Month: May 2024

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Mastering My Monday Routine: A Week-Planning Odyssey

Written 4/1

Hello Dear Readers,

Embarking on my Monday routine, I dive into planning the week ahead. It’s a ritual I hold dear, a compass guiding me through the chaos of daily life. Each Monday morning, I embark on a foresight journey, charting out the course of my week and the tasks I aim to conquer. But, as with any journey, there are obstacles to navigate, particularly those dictated by the whims of the weather.

My first order of business is to compile the week’s to-do list. This is no ordinary list; it’s a dynamic entity that varies from week to week. Some tasks are stalwart fixtures, while others flit in and out like elusive shadows. Yet, amidst this fluctuating landscape, I must mentally highlight those tasks that are at the mercy of the weather. These are the delicate flowers of my to-do list, vulnerable to the tempestuous whims of Mother Nature.

Take, for instance, the humble act of lawn mowing. It is a simple task yet one that becomes a precarious dance with the elements on rainy days. I’ve learned the hard way that grass and rain make for a slippery affair, especially on hilly landscapes, rendering my lawn mower useless against the sodden earth. Thus, I must remain vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on the forecast, lest my plans be washed away by a sudden downpour.

But the challenges don’t end there. Sometimes, my tasks require coordination with others, adding an extra layer of complexity to my already intricate schedule. When conflicts arise, I find myself engaged in a delicate juggling act, attempting to align the disparate pieces of my agenda into a cohesive whole.

This week presents its own set of challenges. As I peruse the forecast, I spy a looming threat of rain on one of my designated lawn-mowing days. A potential obstacle, to be sure, but one that I refuse to let derail my plans entirely. Instead, I adapt, devising contingency measures to salvage what I can from the situation. Perhaps I’ll steal an hour of mowing before the deluge descends, or failing that, I’ll redouble my efforts on Thursday, determined to make up for lost time.

In the end, it’s this rough planning at the outset of the week that proves to be my saving grace. By tempering my expectations and anticipating potential pitfalls, I arm myself against the specter of surprise. Though the road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, I march forward with confidence, secure in the knowledge that I have charted my course to the best of my ability.

As Monday fades into memory and the week unfurls before me, I embark on my journey purposefully, ready to face whatever challenges lie in wait. Armed with foresight and determination, I press onward, a master of my Monday routine and the architect of my destiny.

 

 

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Jam-packed Saturday: A Dash of Sweet, A Pinch of Spicy

It’s Saturday, and you know what that means—adventure time! After my usual morning sprint, scribbling in my journal, and wrestling with German verbs, we zoomed off to the farmer’s market at Frankly Factory. Though it’s only 8 AM, the place buzzes like a beehive with folks snagging the freshest local goodies. Our mission? A glorious bucket of strawberries. Yup, it’s jam-making day!

These strawberries are not just berries; they’re possibly the sweetest I’ve ever tasted. Making our own jam is the way to go because, honestly, who wants mystery ingredients in their jelly? Today’s spicy-sweet concoction requires about 1.5 pounds of crushed strawberries and, surprise—a half cup of jalapeño peppers. I couldn’t wait until I got home; I snuck a strawberry—super sweet!

With my trusty strawberry pit remover (a magical gift from my hubby a few years back), I prepped 4 cups of berries in no time. It’s a game-changer, making the task so much easier! Next up, I mixed in some sugar and let it work its magic to draw out the juicy goodness. Then came the jalapeños, which always make me sneeze my head off. To avoid a jalapeño chunk catastrophe, I blitzed them in the blender—no tears or sneezes!

Strawberries are low in pectin, so tossing in some high-pectin lemon helped set the jam just right. I’m not much for using commercial pectin. With the jam looking good, I sanitized some bottles (carefully—they’re hot!) and bottled up six little jars of my homemade delight.

Even after all that jamming, I still had over 2 pounds of strawberries left. I chopped them up, sealed them in bags, and prepped them for my next jam session. The rest? We’re munching on those sweet treats for the next few days.

