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by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

DID you ever feel like you wanted to “throat punch” someone when they talk or “babble” meaningless bullshit? Their voices sound like they are talking against a “fan blade” turning warp speed! Did you ever feel like The Lone Ranger riding into the sunset after you saved some “damsel” from a runaway wagon with 2 barrels of water on it? Do you feel TRAPPED again as you lay in the grass looking up at the clouds drifting across the sky?

Do you? Do you?

As I sit on a beanbag here today eating “Cheerios” out of it’s box on the floor, my brain, is at warp speed processing the news of the new wave of COVID-19 that seems to be creeping across the territory.

I close my eyes, swallow my cheerios, and wonder! I dream, I see people, big people, little people, kids, adults, old farts and mama’s, little puppy dogs following behind. Some had backpacks on, some were fast walking, most did not look up or from side-to-side. They seemed lost, out of their “nest” as they quickly avoided each other. You could not see if they had a smile on their face. Their eyes had a different look than before.

Again, I fell into the TRAP, the dream seemed so real…I can feel my pulse increase, my anger well’s up, I RIPPED the MASK off my face so I could breathe, talk and smile. These simple pleasures can and do disappear so fast and leave you helpless.

YOU know what? I was the slayer of that ancient TIGER chasing me! I took charge, I had the chance and option of moving out of state. I did it in order to survive with my freedoms I lost. I moved back to where I grew up. Old friends became new friends again. I was closer to family. I fit right in to a new “tribe”. I can sit next to a stranger and eat an Outlaw Cheeseburger and drink a Bud Light. I can watch “cows” being auctioned off on a bar TV…YOU read that right! You can choose noon food specials each day of the week and it’s good! Friday night’s menu leaves your belly full, as folks come from near and far to enjoy not only the social “tribe” but also the good food.

Stress, fear, anxiety and cabin fever seem not to exist. There is a “balance” of old and new. I go to church each Sunday to strengthen my faith in the good Lord. After church a bunch of us go to the Schoolhouse Cafe for Sunday bunch…they always have mashed potatoes and gravy, 2 kinds of meat, veggie, coffee, Jell-O and sweet salads! Most often, on the way there my uncle and I cruise the countryside on the way, looking at crops, used trucks and their prices, cattle in the hay fields. We find our talk to be good and cheap, local and national. We have opinions. We do not have to think about “throat punching” each other, or others we talk to!

Amazing huh!!

The morning sunrises and sunsets are a beauty to behold. A camera does not do justice to what the human eye sees! The small town grocery store shopping parking lot does not feel like a freeway of life, the grocery store lanes have a 1 mph speed limit so you have time to say “hi” and “talk” to folks. Their is toilet paper on the shelf, a candy table with 10 for $10 stuff on it, sweet tooth haven!

I packed a “BACKPACK” of this new life. I took charge. I throat punched that “old” new normal past, turned by back to the mouthy bullshit of seemly garbage and opinions. I made even better lifestyle changes! I packed up my Mini Cooper with 3 pair of Levi’s, a lot of T’s, a couple dress shirts, and my Levi jacket. I headed straight to the Old West where gunslingers pack a rifle in their pickup, cowboys go after range cattle on horses, wild horses do exist and of course, maybe, I can find the love of my life!

I more than realize that not all people can move, but as I, I realize that you and I can control how our response becomes our reaction to life situations. MOSTLY, we can “throat punch” our reactions to keep our own “balance”. I know it helps me through the fear, stress and anxiety. I can hug a lady, a friend, shake a hand, talk to my brother or sister and even run through the house “naked” with the window shades up so I can start a rumor! That can put a smile on your face…it is the simple things I do that can calm the “inner circle” of my soul. The MAD fades away!

What do you think? Can you do this? so what if you slip and slide, life is not perfect. You can get “cold” in the winter running around naked in your house, besides my coffee gets cold too! The glass of milk gets warm sitting on the counter. The dishwater bubbles pop. At least I am not chained to my recliner…I can balance life…I DO IT!

