STARS: How I have readjusted my commute to avoid the deadly I-85 Upperstate interstate

There is absolutely no secret that I-85 N/S between Gaffney and Greenville is a dieway at worst, a standstill at best. The death chute was added last year.  I and many others knew it was an awful idea. It only took numerous accidents, three last week and three fatalities to realize this. 

This horrible interstate stretch affected me in other ways. I had to leave for work in Greenville way early to beat the death chute and exit 60 where BMW traffic is heavy. At nights it was the worse for me. If I didn't get on the interstate by 7pm, I may not make it home by 9:30pm or by 10pm and that's with redirecting and taking back roads. 

I decided to get up at 3:15am on most work mornings when traffic and construction are both light to go to the gym, shower and then straight to work. This allowed me to leave straight from work at 6pm and arrive home some days as early as 7:15pm and late as 7:30pm. I beat all of the major traffic and jams, the death chute (especially since I drive on the outer lane of it) and I get home at a decent hour. I always keep my GPS running just in case of any unexpected accidents or delays

I planned, experimented and it has worked well for me. I have alternate routes and back roads I still use but my current plan reduces my chances and opportunities to do so by 90%. I feel safe and rested traveling on the current plan I have. 

STARS: How I Lowered My Blood Pressure Part 2

I had to end up seeking medical attention for my blood pressure as it was not dropping on its own. I had to do it not only for my DOT physical but my own personal health. Now my mother has both her BP and cholesterol elevated. I did it, she will do it, and here's how I got mine down in 60 days. 

I went to my nurse practitioner and she laid out a plan for me. She told me I would have to start amping my workouts, drinking plenty of water and eating more fruits and veggies. She said I couldn't have too many of the latters. She suggested brown rice and grains. The method she recommended was vegetables first, any lean protein and then grains. She also prescribed two different medications. We both had the same goals in mind. 

I followed her advice, hit the gym 5 times/week, focusing equally on cardio and weights with HIIT to get my heart active and blood flowing. I researched online some good vitamins to take instead of a multivitamin. Among those are vitamins B, C, zinc, fish oil, apple cider vinegar, and potassium. I took my vitamins every morning, hit the gym, ate properly, stayed active at work, and got proper rest. I also took my medicine as directed. 

Within 30 days, I saw it dropping dramatically and I was feeling better. The entire doctor's office was impressed but knew more work was required. The issue for me was my excess weight. I knew that the more weight I got off of me, the less my BP would be and I would be able to abandon the medication. 

In about 60 days, my BP was steady in the normal range of 120/80. I bought a BP monitor and checked it once/week on Wednesdays. I was able to donate blood again, passed my DOT physical, and got a glowing report from the doctor. She lowered my dosage and moved our next appointment onto 3 months away. 

Present day, I continue my regimen, along with taking weekly pics of my BP readings. I feel much better as I slowly return to form and get closer to getting off of this medication. I am now helping my mom to beat this as well. 

STARS: How to Help Someone in Need

I am currently in the process of helping someone get back on their feet. I won't mention their name. I offered, along with my uncle and now they are willing and so are we. 

I want to ensure they are headed for gainful employment: current job, new job, temporary unemployment or permanent disability. I want to see an end goal and effort. 

I also want them to give me an update of where they are trying to live and a summary of where they checked. Hotels and friend's houses go only so far. 

I am willing to give them money for odds and ends but I don't want them to take advantage. Effort must be demonstrated before me first and then I have an amount (like a stipend) I will help them will. I have discussed this with my uncle. 

I am confident this is the moment of truth. This person will find their footing or they will be disillusioned and not ask for my assistance again. Either way, I will have did my part. 

STARS: How I'm preparing to train in the

Summertime is unofficially here with temps rising in the 90s for the coming week. Also, I train delivery drivers in the hot weather and help load them out in the late mornings as temps are rising. 

I have made a list along with my managers regarding the items we will need in the hot temperatures. We already have plenty of water, Gatorade and sunscreen and a giant tent. I have still requested cooling towels, bucket hats, portable fans and even picking up ice and freeze pops for training sessions. 

