Jude Stringfellow's Blog, page 77

Fitness Update - Changes - Challenges.

 The Spring Fitness of 2022 has turned into a HOT one as Oklahoma has seen temperatures flirting with triple digits for two weeks and it's only May 19. We had a 92 degrees day in the middle of April! I'm not a fan, let me tell you -- I've probably already said that. I need a t-shirt that says "Not a Fan" with a big fat smiling Sun right in the middle of an Oklahoma wheat field or something. Just not fun at all.  Here, we have four seasons: hot, cold, storm, and football.  I like football. 

    I decided in August 2020 to change my life style and to change the way I see and eat food. I didn't do the Noom method, but I understand it. Their basic philosophy is that food is your friend and it can be your enemy if it's used or taken wrong. It's a good method, but I don't need the motivation that perhaps others seek. I saw myself and became really disappointed that I couldn't move and function the way I wanted to. I couldn't ride my horse the way I used to, and that was enough to set me on the mission to lose enough weight to do that; which happened, but I'm not finished with me yet.

    It's been nearly two years since that August morning when I set my mind to making things happen. There's no turning back when I do that. I am my own motivator. I am my own gladiator. I make myself listen to me even if no one else decides to do so. I have kept all of the weight off that I initially lost from August 2020 to February 2021, which was about 42 pounds. I still have about 30 more pounds to go, and I've decided to call them POINTS rather than pounds because my body need something to aim for, something to work with.  Pounds are pounds and they'll come off with the right amount of exercise and good diet. I haven't been as diligent as I need to be, so I still have those same 30 pounds just sitting right where they were 15 months ago (in the middle). That must change.

    One of the challenges with me has been my knees. I won't say it's been my age because age is a number, but my injured knee is an injured knee.  I was a gymnast, then a barrel racer, and then I walked and climbed a bunch, and after that I got old, but the knee has been bashed around, knocked around, slammed and just put through it. I have another knee on the left side that didn't seem to be as abused as the right one. I have no idea how that happened, but it did. Both knees, if you can believe it, are the same age, but one is older than the other in terms of working correctly. This is something that needs to be remedied and not by having the good knee go bad - - nope! It's time my muscles put in a few more work outs to support said bad knee. This is where the points come into play.

    We all know that to lose a solid pound of fat from a body, that body has to have a deficiency of 3500 calories and it doesn't matter if it happens in a day, a week, or a month, the deficiency is about points and numbers, not time.  If I work on the calorie intake and the exercise to have a calorie output, I will create the needed deficiency to earn a point!  One point = on pound obviously. This is a better method for my brain than trying or hoping to drop inches and pounds. I'll know I've dropped enough when I can't wear my shorts because they fall off and I need to order smaller t-shirts from Tee Public!

It's the same dance and it's the same song, but I'm willing to spice it up a bit using a more head-in-the-game technique. I will meet my personal goals and this is how I will do it. 

8 hours of sleep12,000+ steps 5 days a week1500 calories intake100+ ounces of waterlimited sugar / carbs (by limited I mean LIMITED)Battle Rope 3x a weekWeight training 3x a weekVibration plate 15 minutes EVERY DAY with weightsBox 2x a weekThe calorie intake may seem light for some, but it's not. You can pack a lot of low calorie foods into a good meal if you plan it. Red meat is a no-go really, but I think tonight I have taco salads planned. I can start the no-red meat thing tomorrow. I can do eggs over meat anyway, and I can eat a heck of a lot more grapes than I do trail mix. I was really into that great and so very awesome trail mix, but yeah it's higher in calories and I don't need that. Grapes have a bunch too, but it's a better type of calorie -- did you know they had degrees? Truth.    
    There you go - - for the most part it's the same thing as before but with a bit of organization and accountability to myself. I owe it to me to be the best I can be. I am the only one I'm going to get! Walking is the only real exercise I can do that my knee won't protest.  It doesn't like me boxing, jumping rope, jogging or climbing.  The pool will open soon enough and that will be a daily thing. I don't swim, I run in place and try to make as many waves as I can. I'm a wave maker.  By this time in August, just two years from the day I decided to make it happen, I should be really close to the goal. I may not hit the full 30 by then, as it's only 10 weeks away, but I can give it my best! I can see to it that I keep my goals in place and work toward them.  Who needs a social life, right? I'm good.

Hydrate!  (It's Oklahoma baby, HYDRATE!)

Photo Credit: All American Swim

Song Bird.

 The Bee Gees have always and forever been my favorite musical group. Don't even try to persuade me otherwise; don't think I'll even pay a tittle of attention. No one, absolutely NO ONE can do what they do to my soul with their voices. It is what it is, and it will always be.  Oh wait, that last statement may have to change. I have found another voice that creates a fire in my heart and stirs every cell of my being. At least I know that both he and the Bee Gees will stir my cells eternally! Both "The Boys" and this man are saved by the Grace of our Almighty God through the blood and power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is gonna be good! Bring it God, let's see the moment of transfiguration please, and thank you! 

    The Bee Gees wrote a song long ago, and it was recorded on their "Main Course" album, another record breaking and amazing feat for the band.  It was released in 1975, a good five years before the man I mention was even born, but God knew. God knew there would be a day when the words of their fair song would run the course it has through my blood and bring me to post those words in hope(s) that the singer I pray for it not only willing to hear them, but willing to listen to them as well.  The two actions are not always the same. We hear, but we do not always receive the message. I pray he does. Here are those words written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb; "Songbird"

"Go on with your song, bird, you can't go wrong bird
You will go on and on, bird, like you did before
Though your wings are broken the sky is so wide open
And the wind is waiting for you like an open door