Stay in the present, the past is past, the future is just that, the future! I still practice safe finger washing, wear a mask when I have to, take it off when I can. REMEMBER, you are in control!!!!!

Thought for the day: “BACKPACK IT”

Later John

by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

HUH….Someone say COFFEE is ready!!!!!!

COFFEE, first off, I have to say it tastes damn good this morning.

My feet hit the floor, one eye half open, the other glued shut yet, head half cocked, hands out in front of me feeling the way to the kitchen in the dark. The one eye is open all the way, the other half way. I round the corner into the kitchen, awwwwwww, the COFFEE pot looks damn good, I grab a filter, COFFEE and do get it scooped in without the lose of any coffee on the counter. Cold water poured in, the switch turned on. Drip, drip, drip, I watch the COFFEE with 2 eyes as it slowly fills…I count the drops, 6,252 drips fill the COFFEE to the top, 12 cups plus and 4 drips extra!!! I have gone to heaven, my cup is full, my hand shakes as the first taste of COFFEE nears my lips. The smell of fresh coffee, the taste of this hot brewed liquid drips down my throat…this must be HEAVEN!!

I just “grin” from ear to ear. One cup, 2 cups, 3 cups straight up…who “says” a cup of JOE is no good?? Who says I drink to much coffee. I ask, “does a chicken have lips?” I answer “NO”, so there you go, issue solved.

Now that coffee has entered the body I can honestly say I do not know how many drips fill a pot of coffee, but it sure sounded good and tastes good toooooo.

COFFEE is good for you, you know. It is one of the world’s most popular beverage. 80% of us indulge, consume, slam, toss down, sip and enjoy a cup or cups of caffeine every day. It is grown in many countries, and comes in endless flavors, strengths and varieties. ALL coffee is not the same, so research it, I did, find the best of the best that you like.

I drink Organic, Fair Trade USA coffee. For me, the taste is far better than the “trailer queen” coffee from the “TIN” off the shelf in the store. Did you know that conventionally farmed coffee beans are often sprayed with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Not only is not good for you, it sure changes the “flavor” of the coffee.

Personally, I mix my coffee brands. No formula, but I mix light, medium and dark roast which gives me a great balanced smell and taste when it brews. I enjoy the little bit of this, a little bit of that…for me, it’s fun to experiment and enjoy the flavor I create.

Many say and like to have you believe that drinking coffee is bad for you. Research does show otherwise. COFFEE in moderation can and is beneficial to your body, skin and brain.

To be honest, my moderation is a little different than most. I drink COFFEE b4 the sun rounds the corner and can have a cup or two about the time it turns the corner to shine on the other side of the world.

Studies and research as proven that coffee gives us a wealth of Antioxidants. You know that fruits and veggies do the same, but coffee does it well to, so do enjoy that JOE!!

I like this part, COFFEE keeps our brains healthy and active for a long time. The University of Miami and South Florida found that high levels of caffeine can actually delay the onset of brain fog, memory loss found in folks over the age of 65. I’m not saying it does not prevent it, but does reduce the risk. HUH…what did I say??? Just playing with what you read!!

Coffee can help reduce stress, makes you feel happier and another good thing found out I like, COFFEE can make you more intelligent. John Hopkins University found that drinking coffee causes your brain to work more efficiently…this results in a “smarter” me and you. I can be a “smart ass” and I like that!!

My attention span is better, my reaction time is quicker, my logical reasoning is fast and the vigilance of watching COFFEE brew is at it’s peak. I believe that coffee can make me smarter!! So, “drink coffee or a cup of JOE” as I say, it’s good for you.

