I Am Rockford History

In a Midwestern city not too far away in a future far, far from now, Zombie Logic Press became part of Rockford History.

The only issue I have is the story is dated 2907, and while I might not mind living a 1000 year life, I'm not sure I want to do it in Rockford, or after a trump administration. One of my conciliations is that I never believed I would live until fifty, and I as I approach fifty it's certainly no certainty I'll get there. This latest book is meaning more and more to me the more I think of it.

Before my heart surgery I really didn't make a lot of preparations for my death. A few. I signed a power of attorney form and destroyed some old journals I didn't think anyone would want to or need to read, but I just couldn't do it. Almost four years later I still haven't prepared for my death, even though the realistic odds of it happening at any time are 1,000 times greater than yours.

When Jasper was younger I'd be with him and I'd think "If I died now I wonder if he'd remember me." It was always a constant reminder to be who and what I'd want him to remember me as if I didn't have all the time I wanted to create those memories with him.

Now he makes books more complex than the one I'm about to release. And the twelve year old has written two novels.

He made a functioning pop up book all by himself. 

Finishing off Atrocious Poems A To Z was difficult for me. I didn't really have the energy or vigor I needed to drive it home, but I did my best. And maybe I'll still get a couple more cracks at it.

Buy your copy of Atrocious Poems A To Z 

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Day One of Cardiac Rehab

At cardiac rehab today I was really proud of myself. It was my first day of full-on aerobic workouts after my surgery, and I felt so gung ho I even walked to the appointment. After hooking up to my heart monitor and having my vitals recorded, I got on the treadmill. They expected a full fifteen minutes from me, and I was proud to give it to them. Midway through my walk I had the intensity up to the target level, and was feeling mighty, when from right next to me I realized the older gentlemen was going twice as fast as I was. I mean his feet were furious. Thump thump thump thump. He was like Fred Flintstone powering his caveman car. I have to believe this guy was pushing 80, and he was hitting it harder than I ever did.

I am encouraged by this. I was probably the youngest person there in cardiac rehab, but I have the benefit that I don't suffer from heart disease, so if I can increase my endurance and overall cardiac health, I'll be much better than I ever was. I remember step one at the hospital, and passing other heart patients in the hall who seemed to be having a much harder time than me. I still have a long recovery ahead of me, but getting that first day of rehab under my belt has been re-assuring. I'll probably never run the Boston Marathon, but I'd like to get in as good a shape as I ever have been now. 

December 3, 2013: Last week they finally cleared me for upper body workouts, but what they mean by workout, and what I envision a workout to be, are two different things. I walked over to the stool, and they had set out two one pound dumbbells. They were so adorable. Pink. I could envision many uses for them, but working out wasn't one of them. However, these were the people who had gotten me this far without keeling over, so I complied. 

But when I came in this Monday it was a different story. I felt mighty after the treadmill and bike, and wanted to do a real workout. I grabbed a pair of 9 pound dumbbells and tried to blend in to the workout group. No dice. One of the therapists was on me like a hawk and made me put them back immediately. She did, however, allow me to advance to the three pounders. I didn't have the heart to tell her I've been working out secretly at home for almost a month now.  Pin It