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Making Peace with Time Changes: A New Routine

Written on March 7, 2024

In my 20s, I always found the days we had to change our clocks for daylight saving time to be some of the most challenging days of the year. Some people said they liked the spring-forward or fall-back changes, but they were equally difficult for me. Unless I moved somewhere like Arizona, where they keep the time the same, I realized I’d have to deal with this uncomfortable shift twice a year, every year. I decided to shake things up and change my routine.

I’ve always been a night owl, but I forced myself to start my days early to get more done. Mondays are the only days I physically go to work, and I dread the commute, mainly because I drive a manual car. Traffic eats into my valuable time. Luckily, my office is only a 15-minute drive from home if I leave early enough to dodge the traffic jams, and my workday starts at 7 am. I decided to use the extra time I saved by working early on improving something in my life.

Then, we moved to Tennessee from Canada, and my routine faced a new challenge. Back in Canada, I’d run after work, but it’s way too hot in Tennessee, especially in the summer. Running in the extreme heat wasn’t appealing, but it still beat the alternative of running in the snow or ice for months. I had to tweak my schedule to fit the local weather patterns.

A survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine showed that about 63% of Americans would rather not deal with the time change, and 55% feel tired because of it (John Hopkins, 2023). I noticed in my early 20s that my productivity took a hit right after we changed the time, and my running pace slowed down on the days immediately following the time changes. This issue gets worse every year. It might be due to the time changes throwing off my body’s internal clock.

According to John Hopkin’s blog post, time changes also negatively impact our health. I am not going to discuss the impact in detail here, but if you have time, please read the website.

In response, I began shifting my schedule in my early 30s. This adjustment has worked, allowing me to maintain my natural rhythms despite the time changes. Instead of dreading these days, I’ve found ways to adapt and use them to my advantage. Changing my routine and adjusting to my new environment in Tennessee has helped me cope with the time change and improve my overall productivity and well-being.

 

Reference

7 Things to Know About Daylight Saving Time | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2023, March 9). https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/7-things-to-know-about-daylight-saving-time

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A Day Out of Sync: Navigating Schedule Slip-Ups and Seasonal Shifts

Written on February 10, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

From the moment I woke up, I knew something was off. My morning run, usually the first accomplishment of my day, was delayed, setting a domino effect in motion that threw my entire schedule into disarray. This hiccup directly resulted from my decision to burn the midnight oil, leading to an inevitable oversleeping and a disrupted day ahead. To attempt a semblance of normalcy, I considered halving my usual 10k run to a 5k, hoping to claw back some time. It’s a bummer, to say the least.

Reflecting on the cause of today’s scheduling mishap is crucial for me. I aim to understand what went wrong to avoid repeating the same errors. The changing seasons are a significant factor contributing to my delayed start and overall time mismanagement. 

Recently, we’ve experienced a spell of warm, rainy days, making the initiation of my runs more challenging than usual. Motivation is complex when the weather acts as a deterrent. However, I recognize that this is but a temporary phase. Soon, the weather will settle, and early morning runs will become essential to beat the heat.

My delay in hitting the sack last night also played a pivotal role in today’s delayed start. In an unusual move, I opted out of my regular melatonin dose, thinking it unnecessary given the late hour and my level of fatigue. My rationale was that my body wouldn’t have ample time to process the supplement before my wake-up, potentially leaving me groggier than if I’d skipped it. While this decision seemed logical then, it didn’t sufficiently mitigate the effects of my late-night.

This experience has led me to a critical conclusion: maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is integral to the smooth flow of my day. No matter how minor they seem at the moment, Deviations can lead to a ripple effect, disrupting my routine and productivity. As I navigate through these seasonal adjustments and try to balance my health and productivity, today serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay between our plans and the realities we face. It’s a lesson in adaptability, self-awareness, and the constant pursuit of balance amidst life’s inevitable shifts.

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Navigating Obstacles on the Path to Fitness Goals

Written on February 7, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Embarking on a journey toward a fitness goal can often feel like setting sail into a storm. No matter the depth of commitment or the precision of planning, unforeseen challenges emerge, ready to test our resolve. This has been my reality, particularly in enhancing my physical strength through a rigorous muscle exercise regimen.

