Stress down and some numbers improved

On Sunday (April 21), I went to the club for a 45-minute elliptical workout and weightlifting, then tackled the lawn and did spring yard clean-up. Later, I watched a Prior Lake Mudcats baseball game against Belle Plain at 2:00 PM. One of my friends’ boyfriends plays for the team, so I went. It was the season opener, and there were a few miscues. The Mudcats lost 5-2. For the first time in days, there were low winds. I went for a 6-mile bike ride on a calm night.

On Monday (April 22), I had my first annual doctor’s appointment since retiring. I was surprised to weigh 314 pounds. I was close to 330 pounds before retiring. It was rewarding to see that, for sure! I haven’t been trying anything new. I assume escaping a toxic work environment and retiring reduced the issues that cause weight gain.

My vitals were checked to see if any issues persisted. The results don’t look good, and my iron deficiency anemia is still an issue. Here are the numbers:

• MCH was low at 22.9 - the lowest since I was hospitalized in 2017.
• MCHC was low at 29.9 - again the lowest since the 2017 hospitalization
• RDW was low at 18% - stable for the past four years, yet still low.
• MCV was low at 77 - again, the lowest since the 2017 hospitalization 
• Hemoglobin was low at 13.4, just under the minimum 13.5 recommended
• Iron was low at 30 - The last time I was above the low threshold of 35 was after a 2021 infusion.  My recent infusions did nothing!
• The Iron Saturation Index is at 8%, where 20 % is the minimum!  It has been low since 2017!
• Ferritin was low at 16, where 26 is the minimum required.  I have now topped 18 since 2017

On Tuesday, I woke up at 7:30 AM feeling a bit groggy after a restless night, and my blood test results weren’t great. I’m trying to avoid sleeping pills since I’m aiming to get into a routine after retiring. So, I headed to the gym around 8:00 AM and spent a solid 60 minutes on the elliptical, covering 5.5 miles. For the first time in ages, the hour flew by! I then followed it up with an hour of weightlifting, and wow, it felt amazing!

Here’s a funny little thing: I take over-the-counter Nexium, which I get from Amazon or Costco for $40 for a 90-day supply. My doctor initially thought it might be covered by insurance and prescribed it for me. But guess what? It was covered, but with a $78 co-pay. I could have saved a bundle!

Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend at Clancy's in Jordan, Minnesota, at 11:30 AM. The meal was surprisingly cheap—we each got a two-piece chicken meal for just $16! I was so surprised. My last lunch in Edina cost $17 just for Shelley and me, and that was at Crisp & Green before a show at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, which came out to $34.

Today is my son’s 35th birthday! Can you believe he’s 35? When I was 35, he was just 8. I’m not sure if he’ll ever become a dad, but all I want is for him to be happy.

Carry on, my friends, Carry on!  (Link to why I close my posts this way)

Interesting? Maybe?

Last night, I attended the Fabulous Armadillos concert at Chanhassen Dinner Theater. A show called "Acoust-i-dillos 2." The show had many interesting tidbits about the songs.  One I did not know was the song "Everything I Own" by Bread.  It was written by David Gates in 1972. It was initially thought to be about a girlfriend or wife, but it was actually about his father. The song’s cover has been performed by artists like Ken Boothe, Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, and Boy George. Shelley, whose 84-year-old father is aging rapidly, was deeply impacted by this revelation. Her time with him is limited while she works to secure a good retirement.

This greatly impacted Shelley, whose 84-year-old father is aging fast. Her time with him is getting shorter while she still works to secure a good retirement.

My father passed away on May 6, 2023, which was before I retired. While we were estranged, and I would never regain any relationship, I know once he died, that opportunity would not be possible. I spent much time working and not cherishing the moments with family and friends. Thinking of the song, it also hit me when I realized that when a friend passes unexpectedly such as my dear friend Becky Schindler late last year, you no longer have the chance to say anything or do anything. Life is short! It emphasized that I am making the right decision by retiring at age 61.