What a sweet and spicy start to the weekend!

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Overcoming Post-Time Change Fatigue: A Personal Experience

Written on 3/13/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

With the daylight saving time change recently behind us, I assumed that a good night’s sleep would help me recover all the energy I had lost. However, I’ve found it challenging to keep up with my morning exercise routine. Today, I still have a few exercises left unfinished, and coming down the stairs after my pull-ups was particularly tough. It felt as though I was dragging my own dead weight every step of the way.

My body is likely trying to tell me something—maybe I haven’t fully recovered from my previous workouts. I know the importance of being mindful of my body’s signals, though part of me hesitates to acknowledge it. I’m driven by my goals, yet I’m aware that pushing myself too hard could lead to unnecessary injuries.

Despite my concerns, something shifted when I started doing my pull-ups. Initially daunting, the exercise became surprisingly manageable as I progressed, and soon, my dread dissipated. By the end of my set, I didn’t feel like I was lugging around dead weight anymore. Instead, I felt lighter and more energetic, possibly thanks to an endorphin rush that helped negate my fatigue.

Reflecting on this, I realize that my tiredness might have been a lingering effect from yesterday’s lawn mowing. Sometimes, it takes a bit of pushing to truly understand whether I’m up for a workout. Of course, it’s crucial to avoid overexerting myself. I’m proud that I didn’t give in to my initial reluctance to exercise. It would have been easy to skip the session under the guise of preventing injury, but overcoming that mental barrier has left me feeling more accomplished.

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Day 4 Farewell to the Keys: Turtles, Tunes, and Final Tropical Treasures

Today marks our final day on the island. While a part of me wishes we could stay a bit longer, the thought of heading back to Nashville is also quite appealing. Our plan? To hit the aquarium in Key West before wandering around Mallory Square. Despite some lingering muscle aches, we’re determined to make the most of our last day in the Keys.

 

The aquarium here is smaller than the one in Marathon, but it’s still home to some remarkable sea turtles. Take Lola, for example, a turtle who’s had her share of adventures. She lost a flipper due to a predator attack and, after being released back into the wild, returned with her other flipper tangled in a fishing line. Now, she swims gracefully with a prosthetic flipper, a true survivor’s tale.

 

Then there’s Rocky, a green sea turtle with a quirky addition to his shell—a device that helps him float, mistaken by some (myself included) for a stuck brick! After a boat accident damaged his shell and flipper, living in the wild became impossible, so he now calls this aquarium home.

Meet Rocky, the green sea turtle with a unique floating aid on his shell, a testament to survival and adaptation.

Hector, the hawksbill sea turtle, also caught our eye with his stunning shell. Luckily, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 prevented him from becoming a decorative item.

Visiting this aquarium brought back memories of my childhood in Japan, where we, too, protected sea turtles known as “Ao Umigame.” I grew up learning about their plight and the importance of conservation, a lesson that clearly resonates here as well.

 

Lunch was at Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant, a place steeped in local lore and famously linked to Hemingway. The atmosphere was buzzing with live music from Kaira Jayden, a 16-year-old ukulele virtuoso whose talent was nothing short of inspiring. It’s moments like these that make travel so enriching.

 

Afterward, we strolled through Mallory Square, eventually finding a shaded spot near where a majestic cruise ship was docked. The cool breeze and diverse crowd made it a perfect place to reflect on our visit.

As the clock neared two, it was time to leave the Keys. We drove towards the airport, planning to stop at a few beaches along the way and hoping to grab a meal at Ms. Mac’s Kitchen, where our journey began.

 

The beaches were breathtaking, with strong winds that almost threatened to send my phone flying—a small price to pay for such stunning scenery. We lingered longer than planned, soaking in as much as we could.

This captivating photograph features the iconic old pedestrian bridge stretching elegantly over the calming waters in Key,

By the time we reached our inn near the airport, it was past 8 p.m. We still needed to shower and pack for our early morning flight, and the day ended in a flurry of activity.

