The Moratorium

 

A spanking of hair

Graces the tops of their heads

As they stroll along.

 January 22, 2021

 Even before receiving the latest stimulus check, I have been doing my fair share to keep money circulating through the economy.

 Since going back to work after the shutdown, while not buying off the shelf newly minted top of the line major purchases, I have bought a used car and put together a bike out of a new frame and very nice gifted old parts. I’ve also indulged my shoe, clothing and gear lusts pretty much to my satisfaction, and I shop at Whole Foods weekly.

 But all that’s about to come to an end until at least my birthday in May (except the Whole Foods purchases – sorry T.Js, your produce just doesn’t cut it).

 My sister, who is still a practicing Catholic, gives something up for Lent every year. While I’m no longer a Catholic, I do believe there are all kinds of benefits to reigning in my purchases for an extended period of time. For me that time is between the end of January and May every year.

 Why that period?

 It seems ridiculous to stop buying right at the New Year when I’m just flush with Christmas unfulfilled wishes and a work bonus check. So I give myself all of January to mull my desires over.

 And why end at May?

 That’s my birthday month and it would be highly implausible that I’m not going to get myself a little something for that more and more precious occasion.

 Fortunately, there are only a few items I’m left lusting for at the moment, but none I would make use of before May. Eventually I’ll get a new sleeping quilt for some fast pack trips once the weather is better. As soon as it seems probable that races will actually physically take place, I’ll get the Saucony Endorphin Pros. And in a few weeks I’ll test drive the Solo, an all electric single seater that I put a deposit down on. But I’m hoping that purchasing decision will be put off for quite a while as I took a big hit on the down payment on the new used car.

 
All things considered I am in a very fortunate situation and it’ll be interesting to see how much my savings will increase as I limit myself to only necessary purchases until I blow out the candles on my 63^rd birthday.

Soul to Sole

 

The dry desert winds

Continue their march seaward

Through the winter months.

 Thursday, January 14, 2021

 Never being a touchy-feely person, not shaking hands or hugging people, even attractive women, has alleviated a great deal of stress in my life as part of my job used to entail greeting and saying good-bye to our guests on a weekly basis.

 Therefore, early on in the pandemic when some late-night host discussed how the New York Health Dept. had released a guide detailing the safest sex positions for non-quarantining people, the idea had me rolling on the floor in laughter.

 But lately I’ve been thinking what would the safest way be for people to safely engage in cordial greetings?

 The answer: a twist on the old Eskimo nose rub.

 If a person absolutely must touch another person I suggest lying down flat on their backs so the soles of their feet are touching. This would allow for skin to skin contact with the maximal amount of distance between their oral cavities.

 
Admittedly, this will be awkward at first, but I’m sure bowing and curtsying were as well, and not nearly as obnoxious as high fives or fist bumps.

The Dealership

The new vehicle

Holds the bicycle and dog

And even the wife.

 Friday, January 8, 2021

 Yesterday was another opportunity to prove that I’ve matured and could deal with a car salesman by sticking to my guns and getting the deal I wanted or walking away.

 Well, not quite.

 Again I entered the arena and I would say came out on the losing end of a split decision.

 With our old car needing a new transmission I figured it was better to cut our losses and trade it in for a new used car.

 Our CR-Z was at Woodland Hills Honda. They had a 2018 Fit there listed for $14,588. I’ve had a Fit before and all the reviews of the later versions pretty much match what the Fit has always been; a competent car that has amazing interior storage capacity for its small exterior dimensions.

 It’s main selling points are it could hold our dog and a bike economically. And being a Honda with the added extended warranty will be a reliable method of commuter transportation for years to come.

 The deal; Take our old car off our hands for the payoff amount of $2417.22. Get me an interest rate under 3% with $7,000 down and we’ll drive away with the Fit.

 The dealer (round one); $500 for the old car. They’ll add the rest of the payoff into the Fit loan at 4%. Oh, and there’s a $1000 alarm system that’s installed that can’t be removed so will be included in the cost.

 At that point I should’ve walked. If that alarm couldn’t be removed it should’ve been included in the price. A sneaky dealer trick that should’ve had me out the door.

But we need a car and I like the Fit.

 Me; I won’t do a loan over 3% which I can get from my credit union.

 They agree.

 The final deal; Under 3% for 6 years with $500 for our CR-Z with $7000 down.

 
The dealer got me again. I’m going to study the tapes and train so that in what I hope will be one of my few remaining battles I can come out with the deal I promised I would make walking into the arena. 

Lord of the Rings

 

Lord of the Rings: January 1, 2021

 Wind, rain and earthquakes

Are working to shape the rock

We see around us.

 January 1, 2021

 Forget all that gobbledy gook about resolving to become a better person by treating others better, making a concerted effort to practicing  philosophical, religious or spiritual beliefs, spending more quality time with the family… Let’s get to the real important questions that resolutions are meant to answer – can I get more sexier in the New Year?

 Damned, at 62 I doubt it. But I’m going to give that old college try.

 How? Today begins my first day of gymnastic ring work. I know, a lot of people start off the New Year by targeting a new exercise program. But at least I’m somewhat different in that regard as I have a pretty good track record of sticking to long range exercise programs. Afterall, I’ve been  running and riding on a pretty consistent basis for a good 50 years.

 But as far as strength training goes, it’s been hit or miss for the most part, though lately I have been using the kettlebell and doing some standard body weight exercises on a consistent basis.

 And strength is the one area in my fitness portfolio that’s always been my biggest weakness. Not that I think I can be the Jack Lalanne I’ve always wanted to be, but I do believe consistent ring work can at least get me to a more svelte version of that fitness icon. Maybe like a senior Bruce Lee?

 It’s worth a shot even if it doesn’t bring my dreamed about results. At least my strength, balance, flexibility and agility are bound to improve. And at this stage of the game to improve physically is a pretty decent accomplishment.