Category: Brian’s Journey

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Tackling a Deck Cleaning in the Summer Heat

Written August 30, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday’s work still made me feel stiff this morning. I’m not precisely sore, but I am definitely drained. My wife and I are in the middle of a big home improvement project: repairing and staining our deck. We’ve been clearing out the weeds and debris around it for the past few days to prepare for the work ahead. Yesterday was the big task of power washing everything, and while we managed to get a lot done, it definitely took a toll on both of us.

We woke up early because my wife had rented the power washer and wanted to get started as soon as possible. She was worried about fitting everything into the car, but I wasn’t too concerned. We’ve got an 18-year-old Toyota Corolla that my wife absolutely loves. It’s needed a few repairs over the years, but it’s been surprisingly reliable. Despite its age, it’s still going strong. That said, my wife gets frustrated with its small size when carrying renovation supplies.

Yesterday was no exception. We had a list of things to buy before we could get started. In addition to renting the power washer, we needed a few jugs of deck cleaner and a new scrubbing brush. Our old one had broken, and we wanted to ensure we had everything on hand before starting. So, we headed over to Home Depot to grab the supplies. It was a bit of a tight fit, but we managed to cram the rented power washer and all the supplies into our little coupe.

Once we got home, the real work began. My wife rented the power washer for nearly the entire day and was determined to make the most of it. Not only did we clean the deck, but we also tackled the siding and the driveway. It was a long day, made even more challenging by the weather. The temperature hit over 100°F, and even though we managed to finish before the full heat of the afternoon set in, it was still scorching and humid.

The chemicals in the deck cleaner didn’t help either. My wife felt sick from the fumes, becoming dizzy and queasy as we worked. We powered through it, though, and managed to get everything done. By the end of the day, the deck, siding, and driveway were all sparkling clean. Despite the exhaustion and discomfort, seeing the progress we had made was satisfying.

Our next project will be repairing the deck stairs, which were damaged a while back when we had a tree removed. We didn’t get as early of a start as we had hoped, thanks to my alarm being set later than planned, but we still accomplished our main goal of cleaning everything. The deck is now prepped and ready for the next phase: staining. However, we’ll need to wait until the temperatures drop before we tackle that. In this heat, staining the deck wouldn’t be ideal.

We’re relieved to have completed the hardest part of the job. There’s still more work to be done, but at least we’ve made a solid start. Home improvement projects can be tiring, but they’re always worth it.

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Lawn Care, Falling Leaves, and Easy Fall Chores

Written 8/27/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As autumn slowly arrives in Nashville, I can feel the subtle shift in the air and see signs of the season’s change. The once rapidly growing grass has largely ceased its energetic push toward the sky, and the cooler weather has made everything feel a bit more relaxed. With the recent lack of rainfall, the trees have already started shedding their leaves earlier than expected. It’s a sight that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the landscape, with dried leaves decorating the ground and the lawn no longer demanding as much attention.

The lack of rain and the cooler temperatures have significantly prevented the lawn from its usual growth spurt. That’s why I decided to skip mowing for the first time in months. The grass didn’t look eager to grow, and with the season transitioning, it felt like a good time to pause. However, if you know Nashville’s weather, you know it’s unpredictable. While it might feel like the mowing season is over, there’s always the chance that a warm front will come through, pushing the grass into a final burst of growth before winter sets in. I’ll have to keep monitoring it over the next few weeks, reassessing as I go to see if the lawn needs one last cut or if we can officially retire the mower for the year.

Mowing the lawn has been a key part of my summer routine, but other outdoor chores take center stage as the season changes. The fallen leaves are already creating a patchwork carpet across the yard. As they pile up, they’ll need to be dealt with before they get wet and decompose, making them even more challenging to clear away. Leaf removal is a task that only intensifies as autumn progresses, and I’ll have my hands full before long.

Meanwhile, my wife has taken the initiative to tidy up around the house by tackling the wedding on the weekends. Weeding is another job that tends to escalate this time of year, so I’ll likely join her efforts this week to help ensure everything stays in shape.

We’re bracing for temperatures to spike again, with forecasts predicting highs over 100°F (38°C) on Thursday and Friday. My wife isn’t thrilled about the heatwave. Still, she’s already set on tackling another big project—power washing the siding, deck, and driveway. It’s a daunting task in such extreme weather, but it will be rewarding to have everything looking fresh and clean as we move into fall.

