Merry Christmas!

The Stand by Stephen King - Audio Version

The Stand by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was already a big fan of this book already before listening to this audio version. I've read both the original and extended version of this book and it still doesn't get tiresome. I was not a big fan of the original mid 90's mini-series version though as I've yet to sit through the whole thing. I have heard that another remake is in the works. With 45 plus hours to listen to its pretty daunting to sit through. It does start a little slow as King builds up the plot and the characters as what can seem like an eternity. He did not rush when it came to this story. Even though I knew the story pretty well I still picked up stuff I missed before. After awhile the time flew by and the forty-five hours seem to not be as long. Things I picked up differently were that I found Fran irritating and self-centered. I was also more sympathetic with the brilliant but misled Harold Lauder. I did enjoy this one and recommend it to fans of the book or even of Stephen King in general.

View all my reviews

Your E-Reader Could Be Making You Dumber

Your E-Reader Could Be Making You Dumber

Tap into this Book

Two Weeks Until Flutie 5K!

Two weeks from today I'll be running the Flutie 5k. I run for a couple of reason's: 

1. To support what the Flutie Foundation does for families who are caring for someone with Autism. 
2. For my son 5 year old son Samuel who was diagnosed with Autism. Please help me support the Flutie Foundation and to also bring awareness of Autism. 

Visit my page on the event website and register or donate today.

P.S. I forgot to add that I'm donating an extra dollar for each mile I run in September my current total to day is 29.6 miles which makes it. $29.60 so far!

Update:Flutie Foundation 5k

 

Update: For those that don't know I'm running the Flutie 5k on October 5, 2014. I'm donating a addition $1 per mile I run in September. My total as of today is 20.6 miles which equals $20.60. I run also for my soon-to-be 6 year old son Samuel (pictured above)who was diagnosed with Autism over two years ago. Please help me support the Flutie Foundation which helps those families coping with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit my page on the event website and register or donate today. A special "Thank you" to those that have donated already. It really means a lot.

Books: Word For Word by Andy Rooney

Word for Word by Andrew A. Rooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've long enjoyed Andy's writing style. His amazing ability to sometimes the simplest thoughts or ideas and just talk about them in such an entertaining manner. Sometimes just wishful thinking or serious deep thoughts. He's rarely full of himself but in fact self depreciating at times. He's aware of who he is and doesn't brag or apologize for being himself. I wish I had his ability and patience to write stuff down and make others want to read it.

View all my reviews

Bad Animals: A Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky

Bad Animals: A Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(Audiobook)An interesting memoir about parents of a son with Autism. The author is good at whining and a lot of self pity. He is amusing at times and does shed some light on what it's like to have a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

View all my reviews

Nobody's Fool - Book Review (and movie)

Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I originally became aware of this story from it's movie adaptation. The movie starred Paul Newman as the main character , Donald "Sully" Sullivan. Also had Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith.

Sully is a blue collar construction worker that everyone loves and hates but seems to make some poor decisions. Kind of like the small upstate New York town who if it wasn't for bad luck they wouldn't have any.

This story has a personal meaning for me though which also attracted me to it. Both my late Dad and I liked this movie a lot although for different reason's. It's sort of an example of how people have different perspectives on the same subject.

In my Dad's eye's this reminded him of his brother-in-law with the cast of townies and their quirky characters and small town hijinks. Knowing from my uncle's stories I can see why.

In contrast I saw my Dad as "Sully" on many accounts. Both had for years not had much with his own children. Was bitter and angry with his own father and both with good reason to be. Neither I believe ever really forgave them. Not to mention both were hampered by injuries to their legs that were eerily. This is part of the reason I tried to finish the book on this day which is his birthday.

For those who seen the movie first you should expect more in depth backgrounds on many characters. It certainly brings a deeper understanding of them. It also changes a few things around that are a bit surprising but doesn't change the story a whole lot.

In contrast those who haven't seen the movie should do so. Much of the books "fat' was trimmed and like I mentioned some of the story lines have been switched a little but the characters are much the same. Much of the dialogue is almost verbatim between the book and film of which much of it is priceless.