 

I didn’t manage to read much tonight, but with the day’s adventures behind me, I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep, filled with dreams of returning to this enchanting place.

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Overcoming the Daylight Savings Slump

Written 3/12/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

It’s been quite a challenging couple of days for me. As you might relate, the biannual shift for daylight savings has yet again wreaked havoc on my sleep schedule. The past few mornings have been particularly tough, and I’ve found myself needing extra sleep just to regain some semblance of energy. Thankfully, this morning marked a return to my usual waking hour. I may finally be acclimating to the new time, which bodes well for keeping on track with my routine.

With my energy levels somewhat restored and getting up at my usual time today, I’m optimistic about tackling my tasks—starting with mowing the lawn. Luckily, the weather forecast is on my side, predicting pleasant conditions for the rest of the week. This should give me ample opportunity to split the chore into manageable phases, planning to complete the other half of the lawn in the next few days.

Despite it still being March and the air carrying a chill, the afternoons have warmed up nicely. I usually wait for the sun to climb higher before stepping out, ensuring it’s warm enough for outdoor activities. Today seems perfect for completing those chores without needing to bundle up too much.

In another stroke of good fortune, I recovered enough to dive back into my exercise regimen. It’s a relief to return to my fitness routine, which I’ve missed over the past few days. Returning to the swing of things feels like I’ve created a major hill of challenges. Now, the path ahead will be a smoother descent.

As things slowly return to normal, I focus on maintaining this momentum and pushing forward. There’s a certain satisfaction in overcoming these minor disruptions and finding my stride again. Here’s to smoother days ahead and making the most of this season in terms of weather and personal achievements.

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Day 3 A Lively Day in Key West: Hemingway, Roosters, and Rum

This morning, I woke up feeling like I had wrestled a bear—muscle aches galore! But honestly, I get a kick out of them; they’re like little trophies for pushing my limits at the gym. You know, nothing says “great workout” quite like wincing every time you move.

Today was meant to be all about marathons, but instead, we zoomed off to Key West, aiming for a pilgrimage to Hemingway’s house. After munching down some protein bars, we hit the road from Marathon Key. Poor Brian looked like he barely survived a night at a rooster concert, although I didn’t hear a peep—I must’ve crashed hard!

By the time we got there around 10 a.m., Key West was bustling with cars and tourists. We lucked out and snagged a parking spot near Hemingway’s house. Close by was a lighthouse, so we thought, “Why not?” The climb was a nail-biter with those tiny steps, and my being a bit jittery about heights didn’t help. Brian was snapping pics left and right, and I just hoped he wouldn’t turn into a flying photographer.

Atop the lighthouse, we spotted the name of the 12th U.S. President. Fun fact: Brian’s related to Zachary Taylor. Seems like a family tradition to serve in the military, just like Taylor’s descendants.

 

We bumped into a couple from a cruise and realized a colossal ship was docked nearby. From up high, it still looked massive. And oh, the chickens roaming everywhere! It turns out they’re descendants of escapee fighting chickens from Cuba—no one owns them, but mess with them, and you’re in for a fine!

Chickens roam freely on the vibrant streets of Key West.

Thanks to my legendary lack of direction, we somehow ended up far from Hemingway’s house, turning our day into an unexpected marathon. We changed plans and went to a rum distillery we were supposed to visit tomorrow. We caught the 1 o’clock tour and learned all about Hemingway’s association with rum. I didn’t know it took ages to craft rum—no wonder it’s pricey!

Papa’s Punch is a cocktail made with Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum. It was sweet.

Afterward, we ducked into a bookstore where I snagged a book on banned literature—talk about a rebel reading list!

Finally, we made it to Hemingway’s house. I’ve been a Hemingway nut since my teens, and stepping into his home felt surreal. Brian, having recently enjoyed “The Old Man and the Sea,” was equally thrilled. Hemingway’s life was as colorful as his stories, surviving wars and plane crashes, maybe thanks to his lucky polydactyl cats, which we sadly only spotted a few of.

