There and Back Again

Pondering: To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any other exercise which the customs of the day esteem. It requires training such as the athletes underwent, the steady intention almost of the whole life to this object. (Henry David Thoreau)

I went to lunch with an old friend of mine yesterday to celebrate another friend’s birthday. We went to this lovely Italian bistro in downtown Redwood City. In the course of the conversation, Tully (not her real name) told me this really funny story, which I just had to share…

Tully and I – like most women - both have a little problem with our weight, me more than her but that’s another story. She said that of late she’s been frustrated because she’s at her “heaviest” and has been diligently going to Curves 5 days a week, which is more than I can say for myself. Anyway, one day Tully’s reading through the local Parks and Recreation brochure of classes and saw an ad for Body by Michael (not his real name either). It’s a 6-week exercise class offered 2 nights a week at the local recreation center. It’s an exercise regimen including body sculpting, strength building, cardio exercises, and the works! It didn’t cost much - $50 for 12 sessions with discount for local residents – and the said recreation center is conveniently close to where Tully lived. Other than the cheesy class name it was too good to pass up and it wouldn’t hurt to try. So Tully called the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Department to sign up for the class.

Tully: Yes, I’d like to sign up for one of your upcoming classes please.
P&R Rep: Which one is that, dear?
Tully: (Hesitates) The Body by Michael class.
P&R Rep: (Startled, confused) Oh, Oh(!?) Hold on. (Frazzled. Puts Tully on hold.)

A few seconds later…

P&R Rep: Sorry dear, but we have cancelled that class. Michael has had a heart attack.
Tully: (Shocked and confused) Oh, sorry to hear that. Thank you!

Tully hangs up and comes to this realization: You know what? I was born to be fat and unfit. Every effort to be otherwise is going against me! This call is a sign from God to stop resisting that fact…

But she doesn’t give up of course. Later that afternoon she went to Curves – 4th time this week – with plans to go the next day as well.

I on the other hand got bugged down with work and failed to go to the gym to walk a few miles. I really intended to. That counts toward something, doesn’t it?