View all my reviews

Levitate teaches kids to surf in Marshfield

Wicked Local Staff Photo/Chris Bernstein

Levitate teaches kids to surf in Marshfield

Sunday Funnies - Legging Season Is Upon Us

Flutie 5k Update

 

Sam waiting for school bus on first day of Kindergarten.

 

Along with participating in the Walk/5k I'm pledging a dollar per mile I run in the month of September. 

 

Had a great run along the scenic Cape Cod Canal this morning. After today's run I am up to $10.30(I know I'm slacking,lol). My goal is 50 miles which equals $50. 

 

My 5 year old son, Samuel, was diagnosed with Autism 2 years ago. Please help me support the Flutie Foundation that helps families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

 

Visit my page on the event website and register or donate today. I thank all those that have chosen to either participate or donate already and I hope to see more of you do so.

Does This Apply To You?

Post by George Takei.

Flutie Foundation 5k

For the month of September I'm adding a dollar per mile I run and I'll add it to my donation. Started today with two miles so that's a $2.00 start. I'm running because my son Sam, the smiling boy in picture above, has Autism and Flutie Foundation helps kids and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Please help me support the Flutie Foundation. Visit my page on the event website and register or donate today.

Penguin Challenge

My First 100 Miles and some lessons along the way

I've recently logged my first 100 miles according to my RunKeeper App on my phone. Here are some lesson's or observation's I've noted.

• Walking on Sunshine -  When I first started I could barely jog more that a minute without becoming severely winded. My "Couch to 5k"  app I used did a run/walk/run/walk type of training which helped. Gradually I've expanded my time and distance.
• Every Breathe You Take - Like I said I could barely jog for minute before gasping for air. I then began learning to breathe different. I read some where that to ttry and breathe using your whole gut rather than than my diaphragm. Gradually my breathing wasn't as much of an issue as it was before and my distances soon lengthened.
• Should I stay or should I go now - Use the the bathroom before going out. Just like long car trips it's a good idea to go before you go. Avoiding large meals the night before is probably a good idea although I've discovered no sure trick to avoid it totally. If you do let me know. Nothing much ruins a good run that having to hit the porta-potty and there's none around.
• I still haven't found what I'm looking for - It helps to have a goal in mind when going out for a run. Sometimes two in case something comes up. A minimum goal and perhaps a strentch goal if things look well. Right now I feel a 2 mile run is my minimum goal with 3 being my average and 4 being an extra good.
• Running with the devil - Running sucks. You push limits of your endurance to the limit voluntarily. Despite my body disliking it I do miss when I miss  or postpone a run. I used to hear of this before but never understood it. The during the run itself is the challenge but afterwards is when it hits you. My body almost has a cleansed feeling of burning off extra fat or something.
• The Long Run - Never thought 3.11(aka: 5k) was so far away. I'm still a relative newbie so even a simple 5k run is still a challenge and I've only broken the 5 mile barrier once. It's about average run for me now. I'm comfortable with that but it still feels great to finish. 
• Lyin' Eyes - While signing up for my second 5k a gentleman signing up nearly floored me as he stated he was 80 years old. Although I'm hardly the cocky type I thought I'd at least finish ahead of him. Guess what? Yep he did. Not only that, he power walked it too. It was a humbling experience and told me I still had a way to go.

I feel as I'm constantly learning more. I'm sure the next hundred miles will bring more revelations and thoughts. I'll be back again then.

Chris Rock - How not to get your ass kicked by the police!

Happy (belated) Birthday Yaz!

Carl Yastremski was a boyhood hero of mine who recently who celebrated his 75th birthday. Even though now I primarily a hockey(Boston Bruins) while I was a kid in the 70's I was a big Red Sox fan. Yastremski was the iron work horse of the Boston Red Sox. 

