Category: Brian’s Journey

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Taking The First Step To Write A Novel

I’ve Started Taking Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Lecture Series!

Written August 19, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

My wife and I are avid fans of Brandon Sanderson, so when I discovered a BYU lecture series on YouTube focused on writing, I knew it was something I wanted to explore. Initially, my intention was to watch the series to enhance my writing skills. Still, I used it as a convenient excuse to postpone starting my writing projects. You know how it goes—there’s always one more thing to learn before you feel “ready.”

Today, however, I finally took the plunge and began the lecture series. While it’s just the first step, it’s an essential one. The series includes 14 videos: an introductory short video followed by 13 in-depth lectures, most of which are over an hour long. These lectures are designed to guide you through writing your first novella, which is exciting and daunting. I’ve already scheduled dedicated time to watch each lecture, understanding that this commitment is critical to progress.

Starting today marks my first real day of action. Although I still have many more lectures to watch, I’m already thinking ahead to the true challenge: beginning and finishing my own story. Starting with a blank page can be intimidating. Still, luckily, I already have a seed of an idea and a few themes I’m eager to explore. This gives me a bit of a head start, so I won’t be starting from nothing.

So far, Brandon Sanderson’s advice resonates with the common wisdom I’ve encountered across various disciplines: you only get better through practice. There’s no shortcut, no magical advice that will instantly make you a skilled writer. Consistent effort and the willingness to learn through doing are the only feasible paths to reaching my goals. While this isn’t groundbreaking news, it’s a reminder that all great achievements start with small, consistent actions.

Interestingly, my wife is also keen on watching Sanderson’s lecture series. She’s currently engrossed in another lecture series about book criticism. Still, once she finishes that, she also plans to dive into Sanderson’s series. She asked me for my thoughts, and although I’d just begun, I shared my excitement with her. Her interest was piqued, and it’s nice to know we’ll likely be learning from Sanderson together soon.

In the meantime, I’ll keep moving forward, one lecture at a time, hoping that by the end of this journey, I’ll have gained knowledge and completed my first novella. It’s a daunting goal, but as Sanderson himself would likely agree, the only way to get there is to keep writing.

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Adapting to a New Running Routine Amidst Summer Storms

Written August 17, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning began like any other. I woke up early, quickly prepared for my daily run, and stepped outside, eager to cover some distance before the day’s responsibilities took over. However, today, there was an urgency: a race against the ominous dark clouds gathering in the sky. I knew a thunderstorm was coming, and I was determined to finish my run before it hit. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t pan out as expected.

Normally, I rely on my weather app to avoid running in storms. I’ve had the misfortune of being caught in a severe thunderstorm before, and I have no desire to repeat it. Running in the rain is one thing; running amidst lightning and thunder is another. As I stepped outside, the sky was an unsettling shade of gray, and the distant rumble of thunder was growing louder. I hesitated and checked my app again. The storm was imminent.

Reluctantly, I decided to delay my run. I wasn’t happy about it—I’ve grown accustomed to running first thing in the morning, and changing that routine always feels like a disruption. But safety comes first. I returned inside, reminding myself that this was just a temporary delay. The storm wasn’t forecasted to last long, and I could resume my run after breakfast.

As I waited, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much my running routine has changed over the past few months. During the summer, I shifted to early morning runs to avoid the heat, but even that routine was being challenged. It’s funny how quickly we adapt to new habits, only to find them disrupted again. I hadn’t planned on changing my schedule today, but I realized it’s a part of life—adapting to what comes our way, even if it’s unexpected.

There’s also the unpredictability of summer storms to consider. Sometimes, they bring a refreshing drop in temperature, making the post-storm air crisp and cool—perfect for running. Other times, they leave behind a suffocating blanket of humidity, making every step feel like a slog. Our last storm did just that, turning the air thick and muggy, far from the relief I was hoping for. Whether a storm will leave the weather better or worse is always a gamble.

As I sat at the table, finishing my breakfast, I rechecked the weather app. The storm was passing, and I felt a sense of relief. I wouldn’t let a bit of bad weather throw me off course. My commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is strong, and I wouldn’t let this minor setback deter me. Most importantly, I would get my run in today, even if it wasn’t at my usual time.

When I finally stepped outside again, the air was cooler, and the clouds began to part. I set off on my run, grateful I hadn’t let the storm ruin my day. Life is full of unexpected challenges, but with some flexibility and determination, we can keep moving forward—one step at a time.

