In my on-going quest to (take your pick…):
- stay in shape
- get in shape
- tone existing muscle
- build non-existent muscle
- lose weight
- fit into my summer clothes
- relieve stress
- defeat insomnia
- train for a marathon
- l i v e t o s e e m y g r a n d c h i l d r e n
I've committed to incorporating fitness into my daily summer routine (which, actually, is anything but routine). Mostly that involves walk-running in my very hilly neighborhood, digging out my hand weights from under the bed and (gasp!) using them–and a regimen of sit-ups, push-ups and lunges. I'm old school. And cheap.
This morning, I started off on a jog under breezy, brooding skies, wish-thinking the rain would hold off long enough for me to get in three miles.
Apparently, rain is no respecter of my wishin' or thinkin'.
A hundred yards into my walk, the clouds unleashed bulleted fury. But, rather than turn tail and sprint home, I pressed ahead…and in the end, I'm so glad I did! It's already known I don't mind getting caught without an umbrella, but this time I learned a few things about embracing the rain ~
- The initial cold and shock fades quickly into a pleasurable sensation.
- Wet socks are really squishy.
- I run more.
- I walk faster.
- I still sweat when I'm wet.
- Thunder is louder when you're outside.
- Lightening is scarier when you're outside.
- I wonder what it would feel like if I got struck by lightening.
- I pray God has mercy when I do stupid things.
-
If I'm wearing a white tee and even suspect it might rain, I should change clothes.
- Wet tee shirts plaster themselves against your body…especially your jiggly parts.
- Neighbors have never been friendlier. I had multiple offers for a ride home.
-
My dog did not appreciate my romanticization of joggin' in the rain. She kept looking back at me with eyes that pleaded "CAN WE JUST GO HOME NOW?!" Then, she'd shake her wet, smelly doggie coat in my direction, slinging wet, smelly doggie water at me.
- I think about others, a lot. Like Pinki, .
- I pray for others, a lot. Like Pinki, whose probable "best" baths are from rain showers.
- I can't take decent pics of myself with a cell phone. By "decent" I mean without looking like a deranged, insane asylum escapee. Or a drunk.
- I have no vanity if I'm willing to publish wet-rat-self-portraits.
- I'm extremely vain since it took 40 pictures to get four for this post. Maybe more.
- My hair was making really cool designs behind my back.
Bet I couldn't make it do that again if I tried….
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while you could miss it." {Brilliance from Ferris Bueller!}
Don't just seize the day, squeeze the breath out of moments!
This post is dedicated to my friend Lindsey Nobles, a walking-in-the-rain soul sistah who would've joined me if geography had permitted :).
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Your turn: Can you recall a time when you discovered the "extra" in ordinary? Do share!
You’re funny. This was a very fun blog to read. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Love this post. I just wish I was there to enjoy the storm and help you with the photos 🙂
Hi, Robin,
Thanks as always for your great articles. I saw that you included “insomnia” on your list above, and wanted to highly recommend a Dr. who helped me immensely. I had severe insomnia for twenty years, and he cured it in one month with no medicine. Let me know if you’d like his info.
God bless!
–Tim
http://www.timothydeanmills.com
One of my best memories is playing in the rain!!!
Robin, this is beautiful!
Cassieeeeeeeee,
When you pop in, you ALWAYS bless my socks off!! Thank you!! 🙂
Lindsey,
Ummm, me, too…for those reasons and more! 🙂
(I smiled when it started on me, and I thought of YOU!)
Tim,
Well, thanks, always, for READING! I greatly appreciate it! Most of the time my insomnia is in check these days, but for a few years? I was severely sleep deprived and didn't even realize it. Good to have a resource if needed :). Thanks!
Claudia,
Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. That "sounds" like you :).
I love it ;-)…
You just reminded me of that song:
I saw you
and him
walking in the rain…
… you were holding hands
and I’ll
never be the same …
Oran “Juice” Jones
remember it?
Late 1980s …
big top-10 hit
You just reminded me of that song:
I saw you
and him
walking in the rain…
you were holding hands
and I’ll
never be the same …
Oran “Juice” Jones
remember it?
Late 1980s …
big top-10 hit
You are even darling when you are dripping wet!!
Umm, that might be the first time that I’ve thought to myself, “that run sounded like fun!”