Since I am so “smart” now, one may ask, How Much Coffee Should You Drink? The best answer I can give is that it depends on your anxiety, jitters, and insomnia. My portion control is different than yours. The Mayo Clinic says that adults can safely enjoy up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily. That is about four (4) cups of the average brew, again, some have more caffeine and some have less. SEE how smart I am, I only gave you the facts, you have to decide on your own how much coffee is enough for you…have fun!!

MANY of my friends call me a “lush” and of course I just smile back, toast them with a cup of Joe with a twinkle in my eye. I do not guzzle, cept maybe the first cup or so…then I do enjoy the rest I drink.

Attitude of the day: Keep that twinkly in ur eye, makes people wonder!!

Later… John

by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

As sure as the sun rises in the morning somewhere, it also sets each night somewhere. Last night, as usual, I stripped my clothes off, jumped in bed and pulled the covers up to my neck. I felt the warmth of my sheets and bed spread take over my body. All the emotional highs and lows of the day passed away into never never land.

This morning I woke up again, refreshed and ready for the new day. This morning was different. In the crisp am temp, I jumped out of bed clothed in the warm feeling the sheets left over my body from the night’s sleep, I quickly ran to the kitchen, made a pot of coffee, ran and jumped back into bed, pulled the yet warm covers up to my head, to enjoy the isolation and solitude it offered me. I robbed this JOY, connected to it, the warmth, the security and the retreat in time, b4 my day begins with a new fresh cup of coffee.

NO! This is not a sexy story. Sorry!!

The world outside my door, so far today, does not exist yet, I have CONTROL of myself. I’m positive, joyful in my MINDSET for the day. I dressed, I had a fresh cup of coffee in my hand. I opened the patio doors, sat and enjoyed the birds in song, enjoying sips of coffee as I smiled and listened to the sounds of the morning sunrise.

This is my way, one of many, in how I deal with the best moments of my life. I take the little things and surround my mind with them. Even though, right now today, my world, as yours may be, is in troubled times, this pandemic has taken over most of the world trying to strip us of our joy! Just as I am affected, you are to, in the many profound and very real ways.

I like to create my “joy” around me, to hold it. I make time to have about five people in my life who I can contact, call and visit with, even have a beer with (at home). For me, it is mandatory. I, most often, run from negative people, TV, news and such, as that can be a REAL BATTLE at times!! I use a skill I learned when talking to people or on the phone…with people, I put my HAND up and say “talk to the hand”, which shuts them up or tones it down. On the phone, again, if it gets to neg, I will say “talk to the hand”. It usually saves me from dropping into the peak of a LOW neg. Sometimes, I also get that “frown” on folks that makes me smile!!

I find the little things, the joy that helps me create my mindset to help offset the pandemic in suffering and pain…because this pandemic is the nature of the beast. Death, isolation, fear, facing the unknown and grief and loss will strip me of my small joys and could lead to depression if I kept swimming in the NEG’S all the time.

I know this pandemic is real, I am not throwing it under the “bus” saying it won’t affect me, because it does, it does all of us. So, in keeping the truth of of it in mind, I know it will PASS and will benefit me…showing me how I coped with it and will in the future.

My happiness is based on myself and will not be dictated by my circumstances in life. This way I know I will keep a consistent basis in my joy of life. Things I have experienced in life ended without any extra effort (at times MORE) on my part, and then there is the new SHIT that happens. I have been into things “mentality” and have put forth a HELL of a lot of EFFORT to make a BAD go away.

RIGHT NOW, in my share in this blog…LIFE is far less about what happens to me than it is how I react to it. I feel I am more in charge of how I feel. The routine of happiness getting to my head and failure to my heart does not kick my ASS so much. Call it a “mindset” or call it “being mature”, most of all call it “what it is”. NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING in life is permanent. Bottom line.

As sure as the sun rises in the morning somewhere it also sets each night somewhere. Some things in life you can control, somethings in life you can not. Be WISE!!!

Thought: Can you control STRIPPED and NAKED!!

