FIT or FITS???

Well, I've done it...joined a gym.  I HATE to exercise, but I've decided to try to improve my health and overall fitness level. I am on day two and have found that it isn't terrible after I'm there, but getting there can be a challenge. I am quite spoiled by my commute to work which involves walking across the street. Getting to the gym involves getting into my car and driving into town, about 10 miles. Needless to say, if I'm going to drive that far I ought to do any town stuff while I'm there. That means I need to take clothing to change after the workout which means I REALLY ought to shower. Yesterday I thought I had it all figured out. I took everything I needed.....except a towel.  I'm very glad that I thought through to this oversight before I was dripping wet. -- Luckily, my daughter lives in town and a quick phone call enabled be to drop by and shower at her house with one of her towels. So far I feel like I'm packing for a week-long vacation just to go to the gym.  I hope I get adept at this and figure out a better way. (Suggestions are welcome!)

The gym itself is a lovely facility designed for the over 50 crowd. I like the idea of no "sweet young things" bee-bopping around in cute little leotards.  Also, thus far, it doesn't seem to be a pick-up joint. :)  The staff seems to be knowledgeable and all are very kind. Personal service seems to be their motto. The machines are all state-of-the-art. They were made for very SENIOR citizens so are quite easy to operate, not to mention the wonderful staff on hand to assist just a moment before you know you need assistance.

Today my arms and legs ache. I hope in a week or so the pains will be gone and the beginnings of the fit feelings will begin! Wish me luck!

Fatherhood

The "Wordfull Wednesday" challenge this week is writing about fatherhood. I am a day late, but with good reason. We were welcoming a new grandson to the family!

Watching my son be a father brings great joy. It is fun to remember the day he was born and see him enjoy the deep love and blessings that come with fatherhood. This sweet baby is #2 for him, both boys.

My son Jared  and his wonderful wife are, in my opinion, practically perfect parents. They adore their children and teach them well. I love being at their house at bedtime when scriptures are read and prayers are said.

Jared had a wonderful example in his own father. I am a great believer in the adage that actions speak louder than words. My husband always had time to do whatever the children wanted/needed and he still does. Nothing on his agenda is ever more important than what is happening in the lives of the children and our youngest is 20!  This week he has traveled 120 miles (each way) to see a new grandson, worked on a HUGE remodel for a daughter, babysat for our daughter who is a single mom, and gone house hunting with our youngest who is contemplating the purchase of a fixer-uper. All of this happened beyond his regular work schedule!

The over-riding emotion attached to fatherhood is love, a love so wonderful and deep that my husband's favorite quote of all time is: "Of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that could be given him, God himself, he who is the highest of all, chose to be addressed simply as Father." (Boyd K. Packer, 1972)