More insomnia, work travel and routine

It's been a while since I wrote a post here. My life has become more of a routine versus constant exploring. It could be related to the fact that my insomnia continues without a break in sight erasing all desire to look for adventure, or perhaps it is the knowledge that I still have a few months to live here. Or maybe it is because it's the winter time (or was...) and I have little desire to do anything. Most likely, it is the combination of all of the above.

In the past two months, I have dealt with severe insomnia going from doctor to doctor to determine what is wrong with me. After multiple visits, a sleep study, blood tests, a brain MRI and even CBT-i sessions, I am in the same spot where I started. I have learned what sleeping pills work for me and which one don't, learned more about insomnia than I could have ever desired to learn, tried CBD and massage therapy and even enrolled in a clinical study (albeit very non-invasive). I gathered information about my sleep in a polysomnographic study that proved to be just that, information. No usable treatment options were determined. Perhaps a waste of time? I don't think so. It was pretty interesting to read the findings!

My sleep study room; and the wires on the wall that would be connected to my head, arms and legs - go ahead and enjoy a night of sleep!

A sad TV showing distorted image - for the price of the study they could at least have invested in modern technology!

I did some hiking, but minimal. I certainly won't beat my last year's almost 400 mile achievement at this rate nor do I aspire to. Somehow my goals became irrelevant with this sleep issue.

Radnor Park - one of my favorite trails in Nashville

A wild turkey in Radnor park

Wild turkeys right outside the house

I traveled to Houston for work in February and to LA in March. Both trips went okay. A lot of food, but drinking was minimal - I can't tolerate alcohol well anymore, even in small quantities.

I didn't go out to any restaurants, only when one was part of a Yelp event - an Italian place in Hermitage, Tutti Da Gio.

Delicious Italian style pizza - the crust was top notch but mozzarella was not super fresh

I also went to see a concert. I mean, how can you live in Nashville for so long and not visit a music event. Il Divo was fantastic, even 10 years after I saw them last time.

Il Divo

I somewhat lost touch with the girlfriends I made earlier. Most likely, because my lack of desire to go out with them. I guess after I declined at least 3 invitations, people just moved on. I did stay in touch with my Italian friend from Spencer who I met several months ago when I lived there. We hiked once and even decided to go to Colorado Springs together.

John Clayborn Millennial Trail was a pleasant 10-mile hike with about 1,400 ft elevation gain. It's been a while since I did this much hiking...

Lovely cows on the other side of the fence of the trail

Still wintry view of the river

I have been enjoying walks in the neighborhood though. It's also interesting to see the nature change in an urban environment.

Two tulips in the neighbor's front yard

I still enjoy eating, probably more than I should. Below is my first attempt at bagels. They look better than they tasted!

My California trip was quite good. I had a chance to explore Venice Beach and eat fantastic food as part of the food tour that I found for the group.

The view of Angeles National Forest in CA - all covered in snow

My first destination was the beach - I missed having beautiful California views

The boardwalk offered a pleasant stroll and exposure to odd-looking people

A philly roll was a must-have - Tennessee is not great with sushi...

View from an outdoor restaurant in our hotel

I fought to get this fireplace turned on in my room

Marina view during my morning stroll

...followed by this outstanding breakfast scramble - one of the best at hotels

Another great view from a restaurant at the end of our work retreat

And a view while I was waiting for the most incredible sushi below at KazuNori

Terrific to-go presentation from KazuNori - I hope to be back there one day

And that's about it. In two months... The desire to take photos, as you can see, was minimal, but I intend to improve on that. If insomnia is becoming part of my life, I have to adapt as well. In the meantime, one more month to go before my trip to Colorado.