Later: John

by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

PACK A “BACKPACK” and run like hell…the “DARK HOLE” could get deep!!!

Stress, fear, anxiety, cabin fever goes after all of us as we get “locked down” in our own homes. We are told not to leave. You pull the shades, crank up the TV, get depressed, stressed and realize we all are handling life on our own, or YOU JUST RUN!!!

This past year I have had my own set of challenges, stress, scared where the next dollar will come to help with costs. NOW, I have COVID-19 to deal with. It is frightening. Will I get it, will I survive, how sick will I be. I had to give up my part time job to stay home. I talk to my friends and family, only to realize that each know of or know those who have to work from home, home-school their kids, wonder if they have enough toilet paper, and the list goes on.

I am afraid, just as you may be…I keep going. I got lost. I was standing at the edge of that “DARK HOLE”. I stocked up on food, filled my car with gas, had my “BACKPACK” ready!! I was going to another state where it was safe!! Funny thing, the COVID-19 map got bigger and bigger, my options fell into the “DARK HOLE”. My toes were hanging over the edge, I kept my balance, I stepped back. At this moment I realized I was amazingly resilient and cycling back up to reality.

How was that possible. how did it happen? My body took over, managed it and I let my body move me through the fear and stress. The initial danger is over, I am not dead, I do not have COVID-19. I reduced a great % of risk by staying home…that ancient TIGER is not chasing me, like it did a THOUSANDS of years ago against first mankind. I ran to safety, I hung onto my life by moving forward and avoided the TRAP of spiraling downward.

It was easy for me to get stuck in the stress cycle…today, in our world, stress hangs out in our lives, it does not go away like the tiger (of old) did. Stress is not good and we can not always keep it from happening. I can help my outdated stress response system see an END to the stress cycle. I showed myself that I am safe in this moment. I am breathing ok. I am here. I have internet access. I am writing this blog. The sun was shining today. The birds were chirping. I talked on the phone with my kids. i walked down to my neighbors and visited. I cleaned and waxed my car over the last two days. I got my bike ready to ride.

In the early mornings with my coffee I sit in prayer with the good Lord and talk to Him. Such a peace and joy I have in that. I also have movement in that, my Kettle-bell work outs and routines keep me physically active and strong. Through this my body gets rid of my stress and I get to stay in some kind of shape, which is part of my overall BADASS Health!!

I slip and slide, go back and forth. I know it is not about the exercise, it is about what I need. I need to get off my phone, get away from the TV, close the computer and get off my ass. I feel like I am doing something again, being human!! I am taking care of me, moving from a recliner to getting things done, I even wash dishes BY HAND!!

RIGHT NOW…you are still reading this. This means you are safe and OK in the present moment. Stress is still out there, but this made you think, as it did me. I move through my stress cycles by “doing” I shake it off. I am safe now in the present moment also. I will keep it going…I can!!!

Thought for the day: TRAPPED!!! FIGHT through it.

Later: John

by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

HOW I STAY CALM AND CENTERED

COVID-19 is making its way into major cities, suburbs, small towns across the U.S. With many folks it can become increasingly hard to remain calm and not panic in some way or form.

Some, a lot of, the crazy parts of the over hyped reporting pushes fear and anxiety. I sat on my ass and got crazy inside and focused solely on what is happening with our world outside. I listened to many stupid people on how this is wrong, this is right, it should have been done this way or that. I even quit work, sat on my ass more, listened to all the news I could. I ended up focused and figured I am old, and I am going to die. GUESS WHAT ???

I started watching “old time” TV, not that I watch a lot. I watch my fave’s like The Voice, History channel. I like Friends, Last Man Standing, Gunsmoke and so on. I read a lot.Most of all, I enjoy writing. One of greatest things that help is my spiritually and faith, it is very calming for me on a daily basis. The next best thing first and foremost I did, I got my updates and facts from reliable sources and then I put my focus on things I liked…on me!! I am a much better guy, much stronger and my “boots” fit better, so much better, now that I “KICKED ASS” on the MEDIA, the bullshit hype that wants folks like me to be in fear and anxiety. DAMN IT, that feels good!!

