to let go. The entire facility was huge--like an island with a lake down its center. There was a section near one end where there were a lot of women who looked like they lived there--they weren't tourists.

I caught a ride on the whirligig and rode it to the place where the women lived. I had a huge bag of debris that I carried with me, looking for a place to drop it off.

I continue to quiet down as night draws near. I'm still reading a lot in these later hours. I grow still enough to focus on the stories. Warm day (and night). We're still skipping over Spring!

5542

Went to the chiropractor today. He made things better. Still sore and achy, but better than I was. Nothing broken, just muscle spasms in and around the ribcage. It's amazing what someone can do to the body--to repair it and to cause it problems.

Got the SRF bio-energization exercises. There's 39 of them, but supposedly can be done in 15 minutes--once they're in the memory banks. A lot of overlap with what I've been doing though. Anyway, they'll keep me busy learning the new ones and seeing if I can remember them all.

Woke up a bit this afternoon (after napping) sensation-wise. Feels good, like a healthy self should. I'm really on a roller coaster--up and down and all around. It's been a bummer to have my ribs out of whack--disrupts everything. Hope to be settling back some now and getting on with healing--not more disruptions. May it be so! Yes, may it be!

5543

Had dinner at DeeDee's tonight. Still great food despite the styrofoam plates and serving containers. Food is cooked with a lot of care--you can taste it!

I'm continuing to deal with my rib issues. This too shall pass--I just wish it to do so soon.

Did do a walk today before heading to the laundromat. Place was crowded today, which is unusual for a Wednesday. Usually have the place to myself. I wasn't feeling all that good so it was a chore. Came home and had to sleep--not a new event. Was fairly quiet here today, which helped with the nap.

Also was warm today, which eased my symptoms some. Slow but slow! That's how it goes!

Older man at DeeDee's (her husband, I believe) has some form of disorder. It could be PD. He shakes and seems to have problems with fine motor control (making change, for example). He looked kind of out of it tonight. Hope he is just tired and not unwell. May we both be well!

5544

Went to the Gentle Dental this morning. Did my every three-month hygiene session. Tremor was fairly quiet despite the noise and buzz of the hygiene equipment. Actually, it's been a bit cool today, which sets things off more than other triggers.

Had to get up early since dental appointment was at 9AM. Did my exercises in the early morn. It was quieter then versus my normal times. May start arising earlier as a regular event. I think I'm getting enough rest in my afternoon nap and don't need to "sleep" in like I'm doing. Plus when I awake I usually start shaking and I really don't go back to sleep. May be better to just get up. We will see.

I did my afternoon exercises today. Have missed doing them for a few days because of tenderness with my ribs from an aggressive chiropractic adjustment last Tuesday. Felt "tweaky" today, but also felt good to do them. My shaky muscles like the weight lifting. Feels goodly!

Rained a bit today as predicted. Not enough to do much good, but some droplets. A neighbor, S, stopped by today with a person he knew that was looking for an apartment. His friend, R, has a host of medical issues that he's dealing with and was looking to get closer to Stanford since he's a patient there in several programs. He's now living in WA and has been commuting back and forth as needed.

Made me reflect on my limited issues and what I might be doing versus R's many issues and what he's doing to get treatment and medical help. Prompted me to write down my to-do list of things I need to be doing, could be doing, may be doing. It's not a huge list. I plan to make some inroads. There's nothing on the list that I cannot get done--just requires me to focus--which is a long overdue activity on my part.

Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho! It's off to-do I go! The days may seem less slow! I'll find out as I mow! Ho, ho!

5545

Acupressure massage today! Felt good, but symptoms still out front. Slept in the afternoon and that seemed to take things down a notch. He remarked that I had a lot of energy in my legs. That I needed to bring that energy up into my body and arms. Makes me think how anxiety would push energy toward the feet. Hmmm!

Anyway, I'm wrestling my way through the confusing signals. I had nearly 10 days of clarity, stillness and quiet over the past month! That's amazing given the history. I'm greedy! I want more and get frustrated when the old patterns return.

