Calisthenics for the Soul

Despite my best laid plans, I cannot seem to get free to keep my dates with the Gulik Gym. I want to exercise. I feel better afterwards. I can sense more strength and less wobbliness after even a single round on the machines. But life keeps interfering. Between snowstorms, kids' schedules, car accidents (Kiel's - nothing major), and teeth, I constantly run into roadblocks.

Today, for example. I had planned to spend the morning at the gym. But my whole mouth aches. Apparently the cutting/stitching took a bigger toll than I realized. I have been gentle, following directions (no spitting, drinking through a straw, brushing teeth, eating spicy or hot foods and drinks, chewing on the other side even though its still tender from the extraction two weeks ago, etc.)

I wake early enough to go, work out, and return before Drew needs to be at Robotics. But I haven't the umpf to drag my weary self out from between the warm covers, shiver into my sweatpants and bound downstairs, battling snow and yuck just to force my muscles to run through the demanding routine. Sigh.

I am so lazy. I know better, but I roll over and slip back to sleep, cradling my throbbing cheek and wishing time would take me beyond the healing process to the point of wellness. Sad how little it takes to make me lose my resolve! Visions of a svelte, well-honed physique are not enough motivation. Besides, I have to work at the library this afternoon. I need to conserve my energy (sounds reasonable enough!).

Drew and I finally head out for Robotics, and I recognize that some of my tiredness comes from having to take the Tylenol. I look at Drew. He is tired too. Last night he didn't get home until 10:30 from Robotics. Because this robot must be built and shipped by the end of the month, the team puts in long hours. They enjoy it, but even young kids get worn down.

I suggest to Drew that he and I pay no attention to the clock which says we are already ten minutes late and take a few minutes to take care of us. He readily agrees. We make a detour to Wegmans to select some fortifying comfort food, then push back the seats in the car, turn on an Adventures in Odyssey CD and listen to some stories while munching away. We are quickly drawn into the action, forgetting the stress of deadlines and workloads.

Though we didn't spend even a half hour taking our mini vacation, it was wonderfully rejuvenating. He finished eating first (I take a long time trying to avoid the owie places in my mouth) and lay his seat back to rest. Without rushing, I returned him to school for his long day of building a soccer playing robot and I got to work with time to spare.

It was nice. Not the Gulik, but perhaps calisthenics for the soul. Deep breath. Then back to life.