If you are still getting familiar with the song, the lyrics are listed below.

You sheltered me from harm

Kept me warm, kept me warm

You gave my life to me

Set me free, set me free

The finest years I ever knew

Were all the years I had with you

And I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again

You taught me how to love

What it's of, what it's of

You never said too much

But still, you showed the way

And I knew from watching you

Nobody else could ever know

The part of me that can't let go

And I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again

Is there someone you know

You're loving them so

But taking them all for granted?

You may lose them one day

Someone takes them away

And they don't hear the words you long to say

I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again

Just to touch you once again

Each day presents a complex challenge: maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between time, finances, and well-being. These elements are interdependent, with their respective contributions resulting in proportional outcomes. While it can be challenging to ascertain the precise point of equilibrium, when considered in conjunction with health, I find myself contemplating whether it is preferable to succumb to death at the age of 72, having accumulated considerable wealth, or to endure a life of poverty until the age of 92. This realization has provided me with a definitive answer.

Carry on, my friends - carry on!

Went for a walk

Upon my return from North Carolina, I underwent a dental cleaning and subsequently required a root canal and a new crown. This was a welcome surprise upon my return. The tooth had been causing issues for over a year, so I was not surprised. They were able to schedule the procedure for the next day. The procedure was not particularly difficult, and the permanent crown was placed a week later. I am feeling well, and I hope that this is the last time I need to visit the dentist for a while.

Hey, guess what? I finally got up and took my first morning walk in ages on Friday! It was just 1.3 miles, and it felt so good, but my knee decided to play hard to get and stopped me short. Shelley was thrilled I joined her for a walk here. I bet she really misses Porter for those morning strolls.

Since the back patio was in a state of disrepair, with the steps looking like they’d seen better days, I figured it was time to give it a good clean and replace the steps today. I had to swing by Home Depot to get some new wood, and it was quite the adventure because the steps were over 25 years old. Back then, a 2 x 6 was practically a foot! Now, the two by sixes I had were closer to five and three-quarters inches. They needed to be a bit sturdier to replace a few boards. The job took approximately five hours to complete, resulting in a clean and aesthetically pleasing outcome with sturdy steps. Despite feeling fatigued and unable to engage in a bike ride that day, I managed to accomplish this task.

On Saturday, I attended the St. Thomas vs. North Dakota softball game. The game was highly competitive, with St. Thomas emerging victorious by a single run. Subsequently, despite the adverse wind conditions, I embarked on an 18-mile cycling journey. Strong winds characterized the initial portion of the ride, while the latter portion provided a more pleasant experience. Temperatures reached nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which was an unprecedented occurrence for April in Minnesota.

In recent weeks, I’ve been incorporating weightlifting, elliptical training, cycling, and mindful eating into my routine. I’ve avoided weighing myself to prevent emotional distress. My annual checkup is scheduled for the 22nd, and I expect to see improved vital signs. Stress levels have decreased, and overall well-being has improved. My clothing suggests progress, but time will confirm.

Carry on, my friends, carry on!

1st post retirement trip finished

After retiring, I enjoyed a five-week trip filled with bike rides, softball, and spending time with my son. I attended four free University of North Carolina softball games, while Duke University charged $7 for weekend games, so I only attended the free weekday game. I’m trying to stay under budget for the first few years to make the future more manageable. I completed 22 bicycle rides totaling over 300 miles, many of which were on the American Tobacco Trail. I had to shorten some rides because I was babysitting my son’s dog. Here are some images of the games, which were held in great weather.

 The drive home was eventful. In the first 100 miles, I experienced rainstorms, high winds, and tornado warnings. I decided to attempt the whole drive in one day, leaving Cary, NC, at 6:00 AM. The drive is just under 1,300 miles. A significant accident on the West Virginia I-77 tollway delayed my drive. It took me 90 minutes to go 12 miles, reducing my chances of a one-day drive.

