Food

It Begins

So, I had a couple of beers last night, as they were in the fridge. That’s it. Done. I stepped on the scale again this morning. I weigh daily, but I average it out, so the fact it went up by 0.2 pounds is meaningless.

I started my calorie counting spreadsheet. I didn’t ride a bicycle to work because my knees are killing me. I think I need to drop a few pounds first. 🙁

I’m considering going for a walk after I get home, but it’ll probably be raining. I do have an umbrella….

I did go on the motorcycle ride yesterday. I had fun with friends and didn’t drink with the others at the end of the ride.

Hard to Hold On

Yeah, it’s been a couple of weeks. I had some cheat days in January with beer. Now it’s February and I’m drinking again.

I’m still weighing myself, but I quit tracking calories. I’ll do that again tomorrow.

This is hard. Life has been much busier. Also, for the most part, life has been more rewarding in other areas, which it wasn’t the first time around on the weight loss journey. Now I have a job I enjoy, and motorcycles. Many other things are getting ignored.

I need to gather my thoughts better and figure out what I really want to do.

Difficult Eating Options, but Good Calorie Count

Ideally, we’d all just eat healthy. Even when you want to, it can be difficult when on a time crunch and you’re not prepared.

Today was kind of like that for me. Diane and I were participating in a local HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapter ride. The weather was decent for January, so off we went… without eating.

We stopped at McDonalds, I had two Sausage McMuffins. We arrived for the ride, and there were donuts. I had one.

We rode to lunch at the Parkette Drive-In in Lexington. I had a cheeseburger and tater tots.

Just a small sample of the 27 bikes on today's ride — Just a small sample of the 27 bikes on today’s ride

We finished up the ride at Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen, where I had a single scoop of chocolate ice cream.

I’ve estimated my calories for the day at 2060. I don’t think that’s terrible considering the low-quality of the food (from a nutritional sense, it tasted great).

Little Cheats

Yes, I quit drinking alcohol for the month. I’ve had two “exception days”. Last Wednesday was my sister-in-law’s birthday. Four of us went out for drinks. I had four beer – that was probably a bit much.

Yesterday after the adventure ride, Tim and I had pizza and beer. I had a more acceptable two beers.

I have nothing else on my calendar that can change my plans. So, I’m done until February 3rd. I’ll only be drinking on Fridays and Saturdays.

No Alcohol in January

I’ve “quit drinking” a few times over the last few years. It never “stuck”. I enjoy beer, I simply enjoy it too often.

After a night out on New Years Eve with Diane, I gave up alcohol for a month. I had been drinking daily, so I really need to cut back. Once February is here, I’ll only allow myself to drink on Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s only been a week without alcohol so far, but my body is already happier – especially my digestive system. I’ve also lost 4 pounds – only 76 more to go. 🙁

I still need to limit myself once February gets here. I also need to control food intake. I need to ride my bike more.

Updates – I’m Alive!

Nine months without a post? Did I die? No.

I’ve been focused on the wrong things in life. I’m tied up with food, beer, work, computers, gadgets, etc. I’ve even been dreaming of motorcycles for Dog’s sake!

Bikes

I did buy a full-suspension mountain bike in October. You can see it on the my bikes page. It’s a blast. I’m write more about that later.

I rarely ride to work anymore. The new office is a bit further, and the route is not very bike friendly. I’m also fatter and out of shape.

I still try to get out on weekend rides, usually with Tim. The issue is that I’ve lost so much fitness that either I can’t keep up, or I can’t even finish the ride. I’m working on it.

Dogs

I lost three dogs in three years. Candy died in 2014. Sandy died in 2015. In late 2015, my mother-in-law fell and broke her hip. We took in her dog, Stormy, and elderly boxer, while her owner healed. My mother-in-law passed away in June. Stormy became our dog. Stormy passed away last month.

That’s okay, we still have Diamond and Baxter. That’s enough dogs.

Medical Crap

I have a doctor appointment in the morning. I’m probably going to get put on cholesterol medicine. This is my fault for letting my weight, health, diet, and fitness go to shit.

This is part of the reason for posting again. I started this blog mostly for myself – to keep me focused and on-target. I’ve been anything but recently.

My crappy recent eating habits led to a pretty bad flare-up of gout. That sucks, and it kept me from bike riding for a while. It’s better now. I’m working to prevent another flare-up.