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Listening To The Rhythm Of Season

Written on August 11, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As August gradually fades, I can’t help but notice the subtle signs that the year is nearing its end. Each morning feels a bit colder, hinting at autumn’s slow but certain approach. While the season of vibrant leaves and crisp air isn’t entirely upon us yet, the shift in temperature is enough to make my skin tingle with sensitivity. As I prepared to mow the lawn this morning, I instinctively reached for an old hoodie, needing that extra layer of warmth until my body adjusted to the cooler air. It took nearly an hour of physical activity before I finally felt warmed up, a clear reminder that the seasons are changing.

The arrival of cooler weather is a much-needed respite after the sweltering heat waves we endured in July and August. During those months, the temperature frequently soared above 90°F, and the oppressive humidity made it feel even hotter. Our household prefers to keep the indoor climate as natural as possible, avoiding air conditioning whenever possible. Even when the temperature climbs above 80°F, it doesn’t feel as stifling inside. Despite this, I doubt I’ll ever fully acclimate to Nashville’s notoriously humid summers, where the mercury can easily rise past 100°F.

Now that my body has adapted to the intense summer heat, I find it refreshing to ease into the cooler weather. It feels like we’re being kinder to our autonomic nervous systems, which have been working overtime to keep us cool. The lawn, which we keep trimmed short, has also responded to the change in weather. The lack of recent rainfall has slowed its growth considerably, and the cooler temperatures in the past few days have made it increasingly difficult to distinguish where I’ve mowed and where I haven’t. The grass is growing so slowly now that it’s easy to miss a spot or two.

Looking ahead, my wife has already started planning for the next season. She mentioned fertilizing the lawn for the coming year, a task she intends to tackle in October or November, just a few weeks before the first frost. This forward-thinking is crucial, as we’ll soon be dealing with the annual onslaught of leaves from the two large trees—one in our front yard and another from the neighbor’s—that will soon blanket the lawn.

Since taking on the responsibility of our yard work, I’ve become more attuned to the rhythm of the seasons. Our outdoor chores change with the times: from March to October, it’s all about mowing and maintaining the lawn. As autumn sets in, our focus shifts to managing the fallen leaves and preparing the yard for the year ahead. Winter offers a brief reprieve, with far less work to be done, though my wife has plenty of maintenance projects lined up to keep us busy. Despite the hustle and bustle ahead, I eagerly anticipate the end of the mowing season, ready to embrace the quieter, cooler months.

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I Am Learning How To Balance My Ambition

Written on August 10, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday, I set out to run 10 kilometers. However, it quickly became apparent that my legs hadn’t fully recovered from my previous run—they were sore and heavy. Despite my initial ambition, I realized that pushing through might not be the wisest decision, so I reluctantly cut the run short at 5 kilometers.

As I reflected on this decision, my wife shared a cautionary tale from her past. Years ago, when she was younger and just as driven, she ignored the early warning signs of soreness in her legs and kept running. Unfortunately, this led to stress fractures that sidelined her for several weeks. She emphasized the importance of listening to our bodies, no matter how strong the desire to achieve a goal might be. Her experience is a powerful reminder that ambition, if not balanced with self-care, can sometimes lead to setbacks.

Balancing my goals with my physical limitations has always been a challenge. There’s a fine line between pushing myself to improve and pushing myself too far. At times, it feels frustrating, especially when I see my progress over the past year. Thanks to my running app, I’ve been able to track my distances and pace, and I’ve seen significant improvement. Even when I complete a 10-kilometer run, my times are much better than last year. This progress motivates me to keep going but also comes with a price.

I’ve noticed that my recovery time has become longer, which I suspect is partly due to my limited protein intake. While a typical adult consumes about 1/1000 of their body weight in protein, I can only manage a little over half of that. This has made it challenging to fully recover from muscle soreness, even though I’ve figured out how to manage my weight and prevent muscle loss. Recovery remains an ongoing struggle.

Despite these challenges, I’m trying to focus on the positives. I’m proud of how hard I work and how much I’ve improved despite my difficulties. My wife often reminds me that I’m resilient, even though I get tired more easily and have trouble recovering. She understands my struggles and supports my determination to reach my goals.

Ultimately, I’ve decided to embrace a more balanced perspective. It’s okay if I can’t always run 10 kilometers due to physical limitations. The muscle soreness I’m experiencing is a sign that I’m pushing myself toward my goals, and that’s something to be proud of. Most importantly, I continue moving forward and never give up, even when the journey gets tough.

