The Last Supper

A Recent Photo Unit Tradition. Those who have retired over the years. Gone before I.

I don't remember what I was thinking when I woke up today aside from having a desire to make it into the gig. It's my first day back to work after two days off, yet it's my last day of work, ever - at least for the City of Philadelphia.

I don't know exactly how it feels. I've been asked, and I think I wrote somewhere, that there's a variety of feelings that come and go in waves. There's nostalgia, but there's also no feeling that I'm going to miss the place, or the job... maybe a few of the people or some of the unofficial traditions we had; but don't ask me to name any. They may come up in future conversations in the form of... we used to.... etc.

At this point the countdown has ended and I have to focus on leaving. My time has been extended because I didn't realize when I choose my final day on the job that I'd have to have a checkout day, or an appointment with the Board of Pensions before I left. So I'm here for the holidays and no gripes about that. It's meant to be so make the best of it.

ID Picture c. Dec 1987

I will really have to get going on clearing out the house. Everything is junk but nothing seems like junk to me. I am a collector and I can imaging myself needing or wanting something I go rid of now, in some future, however I haven't used said item(s) in many years. I should imagine each item I need to discard as a weight around my neck, similar to Jacob Marley from the classic A Christmas Carroll story. It's a matter of mindset as most goals are.

In any case, with this entry, this blog comes to an end. You can look back on the year (the 367 days) that led up to this point. If you haven't subscribed, there's no need to now. There will be no more entries after this. Goodbye Philadelphia, as a blog is over... however I'm not gone yet.

The new product is The Gospel of Nox: Vagabond Philosopher, this blog will keep you posted on what's happening with me on the road and in my imagination. A few kilometers removed and without the burden of employment might make my insights a bit more dramatic and pointed, and maybe even more honest. In many ways I am in a cultural bubble, living, operating and exploring in a realm of like-minded humans and that's not an ideal environment for growth. Comfort maybe, but not necessarily growth.

Cheers my friends, and Goodbye Philadelphia.

The Technology Curve

My new, replacement laptop arrived today and I've been trying to recreate the experience I had with the old one - all in a single day. In a few hours in fact. What took me the better part of three years to learn about, set up, trust and learn how to use, I'm trying to do in a couple of hours, before I forget what I'm trying to restore.

At the gig, with just a few days left to work.

So, I got a Dell Inspiron and so far it's superior to what I gave up. Why? First of all, it works. I'd have never gotten another laptop if the HP hadn't conked out on me. Secondly, the screen is a little bit bigger and sharper, but that's to be expected with newer models of stuff. The speakers are better than the old one so I won't have to plug in speakers to get a decent sound. I'm not sure if this one is lighter - as in not as heavy as the old one or not. I used and treated the HP as a desktop... it never left the house. I told myself I would not treat this one the same way. Of course.. I won't be in this house much longer. I bought this to be on the road with. Even got a sleeve to go with it.

Now some drawbacks. No disk drive, so the cd programs I have cannot be loaded, which means I'm stuck having to download from a cloud, which means I'll have to repurchase my Spanish lessons and my VCR to PC program. But who has a working VCR anyway? I have a tape I don't want to lose.

Okay, next, iTunes won't load on here. Probably because I won't make it my default music player. Well fuck'em! There are lots of music players out there. Right now the Windows player is working just fine. I just might not be able to update my iPod. I'll live.

Windows 10; it's not so much a drawback as it is new and unfamiliar territory and causes my brain to have to learn new methods and stuff like that. This is actually a benefit, now that I see it written out.  Also, about W-10's tracking services I just opted out of them... which may not mean anything. I might wish I had opted in for them at some point. The find my computer option might turn out to be useful on the road.

Luckily I was able to rescue a lot of the open source programs I'd been using so I should be able to reload them.

It wasn't difficult to download the images and videos from the iPhone.

This blog will be ending in two days and a new one will be starting at The Gospel of Nox (Freedom Year) which will cover my first year of retirement. I really need another word, unless I take my own advice and redefine what retirement looks like. I think Vagabonding is taken... I could go Noxing or something. Eh.. something will come up when I'm not looking for it.

Okay, back to rebuilding my computer experience. I'm on battery power now due to the space heater drawing too much power from the surge protector. Good thing.

Cheers.

Freedom Year

One day left!

Well, let's bring us up to date because it's been a few days since I've reported on anything. I believe history should be taught from today and then go backwards. so this is how this report will unfold.

Yesterday was an interesting day. I managed to set my kitchen table on fire experimenting with one of those off-the-grid convection heaters made out of flower pots. My dumb ass didn't put the candles in candle holders... and now i have a charred reminder of my stupidity... negligence... in the middle of my table.