Beer

I love beer. I’ve given it up a few times. I cut back. I eventually drink too much of it.

I wasn’t much of a beer drinker for most of my life. I’d very occasionally buy liquor and get drunk, but beer, meh, whatever.

Sometime after losing a bunch of weight (2009-ish?) I got hooked on good beer. Local craft brews are my favorite. When I went car-free in 2011, I no longer had to worry about driving home after drinking. That became a problem.

From 2011 – 2013 was bad. I got better for a while. Then I got bad again. I’ve since got a bit better. End result: gained back 80 pounds of the 100 I lost. Years of work was lost.

Don’t misunderstand, I almost never get drunk. I can spread out five beers over six hours and not even get a buzz. It’s not about that. It’s the same as when I drink my mug of coffee early in the day. It’s a habit. It’s soothing. I need a less harmful habit.

Relationships

I still find personal relationships very difficult. My marriage is mostly good, but our bad habits feed off of one another. I have very little to do with my adult daughters any more. One of them is coming over for Christmas though.

I have a job that I mostly enjoy, which is a big switch from the previous eight-or-so years. Yay! Something that doesn’t suck!

What Next?

I need a solo bike adventure this weekend. I can’t put it off. It doesn’t have to anything epic, just a 50-mile jaunt would be nice. We’ll see what the weather does.

New Food Ideas

I don’t do well with calorie counting. I found low-carb to be weird, when having to put some miles on the bike. Giving up beer hurts.

I needed something different. I cooked dinner tonight. I used what we already had in the house:

2 cups white rice
3 cups water
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup beer (Dale’s Pale Ale, if it matters)
1 can black-eyed peas
1 can mushrooms
1 bag frozen spinach
Hot sauce
Garlic (copious amounts)
Salt

I had planned on something fancier, but I didn’t want another grocery trip. This is pretty good, and mostly healthy. The beer I drank… not so much.

There are plenty of leftovers for later.

My longer term plans are to eat meat-lite. Diane isn’t totally on board with this. I guess I’ll be doing a lot more cooking.

I rode the new bike to work today. I’m going to again tomorrow.

Monthly Averages

The average of my daily weigh-ins for the month of January is 269.0 pounds. I started the year at 275.4. I’m down 6.4 pounds. Although I’d be happy to consistently lose only 4 pounds a month, I’m concerned that I’m currently not losing weight.

Back to it. I’ve got to remind myself to eat better. I need to quit going out to eat and drinking beer. Yes, I had beer again yesterday. I also had a huge serving of fish and chips.

Cheating

I’ve been doing well. I’ve lost weight, eaten better, and had no beer. The only weak spot is riding. I haven’t been on the bike much.

On the way home from work today, I stopped at the store to pick up a few things and grabbed a six-pack of beer. I couldn’t help it. I’m enjoying one of the bottles now. I’m considering it a “mental health break”.

I won’t be riding to work tomorrow, as I’ll be working from home. Friday may be the one day I do that this week.

Dogs and Pickles

Dogs

I mentioned in my previous post that we have a new dog. Diamond is a year and a half old. She came to us from my son-in-law. She wasn’t meant for apartment life but I have a fenced back yard.

2015-06-02 09.05.20

She really is a sweetie, but needs more training. Now we’re back to having three dogs. Two of them are old, but Diamond is making them perk up a bit.

Pickles

I bought a large jar of pickles a few days ago. I was craving a beer when I got home from work today. I had a pickle instead.

Now I just need pickle-bars to stop at on the way home. I can have overpriced craft-pickles served to me by hipsters. Oh. Wait. Nevermind.

Do or Die

There’s something about nice round numbers or dates that appeals to me. So today, June 1st, 2015, is a new start.

As mentioned yesterday, I’m not drinking beer during the month of June. I’m not a fan of liquor and I rarely drink wine, so those aren’t an issue.

I weighed myself this morning. I’m 274.6 lbs. That’s pretty unacceptable to me, but not as bad as I feared. I will continue weighing, but I’m not sure about posting here, as I always fell behind that in the past.

The first time I lost weight and wrote about it here, my life was simpler. I was single. I had nothing going on besides a job.

Now, I’m married. We have a new dog (who’s destructive and high-maintenance). Although I’m working now, I’m actively seeking a new job as the current one ends next week.

I’m playing volleyball again this year, at least in the summer, outdoor in the sand. I don’t enjoy indoor as much. I played today and had a good time, even without drinking any beer.