In part of this I realized I can avoid contact with people, wash my hands more carefully, keep six feet distance from people, drink beer by myself and fart all I want when I take a walk. I realized I have my own “mindfulness” back again. I can control my MEDIA, my information and still take the common precautions to prevent. I am also going back to work. I will face this right up front and besides, money helps pay the bills, ya think!!

As I have stated in previous blogs, by no means am I down-playing COVID-19 or any flu bug or anything else that people get. It is serious and I look at it that way, I do not want to get sick. i will go to the Doc ASAP just like everyone else.

I have found, for me, three things that really help to stay calm and centered in this time of panic or what you may call it. (1) I my keep my mindfulness more now of being focused on me instead of just sitting on my ASS. I stay active, yet being serious about COVID-19. (2) I looked, sought out creative outlets that changed my focus even more. It pulled me out of bullshit thinking. I like that. (3) I am giving back and helping others by blogging what I do. With my blogs, I hope that it helps others get the strength to help focus outside of the box. You and others may find different things to do, just do it…

Some thoughts on this, call someone you have not talked to in a while. a phone call can change a life. Post on Facebook good stuff about what you are doing to stay calm, as an example. Go for a walk and fart, just because you can. I must share this as it is funny….I am outside with my daughter (lives close to me) and she has her dog out also. I dropped a “SILENT ONE” and course Sadie smelled it as soon as it hit the air wave, she turned her nose up and moved away from me. We both laughed on that one!!

I can not do anything when it comes to curing or stopping the spread of COVID-19, but I can do things that reduce my panic and which will give me an overwhelming sense of calmness. I will take advantage of my (1) mindfulness (2) creative outlets (3) giving back to those who need it. In these three things I will be able to stay calm and centered, even now!!

Thought for the day: Stay Calm and Center Yourself

Later: John

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SLIDER AWARENESS

Today I have some non-sense takes on life in the virus lane. Again, I could be damned if I do this or damned if I do not. I do realize the serious side of things and most certainly have discovered some other side roads that happened, that shine brightly and give ya a head shake and smile as a reward!!

I am drinking the last cup of coffee from the first pot I have made today. I am crunching down Cinnamon Oat Granola. I have had an “EAR FULL” of most self-made experts, pencil neck pencil pushers who should have a stinky sock for a mouth plug, it would sound better!!

My nature is such that I have ventured out to several “big box” retailer’s who sell bulk products from the famous “TP” ass wipe to “I am a big boy now” pull up depends, diapers. Of course you have your bulk candies, granola bars and 40 pound bags of rice, and most certainly every thing else in-between. It is interesting watching people shop.

I also work “part time” as an exit person for a “big box” retailer. So, I have seen it all from folks just shopping for what they need and of course the “hoarder” who buys it all. It seems that for the hoarder, there is not to much planning, not much concern for budget, not much concern for others, and not much concern for health for that matter too.

I could write a book on the comments and my experience, I really could!! Two things come to light (1) first, a middle aged couple exited with 5 carts full of various products from donuts and ding-dongs to “crack in the box” cereal and many bags of chips. Meats consisted of hot dogs, hamburger patties. Healthy was not a choice, it seemed. (2) second, one dude come in for TP, did not find any, had a few items in his cart, laughing as he approached me for exit…then told me that he would eat less, that way he would not have to “shit” and wipe his ass. He was frustrated that people would hoard TP like that. I had to laugh with him on that one Then on the serious side of it, an a assisted living owner was concerned about finding enough to keep the folks he cared for with enough food and paper products. I did see him later in the week, I asked him how things were, he said it is working out, but it takes much more effort.

