3764

PD weight training got heavier today. There were 12 people in the class--the biggest class since he began the sessions. Lift them bales! I did well today. My bowels seem to be calming down and I've ingested less sugars, dairy, fruit and green tea. Been trying to intake more grain and rice. Looking up!

Watched an Italian film tonight--Fists in the Pocket. It was a bit long but a superb film. It was done in the 60s and was somewhat experimental. It was intense with a young actor (who looked a lot like Marlon Brando) doing a demanding role. The whole film revolved around a family that had their share of difficulty. The mother was blind. Two of the three brothers were afflicted with cognitive problems (one mentally handicapped and one subject to seizures and fits) while the third (who had to function as the patriarch) could just keep things barely together. There was a daughter who was not ill or handicapped but who was dependent on the situation and was lost in it. Although grown, she was like a teenager.

Gait and balance class tomorrow. Plus some errands! The beat goes on, but it's skipping every now and then.

Didn't do Qigong today! First complete miss since I started going every day. Will do a mental walk through as I go to bed.

3765

PD dance today! Was a big class! People really enjoy the activity.

My bowels are still in flux. It's been over a week since things loosened up and have stayed that way. Not my usual problem but I think I'm going to have to take some action. I don't feel bad but it is an aggravation. Seems like it's always something!

Did a Qigong session this evening--standing all the way (except for a side trip to the toilet midway through).

Got an image of the dragon that was the symbol for the 2008 Olympics. It's a spectacular image. GH was making a copy of it and gave me one. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

3766

Sunday! And it was so! A bright and shiny day! Slept in late and munched around all day doing much of nothing. Research! I was doing research. Looked at reviews of the iPad and the Kindle Fire. Went to Best Buy and got my hands on the devices. The iPad wins on the "cool touch" meter. (Or as McLuhan might have rated it on the cool media scale.) There is something about the memory I have of my interactions with the iPad screen that makes me want one. Now!

I think I'll wait for the iPad3 to appear but it looks like an iPad is in my future. I'll also wait for the rebate of my collision deductible which should pay for it.

Had some leg cramps this morning. Not a happy sensation! My bowels are still acting up and I seem to be getting wear off sooner than my medication times. Discovered that my medications ran about $7000 last year! I paid only about 1/3 of that amount but that's still a lot of egress versus ingress.

PD dance in the morrow! Move and dance, dance and move! Did a Qigong session today (sitting toward the end).

3767

Laundry day! Things are clean!

Had a tutorial on how the iPad works. It was very informative. I had stopped for lunch at the PA bakery and JVR dropped by. He has had an iPad from the beginning and is really pleased with how it works.

I did some surfing when I got home on the device and the Kindle Fire. The KF is a real option at a lower price and with lots of content (not so many apps). Got me interested in thinking about what may be my next technology purchase. The iPad is more attractive design-wise but the KF gets to a lot more content at a lower price.

I spent a much of today surfing and searching. The weather turned cool. It's late to the gate tonight. What will tomorrow bring?

3768

Slept in late this morning. Felt good except I was late taking a dose of medication. Went to weight training in the afternoon. Had a full class for that event. I believe we had 10 people--a record! Came back and went to sleep in the late afternoon. Went out for a soup and cornbread. Needed a warm dish of food. Weather is turning a bit cooler tonight. Day was spectacular! Sunny and bright!

Laundry day tomorrow plus sending off a bunch of bill payments. January has zoomed by! February will go even more quickly. Leap year and all!

Watched a film tonight--El Mariachi. Quite a good film! Simple and well done given that it was made for $7,000. The director was very creative in his use of film and camera techniques which reduced the editing and shooting to almost nothing. Yet, he managed to pull off a visually well done piece of work.

Week ends! And the days are slowly getting longer. Dreams are happening! I did not do a Qigong session today--will do a quick version as I go to sleep. And let the dreams begin!

3769

Movement class went well today. It was a small group. Small but cozy!