Dreamed last night that I was playing a game with three other people. The game involved colored, plastic playing pieces that had to be arranged in stacks. The pieces were like small to huge tiddly winks. There was alternate turns where you could stack from your slush pile or by taking pieces from other players' stacks. It was a game of both strategy and luck. There was a lot of action and friendly poaching of other players' pieces. I awoke with the dream running in my head.

Dental work in the morrow. No rain yet, but promises of some. Trying to kick start myself into getting started on my growing to-do list. I have nothing to do and everything to do. I keep expecting a surge of energy to push me into action. I continue to sleep instead. The time has come the walrus said! The time has come and gone and come again.

May there be that energetic surge! May it come soon, perhaps tonight!

5546

Pain in the rib(s) day! As I was fixing breakfast, one of my ribs "adjusted" itself. I noticed a "click" as it did so and it's still tender. I think this was a residual effect of the chiropractic session I had earlier in the week--where the chiropractor made a somewhat aggressive adjustment. Things are still moving!

The tender rib(s) didn't keep me from napping today. Just had to not curl over onto my right side. Went to the library today and discovered that it's closed for a week--major reconstruction underway at the main branch. Satellite branches are still open, but there selection range is somewhat limited. Found a couple of short story collections anyway.

Get an acupressure massage in the morning. Should shake out some of the kinks in my ribs. Dental appointment on Tuesday morning, early. Then Spring will officially arrive. (Keep noticing how many double letters appear in words--quite a few!) Maybe I just use a lot of words with double letters. Wonder what the statistics are on the issue? What the mind thinks of!

Here's to a restful evening and night, and a wonderful, healing bodywork session in the morrow.

5547

Day started with a bang! As I was assembling my morning smoothie, I managed to pull the bottom of the blender assembly off of the mixing jar. A complete set of smoothie ingredients went all over the counter, down the front of the cabinets, and onto the floor. Juice, kefir, fruit, supplement powders, et al, flowed like lava everywhere. What a mess!

I cleaned it up, shoved it all down the disposal, and made another one--this time being mindful of the assembly being on tight. Went for a long walk.

Was somewhat out of it today--more so than usual. I keep having thoughts about the things I need to start doing, but then the ennui sets in and the naps happen. Soon, quickly, the day is gone, over with, and I've not done anything (except clean the kitchen cabinet). Last night, I started thinking about the list of things I need to begin doing. In the stillness of the night, in the quiet that settles in as everyone goes to sleep, all things seem possible. Then, the new dawn appears, and I dump smoothie over everything and the day disappears.

The Jury Duty summons triggered some of the thoughts--life activities inserting themselves into the waters surrounding me, making waves and kicking up turbulence. The tests that Rebecca has suggested that I do. Looking for/finding a place to live. Checking out the BMR rental places here in the area. Intentional communities--research and decide. Plus the daily regimens and such.

Needless to say, the peace and stillness of seven days or so of reduced symptoms have given way to increased symptoms and associated ennui and disorder. Have to, need to, find a way through the maze, back into the flow of life. I had seven days of clarity--I can have more! And it is so!

5548

Warmest winter in all the years records have been kept! And continuing! It was 81 here yesterday and seems to be headed that way again today. Some light rains in the forecast, which should moderate things a bit.

Dream last night about a conference of computing teachers. All us "old timers" were there. It was in a big hall that was filled to overflow. I parked the car (it was another person's rental that I was driving) on an upper level and walked down into the hordes of people. A presentation was about to start and I spied a dessert table where I grabbed some pie. While I was getting dessert, people were repositioning chairs and mine got shoved far to the side and rear. There were multiple screens, but where my seat ended up was near a screen that was not being projected. All of us in that area started to reposition seats so we could see. Somehow, I ended up going back to the rental car and driving it down the ramp and into the arena. Someone on a microphone made a sarcastic remark about me saving on parking fees. I went ahead and parked the car near the rear of the hall. I realized that when it came time to leave that I'd have to wait for the crowds to make their way back up the ramps. I was content to do that.

There was also another dream about me moving into a shared rental space. It was into place I was familiar with, with people that I knew. The place was near a downtown area, within walking distance, with many convenient places nearby.

Both dreams were detailed. They were the clearest dreams I've had in a while, and I can recall them fully. From the happy part of my brain!

Just got a notice for Jury Duty! Have to get an excuse--don't feel that I can sit and concentrate for the times required.