My eating habits have deteriorated in the last couple of years. I need to fix that. I’ve started that today, just by eating less. I’m not tracking calories at this point, but I probably need to do that. It certainly worked for me last time.

I’m rolling around some ideas about how to limit my beer consumption once this month is over. I don’t have anything decided on yet, but it needs to take bike miles into consideration, so I can earn beer by riding more. As much as I was drinking the last few months, I’d be riding to Indianapolis and back every few days.

Beer-Free for a Month

My weight gain has continued. I’ve also continued to drink too much beer.

I can’t (yet) commit to quitting beer, but I can commit to quitting it for a month. June is that month.

Since the weather has been nicer, I’ve been riding the bike more. Nearly 100% of my transportation has been by bicycle. I’m not riding enough “other rides” though.

I have less than two weeks left at my current contract job. I’ve been interviewing, and hope to have something lined up soon.

I haven’t been weighing in quite some time. I do know I’m about 280 lbs, so I’ve basically gained back 80% of what I lost. That is depressing.

No Time to Post

I’ve really been meaning to write. I’ve done some really good rides.

Today, 82 miles with Tim. Last weekend, 70-ish miles. A few weeks ago an awesome adventure off-road in Daniel Boone National Forest.

The “no-beer” thing didn’t make it. The new resolve to ride more did.

More later. I need sleep.

Keeping on Pedaling

I’m still beer-free. The eating hasn’t been great.

I haven’t ridden my bike to work at all this week. I’ve had the beginning of a neck flare-up. No matter, I leave in the morning for a camping trip with Tim and Timothy. My Fargo is loaded and ready to roll. I’ve packed plenty of anti-inflammatories.

Although I’m still in pain, I need this three-day weekend trip to keep my sanity.

More later.

Day Two

This is my second day with no beer. I only miss it when I’m operating on habit. I do a lot of things out of habit. Eating too much is another one. I’m just concentrating on the beer for now.

Alcohol helps me sleep, but so do 50-mile bike rides. I’ll try more of the rides.

Cold Turkey

I started writing here to document my weight loss. I lost 100 lbs. That seems so long ago (2007-2009). I got into riding a bike in April of 2008. I started thinking about living car-free.

In 2010, while married to Kristy, we moved out of Charlestown, and into Louisville. I’m still living in that house. This allowed me to not drive. I kept my truck, as Kristy liked it, and we took trips in it. When Kristy and I split in 2011, I sold the truck and I’ve lived without a car since.

Living in Loo-evil has meant I’m too close to bars, restaurants, and coffee shops for my own good. I can quickly ride from work or home, in normal clothes, to a bar. I can stumble home drunk from a bar. While convenient, my beer consumption skyrocketed.

I’ve gained 60 lbs since moving into town. My transportation rides were immediately shorter. I still did a lot of long pleasure rides, but those tailed off as my neck flared up again, then even more as I gained weight and lost fitness. In January I had planned to severely limit my beer, but then I tore my achilles and spent a lot of time stuck at home.

I’ve suffered depression for a long time. The initial weight loss helped with that tremendously. Gaining back a good portion of that weight does not help. Alcohol does not help.

I made up my mind to give up drinking a few days ago. That takes effect today.

Diane and I went out to two bars last night as a “last hurrah”. I didn’t get drunk, but I certainly drank enough beer to add to depression and weight gain.

There’s no more beer in the house. There are two bottles of wine, but I’m not tempted by that, and they’re Diane’s anyway.

So, things are re-starting. I’ve already been tracking my consumption with MyFitnessPal. The mobile app is rather handy. My food consumption is a little high right now, but cutting out the beer should lead to weight loss. Once I’ve got “not drinking” as a habit, I’ll work harder on the food. (I say as I munch on some cookies).

I’ve got happier days on this blog to look back at. I have a wonderfully researched email from Simon on Google+ about depression issues and how he’s fought them.

I want to do 60-80 mile gravel rides again. I want to pound up and down the hills on Eastern Parkway on my single-speed again. I want to feel like a cyclist again.

Will I change my goals? My main goals have been to be happier, healthier, and 175 lbs. The lowest weight I’ve managed since starting this has been about 197. That would be much better than the 260 I’m at today. I’m still going to aim for 175, even if it’s un-achievable. This will hopefully prevent me from getting complacent again.

If I can be more active, not drink, and weigh less, that will go a long way toward happier and healthier.