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This Is How I Maintained My Weight With Renal Restrictions

Written on August 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve recently developed a new habit that’s become a key part of my daily routine: eating two small pastry bites before my morning run and four while mowing the lawn. This might seem like a quirky ritual, but for someone like me, living with chronic kidney disease, it’s actually a carefully considered strategy. My condition requires me to follow a highly controlled diet, which means that many of the foods others enjoy freely are off-limits or need to be consumed in minimal quantities. For example, I have to be extremely cautious with my protein, cheese, and chocolate intake—three things I used to enjoy but now have to ration carefully.

But those are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other foods that I need to monitor closely, especially when it comes to salt. Salt is a concern because it’s hidden in many everyday items, like bread. Many of the bread on store shelves contain far more salt than my kidneys can safely handle, so I’ve had to say goodbye to many of my old favorites.

When we first discovered my kidney disease, it was a wake-up call that prompted significant changes in our household. Dining out, for example, became a rare occasion—something we now do no more than once a week, if at all. We also became much more vigilant about what we bring into our kitchen. Spice mixes, which often contain hidden salt, are a perfect example. My wife began making our spice blends and sauces from scratch each weekend to avoid this. This way, we can ensure that everything we eat is within my dietary guidelines. While this may sound like a lot of work, we ease into it gradually, making it feel like a natural part of our lifestyle rather than a burden.

Summer, of course, brings its own challenges, particularly with the added task of lawn care. Because of my dietary restrictions, I used to rely on small, plant-based protein bars to keep my energy up during these activities. My doctor assured me these were safe in moderation, but I might have overdone it. I soon realized that I needed to cut back on them, which led to a new problem: maintaining my weight. My weight tends to hover between 145 and 155 pounds, and according to my smart scale, I have more muscle than the average person my age, thanks to regular exercise. However, with so little body fat, any drop in weight likely means I’m losing muscle, which isn’t ideal.

To tackle this issue, my wife turned to the DaVita website, a resource we’ve trusted since my time on peritoneal dialysis. DaVita specializes in kidney care and offers a wealth of kidney-friendly recipes. We found some great ideas there and decided to start making small muffins or pastry bites. These are perfect for my needs because they’re made in small portions, which means that eating a few won’t cause my blood sugar to spike, especially when I’m active. The pastry bites are filled with jam that my wife makes herself, using fresh fruit from the farmer’s market and just a touch of sugar. Store-bought jams are often too sweet for us, so this homemade version is a better fit.

Since I started incorporating these pastry bites into my diet, my weight has stabilized, and I’m no longer worried about muscle loss. I may need to adjust this routine when the lawn mowing season ends, but for now, eating two pastry bites before my run and four.

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Challenges We Found Out by Living by the Beautiful Stream

Written August 8, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Living in Nashville has unique perks and challenges, especially when you have a home like ours. Nestled close to a small stream and surrounded by a dense forest, our house offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. The forest is thick enough that we can’t even see the houses on the other side, which gives us a sense of seclusion and privacy that we truly cherish. We love the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere our location provides, but, as with all good things, there’s a trade-off—one that comes in the form of insects.

When you live in a place like Nashville, known for its hot and humid summers, you can expect insects to be part of the package, especially when your home is close to a stream. Our backyard is a haven for various bugs—fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, and other critters that seem to thrive in this environment. While we enjoy the natural surroundings, these uninvited guests can be quite a nuisance.

To manage the insect problem, we’ve enlisted the help of a pest control service. Our pest control service provider covers termites and other pests around our house, ensuring our home is protected. However, no pest control can completely rid our backyard of insects nor should that be the goal. There’s always going to be something buzzing around. Plus, I’m not entirely comfortable with spreading too many chemicals around, especially considering the potential impact on the environment and our health.

During our first summer in Nashville, my wife reached her limit with the insects. She’s always been diligent about yard work, including lawn mowing, but the bugs made it unbearable. She started using insect repellent religiously before stepping outside, ensuring she was fully protected. As soon as she returned indoors, she would immediately wash her clothes to avoid bringing ticks into the house. This routine became even more critical since we had a cat at the time, and the last thing we wanted was to expose our furry friend to any pests.

As for me, I’ve had a more on-and-off relationship with insect repellent. Before heading out to mow the lawn this morning, I finally remembered to spray myself down. I’ve used repellent but hadn’t noticed a significant difference in the number of bug bites, so I got lax about it. However, just last week, I found myself covered in mosquito bites, which prompted me to give the repellent another shot. This time, I was pleasantly surprised to see a noticeable bit reduction. Sometimes, it seems it takes a little persistence to find what works best.

