Coming this next Summer on CBS: NCIS Katahdin :)

Enough already with the NCIS shit CBS.
Vegas, Aloha, the Big EZ ....  come on already.

**********

WHOOO!

Just finished my itinerary for the second leg of the journey.

The spreadsheet created gave me 15 mile or 18 mile options with variants of those two since many points intersected.
Once a pattern was noticed, it seemed to just flow.
A dream is forming.
Assigned dates that give me a 2 week flex for unknown.

The smell of Fall in the air on this KY mountainside sure is getting me ready.  I am spending more time out of doors while the weather is in the tween stages of season. 
I have much to do for this "Walk in the woods" but it is starting to build itself in some ways. That is and was a continuing fad for sure.  The book was better than the movie. 
(I sound so boorish writing that) lol.

Katahdin is timeless.  Should outlast me.

I will walk north and enjoy when it presents its Majesty to me.
I believe it needs to be viewed from that trail perspective.
I desire to view the 100 mile wilderness like most do.
Hopefully, just after the black flies are finished with their cycle.
I'm told that this is a very good possibility.
If the season is being forecast or changes, my first leg could get shorter or longer near the end of it to assist with my wishes.

********

Words that are in the list:
(Power) Timeless

adjective

1. not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.

(Force) Faddish

adjective

1. fashionable but not likely to stay fashionable for a long time:
2. 
   
3. *********
   

   One last thing about body fat:
   If you happen to live close to a university with sports teams,
   they sometimes will provide low cost body fat screenings in an Egg like structure or a true water displacement tank.
   
   Radford University was kind enough to allow my wife and I the opportunity to be tested once in an Egg.  Actual name: BodPod
   It was neat to say the least.
   The USN Body Fat method is close enough for my psyche and the other day's measurement (75# of fat) on my frame was a wake up.

********

Gonna be upfront here.
I could not secure contact with anyone of interest concerning this context to follow so I'll easily remove the story if asked to by the rightful owner or their representatives.

It's a shop mechanical puzzle story so the moral might sound a bit crude but it will resonate with some.  One being me.

I want to get the message (seriously) so typing it out allows for me to concentrate well on the passage.

********

1. Want it.
2. Make it a priority
3. Stop doing bad things to yourself
4. Start doing good things to yourself

********

"Suppose you're driving your car and  come to a stop sign.

That's normal, it happens everyday.  You come to a full stop, look both ways, and before you proceed through the intersection, your car backfires.  In your rear view mirror you see a small puff of smoke come from underneath the car and you continue driving.
You make a mental note of it and maybe think about pulling into a service station later to make sure everything is A-okay.

Now, let's suppose you come to the same stop sign, look both ways, then begin to cross the intersection.

Same backfire, same puff of smoke, but this time huge, roaring flames are shooting up from underneath the car.  These flames are raging through the seats, your pants have caught fire and the interior is filling up with smoke.  All of sudden getting across the street is not as important as getting your ass out of the car and away from it.  Your destination is no longer the priority, and you have now attached a new 'sense of value' to your balls."

********

1. ~ Kindle McGuinness 
2. (aka: Zak, or Pete, or Tokar Zak)
   
   For the record:
   Congressional, USN NCIS preliminary court martial misnomer once as well: Toker Zak
   
   One can learn a lot about HOW investigations go on in ones life ("word on the street" type of shit) when they get to represent themselves and read the transcripts of the trail.   
   "Learn a lot" is relative:  If they pay attention to the rules and play the game correctly and are INNOCENT from the start.
   
   Maybe this blog should have been entitled:
   Country Boy gets Congressional backed USN Atlantic Fleet indictment (and was followed / traced) at a young age before marriage and learns from it.  (Odd feeling, being hunted).
   
   Thank you USS Boulder LST-1190. 
   I love you all who served on her.  Even the rats.
   We made it home more times than we left the pier.
   AWESOME Work All!
   
   A letter of thanks will eventually follow.
   Still processing the memory from the first puke over the side (Day 1 in Little Creek) and the last walk of the gang plank in Brooklyn.  I forgot to look back that day.
   It's Saul Good!
   
   It opened doors that might have been shut for me to meet and greet a seal team.  Kinda like an MC for them.  lol.
   And also, it paved a way that I would be handling other top level electronic, electrical and mechanical shit.  Supporting our troops.
   
      :)   It was fun!  Relatively speaking. lol.
   
   Grand Mountain: Katahdin   ;)
3. 
   

Never Again Volunteer Yourself, unless you want to. :)

Today's Words:
(Power) Inspired:

adjective

1. 1.

   of extraordinary quality, as if arising from some external creative impulse.
2. 
   

(Force) Mundane: 

adjective

1. 1.

   lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Upfront warning: this is a long blog entry concerning:

• Body Fat Measuring
• Self Leadership
• Fear
• Oh, What the Hell, Go for it anyway!

Housekeeping: Official Weigh Day 

(Wii: Day 2408  214.25#  BMI 31.74  Category: Obese)

Time to see "where I am": Gut check time.
Source: USN Body Fat Guide
Body Fat Calculators: Omni and Navy
Body Fat %:  Omni (35.2%) and Navy  (35%) for compare

Weight to move: @ 75# of Fat & that feels about right.
Note: Omni informs me that it is sorry for me. lol

Sorry, you are not fit enough to join the US Navy. Keep on training! 

*********

This is a blog to help me release some suppressed anger and accept peace as a new norm.  Transitioning from now to new.

The below story can be skipped if you are only reading for the hiking part.   I'm still researching and compiling data.

********

I was blessed to serve in the USN for 11 years, 2 months and 4 days.  A purposely and perfectly laid out plan ... Yeah, right. lol

Peace time.
During that time, muscle turned to fat. 
Boredom set in and mundane was daily life. 
It was a job.

