Back in the saddle

I decided to blame my grumpiness on inertia. That is, bad temper as a direct result of endorphin withdrawal. This is convenient, to be sure. Having been away, I have not: a) written a word; b) been to the gym; c) taken out my aggressions on a golf ball; d) any of the above in the last week.

So, I went to the gym today and learned that a week off is a desperate measure for my back. Not that I do a damned thing while I'm there. That is, compared to anyone else's workout mine looks like the efforts of an upended tortoise compared to a marathoner. I lie on my back and kick around a little. Pathetic. But if I don't do it, all about my midriff seizes up (except my spare tire). Here's how I know it's bad: 1) I get out of bed in the morning in order to relieve my back pain; and 2) I have to dangle my underpants off my longest arm and hope to thread a foot through an available hole (hopefully the right one) in order to get dressed.

I've been warned: there may never be much improvement. Not at my stage of the game. But, miserably, it is damned easy to backslide. You can lose (ground) but you cannot gain (anything but weight). How unfair is that?

I also went out on the golf course today. Partly because I sniffed cabin fever in my mate. Partly because it was a way to avoid writing (which, although it has many personal benefits, it does not produce endorphins — which I announced was the subject of this particular blog — how very very convenient!). Partly because it was overcast and cool by recent sweltering standards. As usual, though I have an uncanny (though not unnatural — many golfers do this) ability to forget how miserable my game is, the idea of the game is overwhelmingly appealing. Forget the evidence, bring on the romance! Two-plus hours outside, always on beautiful grounds, feeling the life-affirming sun (even through the overcast; it is, after all, summer) and, austensibly participating in a game of finesse and refined skill.

I have to admit that a day on the golf course in the interest of procrastinating at my desk pales in comparison to the transporting pleasures of immersing myself in writing. So, to Bedlam tomorrow. 

Maybe.

Truffle: Discovering the iPhone app Golfscape. Yes, you're right, I don't play the (&*!%$!@#!#@) game anymore. BUT this morning, when I was merely keeping Pete company, I learned about a $20 app that makes the $350 golf GPS I bought Pete last Christmas obselete. And...it is way cool.

Quote of the day: "I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." (Maya Angelou)

Comments

[Lou Warren]

There is always something to be said for the vitamin D answer to everything. As for a rainy day...run the vacuum and read a book...throw a fit at lost luggage and throw out the Christmas lights...life is too short...and lights too cheap. And try and get over it all ASAP. Even if it means booze. Just thoughts.

[vicki]

I'm sorry to find humor in your pain, but the visual of "dangling underpants at the end of your longest arm" cracks me up. You do have a way with words! I'm still smiling, and will each time it pops into my head today.

[Kate Stout]

Thoughts always appreciated. Especially the ones that make me laugh.

[Kate Stout]

On the contrary, if pain doesnt bring humor how in the world would we survive. Laugh away.