Cate
Long term member
Hmm. That job of yours is certainly not part-time. It seems to be one stressful situation after another.
It sounds like your wife could do with a bit of moral support, Jack.
Jack's Diary
- Thread starter jackbenimble
- Start date
It sounds like your wife could do with a bit of moral support, Jack.
alligatorob
Respected Member
Tell us a bit more about her concert, that sounds interesting.
I'm jealous, I miss the beach and it hasn't been in the 40s here since November.
I agree with the others, your job doesn't sound part time to me. I can understand the problem, my consulting is proving harder to wind down than I thought it would be. Consultants always want more work than they can handle, it comes with the job.
jackbenimble
New member
Guys - I shouldn't be complaining about the part-time being full-time. It's not like I didn't see it coming. Plus, I just made out my invoice, and with the raise, it's a decent chunk for a pretty much normal workweek (two actually, it's bi-weekly). My concern is if I get pushback from the boss. But I've let him know a couple of times. Plus, I think he had the budget for me as full-time for the year, so it's all gravy to him if I get the job done in fewer hours. We'll see, though.
Petal, yeah, I mean the beach isn't so great in terms of swimming because of being so near the city - but it's a beach and it's great to have the option to walk it. Things always change, the water, the tide, the sun, the clouds, the birds, the lighting, the grass/brush, the people around. I really should walk every day.
Speaking of which, I'm *thinking* about switching my "rainy day" fund to a fitness bank which pays 2.2% APY, which beats the best rate out there by .2%. I'm currently at 1.7% and my finance software isn't linking properly with it anyway. But, you have to prove you walk 12,500 steps every single day to qualify for the max rate. That's like six miles or so, at least an hour, probably more. But what a motivation! It's literally getting paid to exercise. I really love the idea. They are gambling that I won't get my lazy butt out of my chair after a while, and they probably win that bet more than they lose it. Way more, that's human nature. I'm going out today to see how long it takes to get that many steps in.
Petal, yeah, I mean the beach isn't so great in terms of swimming because of being so near the city - but it's a beach and it's great to have the option to walk it. Things always change, the water, the tide, the sun, the clouds, the birds, the lighting, the grass/brush, the people around. I really should walk every day.
Speaking of which, I'm *thinking* about switching my "rainy day" fund to a fitness bank which pays 2.2% APY, which beats the best rate out there by .2%. I'm currently at 1.7% and my finance software isn't linking properly with it anyway. But, you have to prove you walk 12,500 steps every single day to qualify for the max rate. That's like six miles or so, at least an hour, probably more. But what a motivation! It's literally getting paid to exercise. I really love the idea. They are gambling that I won't get my lazy butt out of my chair after a while, and they probably win that bet more than they lose it. Way more, that's human nature. I'm going out today to see how long it takes to get that many steps in.
jackbenimble
New member
You're right, Cate. I did some shopping yesterday, also invited her out on a date once the concert is done. We're buying out tonight (she finally took me up on that standing offer). But I could do more. She gets bothered when things are out of place, like the coffee on the counter instead of on the shelf. I could be tighter with stuff like that.
jackbenimble
New member
Rob, my wife is a classically-trained pianist and opera singer. So, when you hear opera on the radio, that what she sounds like, no kidding. Sometimes when opera comes up in my Pandora feed, I think it's her, well at least once.
Anyway, as a musical outlet, she joined a choral group in town which specializes in Bach cantatas, but really does a variety of classical music. However, it's tough to crack the soloists for the main performances, as they are obviously really good. So the group also does a kind of recital series at smaller venues to give the rest of the singers a shot at soloing. She has auditioned for these consistently over the years and only gotten chosen for it one other time. So it was kind of surprising she got chosen this year, and she was over-scheduled because she already has scheduled some part-time piano and teaching gigs. Anyway, she sings this weekend, then this rough stretch will be over with, grace a Dieux.
How did it go? 12,500 steps is quite a bit but not too hard if you´re generally active, I think. The question is how many days a week you need to hit the step goal in order to beat your current investment.
That´s lovely! Singing at that level is SUCH an achievement.
Hiya Jack. Oh my gosh you are sooooo busy right now. II hope the wife's concert went really well and that everyone is enjoying success and relief by the time you receive this.
Are you still having RLS? A friend recently mentioned that a wizened physical therapist told her that the cause is insufficient blood circulation in the legs and RLS is the body's way of trying to get it moving. She started laying on the ground with her legs propped up against the wall for 15 minutes before bedtime and cured it. Wanted to mention before I forgot.
Man, I hope to catch up soon! I should have some down town in about a week when I head off to FL for some R&R.
Are you still having RLS? A friend recently mentioned that a wizened physical therapist told her that the cause is insufficient blood circulation in the legs and RLS is the body's way of trying to get it moving. She started laying on the ground with her legs propped up against the wall for 15 minutes before bedtime and cured it. Wanted to mention before I forgot.