Also, Co-existence was becoming more and more the new normal. 
I respect all men and women who serve, side by side in very tough conditions. 
Tough is just what it was and we just did what we did.
BUT
There was a time before co-existence in rate and rank.
Transition.

That was my time in service.  Seems like right at the beginning or was it the middle or ..... does not matter.
Men and Women served side by side as welders, electricians, pipe fitters, crane operators .... service trades, support trades, mainly shipyard trades.  Dock workers.

I managed to catch a billet to Guam for a few years with my young family and I took the bait.
I was a little mis-educated about reenlistment contracts and lets say, I had to work for this vacation a few more shifts than I should have.

The old ships career counselor got me.  Shame on me.   I missed the fine print .... that time.

Being the pissed off angry person that I can be some times, I vented my frustration to the new commands career counselor who was giving me my entrance indoctrination. 

This did not seem like a problem to him but a solution in disguise.
His solution: Offered me a gig to be his side kick for a year and help him keep the records straight as the NAVY was needing to get the fat out of the ranks.  Literally. 

For my volunteering to help, he would train me on how to become a divisional career counselor.  This "collateral duty" came with the privilege to get to know my detailer in  D.C. on a personal basis for my future while I helped others.  A Win Win.

It also came with highly increased responsibility and accountability.
I missed that fine print .... initially but eventually accepted my decision and my actions.
The beginning of "cutting my teeth" in leadership.

Clearances & permissions were needed to annotate only specific parts of records with many areas remaining covered (high level responsibility) and affecting persons careers by those annotations (high level accountability) cuz my pen marks could end promotion and advancement. 
A volunteer job and collateral duty that could end or stunt a career of someone I have no idea what their situation is.  Daunting task.

Watch out what you ask for, you might get it.  
Inspiration.

So, because of the temporary limited clearance and as this went forward, I got to meet everyone in the command at one time or another to do Body Fat Measurements on EVERYONE in the command.  Just so happens the Admiral, CO, XO and EVERYONE is everyone.

The Navy's goal was clear: Get Fit
& gathering base line data on ALL personnel was needed.

Attached to my new "collateral" duty came a slightly odd duty,
it was ASSUMED that since I had to do all the Body Fat Measurements that I must somehow understand fitness.
Nope.  At the time I played Softball and drank beer.

(side note memory)
My softball glove was so coveted cuz it was in PERFECT shape.
A spinning line drive to Third could stop spinning on impact.
Little sting but hey, that comes with the territory.
I did not like retrieving spinning orbs to throw 60 or 90 plus feet.
It took work to get what I wanted but if it was for my betterment, I spent the time and paid attention to detail. I do miss it.
Playing beer league is not a sport, it's fun and relaxing competition.

Back again....
Along comes the time I had to get permission to speak with the Seal Team. 
(I had some clue at the time what they were or did and I also had a Naval Directive to follow by the sheet in my hand.)

The commander assigned to me was a huge help.
I knew nothing about fitness and He was a solid muscle mountain.

For just asking a favor, part of his team and his self came to our
"All in the park workout before we had to run 1.5 miles (for the first time) jamboree." 
We all looked like a bunch of Klutz's in workout gear.
Bozo's :)  at least to a seals eyes I could only imagine. lol

Picture this:
160+ military members of the command in our local park, following my direction.  All unknowing of what was just to transpire.  Including me.

Boom boxes of music to move to, banner for some reason ... none of which was my idea.  Committees do odd things collectively.
Jus sayin.

A sheet of "guidelines" for me to share for stretching pre and post run, and then, running up the street to our location: A seal team, on time and then asking me permission to run so that the stopwatch could be pressed in my hand.

Being a man of his word and handshake, the "team" were there and opting to skip the circus show I was putting on, they ran their 1.5 miles in seconds it seemed so that I could record their time for their records.

 ********

Fear of speaking to crowds was not an option for me, it was required.
I've performed on stage so that made it easier.

Getting unmotivated, chubby and many overweight personnel to do calisthenics and run 1.5 miles (the very first time since boot camp) was complete fear for me.
Having a seal team show up to support ME made a big difference.
I'm blessed many times over for that.

It was the last time I'm certain that they ever had to do that.
The Navy directive seemed to have a clause in it the next year for special forces.  Good thing for me.  :) 

I was naive enough to ask and he was man enough to help me.
I am forever appreciative of the service of our special forces.
I was not taken out by one but helped.  :)

And I got his message loud and clear as he whispered it to me in passing on this way back to where ever they work or are passing thru ....

"This is our last conversation." 

I replied as only I should: Yes Sir!  Thank you Sir!   
30 plus years later, I still remember it, vividly.

I mention it because none of us know where or when we find our leadership qualities.  I got mine by mistake and haphazardness.
Fear in motion. Movement was required.
I had to volunteer to grow.  I didn't have answers just a task.
I was promoted because I cared to ask, and I read the rules.
Followed the rules and I was naive enough to move forward to task.  Others did not want to enforce the task from fear and I was nutz enough to follow the rules, line for line, on task.
The USN was bigger than all of us and I had it's backing in writing.

A point:

One thing for sure, we "should" be leaders of ourselves.
And this journey is going to be were I start to be who I know I can be - again.   Dodd. (Odd Dad)  I've got issues, lol.

Final notes from this: 
I am forever grateful for friendships I've had in the service and in my civilian life of constant career travels.
Too many people to list and the world is a big place.  Many have parted too.

This "All Hallows' Day", I raise a glass of Guinness.
Thank you, all you Saints in Military clothing, for your service.
Thank you, all Angels that appear in our presence from time to time in life.   