Though you go so far away, your voice will still be heard so well
You'll never really ever know how beautiful you are
When the moon is on the rise I'll try to make my songbird fly
I wonder if he ever will, and if he really did, how far"
Life has an amazing way of changing us and challenging us when we least expect it. For some of us, we think the world is in sync with our every plan, only to be cast to the ground alone and even ridiculed by those promising to forever love and cherish us. Perhaps we have even been the one to throw stones first at others. We have evil in our hearts from the day we are conceived, but by the wonderous power of God, we also have the ability to love instead.     Many fall and when they fall they bounce immediately. I'm a bouncer. I can take a greater load than most, and I've proven my abilities to resound (often quite vocally) but many are not this way, and they both internalize the pain given to them as well as their own pain of suffering through anxiety and depression. "How could I be so stupid" they ask? The question may very well be "How can I have been so trusting" or "How could I have not seen their intentions towards me?" The facts are not always clear but the brutality of the hate and hurt is quite clear; crystal in fact.
    My songbird? He's been hurt and though he's strong and has a passion for Christ equal to no one I've met in person, he is suffering a hurt that is deeper than words and its current runs constantly in his soul; an under tide pulling him away from his own spirit of beauty. My prayer today is simply this; that he will hear the words from the Brothers Gibb, and that he will openly understand that though he is scarred, his wings broken, his song softened and his heart laid heavy by what he believed was "forever", that he will know that Christ is in fact eternal and the pain he feels today can be laid at the feet our our Savior, whose arms are open widely to hold and to mend. "Go on with your song bird, you can't go wrong bird. You will go on and on bird, like you did before." (even better)
    Time moves and time heals. Memories fade. Blood is washed away. Tears dry up, and believe it or not, beauty comes from chaos - ask the Thistle! I will say this, and I know he will at least be told, "You never know how beautiful you are", but we do. We do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xCLvLAIxLg

Photo Credit: Beyond Imagination

Training and Learning.

 You've heard people say "That person is on the Spectrum" as if the Spectrum was an amusement park ride or something. It's almost as if they are saying it (sometimes) as if the person has a problem that can't be addressed with reason or training.  Guess what folks, we are ALL on the Spectrum.  That's sort of why it's called the Spectrum. We are all on separate points if you will, at various levels, points, scores, scales, whatever you want to call it, each and every last one of us make up the actual Spectrum.  It's just that some people with special needs are called out for having been placed on it, while those of us who are considered "normal" or "healthy otherwise" are patted on the back and told how superior we must be because of our ability to function. Shame on us if we ever do that! 

    Once, I was obligated by morals and ethics to point this point out to a person who was training me on my position. Sweet as she was, she was behind the gun herself in terms of what is contractually obligated for her to produce for the company. Training me or anyone else, for that matter, takes time away; valuable time, and she needed to regain it as quickly as possible. I do understand, but if she wanted me to do the best job possible she needed to understand that we are not all created equally, no matter what our forefathers may have told us.  Each of us is a learner and we learn in various varied ways.  Some of us are readers and we think, and some are doers and we do. Some of us do both, need both, have to have both, and then we have to see it again, create images of it, and so forth. No one is saying any one way is better, but it did seem to irritate my trainer that I wasn't as quick to pick up the reasoning and understanding of certain tasks.

    One of the ways I tried to assist with her understanding of training me was remind her that I am also a teacher, a trainer, and that from all the (many)  years I've had students under my charge, I can guarantee you that not one of them was exactly like the other; that goes for twins too! No one is the same. I also reminded her that each of us takes in to consideration the scope and essence of an idea and we roll it around in our brains, even toying with it, before we make decisions about it to the point of cognitive reasoning. I challenged her to Google it since she's of the ilk that likes to gauge everything by what can be found on a search engine.  Go ahead. I know I'm right, Google that!

    I asked my trainer this question; tell me if you agree.  I asked her, "Have you ever played football?"  She said she had. I asked her if she had ever run the plays as directed or if she just took off running hoping no one would catch her and drag her to the ground. She assured me she listened to the coach. I said  "OK, I'm listening to you. Are you going to hand me the ball and point or are you going to explain things to me and show me the obstacles in my way? Do you want me to make the play or lose ground?" She got my point.  You don't do something once and then say it's been discussed so do it. You don't say "We recorded it so you could go back and watch the recording" because the recording was 1:37 hours long and I wouldn't know exactly where that one small point was in the recording. I could spend 30 minutes looking for a 15 second clip. It's best all around to just tell me again - - no skin off anyone's teeth, and it brings a bond between us. I appreciate her, she understands that I trust her enough to ask.

    Because we are all different, I wanted to also show her that in my personal experience, once I have something down, I have it down. I still remember the cheers I wrote in the 7th grade for myself and other girls. I remember the moves, I remember the cadence. It's in my brain.  In the 3rd grade I learned a song for all 50 states in alphabetical order (you're singing it now aren't you?) and I remember it. It will never leave me. Once I learn it, it is learned. This was the main reason I became upset with her when she changed the training to reflect a new or different way of recording information. I had learned it already and the new way would all but eliminate the old way, making it impossible for me to get it out of my head! Sort of like when the judge tells the jury to disregard that last statement - - not happening. I will never not remember the way I was trained and now I have to paint over the old and hopefully it won't bleed through at the wrong time.

    We are all on the Spectrum, and every day, 100 times a day, our emotions or composure can change us to the point that those scores change a bit -- it's fluid in a way.  We need to recognize that others are in the middle of emotional battles every day, and not everyone is "sane" or "normal" all of the time. Many of us face issues so personal that we don't bring them to the surface at work but they are there. It could be loneliness, homelessness, addiction, abuse from a loved one, maybe someone we love is dying, it could be anything -- stress, anxiety, just hunger. Anything can trigger the scores to move a bit, and to shut off our learning cells long enough for us to record the information incorrectly in our minds, or even skip instructions if we are feeling overwhelmed. We'll still say everything is fine so we don't lose our jobs, or we don't upset the applecart, but the truth is we need a break!

    I count my blessings, which is a great way to reassure myself that all is going to be just fine. If I lose a job and get depressed over it, I know that God will find me another one, and I'll be OK soon enough. I can't waste my soul worrying over things I can't control. I can control my breathing most of the time, so when I get upset I try to breathe. This often makes things quiet for a minute and the other person has the opportunity to ask if everything is OK.  I don't know about you, but I am usually pretty honest, and I tell them no, it's NOT OK. I'm overwhelmed and need to stop for a minute, take a mental note, take a break, walk around, get my thoughts gathered, and come back to it when I'm able to forge ahead.  We all need that -- I wish more educators, parents, employers, even friends understood that.  We can't be the same as the next guy - - we are THIS guy!  It is supposed to be this way. It was designed to be this way. We were asked and even commanded to be patient and to to help and encourage. There's is not ONE verse in our Holy Scriptures that say to be rude, uncaring, forceful or overbearing. Quite the opposite. We are to love, cherish, care for, and be willing to help.

