Day 67: Our very different fitness routines

It's still there.

Even though I’ve boycotted the only fitness routine that has the potential to hold my attention, Mike and Matt have been going strong with their daily workouts. Matt grunts and gives up only to do one more set after Mike taunts him. I told Matt I’m pretty sure this is Mike’s way of bullying him as an adult. When they were kids, he’d pin him on his back, knees holding down his arms and smoosh peanut butter cups on his face. Now he’s forcing him work off peanut butter cups he doesn’t even eat anymore.


My fingers get the most workout while I assume position behind a computer screen which I’m pretty sure is responsible for my recent bout of migraines. I glad to say I’ve managed to avoid migraines my entire life even through the rare times life and work were too hard on me. How I end up getting them here, while taking a timeout from both, is beyond me.

The recent lines in my vision were immediately followed by two things; a headache and a very near anxiety attack when I assumed I must have a brain tumor. Fortunately, with the help of Dr. Web MD and his nurse, Google, I found out I was far off. Apparently, I’m one of the low percentage of folks who get auras before migraines. I feel clairvoyant. I’m actually thankful now for the string of tinsel that dangles in mid-air a foot from my face. It’s my cue to take some aspirin, minimize bright lights and avoid sudden movements.

I’m assuming the computer screen is the culprit but maybe it’s also the extensive reading that my eyes aren't yet accustomed to. My reading list has grown to include some really notable reads: The Time Traveler’s Wife, Running with Scissors, White Oleander and The Kite Runner. I would add Almost Moon to that list but I can’t since I only almost finished it before I left it on our last bus ride. For those of you who took my advice and read the Twilight series (although there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a little guilty pleasure of immortal teenage love), please let me redeem myself and ask you to read The Kite Runner (read it, don’t rent the movie).

I’m still averaging about a book a week and it really has done some good. I’m a better reader now and can see the change in my writing. I didn't believe it but now I realize it's true, a writer’s best teacher really is someone else’s book. I have to admit though, after reading The Kite Runner I’m feeling extremely inadequate as a storyteller. I can't say enough good things about that book.

So what if I’m not exerting as much physical effort as Mike and Matt’s workout routines? I’m definitely keeping my brain as fit as their muscles. I’m sure that can hold me over until we return to our treadmill, which I’ve vowed to spend more time with when we return. For real this time…