First, another poem (from my “F3 Non-Sequitur” series), written when I was just about to turn 30 (I’ll be 60 on November 5). Among other things, this one speaks to Dredd/OBT’s concept of The Sifter (see the book Freed to Lead for details), so maybe it’s not that much of a non-sequitur: 

                Rocking Chair Days

Some memories burn in your heart like embers,
Others are fuel for the blaze,
But every last one is remembered,
In the comfort of rocking chair days.

For then, in the twilight of life, you’ll reflect,
On the hardest decisions you faced,
And some you’ll be fond of and some you’ll regret,
Looking back from rocking chair days.

The might-have’s and should-have’s will taunt you,
As you wander back through the haze,
But will your own memories haunt you?
The answer’s in rocking chair days.

What souls did you choose to surround you,
In your pilgrimage through the maze?
And who will still be around you,
In the quiet of rocking chair days?

You can guide your life by looking ahead,
To a time that will show you the ways,
While others lament the lives that they led,
You’ll be smiling in rocking chair days.

                 – Bruce Hurley

The moral: live your life so that you will have few regrets. Imagine what kind of life you’d like to reflect on when you’re nearing the end and then live that life right now. 

AND NOW, BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BACKBLAST. . .

I promised an ass-kicking but I didn’t realize that I would be the primary recipient of it. Hopefully, some of the other participants feel the same as I do. We’ll see tomorrow.  

Things we done:  

• Side Straddle Straight-Clap Hops
• 8-Count FNA Merkins
• Praying Mantis
• Fat-Bottomed Girls
• Bear Squats
• The Zipper: Hop Up Lunge Down
• Wall Planks
• Sheryl Sandberg
• Tippy Birds
• Wall planks

Roughly 750 effective reps plus 1 Mile in 45 minutes

Coffeeteria was well attended and, along with other nonsense, we reflected on the term “gird your loins”—a term inexplicably introduced during the workout. “Gird” is what is called a fossil word, which is one that exists only in particular terms (“bated” breath, “champing” at the bit, just “deserts,” on the “lam,” etc. 

The two stalwarts (YHC and Blackbeard) who remained after The Mass Coffeteria Exodus of 10/26 were able to greet a couple of swimmers who arrived shortly thereafter. We discussed how musical genres are defined. What makes a country song country? What’s the difference between rap and hip-hop? Why is Dolly Parton in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame? Omaha’s take: something to do with the beat. Thank you, Music Doctor! 

Thanks for the great fellowship and the hard work this morning, gents! I appreciate you!