Workaholic (short story)

Yes, I'd done things like this in the past. I'm definitely not normal in some ways. This would be the first short story I've written in about a year and a half. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

Three months ago it had happened.

  Justin had woke up to an empty house. Looking back he knew should have realized what was going to happen. Working two full time jobs had taken their toll on his marriage. Luckily they were common law married which made part of it a whole lot easier.

  Still, it pissed him off.

  He blamed her, and yet, deep down he knew a big amount of the reason was is that it was his own damned fault. Being too busy killed his relationship was a fact he was slowly becoming aware of.

  It didn’t take long to get tired of watching TV. Once again he was sitting on the sofa and stared at the blank screen that reflected his image back at him.

  “What the fuck do I do now?” he muttered to himself.

  His gaze moved to the open window. The open field captivated his attention. What is beyond it?

  Taking hold the idea grew stronger and he knew he wouldn’t be showing up at his job tonight. They’d have to without him permanently. So would his other job. With a couple thousand in the bank he could go a long ways.

  Knowing it was crazy he didn’t care. He’d leave today. Destination unknown.

  He walked to the bedroom, stopped a moment, and considered his decision a few moments.

  Yes, it was the right decision.

  He’d leave. Start over fresh. Opening the dresser drawers he pulled out a few clothes which he piled on the bed. An empty pillow case made a convenient piece of luggage easily carried.

  His jeans he grabbed out of the closet and laid over his left arm. He grabbed the pillow case with his left hand. As he reached for the doorknob on his way out he stopped and his eyes swept the apartment.

  There’s nothing you need here.

  He opened the door and walked out it. His thoughts drifted to driving down the interstate to somewhere without a plan.

  The End

Workout machines

 I decided to let everyone see what machines I've been using at Planet Fitness. I'm doing rather strenuous workouts that's really helping me build up muscle.
   Each of the next four machines let you work each side separately. You have to set each side for an arm. I've been alternating repetitions as I go until I reach a count of 20 to 40 depending on the machine.

This one you do one leg, and then you flip the block over to work the other leg.

This one is positively diabolical. You aren't just picking up the weights, you're also picking up about half of your weight too.

I'm also doing cardio on purpose. Here's the result of my workout.

Pulse watch

So that I could try to more efficiently keep with my pulse rate while exercising I got a cheap pulse watch. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work well. In fact most of the time it doesn't seem to get my pulse rate right.
  All the exercise seems to really be paying off. I'm seeing my new doctor for the first time for my first check up.
  My BP was 130/78, and pulse was at 64. I weighed 152 pounds. Really not too bad all in all.

Working out

Susan and I have been regularly working out at Planet Fitness twice per week. I'm getting in a lot better shape as a result of hitting the weights and running on the treadmills. I've also been gaining some weight because I've been building muscle.
   On the treadmill I've been doing thirteen minutes each time. That's been good for reducing my blood pressure so that it's in a more normal range. The machines have pulse meters built in but sometimes they can't seem to read my heart rate now. I have pulse watches on the way that should remedy that.
   Back in March I was diagnosed as prehypertensive. I've needed to begin doing some cardio as a result which is a lot cheaper than pills.

Tax and insurance

I seem to have gotten my new health insurance together. Yes, it was a bit of a pain but I'm in a new policy with Kaiser. Now it's a bit of a pain trying to set up a primary care physician as I can't seem to get through to a Kaisrr rep. I'm guessing Kaiser got a lot of new customers lately.
   Next, I'm doing the yearly taxes. What a joy! I don't just have a W2 to deal with. There's also book royaties to declare. Hopefully it won't take too long.

Rise and Fall of America's Middle Class by Jim Davis

Commonly, since I review books, an author will contact me through Facebook, or email, to have me read and review their newest release. Usually they'll want the review posted on Goodreads, Smashwords, or Amazon. This book I cannot do that as it is not listed on any of those sites. However, I can post a review here on my blog.
   The author is giving out free copies until the next election in PDF by his own admission. I personally recommended to him that he should make it available for sale. 
   Right now I've read about half of the book and I'm finding it very informative. It is well written, well edited, and seems to be very well researched. I'll note I do agree with most of the assertions made within the text. The book does challenge many common viewpoints though I think few will be able to argue against the assertions with the overwhelming evidence presented that supports the conclusions reached.
   I would give this book a 4.5* rating out of 5* based on what I've read so far. Now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book.

Merry Christmas

May your holiday be filled with cheer, good tidings, and a sense of wonder. While there is a negative news these days I recommend not focusing too much on it however. Most of us, including myself, have had many blessings during this year.

Yesterday, Susan and I, began giving each other a few of the gifts we'd gotten each other. Susan plays in a pool league and so one of the things I got her was a new pool cue bag. With one of her favorite colors being purple the color choice was obvious. Not so easy to find a purple cue bag however, but I managed to do so.

We went to the nursing home and gave Peggy, Susan's mother, a few gifts. As a joke I wrapped up some candy in one which is that little package on top. 

Here she is opening that little package which she opened first. When she got to the next couple of gifts she asked if they were filled with candy too which made us laugh. 

As I recall there was a shirt in this package. 

Something that can be used as a lap blanket is pretty much a natural gift for those staying in a nursing home. I got her one with puppies which she likes. 

Have a great day. A new year is just around the corner and is filled with many opportunities.