The lyrics of "My Way" tell the story of a man who is nearing death. As he reflects on his life, he has few regrets for how he lived it, saying that, as he reviews the challenges he’s faced, he is comfortable with and takes responsibility for how he dealt with all the ups and downs of his life while maintaining a respectable degree of integrity.
- Regrets I've had a few
- But then again too few to mention
- I did what I had to do
- And saw it through without exemption
One of the early Lord Chancellors of England was Thomas Egerton. (The Chancellors were the officials who created the branch of law we call "Equity" - which brings us such nifty things as injunctions and Temporary Restraining Orders-TROs)
Anyway, Egerton was elevated to the post by Queen Elizabeth. After Elizabeth's death, Egerton sought to curry favor with the new King, James. He wrote the King a letter to assure him of his loyalty; he wrote "I have learned no waye but the King's highe waye . . ."
I am participating in a "GetFit" program. It is working, I am slowly getting fit. Each week you find your individual rank (standing) and the rank of your team. There are over 200 teams and over 2,400 participants. I have been in the top 5%, and my team is 30'th, but there is a long way to go. This is like a "mellow yellow" version of the Biggest Losers competition. No yelling, screaming, crying (unless in the privacy of your home) and no big dollar prizes. However, things are getting competitive.
I am feeling much better, I have been cycling (outdoors, on a mountain bike in the snow, sleet and cold) and lifting weights. Today I started using a Concept2 Rowing/erg machine. Now I am not a purist, I haven't discovered religion or seen god (well I might have, if he's an older guy who runs every morning wearing sweats and mittens..now that's extreme dogma!). I often feel, and look like a nut job when on my mountain bike. I am layered up: GORE-TEX Jacket, GORE-TEX socks, fleece, long underwear, rain pants. I am not trying to make amends for the wrongs I've done. And, I am not trying to get asked to be a member of Lance's Tour de France Team. I am trying to stay reasonably warm and dry while loosing a pound or two, an inch here and there.
It has been suggested that my team members start wearing a pedometer. For those who may not already know, a pedometer counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of the person's hips. You measure your stride, program it into the unit and "Voila", you know how far you have walked. Some calculate calories burned and other good stuff. I've used some in the past, and have hated them. Some days when I've barely gotten up from the couch or a desk, the unit shouted "You've walked three miles in your slippers". Other times when I've walked known distances, miles, the unit reads "deader than a doorknob, no pulse, no burn, no gain".
I guess my advice for my fellow team members (and anyone who wants to improve their health and self image) would be: Choose your poison, but however you do it, "Do It". Start, or continue, walking, jogging or running. Boogie down, learn the Tango, Jazzercise. Make love more often (I would remove the pedometer!). Whatever rocks your boat. There is no one way. Ultimately it is your life, your health, the well being of your family and those you love. Your self image. Do it your way. If you already believe you are perfectly healthy, Olympic Athlete (not a bobsled brakeman..did you see that dude popping out of his uniform?) fit, a splendid physical specimen, well count your blessings. Sacrifice a goat, chicken or go to church. Do not piss of the All Powerful Being, or Commissioner of the Human Lottery that controls such things. The rest of us unfortunates will continue shaking our booty. And we will be counting, however we count, so that tomorrow we can do one more walk around the block, or one more mile, or dance for another ten minutes.
May I recommend for your enjoyment: Always hug the tree
You may also enjoy reading: I will quietly celebrate, but I know I am about out of pie.
See links for all the Genesis posts to date: Genesis Through My Eyes
Fortune has allowed me to come full circle and return to my earlier interest in photography. I am at that age were some weight loss would be beneficial. I certainly don't believe all photographers need to starve, but my initial goals are realistic, if not humble. The industry has changed tremendously, but the possibilities are unlimited. I am grateful that my parents' gave me a generic name. It's allowed me to explore numerous paths unhindered.
"I continue to seek exquisite beauty in my images, exploring all techniques, old and new".
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