    It is written, so let it be done! Be kind to others. You really just don't know what is going on with them. This is Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9-15 2022)  Be thoughtful as you think  about what you can do for yourself and others. It really really really does matter both in the long run and in the immediate.

Photo Credit:  Nature.com

    

RANT: Old Apartment Complex Woes

 I admit it, I've been slacking off for about a 100 years when it comes to paying attention to my surroundings. I was more or less content with where I have been living because I lived here, and I didn't pay that much attention to the world(s) around me. I didn't think about what it could be like to live in a better or nice place because I was just more or less comfortable with my home and the area it is situated in; why rock the boat? Well, today, after going apartment hunting, I am willing and prepared to set the pencil to paper and draw out the pros and cons of living where I am living and the pros and cons about where I will be moving. Albeit, I don't have an exact location, but I can still do the this vs. that thing(s) because they are all about the same. I'll make sure to point out the various differences between the various new complexes as well.  Here we go.

    I usually start out with a list of what I call "Things I Won't Miss" and then I go through the actual Pro/Con list.  I use bullet points and such, so let's see if I can do that here on the blog as well.

THINGS I WILL NOT MISS ABOUT THE OLD COMPLEX:

Lazy maintenance personnel who simply won't get work orders completed.Putting in work orders and waiting weeks before they are even acknowledged.A manager who though she is really kind, and nice, has been allowing really bad people in the complex and those of us who have been here for years have to remind her of the actual leasing rights of existing tenants and how she is NOT allowed to move people into our complex with criminal records or if they don't have regular work or on pensionsGoose poop all over the sidewalks People who don't pick up their dog's poop on the grass and the sidewalks.The dirty leasing office with torn up furniture and the TV blasting.The washing machines and dryers that won't work properly.Appliances that don't work properly and won't be repaired or replaced.The ugly old torn up counters and cabinets in the kitchen.Doors that are old, off track or hanging to allow wind to come in and A/C to leave.The maintenance men using our hallways for their makeshift storage (from time to time)Storage closets without locks and anyone can steal our things (and they have)Lawns that aren't kept up and when someone mows they leave the grass loose.No sink disposals.No washers and dryers in the units.No fitness center.No covered parking.Landlord allowing others to park in our assigned parking spots.Several gates on patios are broken and/or replaced with wooden cheap gates.Outside windows, doors, eases, and framework falling apart and not repaired properly.Water spigots that don't work. The pool not being opened until THEY decide it needs to be. (Last year it was July)Old carpet that should have been replaced when we moved in 7 years ago, but it wasn't.Closet rod hanging down and I can't fix it, but they used a piece of twine to fix it rather than doing it correctly. Sure, it works, it holds my clothes, but it's not done correctly, and that's very typical of these apartments.The fireplace hasn't been swept in 3 years so I can't use it.Old satellite dishes that are just hanging out that don't work and need to be pitched.They allowed the electric company to literally PAINT arrows on the sidewalks without making them remove the paint 3 years on now. We've had to put up with striped sidewalks when it could have been done differently.Leaning patio brick walls that were not set correctly, and could hurt people. There are only two, but they need to be fixed.Allowing tenants to hang their clothes out (I know that sounds petty, but it's annoying and it's an eye sore. We're not in Scotland. I understand it's acceptable there, but it is NOT acceptable here and it makes the entire complex seem cheap and lowly. I really do understand that people may prefer to hang their clothes, but they can do so after dark and take their laundry in before 8:00 a.m.Allowing dogs and tenants to make noise after 10 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. which are the LEGAL quiet hours of our city.  Even the trash collector comes at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday and we've complained about it for years. They have an option to have him come at 6:00 a.m. but they get a $15.00 cheaper rate if he comes early, so they do it.  NOT thrilled.Lately we've seen homeless people hanging out and needles on the premises. We're supposed to have a level of security and they were also supposed to have a security patrol, but that went away several years ago.  Maintenance won't even pick up the trash left behind! We have to do so, and it doesn't do us any good to complain about it. We're told it's not their job...really? Whose job exactly would it be?The maintenance painted big Xs on the parking lot to let folks know that guests can park there, but no one knows what that means so we look like morons with big Xs painted on the parking lots. Other places have neat little stenciled painted words like GUEST or the number of our units so that others don't park where they are not supposed to park. Such a simple fix.Trash in the pond....not every day, and not a tremendous amount, but it's there and they don't clean it out. If one our great tenants didn't do it, it would not be done.    No doorbell!  The complex removed or doorbells and now we have no idea when our friends are downstairs or if the mailman needs a signature. We've had packages refused due to it.Being locked out of my unit (4 apartments in one building) because another tenant is anal about locking the front door even when he can see me standing outside with my dog.
OK that about covers the things I won't miss.  I mean, there are things that the complex can't control such as airplane noise, hospital traffic, sirens since we live near a hospital, and things like that. I won't miss those either, but everything else could be taken care of by the complex.  And now for the list of things I will be getting when I move.
THINGS I WILL GAIN WHEN I MOVE THAT I DON'T HAVE NOW:
Heavy metal doors with actual bolt locks.A patio with a gate that is appealing to look at and I won't get splinters from it.Washer and Dryer IN MY UNITA fully function and operational fitness center with up to date equipment.A tanning bed if I wanted to use it, but I probably won't.New carpet, new tile, new vinyl, new brick entry, new new new.New appliances.Walk in closet.A shower that doesn't go cold or hot randomly.Central A/C that actually works.French doors.Security patrol from 6P-6A and 24/7 security on-call that is only minutes away.Anonymous complaint hot-line to report noises and/or things you don't want to have to deal with and that is in the contract that you don't have to deal with it.CLEAN areas and CLEAN pool areas and CLEAN dumpster areasThe dumpster pick up is after 8:00 a.m. and twice a week not just once.Dog park.Coffee in the leasing office and a clean leasing office!ONLINE accounts we can use to pay our rent.Renters insurance included in the rent.ONLY cable is allowed, no stupid broken dish satellites. Grills outside for cooking.COVERED parking and assigned parking.Guest parking areas clearly marked.Big open spaces and new windows.Fireplaces that are swept yearly in some units.Locked storage units outside.Clean and nicely lit pathways to walk (some complexes)One complex is literally next to a beautiful park with soccer fields and playground equipment that is really up to date and nice for families. One complex has a pizza delivery call at 6P and 7P and you can get on the list and go to the office to pick up the pizza so the guys don't have to try and locate the units or run up and down the stairs to deliver.  They give a $2 discount if you use that service! Great idea.Friendly and professional leasing agents that aren't lounging around daring you to tell them to work. I mean, I love my people, but enough is enough. They've become far too comfortable to the point of not doing anything we ask.So basically, I'm looking forward to moving to a new place with new appliances, new flooring and cabinets. I'm also looking forward to a clean place that doesn't allow anyone to move in without having full time employment or they are on a pension and are able to pay the expensive rents and deposits. I prefer having older people about, but I understand the management wanting only those who will be able to keep up with the expenses so they're not asking people on fixed incomes to leave if they can't pay the rents. There are retirement places and cheaper places where others can live. I wouldn't want my elderly mom to have to pay the amounts that are being charged. They charge these amounts to keep the complexes safe and free of those who can't otherwise pay.  I think it's a two-edged sword but they do agree to keep the place(s) clean, safe, nice, and up to date. That costs money.    
    Most of the new places have more units than the complex I live in now and they are owned by corporations not privately owned. They have to abide by the Tenant / Landlord Act or be sued. The complex I am in now doesn't bother with such things and like I said, they nearly dare tenants to push the envelope, and if they insist they can find themselves out on the street when their lease is up; which is wrong. These apartments have 2 years waiting periods because they are cheaper and because they don't ask a lot of questions. They don't do background checks and they don't run a credit report. I think it is time I stepped up to a place where I can not only feel more secure, (I don't feel unsafe now) but also a place where I know that every tenant has been vetted.  
    