Later that day I find out that a friend of mine, for just about twenty years now, has been in the hospital since October. Earlier he lost the big toe on his right foot, due to an infection, which was complicated by diabetes. Yesterday he told me his left leg had been amputated from the knee down. I'm sure that was a blow to him, but he was in good spirits and determined to make a comeback. I mention this in the context of history. I hope he does make a comeback and manages to reverse his diabetes.

Speaking of which; I recently met a guy at the YMCA who told me he used to weigh 349 lbs., and was diabetic. He lost the weight, reversed the diabetes, but lost a toe to something else.. osteo-something-or-other. I was impressed.

Also yesterday I took a couple of hours vacation from the gig and of course I missed the delivery of my computer. I probably haven't mentioned it here (I made a clip), but my HP PC died after a scant three years of service (I may get it fixed at some point), so I ordered a new one through Dell. It turned out to be moot, however I told Franklin (at the call center) that I wanted it delivered on Wednesday, because that's when I'd be home. Of course it was delivered on Monday.

The door-tag, as they call it said I my package would be available at the FedEx location after 6pm, and on the same tag it stated the hours were from 9am - 5pm. I called customer service and got nowhere; then was transferred to tech-support. If you want to have your item custom delivered which if FedEx bullshit-speak for when you're home to receive it, you have to register and enroll in their program. But wait - isn't.. or wasn't the point of what was once an alternative delivery system to the US Postal Service to deliver packages to the customer better faster and more reliably than the post office did? Why should I enroll in a program that does what the service is supposed to already be doing??

Most of the time, when I order regular items, I go through the USPS. This is exactly why Amazon will be challenging shippers like FedEx.

Guess you can tell I am fairly frustrated with them. I think I should be able to call, let them know the ideal day and approximate time I can be there to receive the package - and no problem, no hassle.

As it turns out FedEx will make three attempts. They will probably make an attempt today, although I told the representative from the company that I won't be there. It's a waste of time. But on to more items.

Okay - on to the departure and Freedom Year, which is what I decided to call 12-16-16 to 12-17-17 and somehow I'll be able to work it into the Noxsoma blog title or subtitle, which will probably begin that day.. or at least promoted that day.

I fully intend to make 12-16-16 the last day of work and the first day of Freedom Year by coming into the gig and just chillin' for a while. I have to check on the 22nd and meet with the pension board on the 28th, which means Christmas with the Fam and New Year with the Fram; which I figure is the way it's supposed to work out.

Several opportunities and suggestions have been presented for Freedom Year and I haven't completely decided on everything yet. Everyone wants to know where I'm going and where I'm moving. I just tell them, 'I'm going to keep moving.' because that's as much of a plan as I have. But less I spoil the suspense for you, I'm not going to reveal that plan here... you'll have to follow along.

Oh yeah, one more item; today the folks i work with are putting together a little luncheon in my honor. I am going to have to swallow some of my introvert issues and show up, be cordial, appreciative and friendlier than usual. I think a few of them get it... it's an introvert thing.

Ciao, Love, Namaste.

Ten Days Left

It’s surreal. I get up and go through my morning routine… (without the computer for the past few days..) realizing that this is about to change. There are ten days left until I retire.

On the wheels, by Anita 2016

As with most events in my life I am experiencing it alone. The plans I make, have made… am making, are mine alone. No spouse to consult, no small children to be concerned about.

Just me. All the risk. All the responsibility – and by default all the rewards.

I’m imagining that first day; December 17^th… it’s a Saturday. I wake up, and wonder how I feel.  What will the weather be like? Will I have the discipline to get out and run? Or will I be recovering from a party I’ve insisted would not occur?

Hmmm.

Then I realize I am part of the Universe… still. My connection is even stronger than it was five years ago. I’ll be okay. The opportunities will come and I’ll be prepared to accept and work with them and benefit from them. I will change, evolve, improve. It will be good. It will be great. Like rebirth, like freedom, like elevation.

What will be will be, with a little help from Mind, Consciousness and source. 

More Transitional-Year Transitions

Computer Farewell

Last night my three year old HP Pavilion laptop died. I saw it coming but was trying to save it, hoping at least. I got a lot of files off of it and even though it won't wake up beyond the "welcome' screen, I was able to rescue all of the images, videos and documents I wanted. In fact, as far as I can tell, I can still get in via 'safe mode' and grab a few less vital files.

Better that it happened now before I went out on the road. I can't get too bent out of shape about it though. This is going to change the way I operate. There are a lot more free programs/apps available these days, so I don't have to go around handicapping software from hacker types.

Gig Life

Nine working days left. This is day number 9, so actually it's less than nine. The extension in my time here will come in handy so I can attend to tasks such as acquiring a new computer, possibly sending my extra vitamins on to my next destination, clean up the house and give away the clothes and dishes I'd promised to give away. I think the records might stay with the house for along with the weights and heavier exercise equipment.

I should start taking daily selfies from the job. Ok, Done. Not sure how I'm looking these days. My face is changing. Looks to me like it's becoming a bit leaner - more detail around the cheek bones, but that's another story I suppose.

