Moderation?

I always hear that moderation is key and while I understand the logic, I struggle to abide by the mantra. That might be because I cannot recall anything I accomplished via moderation. Maybe it’s just the way I’m wired. I like extremes. I gravitate towards the most aggressive music and am more likely to praise an album if it has a high production value. I never cared for the “garage band” sound. Nicolas Cage is the apotheosis of acting for me. Go big or go home.

I think it’s the same with how I exercise, which is probably what gave me the name “Manimal” in my college days. I never argued that was a good thing. It’s somewhat masochistic, and I know it’s not a “key to longevity.” I tell myself I’ll dial things back but have yet to actually do it. Maybe this will be the year. After the Boston marathon, that is.

I did buy a new bike, a Cannondale Synapse 2, which I’m stoked to try out. I believe my road riding days are mostly over. Drivers scare me. I’ll stick to greenways and trails when possible. I liked the Synapse as a “do it all” bike that can handle most Missouri paths. Also, it’s lavender, and spring is near.

I want to lay off the running a little after this next marathon and enjoy more leisurely cycling. I spent much of 2024 rehabbing from overuse injuries and although I’m feeling fresh now, I’d rather not repeat the same mistake. I’d rather read books than devote another year to physical therapy. Famous last words…

My initial takes on some recent films:

Companion=Excellent

The Monkey=Mildly amusing

Heart Eyes = Brilliant opener, routine otherwise

Old Strength, and Returning

I started a weekly strength training class called “Old Man Strength” (I guess I’ve finally attained the honors to join this class thanks to Father Time). It was great, I learned some new exercises and had the instructor correct a few bad habits I had on exercises I knew. I will definitely be sore tomorrow. I like that most exercises involved full range of motion, single leg balance, and power. That’s what I was looking for. In fact more important than strength, to me, is power. It’s actually power that typically diminishes at a faster rate than strength when you get past 40. Power is also a more useful tool, in my opinion. You break a brick with your fist primarily with power.

The class started at 7 am and lasted an hour. I had a rare meeting at 8 am and I said screw it, and I made bacon and eggs and ate them slowly instead. I want to enjoy a ritual, not shove food down my throat for the sake of moving forward. People who request meetings at 8 am should be tarred and feathered. A peaceful morning is sacred.

Nothing interesting playing at the cinemas. Squid Game season 2 started slow but I’m invested now that I’m on episode 4. I think the South Koreans are producing a lot of high quality cinema/television.

I hate that my smartphone always follows me around and seems to demand attention. They’re doing their best to become appendages. Nostalgic for the days of arriving home from school and roaming the local neighborhoods and parks at dusk. Maybe once free of the 9-5 I’ll find a way to minimize phone use. You can’t really think in a state of distraction.

Denzel said something along the lines of, “Youth is for learning, the middle is for earning, and the older years are for returning.” Maybe I’m old, or I’m returning a little early. I’m good with either of those.