    It will be different, but it will be nice. I know when the storms come and I don't have to move my car to the parking garage to be away from  hail that will be nice. I know that when I put in a maintenance order online it will be received and given a number and I can track it! I know that when I pay my account I don't have to write a check or run to the bank to get cash and then buy a money order because the manager didn't want to deposit checks for a freaking month! I think things have been really good here for a very long time but they've become overgrown, familiar and comfortable. It's time to shake it up and get what I pay for -- which I guess now I get what I pay for, and that's the problem. I don't pay much!  It may sting a bit, but the benefits outweigh the setbacks. That's for sure. June is coming. 
Photo Credit: Just Grilling Outdoor Living

Apartment Hunting.

 I've decided to stay in Oklahoma City rather than moving to Edinburgh, Scotland, but I will travel there at least once a year and I wouldn't put it past me to have an extended stay of over 30-60 days when I do. I've been through it a 1000 different ways, and though I love the thought of trekking through the moors and being one with the land of Heather, I really think I'll be better off staying put where I am from, where my live people are, and where I can get in my car when I want to and drive to Braum's to get ice cream. If you don't know the joy of that last one, you may not be from this part of the world! The pull of Braum's is strong; very strong.

    Having made the decision to do this, I have been working very diligently at finding the right place to call my home. I'm not going to buy a house in this market, and houses (for the most part) come with lawns and I don't garden. I don't mow, I don't plant, I don't maintain, I really don't even sit outside and enjoy the windchimes for more than 15 minutes, so a patio will be just fine. I know that sounds so first-world of me, but it's true. I don't have the least bit of interest in keeping the green stuff growing in my gardens, nor do I give a damn if the flowers came up when they were supposed to do so. I will have potted plants and I will bring them in and out so they can enjoy the sun! I'm a good plant owner. 

    My dog Ginger and I take two and three mile walks every day, well, most days, and she's OK with not having more than just a patio as well. When I had a yard and I put her and George outside to bask in the sun, she was always at the back door whining to come in after a few minutes. George (Dachshund) was content to stay out, but not Ginger. Since George has gone on to greener yards in Heaven, and Ginger and I are two older gals hanging out together, we're good with the patio living and the nice clean complex trails and by ways.  I've found a few good choices and now I just have to put the pencil to it. I draw out the Pro/Con lists and go over them over and over and over again before dragging my daughters and my best friends into the decision making process. Believe it or not I do give a damn if they like my place.

    I've lived in this complex for so long that I have really overlooked the fact that nicer places exist. I had lost my mind a few times when I went hunting before only to decide to stay in the unit I'm in now, but now I'm making a clean break from the kid, and I want better things for myself. I want real maintenance, I want new carpet, new tile, new cabinets, new appliances, new windows, doors, and even new toilets! I want it all to be fresh and new, so that's where I'm looking, and that's where I'll end up eventually.  Some of the prices are dreadful! Let me tell you, I was smacked up side the head today when they showed me what it costs these days to live in a place that keeps the commons in tact, has a fitness center with working equipment, has a security patrol, and in one case an Olympic sized pool! I knew that particular complex was there, I'd been to it a few times and visited friends, but now I'm thinking of renting there - - GREAT patios with brick encased walls over 7' tall and wrought iron gates! Fancy!

    Where I am now the water, sewage, trash, pest control, and would be security is included in the rent. This is NOT the case these days. The apartments complexes charge an arm and a leg for rent, then the pet deposits grab your throat and tear it out. I'm shocked and dumbfounded by what they get away with, but there we all are, paying the price they ask because we aren't about to live without our dogs and cats! It's not going to happen.  When all is said and done I'll end up paying 3x what I pay now, but then again I'm breaking out on my own and forcing Laura to do the same. She'll just pay 2x as much since she'll be taking over what I pay here. I, on the other hand, am paying for new new new things, and a washer and dryer in the unit -- haven't had that in 7 years!  I'm paying for covered parking, a fitness center, a pool that is kept up, gardens and walk ways that are kept up, a security patrol unit and quiet hours from 10p-6a with zero tolerance for parties and noise disruptions. I'm paying for a better location where the complex runs both a criminal background and a credit check to be sure all tenants are on the up and up. I'm paying for the security and safety of a complex that won't accept you if you don't have a bank account, a full time job, and can prove it. That's not something I have now, but it is something I'm appreciating more and more.