With the changing season comes new challenges and responsibilities, but it’s all part of maintaining our home as we welcome autumn in Nashville.

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Taking a Break and Tackling Big Weekend Projects

Written August 25, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today is my official rest day. While there are always daily chores, I avoid running or tackling yard work on Sundays unless something urgent arises. This week has been incredibly taxing, with extra home maintenance tasks leaving my legs sore. I hope a day of rest and some much-needed stretching will help me recover and feel refreshed for the coming week.

My wife, meanwhile, uses Sundays to organize her upcoming week. She has her to-do list workbooks and plans everything down to the smallest detail. I’m not quite as meticulous, but I like to lay out my tasks and schedule for the week. Everything goes into my Google Calendar, so I can easily access it on my phone. It’s my way of staying organized without feeling too bogged down by every minor task.

We have some exciting plans for next weekend. We’ll head to my mother’s house to celebrate our niece’s birthday. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her, as the last few weekends have been packed with obligations, and we haven’t visited since July. My wife is especially eager to see everyone again. In addition to the celebration, we’re also preparing to begin a much-needed deck repair. This project will take several days to complete.

The deck stairs need significant work. They were built into a tree we recently cut down, which had grown so tall and close to the house that we were worried the roots would damage our foundation. Unfortunately, the roots have already affected the brick pathway leading to the stairs before cutting the tree. I’ve put off this repair for the year, but now it can’t be delayed any longer. My wife insists we do the repairs correctly this time. I’m still puzzled by why anyone would build a brick path over a root system, but it must have been done when the house was built over 30 years ago. We’re still debating whether to handle the deck repairs ourselves or hire professionals since we don’t have the proper tools.

This year, we’re at least committed to sanding and staining the deck and cleaning, sanding, and repainting our deck furniture. I’m looking forward to having the space functional again. Once the deck is ready, we can use the grill and maybe even expand the garden around it—a healing garden, as my wife envisions. While maintaining a house can be a lot of work, the effort always feels rewarding.

As I look ahead to this week, I’m adjusting my schedule to account for two big maintenance days on Thursday and Friday. Then we have the birthday party on Saturday. My wife, ever the planner, will also review our August expenses and tweak the budget for the rest of the year. At least this will be the long weekend. For now, I’m just hoping this leg soreness goes away soon!

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It Is So Important To Find Balance Exercise and Health

Written August 24, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I woke up to a familiar but unwelcome sensation—muscle pain. My glutes were exceptionally sore, and I quickly connected the discomfort to yesterday’s yard work. Squatting down repeatedly to pull weeds around the front yard was more of a workout than anticipated. While yard work isn’t typically considered exercise, it was enough to challenge my muscles, and the soreness is a clear sign. However, I like to think of it as a two-for-one deal—I got rid of the weeds and gained some strength along the way.

One of the challenges I face due to my kidney condition is managing my protein intake. Unlike the average healthy male, who can consume about 10% of their weight in protein, I’m restricted to a much lower amount. Protein plays a crucial role in muscle repair, and this limitation can make my recovery slower than I’d prefer. Given my active lifestyle, I know my muscles won’t heal as quickly as they would. Still, I try to strike a balance between staying fit and managing my health restrictions.

Saturdays are typically my day for a 10k run. It’s become a personal ritual I look forward to each week. I especially enjoy seeing my neighbors working on their lawns in the early hours, trying to beat the summer heat. Something is calming about watching them tend to their yards while I’m out for a run. However, today’s run was far from relaxing. The soreness in my muscles made running more difficult. After a few kilometers, I decided to cut the run short. Instead of my usual 10k, I settled for 5k. While it’s not my ideal distance, I felt it was the right decision given the circumstances.

My wife, who also runs, takes a more flexible approach to her training. She adjusts her pace and distance based on how she feels but ensures she gets at least 20 minutes of running, even when she feels off. Her struggles are the opposite of mine—she deals with low heart rate and blood pressure, which can leave her feeling sluggish if she doesn’t get her morning exercise. Though she doesn’t have the same dietary restrictions I do, she’s diligent about counting her calories. I guess everyone has their health challenges to manage.