A cat sleeping on the bed Hemingway slept.

His writing studio was a step back in time; everything left just so as if he’d just stepped out. It reignited my desire to dive back into his works.
As for the cats, they’re practically celebrities, protected by the government, and occasionally fending off the odd chicken intruder.

Ernest Hemingway’s well-worn typewriter, preserved just as he left it.

We wrapped up our day with dinner at a Cuban restaurant, where I braved a Cuban coffee—strong enough to fuel a rocket, yet it didn’t keep me awake!

All in all, it was a day full of misadventures, history, and lots of walking—not exactly what we planned, but maybe that’s just how Hemingway would’ve liked it.

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Fine-Tuning My Running Strategy for Speed

Written: 3/9

Hello Dear Readers,

This year, I’ve set a new goal to enhance my running speed, sparking a deep interest in methods for faster running. I’ve also started closely monitoring my pace, ensuring consistency unless I train with the Fartlek methods, which involve varying speeds during the run. However, maintaining a steady pace remains my general aim.

In a recent run, I experienced a moment of clarity. I realized I could push myself harder, especially when I was just seconds off my target pace. Unlike a car with cruise control, I don’t have an automatic speed setting; it’s all about manually adjusting my effort based on how I feel physically during the run. This realization led me to a strategic shift. Now, I adjust my pace based on my performance relative to the target pace. If I’m ahead, I slow down; if I’m behind, I pick up the pace.

This approach, however, requires a delicate balance. It’s crucial to know your comfortable pace and to avoid the novice runner’s mistake of starting too fast only to slow down later, unable to maintain a consistent speed throughout the race. It is key to learn to adjust my target so that it’s always just slightly challenging but achievable.

Running is a continuous learning journey—not just about the sport but oneself. After several years, I’m still discovering new strategies and understanding my capabilities and limits. If one method doesn’t work, I’m ready to tweak it until I find what helps me run faster. The critical aspect here is perseverance; the resolve not to give up will eventually lead me to my fastest self.

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Day 2 A Day of Discovery: From Mangroves to Marathon

Today turned out to be more tiring than I expected, and in a twist that shocked absolutely nobody, I accidentally overslept by 30 minutes. I was under the delusion that I had an extra hour to sleep, but reality checked in while I was still half-asleep. So, I managed to sleep in for 30 glorious minutes. Sleeping over 8 hours is a rarity for me, as I usually cap it at a wild 7.5 hours—clearly, the extra rest was needed after our exhilarating travel day and an unintentional sunbathing session.

Feeling like a battery at 110%, I decided it was prime time for a small workout before launching into our 2nd day. There’s a fitness center in our hotel, so I snuck out for a 30-minute espionage mission on the elliptical trainer while Brian continued his beauty sleep. Since his stroke, he’s been on a more luxurious sleep schedule. I let him enjoy his royal slumber.

The fitness center was like a ghost town, equipped with an elliptical trainer, weight machine, recliner (because why not?), and an exercise bike. After my workout, I found Brian awake and pumped to hit the gym. I used this time to brush up on my German, turning my morning notebook into an impromptu language lab. Normally, my morning journal is brimming with tasks, but today, I was creatively bankrupt and struggled to fill out an A1-size note page. I stopped there, admitting defeat gracefully. Shortly after, Brian returned, and we kicked off our day.

Breakfast was a nostalgic dive into last night’s leftovers, with protein bars ready in our snack arsenal. We’re like food strategists on vacation: Brian monitors his protein and salt like a hawk while I play a calorie-counting game aiming for a 250-400 calorie daily deficit. This helps with a slow, pain-free weight loss regime and body sculpting that could rival Michelangelo’s work.

By 8:30 AM, we hit the road, but alas, the trails we planned to hike were closed. Undeterred, we drove about 45 miles to Marathon, one of the islands in the Keys, where a friendly lady at the visitor’s center bombarded us with information—and a few magical coupons.

