Abs and other thoughts

I adopted a new ab exercise a while back. I saw them doing it in a class at the gym. It made me sore and was much more challenging than what I'd been doing. That and my push ups have made a big difference. I can feel the firmness in my obliques. My abs are a slow steady work in progress but I feel the difference. I had been doing the bicycle alternating sides with each rep, but the new way does the same side over and over and then the same side elbow to leg over and over, then you switch sides. Way harder. I think it is important to change things periodically. I still have some pooch and some fat but far less and I see a waistline. Going past the giant mirror closet doors without my clothes on is getting easier and easier. Not always, but most of the time, I feel ok if not good about my body. It has come a long way.

I like that it has been gradual. Gradual seems permanent. New normal, not passing fad. My quickie lunch gym workouts are the new normal, too. Not every day but at least two or three a week. And the file room workouts are normal now, too. I feel like I am being true to myself. I know I go a bit wild and have some indulgences from time to time, but even when I do that I am taking responsibility for the outcome. It is not world war three with myself, just a temporary indulgence.

It is good to be home. I worked from home this afternoon. I still have a contract to finish this evening but I will get it finished. It is long and dull but it pays the rent. I will get some overtime pay on my check this week and that will help with the budget. I am taking things easy and staying in today with life. It feels good. Last night I had to light the pilot on the furnace. I have always been scared of gas appliances, and confused by the mechanics of stuff. But the landlord fell asleep and forgot to stop by, so I decided to do it. I had read the diagram and instructions but could not see the pilot. I called my buddy Joe and he made some suggestions and said he'd come if I couldn't do it. But I got of the phone and did it. It felt really good. I am going to use the fireplace this year, too. Looking forward to it. My home is cozy for the winter.

The Weed called my house several times in a row while I was gone. I had changed my cell phone because of him. I decided I would call him and tell him not to call the house anymore rather than my daughter or the house sitter having to contend with him. I called from the hotel and let him know he was not to use the home phone number and I wanted no contact with him. He said he'd respect that. He said he wanted me to forgive him for the bad text messages. I said I had already forgiven him but wanted nothing to do with him because I did not live like that, with name calling and such. Those things are not a part of my life today. So that was that. No more calls. It was easy.

I feel like settling in for a long winter's nap.