It’s been over a year since I initiated this quest, beginning with pull-ups before progressively integrating core muscle exercises into my routine. My dedication mirrored my commitment to running, hardly ever missing a day unless circumstances made accessing my exercise equipment utterly impossible.

At the dawn of this year, I laid out a meticulous exercise plan, pledging unwavering allegiance to it. This commitment bore fruit, as only a day went by with me adhering to my regimen. However, recent days have seen wavering in this steadfastness, prompting me to reconsider aspects of my training program.

The catalyst for this reevaluation has been an injury, a stark reminder of the physical toll that such a regimen can exact. A few weeks ago, in my zeal, I overstrained a muscle, resulting in lingering pain that has scarcely improved. Initially, I attempted to soldier on, moderating the intensity of my workouts. Yet, the mere act of performing a single dip would reignite the pain, leading me to the realization that continuing my exercises might do more harm than good.

In response to this setback, I’ve crafted a new strategy to navigate this period of uncertainty. Until the pain subsides completely, I’ve forego curls and dips, exacerbating my discomfort. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic about continuing with pull-ups, pullovers, push-ups, and planks. I hope this adaptation will continue my progress.

This temporary suspension of specific exercises forces me to confront the possibility of recalibrating the pace at which I increase weights and repetitions. The injury suggests that my body requires more than a week to sufficiently recover and strengthen before taking on more significant challenges.

Life, in its unpredictability, mirrors this journey. Altering my plan does not signify defeat but rather an adaptive strategy to ensure I continue moving toward my objectives, albeit at a modified pace. Such is the nature of pursuing any goal: it demands flexibility, resilience, and the wisdom to recognize when to push forward and step back for long-term success.

This experience underscores a fundamental truth in pursuing fitness or any personal endeavor: the path to achievement is seldom linear. Obstacles, be they injuries or other unforeseen challenges, are not roadblocks but detours necessitating patience, adaptability, and perseverance. As I navigate this hiccup in my fitness journey, the lesson is clear – resilience in the face of adversity is about enduring and evolving in response to the challenges we encounter.

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The Quest for a Rare Siamese: A Family’s Journey

Written on February 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Embarking on a quest to welcome a new feline member into our family has turned into quite an adventure that’s both exciting and challenging in equal measure. My partner has her heart set on a rather specific type of cat, adding a layer of complexity to our search. Our journey is further complicated by the need for a hypoallergenic breed, as our family members are allergic to cats.

The breed in question is a flame-point Siamese female, a choice that has proven to be as rare as beautiful. The uniqueness of the flame point lies in its recessive gene, which is especially challenging to find in females. The search feels like a quest for a hidden treasure, elusive and demanding patience and determination.

The pursuit has been extended, with my wife recounting her previous seven-month-long quest to locate a breeder capable of offering such a prized feline. I have also spent countless hours scouring for a breeder who could help us. Our efforts finally bore fruit last evening when we encountered a breeder expecting a litter that might include the gem we’ve been searching for. The anticipation of whether a flame-point Siamese will be born and our position on the waiting list keeps us on the edge of our seats.

As we wait for the next few months to unfold, the suspense of meeting our future kitty grows. The timeline aligns serendipitously with our life plans, giving my wife ample time to warm up to the idea of a new feline friend and fitting perfectly with our upcoming spring trip. This interval before the kitten is ready to leave its mother’s side offers a pause for emotional and practical preparation.

Our family’s journey to find the perfect addition to our home is a testament to the lengths one will go for love—love for a partner’s wishes and the future joy a pet can bring. The specificity of our search has not deterred us; rather, it has strengthened our resolve and anticipation for the day we finally welcome our rare, flame-point Siamese into our lives. With its trials and tribulations, the adventure promises a reward far more significant than any challenge: adding a new, cherished member to our family circle.

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Maximizing Time Alone: A Cleaning Journey While My Partner’s Away

Written on March 23, 2024

My husband will be away, spending quality time with his siblings in the upcoming days—a trip I wished to join if only my schedule permitted. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been more inconvenient. With the completion of consolidation reports, nearing the end of financial audits, and the final touches to our financial statements, my work as the sole accountant for our company has been more demanding than ever. The looming task of handling corporation tax still awaits me. Given these circumstances, taking time off was hardly an option. However, I managed to secure a single day to cherish moments with my husband before his departure.