********

I remained a career counselor in some manner or sort till the day I walked away down the gang plank and away from my last guard shack on the pier. 
I've personally been blessed to have counseled hundreds to make THEIR best choice when it comes to career.  Sharing and comparing OPTIONS and the cream rises to the top.  The next ladder rung appears and one moves forward with their best choice made.
Positive and forward.  82% retention rate for 7 years of helping.

It seemed effortless and easy because I did the "fine print" reading for each one I helped.  I gave the "straight skinny" or NO BULLSHIT version of their contracts to them BEFORE they signed.  Each one I counseled knew EXACTLY what they were getting for their service and I was rewarded a Grade of 82%.
Even the 18% that left in time of peace had peace of mind with their decision and a path to follow as they became citizens again.
That again:  Included me. 
I just was willing to share what I was doing.

Some had to serve time in the slammer for their decisions,  others became entrepreneurs, college freshmen, or just go home to think about it and I cannot forget John: Philly Mafia Knee Cap breaker. 
He cracked me up and we got along fine.

I did not discriminate.  It was not my place to question.

Each had to and got to:

"Hike their own Hike" 

& 

"Do their own Push Ups"

All I shared were ideas from a book.  I absorbed and shared stuff that was updated every year back then till even now. 

"What Color is YOUR Parachute?"

The information was needed by my own career countless times as I struggled to sometimes keep food on the table or roof over the family's heads. 
My path was mine.   
No regrets just some wishes unfulfilled.

********

Moving forward:
There's so much I cannot share for the sake of it's boredom but then there are moments of divine brilliance that hopefully will come thru this pre-trail journey and my memory that needs a dumping place.

One event: That Day, scored me a Sailor of the Quarter and then the Year.
I also received the Navy Achievement Medal for outstanding performance of a country boy from NY lost in a Japan Shipyard for 6 months.
Kinda like a 6 month hike.  Down into the basin, up the stairs to the gang plank, into the bowels of an environment.  Out of the environment, down the stairs, up the stairs .... I can do this.

********

Key trick: All I had to do was read.  Understand the basics. 
I'm doing that now with NOLS manuals and other key books.

Back then, I read the Safety Manuals rules and guidelines for the multiple jobs I was required to manage.  No one could argue with me and that was a good thing ..... for my anger.
Something larger than all of us was the pressure, not me.
I could manage that.  Sometimes to the point of manipulation.
I am not an angel ... yet. lol

With hiking, my knowledge is mine.  I have nothing to press and no anger to share.  It is very different and I need that right now.

The mixed bag of nutz I served with in the USN sure gave me a lift today.  God rest your souls my friends. 

Glad to see some are still active on a site called:
Together We Served.

Moving forward ......

~ Kindle

Throwing out the trash of years collected ....

Spent a beautiful rainy day doing a hiking equipment inventory.
In the process, got rid of "things" that have no further use in my life.  It feels right.  Mentally and Physically speaking that is.
Things I no longer need to carry.  Me and My Monkeys.

One monkey: Halloween.  Shot dead.  lol

Words for today:
(Power)
Egalitarian
adjective

1. relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.

(Force)
Elitist
adjective

1. relating to or supporting the view that a society or system should be led by an elite.

I am quickly realizing that this is helping me.
Writing is becoming therapeutic in a great way.
"Force" is loosing with my philosophy rather quickly.
I'm glad a counter point, on point, is offered.
It's been a humbling exercise.

******* 

So far in my re-Kindled "To The Trail" (Triple T) Journey,  I've uncovered some deep ..... misguided hatred?  false judgement? suppressed self-value? ..... still seeking deep into some moments of places I remember.   In MY Life.  

"Just like the song Lucy, just like the song." ~ Sam I Am  :)

I think I've passed the pond scum and am digging deep into the muck and frog/fish shit section of my life right now.
Still there are oceans to I need to cross and deal with the whale shit that was "planted in my brain".     It's a process long overdue.

I do resonate favorably with Beatles tunes and the original Triple T.
Several John and Paul songs and these "Office Linebacker" youtube(s) actually.  lol  17 million views and still out there. :)

Just like "In my life", Revolution 1 (acoustic), Number 9 (for some odd reason) and others, "they" had a way with helping me transition from one heaven/hell to the next I placed myself into.
I have no one to blame.  I accepted long ago the results for my actions. 
Not sure if it was the First Ass Whopping or Umpteenth, a Grounding, Stand in the Corner, Traffic Ticket, Captain's Mast or the 7th Captain's Mast, Child Arrival, Car Wreck, Tax Audit(s) .... somewhere along that path, I learned to accept the situation.

I've learned, much the hard way, that we all need to come to a time when it is explained to us that we are 100% responsible for no one but ourselves.  No more running from Source. No blaming it on our Mothers, Fathers, Childhood, etc.  Satan or God. 
(blaming shit on Satan, what a cop out and weakness)

Places and time occurred, true.
How I move forward to the next places and time matter to more than just me.   I am connected with the air I Breathe and that makes me connected to those around me.  Molecular and Tron view.
If one was to pick up the book: "Success Principles" by Jack Canfield, they would read those words in the very first chapter.

"1. Take 100% Responsibility of Your Life"

The link just will take you to a summary.  For me, it was "A Mirror Look" so to say.   Gut check kinda memo that I need from time to time.  I prefer mentors that tell me straight up and candidly with 

NO BULLSHIT.

When farting around, funny bullshit is OK but sound advice should never be clouded and covered with bullshit.
I believe the words: "You can't bullshit a bullshitter." are a misnomer. 
Lets just say: I'm mindful of others and of their potential.
I'm no good at bullshitting, most times. ;)
So, once again I arrive at:

"Everything you experience today is the result of choices you have made in the past." 

and I still choose in every moment of life.
Bad and good choices .... learn, move forward.

