Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Back in the Saddle Again

Today was the first day back.

After sleeping nearly 'round the clock last night, ZBoy returned to school today. He was actually looking forward to it, even though he was making protesting noises. That's all they were. Noises. I think he was beginning to get a little bored with all that free time.

I drove to work through the fog, practically bouncing in my seat in anticipation of walking through those doors again. I too, would make protesting noises but it would all be noise. In reality, I love my job and nearly two weeks off gave me just the break I needed to come back refreshed and raring to go. I banged out logs, began gathering information for various reports due at the end of the week, filled out timesheets and retrieved an armload of mail and videotapes from the mailroom. My office is my home away from home and the one place that is truly MINE. I was happy to see it again.

All of this had me ruminating on routine.

From babyhood, routine is very important. It sets up your expectations about how your life is going to go and helps you feel safe because you know what happens next. That doesn't rule out surprises or vacations, but on the whole, a routine life is necessary to happiness, health, and well-being.

Going to bed and getting up at a certain time. Drinking enough water. Getting exercise on a regular basis. Using your mind everyday. Keeping your environment clean and comfortable.

Necessary.

Sometimes, there is comfort and joy in setting up new routines or returning to old ones.

Monday, I went for a bike ride. My last day of "freedom" and I went for a ride. I EXERCISED. I loaded up my bike and drove down to the bike trail. It's the first time I've actually ridden on my own in a few years (and not dragging some cement child while saying "Wow, this is fun! Aren't you having a good time?").

I unloaded the bike, got on and started pedaling. Sheer heaven - for five minutes. Then my muscles started complaining. I'd gone 1.5 miles. I persisted until I got to the Little League Park where I stopped, got off, stretched my legs and raised my seat about 3/4 of an inch. Then I got back on and started riding back towards my car.

Raising the seat made a huge difference. On the way back, I felt like I was flying - a very familiar feeling on the seat of a bike for me. I arrived back at the trailhead slightlly sweaty and out of breath but feeling wonderful and a bit abashed.

You see, I rode maybe 6 miles total. If you're not used to riding, that may seem like a lot, but for me - who used to bike commute 30 miles in a day, it was a wimpy showing. I was quite dismayed that I had gotten so far out of shape (the holidays did NOT help). However, I was satisfied that I'd done as much as I needed to do that day and the next time I might make it as far as Woodville-proper. And later, as far as my old neighborhood, then finally making the trip all the way to St. Marks and back. I won't manage that in a week or possibly even a month - but I will manage it again. I WANT to manage that again. And in order to do what I want, I need to make myself a routine that regularly includes riding my bike for some distance.

See, routines don't just get you what you need. Sometimes they show you the way to your heart's desire.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so big on routine. In a way, I have freedom and flexibility within routine, if that makes sense. My kids thrive on routine but we also have to mix it up sometimes. But regardless, on the simple basics, routine keep us healthy and sane. Happy New Year, lady!

Anonymous said...

Ah! Sayre, you are a woman after my own heart. I also love my routines...they keep me on track.

And yay for bike riding! I loved riding bikes as a kid and young teenager. We lived in an area that had some rural roads, and I loved going off on new explorations. It was just me, my 16-speed bike and whatever was around the next turn. (As you might imagine, there weren't the safety and security concerns that there are now.)

And now I live in such a built-up area that it's hard to know where I could ride a bike without getting run over. There are a few parks and such, but they aren't great. I don't even own a bike anymore. I hope to again, though! Someday!

Pamela said...

this was a good word for me today.
(I quit my job in November)
I've been treading water and feeling misplaced.

I need a new routine. That's the answer.

karisma said...

Well you must be a lot fitter than me. Funny SB was suggesting we go for a ride this morning if the kids would not whinge at the distance. (I was giggling under my breathe as I do believe it was ME whinging at the distance last time. Going up the big hill nearly killed me) Glad things are getting back to normal for you!

Unknown said...

I'm with you on the routine thing!!! And I'm enviouse that you got two weeks of for the Holiday's!!

Unknown said...

I've been doing 6 miles on a bike, exercise bike and I know it's not a lot but it feels like it. I would love to get my actual bike out but the snow is kinda all over the trails right now. :(

Anonymous said...

Routine is my middle name...
SwampRoutineWitch.

Anonymous said...

I followed you here from swampy's place because your name caught my eye. Since there seems to be no Sayre, FL and you mentioned Okla, would you happen to have some connection to Sayre, OK? My family is there, is the reason I'm asking.

btw, nice place you've got here. :)

PinkPiddyPaws said...

Routine are nice..until you find that you are so trapped by them that you can't imagine your life without them. They are the "safe place" that people sometimes retreat to in order to avoid life.

Wouldn't you agree? hee..hee...

xoxoxo

That being said -- I was glad to get back to work. Heck after 4 days in DC, I was laughing at how happy I was to be able to drive my own car again! ;) Little things...

Anonymous said...

This is out of topic but I wanted to let you know that Henry ended up in hospital for 2 nights with Kawasaki. He is doing better.

Anonymous said...

Since he was treated early, there has beeen no damage, but he has to go for regular check ups and take aspirin everyday. thank you so much for your love, prayers and support