 

Curry Hammock State Park was next on our list, a fabulous spot for kayaking. I reminisced about my kayaking days before moving to the United States, dreaming of future paddling adventures in Key West. Although hiking spots were scarce, we found a secluded 1.4-mile trail enveloped by lush vegetation—a real treat.

Curry Hammock State Park Nature Trail

We stumbled upon some hidden beaches, offering a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots in the Keys. The gentle breeze was a chef’s kiss after our jungle adventure. A surprise encounter with a small red snake, which I initially mistook for a tree root, added a dash of excitement!

A hidden beach, a peaceful escape from the busier spots in the Keys.

Navigating the branching trails was unnerving since we saw hardly anyone else, and I was concerned about Brian’s pace post-stroke. Despite the challenges, a friendly couple reassured us that the exit was nearby, dispelling my fears of becoming permanent forest residents.

Making sure I did not leave Brian behind.

Our next adventure was the local aquarium, possibly the most entertaining one I’ve ever visited. You can feed fish, turtles, and stingrays—these guys are surprisingly sociable and feel like a bizarre cross between cooked squid and raw chicken. They swam up eagerly, hoping for a snack. We made sure even the shy, smaller turtles got their share of the food.

A stingray came to greet us
Even in the peaceful world of turtles, it’s a race for the tastiest treats!

After the aquarium, we visited Sombrero Beach, which was lively but sadly bereft of shells, much to Brian’s dismay. The beach cleverly offered buckets and sticks for cleanup, which was pretty neat. The windy conditions had Brian clutching his hat like a precious gem.

 

A Beautiful View at Sombrero Beach Park

By 5 PM, my calorie counter read 2200, a testament to our active day and modest eating. I was in desperate need of a shower after all that excitement.

Dinner was at a nearby restaurant, where I enjoyed a taco salad with lightly seared ahi tuna, and Brian, ever the mindful eater, opted for a sombrero salad without the protein. Both meals were a delight, continuing our streak of culinary wins.

Back at the inn, I indulged in some writing while overlooking a pool where a joyful family played—an always heartwarming sight. Then, I cracked open a new book. Despite the exhaustion, it was another fantastic day of exploring and discovering the charm of the Keys.

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Weathering the Unpredictable: Adapting to What We Can Control

Written on March 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

 

Yesterday presented itself as one of those frustrating days that tested my patience to the fullest. The sky opened early in the morning, drenching everything in sight, and the rain didn’t let up for the entire day. There I was, glancing over my to-do list, hoping for even the briefest pause in the downpour to mow the lawn—no such luck. It seemed the weather was conspiring against me, keeping me from ticking off the chores that required being outdoors.

In moments like these, I’m reminded of a strategy my wife often employs: not worrying about what we cannot control. So, with a resigned sigh, I acknowledged the weather’s veto on my plans and decided to reorganize my week. It’s not the end of the world, after all. The forecast promises clearer skies on Thursday, so I’ve earmarked that day to catch up on my lawn mowing, aiming to compensate for last week’s unfinished business.

Tomorrow, however, remains untouched by these alterations as it is one of my regular gaming days—an appointment with friends that I’m keen to keep. This means I’ll need to be efficient with my time on Thursday to ensure everything is squared away.

Adapting to uncontrollable circumstances like the weather can be quite a challenge. It used to be that such disruptions would either send me into a bout of frustration or cause me to abandon my plans altogether. However, influenced by my wife’s calm demeanor and practical mindset, I’ve learned how to adjust and reshape my plans where possible.

So, what does one do on a day utterly disrupted by bad weather? The answer lies in focusing on what can be managed. It meant rescheduling outdoor tasks and finding other productive ways to use my indoor time effectively. By not dwelling on the disruptions and planning around them, I find that not only am I able to maintain my productivity, but I also preserve my peace of mind.