One of the highlights as a kid was going to Fenway to see the Sox play. The day was July 8, 1976 they were playing the Minnesota Twins. This was the era of the classic line including the likes of Fisk, Lynn, Rice, Evans among other great players of time. Luckily we had seats along the third base side of the park with a great view of left field which was Carl's usual position. I do remember being so excited I got nauseous.

Yaz had a good day going 2-4 that day with a home run in the 3rd inning and 3 RBI's. Perhaps my favorite part was the final out. It was a pop up to left that Yaz handled with a knee sliding catch to close out the 8-4 victory over the Twin that featured the legendary Rod Carew.

I admired his seriousness and work ethic. He came to play every day. He wasn't always the best player on the field but rarely did anyone give more effort. He has always remained my favorite Red Sox player of all time.

Thanks Carl for giving us fan's your best! 

Happy Birthday!

The Loaner

The loaner car is like the Rodney Dangerfield of vehicles. Not quite good enough to sell but good enough to loan out. I'm on my second one recently due to my actual car having major engine problems. Without the these loaners I'd be stuck  for getting around for work and errands so I am thankful for them.

They've both been 2007 Chevrolet Malibu's. If any car fit's the loaner/loser car shoes it's these. The first one was plain white with an even blander tan color. It smelled of stale cigarettes and covered in crap on the outside cause it had been sitting under  tree. I felt yucky just driving it. First stop before home was a car wash. It was a little better afterwards. The inside was clean but smelled of cigarettes and old socks. I finally dosed the inside with Febreze which made it more tolerable. It wasn't in bad shape but had seen better days. 

The Good: It had a quiet smooth ride. It had that big car feel. The dash has an easy to read layout although dated. Spacious and comfortable. Not Cadillac quality but nod bad. Power and acceleration were surprising given it was powered by an economy sized 4-cylinder engine.

The Bad: Door locks worked when they felt like it. Even when manually locked I'd come back ot later and find all four doors unlocked. Good thing I don't live or park in wrong neighborhoods. I did worry a bit sometimes when I had to leave stuff in car while I was working or other errands. One time while driving around the door locks just clicked by themselves. Like a ghost was inside with playing with the lock button.

The interior design seemed clunky and clown like. It had a cheapness about them. The LED on the radio was unreadable in sunlight. The CD player was inoperable and had no way to plug my iPhone jack anywhere. 

It also had this rattle noise that would show up occasionally while driving at highway speeds. It was like something was stuck in a plastic fan. It was up front where the windshield meets the dashboard. I looked in the vents and even checked outside the car where the wipers but could not find the source. Not loud but enough to be annoying. 

The Ugly: A diaper with butterscotch poop inside reminded me of the white exterior and tan interior. Just could not get used to the interior color. Just not a color combo I'd. Had the same color as a Saturn I test drove and part of the reason I didn't pick it was this bland unexciting color.

I eventually got my car back but it didn't last long. Began overheating a few days later with an engine litle. With a diagnoses of "Internal Engine Problems" the dealer is going ahead and replacing the whole engine. Not kidding. So home I go with another Malibu, same year different color and a little nicer.

Unfortunately as I'm driving home from the dealer I hear a familiar rattle from the dash......sigh.

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation 5k - Please Support

It turn's out Doug Flutie and I have something in common, we both have son's with Autism. Doug Flutie started this foundation to help those families that have been touched by Autism. I signed up for the 5k this coming October 5th for both my son, Samuel, and to help others who are affected by this. Please support us any way you can. Run, walk, cheer and or donate. Have a great day!

Thank you,

Robert Plumer Jr. 

Post by Robert Plumer Jr.

TLC’s Jo Frost (aka: Supernanny) on balancing family needs

Post by Autism Awareness.

Not a Runner?

Post by Mandatory.

Abuse of Kids with Autism

It's shameful to abuse any kid but recent incidents of abuse against Autistic kids is just awful and heartbreaking.

Post by Autism Speaks.

David Letterman on Robin Williams

Quarterback Dan Marino's Autism Experience

King Philip High School Alumni 5k - Today!