After confirming my husband’s trip, I strategized to use this period to clean our home thoroughly. Although work obligations spilled into the weekend, I seized the chance for a comprehensive cleanup. My husband’s absence made this task more straightforward, allowing me to dive right into it with my trusted trio: vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid.

Admittedly, I often feel a pang of guilt for not maintaining a cleaner home. While my husband contributes to daily upkeep, my efforts are usually reserved for spot cleaning and tackling the bathroom and kitchen over the weekend. Yet, this often needs to be improved. The desire to clean windows, wallboards, and doors weighed on me, especially considering the recent surge in pollen, which likely invaded every corner of our house.

Determined, I dedicated four hours to an intense cleaning spree, focusing on our showers, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, and sideboards. The result was a significantly tidier home that not only looked better but also made me feel better.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s wisdom. She often said that cleaning could clear one’s mind, which resonated with me deeply during this cleaning endeavor. Indeed, as I navigated through the chores, the clutter of my mind seemed to diminish alongside the physical clutter. This experience underscored the value of finding tranquility and satisfaction in the simplicity of household chores, particularly during solitude. It served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clean home and a clear mind, especially amidst the hectic pace of professional responsibilities.

 

While the initial motivation for this cleaning marathon was born out of necessity and the opportunity presented by my husband’s absence, it evolved into a therapeutic exercise that brought clarity and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, in the quiet moments of solitude, we find the space to rejuvenate and realign ourselves, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with a renewed spirit and a cleaner home.

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Embracing Mondays: A Fresh Start to the Week

Hello Dear Readers,

Sometimes, ticking off every item on my to-do list seems like a marathon with no finish line. Some tasks take me longer than anticipated. Often, it’s because I’ve lagged behind on the initial few tasks, setting off a domino effect that delays the rest of my day. Despite these setbacks, I find solace in the small victories. Take yesterday, for instance—I might have moved at a snail’s pace from one task to another, yet I consider the day a triumph. After all, the essence of progress lies not in speed but in direction and completion.

Today marks the beginning of a new week, presenting a clean slate and boundless possibilities. I awoke at my usual time, firmly rooted in the day’s purpose and barely straying from my envisioned path. With several hours to spare before hitting the optimal time for my run—the sole time-sensitive activity on my agenda—I afford myself the luxury of a slower pace. This deliberate choice ensures that, despite a leisurely start, there’s ample time to conquer my list without the rush.

My relationship with Mondays has undergone a remarkable transformation. The mere thought of Mondays used to summon a sense of dread, a harbinger of the end of leisure and the resumption of a week filled with tasks and obligations. Weekdays were synonymous with non-stop activity, leaving weekends as my much-needed oasis of rest and rejuvenation. Consequently, Mondays felt like an unwelcome jolt back to reality—a stark reminder of the endless cycle of routines and responsibilities that awaited.

However, a shift in perspective has led to a newfound appreciation for Mondays. My weekends, once a sanctuary of relaxation, have gradually become cluttered with commitments, making Mondays unexpectedly serene in comparison. This inversion of roles between weekdays and weekends has led me to question the longevity of my aversion to Mondays. It may be time to retire my longstanding grudge against the first day of the week, as it no longer seems justified. After all, Mondays offer a chance to reset, a pause before the rush, making them less about the end of freedom and more about the opportunity to start afresh.

In this light, Mondays have shed their gloomy cloak, revealing themselves as a beacon of new beginnings. They remind us that every week offers a fresh start, an opportunity to approach our goals with renewed vigor and a positive outlook. So, as I embrace this shift in perspective, I find myself looking forward to Mondays with a sense of anticipation rather than apprehension. It’s a subtle yet profound reminder that our attitudes towards time and tasks can transform our experience, turning dreaded moments into opportunities for growth and renewal.

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Navigating Exercise Challenges with a Twist of Determination

Hello Dear Readers,

Embarking on another day, I find myself poised to escalate the intensity of my morning workout ritual. The journey of augmenting one’s exercise regimen is not without its trials and tribulations. Currently, I grapple with the aftermath of what I suspect to be a minor mishap involving my subclavius muscle – a souvenir from a particularly ambitious session of curls a fortnight ago. This hiccup necessitates a mindful approach to how much further I can push my physical limits.