    One of the biggest differences between my new place (whichever one I pick) and my old place is age of the units themselves.  My complex was built in 1970 and my kitchen cabinets are original. I'd say the carpet is too, but I would be exaggerating, it's 10-12 years old, and my complex refuses to change it. I'm leaving. I don't have to worry about it. My appliances are broken down, they won't replace them. I am OK with that too, I'm leaving.  Right now when you walk around you see a bit of trash and goose poop on the sidewalks -- not at the new places. They encourage the tenants to let them know if they need to clear areas or do a bit of cleaning. There's actually boxes or slots where you leave a note to let them know, or you can go online and make a formal request for the maintenance to do a bit of clearing! I love that!! (I mean, if you're paying those prices, you should get something for it). The fitness centers are all very up to date and accessible 24/7 with a key fob. I will use it every stinking day!

    It's time. I know it will be really expensive, and the units are actually smaller than what I have now because newer places are smaller, but the ceilings are higher, the closet spaces are larger, there are patios and storage on those patios, and covered parking. I'm pretty happy. I think I'm going to be looking forward to spoiling myself a bit - - and like I said, I can jump in my car and travel a mile or so down the road (in any direction) and find a Braum's so I can get about 1/3 of my grocery needs as well as the best made ice cream in the world - - my opinion.  I can also jump in the car and see my two best friends who wouldn't be available in Scotland -- the one thing that made me REALLY happy about one of the units I looked at is that it actually has a washing (and drying) machine in the kitchen! Woot! That can at least remind me of the place my heart would rather be even if my mind knows what's best for me.

I think I'll move in June.

Photo Credit: Halken Mason Photography

Stephen Went Boom Boom!

 So, if you know me, you know that I try to mind my own business! There I was, in my car (Stephen) just stopped at the red light because that's what I do; I stop at red lights.  While stopped I was looking at the vehicle just in front of me, the one that decided to try and make it through the yellow light before it turns red. I was even thinking to myself, "If they just stop it would be so much better on everyone. Yellow means slow down, not speed up and try to make it!"  Well, just as I was thinking that I heard the unmistakable sound of tires screaming to a halt -- behind me! Then, you guessed it, BAM! Apparently the man behind me was hoping all of us would be going through the now very very red light. NOPE.  Poor little Stephen took a smack right in his backside; and hard!

    My daughter is forever saying that people who drive Dodge trucks are just asshats. They tend to run red lights, turn corners on two wheels, high-tail it out of parking lots without giving a damn if a kid or a dog is crossing in front of them. There's just something about the mentality (she says) about Dodge truck drivers. Well, turns out she was right this time!  Not only did this guy have a Dodge Truck (Ram 1500) it was older, the grill was completely missing, the front panels had been replaced, the hood had another color than the side panels; this truck had been in at least a few bang ups before this one. The guy driving it was what my daughter would call a very typical "A-Type Man without a brain", again, her words. I would say he was a less than attentive driver who felt that texting while driving was his way of multi-tasking and it didn't work out for him this time. It could have been really bad; thank God it wasn't.

    My insurance mind kicked into overdrive, and without speaking even a single word to the man I exited my car safely, walked around to the back of my car, took photos, took his photo, took photos of his tag and called 9-1-1.  As I'm reporting the incident to the dispatcher the man decides to call  out to me and say I didn't need to take his photo, he wasn't a criminal, he just hit me, he's not going to lie and say he didn't. That's good news. The thing is, I don't know him. I have never met him. He could be a murderer escaping the scene of that crime and got nervous and hit me; we just don't know. I decided to continue my conversation with the 9-1-1 dispatcher and I decided to describe not only the two vehicles but the man as well. I even told Dispatch what was printed on his t-shirt. I thought that would make him happy enough to back away and stop trying to talk with me.  He was basically saying we didn't need to call the cops. Too late! I'm on the phone with them, and yes, I wanted him to be ticketed. He was on the phone while driving, he hit me, he caused damage, he needs a ticket -- and if he didn't have insurance I wanted him arrested right then and there.

    The Dispatch asked me to pull to the nearest parking lot so I did. I didn't tell the man what I was doing, I just got in my car and slowly pulled around the corner. I figured he can either follow me or he can leave. He knew I had taken photos; he followed me.  He didn't try to talk to me after that, he just sat in his car and I stood outside mine. Yes, before you ask, I had my knife on me until I saw the cop car rounding the corner, then I put it back in my car.  No need in dragging that into the conversation. I had it if I needed it, I didn't need it, I put it away. I was also on the phone with Laura because as many of you know, my daughter Laura is a superhero and could be with me in an instant if called upon to do so! LOL.  Today is also her 33rd birthday, so she was really happy her mom didn't die today.

    The cop was super nice! He got out of his car and walked over to me first. He pulled out a card and began taking my information and side of things. He took my license, I showed him my GEICO ID card on my phone.  He then did the same for the Dodge driver.  In a minute or so the cop (Officer Terry) stepped from his unit and gave me a piece of paper with the case number and told me the good news was that Mr. Dodge Driver and I both had GEICO insurance.  Albeit that his was only liability, that's all I need!  I'm really hoping it all goes really easy and fast. I don't want to drag this out really. It's bad enough I had a flat just two days ago in Stephen and now this! Poor baby car!  I was literally on my way to get the donut removed from the back passenger side and replaced with a new tire, when this happened.  The Discount Tire Center was happy to hold my appointment for me! Great guys.

    The back of my car is a bit crunched. I've had my adjusters license for a minute, so I'm putting the damage estimate at about $3000-3500, and hoping I can just get the check and be done with it. I was actually thinking of selling the car anyway, so maybe I could just trade it in with the $3000 and get a new car.  I could also keep the money and trade with it, make more money and pay off this car or buy a new one. I don't think I'll use it to pay the mechanics to fix the car because I can turn the money into new/more money which will ultimately make me happier because I can say I turned a bad thing into a good thing, and that's always fun.  I won't gamble the money of course, I'm a trader with rules. If I can take $3000 and make another $3000-5000 from the trades I think that's a better way to handle the situation. Why give the mechanics all the money? I can earn more, fix the car, and maybe sell it as is. I'm just glad I wasn't injured!  I do have a headache and I took some Tylenol as soon as I could. I was going to walk today, but think I'll rest. I may even soak an extra 10-15 minutes tonight just because I can!