**********

I'm still cleaning up the data for my 2nd and 3rd leg of the hike.
It has been a long process but so much easier than when it was just a book to flip thru and notebook to jot down ideas and itineraries.

Hiking inventory proved one thing, when I got rid of my old camping and hiking equipment I must have thought about it.
I knew I would be starting in a new era of lightweight, ultralight and now, hyper-light materials.   A few decades worth of time.
All I've located is an aluminum sheet to be "made into" a stove wind guard/shield, an MSR fuel bottle and a day pack that I won from Backpacker Magazine at a Trail Daze in Damascus, VA.

I've still other boxes and stuff to sort .. I believe there will be more.

I'll have a complete gear list to share on Trail Journals when I have it complete but for now, it is what it is.  Still a dream.

*********

Physically, I'm beginning to "adjust" into my new body shell.
Snap, Crackle and Pop is still the sounds my body emits when I rise from the mattress each morning.

Crunches arrived at a count of 75 today before coffee.
Actually, 30 low back/hip flexor leg lifts, 75 crunches, Cobra pose stretch, 20 hands above shoulder Joint modified pushups, 20 (hands on outer edge of mat) modified pushups and 20 wide (window sill deep for front chest and traps) modified pushups - before coffee.

I have great equipment here on the homestead to use for the ailments that my family deals with.
One of the pieces is an inversion table.   I've feared it soon after it's purchase cuz it locked up my neck/shoulders soo fricken bad the first time I got on it.
That was a few years ago.  Yesterday, it helped me loose a migraine and an unhappy digestive track that has plagued me the past few days.  C1 and T5 of my spine have been issues since I was a young teen.  Too much "activity" in my younger days.  Crashes were just the norm.  No bubble wrap and everyone did not get a trophy.

One of my idols in the late 60's, early 70's was Evel Knievel. 
Had the doll and the cycle jump show kit. 
Never missed seeing his exploits on ABC's Wide World of Sports.
I had to learn how to fix bicycles cuz mine was taking a beating.
My Dad, bless his soul, took me around to all the junk piles in the county to gather parts.  

I was raised Roman Catholic, and my Godfather, Wally, was patient with me to teach me all he knew.  He was an expert.  I have a book inside of me just from him.

It's not a book about bikes.  It's a book about disability, acceptance, friendship, love as seen thru the eyes of a cripple.  My Uncle Walter was born crippled.  

People were cruel to him in my presence.  
People were accepting to him in my presence.
His friends were from all walks of life in Buffalo, NY.
Business Professionals, Spiritual Leaders, Political Giants and also the cities "People of the Streets", alleyways and sidewalks.

People did love him too while he was in my presence.  Hugs and handshakes and words of kindness.  Food, Iroquois Beer and Vernors Pop.  Back then the Vernors was original and not the watered down version that Dr. Pepper brews.

I paid attention but I missed a lot of lessons.  They will become a book.  He was one of my best mentors at an early age.  A misfit, a lot like me.

Moving forward.
~ Kindle

First 721 miles are planned .....

My first leg of a triple frog A.T. Hike is planned, tentatively.
54 to 60 days to complete it. 
I have to allow for changes in plans and much can happen along the journey.
Two more sections to plan.  I hopefully can have that completed by this weekend and begin the process of calculating the costs and then rough in and solicit outside support and assistance.
Moving forward on a dream of mine.
Walking forward on a treadmill right now.

********

I've done some research of my past as I move forward.
Times, places, people .... google makes it easier. :)

I understand how life gets in the way with distant friendships.
Some pass, some dissolve, some re-kindle, some end.

So it is with me as well as I read a friends words, penned in a book.
I hear his voice in his words that I read.

the book: Finally fit at 50 by G. Porter Freeman.
"Inspiring Down-Home Advice for Transforming Your Body and LIFE"

Thru an unexplained series of events that brought him and I into the same space the first time was blessed by God.

We bonded shortly after our first handshake cuz the letter I handed to him to read briefly touched his soul.  I got information from something outside of my self to present to him that day.
I did not understand WHY in the first place I was writing a letter to a man I never met before BUT it was so intensely required of me to pen the letter that morning.  I could not quench the internal desire to drive a hundred miles to meet with him and others in a sweat smelling gym in a strip mall near Bristol, VA that day.

I was driving to work for the 1/2 day I scheduled to work before the drive to meet Mr. Porter Freeman.

For lack of a better understanding about that day, I received a nudge, while driving and listening to Mr. Jim Rohn on CD, going too work, I HAD to write the letter and quickly stopped at the neighborhood Food Lion grocery store to pick up a pad, pen and envelope.  Jotted the thought out and sealed it.  The nudge then ended.  The coming events blew my mind.

It must have been a personal prayer of his that prompted why I had to write to him cuz the sound of it still seems crazy to me.
I don't have a copy since it was hand written on the fly.
I still get what I ask for. 
One of my "Asks" many moons ago, was to be aware and be available to the source when ever asked to do so. 
God hears you and grants you your requests.  EVERY one.

The gist?
It ended up being an encouragement for him to continue, but it came from God thru me.   How do I know?  Porter told me so and he thanked me.  We formed a friendship that day. 
In the letter I penned words that he personally "verbally" shares with the Champions when he presents them their checks and jackets.  No one knew that, including me, but God knew and Porter knew and he needed that transaction to occur that day.  I was just the willing conduit.  "Here am I Lord, send me" type of thing.

I have the memory of that day and can see the event in my minds eye from that moment he read the note and as he turned white and his knees buckled.  I met a God ordained friend that day and I possess a book now of some of his best advice.

