ArchiveFebruary 2021

I’ve already finished this week’s lectures for my CMA study program, and the next assignment is to read some more sections of the textbook. The forecast for the next couple of days calls for rain, so I decide to defer the reading until then. Instead I take advantage of the clear skies to get some more steps in for the week while listening to some podcasts. I head to the north side...

It’s been a productive day. I get up, do my usual breakfast routine, update my to-do list with new job postings, complete a couple of CMA lessons, then lunch. My back and hip feel better… I guess flipping the mattress helped? It’s still relatively nice out, partly cloudy, and a little cooler than yesterday with highs in the low 50s F / upper single digits C. I head out for a...

Today when I wake up, my back is feeling very locked up and out of alignment. I flip the mattress on my bed hoping that will help, take some Aleve capsules, and do some stretches. I may have to hunt down a chiropractor if this continues… I assume they are allowed to remain open as an “essential” medical service?  After my usual morning routine, I settle into the...

The weather has turned springlike! Highs for the day reach mid 50s F / low 10s C. My walking buddy CJ and I meet up around 1:00pm for a return outing to the Ranelagh neighborhood toward the south. We walk down Grafton Street, then through St. Stephens Green. Lots of people and children are out. Flowers are blooming. The business district in Ranelagh is busy with people out and about enjoying the...

I don’t put much stake into Valentine’s Day, but it’s been a rather glum holiday this year given the circumstances. I had tentative plans to hang out with a friend, but those fell through, so I resign myself to a lackadaisical day alone in at least a physical sense. In consolation, I’ve been texting with friends both here in Dublin / Europe and in the U.S...

It’s been an uneventful day. I sleep in late and wake up with a really sore back. I try laying down on my back stretcher for 15 minutes, and that seems to help somewhat. However, I also notice that my leg/hip makes a sound when I lift it up off the floor… I’m pretty sure this is “snapping hip” from what I read online. There are some stretches that can help, but...

Another typical Friday for me — I follow my usual morning routine of breakfast and news, then my weekly SuperValu grocery order arrives, delivered by someone new this time.  Some sunlight is peeking through the clouds, but it’s still blustery and cold out. My friend CJ texts, suggesting to meet up for a walk in the afternoon. I meet him on his side of the Liffey around...

It’s quite chilly out with blustery winds, but no snow today. I bundle up and get out for a walk in the afternoon despite the weather. I Pig and Heifer deli and order a “Mile High Club” sandwich. While it’s being prepare, the owner (?) strikes up a conversation. Apparently they are Portuguese, and he picks up on my non-native accent. We chat about American politics. It’s a friendly...

I didn’t sleep very well last night and have felt off all day. My CPAP’s humidifier has been out of water, so I filled that up today with more de-ionized water (after boiling it to kill any bacteria)… hopefully that helps. I complete a couple of CMA lessons in the morning / early afternoon. It’s nicer out today with some sun and only the occasional flurry of snow. However...

It’s been snowing/sleeting throughout the day. The next lesson in my CMA study program is shorter than yesterday’s, and I finish the material by early afternoon. My walking buddy CJ isn’t available today, but I’m determined to get out of the apartment anyway. I download a few podcasts to listen to while I walk, don my headphones and bundle up in my heavier coat and knit hat. Along the way, I...