No Horseplay, Maggots!

My first day in the lifeguard chair ended with no fatalities. No injuries at all, as a matter of fact -- unless you count the fact that my feet are sore from walking on concrete all morning.

The best news is that I am feeling much better. The infernal plague that has congested my chest for the last 3 weeks seems to be weakening.

I'm even planning to try to RUN a bit tomorrow morning. Not much, just a bit. But it's something.

Anyway, here are my quick observations and reflections after one entire day of saving lives:

1. It's really important to not let yourself go. Watching folks struggle to make up for life's previous excesses and neglect is a sobering experience. Right this moment, I am as fat, weak, and decrepit as I ever want to be. Watching some of this morning's patrons has made me redouble my commitment to get back in shape and take better care of myself.
2. I need better footwear if I'm gonna be standing around for extended periods.
3. The Ridge really is a nice facility, and the staff (as a general rule) are pretty good to work with.
4. My plan to use my "down" time to catch up on emails and stuff isn't going to work. The guard room wifi is too weak for my stupid tablet to connect. I could probably use my phone (like the kids do), but my trifocals really perform better with the larger screen.
5. Pretty much EVERYBODY needs help with their swimming.

That's about it. I feel good today, and am looking forward to the weekend. It's SO nice to be back into the routine. And even though I didn't do it for the first three weeks of 2015, it is definitely time to start "Keeping Pace."

Have a great day!

(Photo credit: Reynold Kalstrom)