    God was really great to me today; I want to take a minute to thank Him and let Him know I truly appreciate the lessons I learned. I've been guilty of picking up my phone when I'm driving too. I only use it at stop lights, maybe this guy was doing that as well. He actually admitted to the cop that he was on his phone. That's amazing, and probably a bit careless. I don't know if he did himself any favors with that one, but it was nice to see that he didn't argue - - then again, he had a truck without a grill and his truck's puncture wounds in the back of my car's bumper, scrapes and bumps all over the backside, and there's that fact that the Dispatch heard him say we didn't need to call the police. Officer Terry told him that it was a good thing I called the police, as there tends to be a bit of one-sidedness when they aren't called. I will always call the police because you just never ever know who it is that has hit you -- and you don't know what they are capable of doing. 

    Bottom line: Stephen will be dimpled for a minute; battle scars!  He's only 3 but he's traveled 42,000 miles and he needs a bit of loving.  I had the tire replaced after the wreck, and I'll get 3 more in a couple of weeks.  By that time I should know what the outcome is on the claim and I'll decide if I should keep Stephen and have him fixed, or if I'll sell him to another good person and start a fresh.  We just don't know. What I do know is, I stop at red lights, and everyone else should do that as well -- and not use their phones when they drive. Just a suggestion, but in Oklahoma, and other places, it's the LAW! Again, I'm really happy we're both OK. Cars can be replaced, people can't be. God is great.

Photo Credit: Me

    

AAA - - My Endorsement!

 I was going to blog today about something else, but that was before my little car Stephen was attacked viciously by a construction nail on the highway!  I have always named my cars and in 2019 I bought this guy new; he's a 2018 Nissan Versa. He's a bit special because he has crank windows and there are no power locks on the doors either - - quite the inconvenience. I think I named him Stephen after my silver 2005 Ford Focus Steve; but I didn't want my new car to think he was or could be anything as wonderful as Steve. No car could come close to that beast! We loved the hell out of that car - - and he is gone. He is not forgotten.  

    This was Stephen's first event I think. Reuben has been driving him for over 5 months and nothing happened during those elongated road trips to every corner of our state and back. In less than 3 years we've put 42,000+ miles on the car, and no maintenance issues that I'm aware of. Every now and then, due to weather, the check tire pressure light will come on . I take him to the AAA store near me, and I have the techs check him, he's fine, we put in a little air, and we're on our way. We change the oil, the filters, use good fuel, and he's been running like a top!  Gotta love that! He may be basic, but he's awesome.

    Today I took Stephen up to Edmond about 17 miles away, to pick my cat up from the vet's office. I had to hurry as I was going on my early lunch break. We took the highway there and back, and even took a toll road where most people speed a bit to make it worth their while to pay for the pass!  I was clocking 80 at times, and I have to be really careful doing that in Stephen, he's likely to sprout wings and fly! I like my tires on the road, thank you!  About 4-5 miles from home the check tire pressure light came on, but I didn't think anything of it. We had a sudden drop in temps lately, and that happens. About 2 miles from home I started smelling a funny gassy airy smell from the heater (yes, it was cool enough outside to pump that up to 70) and that smell was weird enough to make me turn off the fan.

    When I got home I went upstairs, worked, and was preparing to take my little car under the covered garage next door due to more storms coming our way. I got into the car, drove it literally 400 feet (would be 50 feet if I could just back it up over the curb and easement to the garage, but I had to drive through the parking lots to get to the garage.  When I got there I felt the car was leaning to the right. I got out and there it was....the FLAT TIRE on my passenger back side. What? Why didn't I check that before I drove on it? Because I was concerned about hail, not flat tires.

    Because I'm a member of AAA Roadside Service, I gave them a call, and I mean THEY WERE FAST.  I placed the call at 4:40 p.m. I got a text accepting that call, and then I had a tech calling me literally 4 minutes later. He said his GPS put him about 5 minutes from me...there you go! Great service!  He was there, and we talked, and he told me his latest dad jokes. I pulled out a few of my own, and we just really got along very well.  I was happy to see that the service was free, and included in my annual payment (less than $99 for the two of us, Laura and I) and the tech assured me that Stephen was the cleanest car he has seen in a long time!! Thank you Reuben and Josie, that was really nice to hear. My son and his wife had Stephen detailed when they brought him back last month. So sweet.

    That's it. I'm on a donut for a minute until I can make it to my favorite tire guy. We have known each other 40+ years so I go to him even if I have to wait until the weekend since he retired. He will force his kid to do the work while we have coffee. Gotta love being connected, right? LOL.  So we'll be back on the road in no time, and living the dream.  Since I really don't drive that much I don't worry about waiting for weekends to do most of my running around. I work from home and literally have to start the car up now and again to keep the battery running. It's a great gig if you can get it!  Again, God is great!

    Enjoy your ride, and IF you don't have AAA Roadside I would get it. I think the PLUS package is on sale right now.  You get 4 tows up  to 100 miles, and at least 4 services calls.  They bring you fuel if you need it, change your tires and stuff. At their stores they have mechanics and change oil and such, but again, I have my friend from way back when, so I typically go there.  It can't be beat. If you need help you've got a friend in AAA!  That's my endorsement and I'm sticking to it.

Photo Credit: Me.

