Keeping In Mind

 

I am trying to keep a lot of things in my mind that I can sometimes EASILY ignore or forget.  The major thought I am working to keep at the forefront of my mind is that EXERCISE in the morning REALLY does help to make my day much better.  

Why would I not "remember" that truism?

• I often waken feeling like I just DO NOT WANT to do any damn exercise.  
• I am usually somewhat "groggy" at the start of the morning (5:00am - 5:30am), as I rarely awaken of my own volition, but instead awaken through the clanging sirens of my damnable phone (the especially loud alarm that sounds like the sound to hide in bomb shelters due to impending nuclear annihilation.  You can listen to it by clicking this link. )
• I probably go to bed too late in the evening (usually ~11:30pm - midnight) after I read a bit, so I may just simply want more sleep.

BUT, the last several days I have been FORCING myself back into my consistent exercise routine that ended up faltering somewhat during my working through plantar fasciitis a while ago.   I stupidly allowed myself some "leeway" (aka damned laziness) in terms of when and IF I did exercise for a while, and I devolved into an irregular pattern.

I feel so much more alert, so much more energetic, and so much more tranquil...... AFTER I complete my morning exercise.  I am still, at this time, having to FORCE myself to do it, as it is not simply routine as it had been.... but (hopefully, fingers crossed) soon it will once again just be my normal routine again.  

Today, I ran 8 miles outside, then while I waited for my wife to get ready (our kid who had to get his car repaired a bit ago, had to return the vehicle to the shop due to one part that was delayed in shipping.... and he is again using my wife's car today).... I ended up cutting some wood pieces (dowels, some blocks, and a few other pieces) on my chop saw so that I could do some building in the lab today (some equipment for my fruit flies).  When my wife was ready, we stopped at Lowes for a moment so I could get some screws, nuts, bolts, and a few other fasteners to help with my building.... and then I dropped her off at work.  

Then I went to the gym and went through my (new) weight training that I am trying to get to also be consistent to help me maintain upper body strength.  Then I took a brief, 10 minute dip in the pool to cool off.... then dressed and headed to the U.  I got to the lab room door at 9:00am.  And, I feel happily alert and energetic.... and worries and anxieties are at bay.

* * * *

I had forgotten to mention last week, that my buddy from Mass DID actually come out on Wednesday to the shoppe,  which actually made me rather happy.  He is always fun to talk with.  At Mass on Saturday, we were talking a bit after Mass... and he told me when he went to the Retiree's Cigar Group on Thursday, that the group was wondering when I will be back.  My friend already knew and then told them that I would be back at the beginning of July, so not too long away.  My friend told me he was going to try to get up there this Wednesday again as well.  

* * * *

I should talk about fans.... they are a new "obsession" I have been working on the last week or so.  Maybe I will write about it tomorrow.  And, I need to sit down and try to at least LIST my concerns about potential retirement.  

PipeTobacco