World Enough and Time

What with one thing and another, I got very little exercise in August and September, leaving me feeling unfit and flabby.

So yesterday I went to the gym, and then walked to work.

I used to walk to work all the time when I worked in Sandy Hill, about 45 minutes from home. I'm now about twice the distance. But I love to walk, and the bus isn't much faster...

Google directions said I could get there in 1 hour 10 minutes, and back in one hour and twelve minutes. I'm still trying to figure out what is different.

Now, when I walked yesterday, I didn't go from home, so that added a bit to the walk. I got some advice from a friend at the gym as to what direction to go, and then partly disregarded it - the advice not to use the Bank Street bridge was good, as that would have added enough time to make me late for work. So I walked along the Rideau River path, on the west side, till I got to Hurdman Bridge, where I crossed and then went along the path on the east side until I got to North River Avenue, cutting eastward at McArther. It took me an hour and twenty minutes - just enough time to change my clothes and get a quick coffee.

It was so very beautiful.



( Alongside the Rideau River, on the northwest side. )

Today I went again to the gym, but was going for a checkup with my doctor, so I took a bus to work. (I had to wait a long time; I'm not convinced it was much faster than walking.) So I decided, in a "do as you mean to go on" sort of spirit, to walk home after work. It was a lovely day for walking, slightly warmer than I like, with the sun in my eyes most of the way home. Note to self: bring sunglasses to work.

It was still beautiful. And while Google said it should take me one hour and twelve minutes, it actually took me one hour and fifteen, which I think is pretty darn good, considering that I walked right along the Rideau River path instead of taking North River Avenue, which is straighter and more direct.

Now I'm trying to pretend my legs aren't tired.

It's supposed to be foggy tomorrow. Wonder how much difference that will make. I suppose it depends just how foggy it is.

You know how I love to make New Years Resolutions. I am almost tingling in anticipation already. It's not a matter of keeping them, or not keeping them; it's a matter of looking at goals and ambitions and priorities.

Every new year is a chance to do it right this time.

I don't just do it on January 1. For a while now, I've been doing it secretly on the beginning of the month. New Month Resolutions. Secretly, because I figure people would laugh at me for doing it, and because I'm just doing it for my own amusement and satisfaction.

For November, my resolution was to go to the gym every day - Sundays excepted, because they aren't open on Sundays. So I did. I don't know if it's really the best use of my time, but I do know it isn't the worst, and I feel pleased with my success.

For December... I think my resolution for December will be to write something every day.

Can I do it? We shall see.