Being a man.

I am a man among men, devoted to a life of learning, and evolving becoming aware of the benefits of mediative awareness. I am a man of 70's style soulful R&B, a man who has loved a few good women in his life, and lost a rarer jewel or pure love only once, but remains a man of passionate desires. A man who longs for the perfection of the buddhist precepts, the non-harming, the non-grasping, but recognizing a man of my american cultural upbringing, a man who still will at times eat a great steak, mindful that a cow was slaughtered for my flesh craving. I am a man in this secular age, caught in a world of religiously dogma, a man of scientific truth rendoring his minds eye, a man who sees a future of healing awaiting perhaps some of his decendant's. I am man, who knows life will be brighter tomorrow. Still, I am an ordinary man like you.

Thich Nhat Hanh

I am currently reading Thich Nhat Hanh book, The World We Have, a Buddhist approach to sustainability and environment. I truly enjoy reading his writings. I came across some articles where he and Martin Luther King met to discuss the oncoming U.S. War in Vietnam. He's survived and has thrived in his life. I am definitely someone who admires the Buddhist precepts, but much more, will modify my life to some degree to live accordingly, however, I'm a 50 year old american male who will continue with my daily desires in a consumerist society. Right now I don't own a car, a house, or much of anything of value. I have a photos of Ghandi's few personal things who had at the end of his life to remain me not to grasp so much, but I still would love to have a Bentley Continental GT. I'm still a retro kind of guy, and still enjoy listening to the Whispers, or Maze to Jay Z; and still has occasional yearnings for an angus rib-eye steak to anything styled "fusion" or "vegan", but stick to a vegetarian lifestyle 90% of the time. It's simple, sometimes, we will continue to admire those things in life that have brought us comfort, sometimes they are old, simple, easy listening. Changing a lifetime of being who after 50 years of living makes it acceptable, to simply be a Flexitarian, or perhaps owning a few things. I admire the level of scientific advancement made in our western culture, wherein, humanities future may become some much brighter for us all in spite of our grasping.

Sunday Afternoon

Well, the weekend is winding down, and it's been a fuller weekend than normal, primarily because I've stayed downtown instead of going down to Tacoma which saved me at least 3 hours every morning. Today, I read about 40 pages of the book I purchased yesterday, The World We Have, and admittedly, want to do more personally to make the world a safer, more peaceful, more sustainable place to live. As in the captioned below the heading of chapter 1 notes. "The bellls of minfulness are calling out to us, trying to wake us up, reminding us to look deeply at our impact on the planet." In paragraph 2, "All of us know that our beautiful green planet is in danger. Our way of wlaking on the Earth has a great infludence on animals and plants. Yet we act as if our daily lives have nothing to do with the condition of the world..." This is day 3 of my eating vegetarian, and I'm hoping I can stretch that out over many many more days. One of things I've observed about myself this past weekend, is although I am clearly aware of the impact of my own personal actions, and particularly the damages we are causing the earth by depending our cars propelled by fossil fuels, my minds is always daydreaming about owning a Escalade, or other big SUV. It's nearly a nightly thought. Yet, I'll then find myself admiring someone who is "self propelling" there way around. Today, I was up in the U-District, sitting in the window of the UW Bookstore flipping through magazines, when I observed a graceful looking, silver haired, woman, approach the bike stands beneath the window where I was sitting, out of a shoulder bag, one of those re-usable grocery tots, she pulled out a bike helmet, and then unlocked a bike, to ride off. I noticed how clear her complexion looked, how she appeared to have a few less of the aging winkles around her eyes and chics.. She appeared to be middle to late 60's, and healthy, fit, and living a conscious lifestyle..... Seeing her, I reflected on my dreams, my thoughts the night before, of the large SUV I was imagining buying.....naw, I'm simply going for the bike. Living a self-propelled lifestyle is almost scrary. Being single, I fear, what is some prospective female going to think of a 50 year old male without a car, without a mortgage, without some many of the typical material things of our American psyche going to think.... Oh well, at 50 I can simply continue being me and doing those things I believe are right for me to do...hopefully, love will someday find it's way to my eyes.

Summer 2009

Wow, it's been a long time since I've been into this blog. I'm still living and working in Seattle. Over the past several months I've become keenly interested in Buddhism and Veganism, principally due to the moral precepts and my interest in mediation and health. Over the weekend I bought a book by Thich Nhat Hanh, THE WORLD WE HAVE, a Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology. I look forward to reading it. The nice thing about it, it's small enough to fit in my back pocket of my jeans, so I can carry around with me. My adventures in Veganism are slow at best, wherein I may eat vegan 1-2-3-4-5 days, but then stumble and eat meat, but I allow myself these stumbles and I develop my new life path and direction. It's the same with my interest in being self-propelled yet having desires to own a SUV. I search the web looking at Escalades and Range Rovers, while reading momentum magazines. It will be interesting what my next blog may reveal about this journey.