I crossed the Minnesota border around 1:00 AM and decided to sleep. I stopped at a rest stop and fell asleep in minutes. I should have stopped sooner. If not for the bad weather and minor traffic issues, I would have made it home by 1:00 AM. I woke at 5:00 AM and headed home. I arrived just before 7:00 AM and went to bed. I only slept until 10 AM, but it was nice to be home. The rest of the day was spent unpacking and cleaning. It was a great trip!

Carry on, my friends, Carry on!

More sightseeing and a race

I enjoyed spending time along the East Coast, taking in the sights and enjoying the nice weather. Wilmington has much to offer, especially before the season started. Many businesses were closed, but there were no crowds, particularly in the parking areas. The boardwalk/riverwalk is a great place to spend time.

After a day in Wilmington, I headed up the coast NE to New Bern/Bridgeton. I visited many sites.

Union Point Park

Tyron Place

Lawson Creek Park

Finding great seafood restaurants was challenging. Unlike Massachusetts or Maine, Google didn’t direct me to the best options. I only saw high-end or fast-food restaurants.

As I ended this part of the trip, I found a local ice cream shop on the way home: Andia’s Ice Cream. It’s a small local shop with three locations in North Carolina. It was good but overly sweet and creamy for my preferences.

When I returned, Jordan was participating in a 100-mile gravel race in Swansboro, NC. We headed to the race on Friday afternoon, but the forecast was not welcoming. We set up the tent at Carteret Speedway in Swansboro, NC, and moved it under a fixed shelter as rain was approaching. Just as we finished setting up, the rain hit. All night, the wind was strong, almost lifting the tent, but only a little driving rain made it into the tent. Fortunately, I had a thick air mattress, so I slept on the concrete under the little roof. The tent still had a slight amount of water from the 35 MPH winds driving the rain under the rainfly, but not enough to cause any issues.

Still had some energy at the end

Life-saving storm shelter	Finished in the rain - 106.66 miles in 7:01 (officially)

Until next time, carry on!

First trip as a retired citizen

My employer’s toxicity caused health issues, so I retired 15 months early, as Shelley will retire then. Living the same lifestyle, I’d rather be broke at 90 than dead rich at 70.

I’m unsure how my employer can be blind to employees fleeing. In my division, 90% of employees have been there for less than 18 months, and another division has 80% of its recent hires. A few employees left after 18 months.

My first retirement trip was to Cary, North Carolina, where my son lives. He planned a 150-mile bike race, and I’ll crew for him later this month. I spent a few days with him before heading out on a solo coastal adventure. He’s swamped and needs more time during the week.

On March 12, I woke up at 8:00 AM and prepared my tofu meal for the next two days. At 9 AM, I packed and left Cary, NC, for Carolina Beach, a 2.5-hour drive mostly on freeways. I arrived at the campground at 3 PM, giving me time to check the sites.

First, I visited Kure Beach Pier. The sun was bright, the temperature was 70 degrees, and the wind was strong. The waves were moderate. I was fortunate to park and enjoy activities for free until March 15. After reading a few chapters of Running With Sherman by Christopher McDougall.  I headed to the end of the road to the Fort Fisher Ferry. I returned to Fort Fisher State Park, a free and lovely beach. I plan to return tomorrow.

At 4:00 PM, I checked into Carolina Beach State Park. I have a secluded site. Check-in was easy since I slept in the car. I decided to hike a local path, but the prescribed burns reduced the scenery.

 I drove to explore the area before returning just as the sun was setting. As I prepared to sleep, I realized I needed to organize my thoughts further. I almost fell asleep several times, recalling items like my mouthguard, which was in the suitcase. I settled in at about 8:30 p.m. and watched two episodes of “Matlock” before going to sleep.

Carry on my friends, Carry on!

