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Saturday, July 6, 2013

Still lifting heavy things



Some days I question the wisdom of having a honking big van than can carry heavy things. When I designed the ambulance to camper conversion I made sure most of the camping stuff is easily removed. Then the vehicle becomes a moving van. The problem with moving vans is that sooner or later stuff has to be moved.

My daughter, 6 year old granddaughter, and I moved the last of my daughter's stuff out of her old apartment. The day was hot and humid. A buddy of mine had already helped me move most of the stuff that takes two people to carry. This day was a zillion trips with boxes and bags.

Once those were unloaded, we hurried over to a bargain barn to pick up a sleeper sofa and a bed. My hate for sleeper sofas goes back to my teen years working in a furniture store. They weight a ton and if you forget to tie them closed, they'll decided to open while you are in the middle of a stairway.

My daughter is strong, but not strong enough to carry sleeper sofas. The guys at the store loaded it in the van. Unloading involved steel ramps, a dolly and a very stubborn old guy. Now I feel qualified to build a copy of the pyramid at Giza.

How did I finish the day? I picked up another 500 pounds of waste veggie oil from a local restaurant. What the heck, the van was set up for moving things anyway.

It is nice to know that a fat old guy can still put in that kind of day. Working out at gym never much interested me. However, just about every day I'm doing something physical. Who's got time and money for the gym?

-Sixbears

16 comments:

  1. I agree with the last line. Unfortunately, I haven't got much exercise for a long time and am paying the price for it.

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    1. Walking is still pretty cheap, and pretty good for what ails ya.

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  2. Now you need to find ye olde bumper sticker that says, Yes, I have a truck and No, I won't help you move.

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    1. Seen those stickers, and loved them. Funny thing is, the van totally looks like a play vehicle. My friends and family, however, know I put it to work.

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  3. After giving myself a Hernia once, separating my sternum another time and crushing two disks at one point.
    I seem to have instilled an automatic rev limiter to my muscles lol.
    Got lots of strength, but the brain seems to kick in quicker with my advancing years. Now I'm a little faster to ask for help...

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    1. I've learned to take a break and drink some water. With the heat and humidity, I drank a gallon and a half of water. In my younger days I would have just pushed through it. Feel pretty good this morning.

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  4. I have heard it said that a person needs to get a new set of friends after each time of moving a sofa sleeper.

    If I had been wiser about not moving heavy things when pushed to do it by my ex, I would not be facing spinal surgery. We do get smarter when we get older.

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    1. Once had 6 months PT for my back. Now I listen to the warning signs. However, I was surprised at well it's held up.

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  5. I dont help people move!!I tell them join the 2% pay it off and live there.after 28 years here it would be easier to burn the place down than try and move!Now i do help friends and family load or remove a lot of heavy items but i plead bad back if its a house move.

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  6. It is your fault, you should be in Florida sailing the blue waters. . .

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  7. If more people helped more people move then they wouldn't need to spend squillions of dollars on gyms is one way of looking at it...

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  8. I get a laugh at people who dress up funny and then drive to a gym where they pay to exercise. walking there and back would be just just as good for without even having to go in. Also I agree with Dizzy-Dick. You should be in Florida sailing. Perhaps I should fill in for you.

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  9. If the heavy objects are tough and can be dropped rather then eased down, carry a empty truck / car tire and put it below the tail gate / end of vehicle. Saves your back allowing the objects to slide and fall down on it.

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