We're on an early morning airport mission, taking Pat, Denny, Debbie, and Pam to TPA for their flight home. Leaving the condo at 3:30 AM sharp...ish.

tags: travel

post published in /2023/04/04

Many poolside conversations among residents at the condo start with a description of some ailment or health condition. "My knee" this or "my shoulder" that. Some of the older folks greet each other with updates on things their family did recently, only to say they themselves had to miss out on the adventure because of an ailment or condition—"they went but I couldn't because of my hip."

This reminds me of current conversations we have with our parents, who seem to remind us every time that "it's no fun getting old."

I feel like some people approach aging like a resignation of sorts — no one wants a bum shoulder, a broken hip, a bad knee, or any of these other ailments and conditions, but many seem to view it as an inevitable part of getting older. And then they let their particular ailment or condition define them, sort of like middle-aged folks let their jobs and careers define themselves. Something else I hate. (Just the other day someone whom Renee had just met looked at me and, as their first words spoken directly to me, said "what do you do?" Really? Ugh).

I don't want to age like this. I don't want to resign to defining myself by whatever comes my way health-wise.

So, I'm going to do three things (continue to do two things, really, and start doing the third).

First, thanks to Renee, I'm controlling my diet and eating right (cutting out inflammatory foods and ingredients and focusing on real, actual food instead of manufactured food).

Second, I'm going to keep moving. Walking, light weightlifting, and maybe some sport activity. I'm actively developing this habits now and need to accelerate it a bit.

Third, I'm going to define my future self by the things I create, not my job or any health ailments or conditions that come my way. I'm building Daystream to allow people to tell their stories. That's a bigger part of my story than any knee replacement or broken hip that comes my way.

tags: aging

post published in /2023/04/04

We were finally able to have dinner at Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores tonight. It's one of our all time favorite restaurants, but it's been a few years since we've been there. Not surprisingly, Salt Rock reminded us of why it's a favorite for all of us. Phenomenal food, a great room and view, and a wonderful experience overall. Hopefully we'll be back again soon.

Here's a self portrait of sorts in the reflection of the glass-walled wine cellar just inside the front door of the restaurant.

tags: restaurantstpetebeachselfportrait

photo published in /2023/04/04

Donald’s downfall: Witnessing the bizarre spectacle of Trump’s arraignment (independent.co.uk)

I almost forgot...Trump was arrested and arraigned in New York City today.

I'm torn. I want him to face accountability for something, but I also want the clown show to end. Today showed me, again, that I likely won't get both.

tags: politics

link published in /2023/04/04