This approach isn’t just about avoiding frustration. It’s about harnessing the situation and maximizing what is within our control. Whether it’s rearranging tasks, shifting priorities, or simply taking a moment to pause and regroup, the ability to adapt is a powerful skill in our everyday lives. It keeps us moving forward, even when the weather—or life itself—doesn’t seem to be on our side.

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Day 1 Adventure in the Sunshine: Our Key West Journey from Nashville to Florida

What a day it was in the Sunshine State! As expected, Florida welcomed us with its blazing sun, a stark contrast to the cool farewell we’d just received from Nashville. As soon as we landed, Brian transformed into a window gawker, fascinated by Florida yet a newbie to the quirky charms of Key West. Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but play contortionist, leaning over to sneak a peek at the sprawling marshlands below—my first glimpse of the place!

Our adventure truly began in the thrilling world of baggage claim. Thanks to the overhead bins playing Tetris without us, we checked our carry-on bags at no extra charge. Recalling our last escapade in October 2023, which was nearly thwarted by a pesky flight delay, I had brilliantly booked our rental car for two hours post-arrival, a stroke of logistical genius. Trekking through the airport to the car rental center, I unknowingly kicked off a mini-marathon, racking up about 4,000 steps.

The excitement was palpable as we approached our noble steed for the week—a Toyota Rav4. I’ve been curious about this famed chariot since its debut in the ’90s, and finally, I had the chance to captain it. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint; the ride was smoother than my attempts at local slang.

Our first major checkpoint was Key Largo, roughly 60 miles from Miami Airport. We weren’t in any rush, opting instead to absorb every moment and explore at our leisure. Brian, though slightly groggy from waking up two hours earlier than usual, was still keen on our early start—more time to play, after all!

Hunger struck unexpectedly soon, having only armed ourselves with airline cookies and coffee. A pit stop at a local grocery store saw us stock up on protein bars, water, and some hard-boiled eggs—perfect for my ongoing battle with the calorie counter.

Navigating Miami’s labyrinth of lanes was challenging, but once we hit Highway 1, we found our groove. The drive was nothing short of spectacular, with me practically buzzing with excitement while Brian, ever the zen master, cracked jokes that showed he was equally jazzed.

As we cruised along US Highway 1, the ocean vistas unfolded, bordered by houses painted in cheerful white, yellow, and blue hues—a vibrant nod to the island life. The thought of living by the sea, surrounded by such spirited colors and life, seemed almost too good to be true.

By 3 PM, we were checking into our resort, complete with its slice of sandy paradise and kayaking options. The beach was a hotspot for sun worshippers. Brian thought he heard roosters, which I initially missed, too engrossed by the ocean’s call. Later, I discovered the roaming chickens, amazed at my own obliviousness—it turns out that chickens are the real locals around here.

Our explorations led us to young fishermen along the mangrove-dotted shores. Out of curiosity, I asked about their catch, only to learn they were fishing for bait—a nostalgic nod to my days of virtual fishing in Sims 4.

Exploring the hidden gems where the mangroves meet the sea—a favorite spot for local fishermen.
Discover the pristine clarity of the ocean—a serene escape into nature’s pure embrace.

Dinner was an early affair at 5:30 PM, at a spot recommended by ChatGPT. While I leave the restaurant picking to ChatGPT, orchestrating trip details is my true calling. If I’m traveling solo, I’m all about a meticulous 15-minute schedule, which can drive Brian a bit nuts. 

Conversely, a vacation without a plan sends me into a spiral. Reflecting on our past trips—from the rigorously scheduled ghost towns in Oregon to an impromptu Grand Canyon escapade—I’ve realized that balance is key to keeping both of our stress levels in check.

At dinner, Brian dug into his tacos, and I delighted in a Greek salad topped with ahi tuna—a genuinely delicious meal. We carted our leftovers back to the hotel, where I diligently logged our day’s exploits and eats. Sticking to Nashville time, we made sure to rest up, with Brian succumbing to sleep almost instantly.

We’re off to Marathon tomorrow, but for now, it’s time to recharge for another day of Florida adventures!