Man, I hope to catch up soon! I should have some down town in about a week when I head off to FL for some R&R.
alligatorob
Respected Member
Very impressive! One of my regrets in life is that I never learned any musical skills, I admire those with them. I really know little about opera, but I have a few CDs and listen to them once in a while. Years ago a friend gave me a couple of Giuseppe Verdi CDs, that got me started. I also have Don Giovanni and a few others. As I say I know little about them except that I enjoy listening from time to time. Hope her concert goes well.
jackbenimble
New member
Hiya Jack. Oh my gosh you are sooooo busy right now. II hope the wife's concert went really well and that everyone is enjoying success and relief by the time you receive this.
Are you still having RLS? A friend recently mentioned that a wizened physical therapist told her that the cause is insufficient blood circulation in the legs and RLS is the body's way of trying to get it moving. She started laying on the ground with her legs propped up against the wall for 15 minutes before bedtime and cured it. Wanted to mention before I forgot.
Man, I hope to catch up soon! I should have some down town in about a week when I head off to FL for some R&R.
Hi Mols - are you officially retired now? So happy for you! Enjoy the stay in Fla. ! I will try your friend's RLS solution.
jackbenimble
New member
It sounds like your wife is busier than she would like to be as well. She must be very good. It's nice to be considerate towards one another. Those little things do count. Maybe next week you can start a once a week date night?
That's a great idea, Cate! I asked her if she wanted to go bowling, but she's not up for that. Too bad! I need to improve on it. We were going to art museums once a week during the summer. Maybe once a month might be better.
jackbenimble
New member
Rob, you somehow strike me as someone who would really enjoy opera, so I'm not surprised you like your friend's CD's. I'm not an opera buff, either, though. I have had some exposure to it that I normally wouldn't have, though, because of my wife. I guess I'll never really be into it, unfortunately.
jackbenimble
New member
Thanks Petal! I'm not sure she would 100% agree about the considerate part, but I like the way you think!
jackbenimble
New member
So, I finished off the tequila tonight, having the equivalent of a couple of margaritas. It was nice, I had a nice glow going on, and my constantly shifting thoughts quieted for a bit. I was doing my Japanese review with Pandora running. I was more focused than usual, and I felt an awareness of my body, in particular, my facial muscles around my jaw and mouth, which I kept completely relaxed. I had a little bit of an insight into what Eckhardt Tolle is talking about when he says the brain plays too big of a role in what we are about, how it's a good idea to kind of feel instead always think. Anyway, it felt good. It's a good idea to get a little bit of a glow or a high going on every once in a while. The altered state of your mind shifts your perspective a little bit.
A while back, C had a neighbor who was young and pretty (and married) and liked to get high and sing with him (he plays keyboards). So, one time we went to an Elton John concert together, the three of us, and she hooked me up - gave me a few tokes. Elton John was awesome that night, and hanging around with a pretty young girl, so fun. As an old married guy, you don't get too many chances to do something like that.
I want to start getting my steps in. Time is so short when you're at work 8 hours a day. Even with the short commute. I'm really wasting time at night. I need to start getting to bed earlier.
A while back, C had a neighbor who was young and pretty (and married) and liked to get high and sing with him (he plays keyboards). So, one time we went to an Elton John concert together, the three of us, and she hooked me up - gave me a few tokes. Elton John was awesome that night, and hanging around with a pretty young girl, so fun. As an old married guy, you don't get too many chances to do something like that.
I want to start getting my steps in. Time is so short when you're at work 8 hours a day. Even with the short commute. I'm really wasting time at night. I need to start getting to bed earlier.
jackbenimble
New member
This week P was back so work was a bit easier. I like being "part-time" - I feel a little bit more freedom. I'm starting to get more familiar with the latest version of the software I'm supporting and was able to figure out a couple of problems on my own, which is progress. My developer experience comes in handy for that and other things as well. When I think about it, one of the things my boss likes is that experience. It gives him a kind of edge when dealing with engineering, for one thing. Not that I have battles with them, more like I can speak their language.
Obviously, the 15K annual health plan sucks, but I will be 65 in 2.5 years, so that will come down. Also, I kind of miss programming, but to switch to something else right now doesn't make sense with retirement so close. Actually, it's a year off, but I'll be working less hours for sure already. Switching would be a lot of work. I have a pretty good hourly rate and I'm getting along with the people. It's a reverse commute, not much traffic and just 20-25 minutes one way.
I've kind of dropped guitar for the time being. I'm heavily focused on Japanese right now and am making progress. I'm able to drop a good amount of Japanese in conversations with my wife now, and although she is still mostly speaking in English, she's generally getting what I'm saying and responding in Japanese here and there. I also booked a lesson on italki with a cute Japanese girl (living in Sydney). $14 / hour - can afford that.