Although they won’t work by themselves, I have spent some money on “incentives” to ride more nice rides. I also have a plan for a bigger incentive for when I’ve lost some weight (and when I can afford it).

More later.

Dieting Sucks

Due to peer pressure, I’m now using MyFitnessPal on my phone to track my intake and exercise.

I haven’t given up beer, but I’ve cut back and fit it in to my calorie budget.

In any case, I’m hungry all the time.

More later.

A Plan

Yes, I’m tracking all my calories again. I don’t yet have a specific calorie goal, but I’ll get there. Just writing it down has kept things in check. I have had a 3000-calorie day, but I’ve also had a 1000-calorie day. When I wasn’t tracking, I probably had several 5000+ calorie days.

I’m weighing again every morning, but I’ll just be posting my weekly and monthly averages. I’ve updated the weight page.

I gave up beer. It was supposed to be a month, but a social engagement enticed me to have a couple. That’s okay, I’m tracking the calories of the beer also – and limiting it greatly.

I’ve already had a happier digestive system than I did before.

Diane and I have been a bit more active. We’ve been walking the dogs more frequently. We bike-pool to work on the tandem most days. On Sunday, we took the tandem and trailer on an errand run in parts of town I don’t normally ride. Those areas have a reputation for not being bike friendly, but we had no issues.

Due to Diane having an earlier schedule, I just go to work early. I went in a 6:30 this morning – which meant I got to leave at 3:00. That’s not a bad deal.

Back to Basics – Again

I’ve lost track of my resets. Some of them have been quite helpful. Others didn’t last long enough to matter.

I haven’t had a beer since Tuesday. I won’t have another one until 6/27 – so one month without beer.

I mentioned that my weight according to the doctor’s scale was 268. That’s wearing clothes and with things in my pockets. I started weighing daily again yesterday. I’ve been just under 262 both days. I’m only going to start posting my weekly and monthly averages. That’ll will make updating simpler.

I’m also back to tracking everything I eat. I only had 1390 calories yesterday, but I went to bed hungry. I should have had something more, but I didn’t have anything healthy in the house.

I’m sitting at a mere 490 calories so far today, but I’ll have a snack and dinner yet today. I just came in from mowing the lawn, so I have a large glass of water next to me.

Diane and I took the dogs for another walk last night. It was shorter than Wednesday’s excursion, but I was feeling weak (should have eaten more).

Baby Steps, Beer, and Bikes

My last post was pretty negative. I was having a bad day. Today is much different.

I had a good day yesterday, but last night was rough. I had drank too much and eaten some questionable food. I had trouble sleeping with an upset stomach and a headache. I also had muscle aches that are probably due to dehydration due to alcohol consumption.

Getting up for work this morning was hard. I made it in to work a bit later than intended, but still before 9:00am. Work was a busy blur. I can’t complain – I was productive and time flew by.

Before I even made it to work, I’ve decided to quit drinking. I seem to have an issue with moderation. I’m also not going to lay around like a lump until my leg heals. I’m borrowing a trainer so I can use my recumbent bike as a stationary bike. I’ll pedal one-legged with my SPD shoe until I’m cleared to use both legs. I’ll have the trainer tomorrow.

Two days ago when I complained about lack of progress with my leg, things got better. I can walk now. I’m not supposed to, and I rarely do, but if I need to get up some stairs without a rail, I can. I only walk slowly taking very small steps. It’s almost a shuffle. I can’t “push off” with my right foot, but it’ll hold me up. There’s no pain when doing this either. I only do this when wearing the boot to support my ankle.

I’m still using the Knee Scooter. I hate the crutches and the walker. I don’t need the wheelchair.

Now I just need some exercise.

The Plan for 2014

My weight today was 256.8 lbs. That’s almost 20 lbs more than a year ago. That’s unacceptable. There are a few factors – and I have some ideas to combat them.

Goals

I still intend to get down to 175 lbs. Anything under 200 is great, but 175 is still the goal. I need to lose 7 lbs a month. That will get me to my goal weight before the end of 2014. It’ll also have me solidly under 200 for Gravel Grovel in November.

Accountability

I started this blog to be accountable. I’ve lost track of that. I no longer weigh daily. I don’t track my calories. I’ve been soft on goal-setting.

I’m weighing again every morning and will be updating my weight page. I may even start the progress photos again – even though I’ve gained weight and a few years.

