December 18

Tuesday December 18, 2007 6:00 am Lethbridge, Alberta

It is -1 C with a high forecast of +3 C. Sunrise 8:24 Sunset 16:32 Hours of daylight: 8:08

A. Morning Musings

This is the first morning when I feel bright and alert when I wake up after a full night's sleep. At 6 am it is still pitch dark outside. I have the coffee on and will soon have my first sip.

We will drive to Calgary this morning. I have four items on my list for this trip:

take my laptop to an Apple dealer to arrange for a new battery
pick up my DCC system and a reversing loop module from a local model train store
visit mom and drop off a few presents
visit friends and drop off a few presents

If we leave Lethbridge about 7:30 am it should just begin to be getting light and we should be back by 5:30 PM when it is just beginning to be dark. I expect driving conditions to be close to perfect with just a few possible icy patches.

Now for a few minutes of morning musing. Mmm, the coffee tastes good. What are my major priorities for the next few months?

fitness, combined with some weight loss. I gained about 10 pounds while in Australia (I thought it might be more) and would like to get back to 180. I am at 195 at the moment. Cross-country skiing looks like a real possibility. A neighbour has just purchased a new set of skis so we should be able to set up a few trips if the weather cooperates. It might be fun to try a few days in Canmore early in the new year after school is back in session.
model trains. Now to get my DCC system working. This has been the goal from the outset a couple of years ago. It is now within reach. I really want to focus on this for the next 4 months.
mathematics. I want to return to this. It is a great way to relax.
literature. I have a number of books on my desk that need to be read.
drawing. This always seems to be too far down the list to actually be activated. I will try to rectify this.

Immediate	Description	Time
Literature	"Seven Types of Ambiguity " by Elliot Perlman	1 hr

Here is my updated list of chores that need attention:

see about ordering some firewood for the fireplace
visit dentist
check local stationery shops about a 2008 journal book that I can use with my fountain pen
begin exercise routine
check fitness shops for a heart monitor

B. Actual Learning Activities

7:30 PM

The trip to Calgary was perfect. All goals were accomplished.

Apple will ship me a new battery for my laptop
I have the DCC system and a reversing loop module for my model train layout. Now to learn how to wire the layout and use the system. This may take awhile, but should make for fascinating learning.
mom looked great
our friends looked great as well.

The roads were in perfect summer driving condition. We arrived home at 6:00 PM, just as it was getting fully dark.

Now to get a good night's sleep and begin tomorrow on a high note.