I watched a woman almost get hit today. She was crossing up at the corner where there's just a pedestrian crosswalk and lots of traffic. She stepped out with oncoming cars, I guess expecting them all to stop. One either didn't see her or the driver wasn't looking. The woman stepped out from one car and was missed by inches from being knocked into next week. I thought she'd bought it for sure, but her angels were with her today. I'm glad she made it across in one piece. It's a dangerous place to cross on foot--six lanes of traffic and no lights.

Waiting for the cool! Here's to the warmest winter! Symptoms a little more present last night and today. Time for another acupressure massage--coming soon--next Monday!

5550-5549

Missed making a post yesterday. Just lost track of time somehow, after doing laundry, and the day/events slipped by.

Was still a fairly quiet day on the symptoms' front. Almost a week of light symptoms and reduced symptom-related sensations. The chiropractic adjustment on Tuesday stirred things up a bit, but even those effects have been moderate.

Sleeping in the afternoons has become a habit, but it has seemed the thing to do--for now.

Bright, sunny, still day today. Was up a bit early. Have begun the SRF bio-energetics exercises upon awakening. Will be expanding into doing them each day. Lots of thoughts; lots of bubbling going on. Will let the day sort itself and see what happens. Later!
********************************
Slept, of course! What would a day be without a nap. But did my afternoon exercises despite the heat. It is like summer already. Just skipping Spring except for the trees being in bloom. Lots of blossoms!

If this weather is a precursor to what Summer will be like--it may be quite warm. March is coming in like a really gentle lamb--a woolly warm one.

Started parsing Rebecca's report on my last saliva test results. Looks like I need to get a few more tests done--for H-pylori and toxoplasma--to see if they are active or simply just immuno-debris. Still processing her report before starting with any tests.

Today, symptoms were more noticeable. The effects of the last acupressure massage may be tapering--difficult to tell with the hot weather--makes me more logy than usual. Have another massage set for next Monday. Looking forward to seeing what happens with the next session.

Reading my way through the Chopin stories--Cajun style tales set in the days of slavery and farms. Weather is similar--hot and muggy.

5551

Went to the chiropractor today. He was a bit more aggressive than usual, but he moved my upper torso into balance. It was one of those adjustments where everything pops and crackles--scary but seems fine now.

Today was another good day. Slept some after lunch. Ate quite a bit today--seemed hungry. Had dinner with L. She's really fed up with work. I'm fed up with not being able to work. For every state there's a counter state.

I'll be in my laundry state tomorrow. I keep wearing the same clothes so they are being washed to death.

Getting late. Time to roll it up for the evening. Adios! Until the dawn!

5552

Good session in SC today. Also just a great day! Nearly symptom-free again today. Awoke feeling energized and remained so for the whole day. Session simply merged in with the energy flows and kept everything going. Came home from SC and still took a nap before heading out to grab some dinner. Still have issues, but energy level has been the best that it's been.

In the session, she worked a lot on spinal alignment and the effects that misalignment is having on my right arm/shoulder/muscles. By aligning the vertebrae, everything else is pulled back in place. Will be heading to the chiropractor tomorrow so will get a back-to-back set of manipulations.

But, the big news is that the effects from the acupressure massage last Thursday continue to be felt (or not felt as the case may be when symptoms stop manifesting).

Dreamed last night about being in a meeting that dealt with work. I had just started work in the company so this was my initial session on task. There were two of us from the company and two clients. I was relaxed and at ease even though I wasn't familiar with everything. The facilities were like a labyrinth. No one knew where everything was or could be found. (This scenario was like a replay of a Vonnegut story that I read last night.)

A second dream involved being in a house where people were drinking, smoking and partying. I looked out the window and saw a police car parked across the street. I told people about that and wondered if we should chill out some. The people who were having the party opened the front door so that the policeman could see directly into the house. Everything was funny and people just acted more and more crazy.

So weathering the springing forward without too much dislocation. Warm day today--short sleeves and shorts kind of day. Here's to feeling good! May it continue!

5553

Still springing forward. A bit after 7PM and still light outside. Heat wave today. March is coming in not like a lamb, but a BBQ. Matches up with the recent doomsday predictions. Within a decade--disasters expected. Oh, well, what the hell!