Google is implementing a new privacy setup for Google activities. Like most new things with changes to new features/products from the big applications (Google, FaceBook, et al) they are just pushed into your face. Suddenly, I'm confronted with unexpected screens and links with limited options. I'll eventually look at the material, but not now--not when I'm trying to actually do something. I didn't ask for an interruption--I asked for some normal activity. I didn't ask to have to deal with something new--I asked for a regular link.

I managed to find a way around the interruption but it wasn't obvious (no doubt, intentionally so)!

Now what was it I wanted to do? I forget! Weight training in the morrow! And, oh yeah! The new Google privacy setup, of course! Did a Qigong session this evening--standing all the way.

3770

Did well in gait and balance class today. Lower back still showing some tightness but in general everything is smooth. Got up late. Almost slept through the class. Came home and fell asleep for most of the afternoon. Could have slept on through but managed to get up and do a round of Qigong. Movement class tomorrow. The march goes on!

Weather has warmed up a little. Looks like that will be the same for the next few days.

Almost time to do taxes. Back to bed!

3771

Did a weight training class today and had a tuina session. Kink in lower back is on the fade. Just have to be careful doing anything that requires movements to the side or that twists my torso. Have to be alert in gait and balance class tomorrow on that issue. No Qigong tonight--letting the tuina do its thing!

Weather has warmed up a bit. Nice!

Watched a mystery/thriller done in England tonight--Glorious 39. It's set in the summer of 1939 during the buildup to the war with Germany. The film was a bit slow paced but still had my interest. I ended up looking back through selected scenes in order to get the clear story of who was who and what were they doing. I got lost in the unfolding of the tale and had to dig back through different parts to get the story straight. I wonder about my mental state--I don't seem to be as clear headed as I thought I used to be. Maybe I never was that way! It's possible!

Got an adapter replacement for GH ordered and sent on its way today. Was beginning to wonder if I could find one. Have to sort through offers for used versus new items, all manner of pricing, and deal with the online ordering systems. UPS says it's on its way! We'll see won't we?

What is the state of the union! I didn't follow the speech tonight. Was there any mention of solar flares?

3772

Fun at the PD dance class today! The kink in my back muscle seemed to go away as we danced and moved. Later, this afternoon, the kink returned. Have a tuina session tomorrow (and a weight training class) that hopefully will unkink things.

Have been chasing down a power adapter for the H's computer. Sent in one order but got an "out of stock" notice after completing the order. Bummer! Have to chase one down but may not be easy. The Apple site doesn't have any in stock so I have to go to an OEM.

Did a quick version of the Qigong routines tonight. I simply did everything but faster than normal. Until my back unkinks I'll have to modify the practice.

3773

I've pulled a muscle in my lower back and it's a pain in the... well, in the back! PD dance class tomorrow! Will have to take it easy and see where it goes. I did a session of Qigong today, but had to do it in pieces. Had to rest and loosen up some between activities.

Dreamed last night that I was in an office with several people from the past. We had a computer iterating through a procedure that was building an encrypted data file. The process was taking a long time to complete--it had to run almost 24 hours. The process was coming to a conclusion when we had a power failure. The power failure caused the computer to be interrupted. It appeared that we'd have to start all over. However, I pointed out that we might be able to restart the system based on where it was interrupted. I suggested that the already encrypted data was intact and we only needed to add the remaining material--append it to the existing structure. To me, it was like layering on additional linkages assuming that the existing construct was already whole. We restarted the system and let it continue from where it was interrupted.

Watched an old movie tonight--Criss Cross. A film about a bank robbery and all kinds of double crosses that the crooks tried to pull on one another. Burt Lancaster and Yvonne DeCarlo were the lead actors. It was a somewhat mushy story that was fairly predictable. It looked like there were bit-part actors in the film that went on to become stars.

Time for bed and some relaxation of the twinging back muscles. Let there be stillness!

