Stevie Wonder is a funny dude. I saw him get off his tour bus when I was an undergrad at University of Illinois, tripped on the last step and fell to the ground. Everyone was mortified, but he popped up, and must of sensed the crowd, and matter of factly shouted out, "Hey everybody--watch that last step!!!", cracking everyone up... There is a video of him during the making of the "We are the World" video, where he's making up lines, and sings out something along the line of "you all better not get too drunk today" " 'cause if you do you'll have to drive home with me and Ray" (Ray Charles). Now THAT'S a thread hijack.
Good to hear all is going well. Keep up the good work. Sleep is overrated but needed and I know how you feel. Sleep evades me often. Keep working on that weight and enjoy the results whether large or small.
It has been a little while since I last reported in on this matter of my recovery. For July I am down just over 10 lbs for the month, just a little ahead of my 20 lb loss by the end of the cardiac rehab classes. On average I'm walking 40 or so miles per week, just over 12k steps per day. Looking to increase the distance some by picking up my pace more. I'm still not where I want to be pace wise. For those keeping score using the home game, since the heart attack I'm down almost 40 lbs. Now the downside. For the 5th time in about a month I locked myself out last night. usually I do this stupidity when someone is around with the spare keys. Not this time. I'll be at the hardware store in a bit looking at solutions for this issue. Also putting a note on my door in 24 pt caps that says "Keys Idiot?" Funny thing is my dad had the same issue as he aged too. I'm turning into my father, yikes, now get off my lawn too! I am still having issues with focus. I'm all over the darn place in my head. Other stuff I'm giving serious thought to staring a cottage industry type biz making jams from all locally sourced fruits, non-GMO, Fair Trade, Organic Sugar Cane and other all natural, non-GMA, organic stuff. Been experimenting quite a bit. My jams are unique flavor combinations such as Blackberry Sage, Blueberry Lemon Cayenne and stuff like that. If local and want samples they are free, I am looking for feedback please. Pop on by and pick some up. I'm also pickling fruits and veggies, however, that is not allowed to be sold under the rules of a Cottage industry here in OH. The pickled blueberries are awesome. So that is where I am at this point.
Glad to hear you are doing better Nathan. I have a simple fix for your key problem. Just duck tape one key inside your walking shoes or under your door mat. Don't have a door mat, go get one that says "Got Keys?" printed on it
The jam thing--yeah, that could work, it's a good idea. You're going to need a cool, original name, "Nate's Totally Organic Monster Jam", or " Not Your Momma's Jam", something silly and unique, and some tricked out labels, like microbrews do--research on microbrews shows that name and label has a huge impact on consumer choice. Put habanero in something, it works with virtually any fruit, I bet it would work really well in the blueberry-lemon concoction. Curry might be interesting too, if done subtle. Then, goofy names for the jam's--like "Blue Heat" for the blueberry/Cayenne, "Sage Advice" for the Blackberry Sage, etc. And of course, you'll need to come up with a flavor for "Toe Jam."
Congratulations on all your progress, Nathan. A complete lifestyle change isn't easy! Regarding the lock problem, go here for a somewhat pricey but workable electronic solution: Camelot Style Touchscreen Deadbolt. (It will pay for itself the first time you need to call a locksmith or a carpenter after you break down the door.) Regarding focus, it could be an issue with the drugs for as long as you're taking them. It also could be the combinations of the various drugs you're taking at different times of the day; e.g., maybe you could take a pill before bed instead of in the morning to minimize its effects. YMMV. Ask the doc! Regarding jams and jellies, you really have some interesting combinations - and lucky for you, you already have this to promote Nathan's Nummies: [ame="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8LUKo09ErQs"]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8LUKo09ErQs[/ame].
The wife suggests Peach Habanero. She's never had it but thinks it sounds good, especially with cream cheese as a cracker dip.
About the key thing.......you can get electronic keypad dead bolts now. Works as long as you don't forget the combo!
40lbs is a significant first step, congrats on that and keep up the good work! Some of the side effects of the meds you're taking can be quite bizarre, I think the confusion is simply one of yours, as you go along in your recovery keep on your doc to reduce or eliminate as many as you can. It's been 5 years since my little cardiac adventure and I'm only now getting completely off of the last meds - I can already feel a difference too since I finally got to stop the last one. I had some side effects that drove me absolutely bonkers, and I still have one that I can't shake - I can't lay on my back and work on a car anymore - I get vertigo.......all I have to do to end it is sit up. That's why I take my cars up to school to work on them on the lifts, so I can stand up under them - I'm fine then. Good luck and keep up the good work, the results will be worth it, I promise.
Thanks for the kinds words, it helps keep me motivated to do more. Great idea, but for next year. This years peach crop in Ohio was devastated by the brutal winter we enjoyed. Part of my whole shtick is that as much of the ingredients as possible are grown right here locally on organic farms.
Like I told you Saturday morning, you're looking good (no I don't want a date). Keep up the good work, we are proud of your progress.
Great to hear your continued progress to a new and improved you Nathan! As for the keys thing, you might consider a keyless entry pad to secure your place. You'll only have to hope you won't lose your memory and forget the code...
OMG...if you have never tried Peach Habanero jam, you have missed a true delight! Rothchild Berry Farm, Urbana Ohio.
Congrats on your continuing improvement, Nathan! It took awhile to put on and will take awhile to get back to wherever it is you want to be, though...especially as we grow older. A suggestion for your key problem, if you have not already remedied it with a keyless entry system. Go to your nearest Orvis [or any other outdoor fishing supply stores] and look for a key holder that retracts. Fishermen use these retractable holders for small flashlights and line clippers, but they can be had for a myriad of uses and they are inexpensive. They just attach to your clothing and have a tape measure-like retractable line with a lobster claw clasp that will attach to a key. Total extend length is about 24-30 inches.
Are we talking about a regular flat metal key? If so, just stow a spare in your wallet. Not suggesting this as a long term solution, nor is it elegant, but it's as simple as it gets and will work and save you a lot of potential grief until you come up with something better.