As far as steps go, I've been monitoring them somewhat this week. The 12.5K steps per day needed for the 2.2% on the savings account is out of the question, but I'm closer to it than I thought. For example, I walked the beach yesterday and ended up with - oh, rats, my icloud is full, it must not have stored it. But one day I was surprised to be around 11.5 K. I think I do more walking around at work than I thought. Plus I'm carrying my phone more to be sure I capture every step.
I'm kind of thinking a little about shaving my head, as my hairline has been receding for many years and recently has looked worse to me. But I tried a couple of how you would look bald apps, but one just left the hair on the side (not a great look), and the other I didn't like much. I mentioned it to my wife, and she said "iya da", which means "gross/disgusting". The other option is a hair transplant, but that's 1) very expensive and 2) I'm not convinced they look natural. I have been using rogaine for a few months, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Sigh. If you have a full head of hair (looking at you, Rob) you are a lucky guy.
I took my mom to see my wife sing last night. My wife sang well, she was ok with it. A lot of people were hugging and chatting with her after, which was I'm sure nice fore. It was a lot of old nordic songs, and all the singers were great, amazing tbh. Her fellow group members were saying to me that it's rare to have those kinds of songs performed, and they were appreciative of that.
My mom, bless her heart, kept nodding off, but give me a break - she's 91 and doing great. Well, her overall health is very good - she's not on any medication and is very with it, although she struggles with memory sometimes, but then again so do I. She does have some trouble walking - her right leg is a little bent, she's got a forward lean. In a way stairs are easier for here because it straightens her up. I always have to remember to take it slow with her. But she's fun to be around and I am treasuring her remaining years.
Anyway, tonight I'm hanging with B to catch a Celts game. I haven't seen him for a while so looking forward to it. Other than that, I just have to get through my flashcards, do my walk on the beach, and (if I'm ambitious) get to the gym.
Saturdays are nice.
Obviously, the 15K annual health plan sucks, but I will be 65 in 2.5 years, so that will come down. Also, I kind of miss programming, but to switch to something else right now doesn't make sense with retirement so close. Actually, it's a year off, but I'll be working less hours for sure already. Switching would be a lot of work. I have a pretty good hourly rate and I'm getting along with the people. It's a reverse commute, not much traffic and just 20-25 minutes one way.
I've kind of dropped guitar for the time being. I'm heavily focused on Japanese right now and am making progress. I'm able to drop a good amount of Japanese in conversations with my wife now, and although she is still mostly speaking in English, she's generally getting what I'm saying and responding in Japanese here and there. I also booked a lesson on italki with a cute Japanese girl (living in Sydney). $14 / hour - can afford that.
As far as steps go, I've been monitoring them somewhat this week. The 12.5K steps per day needed for the 2.2% on the savings account is out of the question, but I'm closer to it than I thought. For example, I walked the beach yesterday and ended up with - oh, rats, my icloud is full, it must not have stored it. But one day I was surprised to be around 11.5 K. I think I do more walking around at work than I thought. Plus I'm carrying my phone more to be sure I capture every step.
I'm kind of thinking a little about shaving my head, as my hairline has been receding for many years and recently has looked worse to me. But I tried a couple of how you would look bald apps, but one just left the hair on the side (not a great look), and the other I didn't like much. I mentioned it to my wife, and she said "iya da", which means "gross/disgusting". The other option is a hair transplant, but that's 1) very expensive and 2) I'm not convinced they look natural. I have been using rogaine for a few months, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Sigh. If you have a full head of hair (looking at you, Rob) you are a lucky guy.
I took my mom to see my wife sing last night. My wife sang well, she was ok with it. A lot of people were hugging and chatting with her after, which was I'm sure nice fore. It was a lot of old nordic songs, and all the singers were great, amazing tbh. Her fellow group members were saying to me that it's rare to have those kinds of songs performed, and they were appreciative of that.
My mom, bless her heart, kept nodding off, but give me a break - she's 91 and doing great. Well, her overall health is very good - she's not on any medication and is very with it, although she struggles with memory sometimes, but then again so do I. She does have some trouble walking - her right leg is a little bent, she's got a forward lean. In a way stairs are easier for here because it straightens her up. I always have to remember to take it slow with her. But she's fun to be around and I am treasuring her remaining years.
Anyway, tonight I'm hanging with B to catch a Celts game. I haven't seen him for a while so looking forward to it. Other than that, I just have to get through my flashcards, do my walk on the beach, and (if I'm ambitious) get to the gym.
Saturdays are nice.
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alligatorob
Respected Member
Sounds like a good time, as another old married guy I can relate!
Yes, I enjoy opera, but can't say I am really into it. I listen to and like most genres of music, but am no expert at all, just a listener. Being originally from Louisiana my roots and probably favorites are New Orleans Jazz and Cajun.
You are lucky to have your mother still with you, wish I did.