My Dad's watch.

Today I'm running my third 5k this year. It's the King Philip High School Alumni 5k. in Wrentham , Massachusetts. This run I'm doing for my Dad who passed away almost two years ago to cancer. He was King Philip graduate in 1961. All told about a dozen "Plumers",aunts,uncles,cousins, have gone through this regional high school. I did not as I graduated from nearby Foxboro High School (1985). I'm looking forward to it.

Update:

Race is finished. Third 5k in the record books. A nice run through Wrentham Started at the high school. Down Route 140 circled around going by Lake Pearl Ballroom and then going through the center back onto Route 140. Then finishing up at the school again.

My official time was 36:49 at an 11:53 per mile pace. First 5k under 12 min mile and best time overall. My Runkeeper app had me at 3.20 miles at 37:00 @ 11:34 per mile pace.It had some mild hills but wasn't too bad. I should start adding some more hills to my training. I hit some last 5k that kicked my butt. 

Live At The Met - Part 1

I remember seeing this many years ago and it still cracks me up. He had an amazing gift and it's sad to see Robin gone.

What Will Your Verse Be?

I had hoped to write something thoughtful and heartfelt about Robin William's passing away this week. It's been tough to add anything to accolades already pouring in for this wonderful human being who sadly left us too soon. In his work he was able to make us smile,laugh, cry, mad and on many occasions to just think. 

If I were to pick out his most endearing quality was his sincerity. I always felt he was giving his best in whatever he was doing and he did it from the heart. Maybe it didn't always turn out the greatest but at least he had given it his best shot.

He was a part of our pop culture for decades. I even feel I lost an icon of my generation although many may feel that way too. I watch him as kid on "Happy Day's" with "The Fonz".  I watch him grow and mature on the big screen and little one too. 

Little do I or many of us understand the inner battle he fought within himself. It's hard to comprehend that someone that made us laugh and cry that something like this could happen. I'll miss him along with many others.

Thank you Robin William's for giving us so much of yourself.

Kristi Rieger : What It's Like to Be a Special Needs Mom

This Is What It's Like To Be Out Of Shape At The Gym

Post by BuzzFeed Video.

Autism Awareness - Tommy Hilfiger

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

Ghost from Eastern Europe: It's Legit!

Post by Tony Christie.

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation

Post by Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.

Heart Warming Dad reunites with His son with Autism

I never tire of this one. Reminds me of my own son Sam.

Post by Autism Awareness.

What Cat's Really Do!

Post by Coyu.

Are you reading all those books?

How many books I read is a question I get from time to time. I get this a lot at work as I read something at break time. My official Goodreads list I have about 20 started but in reality I'm only reading maybe 3 or 4 at a time. My interests seem to vary and attention span a bit short I tend to read in short bursts of time. Here is how I'm currently splitting my reading time up.

At Work

At work I have only a short break to read so I kind of keep it light reading as far as both size of book and subject. It has to fit in my lunch bag and so I try not to make it big book. My current lunchroom pick is "The Heroin Diaries" by Nikki Sixx which has got some interest from others to say the least.

Lunch Break

At my lunch break I head out to my car and I have another book in case I'm in the mood. Another light reader. I've only started doing this recently. My current pick is "The Courage to Write" by Ralph Keyes. It's a small book and it's been easy to pick up good pointers and grasp ideas quickly in my too short of a lunch break. 

Commute 

here is where my audiobooks come in. Admittedly I was skeptical about books on audio. I almost felt like it was cheating at reading. Last year I started an Audible subscription and I have been a convert ever since. I do tend to pick titles that are lesser on my priority list but still want to read. I've also included some current selection that hit me spur of the moment. I've listen to classic novels and long history books. My latest selection is "Bad Animals: A Father's Accidental Education in Autism" by Joel Yanofsky which I found by a web article.

At Home 

I leave this to the more serious books and heavy big books(I like big books I cannot lie). These tend to be ones that I's rather spend more time concentrating on. They tend to be of my current favorite genre which for the moment is local New England history so now my choice is the hefty 946 page "Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America" by David Hackett Fischer.

