Deeply saddened, and happy too

I found out Roger Ebert died today. As I said here, Isaac Asimov and EB White are the writers I'd like to most write like, but Roger comes pretty darn close. I never saw him on TV, ever, I only knew him through his writing. He was fortunate enough to be able to watch a movie, understand it well enough to describe how and where it succeeded or failed, and be able to write about it well enough for ordinary people to understand at least some of it too. Further, he had the happy knack of being able to express himself clearly, persuasively, and eloquently on many different topics. If I was going to read a movie review, I looked for his first. RIP Roger, it's a sad day for literate movie watchers.

The happy part involved this:

And this:

Before the second, I used the first almost brutally on my calves. The ball also was deeply involved with thighs and butt. My legs are happier for it, so I am too. There were other stretches and core work involved too.

And then plankaday! 90 seconds! Yay me.

Part of trying new things is understanding that they might not work out. As I've said many times, I have nearly perfect blood, and the Canadian Blood Services people are anxious that I donate. A little while ago I found out they will send the Life Bus to an employer, pick up employees and take them to the permanent donation site, and back after. This is all very well, and I can see how it works for some people.

But not for me. The first problem is the same one as any group activity. You are at the mercy of the slowest person. The bus driver was being examined, and drove so carefully, so slowly, so driver's ed, that I think I could have walked there faster. The nurse asking the embarrassing questions was also being audited, and so she went through every step in the book, painfully. I was seriously thinking of showing them my donor card. It has a huge 50 on it, for the number of times I've donated. I get the procedure. Let's get on with. It took 2 hours from beginning to end. I'm a contract worker. Say it with me. Billable hours. I can go next door to Gulf Canada mobile clinic, and be gone from my desk only an hour. That's an easy decision.

The wine kit I started is still burbling away, and will probably be ready to be racked into a carboy Friday. Then I'll start another kit, maybe the Brunello. I don't want to run out.

I've decided it's time to replace the flip flops, so I'll head to Tri It on Saturday. There was a picture of these really cool ones on Facebook that I have to have. I briefly considered going tonight, but that means taking two long sides of a triangle in ghastly traffic, instead of the short side with moderate traffic like normal. Again, an easy decision.

Maybe I'll buy a bathing suit while I'm there. Hmmm. Maybe I'll even be adventurous in my choice. Anyone want to meet up there, and go for coffee at Lazy Loaf and Kettle after?