In the realm of physical training, the importance of understanding the specific muscles you aim to fortify cannot be overstated. However, this task becomes considerably more complex when contending with an injury. The initial strategy was maneuvering around the afflicted muscle, though this proved less effective than anticipated. It’s a peculiar situation; the discomfort isn’t a constant companion. Its presence is only made known when I turn my head to the left while simultaneously rolling my right shoulder backward. An intriguing, if not slightly inconvenient, trigger.

Despite these challenges, my resolve remains unshaken. I plan to introduce an additional weight of 2.5 pounds to my regimen. This minor adjustment is a testament to my commitment to progression. Of course, this ambition is tempered by a sense of prudence; should this increase in weight exacerbate my discomfort, I will not hesitate to retract this decision.

The path of physical betterment is one fraught with anticipated and unforeseen obstacles. Yet, it is through navigating these obstacles that we uncover our resilience and adaptability. The current predicament serves not as a deterrent but as a nuanced lesson in the delicate balance between pushing our limits and heeding our bodies’ signals.

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Navigating Loss and Love: The Journey of a Beloved Cat

Mar 26, 2024

Re: The Quest for Future Kitty: Navigating the Rarity of Flame Point Siamese Cats

Life, with all its ups and downs, often brings us to a place of deep reflection and emotional growth. My journey, particularly recently, has been one of love, loss, and the bittersweet memories in between. The loss of our beloved cat last autumn has cast a long shadow over our lives, reminding us of the fragility of joy and the enduring nature of love.

Nearly 17 years ago, faced with the impossibility of having children due to medical reasons, I decided to welcome a kitten into our lives. This wasn’t just any kitten; she was a flame-point, apple-head Siamese, a breed marked by its rarity and distinct beauty. However, it was later revealed that she was a mix, a detail that mattered little in our affection for her. My husband, in particular, formed an inseparable bond with her from the moment they met, showering her with love and attention in a way that was uniquely his. While I may not have pampered her to the same extent, my love for her was no less profound.

The pain of loss has a peculiar way of warping my senses, leading me to find traces of our departed loved ones in the most mundane occurrences. At times, I could swear I heard her, a sentiment fueled more by hope than reality, as the rational part of me recognized the sounds as nothing more than the whirring of the heater or the rustling of the wind. Despite my fear of horror films and ghosts, there were moments I desperately wished to believe that she had returned to us in some form.

The void left by her absence has been difficult to navigate. The thought of welcoming another cat into our home has surfaced, prompted by my husband’s desire for a new feline companion. Yet, the thought alone brings tears to my eyes as the memories of our lost cat remain too fresh, her presence too profoundly intertwined with our daily lives. It’s a hesitation born not from a lack of love for animals but from a heart still heavy with grief.

The depth of my husband’s affection for our cat was made abundantly clear in a moment of profound vulnerability. Emerging from a seven-day coma induced by a brain stroke, his first words were not only my name but also that of our beloved cat. It was a testament to their bond, forged through countless days spent together while he worked from home and she kept him company.

As we contemplate the future and the possibility of opening our hearts to another cat, we face practical considerations, such as choosing a hypoallergenic breed due to allergies within our circle of friends and family. Yet, the emotional readiness for such a step is a question that lingers. The fear of inadvertently seeking out the shadow of our lost cat in a new one looms large, raising ethical and emotional concerns about fairness to the latest addition.

Navigating this landscape of grief and love is a journey without a clear roadmap. Each step forward is a delicate balance between honoring the past and being open to new sources of joy and companionship. In this space of uncertainty, the only certainty is the profound impact of our beloved cat on our lives, a legacy of love that endures beyond her physical presence.

 

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The Quest for Future Kitty: Navigating the Rarity of Flame Point Siamese Cats

Written on February 2, 2024

Hello, Dear Readers,

My wife and I have embarked on what we anticipate will be an extensive journey—a search for a new kitten. Our hearts are set on finding a kitten that mirrors the unique characteristics of our previously cherished cat, Gambi. Gambi was not just any cat; she was a distinguished female apple-headed, flame-point Siamese cat, a type that holds a special place in our hearts.

