Back in November of 2008, I had the audacity to think that people cared about what I had to say. You can't blame me though, it was a time of renewal for everyone. We had a new president and the future seemed bright. I was completely fired up by Barack. I was moved by the fact that we elected our first non-white president during my life time. So I began a blog. I called it Cachoras Bichis (naked lizards) in the vernacular of my home town in Mexico.
I long since abandoned the blog and completely forgot about it. This morning however, I was doing a Google search and the top result for my query was my old blog! Seeing my old blog reminded me that I had been thinking of starting another personal blog. I already maintain two other blogs: One for my metal detecting hobby and the other for my language learning hobby. Those two blogs are very specific; I don't post my personal views on things there that are not related to the topics discussed. So I needed a blog where I could record what's going on with my life in general. Already, by reading the old posts, I can see the value on being able to recall things, sort of like in an online diary. Anyway, I don't expect this blog to be any more popular than the other personal blogs I have done in the past. Heck, I even think that I will be writing this one blog in the languages I am learning so I am almost guaranteeing that no one will read it.
So to start, I am going to do a bit of then-and-now comparing.
ME
Back then I was 280 lbs and struggling with diabetes and high blood pressure. Today I am 240 lbs and still struggling with diabetes and high blood pressure. The difference is that in that time, I have become much better at responding to high blood sugar/blood pressure events. As I am typing this, I have been on a reduced sodium diet for over a month now. I went from 10,000mg of sodium a day to less than 2000mg of sodium a day. I am also doing better with the carbs and sugars --most days. I keep wanting to drop 40 more pounds but I haven't gotten to it yet.
WORK
I am still at the same job. I suppose that is good although there are days when I really wish I was retired.
LIFE
Back then I was very angry at my wife. In that time, we separated and we got back. Things are definitely not the same. Sadly, I am not as angry anymore for many reasons, none of them good but at least I get to be with my sons everyday. I don't garden anymore although I hope I can get back to it someday. Back then I had bought a ukulele and I still play it. Also, in that time I bought a metal detector and I really enjoy that hobby.
Back then, I was struggling to learn how to read Russian and I failed. Today, I have the goal of becoming a polyglot and I am teaching myself Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese. I think I will be fluent on both by the end of this year. I am actually learning to read, write, and speak Japanese. Many people only learn to speak Japanese and never really learn to read it or write it. Next year I am planning on attending the second polyglot conference in Montreal, Canada. To that end, I will be teaching myself French for sure. Other languages I will tackle next year are Korean, Egyptian Arabic,Turkish, and Russian. I will be dabbling in many other languages however since I find it to be a fun hobby.
Back then, my friend Tim was talking about moving to Brazil with his new wife. He finally moved there this year and is having the time of his life. I've made new friends since then and I've abandoned old friends.
My sons are no longer babies and they are becoming persons in their own right.
President Obama is on his second term and managed to pass the Affordable Care Act, which is a step towards universal health insurance.
Back then I remembered my first love and today I have reconnected with her on Facebook. She is married and happy back in my hometown.
So there it is. I have many things to say about many things. If you happen upon this blog, don't be shy and say hi.