3774

Warmer last night! Didn't turn the heater on--first time in days. But we had the rains! Thunderous rain storms in the early morning flooded the area.

I dreamed that I was in a junky place with several other people. We were like hanging out. Everyone acted as if they were lightly stoned. It was an odd dream with a mixture of people I know and several strangers.

Watched an absorbing movie tonight--Yellow Asphalt. It's a set of three mini-stories set in the region where the Bedouins still live. The stories give a glimpse into the Bedouin culture and how it endures along side today's realities in the region. The film was done with the cooperation of a nomadic tribe. It is worth seeing again despite its somewhat grim outcomes.

I'm wrestling with a kink in my right lower back. I can't move quickly. If I do so, I can trigger a spasm that makes me catch my breath. Did a Qigong session this evening but had to sit down through part of it. Stomach is better! I ate a mix of things today and all seems well.

3775

Changes to everything! It's now raining heavily and the temperature has turned balmy. I have a kink in my right kidney area--I'm getting muscle spasms. I'm having to move with deliberate speed. Also having muscle spasms in my solar plexus. I think these ailments were triggered by the "volleyball" game we played in gait and balance class on Wednesday. Stomach/bowel ailment seems to be abating--still having to watch what I eat though.

Went to weight training class today. Wasn't sure, given the muscle twinges that I'm having, if I could do the session. I was careful and made it through the whole thing. Just have to be aware of what I'm doing and that seems to help keep everything aligned.

Window guy showed up (finally) to replace the one broken window pane. Seems to already make a difference. The one missing pane was letting a lot of cool air flow though the place. Now, I'm hermetically sealed!

Watched a tense movie tonight--The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum. A German film based on a novel by Heinrich Boll about the effects of the media on a person's life. It was a good film and applies today as much as when it was made (media effects on lives). The film was remade in the 80s for American TV but I suspect Marlo Thomas and Chris Kristofferson will not be as good as the German cast. Also the storyline was modified from that done in the German version.

Well, off to creaky bed and see how the body rebounds. Did not do Qigong today. Have to get back to it! Dreamed last night that I was taking a group of young kids on a hike. We were traversing some rugged terrain--returning over some locations we had covered in a previous dream. It was sort of a dream continuation where we were returning over some territory that we had traversed in an earlier dream. There were some tense moments when we came upon a sheer drop off that we had to navigate around.

3776

Movement class today! Found out that person who created the movement exercises, Marion Rosen, passed away. She was 97! She has left a legacy of healing that will now be carried on by her students.

Had a tuina session in the afternoon. While I was on the table, the rain began. Supposed to rain and warm up some for the next few days. I'm definitely tired of the cold weather. Ready for the rain!

Stomach is getting back to normal. I have several kinks and aches as well. I grow old! I grow old! What's going to happen as I grow older?

Did not do a Qigong session today. I feel like the tuina was a substitute and that I don't need to stress my body any more. Will rest and retire tonight. Will check in with my new library books. Time to rest!

3777

A bit warmer today and this evening! Supposed to warm up even more tomorrow and through the weekend. Had a fun gait and balance class today. Instructor set up a "volley ball" game where we sat in chairs and used a large balloon for the ball. Fun was had by all! Overall, she gave us a workout today. Intensity! That's the new word that underlines exercise.

Last night, I had an elimination accident as I slept. I awoke with my pajamas soiled. It seems that my stomach is upset over something I ate over the past few days. I suspect the lamb stew I had on Monday, but I can't be certain. Clearly, my stomach is feeling sensitive and doesn't want much sugar, kefir, or such. I ate carefully today and will watch what I ingest tomorrow. Movement class tomorrow followed by a tuina session. Did Qigong this afternoon (after a nap and standing all the way). I noticed in the gait/balance class that my arms felt stronger when we did anything that required extended arms. Something is happening!

