All the bikes were full when I got there this morning. Went with the Stair Master. I'll probably regret that later. But it felt good afterward.

Hi! this is a test

So, back at the gym. The catered lunch thing at work seems to have beefed me up a bit...

I really missed the routine of heading to the gym in the morning and getting a workout in then off to work. I plan to ease back into things for the next two weeks and get the routine down. After that I plan to run/bike/eliptical for 30 minutes and add some simple calisthenics back in the mix. Right now though I'm a tad tired from getting up early and being active.

Test 1, 2... Test 1, 2

Thoughts of Thanks

The year is closing,
cold winds growing.
Family and friends pull close.
I sit here, still and quiet,
slowly, noises fall away.
my breath slows, my heart beats.

The pressures of these times
are merely history's forge.
In which the raw gem
of our children's future grows.

Together we'll help.
Together we'll grow.
Together we'll learn.
Together we'll teach.

For such great opportunity.
For happy healthy kids.
For my wife, my love.
For friends, sharing support and love.
For connections new and old.
For Family.

I am thankful.
I am fortunate.
I am content.

Mirado

A simple tool.
Well used and familiar
Warm in my hand. Round and slightly bowed
The musky odor of pine
Occasionally a failure
A break before we're done

There are more mechanical options available
Every time a winner, but cold.
The comfort of the wood.
The soft lead leaving it's mark

Softly the teeth leave a mark.
The idea draws closer.
Playfully it dances over your knuckles
The words come forth
The warrior lays them down
Left content. and calm.
Put away again, ready.

Good workout today. Did two circuits and 300 sit ups. I was able to keep the circuits to about 1.5 minutes and only 30 seconds in between. The run felt good.

It's going to be OK
That's what everyone said
Nothing to worry about it'll be fine
Quiet talks on the front porch

New words:
biopsy oncologist malignancy

Sneaking cigarettes by the fireplace
Alone at home. Always alone
It wasn't going to be long
She'll be home in a week or two
She'll be home, soon

New words:
chemotherapy valium radiation

One last holiday at home
Back to normal, for a bit
School morning; Screaming in the bathroom
No matter the past, He's the one she calls to.
Get on the bus, go to school, it'll be ok

New words:
hospice metastasize stroke

Still thought she'd be home
Still thought she'd get better
Because when you're 13
And your mother is dying
you'll believe anything

New words:
kaddish shiva funeral

Off the bus. House is full.
In the hall with my Dad
You're mother passed this morning I'm sorry
He turned, walked back down the hall

A year out.
Wound out,run down,coasting in.
Not much left. Not much there.

Meeting at the cafe.
Psych us up for the opening.
You sat down.

I stopped.

Cold, crystalline, searing, clarity

Keds, jeans, blue sweatshirt.
Chestnut hair half over your face.
Tip of the nose, some lip, Bright brown eye.
Flicking your nails, nervous.

Quiet, calm.
I'm aware of my breath for the first time.
I could see then, as I can see now.
Who I would be, what We could be.

Together.

Cleaned things up a bit around here and wanted to post a weight update. Need to get back on the post the weight everyday bandwagon.