Epiphany

July 15, 2013
I have a pretty demanding job.  I'm and estimator for a large Mechanical Contractor.  (Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Fire Sprinkler).  I do the plumbing and HVAC piping estimate, and assemble the other components, before sending it off to our senior estimator, who adjusts markups, and sends out the final proposal.  Our Bid Calendar is always full.  I no sooner finish one bid before moving on to the next one. I work 10 hour days, 5 days a weeks.  My week is full of pressure, and deadlines.  We have to try to bid low enough to win contracts, but not too low!  We need to turn a profit. I'm sure I've bid well over a Billion Dollars worth of projects since I started here in 2007.

After my day at work I come home mentally drained.  I've kind of gotten into a routine of coming home, getting a little dinner, and kicking back with my feet up and watching TV until bed time.  I record many of the shows I like on my DVR and watch them when I can.  With a desk job, and lots of Television, being active on the weekends just isn't enough.  I am finally admitting to myself that I'm living sort of an unhealthy life style.  My health has been really good.  But I'm over weight and my fitness level isn't nearly what it should be.

On October 18, 2014 I will turn 60 years old. Wow!  That is so weird to say!  It's hard to believe. My plan is to continue working into my 70's.  But if I don't start living a more healthy and active life style, my health could betray me. So here's my epiphany!  What if I stopped watching TV? What if I make my 60th birthday my goal date to get into the best shape of my adult life? What if ??  What else can I accomplish?  On top of increased physical activity, and exercise, maybe I should read more good books.  I could play my guitar more.  Not that my house is really messy or anything, but it could be immaculate!  Maybe I could take a class. I should learn to eat better.  I could learn to cook good healthy meals.  Or volunteer somewhere. Maybe the beach shouldn't be a Saturday only thing.   I really don't have a clear plan yet.  But I am seeing the possibilities.

So here is what I've decided.  Starting on July 18th, that's 15 months before my 60th  birthday, I'm going to STOP watching TV.  No more Dexter, True Blood, or Game of Thrones.  No Vampire Diaries, Big Bang Theory, or Mentalist.  No Walking dead, Castle, or Sons or Anarchy. No more Person of interest, NCIS or Grimm. No more Blue Bloods or the Good Wife, or Burn notice. NO MORE TV!!!!

I'm going to do it.  I've never had a blog before.  Writing this is mostly for me.  But as I write about what I'm doing, maybe you will find this interesting, or maybe even helpful. I think this might be life changing!  Wish me luck.
End of first entry.