{"id":16455,"date":"2021-10-30T16:11:33","date_gmt":"2021-10-30T20:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/?p=16455"},"modified":"2021-10-31T07:15:25","modified_gmt":"2021-10-31T11:15:25","slug":"update-on-how-i-am-doing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/?p=16455","title":{"rendered":"Update on How I am Doing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR433.jpg?resize=114%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"114\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-16456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR433.jpg?resize=114%2C300&amp;ssl=1 114w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR433.jpg?resize=57%2C150&amp;ssl=1 57w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR433.jpg?w=190&amp;ssl=1 190w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 114px) 100vw, 114px\" \/>I realized it has been a long time since I updated this blog.  Some guys have been checking on my via recon, which I seldom use, or email which I prefer.<\/p>\n<p>While I am still in grief over the death of my husband, the pain is not as acute. I miss him every day and will for the rest of my life.<\/p>\n<p>He wanted me to regain my life momentum, or sense of purpose if you will. He would not want me to mope around and be sad all the time.<\/p>\n<p>And now that it is &#8220;leather weather,&#8221; I have been wearing boots and leather again (when not on official assignment in my medic uniform).  Yay&#8230; old me (somewhat) is back.<\/p>\n<p>Here is an update on how I am &#8230;<br \/>\n<!--more--><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bootedman.com\/utah\/azutco.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?resize=300%2C180&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-16431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?resize=800%2C480&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?resize=150%2C90&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?resize=768%2C461&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?resize=500%2C300&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AZUTCOblog.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>I still fondly relive great memories of a <a href=\"https:\/\/bootedman.com\/utah\/azutco.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fantastic motorcycle adventure which I call &#8220;Crazy-Awesome Adventure II.&#8221;<\/a>  I keep in touch frequently with my buddy &#8220;S&#8221; who went with me and led all the way.<\/p>\n<p>That was a major accomplishment which I will not repeat.  Don&#8217;t get me wrong &#8212; I loved it &#8212; but neither &#8220;S&#8221; or I have the energy or stamina to do something like that again.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Dannerlookoutgrounded.jpg?resize=300%2C221&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"221\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-16273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Dannerlookoutgrounded.jpg?resize=300%2C221&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Dannerlookoutgrounded.jpg?resize=150%2C111&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Dannerlookoutgrounded.jpg?resize=768%2C566&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Dannerlookoutgrounded.jpg?resize=407%2C300&amp;ssl=1 407w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Dannerlookoutgrounded.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Here at home, I have been keeping myself quite busy&#8211; <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>serving as a medic, administering Covid-19 vaccinations, boosters, and even flu shots.  To date, I have administered over 40,000 vaccinations. I am not done yet, even though the county where I live has reached 99% vaccinated status of all eligible residents.<\/li>\n<li>serving as a <em>field medic<\/em>, which means riding on a medic unit on occasional shifts on an ad-hoc, fill-in basis, to maintain my license.  I enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow medic brethren (though I wish they would not bury their heads in their sillyphones!)<\/li>\n<li>I meditate every day at dawn. Calms and centers me, and naturally lowers my blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li>I still take a few &#8220;senior pals&#8221; grocery shopping weekly. I love that we&#8217;re all vaccinated and do that again like we used to.<\/li>\n<li>I prepare and eat meals at home, using all of the features and equipment in my chef&#8217;s kitchen which I love. No worries, I eat well!<\/li>\n<li>I have hosted dinner for some close friends. It has been great to cook again for more than just one.<\/li>\n<li>I continue to participate in a weekly support group for bereaved spouses which helps a great deal.<\/li>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Lightedblog.jpg?resize=300%2C217&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"217\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-16457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Lightedblog.jpg?resize=300%2C217&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Lightedblog.jpg?resize=150%2C108&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Lightedblog.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<li>I have been working a lot on a major construction project for my home, closing in a space under my new deck to create a three-season room. It is almost complete and I am very happy with the results. My husband would be proud of how I have achieved his vision.<\/li>\n<li>I live on an acre of forested land, so I always have something to do in the back, from weeding, planting or moving tree saplings, clearing overgrowth, and taking care of some storm damage (downed limbs.)  I like this work, though I pace myself.