A relatively quiet day here on the symptom-watch front. Will be heading over to SC in the morrow for a session with Laura.

Dragon friend up in OR sent me some links on intentional communities up that way. Lots of places, many that have been operating for a few years. Will continue the research, but have some concerns about my health/strength and being an asset to a community. There are many roles, I know, but it is an issue.

Napped some today. Have gotten into somewhat of a pattern of doing so. Tomorrow will give me an opportunity to break the pattern. What with DST and everything, will be a different day (they all are different).

Almost the Ides of March and St. Pat's day! Corned beef and cabbage! Yum!

5554

Spring forward! Clocks adjusted except for those that will update automagically.

Warm summer's day (even those it's not yet spring). I had a fairly quiet day--slept a lot in the afternoon, as I've been doing. Last night, I got really clear and quiet late in the evening. Started surfing around the intentional community sites. Lots of groups out there striving to build small communities around a variety of themes. In any event, I got enmeshed in looking at sites and seeing what they offer and are doing. Lots of options! Encouraging.

I ended up shutting down about midnight and it took me a while to fall asleep. Since the acupressure massage on Thursday, symptoms have been reduced. Have also been sleeping quite a bit, but the flow goes on.

Have a treatment session scheduled on Monday and a chiropractor session on Tuesday. The days fly by and they don't as well. Caught in a massive time update.

Time to relax and do a crossword puzzle. Been doing at least one online each day. Keep the neurons popping! Five letter word for "rest?" Ah, yes! Sleep!

5555

Magical numbers? All 5's! Should be playing poker! Just missed starting this post at 5:55pm. Hmmm!

Another quiet day--symptom-wise. The acupressure massage yesterday seems to have residual effects. There was some occasional tremoring, but quiet for the most part. Did take a nap in the mid-afternoon, which seemed to prolong the quiet state.

I realized that with my 1.5-2.0 hours of exercise that I may need a nap. And, as I add in the SRF bioenergetic exercises that I may need to rest/sleep when I do so. Food (what I eat, when I eat it, and so forth) is also part of the equation. Even though it's not productive, I seem to do better when I just surrender to what is needed. If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm tired, I rest. I read, answer emails, and do whatever else is called for as I can. I've not done a lot of housework. I bathe when I have to; I shave when I must.

It's been a year (a bit more than a year) of floating downstream. I've gathered limbs and pieces of flotsam to add to my raft as I've meandered along. But I've not made any major efforts except to stay afloat and not hit any obstacles. I am making progress--slowly--very slowly. It's almost glacial in movements, but the river keeps me rolling along. As long as there are no rapids or waterfalls ahead, I can guess I can keep on going. Here's to the 2nd year! May there continue to be progression.

I finished reading a set of novellas by Rick Bass last night. The final story is so well written and so moving--about a family who received a land grant of wilderness property (10,000 acres)--and what it was like to grow up so much a part of the land. And how it changed and was altered over time by ranchers, hunters, livestock--what had disappeared and was continuing to fade as time went on. It was one of those stories that I didn't want to get to its end--I wanted it to go on and on--even though it was sad and difficult to read about. I've now read all his short works. Not sure I want to tackle his novels, but he is one great writer.

Also reading a collection of short fiction pieces by Kurt Vonnegut. A different style of writing than Bass, but good stories--people-focused and humorous. Also reading a set of stories by Kate Chopin that were written around the turn of the century. They're set in the South and deal with the Creole and Cajun people (and their patois).

I've read a lot in the past year. A blessing that I've had that opportunity and ability despite all else. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! So it's number 5555 at the post! Let the posting begin!

5556

Acupressure massage today! Was wonderful! Relaxing, calming and healing. I still ended up taking a rest/nap in the afternoon. Felt so relaxed that I wanted to rest after lunch. Was a peaceful sleep. Got up and did afternoon exercises.

Dreamed last night--two dreams. One dealt with seeing a play. We had seats that were in the wings of the performance. It was a 3-act performance and quite long. It was absorbing though and we stayed for the entire performance.