Slider awareness is my way of taking this all in on a day to day basis. I will slide into the next day with ease. I will drive to and shop in the small “mom and pop” stores as I need things. I can buy packages of 12 roll TP instead of the bulk package and only 1 or 2 at a time. I do not have to fight crowds of people who are rude, pushy and even steel from other’s carts when you are not looking. Stress level and “bitchy” are not the game. I like that. If needed, I could take paper towels and cut the roll in half or thirds and have TP, just saying. The other nice outcome of this is that I am supporting “local folks” in their business.

It really comes down to how I approach this. I realized for me it will be a change of shopping style, living, planning and how to budget as this “Corona-virus” has changed my lifestyle. I find that taking things for granted are not the same, people are not the same. I adjusted, I made changes promptly instead of feeling sorry because my way of doing things has changed. I keep it positive instead of looking for the “neg’s” in it.

As I tell myself, that besides washing my hands and avoiding people that are sick, I can still practice a shitload of immune-boosting and respiratory remedies to keep my body healthy and ME happy to make it through this corona-virus outbreak, and other viral outbreaks. This is real time stuff for me.

Thought for the day: Attitude can change outlooks.

Later. John

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THE HOT TOPIC

This is one of those topics that I am damned if I do and damned if I do not. This means that whatever I may write here can go either way. Folks are either over the hill with it or take it in stride.

I am 72 years old. I consider myself in pretty good health. I have a good immune system. I eat close to the earth, lots of veggies, fruit and eat pretty clean. No processed, breads, dairy and so forth. In saying that, I also realize that I could contract the Corona-virus.

My research revealed a statement from Mr, Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, he said, that about 4% of people who contract the Corona-virus die from it. To compare the mortality rate for SARS, it was closer to 9% or 10% and MER’s it was about 30% to 35%. I thought that comparison enlightening to a certain degree in that the mortality rate for Corona-virus seems less, at this point, as he stated.

I find a common thread of protection that has been around for decades. (1) wash your hands often with soap and water. (2) avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. (3) and of course avoid close contact with people who are sick.

I do those things alot. I think it is good advice and good practice. I usually do not get sick with the flu. I also am very proactive in keeping my immune system and support my respiratory system. I support my Lymphatic system. I consider BOTH to be like a “tree frog” and a “tree”. As a tree frog needs a tree to protect it, my immune and lymphatic systems are entwined and cannot function healthfully without each other.

Please know that I am not making light of the Corona-virus or any other flu that a person could contract. i just know that being proactive instead of stupid will help in giving a fighting chance against any bug,viruses and potentially bigger threats that exist. PLEASE, do not leave your doctor out of anything if you get sick, it is important. Thank you.

If i feel a tickle in my throat, or sniffle and or nothing at all, I always include these main foods in my food intake. (1) garlic. (2) Oregano, I take oregano oil in liquid form as drops on a regular basis. I feel it is very powerful in fighting stuff. (3) Thyme. (4) I also have a (equal amounts) mixture of Turmeric, ginger, garlic and black pepper I use as a sprinkle on my foods after it is dished up. (I will blog this later) This gives a great taste to my food and it is also as great FIGHTER in protecting my body.

Health wise I can put up a good fight against the flu, bugs, viruses, and (snickering) of course dumb ass people who always seem to know better. I remind myself daily, that eating donuts and ding-dongs or other CRAP does not help in my health in fighting disease. That is the way it works for me.

My advice, that besides washing your hands, or avoiding people who are sick, there is a bunch of immune-boosting remedies you can do to help the fight. I also believe that good sleep (8 hours) makes so much difference in keeping you healthy also.

Like I said, I will blog more. I walk the walk and I like to share that with others. Thank you.

Thought of the Day: Immune system health.

Later. John

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How I eat YOGURT…

It’s 1230 my time, (Central) and I am sitting here eating a bowl of YOGURT that I made up. In my mind I can picture someone saying “I’m not going to eat that shit” or some other descriptive language that is NEG as hell. Some folks will say it is good.

