grrrrrrrrrrrrr...
let's see, where should I start? Firstly, every muscle in my body is revolting against my going back into weight training, trying to punish me for laying off all summer. Believe me, I'm not into body building, just trying to stay in some sort of reasonable shape and it takes a lot longer to get your body back into something like this than it takes to get into not doing it. Did that make sense? Oh, well. My arms are shaking from typing... how pathetic is that???
Secondly, I'm three days into the no tobacco, no caffine thing. I haven't had any serious withdrawal symptoms yet, and haven't pulled a flip out on anyone yet, so I guess it's going ok. Only about seven weeks to my birthday, so I think I can hold off until then. Maybe. Maybe not.
Thirdly, I'm back on my strict high protein, low carb, very low fat diet. I eat all day, drink quarts of water and have lost almost ten pounds in three days. It's not for everyone, but it works for me. It really kicks into high gear after about a week or so, especially when combined with regular exercise. It's amazing how clear it makes your head. Maybe it's all the endorphines my brain is flooding itself with to compensate for all the muscle pain. Either way, it certainly is an interesting high...

New links in the sidebar: the first is in the "muzik..." section, for Magnatune.com. Check it out. Lot's of very cool classical, trance, new age, etc., available only over the internet as downloadable mp3 or wave files. You have to purchase their stuff, but 50% of the purchase price goes directly to the artist. You can even tell them how much you want to pay. If you have access to a Mac *sigh* and itunes, check their offering out there for free.
The second link is in the "beyond reality..." section, for BoingBoing.net. There's always something interesting for everyone at BoingBoing.

Well, that's about it for now. Sorry, nothing witty or deep tonight... but you won't have to wait too long, I can feel the seasonal depression starting to creep in every now and then...

Be well, peace, drop a buck or two at Magnatune...
later.

so, i guess that's that...
so the summer "season" ends much like it began, cool and wet. All in all, it wasn't too bad a summer, we got to go to Monster Bash and Busch Gardens, had a great 4th of July party, went to Ozzfest, and lots of hanging out on the warm evenings. I got some work done on stately sad old goth... manor.
Lot's of plans for the fall, especially some major projects for inside the house, like redecorating the livingroom, including new carpeting and new furniture, and a major renovation planned for the kitchen, so I'll be pretty busy right up through the holidays.
Today is my last day smoking on a regular basis, as I'm going to start weight training again this week, so I'll need clear lungs. No more booze either, at least until my birthday in October... I'm hitting the half century mark this year... ugh.
I have to say, it really doesn't bother me too much, but it does concentrate the mind a bit. I intend to do a lot more serious writing this fall and winter, so you'll have to put up with my bizzare poetry and stories.
But, for right now, I'm having a few margaurita's and puffing away, gotta get them in while I can!
So, let's bid farewell to the summer, for what ever it was worth, and look forward into the autumn. I hope you all had some fun, too.
later.