These are by no means all that I'm reading but these are my go-to books at the moment. I have a tendency to feel bad that I'm not reading enough of my collection fast enough. Admittedly when I finish my main book my focus bounces until I find a main read. I really don't know how book lover's can only read one at a time. I'm interested to hear how others deal with this. 

I'll finish with some tips from Book Riots Amanda Nelson's book reading strategy.

My iPad is Frozen

Lady Bird on Libraries

Top 5 Running Songs.

The practice of plugging my earphones cranking the tunes out in my brain have been a staple of my running ever since started recently. It was a worry of mine when I did my first race whether or not I'd stick out using it. I've grown so used it and I'm not sure how I'd do with out it. I still carry my phone in hand with headphones stuck in. Runkeeper app tracking me and music rocking out. In the two 5k's under my belt I've found although the majority of fellow runners don't use them but enough do that I don't feel so self conscious about it. If anyone has any input I'd be glad to hear it(pardon the pun,LOL).

That being said hear are my top current favorite jogging songs in which to hit the pavement with.

Uprising - Muse

Beat the horse - Pomplamoose

I'm Alright(theme from "Caddyshack) - Kenny Loggin's

Candyman - Christina Aguilera

Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue

What are your favorites that put a little extra pop in your step?

Phinney's Harbor Day 5k

My second 5k proved to be harder than the first. The event was the Phinney's Harbor Day 5k in Bourne,Massachusetts. The race starts and end at Monument Beach which is home to the Bourne Community Boating. 

The race starts at the beach house. Goes out into nearby residential neighborhood. Which started early in my main weakness of my training..lack of hills. It was so bad until the path started going off on an adventure to speak. It eventually went off onto a dirt road which was ok at first other than a few soft spots. The recent Tropical storm "Arthur" had left some massive puddles, small ponds I think, that left runner scrabbling to the sides of the road dodge bushes and branches. This was just the warm up though. It eventually went off onto a a single file trail off road. Which meant dodging more obstacles like roots and branches. Let's also add that much of the trail was going up hill which I'll be honest this was my version of "heartbreak hill". I'm man enough to say I did slow it down to a walk until I was over the worst of it. The rest went gradually back to residential neighborhood. Which found its way back to the beach to the finish like. Where I eagerly found some water and claimed my goody bag with t-shirt and some other goodies.

One humbling and inspiring thing was that an 80 year old guy finished ahead of me.  Which tells me I have a ways to go and to never to give up.

I had fun and I'm already looking for more. I'll have to work some more trails into my jogging program to mix it up 

Buzz and Woody!

Perfectly Irish

OMG Becky!

Post 5k Report

This past Saturday I did my first 5k run in South Yarmouth located on Cape Cod. It was an overcast morning when I headed out to the Culture Center of Cape Cod where the race was being held. I signed in and found out I qualified for a free t-shirt too which was pretty cool. I went outside to warm up and put my shirt in the car and warm up.

 

My first racing bib!

Being my first race this was a learning experience. I tried to observe how other people warmed up. I tried not to look too much like a newbie. During my training a warm up consisted of a brisk walk for about 5 minutes then starting up. I saw some stretching and some warm up jogs. So i did a little of both. 

Big question I had was my phone/music. I generally listen to music while I jog but wasn't sure I if it was acceptable during a race(officially or just frowned upon by others). I did see others that were using  them so I thought I'd be OK. I had bought arm band to hold the phone but had some issues on best way to use it. It worked alright but was hard to make any volume adjustments or use the touch screen while on your arm. I did listen to music but at a much reduced volume to be able hear whats going on around me.

 

 There's a bridge over a river there somewhere.

It was an overcast and foggy morning. The run was started down the street from the Culture Center itself and circled around it before heading out for the main stretch. The pack stretched as the race went on through the quiet moderately populated neighborhood. The view of the Bass River was covered with a blanket of fog so even seeing the other side river wasn't happening. Temp was in low 70's I believe so conditions were actually pretty good for this type of race.