The second dream involved driving a semi up to and onto a farm. There were many people living and working on the farm. We were there to pick up some produce and haul it to market. It was exhilarating to drive the semi and wheel it around. The farm people were shy and reclusive. There was three of us in the truck. We pulled in late in the day and had to stay overnight before we could load the truck and head for the market.

Both dreams were darkly colored, but not ominous or such. Things were just shadowy and dark. The inside of the theater was like that. Even during the intermissions the place was dimly lit.

Last night, as I went to bed, my mood/sense of being shifted into clear mode--like it has done quite a few times over the past couple of months. I feel totally different--clear and quiet--able to think clearly and begin to make plans. Maybe I should sleep during the day and stay up at night. Everything is pointing me in that direction. Maybe I'll experiment somehow and see what happens. Food is an issue if I do that--right now I mainly eat during the daylight hours. Hmmm! A puzzlement! Lazy, crazy thoughts now wander through my head!

Time for some organic chocolate milk and an organic oatmeal cookie! Oh, yeah!

5557

Didn't win the MegaMillion lottery. Two people did--good fortune to them. They'll split somewhere around $370MM. Should keep them in beans for a while.

Only slept for about 1/2 hour late this afternoon. Guess I'd slept enough over the past few days. Was a little muzzy around midday, but felt better today. Get an acupressure massage in the morrow. That will be nice!

Got my next set of SRF lessons today. They are starting to deal with the psycho-energetic exercises that they recommend. I'll start adding them to my daily regimens. I've not been able to add in the exercises from the movement books I purchased. I'll integrate the SRF stuff first and then explore adding other items as they will fit. Sleeping half the day leaves less time for more exercise, but I may have to adjust my wake up time. Let's see--we spring forward this week end--what does that do to wake up time? My body time will dictate what will work and what won't. I also want to do some bike riding when the weather shifts. I feel that riding will be more exhilarating than walking. We'll see!

My daughter just sent an email saying that she's training to run a marathon in June. Good for her. She'll be running for a person with an illness. More on that as I learn more. Horizontal time now! Good dreams!

5558

Yes, another day of sleep. Awoke a bit early, exercised, ate, and went for a walk. After that it's a blur. I slept on and off for most of the day. Got up and ate lunch, and then fell back asleep. Finally got up late in the afternoon and did my exercises, and here I am--nearly ready for heading to bed to read some and then--sleep!

Was fairly quiet around here today except for the gardener--but that didn't stop me from clonking out. Another summer day in this mild spring weather.

Oh, well! Tomorrow's supposed to have some rain. I can sleep to that--the pitter-patter on the roof. Have my lottery ticket for the MegaMillions ($370 MM pool tonight)! I think this is the biggest one yet. Would be interesting to win--just to see if I'd still continue to sleep. Oh, I won the lottery? Thanx! I'll deal with it after I take a nap!

Yo, ho ho! And a bottle of sarsaparilla! Or some such dream!

5559

Summer time and the trucking is easy! One of my rear turn signal lights went out on the truck. The dealer would charge $100 to replace the bulb. So, I went to the dealer's part's department and asked for a replacement bulb. Cost: $4.00.

I decided to change the bulb right there in case I ran into any problems. Fortunately, that decision worked out well--they had given me the wrong bulb and I exchanged it while I was there. My turn signals are signalling turns once again.

One thing I noticed while I was putting in the new bulb--my hand and wrist strength and motion is really poor. Luckily, I didn't need to exert a lot of force to take out and replace the screws that held the assembly in place--but it was not easy for me to use the screwdriver--it's like my hands and wrists didn't work! Oh, well! I got it done even with my limited motion/strength.

Of course, I ate lunch and came back and crashed for the afternoon. It was like a summer day today. Now, it's a summer evening. Had Indian food for lunch. Yum! Had lunch with L--she gave herself a 3-day weekend.

Got some additional notes from Rebecca regarding diet issues and how to get a copy of the "pulses" book that tells me how to monitor what I eat with pulse readings. Pulse rates go up when anyone eats foods to which they are allergic. Simple process to identify food culprits in the diet.

We "spring forward" this weekend. New regime! Three weeks earlier than normal. I'm sleeping so much anyway it won't matter that much to me. Guten nacht! Guten tag! It's all the same to me!