Venture into Vegetarianism

Well, for the past few months I have ventured into eating far less meat and more frequently than not, vegetarian. It's been an adventure. My favorite Vegetarian Restaurant in Seattle thus far has been Chaco's Restaurant in the U-District, followed by Araya's, and the Bamboo Garden. I really love the Green Juices I've been taken to drinking a couple times a week, but it's relatively expensive. I can honestly say that I do believe it's clearly a healthy choice. Over the past several months, I've lost about 25 to 30 lbs and my weight is down to about 155 lbs, from nearly 190 +. Ending my cravings and consumption of junk foods and sodas probably was a wise decision. I also have consciously chosen to walk the 4 miles each way down to the Tacoma Dome to catch the express bus into Seattle, vice catching the local bus to the Dome. So, it's added 8 miles of light exercise to my daily routine. I keep myself motivated by purchasing and reading several books on Veganism, Vegetarism, Health, Longevity, etc.

Snowy Seattle

It's Thursday, December 18th, 2008, this morning was definitely an usual start to my day, as the weather in the Tacoma - Seattle area is creating traffic havoc and delays. It's snowing hard today. I arrived at my office after commuting for 3 1/2 hours via the bus. Right as I got into work, the office closed due to the weather and I arrived to a nearly empty building. I chose to stay at the office a few hours as I'm not looking to the adventure when I attempt the return trip. I've actually enjoyed spending the past couple of hours searching the internet......

October 2008

I'm still living and working in Seattle, Washington. My 2 daughters Lakyn & Nia Perry are both now in college, Lakyn at University of San Francisco, and Nia at Drexel University in Philadelphia. I proud that they both have the demeanor to seek higher educations since the future is going to be far more dependent on information.

July 30, 2008 Seattle, Washington

I noticed that my daughter Nia offered a few comments to my last post. I was pleasantly surprised. She's my pride and joy. She's finally graduated from highschool and on her way to college and she has discovered that she has a new found freedom that comes with reaching a age of emancipation. She's 18 years old, but with her freedom now she also is accountable for all she does. But she's FREE...oh, how wonderful it is to live here in America. Her future is so bright - and more probable than not, we'll get through this dark period of international agressions and threat of nuclear terrorism...and live the life of her full potential..... it's a life with potential beyond the imagination of most people as yet.

I also saw a YOUTUBE video this morning regarding a very youthful 81 year old man whose web sight, http://www.hawkwalk.com/, documents his walking adventure footing it throughout the world. He is on a quest to walk some 80,000 miles. After seeing the video, I realized that although I am 53 years old now, I have 30 years just to catch up to this guy, and he's full of life and healthy. How much more do I have to look forward to with all the scientific advancements that will occur for me in the next 30 years. I'm somehow a little more optimistic this afternoon.

Another Year Passes

Celebration - another year of growing gracefully older, today I turned 53 years old. I thank G-D for all my blessings. I'm living here in Seattle, Washington enjoying life and working everyday. Overall, I rate my life as being exceptionally happy though I have had my shares of its ups and downs. But, it feels good to be alive. I feel very optimistic about the long term outlook for humanity - if only I can be here another 20-30 years until the science is available to effect how much we age. Today, the BBC new's reports that there is a woman alive in Northern Israel, Mariam Amash, who is 120 years old. She have over 410 direct decendents alive. She notes her longevity to eating vegetables, lots of vegetables and going on walks. How much better will our lives be when we are able to get the stem cell treatments, the pharma treatments, the nano-machines that circulate in our bloodstream and rejuevate us....could I live long enough to know a great, great, great, great grandson or daughter.....

July 4th, 2008

It's another 4th of July come and gone. The summer is begun. It's almost funny how the summer is just now beginning. The weather throughout the U.S. has been terrible. I have been on vacation the past week, but didn't do anything per se but stay away from work. The biggest news of late is that my daughter, Nia, graduated from Highschool this past week in Rochester, NY, and will be off to college this fall to Philadelphia - Dexler University. My other daughter, Lakyn, just returned from six weeks touring Europe. I was disappointed that I didn't receive any photos of her trip although I financed it. Oh well, being a father isn't easy.

Spring 2008

It's been a few months since I've been in my blog - life hasn't changed much at all, but I have gotten some regular weekly exercise since my last blog due to enrolling in the Health Sound Fitness Program. Yet, I'm not yet working out daily but working on it. I'm far more conscience of my choices trying to live a healthier, greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

A highlight of this week, is that Nia, my youngest daughter is turning 18 years old on the 17th. She's growing up and emerging as a strong, bright young lady. She applied to several colleges and leans towards a Music Major. My other daughter, Lakyn, is now in her 3rd year of college at the University of San Francisco, where she's majoring in Biology. She's done well these 3 years, and has maintained a respectable GPA and last semester reports she was on the dean's list.

Sound Health Solutions

This week I joined a six month program through my employer essentially to improve my health and modify my lifestyle towards fit living. The program is monitored by a MD with the assistance of a personal trainer, nutritionist, and stress coach. For the past two weeks, I've met with the doctor, taken part in and completed an array of surveys and forms, had my Lipid Profile, CRP, VO2 max, body fat percentage and numerous other blood tests to establish my baseline level of fitness/health. Yesterday, we began with out first actual workout using a gym at the office here. I was late, but it essentially was 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise on the treadmills and bikes at the office. My own personal goal is prinicipally to initiate a daily routine of exercises.