I don’t believe food is the biggest issue right now. I’ll need to watch what I eat, but in some ways, my eating isn’t bad at home. I do poorly when I go out to eat, but Diane prefers we eat at home most days. If I continue to gain weight I’ll start tracking calories again.

Beer

This is the big one. I’ve dilly-dallied around this one. I love beer. Not just drinking it, but tasting it, talking about it, and trying new beer. I’ve considered giving it up entirely. Normally, just cutting back works for a while, then I slip back into old habits, so I need something new.

I’ve thought of something that will control my consumption, and allow me to further enjoy the beer. Beer Tickets. I’ve printed out a sheet of seven tickets – each good for one beer. I get a new batch of tickets every Sunday. The tickets expire that Saturday night so I can’t hoard them.

I can have one beer a day, or seven all at once for the week. I’ll probably drink a couple a few nights a week.

How will I enjoy the beer more? The tickets are mostly blank. I write the name of the beer, where I had it, what I paid for it, and what I think about it. I can review it later to determine what beers I prefer, or what I drink too much of, and tell me when it’s time to branch out.

If seven beers per week turns out to be too much, I’ll drop the number down.

This is the beginning of the year. It is effective immediately. I’ve had no beer today, so I have my seven tickets, but three are already crossed out due to the “partial week” so far this year.

A ticket is good for a normal size beer. An 8, 12, 16, or 22oz pour is all “normal”. A can or bottle is normal. A monster 32oz beer from the Mexican restaurant is two beer tickets – and not really worth it.

Exercise

I need more fast bike rides. I generally plod along at a leisurely pace now. That’s fine for getting to work, but I need to step it up to burn calories. I need to get faster to feel better on longer rides.

I need to branch out and do some strength training. Maybe Diane and I could do a little running. These are not new ideas. I’ve been trying for over six years now.

Depression

I’ve suffered with depression pretty badly over the last year. In April I started an anti-depressant. It worked for a while, then it didn’t. I quit taking it. I’ve since started taking a different one with mixed results. I’m still taking it. Cutting back on alcohol could be hugely helpful here. Easing the depression helps me control overeating and drinking too much.

Habits

I’m in the habit of going out to eat and drink. Diane and I need to build habits of doing healthy things together. When we ride the tandem together, it’s usually to ride to a restaurant, bar, or party. We need to change that.

Happy New Year

I don’t know why we make changes with the new year. Wouldn’t it make sense to do it on your birthday? I dunno, but it’s time to change.

Sick Day

I’m still sick today. I stayed home from work and skipped volleyball. Diane had to work so I spent most of the day in the company of the dogs and my Kindle. I didn’t leave the house.

Since getting sick, I haven’t been drinking beer (other than the partial one in Michigan City that I couldn’t finish). This has made me re-think my dietary choices. I need to lose weight. I need to get fitter. I intend to race Gravel Grovel in November.

If I could drop under 200 lbs sometime next year, and ride six centuries… that would make up for a lot.

It’s Been A While…

I’m still here, and I’m still riding. I’ve been busy. I spend time with Diane, I have social gatherings, and I ride my bike. Having Diane around has been a positive to my bike commuting – as in she pushes me to ride instead of driving me to work. She did drive me to work today though. I wasn’t feeling well.

Here’s some random things since my last post.

Heavy Hauling

I hauled a kitchen table on the Big Dummy to my daughter’s house. This was a four mile trip down Preston Highway. I got some weird looks.

The hardest part was strapping the thing down securely so it wouldn’t slide off. It was a bit wobbly, but I made it without dumping the table in traffic.

Part of the ride was a rather intense downpour. Somebody took a picture of me while stopped at a traffic light.

Diane’s Bike

Diane has her own bike now. We met somebody at volleyball getting rid of a bike. We got it for free. It needed a tune-up, tubes, a brake cable, and a water bottle cage. I put my dyno-wheel on the front. Since the picture was taken I’ve added a rear rack and dyno-headlight. I’ve still got less than $100 into it.

It’s a Specialized Crossroads Sport (step-through version). It’s a size small, so it fits her well.

She doesn’t want fenders on it. She may change her mind once she gets a “skunk stripe” up her back.

June Populaire

The Louisville Bicycle Club (and Timothy) put on a 100K Populaire on June 2nd. It was leaving from Charlestown Indiana. Tim, Asher, and I left from Louisville and rode to Charlestown (21 miles). Tim had other obligations, so he rode back rather than participate in the Populaire.