Sorry to bore you "the reader" with all of this "woo woo" twilight zone shit, but Porter's book now is helping me form the correct mental fortitude to complete ANYTHING I set my mind to accomplish.  Right when I need it most.
Coincidentally some will say, but I know in my heart a different story.  I use the word often:  CoinciGodly.

I guess what comes around again needs some attention.  I guess I needed to live and be part of a miracle to have it stick with me as being important to my future.

And so with that, I'll share the Chapter descriptions for MY inspiration.  I seem to learn better when I type out the words I desire to incorporate into my life.

Part 1: Changing Your Mind
Forward: The way I see it...

Chapter 1: We all look and feel about as good as we decide to.
Chapter 2: We're either in control or out of it: there's no middle ground.
Chapter 3: A bite of the bait ain't worth the pain of the hook.
Chapter 4: You can never lie to yourself and get away with it.

Chapter 5: With faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.
Chapter 6: The difference between a rut and a grave is the depth of the hole.
Chapter 7: You ain't never gonna find a diamond in a goats ass, so quit looking.

Part 2: Changing Your Body

Chapter 8:   You don't know where you're going if you don't know where you are.
Chapter 9:   There are 4 steps everyone must take to escape the comfort of their misery.

Chapter 10: Being efficient isn't the same thing as being effective.
Chapter 11: There's no shame in reaching out for a helping hand.
Chapter 12: We wind up paying a high price for low-nutrient "value meals"
Chapter 13: Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels.

Part 3: Staying The Course
Chapter 14: You've gotta want to change as much in hour two, day three and week four as you do right this second.
Chapter 15: If you can't go with someone as good as you, go alone.
Chapter 16: Don't try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig
Chapter 17: Insecurity and hate go hand in hand; don't hold hands with either of them.
Chapter 18: Every tragedy isn't avoidable; every day wasted is.
Chapter 19: If you are only going to do one exercise tomorrow, make it a walk with the Lord.
Chapter 20: When you say "No" today, you'll be able to say "Yes!" a thousand times in the future.
Chapter 21: A Road Less Traveled

The Last Word .....
We all have the power to change, and no one can take that away.

If's by chance you see this: Be well my friend. 
Happy 70th to you recently!  

R.I.P. in case I did not get the memo as was the case for some of my other acquaintances from that time of my life. 
Google immortalizes their words and images and life.
I do miss them.

********

So as I stated in the beginning of this blog, I researched some of my past and found out that since Porter left EAS, (the muscle building company) they dissolved.  Porter is and was an awesome force for sure. 

I never could take consume the EAS line of products especially after Abbot Pharmaceuticals doctored the formulas.  Hair loss and Cancer causing stuff need not be placed in Body Building nutrition.
But that is my curse. Paying attention to detail.
I stopped when chunks of hair fell out of my scalp.

********

Now, on to the word(s) of the day:
There seems to be no definition than their meanings.
Both fit into how I feel today.  Woke up from a dead sleep angry.
Somehow, someway, I need to get it out of me.  I'm the one who's supposed to be in control .... of me.

Power
Choosing-to .... 

Force

Having-to .... 

These words today in study just brought to mind another friend who penned a book entitled: Heavenly Birth 

Denise Taylor.

I've not read it..... yet.
I lived a portion of it with her as he shared to me and others while she was writing it.
I guess, as the other book appeared recently, I'll have more reading to do in my future.

But choosing to and having to was a big part of how she coped with her daughters long cycle death.  I know the story and the end.

Universally, I've been coached and befriended by a legion of GREAT people.  At ALL levels of society.
My travels have placed me in their lives and they in mine.

I sometimes have a hard time coping with knowing so many people, who like me, struggle with life and how the hand is dealt.
Staying motivated to continue among the shit show that life can sometimes become.

Possibly a book is what I need to pen to get it out of my head.
Time will reveal Source Energy's request of me. 
I'm starting to listen cuz the woo woo just hit me.

Cue the T'light zone music: do,do,do,do   do,do,do,do

Just noticed as I set up the link to Denise's book that it was launched 10 years ago to this day.
I'm saddened that it has been that long and longer since I hugged my friend. 

Life sure has a way with cutting one's heart open. 
Mine was sliced today with vivid memories that are sometimes suppressed.  Grief is an odd emotion.

I have the choice to choose how I move forward today as well as being present in every moment of each day.  I don't Have-to, I Choose-to.

Some friends took the time to share their moments in print.
Wisdom still is out there if one knows how to find it.
Even dead people still speak on YouTube.  Jim Rohn for one.
Jesus said we would be able to do His miracles and more, IF we believe we can.
Well, raising someone from the dead to share a recorded session is one way.  It is a miracle those words are not lost to dust.
The real miracle is: will we listen? 

I'm long past with being able to contact many of my past friends as their blogs and contact info has been compromised by web bots and web crawlers and hacks via time.  Phone numbers change like the breeze with each new model of phone it seems.  If I am meant to share air space again with them, it will be arranged by something larger than me.  I'll get the memo when it happens for I believe.

Just some of the hazards of having an online presence and a Googled life.

I've been mostly "off line" and disconnected as my life continued on a downward spiral from pain and the personal wealth ill-effects that come from it.  Separation does happen especially when one finds themselves homeless.

At least, for a moment of my time history, I was surrounded by GIANTS who shared from their hearts and for that I will forever be blessed to have known all of them.  Placed in their midst, co-inci-Godly, I might add.

Moving forward....
~ Kindle

139 Words counting down: A great day to be alive

Continuing with my Power and Force comparisons:
Day 2 of this with 138 more to go ..... Power
Experienced:

adjective

1. having knowledge or skill in a particular field, especially a profession or job, gained over a period of time.

and the counter ....... Force
Cynical:

adjective

1. 1.

   believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.

