Life Style: A Current State

The term lifestyle and the connotations thereof fascinate me to the point of temptation toward delving into its origins and how it became a symbol of status. But I won't. This is about me and mine. Somewhat of a time capsule (and since these aren't backed up) it may end up dissolving like the oral capsule.

Note to self: Backup this series. 

Genting Highlands, Malaysia foto by Jini

Here's the current state of my lifestyle; I work, I workout and I travel... in that order. I have a handful of close friends, one of which has the time and the interests in road-tripping around for eats, looking over real estate and shopping. I'm not a big shopper, but any opportunity to get out of the city I accept. Plus, we're a lot like twins... or more accurately Yin & Yang. In that we're very similar in ideology, although we approach life and lifestyle differently to end up at the same place.

My other close friends are pursuing careers and educations and/or family lives that are satisfying them and/or preparing them for their futures. I see them occasionally. Some of them live in other states and cities, but we're still close, in that way that transcends geographical distance.

I just realized, that as with the term lifestyle each element of my life can be a blog post in its own right, so I'd best exercise some discipline on this topic.

I've worked at the same job for about 28.5 years at this point. I've never been laid off or fired. Never been out of work for any amount of time since I enlisted in the US Navy. Yeah, I'm a veteran too. I've got the age the time and the ambition to retire from this current gig. I've chosen to leave at the end of this year, however I have yet to commit to this decision. In a way I am in transition and perhaps a self-imposed limbo. I have imagined what I'll do next, but haven't planned anything specific. I don't plan - I kind of dream and let life and opportunities happen. Again, this could go off somewhere, but let's move on.

Chillin' with first born, the unexpected blessing

I live in the house grew up in. I bought the house 10 years ago from my parents, as my dad was ill (and passed in 2008). Up until that point I'd been renting from the 'rents, paying the bills and so forth. I've made a few improvements, but haven't invested too much money into it, as I don't plan to stay here. In fact the current state of the neighborhood suggests that my timing is close to perfect. I should be out by December. I have declared I will not spend another winter in Philadelphia.

I've been a dad slightly less time than I've been at the gig. This gig and my first born came along at about the same time; serendipity I'd call it as neither were planned, although I knew each could happen and remain grateful for the synchronicity. Both of my children are off pursuing their dreams, living in cities other than here, so I have a few places to visit when I wrap things up at my current location.

Number 1 Son, Following his LA dream

I exercise every day. I used to be obsessed,  now I'm addicted (committed). I'm a fitness professional in addition to what I do at the main event. I've been teaching/leading group fitness classes/sessions since 2007. I'm pretty fit, however lately I've been getting tired sooner. My Auntie immediately cited my age. I told her, "Age is the last excuse." I don't buy the conventional statistics that we slow down with age. In fact I believe the opposite. So instead of taking it easy because I feel tired and weak (relatively speaking,) I go harder and longer. I'd stopped... for some reason, working out every day and went every other day instead; which is my theory as to why I was feeling as I was. So, I went hard two days straight and already stated to feel better. Unless something extreme happens, I won't be backing off again. I had to restate my personal standards - and work up to them again. And that's all I'll say about this, (except, I'll go hard again tomorrow.)

From regional road trips to meeting internet friends around the world, I get to travel a little bit. A little bit was a fine description a few years ago. I've been able to wander and explore more and more often in the past few years. Because I'm miserly when it comes to material wealth and status, and refuse to pay for unnecessary recurring services (i.e cable TV,) I can stash airfare, train fare and bus fare away for an adventure or two annually. I am not burdened by the expenses of a motor vehicle, which is kind of a double-edged sword as I miss those events I'd surely attend if I was still driving; but oh well - we prioritize don't we? What I like least about traveling is returning. It used to be returning to Philly; now it's returning to the US. The paranoia is palpable. On my last re-entry, I was instant-photoed (the way I used to do to prisoners at the gig), then thumb-printed before I even got to the customs inspector. It was pretty smooth after that; no undercover entrapment specialist walking a beagle came to sniff my crotch after this most recent trip.

Finally, a few notes for my future self to look back on and reminisce over or laugh about, depending on how the future unfolds. I am single and don't date per se. In case there's any doubt as to my preferences, I'm not gay (not that there's anything wrong with that). I can imagine this, now classic line, will soon be coming after a declaration of heterosexuality as the future majority will be pansexual and/or polyamorous. "Straight" will mean depriving one's self of the joi de vie or the variety of what life has to offer.

More often than not I eat at home and cook my own food. I'm not a foodie, I'm not a vegan, I'm not Paleo, (but I'm closer to this than anything else), I'm not militantly organic. People, I'm happy to say, even those I've only recently met, recognize my Zen. However they mean it, I appreciate them for recognizing it.

I'm very much in transition as a human and a personality. I'm excited and a bit nervous about what comes next. I think about that day after the last day of work. As mentioned earlier I've been working for decades... probably four of them. I will probably work again. What I hope won't happen is the paper chase. I don't have ambitions of material wealth, status, or such as keeps the global economy healthily unhealthy. I picture myself as a Vagabond Philosopher teaching 6th to 8th graders about life and numbers and how the two relate; hosting meet-up groups/workshops coaching people on how to become effective and qualified group exercise instructors, or myself being a live-in personal trainer. Building houses, even if it's just hauling away the excess, for Habitat for Humanity and working on farms, whether it's in South Jersey, Wisconsin, or somewhere in India or New Zealand. I just want to keep moving, learn some good stuff, teach some good stuff, be with good people and then pass along what I've experienced.