I am doing my best to keep as much training as possible in the mornings. Due to large class sizes and existing COVID restrictions, I can only bring 5 at a time in the mornings. I am trying not to train at all during the hottest parts of the day (11am-1pm). I will communicate with my owners, managers and counterparts so we can reach a happy medium.  One is bringing in the most experienced drivers in the morning so that less instruction is necessary. I will go by Amazon experience, past overall experience and then from there. 

I also am practicing and encouraging that trainees and myself wear light, sweat resistant clothing. I am carrying a hand towel and am encouraging others to do so as well. 

I will continue to work with leaders, safety and others to not allow the hot summer weather to play a major factor in training and setting our delivery drivers up for success. 

STARS: My self care

Self care is so important; being able to say no and have that day or moment to yourself. 

I watch inspirational movies, listen to upbeat music, go on long car rides. 

I go to safe places like the local coffee shop, avoid negativity and toxic behavior.  I literally disconnect from it, which includes social media. I make sure people contact me first.  

I clear my head and go to the gym, write and paint miniatures. 

I then seek out professional help and see my therapist if I'm not getting better soon.  

I have been able to reach peace several times from doing these techniques. You have to be what you manifest and only have good vibes around you. 

STARS: Dealing with side effects of the 2nd shot of the COVID vaccine (Moderna)

I definitely did my research and homework before I decided to pull the trigger on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna was the one offered to me. It was either that or Pfizer for me. The first shot simply resulted in arm pain and slight nausea. 

I had heard and seen horror stories of the 2nd shot. I wanted to prepare myself the best way I knew how.

I ensured I had medicines and ailments that would treat the side effects, but not kill the profiency of the vaccine. Shortly after my 2nd shot, I took Ibuprofen and Tylenol. My pharmacist and several others before me recommended this. 

I also took it easy on Day 1 and part of Day 2. I consumed elderberry, local honey, orange juice, a tablespoon of moonshine, and my regular vitamins. Day 1 was pretty smooth outside of light nausea. Day 2 I actually saw a burst of energy. I cut grass and even gathered with a small group of friends. Again only side effects were light nausea and arm pain. 

I am currently on Day 3 entering Day 4 and am feeling awesome. I got ahead of the symptoms and effects. I actually communicated with 3 other people on their 2nd Moderna dosage. I do realize everyone reacts differently to vaccines. The other 3 suffered a range of side effects, including body aches, chills and even fevers. I was fortunate not to have any of that. 

I noticed that I got ahead of the game far as taking the recommended ailments and the others did not. The one I definitely recommend is Tylenol or equivalent. Take it immediately after the 15 minute waiting period. I'm confident if you do these things, the vaccine will not affect you as badly. 

STARS: Looking for good coffee

I won't lie, I'm a snob on certain products despite having an easygoing, down to Earth personality. One of these is coffee. 

I've gotten to where I can only drink certain brands and types of coffee. Most other types, especially pre-ground, store brands, make me sick to my stomach and give me a headache. 

I look for the roasting and producing source when researching coffee. Like who is the person roasting the coffee. And how is it roasted? I'm a micro batch guy so I need to know that information. Lastly, where is the coffee sourced from? Does it come from Africa, Central America or from Akron, OH. This is also important since coffee is only grown in a few places. 

I also ask is the coffee pre-ground or grounded fresh. This is also a game changer. Think about when you go to a restaurant to eat. Most people, even at a fast food place, want their food prepared as fresh as possible. Coffee is much more better tasting and potent when it's ground fresh to made, opposed to when it's been sitting for hours. 

I also look at the blends and addictives. First off, anything that is artificial is a red flag. White turtle (white chocolate) is a popular flavor but it is artificially made. Nothing organic about this. That's the type of products I want to see in my coffee. Same with syrups of any type.

Also, I look at the name of the coffee/business and if I see if caters to a certain group or a gimmick, it's not going to be as good. Coffee is everywhere, I'm a business/marketing guy. If you have to resort to a gimmick to market it, it likely isn't going to be the best choice. I know it's not mine.

I've been looking at this for a few years. Cheap plug but the company I have found that embodies all I prefer is Con Cafe coffee. Look at their website for further details or to order a bag www.concafe-sc.com.