3778

A bit warmer today/tonight but still too cool for comfort. Had a weight training session today--big class--there were 9 people attending. I believe the most we've ever had. Gait and balance class tomorrow. Last week seemed like a long time. Same is happening this week with more classes and such. Have plenty on tap this week and next.

I've been reading up on "bitcoins"--a new form of electronic money (or so I think I've understood it to be). The technology was the storyline in a recent Good Wife episode. I was astounded that such a new technology was being used to propel dramatized legal arguments centered around the concept. The writers did a good job of absorbing the details and producing a script based on the material. I have to admit that even after reading what I could on the topic, I still don't have a firm grasp of exactly what "bitcoin" is and how it works. It is soooo esoteric! I grow old! I grow old! And less clear about how things work.

I dreamed that I was put in charge of a software development team. I was reporting to a woman. I had three coders working for me that I had worked with before. There was also three other coders with whom I'd had no experience. I called a meeting with the three that I knew to clarify how we were going to work together. I wanted those three to report to me with one each of the new people reporting to them. We had a long discussion regarding how this was going to work. Some of our mutual histories were no doubt going to raise issues as we progressed, but it felt like things could be worked out.

Did a Qigong session but had to sit through the last two segments. The weight training session today made my back feel kinked when I did Qigong.

3779

Cold! Cold! Cold! In the high 20s tonight! Too cold for the old! Too cold for the fold! Just too cold! I can't stop shivering despite the heater.

Had a bowl of hot soup today. It tasted good and warmed the soul. Can't get enough of that warm soupy stuff!

Did a Qigong session (standing all the way) but that didn't help with the coolness. Quiet day for the MLK holiday. Heating up the bedroom and climbing under the covers. Waiting for the global warming to begin.

3780

Happy MLK day! We shall overcome, someday! Cold day and evening! Weather is schizophrenic. Tonight it felt really cold. Heat has been on most of the past 24 hours--and will continue until tomorrow. Let there be heat!

Dreamed last night that I was in a really ramshackle place. I was living there with a woman and several "boarders". The place was a hodgepodge of miscellaneous objects, piles of debris, and dust. I kept telling the woman that we should just start tossing things--get rid of stuff that was not (never) needed. She got upset. She accused me of always yelling and arguing about everything. I tried to tell her that I was only suggesting that we start to clear the place. But, we were at odds. She brought in a huge panel of wall board and propped it in front of one wall of stuff. I pointed out that the panel was covering one of the "boarder's" clothes racks. She got even more upset. I let that go and went out into the yard to get some air. She was really depressed and obstinate. I wasn't clear on how to proceed. I just knew that I couldn't live there any longer with all of that debris and chaos. The place was a dump!

I researched the upcoming PD retreat in Arizona. It would be nice to attend if--and there is a list of ifs--it were less expensive, wasn't so remote, and I could travel with someone. Locally, and about the same time, there is an affordable 8-session class being given by Ananda on healing. I will definitely take that class if nothing else emerges. The universe is moving! I can feel the waves!

Qigong today went smoothly and well. Felt really good despite the chilly weather.

3781

Going to be in the 30s tonight! Weird weather! Balmy during the day and close to freezing at night! Global warming has caused a swarming! It's alarming! Not charming! Makes the farming hard to do!

Did laundry today. The wacky woman who was around last time I did laundry was around today. She's definitely not all together. I saw her later walking down El Camino. She was ranting at the cars that were passing by.

After laundry, I grabbed a bite from Como Esta and a green tea latte from Starbucks. Then I fell asleep for a couple of hours. I was really logy. Woke up and did a round of Qigong (standing all the way). I'm getting stronger! I can feel the difference. Keep on going!

I think my email system is doing something flaky. Not sure, but I don't think that I'm getting all of my email messages. Doing some testing to see if that is true. Technology! Too much!