I am officially tired - oops RETIRED

On February 2, 2024, I retired from the City of Bloomington after serving several years in a prison-like environment. I choose Groundhog Day, as with the movie, this will be a great day I live over and over! I felt liberated from the oppressive workplace. The lack of leadership and a strong hierarchy created a miserable atmosphere. My division had 70% of its employees with three years or fewer of tenure, while another division had 80% with at least two years of tenure. This stark contrast to the 17-year average tenure when I started and the 15-year tenure before King Jamie took over as City Manager was concerning. He boasted about the benefits of new blood and ideas, but his actions and treatment of employees contradicted his words.

When I turned in my badge and computer, the director acknowledged my departure. She was unhappy because we had filed a formal complaint last summer about her inappropriate actions and the unjust treatment of employees. In January, she resigned, but she was allowed to stay until March 15 to receive her pension. She operated the division like a high school, with groups: her pets, those she disliked, and those she ignored, as if they were students.

I rode a bicycle to work!   a chilly February morning. Despite the unusual weather, I arrived around 10 a.m. and completed minor tasks with coworkers. We had lunch at a breakfast-only Hot Plate restaurant. Afterward, I had an exit interview, a routine procedure to discuss workplace issues. I’m relieved to share some information about the toxic environment before I leave.

After the interview, I rode my bicycle home. A coworker recorded the event, and I recorded my departure from the city limits. The video is available at https://youtu.be/PhQ5XU4VP3U?si=206xOC01rM-AewAM.

On February 5, 2024, I hosted a retirement party with an RSVP-only invitation. Many were surprised by my happiness, which I attribute to retirement. I feel more like paroled than retired.

My first days have been lovely. No alarm clocks, and I’m free to do whatever I want. I’m relaxing and getting my body back into a stress-free environment after the past five years of hell.

While relaxing and reading this morning, I saw a hilarious Super Bowl ticket offer.

A good friend of mine has 2 tickets for the 2024 Super Bowl, 50 yrd line box seats. He paid $5,000 each, he didn't realize last year when he bought them, it was going to be on the same day as his wedding. If you're interested, he's looking for someone to take his place. It's at St. Michaels Church, at 3pm. The bride's name is Sheila she's 5'4", about 115 lbs, good cook too. She'll be the one in the white dress. Copy & paste to keep the laughs coming!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

8 days - big change

It’s almost time! I’m just one week away from my eagerly anticipated retirement. Since setting my sights on this date in 2019, I’ve diligently saved, sacrificed vacations, and created retirement plans.

Initially, I planned to retire in September to coincide with my birthday or in May to mark my 30th anniversary. However, the toxic work environment began to affect my health, making it clear that I couldn’t continue. I initially planned to retire last fall, but the three-month delay offered a $20,000 advantage. So, I chose Groundhog Day 2024 and gave a 7-month notice on February 2, 2024. Unlike Bill Murray in the movie, I’ll wake up to total freedom from the toxic culture, mandates, deadlines, and responsibilities.

Is it a good choice? Humans often struggle to make the right choice, but we must make it and live with the consequences. I reviewed the numbers and concluded that decreasing the risk of dying rich at 70, yet broke at 92, was an easy decision. Many friends who waited until the late 60s to retire passed just past 70. One fellow employee died before he retired, and another the day he was to retire.

The best-made plans often require adjustments. Initially, I planned a three-week road trip starting the day after retirement, then two weeks later, and finally a late-March departure. However, that became problematic, so I moved it to mid-February. Even that is questionable as I prepare this post. Regardless, I’m excited to spend more time with my family, take up new hobbies, and explore the world at my own pace.

It doesn’t matter. In 8 days, I’ll have an adjustable schedule with a few non-flexible demands. Leaving that toxic environment will improve my health. I’m already feeling better as my responsibilities decrease during the transition.

A few months ago, I decided to wait until retirement to shave or cut my hair. I may stay longer since I don’t have to look professional. As you can see, I fit the part of a grumpy old mountain man well.

Carry on my friends, carry on!