********

So, moving forward .... I have had an issue with human integrity, accountability and responsibility for one's actions.  Still do.
When I "calculate" my moves, I accept the outcomes. 
I "expect" others to do the same. 
Too much expectation at times ... hmmmm, possibly I need to dig deeper.

My standards are tight and strict at times.  Nuclear, so to say.
Guess it was my vocations that forced that on me to adopt and adapt.  Pay attention, pay attention, pay attention! 
It is just how I was raised as I had MANY questions. 
I'm a child of the 60's & 70's.

I am cynical in that regard and I know if I look deeper, I am cynical of other regards in the human condition.  I trust I'll find how to allow and let go by the end of this study.

"Question all the answers"
"Envy all the dancers who had all the nerve". 
"You must go for what you wanted" &
"All who did got what they deserved"
(reference to the song by CSN: Wasted on the way)
Lyrics will be at the end of this.

Also, fear could not be a part of some of my vocations as I've been up close and personal with testing limits of MAJOR equipment.
Safety pressure valves need to be tested some times on equipment that runs on super heated steam and high pressure air systems.
There are safe ways to do that and Darwin Award ways to do that.
I'm still here.  I have zero desire for a Darwin Award.

My family calls me: Mr. Safety & Testy the Tester. 
I find edges and dance along them to see if rules are rigid or are they are indeed merely guidelines. 

How safe is safe?
Should everyone be wrapped in bubble wrap? :)  I ain't skeered.

As for Experience: that might appear as making one an expert. 
I choose to continue to be a learn it all and I choose to refrain from being a know it all.

If you have a moment - HERE is a short comedy sketch about being or becoming an EXPERT. :)  7 red lines.
Experts CAN do everything! lol

*******

Please, don't believe a word I say.
It is just my experience.
Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Just mine.
Test it.  If it works for you, use it freely.
If it fails for you, toss it away with yesterday's trash.

Now, "becoming" a hiker.
I have experience.  I'm not an expert.
I've camped out in a snow drift with a candle for light and heat.
I've hunted wild game (often successfully) by trap, snare, jig, spear  and gun.
Swimming for miles .... done it too.
I can survive if need be .... I just choose to do it in a recreational manner.  :)

That has zero to do with waking, eating, walking, pooping, walking, eating, walking, eating, walking, resting, pooping, walking, eating, sleeping .... wash, rinse, repeat.

So, in preparation, I check and inspect my walking shoes each morning.  I check and inspect my walking socks each morning.
I am beginning to form a routine on how I lace myself into the equipment.  Simple disciplines, practiced each day that make my success percentage tick a little higher for this dream to appear.
Yes, I hike on a treadmill right now.  It is what I have now and it limits my injury risk.  I've hard charged headlong into injury more times than I care to remember.  This time is different cuz I make it that way.

I understand that my core, my mind, my feet and my legs are what I need to take care of, starting BEFORE I hike.
These are LARGE reasons why one fails at hiking. 
I started there.  At the basics.  Seems like common sense to me.

Why, so common?
I've trained my mind to accept the fact that many others on the globe brush off the basics in everything they do.

I've taught others that by mastering the basics (in anything you do) will advance them 2 notches above any one they are being compared to.   Then by mastering the basics, the medium study is easier and will eventually become part of the basics in their study and then advanced will be easier still to master.  That is, if anyone desires to become a master of their craft, art or vocation.

"Every Master was once a Disaster." ~ T. Harv Eker.

That's how I've always done it and advancement at a J.O.B. is guaranteed.  Directors, Managers and Supervisors will reward the "hot charger" that desires to understand by learning until the student becomes the teacher.
Does that mean you have to LOVE your job right now or LOVE being in classes?  Hell NO!
But while you are there, be there.  Perform there.  LEARN there.
It will benefit your smile and your pocketbook.

Then again, Don't believe the words I write. They are just mine.

How anyone does anything is how they do everything. - T. Harv again.

And " So I'll continue to continue to pretend My life will never end. And the Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall."
Thank you Paul Simon.

~ Kindle: "keep moving forward"

********

Here's the CSN lyrics.

Look around me, I can see my life before me
Running rings around the way it used to be
I am older now I have more than what I wanted
But I wish that I had started long before I did

And there's so much time to make up everywhere you turn
Time we have wasted on the way
So much water moving underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away

Oh when you were young did you question all the answers
Did you envy all the dancers who had all the nerve?
Look round you know, you must go for what you wanted
Look at all my friends who did and got what they deserved

So much time to make up everywhere you turn
Time we have wasted on the way
So much water moving underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away

So much love to make up everywhere you turn
Love we have wasted on the way
So much water moving underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away
Let the water come and carry us away

170 days til Kick Off - Today's Power Word: Allowing

Housekeeping:
Happy 59th Birthday to moi.
My "Do Epic Shit" adventure will lead me to a better me.

Annual Physical: Dr. says I'm Ok to try this. 
Tests will give me a great base line to compare to next year and then give me a great reason to STAY fit.
Perfect timing as I'm just beginning to consider my caloric intake for this fun WTF event.  (Walking Thru Forests).

My Dr is encouraged cuz I'm the first patient that has ever said:
"I'm looking forward to doing PLANKS again." 
Maybe I am nucking futz?  lol 
(in time, in time)

Odd event though: the TV in the Dr.s waiting room was off and I was thankful.
While writing my thoughts on the morning in my journal, the TV turned on. 
No one else was in the room with me.
I then was drawn into the story of Cyntoia Brown on CBS Morning.
"God does hear you" she mentioned several times.
Seems others have gone on this journey too. 
The Journey to Forgiveness & Freedom.
I got it.  Thanks God! 
It was cool how you turned on the TV at that story for me.
and thank you Cyntoia for sharing your heart.