3782

Weight training class was jammed today. Lots of people showed up for the class. I'm still working with 12lb dumbbells. They are getting lighter but slowly. Had to have a green tea latte afterward to keep the juices flowing. Did a Qigong (standing all the way) session before watching a movie.

Watched a Spanish film--The Devil's Backbone. It was a ghost story about a bunch of orphaned boys who were living in a remote old estate. The time was about the turn of the century. The movie was good--it was scary and came up with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing as to what would happen next. The style was eerie and iconic with cuts shifting back and forth from real situations and phantom elements. I could watch this film again even though I now know the ending--there is much to see.

Week ends and the weather is promising to be cool at nights. Low to mid 30s supposedly! My heating bill for the past month is the most I've ever paid.. I expect this month's to be even higher. Laundry day in the morrow! Let there be clean jeans! Happy Friday the 13th!

3783

Movement class today! Felt good to stretch and move to the music. The woman who developed the movement process is passing away. She's in her 90s plus and has spent the past 50-odd years creating her techniques and processes. The people who have been with her for all these many years will no doubt miss her.

I watched a thriller film tonight--The Limey. It was about a father seeking retribution (understanding) for the death of his daughter. I had seen the movie before but have no record of it anywhere. But, I remembered seeing it. I remember how bad Peter Fonda was (or how bad his dialog and character were). Not a film that needs to be seen twice (but I did so anyway).

Discovered that a line dance class is being taught at the local senior center. The instructor is the person I was taking classes from in Sunnyvale. Unfortunately, the class day/time conflicts with some of my PD activities. There may be other classes that are being taught there that I might look into.

Did Qigong this afternoon--standing all the way. Got a bit tired toward the end but made it through. I'm getting good remarks about my posture and carriage. I feel better--more upright and balanced. My gait is smooth and balanced.

Had dreams last few nights but don't recall any details. Dream mists!

3784

Had a gait and balance class today. Felt good but came away a bit tired. Ran some errands afterward and ate at a new place--a gourmet wrap establishment. Wrap I tried was good although a bit large. Have to try some of their more petite offerings. Fell asleep in my chair when I returned.

Got calls from the insurance companies today--CAAA and State Farm. State Farm is representing the person who caused the accident. They acknowledge fault and want to clear up any issues. That means I'll get back my deductible (at some time in the process). The AAA adjuster called because she had received a call from the State Farm person. Oh, the webs we weave!

Got my latest SS amount! The 3.6% increase is helpful.

Did a fully standing Qigong session today. It's been a month since the final class and I've done a session every day. Still feels like it's helping. Will keep on keeping on! Have a movement class in the morrow! Let there be movement!

3785

Full moon last night! Kept things bouncing as the cosmic energies filled the night. Had a weight training session today. It felt good but I am tired now. Just feel like nodding off and sleeping the night away.

Watched the last part of Shroud for a Nightingale. Wound up nearly as expected. The very Germanic looking nurse was in fact a German. So was her best friend but that was a minor subplot. The whole ending of the film was done with narrative and very little action. That sort of took out the tension that had been building throughout the first two parts. All's well that didn't end well!

Managed to do a Qigong session this afternoon. I've kept it up now for nearly a month solid. I seem to feel better from doing the practice. I am building up my arm, back and leg strength from the sessions. I intend to keep going and see where it leads.

Gait and balance class tomorrow. Enjoy the movement! Enjoy the dance!

3786

Big PD dance class today! Lots of people showed up for the activity. It was an exciting class. I went to the H's for some book reading and took GH on some errands. I came home and fell asleep. Awoke and did a round of Qigong and then fell back asleep. Sleep seems to be the thing to do. I feel alright doing so--feel good despite the lengthy respites.

Dreamed last night that I was in a wooded area where there were many fierce animals. There were bears, tigers, lions, and other predators. We had to be careful where we traveled and had to remain alert as we moved about.

Weight training class tomorrow! Getting back to a regular set of activities. Happy to be doing so. Looking into what else I might be doing. I'm feeling good!