Living near the stream and forest has its challenges, especially with insects. Still, the beauty and serenity of our surroundings make it all worthwhile. With some preparation and proper precautions, we can continue enjoying our little paradise in Nashville despite the bugs.

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We Got a New Book To Learn How To Write

Written August 7, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today, my wife received a book she had eagerly ordered, and the excitement on her face was unmistakable as soon as I handed it to her. The book in question is Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, a highly regarded guide in storytelling. She’s been diligently studying how to craft a compelling narrative, dreaming of publishing her own novel one day. This book is another step in her journey toward that goal.

Save The Cat! isn’t just any book on writing; it’s known for offering a structured approach to storytelling that has proven successful across different media. While it doesn’t provide a cookie-cutter formula that fits every novel, it does offer a framework that can be adapted to various genres. We discovered that some Japanese manga companies encourage their authors to adopt a similar structured style. This approach makes it easier to adapt their stories into other formats, like dramas, movies, or anime. The idea of writing with such flexibility in mind is something my wife finds particularly fascinating as she considers how her future work could transcend traditional formats.

In addition to exploring Save The Cat!, my wife and I often find ourselves engrossed in the ‘Writing Excuses’ podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson and a group of other talented authors. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the craft of writing, and it’s where we first started deepening our understanding of storytelling. We’re both huge fans of Brandon Sanderson’s books, which is what initially drew us to the podcast. The episodes are rich with practical advice, lively discussions, and expert opinions on various aspects of writing—from character development to world-building.

For my wife, the podcast has become more than just a source of inspiration. She sees it as a vital tool for learning not just how to write but also how to read critically. Although her primary focus is on nonfiction, the podcast has helped her analyze the books she reads with a more discerning eye. This analytical approach is something she applies to her own writing, using the lessons learned from fiction to enhance her nonfiction work.

I’m particularly intrigued by Save The Cat! because it presents a clear and practical structure for creating engaging stories. The method Snyder outlines has been used successfully by countless writers, not just in novels but in screenplays and other forms of storytelling. As someone who also aspires to write a book one day, I believe this resource could be instrumental in helping us both achieve our writing goals.

In our shared journey toward becoming published authors, every tool and piece of advice we gather brings us closer to realizing our dreams. Save The Cat! feels like a significant addition to our writer’s toolkit, and I’m excited to see how it will influence our work in the future.

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How Small Changes To Make My Daily Routine Better

Written August 2, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced some new routines into my daily life, including running and lawn mowing. While these activities are refreshing and beneficial, they’ve also presented challenges, particularly in maintaining my schedule. I’ve found it difficult to complete my tasks as smoothly as I would like, and it’s made me reflect on how we often need to make adjustments when we introduce something new into our lives. When you’re trying something unfamiliar, it’s common to tweak your routine multiple times before it feels right and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Without these adjustments, there’s a risk of falling into a pattern of making excuses to avoid specific tasks, especially the more daunting ones. Eventually, you might stop doing them altogether.

In my case, I’ve been trying to juggle multiple responsibilities—on top of my new running and mowing schedule; I still want to keep up with my regular chores, like laundry and vacuuming the house. It’s a balancing act, and I’ve noticed that when I try to pack too much into a single day, I get exhausted relatively quickly. The summer heat in Nashville only intensifies this fatigue, making it even harder to stay on top of everything. I realized that if I didn’t find a way to manage my time and energy better, I might start dropping some of these activities, which I didn’t want to happen.

After some trial and error, I discovered that the key to improving my routines—running, kombucha bottling, or laundry—was to start earlier. This simple change has made a significant difference. For example, I’ve started bottling kombucha and doing laundry a day earlier than I used to. Additionally, I’ve begun running and lawn mowing several hours earlier in the day. These adjustments have been surprisingly effective.

I implemented my new laundry plan this week, and it’s been a success. Instead of doing all the laundry in one go, I’ve split the tasks across two days. I tackle some of the laundry on Thursday and finish the rest on Friday. This change has had a positive ripple effect on my running routine. I’m not as exhausted as I used to be, so I have more energy left for my runs later in the day. In fact, I beat my target pace while running this morning—a small victory that felt incredibly rewarding. It’s incredible how a few simple tweaks can lead to such noticeable improvements in multiple areas of life.

From this experience, I’ve learned that starting tasks earlier not only helps me get them done more efficiently but also reduces the mental burden of having to begin them in the first place. There’s something liberating about knowing that I’ve already checked off a significant part of my to-do list by the time the day is in full swing. It’s one less thing to worry about, and that peace of mind is invaluable.