<\/li>\n<li>My front yard has been transformed into a showplace.  Many of my neighbors have stopped by to pay compliments.<\/li>\n<li>I am still active with my (former) profession through volunteering on committees of my professional association as well as serving as Chair of a major advisory committee at my former employer. We just completed a huge report that will go to very high levels of the country&#8217;s leadership. I am proud to have played a role to get that written and completed. This was a huuuugggge accomplishment!<\/li>\n<li>I take time to keep up with my large and wonderful family who continue to check in on me very frequently, &#8220;Zoom bomb&#8221; me often, and visit. I am so blessed to have a family who love and care for me.<\/li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bootedman.com\/dress\/notboots\/shoessuit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR425.jpg?resize=114%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"114\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-16458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR425.jpg?resize=114%2C300&amp;ssl=1 114w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR425.jpg?resize=57%2C150&amp;ssl=1 57w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BHDR425.jpg?w=190&amp;ssl=1 190w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 114px) 100vw, 114px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<li>Not to be outdone by &#8220;the fam,&#8221; my life-long friends in the community where I grew up, some of whom I have known my entire life (and some less, but still quite close), keep in regular contact. They lighten my load in many ways for which I am truly grateful.<\/li>\n<li>I organized and &#8220;mc&#8217;d&#8221; the retirement party for my best friend who got me started in the EMS field. He (finally) retired after 40 years of service.  I thought he would have a cardiac arrest when he saw me in a suit at his party. He knows that in my past, I was not a suit guy, but I wasn&#8217;t going to wear raggedy jeans and dirty cowboy boots at a function where top leaders of our county were present. Actually, wearing a suit and dress boots was kinda fun.<\/ul>\n<p>What is not on the list is socializing or meeting new people.<\/p>\n<p>I admit, I had grown accustomed to living with my husband who was the world&#8217;s number one recluse. He hated socializing and we were happy to stay at home.  Last time we went out, such as to a gay bar, was in the mid-2000s.  Long time.<\/p>\n<p>But I have made it rather clear &#8212; I am not a night person. Never was. I rise each day around 4am and go to bed about 8:30pm. I have been on that schedule for >50 years, and even in retirement &#8212; not having to get up to be the first in the office &#8212; I still am.  Generally, that biorhythm does not conform well to most anyone&#8217;s social calendar.  And for gay bars (if they still exist), even worse.<\/p>\n<p>Further, I live in the suburbs (where I grew up and built my home) which means that if I were seeking a social nightlife, I would have to go into the city. I hate (I know, strong word but selected on purpose) &#8212; the city of Washington because they have made it incredibly difficult to drive, park, or use public transportation. So&#8230; nahhh&#8230; not going into the city.<\/p>\n<p>I am fortunate that I have a lot of friends who live nearby and continue to keep me engaged. I&#8217;ve attended cookouts, bonfires, and have gone on some motorcycle rides. I am fine with that, and appreciate that my friends look after me.<\/p>\n<p>Also &#8212; I am a guy who happens to be gay.  Not a &#8220;gay&#8221; who happens to be a guy.  All of my local friends are straight and most are married.  No biggie &#8212; I am the community leader, medic, motorcycle rider, friendly guy who can repair and build things.<\/p>\n<p>Long-time readers may be aware that I used to host a large Thanksgiving &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/?p=15513\">Feastival<\/a>&#8221; where local seniors were invited to a buffet-style pot-luck dinner. However, with Covid &#8212; even though all of us are fully vaccinated &#8212; none of my friends want to gather in large groups, especially while not wearing a mask (to eat.)  <\/p>\n<p>Instead, I will volunteer to work a full 12-hour medic shift in two six-hour segments on Thanksgiving (U.S., 25 November) to give two younger medics without seniority time off to be with their families.  Win-win, if you ask me. I will be productively useful and help out some younger guys with families so they can enjoy the holiday.<\/p>\n<p>In December, I will fly to my favorite island in the Caribbean to honor my husband&#8217;s last wishes.  I&#8217;ll be there for a month.  More about that later.<\/p>\n<p>All-in-all, I am doing okay. I miss my husband terribly, but I will move forward, one boot step at a time.<\/p>\n<p>Life is short:  be positively productive in your husband&#8217;s honor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I realized it has been a long time since I updated this blog. Some guys have been checking on my via recon, which I seldom use, or email which I prefer. While I am still in grief over the death &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/?p=16455\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16455","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-home-life"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16455","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16455"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16455\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16455"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16455"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16455"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}