I’m reasonably satisfied as long as I can get one solid 10k run each month. These runs are essential for building my speed, and I don’t want to miss too many. With some rest, I hope my muscles will heal soon to return to my usual routine.

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Planning Ahead Is A Key To Complete

Written August 23, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

About two months ago, my wife proposed a few yard projects we need to do this year. Some projects can depend on temperature or seasons so that they can be tricky. For example, she insisted that we do deck staining this year. My wife planned to do this sometime this summer. 

My wife usually plans projects for at least several months to eliminate any obstacles to completing a project ahead of time. Her problem is that she needs more time since she is busy. 

Deck staining demands many external conditions, which we need to watch for. She told me the deck must be stained when the temperature is 50F to 90F without rain for at least 24 hours. That eliminated substantial summer days. The ideal temperature would be Spring. However, we got a lot of rain in Nashville in the spring, so she did not want to do this project in the spring. So, we have between September and October to do this project.

There is something we can do ahead of time. For example, we can clean our deck beforehand so that the deck will be easy to sand and stain. 

My wife combined two projects at once. One was to clean the siding of our house and the deck. She wanted to rent a power washer from a nearby Home Depot so we could do both simultaneously. She took a day off this Friday, Thursday, and Friday of the upcoming week. The following week is a long weekend, so it would be the perfect time for a project like cleaning and washing.

After my run, we did some yard work to prepare for winter and the upcoming projects we have been forming. Today, we wanted to remove any weeds or extra trees that may interrupt our side or deck washing. 

Afterward, we got some delicious gyro plates from a nearby restaurant. I also completed my daily chores: bottled kombucha, did laundry, and put it away. So I called, and today was our successful day.

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Navigating Knee Pain: A Journey of Discovery and Adjustment

Written August 20, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Knee pain is something I never thought I’d be dealing with again—yet here I am. Over the past few days, my right knee has been aching, bringing back memories of a time when this pain was all too familiar. Back in elementary school, I experienced similar discomfort, which was casually dismissed as growing pains. At the time, I didn’t question it much. The pain was mild and sporadic, nothing that seemed worth worrying about. It was just a minor nuisance in the grand scheme of childhood.

Fast forward almost two decades, and I’ve uncovered the real reason behind that persistent pain. This discovery came about most unexpectedly. Ten years ago, I had a stroke, a life-altering event that sent me on a journey through the healthcare system, meeting specialists of all kinds. The stroke itself was a shocking and challenging experience, but what followed was a deep dive into understanding how interconnected our bodies indeed are.

In the months following the stroke, I worked closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including a physiatrist—a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. During these sessions, the issue with my knee came back into focus. My physiotherapist noticed something peculiar about the way I walk. With each step, I tend to extend my right leg more than my left, creating an asymmetrical gait. The source of this pain wasn’t just a harmless quirk but a clue to a deeper issue.

The physiatrist explained that the source of my knee pain was an imbalance in my muscle strength. Specifically, my quadriceps—the muscles on the front of my thigh—are significantly more potent than my gluteal muscles in the buttocks. This disproportionate strength pulls on my femur and the thigh bone, leading to undue stress on the knee joint. Over time, this stress caused a small bony nodule to form on the front of my knee, the very thing that had been causing me pain all those years ago.

This revelation was both enlightening and frustrating. On one hand, it was a relief to understand the root cause of my pain finally. On the other hand, realizing that this issue had likely been present for most of my life—and had gone unaddressed—was disheartening. The knowledge that the pain was linked to something as fundamental as muscle balance made me realize how important it is to maintain a well-rounded approach to physical health.

Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this kind of problem. The damage is done, and I can do little to reverse it entirely. However, I’m not powerless. By incorporating specific exercises into my routine, I can manage the pain and prevent it from worsening. Stretching my quadriceps and strengthening my glutes have become priorities in my workout regimen. These changes won’t just alleviate the pain in my knee; they’ll also contribute to my overall physical well-being.

Adjusting my exercise routine is a small price to pay for long-term health. The experience has reminded me of the importance of paying attention to our bodies’ signals, no matter how subtle they may seem. As I move forward, I’m committed to staying vigilant about my physical health, making the necessary adjustments to keep my body balanced and strong.

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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.