Gym Forecast: Mostly Clear With a Chance of Busy

One week into 2009, and my spidey-sense says that some new year's resolutions are beginning to falter. No, I'm not psychic, so how do I know? Simple. Gym attendance.

On the 1st, despite my fear that it would be a zoo, I went to the gym early in the afternoon. People would be sleeping off the hangovers that resulted from the previous night's partying. Lo and behold, I was right. Skipped the next day, but went on Saturday morning. My logic for Saturday told me to be cautious about my time selection, so I went early enough that by the time I slipped out the gym door, everyone and their mamas were swarming into the athletic club.

With Monday being the first Monday of the new year, I was positive that workouts would peak shortly after the workday was over. Fortunately, I took that day off from work, so I hit the gym around 11am. Thank goodness no one in their right minds works out at lunch time, because the place was buzzing but not busy. As I left, I felt satisfaction in knowing that I would not have to deal with the chaos that I'm sure was expected later that night.

Tuesday after work the athletic club was bustling. I ended up having to park a quarter of a mile from the facility, it seemed. People were rushing in and out looking lost and frazzled with the same expression as that of shoppers on Christmas Eve. Often times when I cut through crowds that appear hectic, upset, or unhappy, I like to look people right in the eyes as they pass me and smile cute to see if it changes their expressions. On that day, I did just that. Only a couple of folks were receptive, but they made my day. Despite the impatience present in the ladies' locker room and the wait for occupied cardio machines, those smiles from earlier made my time at the gym a bit more tolerable.

I skipped working out on Wednesday. Typically, I like to break my exercise routine midweek so I can catch up on rest and relaxation. That, plus my hamstrings and adductors were killing me. I must have overdone the squats the day before. Until today, they're still stiff, but I don't care - I slept 10 hours on Wednesday night. Now that's rewarding!

So today is one week from January 1st, and the gym appeared less packed and more like a reflection of its October self. Are gym-goers really starting to trickle out of their new routines? Perhaps some of them overdid it the first few days, or even injured themselves (knocking on wood!). As I ran today, I felt a sense of pride in knowing that I am not a gym newbie, and that when the gym newbs cycle back around again next year, I'll still be the gal running her (hopefully smaller) booty off on the treadmill.

No Signs of Slowing Down

At the end of last year, I often thought about how much I wanted to slow life down a bit for myself. My social calendar is always full, I'm always on the go, and I realized that I spend a good portion of my life outside of the comfort of my own home. It would be nice to look forward to a weekend of doing absolutely nothing.

Not surprisingly, things still haven't changed. Of course it would be absurd to think that my busy life could so quickly decelerate, but naturally I am drawn to setting such an expectation. Some alone time is so welcome at this point that I consider taking vacation days from work during the week when I know everyone is at work and there isn't anything going on.

The problem isn't that there is so much to do in my life - it's really me. I rarely say no when friends or family want to do something or go somewhere. When I do say no to someone, there always seems to be a back-up opportunity that I can't refuse. So does that mean that maybe I need to cut people off or even out of my life? Do I need to simply put my foot down and say no?

The more I think about it, the answer becomes obvious: Perhaps I need to accept the fact that for now, life will continue to be a non-stop train ride and I need to just go with it. I know myself well enough to acknowledge when it is necessary for me to take a break. When the time is right, I'll know, but for the moment, it's not now.

I Don't Do Resolutions

Ahh...the New Year. Marking the new year means formulating personal resolutions for the upcoming year. I've decided that resolutions are for the birds, so this year, I'm simply making plans.

One thing I'd like to do more of this year is write. Blogging has been a really good exercise, and it's become less of a chore now and something more enjoyable.

My friend and fellow blogger, Linda Lou, has long been encouraging me to pursue getting something published outside of the blog world. Last year I had every intention of doing so, but had many excuses for not. Linda had practically handed me some fresh opportunities to go after, but I did not take advantage of the situation. Since I'm looking for something new to achieve this year, I figure that by diving headfirst into this endeavor, I don't have anything to lose. Plus, I'll have Linda to console me if I fail to keep up momentum or if things go terribly wrong. I can't imagine that things will go awry in the writing venue but just in case, I'll be sure to keep my day job.

Last Day of '08

We close the books on 2008 today. For me, I've taken mental inventory of what I've done and acquired this year, and not only am I pleased with what I have accomplished over the past 12 months, I'm also a bit puzzled by how fast it all went by.

There are many memorable moments from this year, and it would be both difficult and unfair to attempt to pinpoint just one. I can say that 2008 was certainly filled with fun, laughter, and adventure. There is no doubt in my mind that 2009 will be just as satisfying with even more enjoyment and more new opportunities.

Cheers to you all for what I hope was a good 2008, and to a new year filled with happiness!

"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." - T.S. Eliot