5560

Dreams and healing sounds. Dreamed last night of solving some type of puzzle. It had to do with a computer and several programs that interacted in mysterious ways. I had proposed a set of experiments that would establish patterns the routines were making. The dream was pleasant and filled with anticipation. Then, just as the results were starting to happen, a group of men came into the building. They were aggressive and took control of everything. They made veiled threats regarding what would happen if we didn't follow their orders. I was feeling fearful, but also like I wanted to do something to derail what they were doing. I awoke with the situation unresolved--with the men still in control.

Went to the sound healing session today. Found it difficult to sit for two hours. The crystal bowls make incredible sounds, as did the session leader. He could do overtone chanting, which with the bowls filled the room with harmonics. I couldn't relax and kept feeling my tremor being activated.

Everything quieted down when I got back home. Of course, I fell asleep when I returned and slept for several hours. Now, I'm fairly still, but feeling tired. The session was right across my afternoon sleep/rest period, which made it more difficult to sit during that time. I'm intrigued with the use of sounds and overtones in the healing process. I'll investigate what they charge for a private healing session and book some sessions to see (hear?) what happens.

Spring froward soon! March 11th this year! Coming soon!

5561

Sleep and dreams! Dreams and sleep! Dreamed of doing exercises. I was in a class or at a spa and people were working out. I was as well and experimenting with the exercises to see if I could coax more benefit from the activities. I awoke energized.

But as the day unfolded (warm, sunny day), I ended up napping out for just about the entire afternoon. Just wanted to sleep. Maybe the dream workout was too strenuous. Not likely, but I did sleep the afternoon away.

Made it to the library. Elizabeth Hand's other story collection was not in the catalog. Too bad! I was looking forward to reading more of her work, but didn't want to read one of her novels. The collection I just read, Saffron and Brimstone, had four stories that were like variations on a theme--based upon her epistolary relationship with a person that she seldom sees or talks with on the telephone, but with whom she has exchanged letters for some number of years.

The stories captured that sense of presence, but absence, evoked by communications with someone who is almost always away. The subtitle of the collection, strange stories, says it all. The stories were strange yet compelling. I wanted to read more, but not a whole novel. My attention span is not ready for a long story. Short ones are my cup of tea.

Going to a sound healing session in the morrow. Will be interesting to experience whatever takes place there. No heater needed tonight (or today). Warm spring night!

5562

Rainbows and sleep! Awoke to a rainbow pattern on the wall. The morning sun was slanting through the blinds and painting rainbows on the wall. Was not too cold this morning and got quite balmy as the day progressed.

Then, the big sleep set in. It was after lunch (big sandwich) that I felt compelled to rack out. Slept/napped for about three hours. Finally woke up (again) and did my evening exercises and, voila, here I am (again). Is a mystery! Weather change was dramatic--bright cloudless skies and warm breezes! Flow with the go! That's what I did.

Was hungry today and I ate quite a bit. Will probably eat a bit more (some fruit) before racking out once again. Was shaky today. Somewhat more so than the past few days--not anywhere near as clear as I was a few days ago.

Felt like heading for the beach today before my sleep-a-thon intruded. Mayhaps in the morrow or early next week.

Picked up a ticket to a sound healing session on Sunday at East/West. It's a 2-hour session by a practitioner/artist--who also has a new book. Should be energizing! Looking forward to going. Will be interesting to experience the effects real-time.

Been surfing Craigslist for places of interest--they now have listings in all of the states and a lot of regions. Quick way to compare rents and see what's being offered. Amazing varieties! There are Jungalows in Hawaii. Not sure what they are (a tent spot in the jungle?), but they sound interesting. Onward!

5563

Got a large report from Rebecca with information and analysis of my last "spit test." She did an immense amount of research on all of the issues that showed up in the test, and has proposed suggestions on how to proceed.

It's going to take me a while to parse what she's produced and sort through the options.

Was cool today--wet and cool. I've had the heater going most of the day--while I was at home. Keeping things toasty and roasty!

Been a long day (or day seemed to be long). Only rested briefly today. I'm a bit tired. Will curl up with then final stories in Hand's book and drop into dreamland.

Dreamed last night about doing something I was really good at doing. I forgot the content of the dream, but recall the sense of it--accomplishment! Was a happy dream!