Being pretty slow and new at this I was bringing up the rear of the pack. Near the halfway point the race looped back onto itself and caught  glimpse of the leaders pass me going the opposite way. Soon I'm among only handful of people. 

I learned not to spend too much time drinking water from the water stations. Throws you off your rhythm of running and breathing. It did help though as I did seem to have a short burst of energy afterwards. Perhaps from just quenching my dry mouth. 

That elusive third mile marker, I missed the others, came insight. I seemed to find an extra burst of energy near the finish. I see the time clock and cones lined up where I'm supposed to funnel into. People are clapping and yelling words of encouragement. I finish only having a vague notion of my time. I grab some water off a table and cool down.

It feels great to have finished my 5k race.Felt proud and happy. It's the longest race I've ran since my Army days over 27 years ago.  After quitting smoking four years ago I had proved to myself it could be done. It felt good to be apart of this group of runners.  I can't wait to do it again. 

Not last!

Vader Cool

Why try?

The expanded edition! 

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the great dad's out there. Many are hard working and caring deserve all the praise in he world. My Dad isn't around to call or send a card to anymore. We had grown somewhat closer before his passing from cancer. Which in our definition I'd see him once or twice a month rather than once or twice a year. Neither one of us were great at initializing getting together.

Even though he was soft spoken he would talk your ear off once he got started. It was usually about everything and anything. Politics, current events, family maters and such. I also got the other side of the story from my parent split which was interesting after many year's of the others side. I kind of knew their was another side to it. I know the truth of the matter lies somewhere in between and I'll leave it at that.

Almost everyone I've encountered talks about what a nice guy he was. It's like a broken record at times. I believe that's part of the legacy he leaves behind. Although if you polled me and my siblings you may get different results. but I digress.

He was a nice guy I admit.It was at times fascinating to listen to him. Sometimes he'd even have some insightful thoughts or advice. He was hard guy not to like once you met him in person. Sometimes getting him to stop was another matter. He spoke softly and often paused on mid sentence or thought and left you hanging until he got around finishing it. It was annoying and endearing at the same time.

Admittedly I was subtly disappointed he wasn't around much when I growing up much. Being guys we rarely spoke of this openly. I did my best keep an open mind and never purposely shut him out. I did like his company and appreciated his insight. Especially when I became a Dad myself. I think we'd still only get so close even in the final stages of cancer were withering him away. In the end what was the purpose of hanging onto old issues any way?

Wasn't sure where I was going on with this. In my own life I've got my own issues being a Dad separated from his kids. A wonderful 12 year old son who's angered at my parting. My 5 year old son, who doesn't speak because of Autism, it's hard to tell how he feels. I miss them both and know I've got a long way to go to earn my Dad stripes. I love them and miss them both.

Pre 5k Run

I

Today I hit the trail for my last run before my first 5k this Saturday morning in West  Yarmouth.  My regular training path is the World War 2 Veteran's Memorial Trail located in Mansfield, Massachusetts. It's little more than a mile and half paved path stretching from East Street near the center to Fruit Street across the street from Mansfield Municipal Airport.

I believe this will be a the last full jog(or run) before my first 5k in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts for Run/Walk for the Arts at The Cape Cod Cultural Center. I chose this because it seemed beginner friendly and a low key event.

The first few weeks were perhaps the hardest. Just between the winter weather that seemed to linger on in this area and getting used to jogging regularly. Felt awkward at first but soon got used it. Now amazingly I look forward to it now.

Another motivation was that when I was in the Army back in the Reagan era I did very poorly on the morning PT runs. I probably held the record dropping out of runs at my unit which was not something I was particularly proud of. So to do this and even do something like a 5k run would be a personal victory for me.

 

This is my latest stats(runners love stats, lol). I'm slow as molasses but I am improving. Can't wait for Saturdays 5k. I'm nervous and can't wait at the same time. Later.