Asher and I rode with another dozen people. The route took us to Hanover Indiana for a lunch stop before going back to Charlestown for the finish at Charlestown Pizza Company. – 64 miles later.

Diane met us there, and Asher and I enjoyed the comfort of a motor vehicle for the trip back to Louisville.

That was 85 miles for the day – more than I’ve done in a while. Although I was slow, I felt like a cyclist again. The rSogn is a wonderful bike. The weather was gorgeous. The company was pretty good too.

Relationship

Diane is effectively living with me, it’s just not official yet. We’ve found the things that irritate each other (that’s what it’s about, right?) Relationships can be a challenge, but I’m optimistic about ours.

She’s decorated the house a bit. She keeps it clean. She loathes the dog hair, but keeps it clean as she can. Yes, I help with housework, but I basically just take direction from her. She’s the expert.

Company

Diane and I have entertained company a few times at the house now. She had her family over for dinner. She cooked a large meal (with dessert!). Everyone was pleased.

My mother and my niece came to visit. They’re actually at my house for a few more days yet. I’ve had a week of visiting with my mother. I hadn’t seen her in person since 2009. I hadn’t seen my niece in about ten years. Diane and my mother seem to like each other.

Car-Free?

Diane won’t give up her car. I don’t expect her to. It did break down on her on Thursday. It was about fifteen miles from my house, so it was several days before I got out to look at it.

She spent those days riding her bike around for errands. I guess she got a bike just in time.

I fixed her car on Sunday. She still rides with me on errands though. She has a potential job downtown. If she gets it, she’s talking about riding to work, weather permitting, to avoid paying to park. She doesn’t want to ride in rain, cold, or hot weather, but it’s a start.

Shifting Priorities

If you’ve been paying any attention whatsoever, it’s apparent that I’m in a relationship again. Things are going well with Diane. I bought her a new cell phone yesterday, and put her on my plan.

Diane is not living with me, but that will probably change in the near future. I will remain car-free, but she will keep her car. It’s paid off, but needs a little work.

My lifestyle will be going through some pretty big changes. I have a variety of things I need to spend money on. The plans for swapping handlebars on my bikes (or any other major expense) are on hold. This seems to be working well as my neck issue has abated a bit, and I can ride any of my bikes again. I rode the rSogn to work today.

Diane wants to fly to San Francisco with me this summer. That will mean we need some extra money for spending and her flight. I hope we can book her flight in the next few weeks.

Diane remains a good influence in my life. She (nicely) reminds me not to overeat or drink too much. She still enjoys an occasional drink with me.

Not everything is perfect. As we’ve spent a lot of time together recently, we’ve discovered some of each other’s insecurities and personality flaws. I don’t believe any of it’s a real problem, just a challenge to overcome.

I read something years ago about “being the perfect partner” rather than “looking for the perfect partner”. That’s what I’m working on. In the short-term, that means keeping my life in order from housework to eating habits.

Life continues to be a strange adventure.

Whatta Week!

Okay, it’s only Thursday, but this has been a busy week already.

On Monday, my daughter, Dawn, married Guthrie. I present Mr. and Mrs. Smith:

It was a simple wedding. There was a dinner afterward.

Later in the evening I went to play volleyball. I’ve been using a dating site to try and meet women with mixed results. While at volleyball, a woman approached me and we talked. We had a date on Tuesday. Her name is Diane.

I had a date with Renee that I thought went well last week. She told me that she didn’t think we should have a second date a couple of days ago.

Yesterday was a housecleaning day. I’ve been trying to keep my life more in order. The anti-depressant seems to be working. My moods have been more level. I’ve been drinking less. I’m not “stress eating”. I have more motivation to do simple things – but not enough to do great things. Hmmm.

I had a date scheduled with Melissa today, but she never called or showed up. So I sat and ate pizza and had a beer by myself. I wasn’t really bothered much by it.

I have a second date with Diane tomorrow. It’s odd that the only second date I’m getting out of this is from a woman that I didn’t meet online. We have a few friends and acquaintances in common – mostly through the Louisville Ski Club, of which I’m a member.

I’ve ridden the bike to work every day this week. I’ve ridden the bike everywhere. I haven’t missed work. I’ve done some cooking at home. I’ve been keeping the house clean. I have a second date tomorrow. This is progress.