Bright sunshiny day



On a Saturday morning, in late January 2017, I went for a walk and was treated to a beautiful day. It was 11 AM. The sun was shining, the sky was bright blue, there was not a cloud in the sky, and it was 67 degrees. In January. I didn't even need a coat. I walked, basking in the warmth and sun. As I walked I felt good. I needed some sun. And some warmth. 67 degrees and sunny. In late January? This is winter? Hell, yes, in L.A. this is a g-o-o-d winter day. That's why I live here.

As I walked I realized that much of the world was deep in snow and/or freezing cold. And here I was, walking in sunshine and warmth.

As I walked I felt truly appreciative and grateful. Appreciative and grateful for this beautiful day, a bright, warm, sunshiny day. In late January. I am a lucky guy - and I know it. And for tomorrow, the forecast calls for sunny and 75 degrees!

And, yes, I do know winter, real winter, cold and snow winter. I grew up with winter, on the East Coast. In New York. It was no picnic. When I was in my 30's my body was cold from mid-December to Mid-May. Yes, every winter it took me 5 months to warm up! Yes, that's why I moved to Los Angeles.




I Failed My Blood Test



I was unable to give blood for my scheduled lab test. Yes, I failed my blood test. Why? How? Apparently I have no veins.

I went to the lab at 2:30 PM on a Wednesday to have blood tests done as per my primary doctor's intructions and prior to my apt with another doctor.

The lab tech was unable to find a vein (always a problem with me). After 4 tries he finally found one, which stopped giving blood immediately. There were 4-5 tubes to be filled but I was only able to give a small smattering of blood which did not even coat the inner side of one tube.

The lab phlebotomist did not offer any other alternatives and suggested that I come back and try again another day. I’m sure it will be the same problem. And, yes, I was hydrated and wearing a warm jacket and the tech used the smallest needle.

So, apparently I can’t give blood via my veins for lab tests and I seem to have no other viable veins in my body. How are my doctors supposed to test and monitor important health signs and organs in my body - like my cholesterol, thyroid, prostate, sugar level - if they can't have blood drawn? Will I thus have to live with no lab tests, with not being able to have blood tests for the rest of my life, and thus end up dying from some undiagnosed disease?

The good news is that, as a result of having no visible veins, and not being able to give blood, I am immune from vampires.




70 is the new 20



In 2017, thanks to oldsters like billionaire Donald Trump, Senator Bernie Sanders and rock legend Mick Jagger, being 70 years old is like being 20. These people and and others have the energy of a teenager. They outperform youngsters in their teens and 20's, who can't even keep up with these 70-year-olds. Donald Trump became President at age 70 and works 20 hours a day! His staff can't keep up with him. And Mick Jagger, lead singer of the legendary Rolling Stones, is 73 and still performing! And, at 73, he's a new dad!

Yes, you should be impressed. 70-year-old guys with the energy of a teenager. 70 is the new 20. Or maybe the new 18.

I wonder if these 70-year-old guys need viagra. Probably not.

Age is just a number.



about the blogger


 Andrew Lawrence is a Creative. Besides being a blogger (since 2009) he is the published author of more than 20 life improvement books,  inspirational books that can improve your life, that can quickly make you smarter, richer and happier. His books are short, easy to read and easy to understand.

His books are available at amazon.com




His life purpose is to help people. He does this using humor, wisdom and truth. 

He also does fine art photography, creating cool color photos. CoolColorPhotos.com

Originally from New York, Andrew lives happily and productively in Los Angeles, in the Hollywood Hills, amid lots of greenery and wildlife, near Warner Bros Studio and Universal Studios and Griffith Park, the largest urban wilderness area in the US. He loves the L.A. weather (warm and sunny w/low humidity).

Contact Andrew at:  andls (AT) aol.com   



Welcome to Hollyweed


HOLLYWEED

From FoxNews

"The iconic “Hollywood” sign got a New Year’s Day makeover from an unknown vandal who used a black tarp to transform the letters into a message celebrating marijuana. Cops have surveillance video of the suspect, TMZ reported. The vandal, dressed in all black, could face a misdemeanor trespassing charge, said Sgt. Robert Payan. The person scaled a protective fence surrounding the sign and then clambered up each giant letter to drape the coverings, Payan said.

California in November passed a measure legalizing marijuana for recreational use."



And so it is. And so it will be. Hollywood? No, Hollyweed. Maybe they should leave the sign that way seeing as smoking pot for recreation is now legal in California - and Hollywood. Unfortunately, smoking a joint - for any reason - is still stinky.