Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Rain Dance (or Run)

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This morning folks in the bay area rejoiced at the sprinkling of rainfall we were blessed with. Unfortunately, the rain did not last. I pulling on my long-abandoned running attire and slipped out for a run at lunch. The sky was cloudy but the sun was shining as usual.

Yet, something was far from the usual. After all, it’s been a L-O-N-G time since I last went out for a run. I started off at a brisk walking pace and continued until I hit the dirt paralleling the railroad tracks. Passing the dried up percolation pond, I searched for my happy pace. Of course, it was long gone – just like the ducks and turtles that used to swim in the pond. My hamstring immediately questioned my attempt to run. I tried to reassure it, and the rest of my body, by turning to attention to my breath. This feeling was no worse than when I make my hamstring work during my daily yoga practice. I continued running, maintaining ease in my breathing and mindfully aware of my body. And before long, my hamstring quit complaining!

I realize that this is just one run. In fact, I am hesitant to even post this. For just as a few sprinkles won’t end the draught, a single run does not mean I am back to running again. But I am hopeful.

…on both accounts.

Reentry

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Reentry has been a bit rocky. My 1st day back was fought with a last-minute scramble to obtain uniform requirements for YaYa’s “football camp” of all things. No problem; I am adaptable. Then, my pre-commute potty stop ended with the waist tie to my shirt falling into the toilet thereby requiring another change in wardrobe. *sigh*


I arrived at work on time and quickly found a backlog of work, which was no surprise. I jumped in feet first and relished the sort of brainwork that makes a day pass quickly. Later that day, however, my dear colleague was “let go.” As if we don’t have any work to do! I escaped to the bathroom for a quick cry and a short meditative breathing session. It helped but I returned to my desk to finish out my day wondering who would be the next to be disposed of.

Not surprisingly, it was a bit hard to come back in here this morning. My thoughts kept returning to the work-life balance (or lack thereof) that has become the “norm” for people these days: overworked and underpaid, yet grateful just to have a job. When will end?


Not wanting to appear unprofessional OR overly professional (less the think I’m smart enough to start interviewing), I changed my clothing 3 times before settling on my white skirt and red, black, & white blouse and summer shoes. I was late out the door AGAIN but, thanks to lighter traffic, arrived at work at the usual time.


And then it RAINED — here, in California, at the end of June! This made a quick trip to retrieve the boys from football camp a rather long and frustrating adventure. Soaking wet, tired of splashing through overgrown puddles in both car and by foot, I opted not to return to the office and hoped it would go unnoticed. Seriously! I’d have arrived, wet and worn, with 30 minutes in my chair before the 5 pm “bed check.” Besides, I’ve completed all of my work for the day.


I can’t believe it’s only Tuesday.

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