The Disclaimer: This Should be Good

 I feel that it is 100% oh-so necessary to give a full and complete disclaimer before I start the next series of blogs which will inevitably bring some controversy as well as some finger pointing my way.  There will folks who shout out "I knew it!" and others who will proclaim "Well, I knew something was up, I just didn't know what, but there she was!" Those are my favorite.  The tales and truths I'll be unleashing soon will be about the many (so very many) times I have found myself wondering if I could actually meet this or that person; if I could actually make it happen.  I have to tell you, there hasn't been a time yet that I haven't met the person I have set my mind to meet. The one I'm about to meet is possibly a bit clueless about the means and ways of my methods, but alas, I promise not to scare him too badly. Besides, not a single person I've set my mind to meet has been injured by said meeting - - some have fled; but most have been really fun...and now, the DISCLAIMER:

    "The story(ies) you are about to read regarding the various means, methods, and ways, I Jude Leigh Stringfellow, have come to meet (in person, over the wires, through glass walls, and/or through letters) are absolutely true. I will by necessity leave out some of the details in order to protect the innocent, if there are any innocents. I don't want to embarrass or harass anyone who may or may not wish to be called out in my blogs, but if I find it necessary to be honest I will in fact be honest. Most of the times I stayed within the boundaries of the laws of any given state or country; but there were times, I will admit, that I did not. I do know that no felonies were committed during such times, and I believe the Statutes of Limitations have all run out by today's date, which is May 3, 2022.  Any and all instances where I feel it is necessary to change the name of an individual I may do so, but I may also make it rather obvious as well. I don't think it will be too hard to figure out if you were party to, or knew someone who was party to the situation. AGAIN, NO ONE was injured and no major laws were broken; just a girl having fun with her silly thoughts and incredibly forward thinking and in some cases, her overt and blunt actions."

    I really should write another Blog Book and include more than 100 people I've met by hook or crook. I could start with the actor (and incredibly good looking man) John Richard Schneider, the one and only "Bo Duke".  I met John in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. I was not quite 11, he was 19.  He was camp the counselor. Who knew he would grow up to be famous and so very wonderful? Well, I knew he sang and played guitar. I knew he loved dogs, and I knew he drove fast cars even before he became the more attractive Duke cousin for Warner Brothers television show "The Dukes of Hazzard". If I had to guess I'd say meeting John the first time was a fluke, but the second time was a bit more tricky.  I was about 21 by then, and by that time collecting rock stars, politicians, folk singers and other famous people was old hat.  It's a good story; one he'll remember. I think we both laughed about it.

    Over the course of my life I'd say I've been interested in meeting people, but I've never made a thing about it. I don't pose for photos with people just to say I've met them. No, that's not me. I look for ways to help them or service them, and even have them invite me to meet with them which is always better in the long run.  Now my mind is thinking and racing really fast -- I got my poor mother involved a few times. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith called for a meeting with my counter persona Judi Wise, who I pretended to be when I needed to be a venue producer.  Tyler spoke with Mom for about six minutes before leaving his number (this was before caller ID) and he was pleased to know the very busy Judi Wise had such a loyal and efficient secretary.  That Becky! I sure loved all the fun we had, let me tell you. How many secretaries do you know who will swat their boss on the backside before giving them their phone messages? (It was the late 70's, c'mon.) 

    It's gonna be fun I tell ya.  I think I'll make the list tonight to keep me grounded. I have to do this either in chronological order or close to it to make the most sense.  Because I worked for myself as a music producer under the hand of a real venue producer, I was able to meet hundreds of bands, which equals over thousands of artists; then there were the actors when I went out West.  James Garner was my real and actual boss!  You don't get better than that folks, no you don't. There is no disclaimer there. Everything was on the up and up - - he was even standing on top of a table singing one of my favorite songs "Boomer Sooner".  It was bound to happen.  After the actors came the politicians, and then the soldiers!  When you own a very very very famous dog you meet a few really cool people, so I guess God was just warming the world up for the finale which was Faith. (Google Faith the two-legged dog. She was really really awesome.)

    There we go, let's get this puppy off the ground. Tomorrow I begin, and I think I'll have to be as honest as I can be so I can impress my kids because I did all of this without the internet, without a cell phone, without a car in a lot of cases! GEEZ...all I can say is, God is so good!  I'm still standing....and yes, I met Elton John too. I said that because I said "I'm still standing" and it reminded me of Elton's songs. I need to go before I start telling that story and I need to hold back - - this may be harder than I thought. So many memories, so many smiles. My goodness. Yes, tomorrow. John Schneider; you're first buddy!

Photo Credit: Me. (19 years old, and full of piss and vinegar for sure)

Fitness Goals for 2022.

 This one won't be that long (at least I think it won't be. I realized I put my last Spring Fitness 2022 blog up without stating any goals. Goals are really very very important in every aspect of my life. I wake up knowing I have goals to meet before I sit down to write in my journal. I don't call them chores, I call them goals because it is my hope to do them, and I don't HAVE to do them, I want to do them. I own pets so when I get up I walk one, then give treats, feed and water them all, and I put Laura's dog out and in, then back out and back in.  It's a thing now.   I have other goals for the day, but today's blog is about the goals I'm setting for the Spring Fitness 2022. 

    I am about 30 pounds over the target goal that I want to weigh, but my doctors like to say that I don't need to be that light. They like to say that I need to be this or that weight, but I know I have heavy dense bones and muscles and I don't want to carry around extra skin either. My belly is still a bit larger than it should be and some of that is extra skin that is sagging from when I lost the bulk of my weight in 2020. I am going to meet my 30 pound goal by losing 20-25 and then I'm having surgery to remove the skin under my belly area to both flatten it and to ease another 4-5 pounds off the total.  Another 3 or 4 pounds (maybe 5-6 if I have my way) is to have my breasts reduced and lifted; hopefully at the same time I have the tummy tuck so that I can be in pain all at one time and I won't have to take off work more than once.

    With the walking, diet, other exercise such as boxing, battle ropes, jump ropes, and dancing, I should be hitting my first phase of 10 pounds a month in May and 10 pounds a month in June.  I will likely taper off a bit in July and August as the last 5-10 is the hardest to lose. I'm taking it EVER so slowly so that it stays off, and I want to make a permanent decision with the surgeries for physical and mental reasons. I know I'm stable minded, but the extra care will help my confidence and my morale. I'll think of it as a way to be the best I can be and continue to encourage anyone who is willing to work hard for a goal too. There is nothing wrong with cosmetic surgeries in my book as long as you're not addicted to them, or they are being used to make you look like someone else.  I think being the best you (in my case, me) is a good thing. Bodies don't bounce back easily at my age. 