*********

Day 1 of 140 words before my hike.
If you missed what I've mentioned recently, here's a recap.
Taking the list of 280 words found on pages 146 and 147 of the book: Power vs. Force by Dr. David R. Hawkins, MD.  
I am going to work on working on myself, one word at a time.
Incorporating the power words and "allowing" the others to exist but hopefully not in my character as I become a newer version of me.

So I felt it was important to begin with the word  Allowing.

(Power)

Allowing: Allow verb

gerund or present participle: allowing

1. 1.

   give (someone) permission to do something.

(vs. Force)
Controlling: Control verb

gerund or present participle: controlling

1. 1.

   determine the behavior or supervise the running of.

Until looking up the 1st definition of both words, I did not realize I was the one who "gives" someone permission to do something.
That will take some analyzing today as I walk my 10,000 steps soon before Lunch.

I understand controlling: I've done way too much of that.  I guess it happens when you take a young mind and give it "Chutzpha".
(Chutzpha: Bravery that borders on rudeness)
I was raised a bit rough on the edges. 2nd generation Polish.
All 4 of my grand parents came from Poland near Warsaw.
I continue to become an American as I was directed to by my Busha. (Pronounced: Boo-shaaa = Grandmother).

"A bit rough' means that it came with hits, slaps, spankings, smacks, kicks, flying shoes (or what ever might be within throwing range at me), belts, lamp cords, coffee pot cords, wooden spoons, and other things that could be tossed or used, and I'm OK with that.  Most of all of the pain associated with the brutality is gone. 
Some of it was deserved, most not.  I still love my parents.
They did the best they could with me.  They helped make me Fearless.

Some scars remain on the surface and in my thoughts.
That is why I'm working thru the words and getting ready to walk with those thoughts until I can create a new history.
No Dr's orders, no shrink help ... self trouble shooting and a huge BELIEF that it will work.
I'm an advanced technician, I'm going to give it a great shot.
It is mine to do and I accept the responsibility and accountability to myself to accomplish. 

*******

Hiking: I've got a few spreadsheets to adjust and adapt to my hike.

Sobo NY to VA = 721.0 Miles
Nobo NY to ME = 741.3 Miles
Sobo VA to GA = 729.7 Miles
Total from the 2019 data = 2192.0 Miles

Each now needs to be set up to give me a better idea of Mail Drops, End of the Day stays and Poison Ivy locations.  Things I have to consider.

********

I've finished the "Living the Dream" book and will be moving forward into a book that found me again:
"Finally Fit at 50" by G. Porter Freeman
A friend and mentor .... a great read!  I highly recommend it!
Actually, I think Porter is every ones friend. :)

I have a library of books to read before April on a lot of subjects.
The book of the day provides a perfect distraction from the treadmill screen as most books cover it completely.
They also help me loose 1 to 2 hours of clock watching.
Treadmills are boring.

I ponder as I saunter .... looking out the back window is a bird feeder so that I can have wildlife sightings as I walk too.
Mental breaks from reading while walking.

As for the books I've finished, I still will skim back thru each page and glean from it the pertinent gold nuggets of information that I know will assist my 170 day preparation.

Keeping it as simple as I can,
Keeping it as positive as I can and I keep moving forward, always forward.

~ Kindle.

171 days til Tax Day 2020

Now that I have my data parsed from PDF to 6 columns in an Excel spreadsheet, I can begin my adventure planning structure.
It is 171 days till kick off.
Fall sales are beginning to appear in my email for gear purchases.
I'm trying to keep my self mentally motivated for change.
Change is the only constant in my life. ;)  Pain is the other constant.

(btw: I started with Open Office Calc and after the umteenth time of it crashing, even with 2 updates, I switched to Excel 2007 - old but it works for what I needed).  Frustration for me leads to anger.
Anger is why I desire to hike .... to lose it with the added weight I carry.

*******

Moving forward:  I've decided to spend the next 140 days learning 140 powerful words to assist me with losing, letting go and dissolving my anger.
In this quest so far, I've spent a few years digging deep to find the seeds to some of the core beliefs I've held on to for too long.
Beliefs can, and in many cases "should", change.
Should being the optimum word.

I should understand this but for some reason, I've not gotten the memo.

A while back, I've done a 22 day meditation about my beliefs.
I'll revisit that series soon to work on the next set of key seeds.
(if interested in the Belief Study, the link "should" work)
Information on this from the site......

• Become the person you’re meant to be
• Uncover your core beliefs and how they shape your identity
• Embrace your positive beliefs to take control of the direction your life is moving
• Dissolve the unconscious beliefs that are holding you back

If unfamiliar with changing a belief, allow me to share just one of many I've had the joy of finding and fixing.

October 14th, 1962.  My 716th day on this earth.
JFK parade in Buffalo, NY.  (the same day he got the news of the Cuban Missle Crisis)

I looked him in the eyes.  Twice that day. Blue.  My favorite color.
My aunt Irene had on a pair of cat eye glasses with sparkles, blue.
The water cooler was the first I had ever witnessed and the bubbles fascinated me. Water and jug: Blue.  Bubbles were just cool!
I was not allowed to let the water run to see more bubbles appear.

How can I remember?  I'm not sure, but I was there and I witnessed much.  Just never needed to know that I knew I knew .... until I searched for a seed of a belief I held.  A fear of heights.

I was told many times that day as I was getting dressed and before the meeting that it was a big day.  All my aunts and uncles (that were not working) were in the Democratic Party office where my Mom was the office manager.   I was almost 2 years old.