YOGURT…I read the label b4 I buy it. I like it to be Gluten Free, have Live and Active Cultures, Amino Acids and some Vitamin D in it. I get the stuff with the lowest Total Sugar, right around 6 grams of it (and no added FAKE sugar or flavors), Greek Yogurt fits all those things for me pretty well.

Right now, for you sugar junkies or YOGURT haters, on the “game” board of health. go past GO and do not collect 200 bucks, go straight to JAIL…it”s like GAME OVER!

This is what I do with my YOGURT! Today I spooned in about 3 healthy large spoons of YOGURT into a bowl. I sprinkled in about a 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon (to taste). I washed and cleaned about 12 seedless grapes and put them in the bowl. I washed and cleaned about 25 blueberries and put them in with my YOGURT. I used pure organic honey and squeezed a couple tablespoons or better (to taste) on top of it all. I used my spoon, mixed and blended it well. THEN ATE IT!!!!!

IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!! Spoon it in, add stuff you like, mix and stir it up, and EAT IT.

It has taste, it”s sweet, it satisfies my taste buds, my cravings and it is damn good for me health wise. So how simple is that? and it is natural…pretty awesome HUH??

I like using a variety of fruit from bananas to blackberries. I like honey. I have used 100% organic pure Maple Syrup. I have used granola, coconut flakes, unsalted nuts to put some crunch to it. With some of the berries and fruit you can mash them up first in the bowl b4 adding the YOGURT (better berry flavor with doing that).

Well folks, this my blog for today. Simple, to the point. I know I got a hell’v of a lot out this blog, cuz I ate my own creative snack, it was petty damn good! Go ahead, make one and find out.

Later, John

by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

The year 2020. I look past, I look forward. I see the next decade rolling in without a hitch. I do not see any dog and pony acts. I see young and old fat people riding carts in Wall Mart or a mall, I see super skinny people walking super fast in the same places. I see change in attitudes about health. I see labels on products going overboard about healthy this and that. Is that what the 20’s is going to be about?

I wonder if someone is trying to work on their personal goal of health…then I really wonder if they are going about it all wrong. THEN, what I see, I un-see it!!

I wonder if it is like a MOM trying to lose 150 lbs by going to kick boxing class. I wonder if it is DAD trying to lose 100 lbs by joining a softball team. I wonder if our senior folks are just giving up on a losing battle of life and saying “oh well”.

These are not “wonders” in a judgmental way, but “observations” as I go about my life of shopping, part time work, social stuff and conversations in noisy bars, or as I wait in line at the grocery store. Talk happens, shit happens, promises are made to self…and in it all, I saw myself, then the “WONDER” really slapped me in the ASS!!

BINGO…I thought and found myself proud of where I was at, but only fooling myself in that I was not the people I see, I thought I was above that…LOL!! What a dumb ass, I fooled myself, looked at myself, saw a bike’s FAT TIRE around my belly developing. I saw more “rocker” time being the life norm in my retirement. My lifestyle habits were sliding past normal for me into the world of being influenced by labels of “good processed health”, LMAO on this too!! You know what’s interesting? I spent parts of 2018, 2019 with a “hit and miss” on a portion of my health. I saw weight gains, eating styles and exercise habits change. I realized what I was doing, BUT, did nothing to really change back. I got in that attitude, thought I was still OK…it was like diving into the water and losing your “swim suit”. I lost my game on, I was naked!!

“GAME ON” Mid year 2019 my life around me changed. My sister got cancer, I moved to help take care of her alone with other family. She had major cancer and then major surgery…came through it, recovered and back to work after 5 weeks!!. Through the time of chemo and recovery I found a part time job, 32 hours a week.