Long and Winding Road

 

Took my couch to 5K training to the Cape Cod Canal yesterday. It was a sunny warm day with a cool breeze off the water. It's not my first time here but I usually hit here about once a week. It's an ideal place for beginner runner's like myself. It's fairly level so it's not so intimidating for newbie runner's like myself. 

The area I run is on the south side of the canal in Bourne between the Bourne Bridge and railroad bridge although my circle is expanding as my distance grows. So far I've onlt seen the occasional sailboat or pleasure craft on the water. Usually some guys along the way fishing along the rocks. The canal access road is also popular for walkers, bikes, joggers and just plain sightseer's.

Today's run stat's.

 I've been at this couch to 5k training for little over two month's now as a fun way to lose weight and get into shape. I had packed on the pounds since the fall and when spring time hit fewer of my clothes even fit any more and of course the comment's of my shape increased also. Something clicked inside me to get off my butt and do something.

I had heard of couch to 5k program's and app before and thought it would be good way to start. I figured having a goal would help my stay with it. After looking at a few I did choose Active.com's Couch-to 5k program. Between the mapping run's and using  music it seem to win out. The first few run's were actually the hardest. It was still early spring and as fellow New Englanders will tell you this past winter did not want to go away. Some of the first weeks were were really cold(for me at least) in the 30 and 40 degree range.

The picture above is misleading as I'm actually in my tenth week. Around the third week I had hit a stumbling block.I had a couple of crappy run's between the the app I was using messing up. Probably hitting a button or two which through my rhythm off. So I scrapped that week and decided to do that whole week over. It seemed to be a turning point as it's been steady progress since then.

MyFitnessPal app

Over ten weeks ago I started off at a portly 220 lbs and just this past weekend I weighed in at 211 so I seemed to be averaging a pound a week which was my goal. I'm feeling much better and my cloth's are fitting better too.

I've already signed up for a 5k and I'll post more on that later.

Thanks for coming by.

Mark Twain liked Big Books, he did not lie

"I like thin books because it will steady a table, a leather volume because it will stop a razor, and a heavy book because it can be thrown at a cat"
- Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Thomas Jefferson the Book Lover

"I cannot live without books."

- Thomas Jefferson in a letter to John Adams(June 10, 1815)

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit I'm a little late to the Harry Potter bandwagon. Not usually a fan of this genre I have been since drawn in. Much of my reluctance has been perhaps my thinking that this is somewhat immature fantasy writing. What I've learned though is that this well written storytelling. This, along with the first book, started slow for me but bit by bit the storyline draws you in and soon I have a difficult time putting book down. I've also learned that these stories transcend age groups without being overtly filtered toward one demographic group. It's entertaining for all. I look forward to reading the next one. Best of all I can now enjoy the movie as I've waited to read book first.

View all my reviews

The Story of June Carter/Cash & Johnny Cash. By Sarah Vowell

Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism

Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I originally connected through this through a video of Carly on Youtube. With a 5 year old son with Autism(non-verbal) I was extremely interested. On one side of the story it is both inspiring and amusing and heartwarming. Although it comes at a cost of a lot of frustration, time and money. Much of the first half is of Arthur's point of view of a parent coping and battling Autism and other issues Carly has. They had to deal Canadian health care and education system to assist. The second half we see Carly blossoming after her break through. She is more intelligent and witty than anyone imagined. It's a wonderful picture inside the mind of someone with Autism. I myself often wonder what's inside the head of my giggling non-verbal son. I know someone is in there but would love to reach them.

One thing that bothered me was the undertone of complaining about assistance from the system. I had to wonder how it was the afforded a nanny and usually a therapist or two in tow most of the time. Once maybe they described they were upper-middle class. This can be discouraging cause most kids I imagine can't afford an entourage to assist them. One has to wonder whether Arthur appreciates what he had. No doubt it's not easy as I can understand.

I do recommend this book as for it does give hope and helps to understand the mind going inside an Autistic person.

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Cup song in Irish or Gaelic or Gaeilge