Saturday, February 23, 2013

Random Winter Notes 2013

Well I've begun my fourth year in the Indianapolis area, with some new developments, events, and notes to post. The Winter has been a harsh one, as usual, with a series of misfortunes yet a steadfast resolve. I have completed my 2nd year as a courier, at Racer Cartage and Logistics, and continue forward with them. With the onset of Lent and the approaching Spring season, I have maintained my course, gotten through the ups-and-downs of life, and continue to look onward.


Meridian Hills: The biggest change of course is my new living headquarters at Meridian Hills. After two years at River Road Apartments, I found it was finally time for a change of scenery. I was very satisfied at River Road, and hardly had any complaints besides it being located near a very busy intersection (96th and Keystone). I therefore was keen to find a new area, away from the commercial/traffic, in a more suburban setting, yet still in the same price range. Meridian Hills was an ideal location near my church at St. Lukes and the Monon Trail. It is a mix of my Chicago and Fishers apartments; very stylish, on the 2nd floor, big bathroom, yet tight on storage space. I've been living there for a month now, and thus far I like the apartment much better than River Roads

Car Report: This past two months beginning in December there came a series of unfortunate financial bombs. Most of which had to do with my car. The first was brake repairs at Midas that put me out $1000 the second came about 2 weeks later with some engine repairs that cost me $500. My Night Rider is in it's 5th year, and approaching 175,000 miles. She's made me a lot of money as a contractor courier, and it seems only fitting that she costs me a little from time to time as well. I've also done well to get the oil changed frequently and new tires. At this point I have accepted that my car is in it's final weeks/months and hope to get the most of it before I buy another one. As of now the Night Rider is running quite well and I can only hope that it gets me into the summer.

Medical Report: Back in the later summer I was experiencing some terrible stomach pain, which I felt was caused by dehydration. There was one August night in particular that was so bad, I felt as if something inside me had ruptured. At that time I knew I had to get medical insurance immediately. I found a basic private plan through UnitedHealthCare, that cost me $80 a month, gave me a $5000, deductible with 4 free office visits. I wasted no time to see a gastroenterology specialist, and get my stomach and intestines looked at. The doctor suggested an endoscopy, an X-Ray of my system. The results came back normal, and I later found out in Janurary that I had to pay for the entire procedure out of pocket $3000. I was quite upset with this financial bomb, thinking my insurance would cover most the bill. My stomach has been perfectly normal ever since August and the end of the harsh heat. I am still convinced that the whole thing was cause by dehydration yet never got an official diagnosis on the pain.

Fitness Report: I've done my best to maintain my shape and fitness through this harsh cold winter. I got several runs in on the treadmill over Christmas, and even outside on the Monon, however lost a good three weeks in mid January due to my move. I've also been faced with a new problem over the past 2 months, a growing heel spur pain. I am intent however to overcome this painful challenge and continue my running into the spring and onto the Indy Mini Marathon. I've bought some foot inserts and my aunt Laurie, who also experienced the same problem, has given me some helpful inserts and stretching tips. I still have a long way to go however to get to my peak shape last fall. (PRed at the Indy Monumental Half Marathon at 1:39)

Also worth noting in this section that our Kekionga Sprint Triathlon will be back to its original free format. This was mostly due to upset neighbors with last year's mammoth sanctioned race. It'll be the 5th year for this event, and I'm hoping we can still put together a well organized race for amateur triathletes.

Lenten Report: This year I became an official member at St. Luke's Parish on 75th Street, very close to my new apartment. My Lenten fast is nowhere near as intense as it was last year, yet still quite challenging. I have taken an unusual strict vow of sexual abstinence in hopes that I may find and fall in love with a woman. Over the past few months, this has become a high priority for me. For too long have I lived a free-spirited life, and would now like to finally settle down and share a deep connection with someone. I have also given up sweets. I intend to go to Confession in the next few weeks and continue my spiritual cleansing.

Phases: Starting back in late December I saw the Musical film Les Miserables, and have been very inspired by the story, movie, and the music. I listen to the music constantly, while driving at work or running on the Monon, and have even embarked on the mammoth novel by Victor Hugo. I am currently half way through it. I've also been listening to alot of classic rock lately. I met a really interesting person from Missouri, however she's only an internet friend. I've been into wine lately and even went to some local wineries in Indianapolis.


Upcoming Events: As of now things are finally in a steady lull which always gives me a chance to reflect and catch up. However big events are constantly arising, and here a few worth noting;

Philip and Shawnna will be moving to a new house, sometime in March. They've already had one deal fall through, yet seem to have secured a 2nd deal. Their baby, Benjamin James, will also be due in April. This is a very interesting, life-changing time for them, and the Sundberg family as a whole. I see them as my number one social connection in this city, and hope to continue supporting them as they've supported me.

Gabriel has begun his 2nd semester at IUPUI and a new job at Express, an apparel store. Andres has gotten through his freshmen swimming season at Luers and is now embarking on the baseball season. Pedro has begun his spring training for the Minnesota Twins.

For me, things remain the same, besides my living situation which I've adapted too rather quickly. I finally received a pay increase at RCL, which is encouraging, and am planning to work another Indianapolis Indians baseball season for Sportvision. As of now I am satisfied with this contractor lifestyle, and I have my finances well in line. The next biggest goal is to perhaps find and meet somebody new. I've realized that it's not as easy as it once was. I know she's out there though, hopefully just a matter of time.