Looking forward, when I think about new routines or habits I want to develop, I’ll keep this lesson in mind: start earlier than necessary. This approach not only sets me up for success but also opens the door to further improvements down the line. While I might find opportunities to refine these routines in the future, for now, I’m satisfied with the progress I’ve made. It’s a good reminder that the most minor changes can sometimes have the most significant impact.

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More Water To Keep My Kidney Healthy

Written July 30, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Since my last doctor’s appointment, I’ve become increasingly vigilant about my water intake. The results from my lab tests were a wake-up call, confirming that I was more dehydrated than I should have been. This realization has prompted me to take hydration more seriously, especially considering my compromised kidneys. Proper hydration is crucial for everyone, but it’s even more vital in my case. I’ve made significant changes to my daily routine to ensure I get enough water, particularly during the sweltering summer months when dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.

Living in Nashville, I’m no stranger to hot and humid weather. However, the past few weeks have brought an unusually intense wave of heat and humidity, making daily activities more challenging, especially those outdoors. The weather here has worsened, with temperatures soaring and the air thick with moisture. In response, I’ve had to rethink my outdoor schedule entirely. I’ve started getting up earlier to complete tasks like gardening before the heat becomes unbearable. Even at 7 A.M., stepping outside feels uncomfortable. Still, it’s far better than the near-torturous conditions that develop as the day progresses.

One of the most noticeable changes I’ve made is how I manage my water intake throughout the day. In the past, I might have taken hydration for granted. Still, I’m acutely aware of how much water I need, especially when working outside. Initially, keeping up with my increased water consumption was straightforward. However, as I began drinking more to cope with the heat, I nearly ran out of our water supply. Fortunately, our delivery arrived just in time to replenish our stock, avoiding what could have been a very uncomfortable situation.

Recognizing that our water consumption had increased significantly, we increased our delivery order to three bottles, totaling 15 U.S. gallons. This adjustment has been necessary, as my partner and I have been drinking more water than usual. It’s no surprise, given the oppressive heat. Still, it also made me realize how much I underestimated my hydration needs. Looking back, I can see that I wasn’t drinking nearly enough water, a mistake I can’t afford to make again, especially with my health condition.

This experience has underscored the importance of staying hydrated, particularly in extreme weather. It’s easy to overlook something as simple as drinking enough water, but it’s crucial for maintaining overall health. 

In the future, I plan to continue diligently monitoring my water intake, adjusting as needed depending on the weather and my activity levels. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, ensuring I stay healthy and hydrated no matter how hot it gets outside.

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I Just Realized We Live in A Humid Place

Written July 29, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Since my brain stroke, I’ve found that my skin has become highly sensitive to changes in external temperature, making my comfort zone much narrower than it used to be. It’s not unusual for me to start the day feeling chilly, only to overheat a few hours later. The unpredictable weather in Nashville certainly doesn’t make things easier. Here, the temperature can swing wildly within a short span of time, sometimes fluctuating from 68°F (20°C) to 95°F (35°C) in just a half day.

Nashville’s summer weather can be particularly challenging due to the humidity. High humidity can make it feel up to 10°F (5.5°C) warmer than it actually is, which can be pretty uncomfortable. I typically associate humidity with heat, so it confuses my body when the weather is cool but still humid. The sensation of moisture, when it’s not actually hot, leaves me feeling disoriented and uncomfortable, and I often blame the humidity for how off I think. It’s an odd experience when the air feels thick and damp, yet the temperature is relatively mild.

According to USA.com, the average humidity in Nashville is 70.16%. Having grown up in Indiana, where the moisture is quite similar, I should be accustomed to it. However, I’ve been spoiled by the drier climate of the western U.S., where we’ve lived for several years. Summers out west are usually dry, with far less humidity, so my body has adapted to that weather. Now, I struggle to adjust back to a more humid environment.

I’ve never been particularly fond of humidity; this sensitivity has only heightened since my stroke. On days like today, the moisture still makes it uncomfortable despite the cool weather. However, I’m learning to cope with it. This morning, I woke up a little earlier than my alarm, feeling surprisingly clear-headed and more energized than usual. Despite the humidity, I felt good about my day and decided to go for a run.

I was pleased to find that my pace was better than expected, even beating my target time. Moments like these give me hope and motivate me to keep pushing forward. My goal is to improve my speed steadily and achieve a running pace faster than 10 minutes per kilometer by the end of the year. On days when I can overcome the discomfort of the weather and still perform well, I am confident that I can reach that goal.