Feet off the ground

Some senior managers from my department are visiting from the US so tomorrow after normal work, we are heading for a meeting, activity and then dinner. The meeting and dinner I can handle, but the activity is indoor climbing.

I haven't lifted myself off the ground in 2 years I think. It has been 23 years since the last time I climbed or rap jumped.

While not in "bad" shape for a 40 year old, I am also not in good shape for a 40 year old either. This means that while once upon a time I could have quite easily done this activity, now I am concerned I am going to not be able to get my feet off the floor without a forklift.

For the first time in over a year, I am clean shaven tonight. I figured it was extra weight I could do without.

Personally, I don't worry about getting older however, I do care about the loss of function - and that seems to be on a steady slope in the wrong direction. My wife has finished her studies now so I think it is time to start some activity again as while I could exercise at home, I don't. I am not disciplined enough for exercise to do it when at home as there are other things to distract me; like food. And Steem.

Perhaps I should quit Steem :D

Of course, this activity doesn't help me for tomorrow and as one of the oldest in my department, I am likely to look more than my age. Does it matter? Probably not to anyone else, yet it does to me.

The last time I was rap jumping was the start of my senior year on a camp with the rest of the year 12s. A girl I hardly knew slipped halfway down the cliff face and was too scared to continue and before the instructor could strap in, I jumped over the edge and down to her Cliffhanger style except, she didn't die. Taking her in my arms I slid to the bottom of the cliff with her.

She followed me around like a puppy for the rest of the year.

I am guessing that tomorrow there will be no such heroics and I will look more fool than fierce, but that is part of getting long in the tooth. Not that my age is the factor, it is that I have essentially not kept up with what I know I should do. While I have a fair few relatively valid excuses, excuses they still are. Perhaps the streamlined face will help.

My daughter doesn't remember me without a beard and I shaved while she was in the bath. I wish I could have captured the look on her face as she saw it for the first time; A look of curiousity, disgust and humour rolled into one. She didn't know if she would laugh or cry. :D

Well, at least tomorrow on the climbing walls I will get a feel for just how unfit I am and maybe the personal shame of it will kick me into gear. Summer is almost here and all the magazines are saying I should have my bikini body ready but, I think I will have to wear an oversized shirt at the beach :D

Taraz
[ a Steem original ]
_{(posted from phone in the dark where I can pretend I am young)}