GH encouraged me to send a resume to the job posting for a Hawking assistant. Crazy idea but it would be fun! Who knows what might happen!

3787

Almost a Spring day! Balmy and bright! Cooling down now and time to turn up the heater.

Slept a lot this weekend and it felt good to do so. PD dance restarts tomorrow. Have a full week of classes and activities. Qigong continues and I feel like it's making a change to my health and spirits. Will just keep on doing it everyday and see where it leads.

Watched Part 2 of Shroud for a Nightingale. It's picking up momentum and the seemingly unrelated facts are starting to interweave and unravel as well. Part 3 brings it all together but I'll have to watch it later. Time is up for tonight!

Dreamed last night that I was in a large warehouse. It was a sparse place that had been most recently used as a practice area for some circus acts. I was part of a team of acrobats and we were working on an act that involved nets and rigging. We slept on the floor when we weren't practicing. We were huddled together to keep warm. Two of the troop members were my long time friends the S twins. They have both passed away so I was surprised to find them in the dream. As I awoke from the dream I remembered sleeping in their house. We fell asleep on the floor. We had been working on an essay paper that one of the twins had to turn in the next day. We pulled an almost all-nighter in order to finish the paper. The mix of dream and old memories was a bit strange. What is it that we remember? And why?

Today I bumped into a woman I hadn't seen for maybe 20 years. I recognized her face but couldn't recall her name. When I introduced myself, she remembered me and the project we had worked on at that time. I knew from her face that I knew her though. Facial recognition software still working!

3788

Slept the day away! Made it out for a late brunch at the CG. Came back and napped for the bulk of the afternoon. Just felt good to do so! Did a Qigong session (standing all the way) and watched Part 1 of a British mini-series. Part 1 went really slowly. Perhaps the remaining segments will pick it up a bit. The series is called Shroud for a Nightingale. It's a murder mystery that is really slow-paced.

Weather warmed a bit in the day but dropped again tonight.

Reading through LL's new book. She is a good writer! I'm not sure just how to categorize what she's written--but it flows and holds your attention.

Getting cold calls on my cell phone. I don't answer them especially if I don''t recognize their ID. Robo-calls! Keeps the phone ringing! Let's me know that my phone is working!

Despite all the sleep I had over the past few days, I'm still nodding off tonight. Will hit the bed early and read my way to dream land.

3789

Weight training session today! Had several new people. Word is getting around. It felt good to be doing workouts once again. Did a Qigong session this afternoon--standing all the way. Upper body strength is happening! I can feel my body getting more vertical. Nice!

Watched a movie tonight--Situation. It was one of the first films out with a storyline that deals with the Iraq war. It was an episodic peek at the various stakeholders in the unfolding saga that's taking place there. It featured all of the standard players--military, intelligence, journalists, collaborators, enemies, civilians, and all the other possible constituents. Plus, all the fighting and mayhem that is also attendant! If anything, the film may have tried to tell too much of the overall story.

Picked up the truck from the repair shop this morning. They gave me the service for free since they failed to get the truck back to me as promised yesterday. Good deal! My "carma" is getting better! Weather is starting to be cool again at night. Keeping the heater busy! Let there be warmth!

3790

First movement class of the new year! Felt good, but lost some of the benefit since I had to drop off my truck for an oil change. The garage was full of cars! Seems that everyone is getting their vehicles serviced, tuned and doctored. The bays were full! I await a call from the service guru as to whether they got to my vehicle or not. I have to catch a bus to get there.

I did do a Qigong session this afternoon as I waited for the service news. I did the session standing all the way! It was a bit of a push but I made it. The sessions seem to be doing me some good--I'm feeling more vertical and aligned. Hawking made it 50 years with ALS. I should be able to make it quite a few less years with a much less aggressive disease. I can catch a bus to go and retrieve my truck.

Feeling tired and logy this evening. Waiting for things to happen is not my favorite sport. But waiting is on the menu! So I await the wait! My fate is to wait!

