rain or shine

i rolled out of bed this morning around 5:30 AM. after going downstairs and putting a pot of coffee on i checked my email while waiting for it to brew. when i could smell it i went back down and poured myself a cup. i did a few more things on the computer. after sucking down a second cup of java i pulled on my sweats, laced up my new and fabulous sneakers, and headed off to the gym, for i now had enough caffeine in me to accomplish the task ahead.

i hit the button and watched the garage door rise. i had not so much as peeked out a window this morning, and i was surprised to see the rain pouring down. i turned myself round and headed right back into the house. i took my brand new shoes off my feet, and put them in a plastic bag. i dug my mukluks out of the closet and put them on.

there's a huge puddle that forms right in front of the gym every time it rains. past experience has taught me that walking through puddles creates a permanent squeak in your sneakers. forever after, while working out, you're doomed to listen to a repetitive squeak, squeak, squeak. no more mud puddles for me.

i had a great workout this morning, although the place was packed, and i wasn't ready for that. it must have been sunday when i went up there last weekend, and it was dead. i loved it, i worked out completely by myself while all the little burbies were sleeping snugly in their king size beds. i guess saturday is another story. they must be trying to work off their friday night wine and cheese.

the stepping class was in session. step, step, step. right over, left step,...right over, left step.....bright lights everywhere. geese, haven't these people ever heard the word subtle. i know, it's the energy! gotta have that great energy in a gym. still, i can't help but wonder, "why can't they do it quietly?" i know i'm such an old crab.....really, i know i am, but shouldn't i embrace my crabbiness? huh? i'm feeling so zen this morning.

i can hear herman in the workout room. he's winding down to Billy and his Taebo workout. soon he'll be giving the bands a workout, then sit ups, and on and on and on. he loves working out. something is wrong with that guy! i wish i could be that way. i do it because i feel better, not because i like it.

my young friend, bec, has helped me immensely. as i've mentioned before, she is dragging me, kicking and screaming into the world of good health. i think she has actually found something that works for me. i can't believe i'm saying that, but it's true. i am feeling better. it took a few weeks before i could feel a difference, but i swear i can feel it now. i can't stand those idiots who say they feel better after working out for two seconds, but i really do. kay?

i went to the doctor yesterday and i had the lowest blood pressure reading that i've ever had in my adult life. i was shocked and so was she. she actually took it twice to see if it was a fluke and it was even lower the second time. i was astounded. so, bright lights or not, chirping aerobics instructor or not, rain or shine, i'm hanging out my sign, "gone to the gym".