Existence is Wonderful: SENS 3 Media For Your Edification

Existence is Wonderful: SENS 3 Media For Your Edification

A Wonderful Life (Oops Future)

It's amazing to me that so many people are so doubtful about the enormous benefits science is bring into our world - Yes, we are going to make huge in roads into slowing and stopping ageing within a decade or more. Yet, everyday, the nay sayers, seem to dominate the media outlets with negative feeds. Still, just yesterday, I watched a PBS show relating the SPUTNIK. It's the 50th anniversary of the first man-made technology to breach into space. It was only 50 years ago!!!! How much has our science come in those 50 years, and for anyone who takes the time to track the nearly daily scientific discoveries taking place in science, whether biotechnology, nanotechnoloy, or computer technology, how could anyone realistically think - Stopping Aging without our lifetimes is impossible. It's not just possible, but huge progress is made daily. Be proactive and you'll live to enjoy our wonderful lives....

My 51st Birthday - July 22nd

Well, I've now turned 51 years old. This past Sunday was my birthday. I had to fly out from Seattle to Spokane Washington early Sunday due to a work appointment Monday. Interestingly, although it was lightly raining in Seattle that afternoon, an hour later, I emerged the plane and was greeted with 100 degree heat. It was hot and sunny. Once I checked in my hotel room at the Double Tree in downtown Spokane, I set out for an adventure and walked throughout the downtown area. It was quiet, uneventful, but pleasant.

Summer

Well, we're now at the beginning of our summer season. Thus far it's been quiet and nothing too eventful has occurred the past few months. I'm still working everyday in downtown Seattle. One of the wonderful delights of working in downtown Seattle is that I can frequently walk over to the new Sculpture Park. It's a peaceful way to spend my lunch hour. It's quiet and I can admire the beauty of the design while listening to the ocean along the boardwalk. Both my daughters, Lakyn & Nia, are in New York for the summer. I resigned my lease on my small apartment in Kent reluctantly. The raised my rent nearly 15% this year, or another $80. Next year, I'll move for sure. I'm still a non-smoker thank goodness. It's been nearly 9 months now. I weigh around 180 lbs, which is probably about 35 lbs too much. Of recent, I'm talking Lipitor and was able to convince my PCP to prescribe me metformin, although typical used my people who have Type II diabetes, it's alleged to have anti-aging benefits for non-diabetics, and I'm convinced it will benefit me. I'm also taking CoQ10, Fish Oils, Resveratrol. I walk a great deal, but need to get far more active than I've been.

First Quarter 2007

It's been a wonderful past few months. I can safely say that I'm a non-smoker now that I haven't had a cigarette in over 5 months. I'm feeling healthier with perhaps a slight chance of living longer and perhaps reaching that next scientific threshold wherein medical advancements will lengthen that life I have left to live. I recently received a bike from a friend, so I can ride and exercise. Everyday, I'm trying to ride at least 10-15 minutes until I build the endurance for long rides. Hey, it's a start to multiple healthy changes in my life. I am taking a few supplements as well. Life is good. My daughter, Lakyn Perry, is doing wonderful in college learning biology. She spent an entire week here with me in Seattle last month. My other Nia is going through some adolencent changes and struggles with school, but has a tutor now to assist and keep her on the appropriate track.

Gosh, I now weigh 190 lbs

Wow, yesterday I weighed myself and found my weight at 190 lbs. That's a substantial increase since I last weighed myself perhaps 2 months ago at 174 lbs. I have quit smoking cigarettes in the past 2 months and have started gaining weight. I haven't noticably changed my diet, so it has to be small alterations in my consumption. I'll watch the candy and cokes I drink and monitor my weight over the next 30 days and see what happens. I also will initiate my exercise program this coming week. I will get out and buy me some jogging shoes this week and start using the tread mills here at the office. I plan to start running 3 miles a day and work up to higher mileage as the weeks proceed.

Wisdom

Life evolves and is constantly changing. Life a simple life to live long and to be healthy. Learn to smile everyday and know you have to be more joyful in your daily life. You may read about it in a book, but living successfully is not a skill that anybody can teach you. You have to learn what successful living means to you on our own. Wisdom teaches us to learn to live a simple life, to be humble, and learn to be forgiving. Love yourself the way you are and not to envy others. If you don't like yourself, makes those changes in your life. Know that the greatest gift we have is love. Love is the best remedy against illness and aging. Gluttony, greed, and your inability to overcome your weaknesses are your biggest enemies. Remember the best day of your life is "TODAY." Health is your most valuable possession, care for yourself.

The Passing of Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes Fame

Today one of my favorite television newsmen, Ed Bradley died of Lukemia. He was the one reporter I trusted intuitively when he reported on an event. I was raised in the era of John & Bobbi Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Ghandi, with Ed Bradley my television moderator of choice. He was a black man.