This particular breed is relatively rare. It is a distinctive blend created through the crossing of a traditional Siamese with an orange American shorthair domestic cat. This specificity makes the quest for a similar kitten a challenge, as there are fewer breeders focusing on this hybrid, given the complexities and potential limitations associated with cat shows and pure breed registrations.

Breeders may lean towards raising purebred Siamese kittens, primarily due to the appeal of submitting them to prestigious cat shows, which come with stringent entry requirements. While my thoughts on breeders’ preferences are speculative, the breed’s rarity suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing their breeding choices.

In our pursuit, we’ve reached out to several breeders, expressing our interest and hoping they’ll contact us if they have what we’re seeking. Finding the right breeder and awaiting the arrival of a litter that meets our criteria might take time. This waiting period offers us an opportunity for emotional preparation, as the void left by Gambi’s absence remains profound.

Gambi’s departure has left a bittersweet taste, making the anticipation of a new kitten a hopeful and reflective time for us. I’ve affectionately referred to this yet-to-be-discovered kitten as “future kitty,” a placeholder name that signifies our hope and openness to this new chapter. Once we meet “future kitty,” we’ll choose a name that suits her unique personality and presence.

The search for a kitten similar to Gambi is more than a quest for a new pet; it’s a journey of healing, remembrance, and, eventually, the joyful welcoming of a new family member. It underscores our deep bond with our pets, who become irreplaceable parts of our lives and families.

Though the path to finding a “future kitty” may be filled with patience and anticipation, we are committed to it, guided by the memory of Gambi and the desire to open our hearts to another extraordinary cat. The emotional preparation we undergo now will undoubtedly make the arrival of our new kitten all the more remarkable as we look forward to the unique joy and companionship she will bring to our lives.

To our fellow pet lovers and readers, we’ll keep you updated on our journey. The search for “future kitty” is a testament to our enduring love for our pets, past, present, and future. Thank you for joining us on this heartfelt quest.

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Embracing the New Normal: A Day of Disruptions

Written on January 31, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Amidst the yearly ritual of my check-up meeting, I found myself navigating through the day’s tasks with notable success yesterday. The only casualty in my daily routine was my second cup of coffee—a minor change. Yet, it significantly contributed to my exhaustion as the night drew in.

The day had started on an alright note, and indulging in some extra sleep this morning, I’ve managed to shake off the weariness from yesterday’s altered schedule. Nonetheless, I eagerly anticipate the refreshing embrace of sufficient coffee to elevate my energy levels back to their familiar state.

This leads me to ponder whether recognizing these minor disturbances in my routine is a byproduct of having a routine in the first place. Recently, my daily patterns have been jostled by snow, unpredictable delivery schedules, and hospital appointments, making disruptions seem like the new status quo. Suppose a day sprinkled with unexpected events has become the norm. In that case, these aren’t disruptions but elements of my newly adapted normalcy.

Adopting this mindset might keep the external realities of my schedule the same. Still, it could offer me a steadier footing amidst the unpredictability. The irregularities are no longer obstacles but nuances of a continuously evolving life. This shift in perception, although subtle, can ease the strain of adjustment and help me navigate through the ebbs and flows with a sense of resilience.

It’s somewhat comforting to think that what once seemed like disruptions are now integral parts of my daily life. It’s a testament to human adaptability and the subtle power of perspective in managing life’s uncertainties. While the absence of my second cup of coffee might have left me yearning for its comforting routine, it also underscored the capacity to find equilibrium amid change.

So, as I look forward to my next cup, it’s not just the caffeine boost I’m after but a moment to reflect on the beauty of embracing the unexpected. It’s about finding balance in the flux and recognizing that a shift in routine can sometimes lead to a deeper appreciation of the small constants that anchor us. The disruptions, in their own way, remind us of our ability to adapt and find joy in the new patterns that emerge.

In closing, my dear readers, I encourage you to view the disruptions in your own lives not as hindrances but as opportunities to forge new norms. In these moments of adaptation, we often discover unanticipated strengths and joys. Let’s raise our cups—be it the first, second, or even third—to the beauty of resilience and the endless possibilities in what we might have once called disruptions.