During the parade, my uncle held me out the 2 or 3 story window to watch the President pass by under us down Main Street.
JFK looked at me with concern in his eyes.

I found my seed of "Fear of Heights".  An event triggered it and I held it as a belief for all my years.  Has that fear stopped me from changing out aircraft warning lamps on the moving mast of a US Naval ship at anchor?  No.  Nor did the fear stop me from inspecting gantry cranes wires, motors and controls nor fixing stack monitoring equipment or changing lamps in theaters stage lights on catwalks or parking lot and highway entry lamps.  That was my profession.  It was part of my vocations.  I had to change the bulbs and do the inspections at extreme heights or be fired.
One learns how to manage fear when needed. 
Money was a good reason to manage it.

I was on a quest to eliminate the fear by finding it's seed and it uncovered the fact that on my 716th day in area code 716 (a telephone reference as I was a phone fixer for a bit too), I found the exact reason I was afraid of heights.  Un-control.

If I am in control of being up on any height, I can perform.
If someone else is holding me over a height .... well I WAS a toddler.  I can forgive and let go now.

False Evidence Appearing Real.

As I've learned: you can show me a chair but you cannot show me a fear.  It's in my head and no where else.  I have the control or should I say, should have the control.  lol

********

So, with that, I now know I can seek out my fears and quell them.
With power and not force.

Power for me is defined as: Source Energy.

The next 140 days will give me an opportunity before I hike to really work on my words.  Words that hold "Power" in my life.

I'll also be kind and share the "Force" words that are the counter to the Power words. 
(my opinion here: Power is God style and Force is Trump style)

Where did the 140 Power and 140 Force words come from?
The Book entitled: Power vs. Force : The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior.  by David R. Hawkins, M.D.
A copy can be cheaply found on eBay or Amazon.
A brief description will be at the end of this post.

******

Starting tomorrow, I will pick a word I will work on in no particular order from a list found on pages 146 and 147.
I'll define it for my life and move forward to Tax Day 2020.

This is the first year in a few that I will need to file before I hike.
After this hike, I trust I will become a Happy Tax Payer again.
I've not had to file taxes the past few years.  If one does not produce an income, one should not have to file income tax.  I've tested it by reading the rules and then caused a tax gap in filing.


Today though I'll spend the day relaxing, watching football (GO BILLS!) and work out my hike beginning.  8 miles a day starting for about a few weeks and then ramping up the mileage to see if I can fit in my Triple Leap Frog A.T. hike from Tax Day to Election Day 2020.

Sobo_Nobo_Sobo_Hobo_2 ..... Sobo_Nobo_Sobo_Hobo_2
There: I've satisfied my agreement .... again. lol 
42 is my answer. :)

I've got to come up with a better question.  lol

In closing, I'm placing my words into action.
Shit or get off the pot, I've known it to be said.
Taking Knowledge and Applying it.
Going from Static to Dynamic.
One step at a time.   Kindle style.   Spark to a Flame.  :)

Keep it simple (cuz, I'm complex), Keep it Positive (Cuz I'm Cynical right now), and keep moving forward always forward (cuz, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm an adopted Robinson).

~ Kindle
Putting better tools in my tool box
(as I point to my head)

The Power vs. Force book cover description: 

Building on the accumulated wisdom of applied kinesiology (diagnostic muscle-testing to determine the causes of allergies and ailments) and behavioral kinesiology (muscle-testing to determine emotional responses to stimuli), David R. Hawkins, M.D. has taken muscle-testing to the next level, in an effort to determine what makes people and systems strong, healthy, effective, and spiritually sound. He has uncovered several important patterns in human consciousness and behavior that would suggest that all living things, on closer inspection, are connected. The more we choose connection and empathy over competition and destruction, the more we increase our power. It is this titular power that wins out over mere force (violence generated from self-interest) every time. Hawkins explains his complex theories and then provides living examples of political systems, self-help organizations, even store chains that seem to have succeeded through their use of power, not force. 300 pages. 

And last but not least: the Happy Taxpayer concept as described in this blog by Jonathan Vieker.
I don't know Jonathan but he nails it when explaining that advice from a dead man is still great advice.

As for Jim Rohn, he is a dead mentor of mine.  I respect much of what he has to say as I do with ALL of my mentors.  I trust their knowledge and experience as "Guidelines" and then I create my personal philosophy and my rules for my life from that.

(Spoiler Alert: the Hour Long Jim Rohn seminar he links to has been taken down because of copyright infringement.  The full seminar can be purchased from Nightingale Conant and it's official title is: How to have YOUR best year by Jim Rohn)
I've owned the VHS and then DVD and will watch it again this week.

How to Have Your Best Year Ever

1. Keep your priorities straight.
2. Release yourself from the crowd of followers.
3. Reverse failure by uncovering the essence of it.
4. Make yourself more valuable.
5. Discover the four “seasons” of opportunity and make them work for you.
6. Ignite your ambition and launch yourself to the highest heights.
7. And much more!   Get Ready to Have Your Best Year EVER!

(more from the Nightingale Conant site)
Imagine yourself as the person you've always wanted to be.
How far are you from that vision?
Regardless of whether you're a short step or a long journey away from achieving that goal, this energizing and highly motivating seminar delivers dozens of proven ways to transform YOUR life fast, giving you the tools and confidence you need to get to the level of your vision and then go miles beyond it!
Experience a year unlike any you've known before.

Yep, that's what I'm doing this year from Birthday 59 to 60.
Start to Finish with a dream accomplished! 
Today is my last day of being 58...... Whoop!
LEEEEROY     JENKIIIINS!  lol (still cracks me up)

~ Kindle McGuinness