    There really isn't a food goal other than to eat well, cut the carbs when I can without trying to go all KETO on myself. It doesn't work for me to do that. I have been in that ring a few times, and the bells just keep sounding off for me to throw in the towel.  I am not one to give up something I really love just to see a pound drop and come back with vengeance!  I love my chocolate. I love bread. I don't eat much bread, but I won't give it up entirely either.  I eat smaller portions, lots of proteins, and I drink great enormous amounts of water - - probably close to 150 ounces a day easily. This will happen!! I will make it happen. It will be a great and glorious Spring and into Summer. I'll keep you posted.

Photo Credit: LeaderChat.org

It's a TWISTER!

     It's so funny when I think about to all the times non-Okies have used the word "Twister" to explain one of the most powerful weather events that often takes place in the Sooner State.  We have never, and I do mean never, called them "twisters".  There was even a major motion picture by that name and it was filmed right here in the state I'm sitting in today.  I think the term twister came from the Wizard of Oz or something; maybe people up in Kansas call tornadoes by that name. We say tornado.  If you call it a twister we're gonna know you're from out of town; just sayin'. 

    Here in my neck of the woods we're blessed with so many of the world's finest and educated meteorologists ever.  The film I was telling you about included our own home grown Gary England, weatherman to the most appreciative and grateful crowd on this planet. I count myself a very lucky woman to be able to say I've met Gary many times, and he's one of the most genuine folk I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  Gary was (and is) so revered for his weathercasting skills, that we locals knew his tells. If he got too excited or too serious about a storm's movements we knew before he said anything. We had our closets ready, the basement stairs cleared, and we had our bicycle helmets on the ready as well. Before we realized bicycle helmets were useful for more than just riding bikes, we would use our football helmets. I say that as if you already knew, but everyone in Oklahoma has at least two helmets in their house from when the kids played ball at school.

    David Payne has taken over Gary's role at News 9 KWTV in Oklahoma City, and though he's been on the air for more than twenty years there are still a lot of us who still refer to Gary's work; but let me tell you, David has his tells as well. He's nothing like Gary, and we wouldn't expect him to be, but when it comes to tracking tornadoes, most of us still tune into Channel 9 in this state. I know the others have good men and women to follow, but we just have our ways, and if it ain't broke we don't fix it. When David gets really serious he takes off his glasses and we know we're about to jump into our "safe space".  I love it when David looks into the camera and says "If you're in this area or anywhere near it, you know where to go, and you know what to do. We've gone over this a 100 times! Do it. Do it now!"  We do. We're not stupid. I mean, we will watch the thing until it's right up on us, but we do hit the closet when we are supposed to.

    About 23 years ago (May 3, 1999) Oklahoma saw one of the biggest, fastest, worst tornadoes in history. In fact, it was so big and bad that the weather people decided to upscale the rankings of these beasts and included an F6 in the mix when before May 3, 1999, the fastest moving storm was an F5. Not kidding you folks, the winds range higher than 300 miles per hour.  I think the one we had was officially an F6 by the standards of 1999, but they downgraded it to an F5 after determining that the winds would need to be at least 300 mph for a substantial amount of time. WHATEVER!  We had a whooper!!  I remember  it so clearly because I only had my son with me, the girls were with their dad and I prayed and cried and cried and prayed until I could hear their voices over the phone when they found one to call me; so thankful their dad had a storm shelter! Reuben and I hunkered in the smaller closet with three dogs.  You let the cats run free, you don't try to trap them. 

    When we lived in Indianapolis an F1 came through and I remember the panic in and on the faces of the people at the store. Laura and I drove home and tried to not to laugh.  We were in New York City and an F0 (didn't even know there was one) came through Manhattan and you would have thought the world had ended. One guy was so upset because his hat blew off his head. Another guy swore the door of his car swung open by itself. OK....that's cute. I mean, I don't mean to sound mean, but c'mon. When your car becomes a missile and your hay turns into spears piercing your 100 year old live oaks, let me hear you talk about something meaningful - - my had blew off my head. Geez.  When we're at home and we hear the sirens we have already been watching the skies ourselves. We grew up with that serious little stare that we get; and most of us may not be able to spell "mesocyclone" but we know what it is - - and a hook, and we know what sheer is, what "wrapped in rain" means.  We practice.

    Oklahoma (and yes, I'll even say Texas) has never really been a place to experience all four of the typical or photo-type seasons that could be used for a pretty calendar.  We have four seasons, but you can have them all in one day if you plan it correctly.  We have Hot, Cold, Wind, and Football seasons. Those are about all we get here. It can be 87 in November with a sudden storm bringing the temps down below 32 degrees right in the middle of 3rd quarter and you know we're not calling that game. I think I remember two games being called for lightning but rain or wind may not qualify for a good enough reason to halt play. I say that, we'd halt it if we were throwing against the wind; sure, that would happen. We'd halt it until the storm passed. That only makes sense.

    Oklahoma has always been called "Tornado Alley" or at least has been included in the term one way or another. We've had monster storms that took out entire cities,  killed people, and left millions of dollars in damage but one thing a storm has never (so far) done to us; it has never changed us with regard to pulling up our boots right after the thing has passed, and going out to check on our friends and neighbors to be sure they're OK, their property is OK, their animals, and their crops are OK. We do what we can and before the first responders arrive we've already arrived. We take care of our own and if you're here visiting, you'll be taken care of as well.  For that matter, if you live in a place that doesn't see many tornadoes but one is coming in, maybe think about following David Payne's advice:  Get to the lowest part of the house, a basement or storm shelter if possible. If you can't do that, find a small room like a closet, a bathroom is OK, but you'll need a mattress over you while you're in the tub so debris doesn't hit you. The closet is better. Wear long trousers, long sleeves, maybe get a helmet, and be sure you're wearing your boots or rubber soled shoes. THIS IS KEY:  bring your ID with you and if you can't, write you name and a contact number for your relative on your arm with a Sharpee. You may think I'm kidding - - I'm not kidding.

    God is so very very amazing.  He has always kept His word and He has always protected us. I am so blessed to call Him my Lord.  He made the tornado. He controls it. When they come our way, the first line of defense is prayer.  We take our precautions, obviously, but we always go to God for the end result. He is the spinner!  Be safe and know you are in good hands if you come to our state in the spring and need a place to hide - - most of us will invite you even before you ask.

    

Welcome to Oklahoma!
Photo Credit:  UniverseWorld.com