Often, in lessons learned, I will tell you it’s like getting slapped on the ass…BUT this time, it was a major slap on the face. My sister in her cancer, her fighting for life and winning that fight, then going back to work… In that,I found “ME” taking care of me also. I knew I had to get back to WHERE I was at…that is what I am doing now, Not only do I love my sister, I also thank my sister for teaching me to “fight” for my health again, TO WIN!! I May slip again, but I also feel a much deeper strength in what I am doing. My game is on. I am lucky that the road back is not to long, I will not only be healthy, but also look good naked for an “old fart”…”GAME ON”

Thanks Sister, Love ya!!

Later. John

by jjohnsPosted on Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓

This summer I moved back to my house to tidy things up after a period of absence from “home”. This fall I turned 72 years young. In the span of summer to fall I found myself getting out of a routine of healthy eating on a scale of 60/40, BAD HUH!!

I was overcome, attacked and hacked by GOOD, QUICK, EMPTY foods, thirst quenching COORS LIGHT beer after yard work or catching up with friends…it all was at the alarming rate of BAD…the weight thingy…12 lbs jumped me, took advantage, hiding in my body at obvious, noticeable real places that make it hard to HIDE POUNDS as FAT CELLS love belly buttons, love handles and ASS!!

These yummy foods, cold beers, actually focused into the radar of my eye sight, these foods actually caressed my taste buds, these foods actually found a resting place right at the level of my belly button and around to my love handles each way…as I can not see my ASS, I must assume that a few FAT CELLS found a home there also!!

I thought I was active enough with yard work, I live on a acre …so from some splitting wood, stacking it, some house upgrades, cleaning garage, etc, I did not work out like I should…LIKE, I did none!!

For me, I have been slowly fighting my 34 inch Wrangler’s at my gut level… this is when I realized CYBER SECURITY attacked me, hacked my lifestyle!! The psych of TV adds, hot bikini gals drinking Blue mountain COORS Light, juicy burgers from Micky D’s, quick easy meals and adds from Perkins or someplace you can enjoy a great meal…and many more adds.

THEN, I thought I got my game on again, I feel good, I go grocery shopping, BOOM…I get hit again by the “layout” of the store, bright, colorful posters tell me what to buy, great sales, little food stands to sample new stuff. Before I knew it, my cart is full, $100 plus I figured and I have little or no fruit, veggies or greens or GOOD STUFF to prepare and cook…I told myself, next time I will buy GOOD STUFF to cook instead of “fast foods”….next time, next time and next time again, comes and go, same thing happens…I finally put the brakes on, I told myself, STOP IT JOHN!!!!

By no means, am I saying this is horror-able, I just fell into the psych of marketing, I easily let my guard down…I enjoyed the easy way out of eating, and now I have to SHAVE off those extra pounds.

I want my ASS back, I want my good energy back, I want to taste GOOD STUFF when I eat, I want to work out again. I did not lose all of that, but, I do want to be the BEST I can be HEALTH WISE!! Cyber Security, go to “HELL”, I will get back into my “game on” and get back to my 90/10 of lifestyle.

I do have to add this…I have been told this many times over the many years that my good HEALTHY lifestyles does not make a person live longer…so why pretend I will live longer by some “dumb ass” reasoning I have, or by what people throw at me to debunk my lifestyle changes.

I do not argue that I may live longer or not…but I stand my ground that I live HEALTHIER, I am still “med free” because my lifestyle changes may have prevented or changed the course of some disease or outcome like a heart attack, prostate issues, diabetics, depression or blood pressure. I speak only for myself, I am not a doctor, I know my body, I know my attitudes. I have my annual physicals and blood work, PSA’s and I come through “clean and mean”.

My present day LIFESTYLES may slip…but I always step it up again to maintain my overall health. I get to take that to the HEALTH BANK. For me, I work at keeping my “game on”, as that in its-self is my defense attitude lifestyle that I have to have, in order to attack the hacks of Cyber Security of marketing against my HEALTH…Game On, I say!!!

Later… John