Proletariat

Ugh! It was difficult to face the reality of returning to work after 17 days of freedom. I slept as late as I could. I got up just before 6am. I failed to prep coffee the night before and the kitchen was still a mess from yesterday’s cookout. Not the most desirable conditions from which to return to work after my two week hiatus. It is what it is, however. I exercised and then released Frankie, who was whining incessantly from her pen. She hasn’t done that since her first week with us. She must’ve really needed out! Meanwhile, it was pouring rain complete with thunder and lightning. Great! Frankie and I headed out into the storm with an umbrella. We used one of the trees for additional shelter. That worked only marginally. Frankie didn’t like being out in the rain at all, but neither did I. It was 630am by the time she and I got back inside. With coffee in hand, I went to the computer to check the weather, but also to look at email and the headlines. Looked like more severe weather on the way and as far back as Dayton. I waited until 710am before calling off my run. It was killing me to think I’d have to delay running until lunch or possibly even to the end of the work day. Felt as though my entire world was turned upside down. My initial plan was to take my running gear to work and run at lunch like the old days. The only problem with that was that I had an eye exam scheduled with Dr Julie for 130pm. I wasn’t quite sure how I might balance the two. I hoped to do both, but given that it would be my first day back after two weeks vacation, I didn’t feel good about the prospect of being gone for more than two hours. What's more, my legs and feet were killing me after running around in the yard barefooted last evening playing ball tag. I regretted last evening’s craziness big time! This was the first time I sat to do meditation and stretching back-to-back since before vacation. It felt really good. I must admit, work provides structure to my daily life that would otherwise be missing. Running and exercise provide some of that, but I am far more disciplined on work days – it’s not close! If and when I retire, I will need to adjust accordingly. I went ahead and fried two eggs and packed my lunch. I headed for a shower at 745am. By the time I was ready to depart the sky was already showing signs of clearing. I thought briefly about dropping my gear and doing a run before leaving for work after all, but didn’t. I couldn’t bare the thought of being late my first day back. One of the first things I did at work was cancel my eye appointment. I just didn’t want to deal with any unnecessary stress. Dr Julie’s office was very gracious rescheduling me for next Monday at 145pm. Now I could focus on running at lunch. The morning was hectic. I had over 4800 email in my inbox, plus all the usual morning crises. Come 1230pm I grabbed my gym bag and headed for the gym. I hadn’t done a run from work for two years, and only once in the last three. I ran into the same guys that I would see down there everyday for ten years. They heckled me for not showing up for so long. Most know that I run in the morning’s now. A couple asked about the streak. Yep, still alive! Turns out, running in the Florida heat and humidity two weeks ago was a blessing considering that i was heading out into 88 degrees with 67% humidity. As mentioned earlier, my legs were stiff as boards. It took a lot of extra energy to do my run. I ran the same familiar route I’ve probably run two thousand other times. The last mile or so was hardest as the humidity kicked in good. I made it through. After a shower I weighed myself on the old medical scales in the fitness center. Wow – a whopping 177lbs. The last time I weighed in at home I was flirting with 170lbs. That was motivation to get it in gear and shake some of this excess weight. It doesn’t take much – vacation, more beer, fast/restaurant food, snacks, etc. Before you know it, you’re pudgy! Ideally, I want to be 168-169lbs. That’s very realistic. I felt so much better hobbling back to my office with my run now out of the way. I felt ready to tackle the world and my lunch! I had forgotten how much the endorphins would fire me up for work. The afternoon breezed by. We were busy but I managed it well. I don’t think I talked with Mindy all day. In fact, I know I hadn’t. She left her phone outside the night before and it got wet and wasn't working. I took the battery out and placed it on top of my stereo receiver before i left. I arrived home around 615pm. The house was empty. Mindy and the kids were at the neighbors for Wendy’s mother’s wake. I welcomed the serene silence and took full advantage by collapsing on the sofa for a much needed nap. I might’ve snacked on a chunk or two of cheese and a bite of leftover chicken breast beforehand. Not sure what time Mindy came in to greet me and ask if I was coming down. Said dinner was down at Chrissy’s. Not me. I wanted and needed the rest. She seemed to understand. She and the kids headed back down to the neighbors. I slept on and off until 9pm or so. Finally feeling somewhat rested I got up and snacked on a bit more leftover chicken. I even watched a little Science Channel before heading to bed for good just before 11pm.