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On a Taper!

By
Real Estate Agent

Smoke from Northern California wildfires, especially the “Camp” fire, which pretty much destroyed the entire town of Paradise, has filled our part of the Sacramento Valley for several days now. The air has been deemed in the “Very Unhealthy” range, and we are advised to curtail outdoor activities as much as possible. Most Greater Sacramento schools have been closed.

Those who know me also know I usually swim laps. However, because of health advisory warnings, I haven’t swam in several days. I began using the extra time to do cleanup chores around the house in preparation for my family coming home for Thanksgiving this coming week. The whole project took on teeth, and I began shredding old papers and records that I had been hanging onto. I completely filled my garbage bin with the shreds. But, it didn’t end there. I had so much edgy energy that I decided to complete my Christmas shopping early. Yesterday afternoon, the shopping was completed for my entire family. And, with even more energy to burn, I wrapped it all. It is done!

Because of the smoke my eyes have been running almost continually, and I have an occasional cough. It had me wondering why I have all this extra energy. Then a voice inside my head called out, “Remember the taper!” Flashbacks to days when my kids were all competitive swimmers came to mind. Back then we had a little ritual when we ramped up for an important swim meet. Throughout their training, we always fed the kids well. There was especially an emphasis on healthy foods packed with nutrition. The kids who swam many hours a week with the team, would begin “the taper,” a week or several days before the meet. The taper meant swimming fewer and fewer laps each day. We also implemented a carbohydrate load. That meant prior days to the competition; a lot of spaghetti and pizza was consumed. The theory was fewer laps and more carbs would have the kids quick launching off the starting blocks, and swimming their fastest during races. It usually worked!

Remembering the little regimens of days past, reminded me where these current energy filled days are likely coming from. I have parked any concerns that I'm developing into a psychotic manic personality. What a relief it is! However, I must admit, I miss calmer days. I’m ready to give up the edge. Hopefully, the air will begin to clear this coming week. I’m anxious to get back in the pool!



http://www.myrljeffcoat.com


I take pictures for the purpose of remembering fond times.  I do not impose copyright restrictions on this photo, so you may feel free to use, or distribute as you wish.  However, should you need a Real Estate Professional in the Greater Sacramento area, I hope that you will contact me by email or by visiting my website www.myrljeffcoat.com - Thank You!

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Comments (23)

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Lauren Williams, CPO - I'm about 90+ miles away from the flames.  But, the smoke here in Sacramento has been horrendous.

Nov 17, 2018 12:10 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Myrl Jeffcoat,

I remember the tapering days oh..so well.... when my son swam competitively! you brought up lots of memories. Good for you for staying busy and productive..now you have a leg up on the holiday season!!

Nov 17, 2018 01:28 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Surreal to have that much smoke from a fire that you can't go outside, but not unusual in your state.  At least you are making good use of the indoor time.  I'd be doing the same thing.

Nov 17, 2018 01:38 PM
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Congratulations on getting all that work done during your enforced rest.  We all hope those fires get under control very soon.  So sad for all those displaced.

Nov 17, 2018 01:41 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Myrl Jeffcoat - It looks like rain may be coming your way on Wednesday. This will clear the air. This is a terrible situation, stay strong.

Nov 17, 2018 02:16 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Myrl interesting that you cut down on the swim time before a meet, I would have thought the opposite.

By the way the smoke looks like the fog in San Francisco.

Nov 17, 2018 02:17 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Dorie Dillard CRS GRI ABR - I have so many fond memories from the days my kids were swimming.  

Nov 17, 2018 04:02 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Chris Ann Cleland - Other than the annoyance of the runny eyes and little cough, I've actually benefitted from being made to stay indoors more.  I can't believe the amount of old records that have been shredded.

Lynnea Miller - These fires have been incredibly tragic.  In the town of Paradise, they say that half of the first responders lost their homes.

Nov 17, 2018 04:05 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® - Although I have family traveling to my house for Thanksgiving, and I worry about snow on the pass between here and Reno, I know rain would be a godsend for these fires.

George Souto - The theory is that pent up energy during the taper works best.  I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea when we implemented it with our kids; but saw that it worked.  One side effect is that the kids tend to bounce off the walls with extra energy during the taper and be a little hard to live with!  I notice that I don't nap as often these past few days.  And, the amount of energy has been out of sight!

Nov 17, 2018 04:09 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Myrl - we have smoke-filled air in the entire bay area.  I was out in it yesterday and eyes started it itch and water and my throat got dry.  I plan to stay hunkered down inside for the next couple of days.  Mask or no mask, I do not want to be outside in that air.  
My woes are none compared to what those who lost their homes are going through. The loss of life is heart-breaking. 

Nov 17, 2018 04:49 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

It is a beautiful picture even with the smoke.

Nov 17, 2018 07:37 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Myrl- looks to me like you make lemonade out of lemons by putting that extra energy to good use!  Take care of your lungs.

Nov 18, 2018 11:55 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

What's even stranger, Myrl, is that the City of Sacramento is handing out masks and the County of Sacramento is saying don't wear them, they are dangerous. Me? I just stay inside.

That taper must be catchy. I cleaned out my work closet today and got my donations for the end of the year ready so my husband can take them to Goodwill. I bet they really like me at Goodwill because I donate designer stuff.

And on that note. How did you finish all of your Christmas shopping? Did you buy everybody the same gift? You've got all those children, and grandchildren and exes. How do you do it?

Nov 18, 2018 04:17 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Myrl Jeffcoat - I worry about you and the people impacted by the fires and smoke. A runny nose and a little cough is nothing to sneeze about. When there is global news about the threat of war, everyone seems to tune in. Right now, there is a battle going on in CA and it's interfering with lives, homes, structures and the environment. I pray you and your family will be safe and you will be able to resume swimming soon. 

When I read your title, I plead ignorance. I did not know what you were referring to. Now, I know! I'm glad you have those fond memories and could provide me with some new educational material. 

Your edgy energy reminds me of pregnancy - just before the child was born. You sure are accomplishing a lot these days and I concur, edgy energy is real! There is no doubt, there is excessive energy in the air. Be safe. I'm thinking of you and your family and hope the situation will be under control so that all can breathe easier. 

Nov 18, 2018 09:47 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I fly into San Francisco on the 30th and hope that the air quality will improve byu then. Having some bad air is nothing comp[ared to the tragedy those in the fire experienced especially with the loss of life.

Nov 19, 2018 08:12 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is best to stay inside as much as possible when there are air quality warnings. 

Nov 19, 2018 11:00 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

I get the edgy energy and love what I can accomplish. You got a lot accomplished Myrl and hope you can get back to swimming soon. Praying for all thoses affected by the fire.

Nov 20, 2018 07:34 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Good morning Myrl.  Before you get back in the pool and work off your excess energy, you're welcome to come to my home and do some cleanup in my office.  

Nov 21, 2018 05:47 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Breathing that kind of air is not good. I am glad the fire is contained and now it is time for rebuilding.

Nov 21, 2018 07:38 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I'm glad you were able to burn off some of that excess energy, and hope the smoke dissipates soon.

Nov 24, 2018 08:03 PM