So Strung Out

Post #150 on this blog, and it's time for some change!

When I'm walking I strut my stuff and I'm so strung out
I'm high as a kite I just might stop to check you out

That's the chorus from Blister in the Sun, by the Violent Femmes. I had it going through my head for most of yesterday.

I'm feeling strung out, whether from recent events, drug usage for my tooth ache, or just life in general.

A good friend of mine posted this quote on Facebook this morning...

It only takes one person to change your life - you.

I went and saw the dentist yesterday, and he referred me to an Entomologist - no wait - that's a bug guy... Endodontist!

I've been to an Endodontist before, and if was for a root canal as well, and it was quite possibly one of the best dental experiences I've ever had - well, considering what he was doing.

The guy he referred me to looks brand new. He's in a very new office, and looks like he's probably younger than me as well, which is a sign that I must be getting old. There are probably benefits to having a newby do the procedure, but there are probably potential risks too... Oh well, I should know by tonight.

I've been trying to dry out from the drugs though - haven't touched the Lortab in about 40 hours now, partly because I felt so funky after I took a couple of Sunday, and partly because I want to save them... Not sure why, I think it's just what you do... Get the good drugs and save them for when you really need them.

Anyway, on other fronts... I still don't know exactly how to handle things with my bishop. I've written half a dozen letters, none of which seem right, but that is a decision that needs to be made soon. I'm done teaching, and I'm done being active, and while I don't think he needs any reasons, I do owe it to the guy I team teach with and my former students.

Finally, I've mentioned before a desire to pursue a more minimalist life style. Perhaps this should start with a confession.

My name is Koda, and I'm a pack rat.

I think it's because I didn't have a lot of nice clothes as a kid, that now I find myself hanging on to everything I can. There is the powder blue and pink t-shirt which I bought as a teenager, but never wear because I don't want to wear it out - although it's already worn out. The cargo shorts I love with the hole in the crotch, and the t-shirt my dear wife bought me after a stupid fight we had, which is hanging in shreds from use.

I have too much and it's time to get rid of some of it. I was going to do a discard 1 thing a day for a year type approach, but I'm feeling an urgency to de-clutter. Perhaps I'm going to try and get rid of stuff for a month or so, and then maybe I can slow down and take a more methodical approach.

Yesterday I got home a little early, due to the dental visit, and I organized my closet. There is still a fair amount that needs to be gotten rid of, but I have a box full of stuff which I haven't worn forever, and which I am ready to get rid of. Some will become donations to used clothing stores, and I need to find a place to drop of the clothing, that even a bum would be embarrassed to wear - Anyone know any good rag type places?

I then went into my office, cleaned a little and tried to build 1 computer from the 3 I have in there, in various states of repair... No real progress there, but in the process, I also got my county taxes taken care of... 10 days late, and I had to pay a little over $5. I fear I'm going to incur a $100 fine due to the lateness, but... I do feel good to be done.

So things overall are improving. By the end of the week, I hope to be almost entirely religion free, pain free and well on my way to being less cluttered.

Oh and I also signed up for a night triathlon this morning. It'll involve a drive out to Price Utah on a Friday night, and then a drive back in the wee hours of Saturday morning... If you've ever wanted to try a triathlon, I wouldn't mind the company!!

Racing always makes me feel good, in fact I've been considering a post talking about how endurance racing makes a far better source of spiritual growth than religion, but I'm unsure of where to post that.