Gonna Fly Now

So, I've fallen off the running wagon. It's been...God, I don't know, maybe two weeks since I've gone? I'd love to tell you the reason is some sort of injury, or that I am now spending that time mentoring an orphan, but you know me better than that. It's been cold in the mornings and my flannel sheets are too comfy to pass up. Yes, THAT is the reason: I don't like being cold. But I also don't like being fat or out-of-shape so it's time to make a choice.

My plan is to confess, and get back into my routine. I wish it were as easy as a few Hail Marys or something, but I know I will feel better, sleep better and look better when I get back on track.
Maybe if someone could meet me at the end of the run with a boombox - or a live band! yes! - playing the theme from Rocky these morning jaunts would be much more enjoyable. I would be accountable to someone else, and the guilt of standing up someone holding a boombox (or an entire band) would be too much to bear. So, if you could arrange that, Interweb, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

FAQ's

Are you still running? How often? How far?

Yes: I run three days in a row, then take a day off. Why that schedule? Because my left knee hurts if I push it and I'm old so back off. My route is roughly a mile.

Have you started the South Beach Diet yet?

Oh, hells no. I've got a happy hour thing tomorrow and a trip to Portland with COLLEGE FRIENDS. All energy must be focused on getting bail money together, packing, and finding a karaoke bar.

How is your job going? Why don't we ever hear anything about life at the office?

New job is going really well! I don't really want to write about work because it just doesn't seem like a good idea. Plus, there's really nothing exciting to report. "Went to a meeting, we decided to move forward with Phase 2 of blah blah..." Yeah. As far as I can tell there's no official policy about blogging about work, so if something incredibly cool or crazy happens, you'll hear about it.

Speaking of work, have you heard from Crazy Boss from your former place of employment?

Nope. Last I heard from her was a horribly mean voice mail message she left on my last day of work. Seems sort of perfect that this was her way of saying "farewell and good luck" so we'll keep it that way.

Dude, what is UP with your hair?

I know, right? Something needs to be done to rein all this in. And fast.

Quick: Ponch or John?

Ponch. No contest.

Reality Checks

I went running again this morning, so I think this constitutes a "roll" of some sort. Speaking of rolls, mine needs to be slowed. I tried to jump back in at the point where I was a month ago and this old body needs to ease back into things.

But I did have "Think" by Aretha Franklin stuck in my head so that made it slightly less painful.

Hi there, Overnight Security Guard. Yes, I noticed you checking out my legs. Nice, right? Thanks. But don't think I didn't ALSO notice the baby seat in the back of your car when I parked by you. Just sayin'.

Like Forrest Gump, but with a Higher IQ

Today began in an unusual way for me: I went for a run before work. No one was chasing me. No, seriously. And it was great.

I didn't break any records or push myself especially hard, but I felt incredibly happy and remembered why I loved running when I was a kid: that endorphin high had me giddy and much happier than usual first thing in the morning. Taking better care of myself physically has become a priority over the last few months. After recovering from The Time When I was Coughing Uncontrollably and Throwing Up and Losing Consciousness in Public (aka Fall 2007) I realized the need to take better care of this body. And I need to be able to keep up with Evan because Homeboy can move.

Sadly, my blissful state was interrupted by the harsh reality of work, office politics, and clashing personalities, and I am even more motivated to keep this up and start each day fresh and full of energy. I know I'll need it if the rest of the week is like today.