Vagabond Philosopher, Pretty much how I envision my earth-self

If this blog lasts another decade or two, we'll all be able to witness the change - in my growth and perspective, in my attitude, and physically as well.

I think I can share this with you now. A few of you anyway.

Sometimes the spirit in me recognizes the spirit in others. What is that recognition? That we are everything that is was or will be. We are made of the same stuff as the universe because we are the universe. We are the hands on the wrists, the fingers on the hands, the nails, skin, hair, pores on the hand that's on the body that's in space-time. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

That is all.

Namaste

O+ Diet: This Explains A Lot

Note to self - refer to this stuff from time to time.

Within the last decade I learned about the "blood type diet" which as it sounds, is based on the theory that different blood types operate differently and thus require different diets. For some reason I have recently revisited this idea and went to Dr. D'Adamo's website that explains this stuff and got an update on the information.

Briefly, it states that Type Os tend towards a higher level of stomach acid, which makes this blood type well able to digest meats. This is explanation enough for me as to why my attempts at vegetarian diets haven't stuck.
Conversely, Type Os more easily convert carbohydrates, grains especially into fats and triglycerides, which again explains why I dropped 5 to 6 pounds of body fat when I stopped eating wheat, in particular, as I'd already cut most other grains back to zero. As a Type O I am probably a good candidate for a paleo, or ketogenic diet of predominantly meats and veggies.

There are other characteristics, personality traits that seem to be connected to blood type, that align with some of what I've experienced in my life and lifestyle. Following are a few paragraphs about Type Os directly from the website I decided to add just as a reminder. I think this time I'll internalize the information and make it an essential part of my lifestyle.

Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo & The Blood Type Diet

Type O Strengths and Weaknesses

We've already mentioned the tendency of type O towards higher levels of stomach acid. There is also another unique characteristic of type O that is perhaps even more important: This blood type has a very well-developed ability to digest meals that contain both protein and fat. This is because two chemicals used by the digestive tract, an enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase, and a lipoprotein called ApoB48 are secreted into the digestive tract in much higher amounts by type O's. These digestive factors greatly enhance the ability of type O to not only metabolize the choelsterol in animal products more efficiently, but also greatly increase their ability to heal their digestive tract and better assimilate calcium. However, these very same strengths come at a cost: in Type O simple carbohydrates, especially from grains, are more easily converted into fats and triglycerides. Many grains also contain reactive proteins called lectins that can ramp up the type O immune system, resulting in unwanted inflammation and auto-immunity.

Manage Your Type O Stress

The legacy of your Type O ancestry causes an immediate “fight or flight” response in people of this blood type. However, this finely tuned response to stress, so vital in early Type O’s, is not always so beneficial in modern times. The Type O response can cause bouts of excessive anger, temper tantrums, hyperactivity and even create a severe enough chemical imbalance to bring about a manic episode. Since there is a powerful, synergistic relationship between the release of dopamine and feelings of reward, Type O is more vulnerable to destructive behaviors when overly tired, depressed or bored. These can include gambling, sensation seeking, risk taking, substance abuse and impulsivity. To avoid becoming overstressed, Dr. D’Adamo recommends following the Type O diet, which focuses on lean, organic meats, vegetables and fruits and avoid wheat and dairy which can be triggers for digestive and health issues in Type O. Additionally, he suggests that Type O’s avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can be particularly harmful because of its tendency to raise adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are already high for Type O’s.

Energize - The Essential Exercise Component

Type O’s benefit tremendously from brisk regular exercise that taxes the cardiovascular and muscular skeletal system. But the benefit derived surpasses the goal of physical fitness. Type O also derives the benefit of a well timed chemical release system. The act of physical exercise releases a swarm of neurotransmitter activity that acts as a tonic for the entire system. The Type O who exercises regularly also has a better emotional response. You are more emotionally balanced as a result of well regulated, efficient chemical transport system. More than any other blood type, O’s rely on physical exercise to maintain physical health and emotional balance. Dr. D’Adamo suggests that Type O’s engage in regular physical activity three to four times per week. For best results, engage in aerobic activity for thirty to forty five minutes at least four times per week. If you are easily bored, choose two or three different exercises and vary your routine.

Live Right!

In addition to exercising and eating foods that are Right For Your Type, here are a few key lifestyle strategies for Type O individuals:

• Develop clear plans for goals and tasks – annual, monthly, weekly, daily to avoid impulsivity.
• Make lifestyle changes gradually, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
• Eat all meals, even snacks, seated at a table.
• Chew slowly and put your fork down between bites of food.
• Avoid making big decisions or spending money when stressed.
• Do something physical when you feel anxious.
• Engage in thirty to forty five minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times per week.
• When you crave a pleasure releasing-substance (alcohol, tobacco, sugar), do something physical.

Dr. D’Adamo recommends that Type O, “Approach this program as a long term strategy. This is not a short term goal, rather a lifestyle that you adapt for a lifetime of health and well being. There is no doubt that there is a connection between the mind and the body. The knowledge that we can do something to change our genetic destiny is powerful.”