Anyway, my lockers are just about completely cleaned out, particularly of the stuff that I need/wanted to take home. some other stuff can be left for my colleagues. The staff is going to be very short here, in fact I saw a copy of next year's schedule and mu name isn't on it - for the first time ever - since they've been producing these schedules.

The Feel 

People have been asking me how I feel, how it feels to be leaving here and I don't really know how to answer. I am not completely indifferent, but I'm not super-excited either. There's a good deal of anticipation and uncertainty. One of the biggest changes will be in my daily routine. I have a mental plan as to how that will go, But whenever I make plans they usually change, so I'd better be flexible enough to change when necessary.

Even the thought of planning my post-work days and even the future is giving me a certain level of anxiety, so I might as well make a simple outline and start filling the details in as I go along.


The way this text is flowing is the way i am feeling. I have an idea what I want to get out and write down, but it's all coming at me so rapidly that it feels like mush. I also have a lot of media going on here in the background so I'm not really helping myself focus either.

It's funny, how when I'm doing dishes or something, the ideas come easily, but when I sit down to peck out the words they don't come as easily.

The 400 Workout

But before I get started, same issue with the computer. It takes a very long time to get going. There's something slowing down the process. Maybe run another clean on it. But best to prepare to buy and set up a new one. That might be just what the Universe has in mind for me.

Okay - so let's get into the workout. this is the second day doing this. I'm trying to stick to the same 4 - 8 exercises for at least the next three weeks, or as long as I'm still here. I'm just calling it the 400 after that gimmicky workout from when the 300 Movie came out.. like WAAAAY back.

So here goes.. keeping it simple. Leg press on the slide. 100 reps...  but I add weight after every set. Start with 90 lbs. (whatever the slide itself weighs) pushed to 35... Next set basically double it... to 180 and go for as many as I can get. I kept adding weight until I maxed out at 450 lbs. (10 45 lb plates, total) and for the last 10 count I hit 10 reps.

Either way I win. If I can get 100 straight reps (I like making these goal oriented rules for myself) then I'm done, but next time I have to start out with 180 lbs., and work out to max. Max has to be manageable to; good range of motion. (Which by the way, my range of motion decreases as the weight increases, but that will change as I get stronger.) If I don't get to 100 by the time i hit my max, I can either stay at max or work down. That's the deal.

Next, bench press. On Monday I did 100 reps, in several sets with no weight on the bar. A win. Today I put 20 lbs on and repped out 100. I actually felt my muscles come to live on the final set, where I pushed out 26 reps. Burn, baby!!

Seated cable rows - same deal. 100 reps. I started with 60 lbs... I can advance to 75 next time (Which could be as early as Friday.)

Leg extensions... same deal, 100 reps. and voila, 400 reps, thus The 400!!

But wait, there's more.

There's the body weight element - no way I'm at 100 reps of this stuff yet. Just three sets of shoulder pushups off the bench. Basically head stand pushups practice. Low bar power pull ups, and wide grip pull ups. And that was that.

Body weight training takes a lot out of me. So whatever i have left after 400 reps, I devote to BWT. and as Mind predicted, I felt better having gone.

I've been slacking on the sefies lately. Don't exactly feel I deserve them, or maybe it's just because of the overkill from the Running Series.

Quick and final note; body weight is below 180, and I've got the next two days off for running and maybe some calisthenics in the park... or back to the Y for the 400, in two days. Let's see if i can do both.. and of course, look for the results - which means it's time for another before pic. Maybe I will add one to this post.

Adios.

Chrome Battle....

17 days to go.

After taking steps to clean out my registry, etc., on my computer, the problem still persisted. Somehow, Google Chrome piggy-backed its way into my system and made itself the default browser. That's about the time my system slowed down. So I got rid of it. The processes seem to be going a little faster now, but I'm not quite sure yet.I just got rid of Verizon Cloud also. I don't know whether that will speed the process or not, however I will welcome not having to see their solicitations every time I boot up my computer.

This bad-boy is only three years old.... which I think is two generations in technology-speak. It runs windows 7 - and the state of the art - I understand is windows 10... I think I skipped 9, so yeah... two generations behind.

The one good aspect of having a slow computer is that it kept me out of social media, which is becoming as tiresome as hanging around the same old peopleto talk about the same old topics and never seem to change. I'll still be able to ease myself out.

I don't know if this rig is back to tolerable levels of performance. I don't want to replace it, but I may have to. Can't be sitting around in cafes for hours just waiting for programs to open.

That's it for today. It's been one of those  funny days; rain and lethargy, and not just from me. I'm doing some pulling exercises this evening, and some biceps curls with dumbbells - the bands give me a different feel and work different muscles. I need to do this the way i did weights back in the day. Maybe I'll hit the Y tomorrow and then run on Thursday and Friday mornings... my days off.

Cheers.