Went to the rec centre at lunch for a swim today, and now I feel amazing, despite the drinking at the Albion 'til 2 in the a.m. last night... But it's great- some things are just there to be enjoyed your whole life. Like climbing, swimming is one of those things that you're really only in it against yourself; forced to focus on nothing but what you're doing, your mind becoming slave to an efficient form, slipping into some kind of zen-like place and your body in motion Ahh.... and all the more necessary when you work as the manager in a nut-house.
Other good things though- I've continued with the T'ai Chi at lunch, and I really like it, and Linda and I have been getting more regular with our joint bike-rides. Last night (before the serious drinking began), we hopped on our bikes and rode out Waterloo Avenue, past the strip joint, and round the corner onto SilverCreek Parkway. It dead-ends, but before it does, there's this abandoned land where it looks like a factory once stood. There are trails by the river, and it's only a few acres, but someone's been in there with a bulldozer and there are all kinds of berms, and table-tops and fun stuff. We'll be going back there....
This weekend is Hillside, and so far no plans to go... I feel like it would be a good thing to go, but we'll see. Saturday is free all day except for a bike ride in the morning. I need to get in one l-o-n-g hard ride tonight or tomorrow to feel like I have the strength and confidence to do this race. Anyway, it's either that, or go beaching with my family.
To really appreciate that alternative, you have to picture a troupe of 4 ridiculously over-burdened people tromping through deep sand, two carrying the 60 lb cooler and balancing towels, back-packs, books and swim toys. The other two follow, sweating, carrying 4 beach-chairs all of different dimensions, a huge umbrella, and their own share of back-packs, dog, dog-bowls, and who-knows-what. I've never actually been able to figure out what the full list of required beach items are. Once there, a 15 minute set-up ensues, with competitions for who gets what seat in what position under the umbrella. Elbows and sand-flicking inevitably become involved. Then the food and drink come out, and an hour or so of eating and drinking. Usually, the umbrella blows away down the beach at least once. Then we nap or read, while wondering at all the people actually swimming and exposed to the sun. There is usually one 5-minute expedition to the water about the time the dog threatens to die, and then the water's judged too cold, and the whole procession repeats itself in reverse. The dog gets stuffed into the little mazda 323 with no air-conditioning, and we argue over the music, and my dad smoking, and start making plans for dinner.
ok- I've just been notified that we're having curried avacado soup for dinner, and I don't want to be late to dinner! Linda is out-doing herself night after night- just amazing. Last night it was chickpea tomato sourcream, and I admit to some concern before I sat down, but it was just incredible. WoweeWowWowWow