3791

Gait and balance class today! We did mostly yoga postures on the floor. It was very relaxing and felt wonderful. It also felt good to get back to some regular activities. I did come home and sleep though. I was very relaxed!

Dreamed last night and this afternoon. Last night I dreamed that I had found an old electronic device that had been used to make some early software programs. The device had a panel of push buttons. When a button was pressed, an animation would play back on the device's screen. I was showing everyone the device. It was like I had found an archaeological relic. People seemed interested in the device, but not as much as I seemed to be.

A second dream occurred this afternoon. I was with a woman and her husband. He was a military veteran and had been injured. We were looking at an award that he had been given for his injury. He had lost the lower part of his right leg. As we opened the award there was another award also in the case. When the soldier was asked about the second award, he acknowledged that he had sustained another injury which he had not mentioned to anyone. He then proceeded to remove a prosthetic on his left arm. He had lost the lower part of his left arm. The woman and I were shocked by this revelation. Strange dream!

Movement class tomorrow! Looking forward to it!

3792

Weight training again today! The 12-lb weights felt heavier than they did last year. The time off didn't help my muscles stay strong. I made it through today's workout but it was a push. Did a Qigong session late in the afternoon. Did well with that--managed to stay standing through the whole workout. Doing a session every day seems to be working. Keep it up, buttercup!

We had six people at the weight training class today. Not bad given the break and having to restart everything.

Heard some of an interview on NPR today with a biographer of Stephen Hawkings. Heard the amazing fact that he was only given a 2-3 year prognosis when he was first diagnosed with ALS. He's now almost 70 and still rolling despite the increased physical loss of motion. He may be the person with the longest documented life span who has had the disease. It's amazing to hear about what he has accomplished despite the limitations he's had to endure.

Gait and balance class tomorrow! Looking forward to getting back with the regimen.

3793

Day two of 2012! Year of possible mystery! It was supposed to be warm today but that did not happen. There is a chill in the air despite the hint of sunshine.

Got LL's book in the mail. The title is Beloved Partnership and is on Amazon. It is exciting to see her book in print. I hope that it leads to good fortune for her.

Watched a French film tonight--Coup de Torchon (Blank Slate). It's a lumbering movie that no doubt has lots of existential sub-themes. It went on a bit too long and ended with no resolutions--just more questions. Although probably true to its time period, the dialog was jarring with the N-word showing up in the English sub-titles. There was an awful second ending that had two monkeys dancing to western music and having sly dialog about having to start all over again.

Weight training sessions resume tomorrow. Ready to go! Did a Qigong session this afternoon--standing all the way. It's becoming easier to stick with the whole session. I felt somewhat jittery today. It was partly the cool weather but there was an overlay of anxiety as well.

Got a card from my daughter with photographs of Jude, her daughter. The kid has really grown over the past year. She is really photogenic and knows how to be in the pictures. I look forward to seeing them both next month.

3794

Welcome to the new year! May it be a good one! Last night's adventures at the H's were fun but tiring. GH put on a mangy cape and read everyone's Tarot. He was a hoot! He did everything off the cuff and was very convincing. There were eight people there which made for a comfortable group. But, I grew antsy and such early on and I experienced the fuzziness and fog I seem to get now around groups of people. I felt somewhat out-of-body driving home.

Did a Qigong session today--standing all the way! It's getting more comfortable doing the 45-minute procedure. I'm expecting good things to come from the practice. Will keep it up and see where it leads.

I went out for brunch and then came back and slept for several hours. I was awakened by a phone call from RS, one of the men's team members. It's been a while since we've talked. We're going to try and get together with everyone (men's team) soon.

Classes and activities restart in the coming weeks. Looking forward to everything. The 10-day holiday period was not all that good--although I did manage to keep somewhat active during this time.

Hippity, hoppity, happy New Year! To one and all!